2011 Atlanta Pride Magazine by James Sheffield

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

INSIDE LGBT POLITICS 101 OUT ON FILM PREVIEW FENUXE FASHION ATLANTA PRIDE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP PARADE & MARCH INFORMATION INTERVIEWS: JUJUBEE SIR ARI GOLD BEVERLY MCCLELLAN FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PREVIEW

JUJUBEE TAKES ON THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM AND THE STARLIGHT CABARET FOR 2011 ATLANTA PRIDE

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Proud To Be As Diverse As Our Brands

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES 9 OUTDOORS Glamping Tips & Fashion in the Woods 15 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Georgia Equality 19 POLITICS LGBT Rights 101 24 PICTURE PERFECT Q Shots by Project Q Atlanta 67 SOUNDS OF PRIDE Entertainment Preview 71 JUJUBEE Dragging Atlanta Into Pride 72 SIR ARI Music With a Message 75 BEVERLY MCCLELLAN Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Voice 78 OUT ON FILM Preview 84 HARVEST Fashion Spread by Fenuxe 90 GRADY Hometown Healthcare 94 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Georgia Shares

WELCOME 37 Executive Director James Parker Sheffield 38 City Council Hon. Alex Wan 39 The Mayor Hon. Kasim Reed 40-42 Staff, Board, Festival Committee 44-45 Sponsors & Partners EVENT LISTINGS 46-47 Stride Into Pride: Pre Pride Events 50-51 Pride Weekend Events 53 Health Expo 55 Pride Parade Grand Marshals 56-57 Parade & Marches FESTIVAL BASICS 58 Festival Guidelines 59 First Aid 60 Accessibility 62 Volunteer T-Shirt Colors ENTERTAINMENT 64-65 Coca-Cola Stage 66 Bud Light Stage

96 POSE Pride Celebrations Around The Southeast 3

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Celebrating pride

When you look back at the efforts and achievements of LGBT men and women over the years, there’s every reason to be proud. Not just once a year, but every day. Wells Fargo takes great pride in the diversity of the communities we serve. That’s why we continue to make financial contributions to LGBT nonprofits, provide services specific to the needs of our LGBT customers and foster a work environment that doesn’t just accept differences, but celebrates them. Happy Pride. All year round.

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

1 TO 1 20 IBU R T N

RS EDITOR JAMES PARKER SHEFFIELD

CREATIVE TEAM: AL PELLENBERG DAVID TAYLOR JAMES PARKER SHEFFIELD STAN FONG

LEGAL NOTICE The Official Atlanta Pride Magazine is produced and published annually by the Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization located at 1530 Dekalb Ave NE, Suite A, Atlanta GA 30307. The editorial content of this publication is the sole property of the Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc. or is otherwise used under license or other express permission by the respective owner. All content contained herein is subject to the copyright protections of the United States. Nothing appearing in the magazine may be reprinted, nor reproduced, either wholly or in part, without express written permission of the Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc. All trademarks, logos, or descriptive terms created by, or on behalf of, the Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc. it should not be assumed by any reader that the inclusion of any individual’s photograph, article, or quotation is indicative of that individual’s sexual orientation. The Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the statements or claims of advertisers. Extensive care has been taken in order to ensure that the accuracy of the information contained herein at the time of printing; however, the Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any changes in the event layout, program changes or cancellations, or any other effect as a result of the information communicated herein. COPYRIGHT ATLANTA PRIDE COMMITTEE, INC. 2011. All rights reserved.

FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS: BEVIN BRANLANDINGHAM BUCK COOKE XANNA DON’T LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN JIM FARMER

ATLANTA PRIDE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING MEDIA PARTNERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS:

Glamping Tips and Fashion in the Woods by Bevin Branlandingham As a stylish and fashionable Femme who doesn’t think twice about wearing my “Sunday hair” and big eyelashes on a casual afternoon, it comes as a shock to many that I really enjoy camping. Though I do not maintain the rugged exterior of a stereotypical camper, like everything in life, I’ve found camping is exponentially better when I do it with the courage to be myself at all times. I grew up in Girl Scouting. My single mom calls Girl Scouts her “second parent.” I went camping a lot with my troops and to summer camp every year. Even though mom and I never went camping “as a family,” I got a lot of experience doing it and I think it was invaluable to my personal development. Thanks to my outdoorsy past, I am comfortable in the woods and have some bangin’ outdoor wilderness skills. That said, having experienced the gamut of “roughing it,” from car camping to backpacking, I know how I like to do it and I like to do it up with an insane amount of fabulosity. I use the term “glamping” for what I do. And I totally prefer camping in the context of a festival for a lot of reasons, and mostly because it enables my glamping, though I am sure

these tips will help with any camping adventure you go on that has some access to a car. My festival camping venue of choice is the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, which happens the first week of August every summer in Western Michigan. There are lots of other big and small camping festivals, including Coachella in the California desert, sex camps for the gamut of the BDSM community and plenty of woodsy adventures for gay Bears. Community is the number one reason I love festival camping. I go to Michfest and I’m in this sort of lesbian utopia Disneyland, surrounded by babes and having incredibly enriching conversations every time I turn around. Anytime I wonder whether someone is a teenage boy or a hot dyke, I know they are a hot dyke. That and 40 concerts, workshops, a film festival, a huge shopping area with tons of amazing indie craft people. Festival camping is really great for fashion opportunities! People wear some amazing outfits, costumes and fashion because, much like a conference venue, the place where your

closet is located is usually within a few minutes’ hike. Yes, sure, bad lesbian fashion is a tale as old as time but SO IS GOOD LESBIAN FASHION! I am a Lesbian with great fashion and it follows me and a whole lot of my pals into the woods! Not having to cook for myself in the woods is another huge reason I love festival camping. My food is part of my ticket and therefore I can focus on being more glamorous, instead of the hours it takes to prepare food when you are camping and properly clean and store it away from critters. Plus, not having to schlep cooking equipment and food into the woods gives you more room to pack more clothes! I have been going to Michfest for ten years and the best lesson I have learned about my comfort in the woods for two weeks (I now attend as a worker, so I’m there before and after the one week Festival), is that I need to do what I need to do and I do not worry about others’ judgment. I’m sure there is no shortage of judgey womyn about how I choose to camp, however there are far more who love the flamboyance and whimsy I bring to my everyday appearance. I long ago learned how to live outside of the shadow of other people’s expectations within and without the woods. It’s much more glittery here. Don’t get me wrong, you can absolutely do festival camping with one backpack and a tiny tent you borrowed from a friend, but that would not be fun or comfortable for me. With that in mind, I share with you several aspects of my Glamping repertoire so that my fabulous and flamboyant friends may enjoy the out of doors in a way that is not reserved only for those who wear Tevas. CAMP SET-UP There are certain staples in my personal campsite set-up that I will no longer do without. *A very large tent in which I can stand-up. This is essential. I cannot live in a space for more than a weekend where I must stoop. Currently, I rock a 9 person tent I bought for $100 on Amazon. (I heartily recommend Amazon for camping supplies, especially when you are purchasing off season.) My 9 person tent is very roomy and I call it my Barbie Dream Tent. I have a wing for my bed and a wing for my clothing, with plenty of room in the middle for yoga and a lounge chair for doing my make-up. I am also able to set up this tent by myself. It is recommended that if you are camping with your girlfriend, you either do not set up the tent by yourself or, if you do set it up together, any fights that ensue are resolved by truce and sex after the tent is successfully together with rain fly in the correct direction. *A queen size air mattress, feather bed and down comforter. I make this up like a bed at home but with stuff that can get damp. The feather bed keeps the air mattress chill from reaching me during the night. I sleep alone in the woods and being in a queen size bed is a great luxury.

*A full-size rolling garment rack. I bought one at Target for $17 and it collapses to nothing and is great for hanging up my clothing. I bring a bag of hangers and as soon as I get setup all of my clothes are hung on the rack. It keeps them from getting wrinkled and looks really pretty. I have used this rack for four festivals and it really makes all the difference. *Full-length mirror. You read correctly, I put that right in the middle of my campsite with a can of hairspray next to it, ready to apply finishing touches daily. A $5 mirror from a big box store endures two weeks outside and is usually ready to retire when I go home. *Campsite decorations. This is not something I partake in as I like to visit others, but the fun part about sharing a campsite with a common living room is decorating the area. I’ve seen folks bring in paper lanterns with glow sticks inside them (looks gorgeous), battery powered “fairy lights” (which you may know as Christmas lights), inflatable furniture, inflatable unicorns, disco balls with flashlights, and battery-powered blenders. It is a genuine hassle to get my stuff to my campsite every year. I now know it takes me a full 90 minutes each way using a wheelbarrow (about three trips). I sacrifice this time because it makes the rest of my adventure that much easier.

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BEAUTY RITUALS I was talking to my friend Joey Cupcake once about being Femme in the woods and she said, “I just do what I need to do to be comfortable.” I do all the things. I have to make sure my products are biodegradable (since our shower water goes right back into the land) and LUSH helps me take care of that. When I was a Festival attendee, I tried a bunch of different places to camp but I found I was happiest when I was camped in the Twilight Zone really close to the showers. They are the least crowded of all of the showers and I would take them twice a day. I like to feel clean–the essential bug spray at night and sunscreen during the day make me feel sticky.

ATLANTA

2011

I also applied a full face of make-up twice a day. It doesn’t take me very long to do this, maybe 5-10 minutes, but I feel more myself with make-up so I do it and don’t worry about judgment. Plus, when I went to Fest as a vacation I treated it as such and did exactly what I wanted when I wanted to. What’s fun about Festival is that it is also a really “anything goes” kind of place, so it is really fun to play with outrageous face painting and body painting. I never forget to pack the body glitter! The only benefit to wearing sunscreen all day is that it is a great base for glitter. I leave all of my scented products at home, especially lotion and perfume, as they attract bugs. I’ve also found that bug spray can smell great--there are some wonderful essential oil based bug sprays that work really well and smell fabulous. But as with all scented products, make sure you ask folks sitting near you if they mind if you use it, as a scent-allergic person can have a very serious reaction even to bug spray!

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Glamping Tips and Fashion in the Woods BODY HAIR After my first Festival experience, I decided to try to grow out my leg hair. I was shell-shocked at the body hair diversity, and, in fact, the body diversity at Michfest really helped to move me along in my own journey toward body acceptance. I saw so many different types of women with all different types of body hair preferences, I thought I might grow out my leg hair. This was also during a time in my life where I was vegetarian, and I make no secret that I was vegetarian for seven years because I thought I needed to be in order to be a “good” lesbian. I was just climbing out of my stage of “I’ll dress like an androgynous boy because I’m fat and need to hide in my clothes and looking like this will get me laid” and starting to become more Femme accepting, but I needed to try this leg hair thing once. Not for me. I lasted three weeks and couldn’t take it. I jumped into a luxurious bath and shaved it all off. Now I shave as regularly as I do at home while I’m camping. And lots of other women in the woods do it, both in the warm outdoor showers and at the spigots.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES After years of being afraid I might ruin clothes if I brought them to Fest or hiking or whatever, I realize I don’t have much to worry about. If it can be laundered, it can come with me. I have worn my prom dress (from my actual 1996 prom), corsets, crinolines, slips, vintage dresses, burlesque costumes, cocktail dresses, etc… I don’t bring really delicate things and I don’t bring things that have to be dry cleaned because that’s a hassle. When I travel with crinolines, I discovered to pack them up small I can shove it into a grocery bag and squeeze out all of the air. When you party in the woods, usually it is really dark. I found this frustrating until I realized I could decorate myself with lights. There are lots of battery-operated light accessories out there, like rings and necklaces and hair accessories. I often use battery-operated string lights as a necklace, which offsets sequins in the woods quite well.

FOOTWEAR This is my least favorite part about camping. Of course, being a Femme who requires solid and supportive shoes is hard enough, let alone in the woods. I hate having dirty feet and I hate having my feet covered up. The best shoes I’ve found so far for the woods are Croc flip flops I also bring one pair each of walking sandals (I like Merrill sandals), sneakers, boots and some shower flip flops. I also was gifted a pair of light-up flip flops which are amazing when you’re out at a party late at night or are trying to amuse yourself on the long walk back to your tent after a rendezvous. Some of my friends wear heels and fancy boots in the woods, and if you go queer festival camping, it is super likely you’ll find just the person to shine those fancy shoe items back up again after a dusty walk through the woods, like the annual Femme parade at Michigan. I hope these Glamping tips have helped to convince some of my camping-shy, glittery compatriots out there to give the wilderness a try--with the correct successories, of course!

