1.2.13 #30
WELCOME
TO THE FUTURE WE SURVIVED 2012! Now let’s take a look at the world over the next 10 years!
Barbra Streisand The ‘Funny Girl’ Returns, talks about her own ‘Guilt Trip’, and being a gay icon
S T AY H I LT O N .
GO OU T.
C E L E BR AT E T H E H OLIDAYS W ITH H I LTO N H OT E L S & RESORTS 10% off our Best Available Rate, high-speed Internet access, double HHonors Base Points, one-year digital subscription to OUT, and late check-out when available. Book now at hilton.com/GoOut
Proud to be the Official Hotel Partner of WorldPride and Gay Days Orlando. Proud Sponsor of Atlanta Pride and Out100.
Offer valid at participating hotels and resorts for stays from March 26, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Offer is subject to availability and valid for arrivals Thursday through Sunday. Minimum two (2) night consecutive stay required for Thursday arrivals. Other terms and conditions apply. For full terms and to book your stay, please visit hilton.com/GoOut. Š2012 Hilton Worldwide
m o r f e t o r o N t i A the Ed 1.2.13 Issue #30
STAFF MANAGEMENT David Thompson Publisher | david@davidatanta.com Maximillian Corwell Editor-in-Chief max@davidatanta.com Joe Ragsdale Art Director ragsdale@davidatanta.com Bob Gunby Sales Director | bob@davidatanta.com
EDITORIAL Joseph Brownell Lead Editor/Social Media Coordinator joseph@davidatanta.com Elijah Sarkesian Rian Ashlei Chris Azzopardi Corian Ellisor Van Gower Clayton Morey Sam Gabel Richard Marshall Dustin Shelby Brent Star Lucas Witherspoon
PRODUCTION Elijah Sarkesian Lead Writer/Assistant Art Director elijah@davidatlanta.com
SALES Chip O’ Kelley chip@davidatanta.com Steve Tyrrell steve@davidatanta.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Laurie Edward Photography Director Rory Evans Photographer
TECH SUPPORT Jamie Scarbrough Technical Support
DRT Media Group Inc. 404.418.8901
Signing Off
E
ight years ago I moved back to Atlanta, a young gay boy, naïve, in a big gay city. The world felt infinite at that time, as I would drive around in convertibles with drag queens, marveling at the skyline, as the sun would set. As I found my place in Midtown, I would always grab the weekly issue of David Magazine, and marvel at the fact this city was so lucky to have a publication that put the focus back on the LGBT community and businesses. Fast forward six years, never did I think I would be the Editor-in-Chief of such an institution, and have the opportunity to become so involved with people around this community. Over the last few years I have met amazing individuals who have taught me so much along the way. As sad as I am to go, I am excited for what my team and I have built since we took over almost two years ago. I came on board with a vision for this magazine, and my team executed it. Without them, there would be nothing. Thank you to the readers, the supporters, the people who have volunteered at events, and especially those who have written rebuttal articles to get a conversation going. Thank you to the haters, you played a part in the success of this magazine, too! Thank you to my writers, the photographers, the designers… thank you to everybody who made this great! I leave the magazine humbled as I get to start a new chapter, and while I am lucky to keep the friends I have made, I hope that the magazine will continue to find success in the future as it gets handed over to a new Editor, and a new era.
CONTACT Advertising sales@davidatlanta.com Classifieds classifieds@davidatlanta.com Editor / Press Releases press@davidatlanta.com Calendar Listings calendar@davidatlanta.com Bitch Column bitch@davidatanta.com
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See you all around town! Feel free to buy me a drink. Signing Off,
Maximillian C orwell The content of this Publication is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the Magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through this Publication meets your specific requirements. The Publication is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The Magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to the Publication, including but not limited to articles, advertisement, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of this Publication may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the Publisher. Unauthorized use of this Publication may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in the Publication is strictly at your own risk.
