Exclusive | Events
Atlanta’s vibrant Black LGBTQ+ community is preparing to celebrate an iconic milestone as Deviant, the nation's leading Black queer circuit party experience, marks its 5th anniversary with "The Black Party" on November 23, 2025.
Set against the dynamic backdrop of Underground Atlanta, this celebration promises to be more than a party—it’s a call to action, a reclamation of identity, and a reflection on five years of curating safe spaces for Black queer joy.
Founded in 2019 by Micah Marquez, Deviant emerged as a response to the lack of inclusive spaces in nightlife for Black queer individuals. Micah envisioned a movement where skin color, body type, or societal expectations had no bearing on belonging.
From its inception, Deviant has stood as a radical departure from traditional nightlife, championing sex positivity, body positivity, and drug safety through harm reduction practices.
In an exclusive statement to Gaye Magazine, Micah reflected on the journey that has led to this monumental anniversary:
“At Deviant, we reclaim the term as a badge of honor. It represents our refusal to conform to systems that have failed us and our commitment to creating a world that celebrates all of who we are. We believe in the transformative power of community, as we employ empowerment through our radical core values of sex positivity, body positivity and drug safety (harm reduction).”
Micah shared that Deviant was conceived during a time of immense political and social tension, providing a vital outlet for Black queer individuals to escape the anxieties of a challenging news cycle and instead revel in the liberation of the dance floor. He noted that the timing of their 5th anniversary eerily mirrors the political atmosphere of its founding year, but the mission remains unchanged.
“Deviant was born as our revolution on the dance floor, one that began with liberation, self-love, and social responsibility. Now, as we celebrate our 5-year anniversary, we are oddly back at a similar space, gearing up for another ghetto administration from 45. So we’re ready to dance the night away, but please remember that Deviant is so much more than just a party. It is a movement.”
While the dance floor remains at the heart of Deviant, Micah emphasized that the brand’s impact transcends nightlife. Over the years, Deviant has expanded into community-building initiatives such as YouTube broadcasts, game nights, and talk-backs aimed at fostering dialogue, healing, and empowerment. These events amplify the voices and stories of Black and Brown LGBTQ individuals, paying homage to trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, Angela Davis, and Josephine Baker.
Micah added:
“We have healing work to do and a world to change. And that change always begins with us (the Black and Brown LGBTQ community).
"Remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants. Join us in being the change we wish to see in the world. Let’s be more kind, loving, understanding, accepting, empathetic, and compassionate, as we meet one another on the dance floor and beyond.”
"The Black Party" will be the crown jewel of Deviant’s anniversary festivities, inviting attendees to revel in music, community, and celebration. In true Deviant fashion, the party will be a safe haven for Black queer individuals to gather and dance in unapologetic risque fashion.
Deviant’s 5-year journey has not only redefined the nightlife experience for Black queer individuals but also solidified itself as a cornerstone of community activism and resilience.
As Micah eloquently put it, “Deviant is a movement.” And on November 23, 2025, that movement will take center stage, continuing its mission to uplift, empower, and inspire.