Bevin Branlandingham is a writer, performer, event producer and workshop presenter based in Brooklyn, NY. She loves Atlanta like an adopted hometown. You can follow the relentless pursuit of her joy at QueerFatFemme.com.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: GEORGIA EQUALITY & EQUALITY FOUNDATION OF GEORGIA Georgia Equality, Inc. undertakes political action to build a fair majority in Georgia. We are currently implementing the Campaign for a Fair Majority â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our strategic plan for LGBT equality in Georgia. Year-round lobbying and strategic involvement in state and local elections are working to build a bi-partisan fair majority in the state legislature and among local elected officials across the state. Equality Foundation of Georgia supports the Campaign for a Fair Majority through education, training, and analysis. Through the Equality Foundation of Georgia, we conduct voter registration and education activities, provide information and resources for effective communication with decision makers, and work to organize and mobilize LGBT residents and allies to advance fairness in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state. When GE was established in 1995, the average Georgian had less exposure to LGBT people and was less educated about the issues that impact our lives than today. There were no openly gay elected officials in the state and the only legal protections we had against discrimination were in Atlanta. Today, we have openly gay and lesbian elected officials in Atlanta, Decatur, Doraville, East Point, Pine Lake, and in the General Assembly. We have even elected a transgender person to the Riverdale City Council. Ten cities and three counties have joined Atlanta in prohibiting discrimination, and several of these jurisdictions also offer domestic partner registries for citizens and benefits to city employees. In the last decade, LGBT Georgians have come out in droves to their neighbors and colleagues. A majority of state lawmakers have friends and family members who are gay, and many of those, including those in the Republican leadership, openly admit that fact.

Georgia Equality has had a significant role in the progress made in the last 16 years. We’ve helped advance fairness, safety and opportunity for Georgia’s LGBT community on the following fronts: Hate Crimes • Passage of the Georgia Anti-Domestic Terrorism Act of 2000 (hate crimes law that no longer exists as the result of a 2004 Georgia Supreme Court ruling) • Building coalition with law enforcement and other organizations to support introduction of new hate crimes legislation in 2012 • Working with the Department of Justice to educate law enforcement and the public on the implementation of the new federal hate crimes law Relationship Recognition • Passage of a state laws securing the right of same-sex partners to ride in ambulances, have hospital visitation and medical decision making • Domestic partnership benefits for the employees of four large Georgia-based companies: Coca-Cola, Atlanta Gas Light, BellSouth and Delta Air Lines • Domestic partnership benefits for employees of Fulton County, City of Atlanta, DeKalb County, City of Savannah, Athens-Clarke County, City of East Point, City of Doraville, City of Decatur, and Grady Health System Workplace Protection • Passed non-discrimination ordinances for employees in 15 municipalities including Savannah, East Point, Clarkston, Doraville, Atlanta, Athens-Clarke County, Decatur, DeKalb and Fulton Counties, Grady Health System, Macon, Chamblee, Lithia Springs, Tybee Island, and Pine Lake • Secured the first hearing in history at the Georgia General Assembly for legislation that would protect LGBT people from discrimination in the workplace • Partnered with Rep. Karla Drenner to introduce the Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act which will add sexual orientation and gender identity to the existing anti-discrimination provisions for all employees of the State of Georgia, including universities and 16 colleges

LGBT Community Service HIV/AIDS • Led efforts to secure full funding of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for uninsured people living with HIV • Passage of the first pro-active HIV prevention legislation in over a decade with the HIV Testing in Prisons Act • Developed the first state-wide coalition of providers and community advocates with the creation of the Georgia HIV Advocacy Network Domestic Violence • Co-founded United 4 Safety, a new group which is helping to address domestic violence within the LGBT community Community Building • In partnership with Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative, developed and built the Phillip Rush Center, a group home for the community, enabling Atlanta LGBT organizations to function more effectively and efficiently from a cost perspective, and create a situation to build more collaborative partnerships School Safety • Secured passage of anti-bullying legislation in 2010 • Secured inclusion of sexual orientation in State of Georgia’s sample anti-bullying policy • Building coalition with faith-based and education-focused groups to include enumerated categories (sexual orientation, gender ID/expression, etc.) in anti-bullying policies on a school district level Adoption • Prevented the introduction of a constitutional amendment that would have prohibited adoptions by LGBT couples • Building coalition with children’s advocacy and women’s health groups to oppose anti-gay adoption legislation And, we’ve helped elect people who understand our issues and will work on behalf of LGBT Georgians: Helped elect Cathy Woolard as the first openly-gay and first female President of the Atlanta City Council, Doraville Councilmember Brian Bates as the first openly-gay Republican in the Deep South, and former Riverdale Councilmember Michelle Bruce as one of only three transgender elected officials in the country, Alex Wan as the first openly-gay man on the Atlanta City Council, Simone Bell as the first open-lesbian of color elected to a state house in the nation, and Joan Garner as the first openly-gay Fulton County Commissioner, and increased the number of openly-LGBT elected officials from zero in 1997 to twelve in 2011. A total of twenty openly LGBT individuals have been elected to various offices throughout Georgia in the past 16 years.

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LGBT Rights 101 There’s good news and bad news about the status of our equality here in Georgia By Laura Douglas-Brown GA Voice (www.thegavoice.com) When lining Peachtree Street for the annual Atlanta Pride parade or packing into Piedmont Park with tens of thousands of fellow LGBT Georgians, it’s easy to feel safe and accepted in the city known as the South’s mecca for gay and transgender rights. To be certain, Atlanta and a handful of other cities across Georgia have become increasingly accepting, and even welcoming, of LGBT residents and visitors. But unfortunately, the state’s laws haven’t caught up with that spirit of equality and fairness. The first step in helping improve the status of LGBT rights in Georgia is understanding where we stand now. If you are inspired to help make change, a great place to start is by simply coming out to the people in your life — family, friends, clergy, coworkers, and even your elected officials. Then, make sure you learn where candidates stand on LGBT issues, and be sure to turn out to vote. You can also learn how to help advance LGBT rights on the state level by contacting Georgia Equality, the statewide LGBT advocacy organization. You can find the group online at www.georgiaequality.org.

The bad There are no state-level laws to specifically protect LGBT Georgians from discrimination.

• It is legal to fire someone based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Georgia. Georgia does not have a law banning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, for either public (government) or private employers. That puts Georgia behind 21 states that ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation, and 12 that also ban job bias based on gender identity. The Georgia Fair Employment Practices Bill was introduced this year by State Rep. Karla Drenner, Georgia’s first openly gay state legislator. The bill, which has 70 co-sponsors (including 57 Democrats, 12 Republicans and 1 independent), would prevent Georgia’s 174,000 state employees from being discriminated against in hiring or firing based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Georgia Equality is urging LGBT and allied Georgians to contact their legislators to express support for the bill.

• Georgia does not have a hate crime law. Georgia is one of only five states in the nation that has no hate crimes law at all. A law that covered crimes based on “bias or prejudice,” without listing specific categories, was passed in 2000, but later struck down by the Georgia Supreme Court as too vague. Although President Obama signed a law adding sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate crime provisions, the law can only be invoked under very specific circumstances, so activists argue that the state still needs its own state hate crimes statute that includes these categories. • Georgia bans same-sex marriage and will not recognize gay marriages or civil unions performed in other states. In 1996, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation banning same-sex marriage, which was signed into law by then-Gov. Zell Miller. In 2004, the General Assembly, Gov.

news

Sonny Perdue and some 76 percent of Georgia voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to ban samesex marriage (and refuse to recognize such marriages from other jurisdictions). The state Supreme Court has also ruled that Georgia will not recognize civil unions performed in other states.

georgiabenefitscounsel.org) is a nonprofit that provides free limited legal services to Georgians in same-sex relationships. The Stonewall Bar Association (www.stonewallbar.org) also lists a directory of LGBT and LGBT-friendly attorneys who can help with your estate planning and other legal needs. • Georgia law is silent on gay adoptions.

But that does not leave same-sex couples with absolutely no means to protect their relationship. While marriage would provide much broader benefits, you can download a Georgia Advance Directive for Healthcare from Georgia Equality’s website (www.georgiaequality.org), which will let you designate your same-sex partner (or anyone else you choose) as your “health care agent” who can make medical decisions for you, including visit you in the hospital and ride in an ambulance with you. Lawyers can also help you with wills, powers of attorney and other documents to help make sure your wishes are followed in case of death or illness. Georgia Benefits Counsel (www.

Georgia does not have a law either banning or explicitly allowing adoptions by same-sex couples or gay single people. Currently, adoption decisions are made by individual judges based on the best interest of the child. Some Georgia judges have approved adoptions by same-sex couples or “second parent” adoptions, where one partner adopts the biological or already-adopted child of the other partner. It has been rumored for years that conservative lawmakers may try to pass legislation banning gay Georgians from adopting children, and LGBT rights advocates remain on guard for such bills during the annual legislative session.

THE GOOD NEWS

Several jurisdictions in Georgia have outpaced state laws by enacting protections and benefits for their employees, and by electing openly gay residents to public office. Many Georgia companies and several state universities have also enacted their own non-discrimination policies covering sexual orientation and gender identity. Jurisdictions that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation*

Jurisdictions that also ban employment discrimination based on gender identity*

Atlanta Athens-Clarke County Chamblee Clarkston Decatur DeKalb County Doraville East Point Fulton County Macon Savannah Tybee Island

Atlanta Athens-Clarke County Clarkston Decatur Doraville East Point

* These policies only cover employees of the city or county; they do not cover private companies in the jurisdiction.

Jurisdictions that offer domestic partner benefits* Atlanta Athens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clarke County Decatur DeKalb County Doraville East Point Fulton County Savannah

State Rep. Rashad Taylor photo by GA Voice

Openly gay elected officials in Georgia State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) State Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) State Rep. Rashad Taylor (D-Atlanta) Atlanta City Council member Alex Wan Decatur City Commissioner Kecia Cunningham Doraville City Council member Brian Bates East Point City Council member Lance Rhodes Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner Marietta City Council member Johnny Sinclair Milton City Council member Alan Tart Pine Lake Mayor Pro-Tem Kathie deNobriga Pine Lake City Council member Melanie Hammett

photo by GA Voice

Keep up with all of your statewide LGBT news by visiting The GA Voice online: www.thegavoice.com

PICTURE PERFECT Q SHOTS BY PROJECT Q ATLANTA Project Q Atlanta offers a fresh take on LGBT news and events in metro Atlanta. Daily updates, more than 30,000 photos and healthy dose of attitude keep readers coming back for more, making it the most visited LGBT online media outlet in Atlanta. As the photos on the following pages suggest, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a diverse queer village out there, and Project Q Atlanta has it covered. Find them at ProjectQAtlanta.com, on Facebook and Twitter, or scan the QR code with your mobile device.

ON THIS PAGE: More than 300 people attended the 15th Annual Fall Garden Party on Oct. 3, 2010 enjoying an afternoon of food, drinks, a silent auction, raffle prizes and honors at Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The event raises funds for the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative.

ABOVE: More than 8,000 people and 1,300 volunteers took part in the 20th Annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run in Piedmont Park on Oct. 17, 2010. Organizers hope it raises $900,000 for 10 benefitting agencies each year, including AID Atlanta, which stages the event.

ACROSS THE BOTTOM: More than 100 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in Atlanta Nov. 20, 2010 for a solemn Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony. The annual event calls attention to transgender people around the globe who were killed.

ABOVE: Thousands of people converged in a downtown Atlanta convention center Dec. 5, 2010 for the 8th Annual Toy Party & Silent Auction. The cocktail party and toy drive benefits 20 LGBT and non-gay organizations.

ON THIS PAGE: More than 200 people attended the 10th Annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast on Jan. 17, 2011 at Saint Mark United Methodist Church. The gathering brings together a diverse group of LGBT people to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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ATLANTA PRIDE Stop by to see us at the festival and check out the other great events HRC is holding as part of our national bus tour.

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ABOVE: Nearly 200 people attended the 7th Annual Evening for Equality from Georgia Equality on June 23, 2011. The event at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center in Midtown included a cocktail reception, a silent auction, and awards to four progressive activists.

BELOW: Four men sought the title of Mr. Atlanta Eagle during the annual contest on April 2, 2011 at the Eagle. The winner, Wayne Turpin, won the crown during the event, which was part of Atlanta Leather Pride.

ON THIS PAGE: A sold-out Joining Hearts 24 packed the pool at Piedmont Park on July 23, 2011 for the annual fundraiser. The event, with the talents of DJs Mike Pope and Seth Cooper, raised funds for AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House.