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TOC
44
1.2.13 Issue #30
Cover > Welcome to the Future Barbra Streisand
18 44
Feature > Hear Me Out The Memoirs of Angel King
16 38
Best of Seen @ > Joe’s on Juniper 10 Amsterdam 30 Events 52 Mixx 60
The Rest > BarTab 34 Comics 42 Protect Your Monster/ Top 10 54 Fairyscopes 58 Classifieds 59 Bitch, Please! 62
8 // davidatlanta.com
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@DavidAtlantaGA // 11
Every third Wednesday at Jungle
doors open at 7:30pm PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH
visit www.biggaygameshow.org
zopardi By Chris Az
KE$HA, Warrior
ALICIA KEYS, Girl on Fire
She’s tweeted a pic of her dildo “boyfriend” and written songs about getting drunk, stripping naked and getting hit on by old dudes. But Ke$ha’s 15 minutes aren’t over. With 12 songs that stretch her once-limited scope of dance music – both her debut and its follow-up, the Cannibal EP, underwent so much post-production vocal manipulation she was more robotic than a robot – Warrior is a gamechanger for the polarizing party girl. Now, her voice is raw – and she’s using it to reveal more than late-night binge drinking. “Die Young” is the kind of celebratory live-beforeyou-can’t-anymore song that gave her a name, but even then, there’s an unassuming maturity: She’s young but not blind to her own mortality. It’s a recurring theme. Selfempowering reckless abandon runs through “Crazy Kids” like it wants to lure Gaga’s Little Monsters. The whistling is definitely in Ke$ha’s favor. “Love into the Light” has “for the gays” written all over it. It’s a dear-diary song until the chorus, when it surges from dark-alley confessional into an ’80s power ballad that asks us to “forget about the hate.” That chorus is one of the best things I’ve heard all year. Hell, the entire album is, from The Strokes cameo on “Only Wanna Dance With You” to demystifying the fairy-tale life on “Wonderland.” Warrior is pop crack for a generation of rebels, wallflowers and the people who don’t understand them.
It’s called Girl on Fire, but when does Alicia Keys’ new album ignite? When do these sparks become flames? It just takes a while. Keys’ first disc since 2009’s The Element of Freedom opens with her moment of emancipation and self-actualization on the piano lifter “Brand New Me” – from what, who knows, since it could be citing motherhood, label changes … or that cute new hairdo. Whatever she’s referencing, it’s sung with a seething passion that has her blazing with emotion. You can practically see the fire in her face. These Alicia-at-the-piano moments – of which there are many on Girl on Fire – tend not to cast Keys as “brand new;” instead, they’re subtle reinventions that tweak the soul-sister style she’s been honing since Songs in A Minor was released 11 years ago. Some of it’s easy to write off: “New Day” has the beat but could’ve been written by anyone who likes to string party clichés together, and let’s just say reggae – where she takes “Limitedless” – ain’t her thing. The slight but vocally powerful “That’s When I Knew” refreshingly tries on some lo-fi acoustics, while electro drums swash the John Legend-scribed “Listen to Your Heart.” But it’s no surprise that she’s best when she holds tight to her roots: “Tears Always Win” is an old-school heartbreaker that’s got everything but a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. If you let it, the rest of Girl on Fire will burn inside your soul, too.
Grade: A-
Grade: B
16 // davidatlanta.com
@DavidAtlantaGA // 17
Welcome to the Future Your Quick Look Guide to the Next 10 Years
S
By Maximillian Corwell
ome love the evolution of technology, seeing what things can be improved upon to make our lives easier. Others hate the evolution of technology, because sometimes it can be hard to keep up with how quickly it can evolve (I mean, how many times will I have to buy the new iPhone?). We already live in a world where we carry a computer in our pockets, social media has taken over our lives, bookstores are a thing of the past, and even your mom knows how to text message with emoticons. So what big changes will happen in the next 10 years?
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Google Glasses In 2014, Google will begin selling its highly anticipated Google Glass. The glasses are said to run Android operating system, and are the latest innovation in augmented reality. What will they do? You can record video, read text messages, browse the web, connect to your smart phone, or find the nearest restaurant – and all of this will be in your glasses and much more.
Driverless Cars Car technology has been increasing rapidly as companies are pouring money into R&D. So in 2017 (only four years from now), expect your first semidriverless cars. Shortly thereafter, expect for your car to be able to communicate with traffic lights, interact with other vehicles to avoid accidents, find the nearest or cheapest gas station for you (and pay automatically), and be fully connected to your home or work network. Oh, and they will drive themselves. Thanks to the Obama administration, new cars will also have to meet stricter regulations in 2016 achieving an average of 35 MPG.
3D Printers 3D printers will revolutionize how we do just about anything, really. While the technology has been around for a long time, it is finally becoming affordable to consumer households. What will you be able to do? Lose your car key? Download it and print a new one. Need the perfect belt buckle for those new jeans? Download it and print it! It layers pieces of rubber, aluminum, plastic, and more into what you need. Eventually – a long time down the road – you should be able to download your medicine too.
