Our own Philip Rafshoon, Director of Member Engagement at Midtown Alliance, has lived in Midtown since 2001 and has been active in the LGBT community as the owner and operator of Outwrite Bookstore which opened in 1993. In fact, Midtown is the birthplace of AID Atlanta, the city’s first and largest provider of HIV/AIDS services and education.
A decade later, when AIDS had ravaged the country and community, a candlelight vigil was held at the Midtown Academy of Medicine to honor and grieve those affected by the disease. The Atlanta Gay Center opened in 1976 in Midtown and provided health, legal and social services for LGBT people. In addition to nightlife, Midtown was home to businesses and nonprofits that helped Atlanta’s queer community through adversity.