Check out all the Project Q galleries, daily headlines, and information on upcoming community events: www.projectqatlanta.com

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

2011 FESTIVAL INFORMATION

photo:Stan Fong

Saint Mark United Methodist Church 781 Peachtree St., NE (corner of Peachtree and Fifth) Sunday Services: 9:00 & 11:15 www.stmarkumc.org •404.873.2636 Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts, Senior Pastor Saint Mark was Atlanta’s first church to offer a cool cup of water and a warm welcome to the LGBT community

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

WELCOME TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011 Happy Pride! Welcome to the 41st Atlanta Pride Celebration! We are very excited about this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities and are glad you are joining us. 2011 marks our second year coinciding with National Coming Out Day; we are pleased to be the largest event in the country to commemorate the day. We hope you enjoy yourself and have a memorable weekend in the park. Be sure to catch headline performances by Michelle Malone, Deborah Cox, and Ari Gold. We are also proud to present break out artists Alexis Jordan, Wynter Gordon, and Beverly McClellan. Our annual Pride Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 9th, so get out there early to claim your spot to watch. We are proud of, and grateful for, our Community Partners that have participated in making this year a success. We would like to thank several organizations, including Georgia Equality, Out on Film, and The Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative for their ongoing support of Atlanta Pride. While you participate in Pride, please take a moment to thank one of the many volunteers, including our Festival Committee and Board, that work year round to create this fantastic event. The Atlanta Pride Festival is the largest LGBT festival in the Southeast and these volunteers work hard to make the event the success that it has grown to be. We would also like to thank all the sponsors, small business partners, individual donors, and volunteers that have been with us through the years, and that have made our 2011 celebration possible. If you enjoy your time with us, consider dropping a dollar (or 2) into one of our donation buckets. Your contribution will help keep Atlanta Pride free in years to come. We value each of you as a part of our community and we are pleased to be able to provide a safe space to celebrate. Yours in Pride, James Parker Sheffield Executive Director Atlanta Pride Committee

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

CITY OF ATLANTA 55 TRINITY AVE, S.W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30335-0300 TEL (404) 330-6100

Kasim Reed MAYOR

October 2011

Greetings: As Mayor of Atlanta, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and offer best wishes to the Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc., as you host the 41st Atlanta Pride Festival at Piedmont Park. Over the years, the Atlanta Pride Festival has grown to become one of the nation’s largest annual gatherings for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people annually and generates tens of millions of dollars, is a true testament to Atlanta’s unique ability to embrace people from all walks of life, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or race. Today, our community stands as a beneficiary of the many outstanding contributions of our city’s proud gay and lesbian residents. The City of Atlanta salutes the tremendous work of the Atlanta Pride Committee, which has fought tirelessly to promote equality, health and welfare for members of the LGBT community. I applaud your ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity in our community. The Atlanta Pride Festival makes our city a better place to live and visit. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, I extend best wishes to you for a memorable and remarkable occasion. Sincerely,

Kasim Reed

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

T N E

F F A T S

PRIDE STAFF James Parker Sheffield, Executive Director Paul Gibson, Business Manager Amber Moore, Programs Assistant BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cain Williamson, Chair Jamie Fergerson, Vice Chair Trisha Clymore, Treasurer Glen Paul Freedman, Secretary Jason Lewis Aryc Mosher Forrest Graham Saliena Guzman Brandon McGirt FESTIVAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS Arts & Graphics: David Taylor Backstage Security: Kim Montgomery & Lance Mealer Festival Donations: Dustin Brookshire Festival Services/Parade: Tim Garrett History & Legacy: Stan Fong Hospitality: Todd Dutton Human Rights Exhibit: Max Green Market: Al Shaffer & Linda Armstrong Operations: Justin Matlock Logistics/Parade: Monte Nunn Programming: Buck Cooke & Tony Kearney Volunteers: Josh Howard & William Munden

LEAD VOLUNTEERS

MARKET TEAM

Airess Keith Rick Brian Boring Kyle Campbell Andrew Dugger Jonathan Duke John England Martha England Clyne Hodges Brett Hulst Wilson Kirkpatrick Nikki Laird Cassie Long Josh Mitchell Brian Murchison Chris Quackenbush Ryan Roche Jen Seagraves Darie Wolfson

Anne Barr Barbara Bugg Connie Pugh Dee Ford Emily Paradowski Gail Hayes Harry Pass Jennifer Reasor Jen Smith Judy Hezlitt Karen Newell Kathy Burton Kellyn Nally Kenneth Johnson Leanne Austin Linda Hein Nicole Amerson Paul Shane Bonebrake Sheri Coleman Sherman Sherrie Riebel Traci Romero Valerie Anderson

E E T S T I M ION M IT COOS P

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

Arts & Graphics Responsible for advertising campaigns. Designs signage for the Venue. Provide graphics input and support for the Atlanta Pride Committee. Back Stage Security Responsible for providing security for the backstage areas of entertainment venues in the Venue. Handle any issues that may arise as well as securing artist preparation areas. Festival Donations Recruits, schedules, and coordinates nonprofit groups to collect donations during the festival. Creates and maintains a safe area for groups returning with money. Festival Services Provides information to festival-goers, ranging from maps of the Venue to history of the Atlanta Pride Committee and Festival. History & Legacy Organizes and maintains photograph databases from all Pride related events. Catalogues historical items. Hospitality Responsible for providing food for 300+ volunteers. Maintains VIP Center, stocking with food and beverages, as well as staffing for whatever needs arise. Human Rights Exhibit Develops direction of exhibit. Oversees and edits content of exhibit panels. Coordinates set up and break down of exhibit at the festival. Staffs exhibit during event hours. Logistics Responsible for setup and breakdown of all areas of the Festival, from tents to tables to electricity. Works in conjunction with all onsite contractors. Operations Manages inventory of permanent and rental items. Maintain Operations Center. Handles triage of logistical needs, security, personnel, market, first aid and other requests. Manages deliveries during the Festival and monitors the Venue. Parade Responsible for coordination of and communication with parade entrants. Handles logistics of parade assembly. Responsible for locating judges and coordinating gifts for winners of parade competitions. Programming Maintains and adheres to the stage schedules for the weekend, insuring that events occur as designated. Coordinates and executes programming elements throughout the park. Volunteers Responsible for recruitment and retention of volunteers. Coordinates scheduling of volunteers for event. Handles all volunteer requests during the Festival, placing volunteers in areas where they are needed most.

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

SO N S R O & E P N S T R A P

Special Thanks to Our 2011 Small Business Partners! The Atlanta Pride Committee appreciates the efforts of our local small businesses to make our event a success. Please do your part by supporting those businesses that support us. For the most up to date listing of our small business partners, please visit our website!

EMERALD LEVEL PARTNERS:

PEARL LEVEL PARTNERS:

RUBY LEVEL PARTNERS:

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

E D I R O T T S N E D I I PR

Official Atlanta Pride Events leading into the festival weekend: Indulge at The W Presented By Chris Coleman Enterprises Thursday, September 8: 8:00pm-2:00am Whiskey Park @ The W Midtown Hotel: 188 14th Street Atlanta Pride comes out to The W Midtown to raise awareness of this year’s Pride Celebration. Enjoy $5 drink specials all night and no cover charge. Crazy Bitch Bingo Thursday, September 15: 8:00pm-10:00pm Las Margaritas: 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road Come have dinner at Las Margaritas and enjoy a round of Crazy Bitch Bingo. Crazy Bitch Bingo has it all: comedy/music videos, live karaoke, and even a bit of humiliation. This isn’t your mother’s bingo. Free to play. Cash prizes for top 3 teams. Tequila shots and a portion of all Twister drink sales benefit Atlanta Pride. 10% of your total bill also benefits Pride! Dragamundo: Dinner & A Show de Mami’s Monday, September 26: 8:30pm-9:30pm Las Margaritas: 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road Free drag show featuring Phoenix (Rupaul’s Drag Race), Mrs. Bubba Dee and cast with a special $8.99 dinner menu $5 mojitos. Come early to get your table, show starts at 8:30pm. Tequila shots and a portion of all Twister drink sales benefit Atlanta Pride. 10% of your total bill also benefits Pride! Papi’s Pride Pride Kickoff Brunch Sunday, October 2: 12:30pm-3:30pm Las Margaritas: 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road Enjoy the beats of DJ Mike Pope and Papi’s $10.95 all you can eat (or $17.95 all you can eat and drink mimosas) gourmet buffet brunch with eggs, omelets, and banana fosters made to order on the patio. Tequila shots and a portion of all Twister drink sales benefit Atlanta Pride. 10% of your total bill also benefits Pride! Free Pride Legal Forum Sunday, October 2: 2:00pm-4:00pm The Phillip Rush Center: 1530 Dekalb Ave NE, Atlanta Jeff Cleghorn of Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC and Kathleen Womack of Kathleen M. Womack, P.C. present: DON’T GET CAUGHT AS AN UNDOCUMENTED GAY OR LESBIAN: Know your legal rights in Georgia. Topics presented include Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, Domestic Partnership issues - Agreements and “Gay Divorce, ”Second Parent Adoption, Low cost or No cost ways to protect your Domestic Partnership, Gay Marriage/Civil Unions/Domestic Partnerships in other states. For further information, contact Kathleen Womack at 404-303-0130 A Night with Out on Film Screening: “We Were Here” Tuesday, October 4- 7:20pm Midtown Art Cinema: 931 Monroe Drive We Were Here focuses on five individuals who lived in San Francisco prior to the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. From their different vantage points as caregivers, activists, researchers, as friends and lovers of the afflicted, and as people with AIDS themselves, the interviewees share stories which are not only intensely personal, but which also illuminate the much larger themes of that era: the political and sexual complexities, the terrible emotional toll, and the role of women – particularly lesbians – in caring for and fighting for their gay brothers. Atlanta Pride AIDS Vigil Wednesday, October 5- 7:00pm-8:00pm St. Mark’s UMC: 781 Peachtree St. NE This year’s vigil focuses on the theme “Compassion, Commitment, Community- 30 years of AIDS” and is hosted by St. Mark’s UMC. Please join us as we remember the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and those we have lost.

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

Graphic Intervention: 25 Years of International AIDS Posters Wednesday, October 5: 8:15pm-9:45pm Museum of Design Atlanta: 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta Immediately following the Pride AIDS Vigil, join us at the Museum of Design Atlanta for a special viewing of Graphic Intervention. The exhibit presents a comprehensive overview of the diverse visual strategies employed by government agencies, community activists, grassroots organizations and motivated citizens to educate the local population. These posters demonstrate the different approaches used around the globe for discussion of a socially complex subject. $10 Admission. Commitment Ceremony Presented by Macy’s Thursday, October 6: 6:30pm-7:30pm W Atlanta Midtown: 188 14th Street This non-denominational ceremony gives couples the opportunity to pledge their commitment to each other publicly before friends and family. Couples who wish to register pay a small fee and receive a certificate marking the occasion. Visit www.atlantapride.org for details and registration Indulge at The W: Post Ceremony Celebration Presented By Chris Coleman Enterprises Thursday, October 6: 8pm-2am Whiskey Park @ The W Midtown Hotel: 188 14th Street Immediately following the Commitment Ceremony, head upstairs to Whiskey Park for music and drinks. Enjoy $5 drink specials all night and no cover charge. Macy’s Men’s Designer Event Friday, October 7: 4:00pm-6:00pm Macy’s Lenox Square Take a first look at the newest Designer and Impulse Collections for Men including Hugo Boss, Armani Jeans, French Connection and more! Enjoy fashion presentations from Project Runway All-Star Anthony Williams as well as a special performance from your favorite housewife Miss Lawrence. Save $5O, plus receive a complimentary gift bag filled with gifts from our designer with your purchase of $2OO or more in Men’s Designer and Impulse. Make a $10 donation at the event to Pride and receive a $10 gift card for Macy’s. Yom Kippur Services with Congregation Bet Haverim Friday, October 7 St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church: 1790 LaVista Rd. NE, Atlanta Intergenerational Kol Nidre Service: 6:00pm Ma’Ariv Service: 8:00pm Join Congregation Bet Haverim for Kol Nidre services at St. Bartholomew’s. Out of town guests are welcome. There is no charge for services, but donations are accepted. For questions, please call CBH: 404-315-6446 Atlanta Pride VIP Party 6:00pm-8:00pm The Georgia Aquarium: Enter Ocean Ballrooms INVITATION ONLY EVENT. Atlanta Pride’s Annual VIP Party features complimentary food and drinks. This event is our premier event for our individual donors and sponsors. For details about on how to receive tickets for the party, please visit our website and click “donate now.” Location and further details will be sent to our ticket holders. Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party Friday, October 7: 6:30pm-11:30pm The Georgia Aquarium: Enter Main Entrance Join us for the 3rd Annual Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party at The Georgia Aquarium. The party features 2 DJs: DJ COREY CRAIG in the Atrium & DJ JAY MCCRACKEN in the Oceans Ballroom Lounge. NEW for 2011 – JUJUBEE from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag U will perform in our Oceans Ballroom and then sashay over host her own lounge. (Jujubee Lounge ticket required). The Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff After Party Presented by Jungle Club Atlanta Friday, October 7: 9pm-3am Jungle Club Atlanta The Second Annual Official Kickoff After Party @ Jungle Club Atlanta features beats by DJ Ed Bailey into the early morning hours. Don’t want to wait to get into the evening’s hottest dance party? Purchase your $20 VIP ticket in advance to skip the line and to receive a drink ticket.