Be Fluent In Every Language DARPA and Google have been developing extensive language databases to help translate whatever the user needs. It won’t be long before you can take a phone call with a business executive in Japan without needing to speak an ounce of Japanese.
Resurrect the Woolly Mammoth As crazy as it sounds, scientists have been trying to resurrect this furry creature for a while. It failed due to cell nuclei being badly damaged by ice crystals. However, technology will advance to fix this issue, letting the mammoth be reborn. In the following 20 years, expect to see them start showing up at a zoo near you.
Russia’s $165,000 Hotel – In Space Russian group Energiya has been working to begin to build a seven-person space hotel. The five-day trip will cost roughly $165,000 per person, and that is before the $410,000 flight. Precooked gourmet meals, sealed showers, and spectacular views of Earth – would you spend the money?
Goodbye Cateret Islands The lush Cateret Islands in Papua New Guinea will become uninhabitable. We never said the future was all great! Many scientists believe by 2015 the inhabitants of the island will all be forced to relocate due to rising sea levels. Saltwater will eventually destroy their wells, crops, trees, and buildings. As of 2012, some have already begun leaving the island, making them the first refugees of rising sea levels. 20 // davidatlanta.com
Beam Me Up! You will not teleport anytime soon, but simple molecules of water and carbon dioxide will be teleported successfully.
HIV Vaccine by 2017? It’s not definite, but it could be possible. Promising trials have begun Phase I on human trails of a drug called SAV001 in London, Ontario. So far, results have shown no adverse effects. If trials continue to go well in Phase II and Phase III, expect a commercially available vaccine by 2017.
Stronger Batteries We all know how much it sucks when your smart phone dies in the middle of the day, or you forget to charge it before bed. We carry around multiple chargers: one at home, one in the car, and one at work. Well, in 2015, lithium-ion technology should be perfected. Your phone will charge from dead to full in under 15 minutes and will last for an entire week. It will also help make electric cars much more efficient.
@DavidAtlantaGA // 21
Drugs – Fight Obesity & Drug Addiction (and so much more)
Let the debate on this rage on, but sometime in the next 10 years we will see drugs enter the market that do miraculous things. For instance, an obesity drug is being developed that will turn off the fat insulator gene. What about drug addiction? A vaccine that is already in human trials would help shut down reactors in the brain that recognize drug molecules. It has worked in mice so far; time will tell if it will work with humans too.
Cell Phones Starting this New Year we should begin to see the first “flexible phones”, which will open the door to a wild reality of new cell phone options over the next 10 years. Paired with nano technology, it’s only a matter of time before you can expand, contract, bend or mold your cell phone into anything you want.
Longevity Extension You may not live forever, but you may live longer. By 2020, advances in aging tests will help reduce cell damage, mitochondrial mutation, and other effects of aging (bye-bye wrinkles). While this may slightly extend your longevity, if you are middle aged or younger by 2020, you may be around for more significant and dramatic advancements in the following decades, bringing the ability to live over 200 years old (or longer) from science fiction to reality.
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Welcome to the Future
Out-of-Date Things That Will Become Obsolete (or very close) Within 10 Years
Newspapers This will make doing paper maché difficult.
Offices Telecommuting is becoming the better (and more affordable) trend for many employers and employees.
Keyboards Touch screens will dominate everything.
RedBox They had their moment.
Cash You can use this for paper maché! Phew.
Post Offices They had a great run though!
Voicemail Does anybody use this currently anyway?
Wallets Your phone will be able to do anything you need.
Keys Sensors will lock or unlock your doors. Goodbye, janitor keys!
Video Game Consoles Video games aren’t going out of style, but the bulky consoles are.
Telephone Polls The lines are moving underground. Oh, and people won’t carry landlines. People are rapidly switching to internet phone lines.
