We had the good fortune of connecting with Aerglo Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aerglo, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Existing as an autistic polyamorous black queer person in this world is risky as it is. Deciding to use those identities and my admin skills to create community within BDSM and kink spaces is also risky. So I guess taking risks is fun for me because I keep doing it and succeeding in my own ways. I don’t think you can get very far being stagnant or playing this life safe. No revolution or cultural impact change has ever successfully come to society by being passive and quiet about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been in community care centered employment for over 5 years. Most recently, I work in administration for disadvantaged youth struggling with substance abuse. In my professional 9 to 5 life, it’s easy for me to code, organize, delegate, and basically yap to people who listen. So using those transferable skills, I combined my personal hobbies and interests to create Pink Room ATL. I have the privilege of resilience, no matter how exhausting. So I could say going through years of homelessness, abuse, and assault was easy for me because I was able to overcome it, secure jobs with highly respected hospitals and non-profits, and I’m still actively healing and working hard for my passions every day. I know it’s not an easy thing over all to have lived my life but oh how it’s so helpful now as someone starting a non-profit! Every time something with Pink Room ATL fails? That’s okay, easy for me to navigate because I can (unfortunately) always remind myself I’ve been through worse before. The most important thing I’ve learned in my professional career and now with Pink Room ATL is to always stick your hand out to those you meet along the way. The ladder mentality of “how does this person benefit me” is what kills community. I find joy and peace making sure that every genuine soul I’ve spoken to on this journey of curating Pink Room ATL has a voice, a way to reach me, and a chance to be included.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well first of all, you have to get the lobster roll from Beetlecat. For the best authentic Korean food, check out Ill Mee Korean Restaurant in Marietta. And Joystick Game Bar on Edgewood- any day of the week is a blast but the Drag Bingo Nights? Chef kiss. Of course for amazing food and giant games, we have to visit Your Third Spot. For something more chill, I’m at Frisky Whisker Cat Cafe on Pryor Street. We gotta make sure we go to a rave at Iris Presents Music Hall and another drag or burlesque show at Red Light Cafe. The whole weekend has gotta end with more food and some shopping soo I’d say we go to El Progresso for the best tacos in Atlanta and 2w Thrift, Ecologie Vintage, Liquid Silver Vintage, and 285 Flea Market for the best thrift finds and sickest grills in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Melanin Munch ATL. I think it was very important to stumble upon their organization. It showed me that I could create my own organization too. The amazing community and friends I’ve made at Melanin Munch ATL are completely irreplaceable and so inspiring. I’ve always wanted to start my own non-profit and organization for the community and being in the space of other black queer people who unapologetically embrace their diversity to create fellowship with others is the exact push I needed. I think it’s also important to shout out the Lifestyle or Swinging community of Atlanta specifically. There’s a lot of “if you know you know” behind it and it’s clear that community lacks education to differentiate between swingers and polyamory. But being in that environment showed me exactly what I do not want for Pink Room ATL. The “Lifestyle” community of Atlanta, while ideal for some, came with a lot of issues that made it not inclusive or safe for LGBT people. Pink Room ATL was created to bridge the gap between fun + culture and education + accountability.

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pink-room-atl-78340158123

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkroomatl

Twitter: https://www.X.com/pinkroomatl

Other: PinkRoomATL@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photos taken by Sean J. Hayden – Pink Room ATL’s Social Media Coordinator, Marketing Director, and Visual Content Manager

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