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E D D I EN R P EK TS E EN W EV

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

Saturday, October 8th: Yom Kippur Services with Congregation Bet Haverim St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church: 1790 LaVista Rd. NE, Atlanta Join Congregation Bet Haverim for High Holy Day services throughout the day. Out of town guests are welcome. There is no charge for services, but donations are accepted. For questions, please call CBH: 404-315-6446 Children’s Services: 6 and Under – 10:15am, Ages 7-8 – 11:00am, Ages 9-10 – 11:45am Shacharit (Morning Service): 10:00am Avodah (Meditation Service)/Avodah (Learning Session): 3:00pm Yizkor (Memorial Service): 4:30pm Ne’ilah (Concluding Service): 6:00pm Break Fast (Dairy/Vegetarian covered dish break-the-fast): 7:20pm Shuttle Services are provided to and from St. Bartholomew’s from the 14th Street Gate in Piedmont Park. Shuttle begins at 2:30pm and runs through 10:30pm. Shuttle service is free of charge.

Children’s Show 10:15am-11:30am Piedmont Park Pavilion – Bud Light Stage Fun for the whole family! This all-ages event features children’s entertainers. Free water will be provided. Join other LGBTQ parents for a chance to network!

The Atlanta Pride Car and Motorcycle Show Presented by Lambda Car Club & The Lost Boys Motorcycle Club 10:00am – 3:00pm Roadway inside Piedmont Park between 12th & 14th Street Gates Come check out a host of classic cars and stunning motorcycles. Owners will be on hand to discuss their vehicles, many of which they personally refurbished.

Atlanta Pride Literary Showcase 12:00pm – 2:00pm Piedmont Park Pavilion (Bud Light Stage) Join us for Atlanta Pride’s eighth annual literary showcase. The event highlights the works of local writers and poets. Authors will also be available to sign books during the showcase.

Trans March Assembly at 1:00pm, Steps off at 1:30pm Meadow Overlook (near Charles Allen Gate) This march celebrates and promotes visibility of the Trans community. The march takes place on the festival grounds and all Trans people and Trans Allies are welcome to participate. We encourage individuals to make and bring signs supportive of Trans issues. Please stay positive in your message.

Dyke March Pre-Party Social & Crafting Get Down 3:00pm-5:15pm The Dock (Located near the 12th Street Gate) We’ll have snacks, music for dancing, and super nice folks for socializing. Join us to craft pasties, signs to carry, sashes, or anything that will make you stand out from the crowd. All are welcome, so allies planning to cheer on the March, come make your signs, too!

Dyke March Assembly at 5:45pm, Steps off at 6:15pm Charles Allen Gate

The Dyke March, with its focus on women, unites to create an atmosphere of inclusion and community. The march is open to all women loving women (trans-inclusive) of any race, culture, orientation, ability, health, socioeconomic level, family structure, faith or age! You do not have to register for the Dyke March, simply show up at the Charles Allen Gate at 5:45pm.

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

Official Atlanta Pride Women’s Party Peach Mega Dance Party Presented by Curve Magazine 9pm-2am, 18 & over Center Stage/The Loft: 1374 West Peachtree St Curve Magazine & Pandora Events host the hottest women’s party in the South! Join us for our signature mega dance party, the hottest women’s party of the year, PEACH! Taste the sweetness and celebrate at The Official Women’s Party of Atlanta Pride! Featuring two dance floors, special guest DJ Lisa Pittman and thousands of women from all across the country! $15 advance/$20 door if available

Sunday, October 9th: The Annual Atlanta Pride Parade Sponsored By Delta Airlines Kicks off at 1:00 pm The Annual Atlanta Pride Parade is the largest parade in the City of Atlanta. Join tens of thousands of spectators as we celebrate our pride on the streets of Midtown.

The Starlight Cabaret 7:05pm-9:00pm Coca-Cola Stage The best drag entertainment that the city has to offer. The Starlight Cabaret closes out Pride weekend each year and is always a crowd pleaser.

Official Atlanta Pride Closing Party Produced by Chris Coleman 9:30pm-3:00am, 21 & over Opera Night Club: 1150 Crescent Avenue Northeast Close out your Pride weekend with Chris Coleman Enterprises at Opera Night Club. Enjoy three amazing levels, a gorgeous outdoor terrace and VIP service as DJ’s Chus + Ceballos spin. DJ Scorpio will provide an opening set. Advance tickets will be offered at at Simply Sun Tanning for $15 before October 1st, $20 after.

In the Park all weekend: Pride Human Rights Exhibit 10:00am-7:00pm Piedmont Park - The bridge over the lake 2011 marks the 5th anniversary of the Atlanta Pride Human Rights Exhibit. This year’s Pride exhibit will focus on health related issues in the LGBT community, including the 30 year anniversary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Community Health Expo 10:00am-7:00pm Located in the BLUE market section, the Community Health Expo gathers community health and service organizations in one central location. Whether you need a hepatitis vaccine, information on preventing breast cancer, an HIV test or general information on staying healthy, these organizations can help.

The Pride Marketplace 10:00am-7:00pm Featuring over 200 vendor booths, the Pride Marketplace is the largest expo of its kind in the southeast.

Visit AtlantaPride.org for the most up to date event listings.

A 5K fundraiser Walk & Run starting from Piedmont Park aidswalkatlanta.com 404.876.WALK (9255)

E F I L Y EVER S E V R E S E D Text GiveHope to 27722 $10.00 donation to AID Atlanta, Inc. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 27722 to STOP. Text HELP to 27722 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

2011 COMMUNITY HEALTH EXPO Located in the BLUE market section, the Community Health Expo gathers community health and service organizations in one central location. Whether you need a hepatitis vaccine, information on preventing breast cancer, an HIV test or general information on staying healthy, these organizations can help.

Some of our participants include: ATLANTA LESBIAN HEALTH INITIATIVE www.thehealthinitiative.org FEMINIST WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH CENTER www.feministcenter.org GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH www.greaterthan.org GRADY MEDICAL www.gradymedical.com HEP TEAM/FULTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & WELLNESS www.hepteam.com THE HOPE CLINIC OF THE EMORY VACCINE CENTER www.hopeclinic.emory.edu KAISER PERMANENTE www.kaiserpermanente.org LIVING ROOM, INC. www.aidatlanta.org PLANNED PARENTHOOD www.plannedparenthood.org POSITIVE IMPACT www.positiveimpact-atl.org

sponsored by:

2011 ATLANTA PRIDE PARADE GRAND MARSHALS Lynn Barfield – Known to many as “Mama Lynn,” Lynn Barfield has been a staple with a variety of community organizations. While serving as a mother figure to those at Blake’s on the Park, she has volunteered for several groups, including YouthPride, Chris Kids, AIDS Walk, Project Open Hand, and many others. She has also served as the Executive Director of Enlight Atlanta, which was a organization dedicated to starting up Gay-Straight alliances in schools in and around Metro Atlanta. Dee Dee Chamblee – Dee Dee has been a mentor, life coach, and spiritual counselor for members of the transgender community and its allies. She currently utilizes her 18+ years of solid community-based organizing experience and expertise on issues that involve Transgender Rights and health in her role on The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health Advisory Board. The Obama Administration recently honored with Dee Dee as a “Champion of Courage.” Duchess Claud - “The Duchess” came out in Atlanta in 1959, a time in which the LGBT community was largely underground. Throughout the years, she has served as a mentor to and has played an active role in the Leather Community. The Duchess has also worked with Touching Up Our Roots, an organization committed to preserving LGBT history, as well as the annual MondoHomo Queer Arts Event. Paulina Hernandez - Paulina is an artist, political organizer, and self-proclaimed “queer femme cha-cha girl & troublemaker-at-large” from Veracruz, Mexico. She is the Co- Director of Southerners on New Ground (SONG). Paulina has been actively involved with the fight against HB-87 by mobilizing an LGBTQ response to the legislation. Topher Payne - Topher is a witty and colorful character that is well-known and well-liked through Atlanta’s creative and gay communities. He is a local columnist, actor, and playwright. Topher has been a part of several award-winning shows and often produces plays that benefit local nonprofits. Rick Westbrook – Rick is a long-time activist in the LGBT community. As a Co-Founder of the Chuck Jenkins Foundation, the organization that produces the annual East Point Possums Show, Rick is known as Shenitta Lott. When he is participating with the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, he is known as Sister Rapture Divine Cox. Rapture Fong was photo:Stan crowned the winner of Dragnique Season 2. He is active with the Queer Justice League and is a Community Outreach Coordinator for Positive Impact. Grand Marshal Group of Honor – In recognition of the 30-year anniversary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Atlanta Pride is honoring numerous individuals affiliated with AIDS Service Organizations together as one group. This group includes representatives from larger scale agencies to smaller community led organizations. Fighting this devastating disease has truly been a grassroots movement made up of thousands people, providing countless hours of work. For the full list of Group of Honor participants, please visit www.atlantapride.org.

E D A S R E A P & CH AR M

THE ATLANTA PRIDE PARADE PRESENTED BY DELTA AIR LINES PRIDE PARADE KICKOFF Sunday, October 9th @ 1:00PM Sharp Assembly begins at 10:30AM ROUTE The Parade will step off from the MARTA Civic Center Station. The parade merges off of Ralph McGill onto Peachtree Street and travels north. It then turns east on to 10th Street and follows 10th Street to the Charles Allen Entrance of Piedmont Park, where the Parade officially ends.

SECURITY FOR PARADE & MARCHES:

All entries received after September 1, 2011 will be placed at the end of the parade. Parade order, staging setup, and all other information will be e-mailed to all registered entrants by September 20, 2011. All payments received after September 10, 2011, must be made by cashier check, money order or credit card.

Please be advised that the Atlanta Police Department is responsible for enforcing all applicable state laws and local ordinances during Pride events. Such statutes may include, but are not limited to: public decency, alcohol, controlled substances, public safety, and standard vehicle insurance requirements.

MARCHERS &VEHICLES There is no fee for an individual, couple, or nonprofit group to march in the parade, however you must register to be in the line-up. There is a small fee for for-profit businesses to march. Anyone wishing to have a vehicle in the parade must pay a fee. Please visit the website for more info. FLOATS The Atlanta Pride Committee would like to encourage groups to showcase their organizations/businesses through a float. It is the one time of the year you can promote your group in front of the entire community. You may be surprised at the interest and excitement an entry in the Pride Parade can give to your organization. Please visit the Pride website for fees and regulation. For more information, please visit: www.atlantapride.org

CIVIC CENTER MARTA

PARADE SET UP ZONE

NORTH AVE MA

NORTH AVENUE

PINE STREET

RALPH MC GILL BLVD

PEACHTREE STREET

01 1 aD

yke March

This march celebrates and promotes visibility of the Trans community. The march takes place on the festival grounds and all Trans people and Trans Allies are welcome to participate. We encourage individuals to make and bring signs supportive of Trans issues. Please stay positive in your message.

DYKE MARCH KICKOFF Steps off: Saturday, October 8th @ 6:15 PM The Charles Allen Gate

WEST PEACHTREE

PEACHTREE STREET JUNIPER STREET

10th STREET

PIEDMONT AVENUE

About the Dyke March Who can join us:  At the Atlanta Dyke March, we center the experiences of dykes and welcome allies to join us. If you’re an ally we ask that you march with us if you support dykes politically, socially, and holistically. We ask that you respect our need to be visible and lead the demonstration.

ARTS CENTER MARTA

MIDTOWN MARTA

CHARLES ALLEN

14th STREET

an t

12th STREET

l At

MARCH ENDS HERE

PIEDMONT PARK MARCH STARTS HERE

ROUTE The Dyke March begins at the Charles Allen Gate of Piedmont Park. It travels west on 10th Street to Peachtree Street, where it turns north. The March continues on Peachtree Street, then turns east onto 14th Street and heads back into the festival. The March ends at the 14th Street Gate of Piedmont Park.