26 // davidatlanta.com
@DavidAtlantaGA // 27
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MONDAY
BLAKE’S Game Night - Brain Freeze Trivia & Family Feud back to back 11:30pm
BURKHART’S Blue Monday Karaoke w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm
COCKPIT Big Red Cup All Day, specials EAGLE Comedy TV- Free Pool FELIX’S Free Pool FRIENDS DJ opens at 2pm Gilbert’s Half Priced Entrees 5-11PM HERETIC Play w/ Eddie 4pm-11pm HIDEAWAY $2.50 Domestic Beer hobnob Date Night 19.95 3 course dinner for two 5-11PM JUNGLE Stars of the Century Show 11pm MODEL T Monday Night Madness 9pm OSCAR’S Midtown Martini Club 4pm. Service Industry Night 9pm TRIPP’S Monday Night Madness 9pm WOOF’S Texas Hold ‘Em Poker 8pm
TUESDAY BLAKE’S POP! Karaoke with Princess Charles & Suzanne Gleeson 11pm
BURKHART’S Trivia Tuesday Karaoke w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm
COCKPIT 80s Party 9pm, specials 5-8pm EAGLE Tuesdays w/ Tony FELIX’S Smirnoff Martini Night FRIENDS Let’s Make a Deal 6pm Gilbert’s Industry Night (complementary pizza after 10pm) HERETIC 2-Step Tuesday, dance till 11pm HIDEAWAY TEAM Trivia w/ Will 9pm MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 9:30pm OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday 8pm SWINGING RICHARDS 1/2 Price cover TRIPP’S Ladies Night 9pm WOOF’S Industry Day Free Wii 5pm
WEDNESDAY BLAKE’S 5-9pm Doug’s party pop hits, The “Lust and Bust Show”11 pm BURKHART’S Humpday Karaoke w/ Darlene Majewski 11:30pm COCKPIT Balls Deep Karaoke 10pm
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EAGLE 80’s Music w/ Travis Friends Team Trivia 8pm Gilbert’s Karaoke 10pm-2am heretic 25¢ Keystone Light ,No Cover! hideaway Trivia w/ Will 9pm jungle Big Gay Game Show 3rd Wed mixx Texas Hold’em Poker 7pm model t Karaoke 10pm oscar’s ReBooT Retro 8pm swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP Room tripp’s Free Taco Bar 5pm xcess ultra lounge Raquell Lord’s Talent Show @ 10:30pm, Sophia Mcintosh & Fab 5 +1 @11:30pm, 18+ woof’s Food Special, Trivia 8pm
THURSDAY blake’s Texas Hold’Em Poker 7pm, Shawnna Factor Show 11pm - $5.00 burgers all day BURKHART’S Twisted Thursday w/ Phoenix 11:30pm cockpit Dirty Boy Bingo w/ Ruby Redd eagle Karaoke w/ Mikey felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm friends Girls Who Like Girls Meet Girls Gilbert’s Wine tasting 6-10pm heretic 3 Legged Cowboy Night 9pm hideaway Service Industry Night hobnob Live Music 8-11PM jungle Cherry Pop Thursday! model t Party-Time 9pm oscar’s Kickin It w/ Kyle 8pm swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP & Entry tripp’s Spotlight Karaoke 9pm xcess ultra lounge Turnt Up Thursday woof’s Food Special, Country Music 7pm
FRIDAY blake’s 5-9pm TGIF, Charlie’s Angels w/ Charlie Brown 11pm BURKHART’S Fab Five w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s eagle DJ Dance Party friends Happy Times with Kelly & Ken heretic no cover B4 11pm hideaway After Work Martini Madness
jungle Club Night, Various DJ’s mixx Grown & Sexy Dance 10pm model t Saturday Night Live 9pm oscar’s 80’s Retro Vidz 8pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review, $10 tripp’s Afternoon Delights 4pm woof’s Atlanta’s Best Social Night 6pm
SATURDAY blake’s opens 1pm, Daring Divas 11pm BURKHART’S Extravaganza w/ Shavonna B. Brooks 11:30pm
cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s eagle DJ Dance Party felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm friends Afternoon Party with D.J. Noon - 6pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm heretic Varies: Club Night or 3 Legged Cowboy Night - 10pm jungle Club Night, Various Guest DJ’s. mixx Guest DJ’s Dance 10pm model t Sunday Dinner 3:30pm oscar’s Total Request Videos 8pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review $10 tripp’s Afternoon Cookout 3pm xcess ultra lounge 25+ FREE til 12am woof’s Game Day All Day
SUNDAY blake’s Open at 1pm - High Energy Music & Video w/ Bill Berdeaux & Daryl Cox
BURKHART’S Armorettes Drag Show club rush Hip Hop w DJ Truz, no cover cockpit PBR Beer Bust felix’s Bloody Marys & Mimosas friends Smirnoff B Mary Bar 12:30pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm and Karaoke 6-11:30pm hideaway Bloody Mary Bar 12:30pm las margaritas All You Can Eat til 3pm mixx Old School Sunday Dance 7pm model t Sunday Dinner w Ron 3:30pm tripp’s Buffet 3pm; Karaoke pm woof’s Bloody Mary bar, PBR special
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The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave
Rush Lounge 2715 Buford Hwy Burkhart’s Pub BJ Roosters 2345 Cheshire Bridge
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Amsterdam Cafe 502-A Amsterdam Ave
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Jungle 2115 Faulkner Rd Manifest 4 U 2103 Faulkner Rd
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Tripps 1931 Piedmont Circle
Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge
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Felix’s Oscar’s Brushstrokes Capulets 1510 Piedmont Ave
Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave
Joe’s on Juniper 1049 Juniper St
11th Street
Bar
Gilbert’s Cafe 219 10th St
Piedmont Ave
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Dining Pool table
Blake’s 227 10th St
8th St Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St
7th Street 6th Street
Flex Spa 76 4th St
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XS Ultra Lounge 708 Spring St
3rd Street
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Atlanta Eagle Rawhide Leather 306 Ponce De Leon Ave
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Retail