PEACHTREE PLACE

PEACHTREE STREET JUNIPER STREET PIEDMONT AVENUE

12 TH STREET

MIDTOWN MARTA

WEST PEACHTREE STREET

10 TH STREET

ARTA

TRANS MARCH KICKOFF Steps off: Saturday, October 8th @ 1:30PM The Meadow Overlook near Charles Allen gate

PIEDMONT PARK

ARGONNE AVENUE CHARLES ALLEN AVENUE

PARADE ENTERS PARK HERE

all FLOATS UNLOAD PAST GRADY STATIUM

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

N I L E D & ES I C U I G V R SE

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ARRIVE GUIDELINES ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages are sold within the festival grounds. You must present proper identification to purchase alcoholic beverages. Beverages purchased at the event must remain onsite; open containers may not leave the festival grounds. BOTTLES, CANS AND COOLERS POLICY: Bringing beverages, coolers or food into the festival grounds is discouraged. The money generated by our onsite beverage booths goes toward keeping the Atlanta Pride Festival FREE for all attendees. Glass bottles are prohibited on the festival grounds. Individuals may not bring in food or beverages for distribution. Outside alcohol in quantities deemed greater than that for personal consumption will be viewed as “intent to distribute” and confiscated. NO PETS ALLOWED: Per the City of Atlanta, no pets are allowed in Piedmont Park during an outdoor festival. Patrons attempting to bring animals onsite are subject to ticketing by the Atlanta City Police Department. Service animals are exempt from this policy. TENTS: Lawn chairs and umbrellas are encouraged. Tents are allowed in specified areas of the park, but may not be staked. Sandbags or water weights may be used to secure tents. Any personal effects left on the grounds overnight (including tents) will be discarded. NO GRILLS OR BBQS PRIDE INFORMATION AND MERCHANDISE: Information and official Atlanta Pride merchandise is available throughout the park. RULES TO REMEMBER: • Use of bicycles, vehicles, skateboards, scooters or skates/roller blades is prohibited on the festival grounds during the Atlanta Pride Festival. • Unauthorized vendors are prohibited from selling or giving away items and from conducting surveys or solicitations while on the festival grounds. • Please be advised that the Atlanta Police Department is responsible for enforcing all applicable state laws and local ordinances during Pride events. Such statutes may include, but are not limited to: public decency, alcohol, controlled substances, public safety and standard vehicle insurance requirements. LOST CHILDREN AND LOST AND FOUND: We do not operate a lost and found service for items or people. Lost children should be taken to the Coca-Cola® stage and every effort will be made to locate the child’s parent or guardian. FIRST AID is available on site and qualified medical personnel will assist you. If you are feeling ill or get injured, please seek help at one of these locations.

VIP SEATING AT THE COCA-COLA® STAGE: The Coca-Cola® stage is located near the Charles Allen entrance. Fenced-in VIP Seating is directly in front of the stage. To qualify for VIP Seating, visit www.atlantapride.org/donate VIP CENTER: Available for sponsors and certain levels of Friends of Pride donors and is located near the 12th Street Gate. To qualify for VIP CENTER, visit www.atlantapride. org/donate ATMS: Located throughout the Festival Grounds. NOTICE: The Atlanta Pride Committee, as the event organizer, reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the reasonable policies established for public safety or to restrict activities, such as vending or soliciting, to designated areas.

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

FIRST AID SERVICES There are First Aid stations located conveniently throughout the event site in case of illness or injury. The Paramedic and EMT staff of Grady Medical staffs these stations. The stations carry over-the-counter medications and various bandages for minor mishaps. For those festival-patrons who may need more urgent attention, Grady Medical will handle transports to the closest emergency room. SUNSCREEN It is recommended that patrons use sunscreen, even in cooler temperatures. DRINK PLENTY OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES The first aid tents see many people each year for dehydration; many have to go to the ER. Most people do a significant amount of walking during the festival and lose a tremendous amount of fluid from sweating. Free water is available at First Aid locations and other locations throughout the park. TAKE YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS If your doctor has prescribed medications for you, remember to bring them with you if you will be at the festival during the times you normally take them. Also be aware of any side effects your medications may have, such as sensitivity to the sun, or negative interaction with alcohol. ENJOY IN MODERATION Alcohol intoxication can make the Festival much less enjoyable if it leads to nausea or vomiting, falls, passing out, or even DUI. If you intend to consume alcoholic beverages, please do so in moderation. We encourage festival-goers to have designated drivers or take public transportation. CONSIDER YOUR LIMITATIONS Many attendees have limitations in their ability to walk long distances. The festival is large and covers a lot of ground. If you think you might need assistance, consider renting a wheelchair before coming to the festival. Many people are fine when they arrive, but find they have difficulty getting back to the car upon leaving. The Atlanta Pride Committee and First Aid staff cannot provide rides or transportation to your car, so plan accordingly.

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES TRAVELING TO THE PARK There are numerous parking spaces designated as “accessible parking” in the SAGE parking deck located next to the park. There is wheelchair access from the deck directly into the park. These parking spaces are first-come, first-served and are subject to standard parking rates. MARTA’s Art Center station is the nearest train station to the festival. If possible, please consider using the rail line in order to reserve accessible parking spaces for those with limited stamina or mobility issues. ENJOYING THE EVENT There are accessible, portable rest rooms (with floors flush to the ground) located throughout the site. Accessible seating is located near the front of the Coca-Cola® stage for you and your guests. If you need to recharge your mobility device, we are happy to provide access to electricity in the Volunteer Check-In Center. If you have a medical emergency, please go to a Medical Services tent. A certified ASL interpreter will be provided if needed. ENJOYING THE PARADE Registration is free for individuals and groups on foot or using mobility devices. Please register in advance to participate in the Parade: www.atlantapride.org/parade The Atlanta Pride Committee does not have reserved parking for the parade, as our permit only covers the streets. However, there are numerous pay lots along the parade route. If you have an emergency while on the parade route, find the nearest Atlanta Police officer to request assistance. INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES All performances on the Coca-Cola Stage are interpreted for our Deaf patrons. For a complete schedule of interpreted events, or to request onsite interpreting services please visit: atlantapride.org VOLUNTEERS We welcome Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing/signing volunteers. Please fill out the volunteer registration form online at www.atlantapride.org/volunteer or visit Volunteer Check-In on Pride weekend. If you are a hearing volunteer who signs, please indicate whether or not you have an ASL certification.

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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

PRIDE T-SHIRT COLOR CODE GUIDE MARKET Market volunteers wear white shirts with orange lettering. They work tirelessly assisting vendors from before the Festival opens until it closes. GENERAL VOLUNTEERS The 400+ people you see in white shirts with yellow lettering throughout the festival grounds are volunteers. Some work for 2 hours, some work all week. The Atlanta Pride Committee could not run the event without these folks! LEAD VOLUNTEERS The volunteers wearing white shirts with blue lettering devote a minimum of 24 hours during the event and serve as “point people” for the Festival Committee. They are in at least their second year of volunteering and are great leaders! FESTIVAL DONATIONS The Festival Donations teams wear white shirts with bright teal letters. Please give generously! 50% of the money these volunteers collect goes back to their own nonprofit organizations. FESTIVAL INFORMATION The Festival Information teams wear bright pink shirts. These volunteers have a variety of knowledge about the event and can help you find your way around the festival grounds. They are equipped with park maps and programming schedules. EVENT STAFF Festival Committee, Board and Staff wear black shirts marked “EVENT STAFF” on the back during the Festival. Committee & Board members volunteer their time year round on the event and are great resources for information.

LA O C E A G C TA CO S

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

SATURDAY 10.8.11

Michelle Malone

Alexis Jordan

Wynter Gordon

Deborah Cox

The Orkids

Gurufish

Justin Utley

Hannah Thomas Justin Utley The Orkids Gurufish Michelle Malone Alexis Jordan* DEMIZES Wynter Gordon* Deborah Cox

DEMIZES

Hannah Thomas

2:00 PM 2:50 PM 3:35 PM 4:35 PM 5:30 PM 6:25 PM 7:00 PM 7:55 PM 8:35 PM

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

SUNDAY 10.9.11 Michel Jons Band Kim Sozzi* Beverly McClellan God-Des & She Ari Gold The Starlight Cabaret

Kim Sozzi

Beverly McClellan

Ari Gold

The Starlight Cabaret PM

God-Des & She

Michel Jons Band

3:00 PM 4:10 PM 4:45 PM 5:30 PM 6:15 PM 7:05 PM

*Alexis Jordan, Wynter Gordon, and Kim Sozzi are presented by:

T H G I L GE D A U B ST

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ATLANTA PRIDE 2011

SATURDAY 10.8.11

Slick and Rose

Bridge 19

Hemming and Hawing

The RoboDrum

The Sexual Side Effects

Bridge 19 Katie Quick Hemming and Hawing The RoboDrum

Promise

SHADE

Children’s Show 3:00 PM Literary Event 3:40 PM Nubia Soul GODdess 4:20 PM SHADE 5:15 PM The Sexual Side Effects Promise Slick and Rose Post-Dyke March Dance Party

Katie Quick

Nubia Soul GODdess

10:15 AM 12:00 PM 2:20 PM 3:10 PM 3:55 PM 4:40 PM 5:25 PM 6:45 PM

SUNDAY 10.9.11

THE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS

The Sounds of Pride By Xanna Don’t

Atlanta Pride’s musical line-up for 2011 is as diverse as the community its celebration represents. Performances over two full days on two stages offer something for everyone. After performing in Florida bars for two decades, Beverly McClellan broke out on the debut season of NBC hit “The Voice” receiving the most votes of any contestant on Christina Aguilera’s impressive team. She entered the show’s finals as the oldest contestant and as an open lesbian. Beverly possesses an undeniable sincerity that instantly relates in her performances. She has finally arrived. www.myspace.com/ beverlyshane [Read Pride’s interview with Beverly on page 75.] Similarly overdue for the big spotlight, lesbian local legend Michelle Malone was described by The Village Voice as being more than on par with Sheryl Crow and deserving to be “rubbing shoulders with The Allman Brothers and Buddy Guys of the world.” She had a break in the television world this year, too, when her song, “Restraining Order Blues,” played within a recent episode of “True Blood.” Recently she added a couple of well-deserved wall hangings to her home: Gold and Platinum records for co-writing with The Indigo Girls. Tirelessly touring, The Michelle Malone Banned (cheeky take on “band”) is also deserving of a big hometown welcome at Atlanta Pride this year. Tuck some extra cash in your pocket to pick up the new album, “Debris,” at the merch booth after their set. www.michellemalone.com

God-des and She are yet another act owing their momentum to the small screen. In 2006, Showtime’s “The L Word” propelled them to big venue status with their #1 Logo charting, rap/soul hit, “Love You Better.” This year’s new album, “Three,” produced by Brian Hardgroove (Public Enemy, Wu Tang, Aerosmith) threatens to hoist the duo even further. But their Atlanta Pride performance should assure their lesbian base who they love best. www.god-desandshe.com Childhood friends who reconnected musically years later, Lousiville, Kentucky’s Amanda Lucas and Audrey Cecil are as accomplished separately as they are terrific together under the moniker Bridge 19. Last year, they won the local performer spot for Lilith Fair’s Indianapolis stop. Equal parts pop and folk, their arrangements creep into Americana easily as they harmonize like siblings. But mostly these gals display a clear comprehension of the value of being working musicians and, like Beverly McClellan and Michelle Malone, have the attitude and heart to gracefully ascend as an act. www.alac-music.com Utah’s buff, wholesome-looking hard rocker Justin Utley excommunicated himself from The Mormon Church, publicly denouncing their “conversion therapy” after undergoing it for two years. Last year, he appeared in a leading role in the musical “Our Country” at the New York Theater Festival. This year, he was chosen as one of Next Magazine’s “Who’s Next.” 73

Pride’s Saturday night headliner is the multi-talented, multiPlatinum recording artist Deborah Cox. In 1998, her single, “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” became the longest running #1 hit in Billboard’s R&B chart history. She’s racked up ten #1 dance hits since then as well. In other words, this woman has sold a lot of records. Deborah has also appeared on Broadway in Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” as the title character and returns to the Great White Way next year to portray Josephine Baker in Josephine. Her Pride appearance is a true triumph for Atlanta. www.deborahcox.com A new line-up of glam outfit The Sexual Side Effects emerged this year to a vastly increased audience. Still fronted by Amber Taylor, a transgendered lesbian rumored to be Ziggy Stardust’s baby sister, the backbone of the band is now fused by straight ax men with one mission: play her songs really well. They succeed. This summer, Amber created a theme night called “Gilded Trash” that was hugely attended at iconic Atlanta music venue The Masquerade, holding promise of a reprise. In their newest incarnation, the SSE’s dreamy rock sound is more accessible than ever. www.thesexualsideeffects.com

DEBORAH COX

Activist, musician, singer, and actor, his self-penned, big sky country-tinged ballad, “Stand For Something,” reminds us how resolutely he does. www.justinutley.com “I feel like the gays are always first,” says New Yorkborn, international pop/dance diva Wynter Gordon of her appreciation for the LGBT community’s trend-setting taste during a live web chat with WildAtlanta.com. Sitting on a greaser flamed car seat sporting a chic ‘70s ‘fro, she tells Pride audiences to expect “a lot of soul and sweat.” Having already written for Mary J. Blige and Flo Rida, her debut album, “With The Music I Die,” dropped in Australia last June and is due in the states by the end of the year. Its hit single, “Dirty Talk,” went triple Platinum down under and topped the U.S. dance charts as well. Wynter can likely expect a jubilant audience reaction when she performs “Putting It Out There (Pride),” a promotional single that was the official theme of Sidney’s 2011 celebration. In addition to Atlanta Pride, you can see her as a guest judge on Simon Cowell’s upcoming new Fox talent show, “The X Factor.” www.myspace.com/wynter85 With “Feel Your Love,” “Secret Love,” and “Cry Tonight (Kiss Me Back),” Kim Sozzi is another solid-voiced diva well acquainted with the rare air at the top of the dance charts. Her new song, “Rated R,” takes on a sociopolitical tone as its video spills images of high profile women done wrong by their men. But it’s not a downer—you’ll still feel compelled to dance with abandon as you commiserate with her observations. www.facebook.com/kimsozzimusic

A new side of Promise (who once fronted live bands locally under the name Promise Ramsey) has also emerged this year. Her sound is tighter, poppier, and radio-friendly. She once had a job at Arista Records in New York City where she learned the ropes of the business, which no doubt served her well in securing a role in the choir of the upcoming Atlantafilmed Queen Latifah vehicle, “Joyful Noise,” with Dolly Parton. Promise has done her homework and is ready for the test. www.myspace.com/promiseonline New Yorker Sir Ari Gold could be described as the Jewish Lady Gaga; he’s not afraid to mix up his musical influences or his fashion choices and is adept at both. He also DJs at East Village gay bar The Cock when he’s not juggling gigs in the Catskills with his brother, Elon. Let’s hope Ari brings his ferocious tiger costume from his “The Human Way It Is” video. His is an act that must be seen. [Read Pride’s interview with Ari on page 72.] www.myspace.com/arigoldtheartist Local band The Orkids are a catchy, high energy synth pop encounter reminiscent of ‘80s acts The Human League and The Eurythmics. They have sharp musical chops, crafty songwriting skills, and were honored earlier this year as one of the Top 30 Athens Bands by prestigious Paste Magazine. www.myspace.com/theorkids

GOD-DES & SHE

Fronted by vocalist and pianist John SH! Williams, newcomers Hemming and Hawing vault dance pop gymnastics with the adroitness of Vince Clark’s Erasure. But upon closer listen, it’s really the beauty of that band’s predecessor, Yaz, and their early ‘80s contemporaries, This Mortal Coil, that shimmers in H&H’s experimental ballads. Their live shows are known to pause for bombastic, impromptu “chug fests,” so have a beer at hand to join in the merriment at their Pride debut. www.hemmingandhawing.com ALEXIS JORDAN

North Carolina transplant Nubia Soul GODdes embodies a soothing, 1970s vibe. Fresh from Charlotte Pride, her relaxed, nurturing sound lulls and boogies with shades of disco. An accomplished percussionist, she writes, arranges, sings, plays and produces her original music. She is earth mother to her own contagious sound. www.myspace.com/mysteryous9 Chicago gal moves to Nashville and gets positive attention from the jaded, ornery country music industry. That’s Katie Quick’s story in a nutshell. Of her single, “Best In Me,” “Sweet as candy,” was Music Row Magazine’s decree, and we agree. Play that one again! www.katiequick.com Young Atlanta country musician Hannah Thomas brings a full throated approach to her repertoire. Local openly-gay drummer Clay Cook compares her to Gretchen Wilson and Shawn Mullins has acerbically observed, “No auto tune needed for that voice.” www.myspace.com/hannahthomasmusic Fresh faced Good Girl Alexis Jordan mixes Taylor Swift aesthetics with a Beyonce-influenced pop sound. She may be only 18 years old, but she’s already scored a dance hit with “Happiness.” www.myspace.com/alexisjordan Billboard’s Breakout Act of 2005, Atlanta hip hop/new wave duo Slick & Rose prove they’re still relevant after a decade of performing (www.myspace.com/slick&rose) while Tupelo’s Dusty and The Robodrum take a jamming, Dave Matthews approach to blues rock. www.Robodrum.com Established Atlanta funksters Gurufish play Prince-inspired patter with percussive guitar riffs. www. myspace.com/gurufish Atlanta vocalist Shade sings silky electro pop with rap breaks. www.reverbnation.com/shadenation And returning to Pride’s stages this year, Michel Jons Band brings the wedding reception experience to the park as Demizes, a #1 IAIRA recording artist, shakes his well received Onion in tight undies and satin shirts. www.demizesonline.com Xanna Don’t fronted her own alt-country band for 15 years in Boston and Austin, performed at CBGB’s and SXSW, and appeared in indie films including “Office Space.” Booking live music for Austin Pride led to her proudest accomplishment: the creation and coproduction of South By Southwest’s first all-gay music showcase in 2001. In Atlanta, Xanna was the Entertainment Editor of lesbian magazine Labrys until its demise in 2009 and Interim Editor of gay weekly ATL Free Press until its demise in 2010. For the last two years, she has published her own independent ‘zine, Don’t Label It!, available in print on 100% recycled paper and online at dontlabelit.com. Xanna has been with her wife, a Network Editor at CNN, for 17 years.

Dragging Atlanta into Pride By Buck Cooke

She’s fierce, she’s outspoken, and she’s coming to Atlanta for Pride! She’s Jujubee, a finalist from the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and she is excited to perform at the Pride Kick-off Party at the Georgia Aquarium on October 7, 2011. Juju carved some time out of her busy schedule to discuss her upcoming performance, the role drag plays in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and her upcoming projects. Pride Magazine: What does the art of drag mean to you as a performer and a member of the LGBT community? Jujubee: The art of drag is a beautiful thing. I love that it blurs lines and opens minds. It transcends to more than just the LGBT community and it warms my little Asian heart! What makes Jujubee special? Well that’s a hard question to answer! I feel as though we are all special. My favorite thing about myself is my drive. I won’t stop. What advice would you give to aspiring drag queens? WORK IT OUT! Go for it with style and confidence. Don’t ever forget where you came from and let the art speak for itself! HAVE FUN!

Jujubee hosts Jujubee’s Lounge at the Georgia Aquarium on October 7. Tickets can be purchased online: www.georgiaaquarium.org/atlantapride You can also see Jujubee perform on the Coca-Cola Stage in Piedmont Park as part of the Starlight Cabaret on October 9.

How do you think the popularity of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “RuPaul’s Drag U” have impacted the drag community? “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “RuPaul’s Drag U” being so popular, they brought drag to mainstream media like no other. It’s history and I’m so happy to be a part of it. LOGO’s cameras let America and the world see into our lives and love for the art of drag. A-amahhzing! What does it mean to you to be a symbol of the drag community? Well that’s quite a title. Thank you for that. If that’s what people see me as, I am honored and humbled. I love what I do. RuPaul and LOGO allowed me to follow my dreams and, like I said earlier, girl, I WON’T STOP! What does it mean for you when you are invited to perform at a Pride event? It is always exciting! I LOVE PRIDE! I love meeting new people and getting to know people who follow our craft. I also like seeing how much of a great time we all have. Celebrating love and pride with thousands of other people in the LGBT community, what more could you ask for? What are your experiences with Atlanta? Have you visited before? If so, what do you like about the city? I’ve only been to Atlanta’s airport! I am so excited! When my manager told me I was booked for Atlanta Pride, I jumped with excitement! What are you looking forward to about your upcoming trip to Atlanta? I am so excited for the Georgia Aquarium! Aquariums are one of my favorite things! I already have my outfit picked out! [Laughs.] What can your fans expect from you performance? We are all going to have fun. I can’t wait to take the stage and perform for you guys! What’s next for you? MUSIC! I want to sing my heart out for you guys! I’m working on some projects at the moment. Fans should definitely check out my website www.jujubeeonline.com for the latest news and event lineup.

MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE Sir Ari has something to say.

By Buck Cooke

Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals is alive and well – just ask Sir Ari Gold. He made headlines in the gay blogosphere this summer when he and his boyfriend had a Rosa Parks-esque moment on a Shortline bus in New York: the driver demanded that the couple move to the back of the bus if they were going to continue to sit hand-in-hand at the front of the bus. The New York state patrol responded and said Gold and his boyfriend were doing nothing wrong, much to the dismay of the bus driver. Gold’s latest album, “Between the Spirit and the Flesh,” is an exploration of the duality present in all of us and is based on his own struggle with integrating different aspects of his personality, including his sexual orientation and his practice of Orthodox Judaism. Gold took a break from renovating his condo to chat about his experience on the Shortline bus, being knighted, and his performance for Atlanta Pride. Pride Magazine: Talk to me about your experiences growing up gay and Orthodox? Sir Ari Gold: I grew up in New York City and I went to Yeshiva through high school, which is a Jewish parochial school. Like many other teenagers who grew up in a religious background, I didn’t think it was okay to let anyone know about my sexual orientation. I told one person when I was 16 and then another person later, but it wasn’t until college when I really felt like I could come out fully. Describe the impact that intersection of identity has had on your music. They have everything to do with my career. My ethnic, religious, and cultural upbringings and my understanding of being gay at a very early age, on some level, impact who I am today and the type of music that I make. How would you describe Orthodox Judaism to those who are unfamiliar with the religion? It is not unlike Catholicism or any other very ritualistic and rule-based religion. It is very old. The one thing that I have always appreciated about Judaism is that it’s a religion that has always focused on learning and community. Learning, teaching, and community have always been things I have incorporated into my music. Music has been a great healer and those things are part of that. Despite the fragmentation and diversity in our LGBT community, I still believe there is a connection and a community there. Why the change to Sir Ari? I was knighted by the Imperial Court of New York, one of many different court systems in the US and abroad. It’s a mock court system similar to that of the UK and they get together every year and have the Night of 1000 Gowns and it raises money for HIV/AIDS and human rights. For me, it was a huge honor. To me, begin knighted by a drag queen is a bigger honor than being knighted for real. Since then, I have really embraced the title and it’s been great because it’s a way to differentiate myself from the “Entourage” character portrayed by Jeremy Piven, Ari Gold. What does Pride mean to you? Obviously, it’s important to strive to be proud every day of our lives. We are still fighting and demanding our rights and it is important to have that one day to get in touch with that pride and to really not worry about what the rest of the world thinks of us. You always get the arguments that “you only see the drag queens or the leather men and we should only promote the more ‘normal’ aspects of the community.” No gay pride is complete without drag queens and leather men. Pride and parades are dramatic and presentational and we should celebrate all aspects of the community, show all of the colors of the rainbow.

What does it mean for you when a city invites you to perform at their Pride festival? I’ve been performing at gay prides all over the world for the last eight years and it shows me that I’m doing the right thing and that I’m on the right track because people are noticing and people want to see gay artists. We love Lady Gaga and our dance divas – I certainly do – but we need to see ourselves. Right now, there are not enough openly gay artists out there. It is important to see ourselves reflected back to us in our many forms and to see us on TV and on film and in theater and we see that more than we do in music still. I’m not sure why that is, but I am doing my best to fill that void. What are your thoughts on Atlanta? Atlanta is a place that really knows and enjoys its music. The gay scene there, they ain’t messing around. [Laughs.] Talk to me about “Between the Spirit and the Flesh.” I really wanted to talk about extremes and, in the making of it, I really felt torn between the spirit and the flesh. What was ruling me? The answer one needs to come up with is a balance and that’s what the album is about. It’s also a dance album and it’s the first album that I’ve done that’s beat-driven from start to finish. I’m still holding on to the kind of statement an album makes, even though we’re living in a very singles-driven market. It is, in a way, a concept album even though it’s a dance and pop album. The title of the album came out of a conversation with a friend of mine and I thought “that’s what I’m going for.” It gave me a lot of freedom to explore things in a more direct and provocative way. I let go of certain expectations that I had to be a role model. Before I felt a little bit of a burden because there are so few out people in pop music that I had to represent in a way and I felt a certain burden of representation and, with this album, I let go of that. There are more gay artists now and it paints a broader picture of who we can be, but it allowed me to explore some darker things and talk more about the darker elements. That’s what prompted me to make the “Make My Body Rock” video, which is all about the flesh and it’s very dark. The next single, “Sparkle,” is almost the antithesis of that because it’s all about the spirit and the joy. How has your incident on the Shortline bus impacted you? [Sigh.] I actually feel stronger because of it. I am proud of myself because I was able to not react to what the driver was saying, to stay calm, to have belief that this was something wrong, and to have belief that the police would not have a problem with what we were doing. These things happen every day. New York just got marriage equality, which is a huge milestone, but we have things we need to do. The only reason people heard about this is because I am a public person and have a little bit of a big mouth. [Laughs.] It’s almost surreal because it had everything to do with who am I and the kind of music I make and the thing I’m most passionate about, and I’m still processing it, honestly. And there is still fallout, things I am working on with it. What has been the reaction since that occurred? There has been a tremendous amount of support. I can’t pretend I don’t read some of the blogs and what people say about me. In this case, I saw a lot more support for some other 66things I see on there. Usually the haters come out in force.