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Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave
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designs by www.tannerhuynh.com @DavidAtlantaGA // 35
The
Memoirs of Angel King A New Fictional Novel, Examines Struggle of Gay Conversion Therapy
By Tom McCauley
I
n The Memoirs of Angel King, Raph Solo weaves a tale about coming to terms with being gay and finding God in the 21st Century. Based on the author’s real-life experiences, the novel chronicles the journey of a young male model and aspiring pop singer who yearns to find true love. Eight years and six ex-boyfriends later, he begins to doubt he will ever find it with another man and makes the bold decision to embark on a quest to alter his sexual orientation. He is forced to confront demons of his past, including a disconnected father and overbearing mother. Eventually, the metaphorical Angel King conquers them in a cathartic battle, but not before a half-decade of self-imposed celibacy and a failed attempt at curing his homosexuality. The Memoirs of Angel King is available this month on Amazon.com, iTunes, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers.
38 // davidatlanta.com
“The Memoirs of Angel King started out as a private journal I kept as part of my reparative therapy,” reveals Solo of his first book. “I developed my entries into a novel by fictionalizing the characters and adding a supernatural sci-fi element to the setting. However, much of the book is based on experiences in my real life. Fictionalizing the elements made it a little easier to relive.” Angel King – the name is a derivative of the author’s full name, Raphael Solomon – is an angel from heaven masquerading as a human being on planet Earth; haunted by the ghost of his former lover, Diablo Sin. Through their relationship, Solo explores the theme of Heaven and Hell and what it means to him, personally.
“I believe everybody is an angel”, Solo reflects. “Some of us are fallen angels and others are recently risen. Some do not believe they will ever fly again and are paralyzed by fear.”
“Angel King is a reminder that life offers infinite possibilities in each and every new moment in our lives,” he says. “In the end, we will fly again, as we have flown before. It’s vital that we reconnect with our spirits.”
According to Solo, the greatest demon known to mankind is fear: fear of loss, abandonment, rejection, Raph Solo admits he has felt his wings clipped, and inferiority. Fear of being used or of not living up beginning in youth when he says he faced rejection to one’s full potential; fear of losing connection with from his father. the collective force of the universe. @DavidAtlantaGA // 39
“Sometimes the people who love you the most are the ones who are least able to express their love in the way you want them to,” reflects Solo. “It doesn’t mean they don’t love you. I realize now that my father did the best he could. I can’t place blame on him for the way things turned out for me. Blame begets anger and frustration that consumes the soul. It turns love into hate.” Solo learned forgiveness through years of therapy, including sessions aimed at trying to cure his homosexuality. “Reparative Therapy was positive for me in that it allowed me to identify the roots of my insecurities and it helped me to repair them by identifying their causes. However, the process was damaging to my self esteem,” he points out. “Ultimately, I had to accept the reality of my homosexuality.” The turning point occurred at work when an ex-fling walked into Raph Solo’s shop. “I felt this really strong attraction towards him,” he remembers. “It was like an impenetrable force. When he left, I asked myself, could I ever feel this way towards a girl? I realized ‘who was I kidding? I am gay!’” He says now that he is grateful to be gay because it has given him fortitude in love. “I’ve fought twice as hard as the man who never had to question his sexuality. I have a faith in love most other men do not have.” Angel King also possesses that faith. The greatest lesson Angel King learns in the novel is that homosexuality is not a disease that can be cured. He also learns other important lessons every well-adjusted gay man should know. To not be beauty obsessed. Angel King learns to place less emphasis on the body when determining a partner’s compatibility. “However, he doesn’t compromise that he has to be sexually attracted to the person,” says Solo. “Sex is an important part of a relationship.” To be tolerant. Angel King encounters male prostitution more than once in the story. Solo explains he drew inspiration from the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Angel King ultimately decides prostitution is not for him but he learns to not be judgemental of people in the profession. To have gratitude. Angel King learns to acknowledge people inflicted with HIV/AIDS. “It would serve all gay men and women to recognize the struggles of those affected with HIV/AIDS and applaud their survival,” says Solo. 40 // davidatlanta.com
SAM’S ion s s a P r u O s I r i Ha
In the end, Angel King – and Raph Solo – are optimistic they will find love with a man. Both have also managed to reconnect with God. “I’ve always had a great relationship with God,” says Solo. “It got a little muddled when I went through reparative therapy but we held it together. It was a misunderstanding, like any two friends might have. I thought He was mad at me for being gay and that He was teaching me a lesson by not allowing my relationships to work.” “We’ve patched things up. I know now he does love me and he has taught me how to love myself and for that, I say thank you.” Angel King reflects his sentiments.