“Jem and the Holograms: The Truly Outrageous Complete Series” is coming out on DVD in October – how does that make you feel? Talk about surreal – I was just in LA doing a show and I saw two huge billboards for “Jem” on Hub. “Jem” is one of my proudest career accomplishments. I was a huge fan before I got on the show, so being cast was a dream come true for me. I think I was around 12 years old, definitely before my voice changed! I played an eight-year-old Vietnamese girl on there. I did a lot of girl voices back then, like “Cabbage Patch Kids.” I was Sybil Sadie. She was a tomboy. That was the one Diana Ross told me was her favorite song on the Cabbage Patch record. I feel like Diana Ross ordained me to be the gay pop star that I am today. [Laughs.] The knighthood would come along later. Diana gets a shout-out in “Sparkle” as does Aretha because they both sang songs called “Sparkle.” What’s next for you? I am getting my condo together. [Laughs.] That is a big project. I’m still trying to do an autobiographical, homotheatrical, multimedia musical together with Coleman Domingo. He had a one-man show called “A Boy and His Soul.” Because it’s autobiographical, things keep happening and things keep changing, so I need to figure out what goes in the show. It’s a life-long progress. I’m excited about my new shows and concerts and the songs from the album.

Sir Ari Gold performs on the Coca-Cola Stage at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 9. Visit him online at www.arigold.com.

She’s The Voice.

Will success spoil rock singer Beverly McClellan?

By Xanna Don’t

When the booming yet flexible voice of Beverly McClellan hits Atlanta Pride, every head in Piedmont Park will turn like Christina Aguilera’s cockpit chair on NBC’s hipper version of “Idol,” “The Voice.” Her talent demands it. Here’s what Beverly had to say about her newfound success. Xanna Don’t for Atlanta Pride: This year you had an amazing breakthrough on NBC’s new singing talent show, “The Voice.” Did it surprise you? Were you surprised that you received the most votes in the semi-finals on Christina Aguilera’s vocal team? Beverly McClellan: Absolutely! America is growing up to pass a girl like me through. XD: Much to NBC’s credit, they don’t have an age cutoff for contenders on “The Voice.” But you mentioned a couple of times on the show that you were the oldest contestant to make it. Having two decades of experience under your belt must have contributed to your ability to shine under pressure. But did you worry being older could cost you votes? Was your age ever a concern for you? BM: I don’t feel my age negatively impacted my chances on the show. I was never concerned that I might not connect with audiences based on my age. Music transcends age boundaries, I believe. My many years of experience definitely added a confidence on stage, but experienced or not, we were all there to connect with America as performers. XD: At what point in the audition process did you become excited about the possibility of national television exposure? BM: I was excited for the possibility of national exposure from the very start when I auditioned in Miami. It is difficult for local artists to break through. Whether that was ever my destiny, I wanted to give my music the chance to be heard outside of South Florida. XD: “The Voice” emulates the process record companies used to employ: find talent based on hearing it first and then groom it, not mold it. For so long, the recording industry has based who they sign on image or on how many albums an act is able to sell independently (which isn’t always a reflection of talent). Do you think “The Voice” can influence the way labels sign artists? BM: I do. The whole premise negates the trend of sex symbols behind a microphone. It embraces artists for their individuality and talent first. The success 67 of the show stands as a model of the importance to let music shine above all else.

“When everyday life grows faster than we do, I think we have to embrace our beginnings to catch up. “

XD: It was fabulous that you, Vicci Martinez, and that big loveable bear, Nakia—all openly gay performers—were embraced by the show’s producers and the thousands of fans who voted for all of you. Would you have participated if they’d asked you to downplay being a lesbian? BM: I would not have been involved with the program if I or anyone else was asked to hide who they are. I’ve always lived expressing myself truly; I could never hide that and would never want anyone to be influenced to, for that matter. The second song on my latest self-titled record was written with that very idea in mind: “I Can’t Hide Me.” XD: You seem like the kind of person who won’t be changed by your “overnight” success. What’s your philosophy? How do you approach life as a musical performer? BM: I never forget where I came from. I have my grandmother’s seed planted inside of me. Like roots, that mentality and her memory are a part of who I am. When everyday life grows faster than we do, I think we have to embrace our beginnings to catch up. XD: Did you get married yet? Will your fellow Aguilera teammate Frenchie Davis sing at your wedding, as reported? BM: The wedding hasn’t happened yet, but there will be many from my “Voice” family there to embrace our union. XD: You’re a Florida native, currently based in Fort Lauderdale. What does it mean to you to play Atlanta Pride, the biggest gay pride celebration in the Southeast? BM: I’m honored to be a part of this event. I have said it before and I am sure to again: I will do me no matter what. Our differences are vast, but music is what brings us all together. I believe in being the change you want to see. Pride events mirror the notion of staying true despite any obstacle.

Beverly McClellan plays the Coca-Cola stage on Sunday, October 9, at 4:45 pm. “The Voice” returns to NBC on February 5, 2012, following Super Bowl XLVI. www.beverlymcclellan.com

Health care should not be a privilege. It’s a Human Right.

Atlanta can’t live without Grady. Grady can’t live without you!

Give to Grady

Text “GRADY” to 50555 to Contribute $5

www.gradyhealthfoundation.org

Lisa M. Borders, MHA President, Grady Health Foundation 69 Atlanta Pride Supporter

September 29 - October 6

Out On Film Festival Preview Compiled by Jim Farmer

A History of Out On Film Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBT film festival, returns September 29 – October 6 for the 24th year of bringing the best in queer cinema to the Southeast’s largest city. The festival began back in 1987 with the mission to showcase work for, by, and about the LGBT community, in an environment alongside other members of our LGBT community. Founders Rebecca Ranson, Jeffrey Layman and Kurt Rahn kept the festival alive through the ups and downs of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. For many years, Out On Film was staged by IMAGE/Atlanta Film Festival 365. For the first time in its history, Out On Film is now an independent, 501 (c)(3) organization, one that is also completely LGBT operated. Throughout the years, we have presented such popular films as “Sordid Lives,” “The Broken Hearts Club,” Bear Cub,” “Testosterone,” “Itty Bitty Titty Committee” and “Transamerica,” a film that was nominated for two Academy Awards. Our 2010 festival was one of the most successful in the history of Out On Film, with sold out screenings every night and guests each day to discuss their films. Some of our biggest films from last year were “BearCity,” “Violet Tendencies,” “Role/Play,” “From Beginning to End,” “Elena Undone,” “The Adonis Factor,” “You Should Meet My Son!” and our Audience Award winner “Undertow.”

For most of the last decade, the festival has been held at the Midtown Art Cinema, in the heart of Midtown. We are there again this year with a great selection of films and after parties.

Some of our 2011 films include: “Wish Me Away,” which details country singer Chely Wright’s decision to come out last year; the sexy “Going Down in La-La Land,” based on the popular novel; the supernatural “Judas Kiss” with Charlie David and Brent Corrigan; the amazing musical “Leave it on the Floor;” the remarkable, award-winning “The Wise Kids,” about growing up gay in a small Southern city; “Eating Out: Open Weekend,” the fifth instalment in the popular franchise; the crowd-pleasing romantic comedy “eCupid;” two gay twin brothers obsessed with Dolly Parton in “From Hollywood to Dollywood;” the stunning AIDS documentary “We Were Here;” the world premiere “Man 2 Man: A Gay Man’s Guide to Finding Love;” and the lesbian romantic comedy “Jamie and Jessie are not Together.” We also have the Atlanta premiere of “Cho Dependent,” Margaret Cho’s hysterical concert show filmed in Atlanta last year. Look for these features, as well as men’s and women’s short films, and much more. The complete schedule is available at www.outonfilm.org See you at the movies – and then just a few days later at Piedmont Park for Atlanta Pride. Congratulations to Shef and the entire Atlanta Pride team for another remarkable Pride! “Cho Dependent”

“Going Down in La-La Land”

Filmed during a live performance here at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, “Cho Dependent” features part-time Atlantan Margaret Cho’s uncensored uproarious views on sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Margaret skewers the Palins, “Dancing with the Stars,” “sexting,” her beloved mother, online porn, and marijuana in a gut busting performance of all new stand up and comedy songs from her Grammy-nominated album, “Cho Dependent.” Directed by Lorene Machado.

A candid, sexy, and outrageously funny look at what an actor can – and will do – to survive in Hollywood. Young, handsome, and ambitious, Adam arrives from New York with dreams of making it big in L.A. He moves in with his best friend Candy who, between auditions, spends her time at the gym, shopping, or looking for a wealthy man.

“Leave It On The Floor”

Adam gets off to a rocky start, complete with parking tickets and an insufferable job answering phones. A new job in production looks promising, but soon Adam finds himself dealing with down-and-out directors, washed up starlets, and meth addicts, as he starts to lose himself in a seamy underworld of gay porn and prostitution. Directed by Casper Andreas.

“Wish Me Away” “Wish Me Away” “Wish Me Away” is a personal and intimate look at Chely Wright, the first country music star to come out as gay. After a lifetime of hiding, she shatters cultural and religious stereotypes within Nashville, her conservative heartland family, and most importantly, herself. Over a three-year period, awardwinning filmmakers Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf followed Chely’s struggle – some of which was recorded on private video diaries – and her unfolding plan to come out publicly. Using interviews with Chely, her family, key players in Nashville and her management team, the film goes deep into Chely’s back story as an established country music star and then forward as she prepares to step into the media glare to reveal that she is gay. Finally, the film chronicles the aftermath of that decision in Nashville, her hometown and within the LGBT community. Directed by Bobbie Birleffi. “Eating Out: The Open Weekend” The fifth installment of this amazingly popular gay comedy franchise continues just after the fourth, “Eating Out: Drama Camp,” as ex-lovers Zack (Chris Salvatore) and Casey (Daniel Skelton) visit a resort with new beaus. The guys – and opportunities – are aplenty. “Eating Out: Open Weekend” has plenty of low-brow humor, as well as returning cast members and frontal nudity. What – you expected subtitles and Emma Thompson? Directed by Allan Brocka. “Man 2 Man: A Gay Man’s Guide to Finding Love” WORLD PREMIERE Ever wonder why so many gay men say they want to be in a loving, lasting relationship but can never seem to make it work. Now you can find out why, and more importantly, learn what it takes to not only find “Mr. Right,” but keep him. Eighty-percent of gay men say they want to be a longterm relationship, but only about a third of them are, compared to two-thirds of straight men. What’s the disconnect? Former Atlantan Christopher Hines digs deep into gay men’s hearts to discover what they are looking for in a relationship and explores issues preventing many of them from finding love. “Man 2 Man” follows the dating lives of a diverse group of gay men as they use every means of disposal, from phone apps to websites to professional matchmakers, in their quest to find that special someone. With the help of psychologists, dating experts and couples who have made it work, “Man 2 Man” sheds light on what it takes to find and nurture a longterm relationship. And the film poses the ultimate question: Are you looking to fall in love or get laid? “The Wise Kids” A thoughtful and evocative coming-of-age drama, “The Wise Kids” takes place in the transitional space between high school and college, when life seems to be all questions and no answers, and the future is scarily wide open. Set in and around a Charleston, SC Baptist church, weaving through this ensemble piece are three main characters - Brea, an introspective pastor’s daughter experiencing debilitating doubt; the hyperactive Laura, Brea’s best friend and a devout believer; and Tim, the open-hearted son of a single father, confronting his homosexuality for the first time. Tensions and buried feelings abound, as colleges are chosen and adults behave badly, as Brea, Laura and Tim attempt to hang onto what they have, all the while yearning to break free. Directed by Stephen Cone

“eCupid” Marshall (Houston Rhines) is a cocky young ad man working at a dead-end job for a boss (John Callahan) who overlooks his talents. After seven years with his boyfriend, Gabe (Noah Shuffman), Marshall’s love life has become too comfortable. On top of that, he’s turning 30! He is desperate for a new life. He goes looking for it online, where he comes upon a mysterious app called “eCupid” that guarantees to find true love. From the moment he downloads it, “eCupid” scans every inch of Marshall’s online world and instantly turns his life upside down. Marshall suddenly gets everything he thinks he wanted. Newly single and ready for adventure, “eCupid” overwhelms Marshall with sexy guys at every turn, each promising to be the man of his fantasies. But too much of a good thing may not be a good thing. Marshall soon finds that all the attention is more than he bargained for. With the help of a wise and mysterious waitress (Morgan Fairchild), Marshall is given one last chance to listen to his heart and figure out what (and who) is really important. Directed by JC Calciano.