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COMICS
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a r b r a d n BStreisa N U F ‘ E TH
NS R U T E ’R L R I G NY By Chris Azzopardi photos: Paramount Pictures
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a
Legend talks screen comeback, being a gay icon and her own guilt trip Barbra Streisand takes center stage, but she’s not busting out “The Way We Were.” Not today, anyway. The legend is promoting her first major film in 16 years at the Four Seasons Los Angeles. Her hair is perfectly coiffed and – dressed in her usual all-black attire – she’s got the off-the-shoulder look going on. Hello, gorgeous, indeed. Not long into the interview, a makeup artist waiting in the wings pats any remnants of forehead sweat. You don’t let a legend perspire – and Barbra Streisand is the epitome of an American treasure: a consummate singer with a timeless mezzo-soprano; an Emmy, Oscar and Grammy award winner; and the woman who stole hearts in A Star is Born. To us, a gay icon. After a short stint of recent sold-out shows, Streisand returns to starring-role status in The Guilt Trip alongside goofball Seth Rogen – for real: Babs with the Zack and Miri Make a Porno actor – as a mother-son duo that goes road-tripping together and gets into all sorts of shenanigans. If it weren’t for director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal), who would only do the film with Babs, there’d be no movie – and, worse, no Barbra. Streisand, along with Rogen and Fletcher, sat down to chat about the reason she finally gave in (thank her own gay son for that), what she thinks of being a gay icon and how she’s managed to stay successful for nearly six decades. What was it like meeting each other for the first time?
BS: I was the one with the iPhone. SR: She had an iPhone before me. I was like, “I gotta get myself one of these. If Barbra can work an iPhone, it’s gotta be fun.” BS: Yesterday he asked me if I had a Twitter account. I said, “I don’t know.” SR: I showed her that she did! I change her clocks during daylight savings and all that stuff. You must know a lot of gay people are going to see this movie –
Barbra Streisand: Seth sussed me out. He called people. BS: We hope so. Seth Rogen: And she checked out. This Barbra Streisand lady checked out. So I thought I’d give her a shot. (Laughs) Because Seth is such a huge gay icon. BS: I didn’t know who to call. I don’t know any of those people from his movies, so what was I gonna do? No – I thought he was adorable. What are you two like off set?
SR: (Sarcastically) I’m a gay icon? Do gay people like Barbra, too? I didn’t know that. Barbra, how do you feel about the label of “gay icon” – and do you think your own son, Jason Gould, thinks of you as one?
SR: The way we talk in real life is not entirely different than our rapport in the movie. It’s a lot of me trying to BS: He doesn’t see me as an icon. He sees me as his explain things to her about modern times and her trying to mother who touches his hair too much. No – I love being an feed me shit I don’t want to eat. icon to anybody. Equal rights, you know! @DavidAtlantaGA // 45
SR: Yeah. Me too. (Laughs)
BS: Well, he’s my son. (Laughs)
What did your gay friends think when you told them you were working with Barbra?
What about reading it with your son sealed the deal?
Anne Fletcher: Everyone in my life is gay, but I have one best friend who has been obsessed with her since he was a child. His entire childhood was saved because of Barbra – with her music and her movies. His mom had just died four or five years ago, so for him to meet her on the movie – and her and I having such a relationship – was just full circle.
BS: Mothers develop guilt trips. I feel guilty as a parent that I couldn’t pick up my son every day from school and bake him cookies. I know that feeling. I know that feeling a lot. Having a famous parent is an odd thing. I thought it was interesting to investigate trying to be my son’s friend versus a mother.
Barbra, how much contact did you and Jason have when you were considering the role? BS: He actually was very important in my decision to make the movie. He was recovering from back surgery, so he was in bed for a few days after, and I brought the script over and we read it out loud. It was interesting, actually. His father was in the room, too. Isn’t that funny? We were both coddling our son, so he became the audience and Jason was reading the parts with me and he said, “I think you should do it, Mom.” I really trust his integrity and his opinion. He has great taste in whatever he chooses to do. And he clinched the deal.
It was a true story. It’s (writer) Dan (Fogelman) and his mother. She was a fan of mine, and Dan wrote this lovely script. It just felt like it was meant to be. Meant for me to come back to work in a starring role. It was time to challenge myself again. Of course, I made it very difficult for them to hire me, because I kept wanting an out: “I really don’t wanna schlep to Paramount. It’s two hours each way, so would you, like, rent a warehouse and build the sets in the Valley no more than 45 minutes from my house?” They said yes. AF: I wasn’t gonna do this movie without these two. There wasn’t backup. If Seth said no, there was no replacement; if Barbra said no, there was no replacement. It was them, or I wasn’t gonna make the movie.
AF: I was with you all over the world, but I love that Jason BS: I said to Anne, “Would you make the movie without just one night says, “Yes, Mom, do it.” (I said that) for a whole year! me?” And she said no. And I felt bad! Another guilt trip, right? 46 // davidatlanta.com
SR: I was open to Shirley MacLaine. (Laughs) No, it’s not glamorous-beautiful. You have to be every mom for us to true. I only would’ve done it if Barbra was doing it. tell the story the right way.” BS: It was great to feel wanted.
Barbra, what’s your beauty secret?
Who is another gay icon you want to work with, BS: God, what is my secret? Anne? SR: Sitting next to me helps. AF: I don’t really like the “gay icons,” by the way. I don’t really respond to them very well. I think Barbra is so BS: (Laughs) He is so funny. If you knew all my selfgrounded in many different things, but there’s some of doubt, my god – I don’t know. Maybe I’m slightly them – I’m really insulting gay sensibility. (Laughs) But childish. Liza Minnelli. I do love Liza. AF: Your spirit is youthful. What was Barbra like? What surprised you most about her? BS: Yeah. I kind of like the child part of me. AF: We became friends instantly. She’s easygoing, funny, kind, strong and knows who she is. She’s unbelievably awesome. She’d tell me some of the greatest, most personable stories that happened in her life that I can’t remember one iota of. My best friend’s a little pissed about that. (Laughs) I imagine directing a legend like Barbra Streisand would be intimidating. Was it? Did she call the shots? AF: It’s not intimidating. She comes to work as an actor, as an artist, and she’s been doing it for so long that all the pieces fall back into place exactly how they were. We’re all there for the common good, so she would come to work as any other actor. She’s a legend, so that’s a little different. But it was never intimidating, because she’s just so genuine. She had my back, and the support I had from her was extraordinary.
What was harder for you, Barbra: the drama or the comedy elements of the film? BS: Eating steak! That was the hardest thing, I think. But no, they’re both the same. I don’t think there’s a distinction between how you play drama or comedy, if it’s based in truth. AF: This woman may not like steak, but she’s a foodie. You’ve never met a foodie in your whole life until you’ve been with Barbra Streisand. This woman loves food more than anything – and she will eat it! She’s a bottomless
So no diva moments? AF: Never. I know we’ve all heard the stories about her endlessly throughout all these years, but I can’t say whether they’re true or false. I just know from my experience I had an unbelievable experience with her, and I would do it again. She works harder than anyone. And her brain never shuts off. That’s the only thing I would complain about! Like, “Please stop thinking for just five minutes – because I’m tired.” (Laughs) Even if people think of her as a diva, this role really takes you out of that mindset. You never think of Barbra Streisand, “the diva.” AF: That’s the best compliment. I’m glad you say that. This was part of our conversation: “If we’re gonna win the audience, you have to be every mother. You have to capture the essence of moms now. You can’t be @DavidAtlantaGA // 47
pit. We had many discussions about that steak scene. From Barbra’s side it was, “Does it have to be that? It seems a little gross.”
not the same as when I last made a film. They’re not interested in love stories. It’s a different time. I don’t like it as much.
Anne, did Barbra ever break into song?