“The Wise Kids”

“We Were Here” “Leave it on the Floor” “Leave It On the Floor” tells the story of Brad, an African-American teenager who is thrown out of his dysfunctional home by his mother. He steals his mother’s car and travels into Los Angeles where, through a chance encounter, he stumbles into a raucous, chaotic event and meets the ragtag members of the struggling House of Eminence. Initially only looking for a place to sleep (and perhaps someone to sleep with), Brad ends up engaging with the colorful members of the house led by the indomitable house mother Queef Latina, herself an aging ball-legend and the fierce protectrice of her family. Laughter, tears, sex sirens, and butch queens up in pumps ensue and remarkably, Brad ends up finding an extraordinary home and loving, caring family in this, the strangest of places. Directed by Sheldon Larry. “We Were Here” 2011 marks 30 years since AIDS descended. Like an unrelenting hurricane, the epidemic roiled San Francisco for two decades and only began granting some reprieve with medical advancements in the late ‘90s. The death years of AIDS left the city ravaged and exhausted,. Though thousands are still living with HIV, and new infections continue at an alarming rate, the relentless suffering of the ‘80s and ‘90s has given way to a kind of calm, and, understandably, a degree of willful forgetfulness. “We Were Here” utilizes San Francisco’s experience with AIDS to open up a conversation both about the history of the epidemic, and the lessons to be learned.”We Were Here” focuses on five individual who lived in San Francisco prior to the epidemic. Their lives changed in unimaginable ways when their beloved city changed from a hotbed of sexual freedom and social experimentation into the epicenter of a terrible sexually transmitted plague. From their different vantage points as caregivers, activists, researchers, as friends and lovers of the afflicted, and as people with AIDS themselves, the interviewees share stories which are not only intensely personal, but which also illuminate the much larger themes of that era: the political and sexual complexities, the terrible emotional toll, and the role of women – particularly lesbians – in caring for and fighting for their gay brothers. Directed by David Weissman.

“Jamie and Jessie are Not Together” Got it Bad for the Wrong Girl? Jamie is moving from Chicago to New York hoping to become a Broadway actress. Her best friend Jessica is bummed, because she thinks she is in love with Jamie. As moving day gets closer, Jessica tries to make Jamie jealous by dating other women. But Jessica’s plan backfires, in a way she could never imagine. ”Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together” is about two queer girls whose codependent, loyal friendship is fraught with erotic tension. As they struggle with the gray areas of love and lust, Jamie and Jessie must figure out either how to grow together or how to grow apart. The film features Jacqui Jackson and Jessica London-Shields in the lead roles, along with Fawzia Mirza, Marika Engelhardt, Sienna Harris, Jen LaForte, and a stellar supporting cast. Directed by Wendy Jo Carlton. “From Hollywood to Dollywood” On the fumes of a dream, twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane have written a script with a plum role for their idol, Dolly Parton. Having had no luck getting the screenplay into her hands, they embark on a cross-country journey to personally deliver it to her. They set off from Dolly’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame heading East for Pigeon Forge, TN. Driving an RV they - named Jolene- is friend and partner Mike Bowen. All along Interstate 40 at rest stops, RV parks, bars, and hair salons our intrepid band of travelers meet everyday Americans, as the encounter everything from floods in Nashville to an Oklahoma tornado. The journey is also one of discovery for the brothers, as well: their relationship with their parents; their hopes, fears and ambitions; the bigotry they’ve encountered; as they search for tolerance and acceptance and the joy of realizing their biggest dream of handing their screenplay to Dolly Parton. Featuring appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad Allen, Beth Grant and Dustin Lance Black. Directed by Gary and Larry Lane.

“Judas Kiss” A quirk in time and space gives a failed filmmaker the chance to reshape his destiny when he visits his peculiar alma mater. At Keystone Summit University, Zachary Wells (Charlie David) confronts hot young student Danny Reyes (Richard Harmon), and discovers the past may be the only place where he can truly find himself. Also starring Brent Corrigan, Timo Descamps and Julia Morizawa. Directed by J.T. Tepnapa. “Private Romeo” When eight cadets are left behind at an isolated military high school, the greatest romantic drama ever written seeps out of the classroom and permeates their lives. Incorporating the original text of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ YouTube videos, and lip-synced Indie rock music, “Private Romeo” takes us to a mysterious and tender place that only Shakespeare could have inspired. Directed by Alan Brown.

For the complete schedule or to learn more about Out On Film: www.outonfilm.org

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Harvest Photography by Richie Arpino Creative Direction and Styling by Demetrius B. Williams Hair and Makeup by Calisto for Richie Arpino Salon Fashion Apparel by Bill Hallman Virginia Highland and Drew Lewis

IMAGES COURTESY OF

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HOMETOWN HEALTHCARE 90

Grady was founded in 1892 as a safety-net hospital, providing for Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations. More than a century ago, that group was the working poor. Today the hospital is a nexus for exceptional healthcare, advanced medical education and ground breaking research for EVERY citizen in the state. The hospital has expanded to a comprehensive health system including Georgia’s only Poison Control Center, an internationally recognized Infectious Disease Program, one of only two Burn Units, seven Neighborhood Health Centers and the technologically advanced Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center. Today’s Grady is iconic – consistently carrying out its primary mission -providing healthcare to all people, regardless of their ability to pay, without qualification to ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. The Atlanta community is family – always has been and always will be. The LGBT community is a vibrant force in the state and it deserves to benefit from all of the services the health system has to offer, both preventative and curative. That is why Grady is investing $25,000 in cash and in kind donations to Atlanta Pride. The region’s premier Level 1 Trauma Center is proud to be the official medical provider for Atlanta Pride. “Grady’s presence and sponsorship of Pride is one of many steps the hospital is taking to create a stronger partnership with the LGBT community,” said Lisa Borders, president of the Grady Health Foundation. “We recognize that healthcare is a right, not a privilege and we will work tirelessly to serve every patient who seeks care in our facilities.” Borders is working with Georgia Equality and others to create a Grady Patient’s Bill of Rights to ensure gender identity and sexual orientation are part of holistic health care package offered at the hospital. Grady has added domestic partner benefits, including same sex partners, to its employee benefits package. Dr. Jason Schneider, past president of the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association and a physician at Emory University and Grady, will again be the official Grady representative to Atlanta Pride in 2011. “I am extremely excited about volunteering and representing Grady at Pride,” said Schneider. “The LGBT community is a large part of Atlanta. Likewise, Grady, as an institution that serves the entire community, should be at the forefront of serving the LGBT community. The hospital’s participation at Pride is a great step.” Health care will be central to national and statewide discussions for the foreseeable future. It’s good to know that here at home, we have a hospital responsive and sensitive to the community. Atlanta can’t live without Grady. Grady can’t live without you.

See a doctor close to home at one of these Grady Primary Care Centers.

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Northwest Asa G. Yancey, Sr. M.D. Health Center

Southwest East Point Health Center

East Kirkwood Family Medicine

Northeast North DeKalb Health Center Lindbergh Women and Children’s Center

North North Fulton Health Center

Grady Memorial Hospital • Four Primary Care Centers

A complete listing of Grady’s Care Centers is available on the back. To find the clinicPrimary near you: www.gradyhealth.org

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Give at the Office AND Support Your Community It’s Fall and with the change in weather come the annual workplace employee-giving campaigns. Did you know that you’re able to support many of your favorite gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender serving organizations through a small deduction in your paycheck? You can if your workplace participates in the Georgia Shares employee giving campaign! Georgia Shares Fights Discrimination Georgia Shares is a federation of 25 non-profit organizations with a common mission of social justice for all Georgians. Because Georgia Shares member agencies care about a fair and just society, all Georgia Shares agencies must have policies in place that prohibit them from discriminating against employee or clients based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition to being the only employee giving federation that prohibits member agencies from discriminating against LGBT Georgians, Georgia Shares organizations all adhere to the following standards: • • • • •

locally controlled and operated; (all donations stay in Georgia) responsive to local issues member organizations meet the strictest standards for fiscal responsibility and public accountability united by a grass roots philosophy of helping people and communities solve their own problems providing greater access and opportunity for people in need

Your dollars make Change. Support the groups that make a difference in our community, groups that help solve the problems you care about. You pick the agencies to which your money goes through payroll donations. Your choice counts with Georgia Shares. With Georgia Shares you can choose to give directly to one or two organizations that have special importance to you. Of course,

there are so many worthy organizations involved with Georgia Shares that you can also choose to make a general gift that is split among all member agencies. Is your workplace a Georgia Shares workplace? Currently, Georgia Shares is involved in employee giving campaigns for the Combined Federal Campaign, the State of Georgia, Emory University, the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, Atlanta City Schools, Agnes Scott College, Paideia School, Grady Health System and Richard Wittschiebe Hand. If you work for one of these places, you will have the opportunity to help support the LGBT community and other critical needs through deductions in your paycheck. Your support in last year’s various campaigns has helped to raise over $200,000. These funds enabled our member agencies to: • Answer 22,823 crisis calls • Shelter 266 individuals and placed 281 individuals in affordable housing • Deliver direct legal services to 4,099 people • Refurbish 95 bikes to help people get needed transportation • Provided support services to 12,425 people affected by HIV/AIDS • Assist 29,299 people affected by domestic violence or sexual assault • Serve people in all 159 Georgia counties. You can choose to make a one-time donation or can choose to support us with regular deductions in your paycheck. Either way, it’s easy, it’s your choice, and it helps us make a difference in the lives of you and your loved ones.

Be A Friend This year, we are asking our supporters to consider helping us to develop a Friends Campaign at your office. A Friends Campaign is easy to develop, and will help raise even more money for our programs, outreach and advocacy efforts. Simply give us a call, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll send you materials on Georgia Shares and special incentive items to share with your co-workers to encourage them to consider designating one of our member agencies to receive their charitable contribution. To help us develop a Friends Campaign in your office, please contact Georgia Shares by calling (404) 844-6358 or sending an email to info@georgiashares.org. If your workplace employee-giving program does not currently have Georgia Shares or our members listed as participating agencies, give us a call. With your help, we may just be able to make it easier for you to give at the office, too! Support the Organizations That Support YOU Stop by and learn more about Georgia Shares and how our member agencies are supporting the LGBT community. Visit the following agencies that are here at Atlanta Pride: AID Gwinnett Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition Atlanta Pride Committee Charis Circle Feminist Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Center Georgia Equality The Health Initiative, the Voice of LGBT Health in Georgia SPARK Reproductive Justice YouthPride

For more information on Georgia Shares: www.georgiashares.org

2011 PRIDES OF THE SOUTHEAST INTERPRIDE MEMBERS The International Association of Pride Event Planners Atlanta Pride Festival Atlanta, GA www.atlantapride.org

www.interpride.org

Augusta Pride Augusta, GA www.augustapride.org Baton Rouge Pride Baton Rouge, LA www.brpridefest.com Blue Ridge Pride Asheville, NC www.blueridgepride.com Central Alabama Pride Birmingham, AL www.centralalabamapride.org Conway Gay Pride Conway, AR Destiny Foundation New Orleans, LA www.destinypage.net Emerald Coast Pride Lynn Haven, FL www.emeraldcoastpride.com Frederkicksburg Pride, Inc Fredericksburg, VA www.wix.com/fredpride/fpi Hampton Roads Pride Chesapeake, VA hamptonroadspride.shuttlepod.org Gainsville Pride Days Gainesville, FL www.gainesvillepride.org

Mobile Alabama Pride Mobile, AL www.mobilealabamapride.com

Myrtle Beach Pride Mrytle Beach, SC www.myrtlebeachpride.com Nashville Pride Nashville, TN www.nashvillepride.org OBX PrideFest Manteo, NC www.thegayobx.com Pride South Florida Fort Lauderdale, FL www.PrideSouthFlorida.org Rainbow Pride of West Virginia Charleston, WV www.pridewv.org Roanoke Pride Roanoke, VA www.roanokepride.org Savannah Pride Savannah, GA www.savpride.com St Pete Pride St Petersburg, FL www.stpetepride.com Tallahassee PRIDEFEST Tallahassee, FL www.tallahasseepride.com Upstate Pride Boiling Springs, SC www.upstatepridesc.org Virginia Pride Richmond, VA www.vapride.org

advancing equality one relationship at a time GBC provides free wills, financial powers of attorney and advance directives for healthcare for Georgians in same-sex relationships. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay! Contact us today to help you protect your relationship.