What’s the secret to your success?
AF: Never. Barbra will not sing. I sang an awful lot to her. But she will not sing. There’s a thing that she did in the movie that we cut out where she’d go, “Hmm, hmm, hmm.” She would do rhythmic things that she does with her voice that only Barbra can do – and I would take that as singing. But she would never do it. Never. She’s so rude. (Laughs) Give us a free concert, Barbra. She’s like, “Pay for it!”
BS: Oh my god. I don’t make that many movies and I don’t make that many appearances so I ...
You can sing, act, produce, write and direct. What can’t you do well? BS: I can’t cook at all. I mean, I would not know how to make coffee. I took cooking classes. I know how to make chocolate soufflé. Just ask me if I want to make it. I’d rather have somebody else make the chocolate soufflé – and I eat it. When I tried to cook, put it this way: It was never appetizing to eat. And the hands! So filthy with the stuff. And then cleaning up – no, I don’t like that part.
SR: ... leave them wanting more. BS: Less is more. Maybe that keeps a little mystery or something. What do you want audiences to take away from the film? BS: I want them to be moved and I want them to see themselves in the movie. I want them to get closer to their children. A lot of things. It’s a transformative kind of movie. They start at one point and are both kind of tragically alone, not finding a mate, and then at the end there are many more possibilities. Horizons open. He took me out of my shell. It’s about love. I always say it’s a different kind of love story. SR: Which to me sounds gross.
Barbra, you must see a lot of scripts, right? BS: See where your mind goes? Always to the sexual. BS: I don’t. You see, everybody thinks like you. Meanwhile, I go, “Where are the scripts?” (Laughs) It’s
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SR: Right in the gutter.
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fairyscopes ARIES (March 20 – April 19): If you share your darkest secret fantasy with one person, you’re probably sharing it with at least a few more. Don’t talk; do. Confidantes can’t always be trusted, but partners in crime usually can.
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): The wit and
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Pushing too hard to
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Worries that you don’t measure up will exacerbate relationship problems. Relax. Have confidence in yourself and your ability to solve problems. Your brain and your mouth probably got you into this fix. Let your ears and your heart find the way out.
get ahead can ruffle the feathers of your superiors. Make sure the rung you want to step up to isn’t already occupied. Put down the horn and let your best work speak for itself.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Fights at home can get pretty fierce. Is it worth it? You may need to make a deep change and sacrifice something to make your relationship work. Some time out can help, but don’t use that as an excuse to avoid the problems.
logic that have been so dazzling lately are leaving you, but don’t fret. Just be ready to shift gears to whimsy and sensitivity. Your sympathetic support can prove helpful. Often it’s best just to be a good listener.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): This should be your lucky year, but luck serves the wellprepared. Take time out to think carefully of what work is necessary to nurture the projects that may bring you fortune.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Meditation and spiritual discipline will be more important than ever in the next year. Unusual clarity now can show you how best to proceed. Talking about your craziest dreams can lead you from inspiration to practical application.
CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your
LEO (July 23 – August 22): There’s nothing wrong with ambition per se, but trying too hard, especially when you’re not thinking ahead very clearly, is only a sure route to disaster. Don’t be scared of guidance and limits – or the people who suggest them.
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Economic
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): No matter who is causing problems at work, you can only be responsible for yourself. If your own recent brainstorms and innovations are a part of it, own up and learn from whatever mistakes were made, especially your own.
PISCES (February 19 – March 19): The confusion
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uncertainty brings opportunities for those with vision and intuition. Yours are especially sharp right now. Discuss your inspirations with a bright, innovative friend. A recent spontaneous tryst could bring recriminations or insights. Focus on insights.
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TLC stands for The Learning Channel. So maybe they can get back to WWII specials and kick Honey Boo Boo to the curb.
Keep your hands off my guns!
I hope Santa isn’t using Apple Maps this season.
I hope your Kwanzaa is filled with people not asking you about Kwanzaa. I am sitting in this bar right now two people short of a threesome.
How do five gay guys walk? In One Direction. 62 // davidatlanta.com
I’m not saying The Hobbit put me to sleep, but I remember it as seven Norah Jones albums.
The world didn’t end so you boys better have practiced safe end-of-the-world sex this past week!
This Christmas I stocked up on Vicadin and wine. #familytime Being shirtless doesn’t make you more hot. It honestly just makes you more of a douchebag. Every time you brag about how green you are, I print off the letters “FUCK YOU” on seven sheets of white paper.