1.30.13 #34
TAG ME
Boy Next Door delivers hot clothes for Atlanta’s finicky weather
Jewish and Gay Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Bridges the LGBT and Jewish Communities
Dave Franco (James’ Sexier Brother) Embraces His Gay Fanbase
Lucas +Michael ‘9 to 5’ Not So Str8
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m o r f e t o r o N t i A the Ed 1.30.13 Issue #34
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The Power of Political Pressure
W
hen giving his second inaugural address on Jan. 21, President Barack Obama made a notable reference to the gay community, marking the first time our community has been specifically mentioned in such a context. It’s a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made as a community over the past four years, and how much work remains for us. Within the span of four years, multiple states have legalized same-sex marriage and the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy has been repealed, just to give two examples. Given the decades of work put into the drive for LGBT equality, sometimes it seems like things are suddenly—and quickly—going in our favor. It’s enough to make some believe the fight for equality is over, or at least close to the end. But it’s not. I wholeheartedly believe that one of the driving reasons for the rapid rise in LGBT equality comes from more of us coming out and demanding equal access to rights we’ve long gone without. While it’s great that a growing number of political leaders are speaking out on our behalf, the vast majority probably wouldn’t do it if not for our actions. So it’s great that we have a president willing to stand up for us. Now it falls to us to make sure his actions match his words.
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TOC
1.30.13 Issue #34
Cover > Tag Me Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Dave Franco
40 22 26
Feature > Michael Lucas Mandy Mitchell Not So Str8
16 36 50
Seen@ > Blake’s 10 Burkhart’s 60
The Rest > WTF!?!? Tidbits Untucked with Brent Star BarTab Protect Your Monster Fairyscopes Classifieds Bitch, Please!
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40
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14 34 52 58 59 62
COVER: PHOTOGRAPHY Laurie Edward MODEL Greg Thompson 8 // davidatlanta.com
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@DavidAtlantaGA // 11
By Lucas Witherspoon
R
yan Gosling has deemed his muscles his “pets.” While speaking to Australia’s Herald Sun, he said, “It’s really quite pointless, because you go to a gym and you lift a heavy thing so a muscle grows, but the only thing the muscle can actually do is to lift that heavy thing. After a while they’re like pets because they don’t do anything useful.” First of all, my penis would beg to differ about the usefulness of his muscles. Secondly, I am available for pet sitting.
I’ll admit that, being a trash television connoisseur, I was at one time addicted to Teen Mom, particularly because I found Tyler Baltierra from the first installment of the franchise incredibly sexy (and he and Catelynn Lowell were the only mature couple in the entire franchise), and also because I love a hot mess, a.k.a. Jenelle Evans from Teen Mom 2. Between her insane mother and her sadly entertaining trainwreck of a life, she made for good television. After battles with drugs (she just went to rehab for heroin addiction in November of 2012) and legal problems, she eventually lost custody of her first son, Jace, to her mother. After season two, though, it just became too sad to watch. Cut to present-day: Jenelle has just announced that she’s pregnant with her second child, which she conceived with her husband of a whopping month and a half. If ever there were a case for forced sterilization, I’d say Teen Mom would provide more than enough evidence in favor of it. Britney Spears is reportedly in a bidding war with three different Las Vegas casinos for a two-year headlining stint that would net her at least $200 million. According to TMZ, “Sources connected with the negotiations tell us…Britney could get $100 mil a year and maybe more. That’s what Céline Dion made and Britney could be an even bigger draw.” So basically, her show would be like Céline’s, but without all that pesky singing and less intricate arm choreography, and she stands to make even more than Céline did. Larry Rudolph (her manager) had better be getting a veeeery big Christmas bonus if he manages to pull this one off. 12 // davidatlanta.com
Michael Lohan, Father of the Year, spoke to Radar Online, in which he alleged that Lindsay is escorting: “She is getting paid to date rich men. Dina is pimping her out – it’s disgusting!” Another “source” close to Lindsay also said, “The dates last for days, and the guys pay for everything – hotel, travel costs, food, whatever – as well as jewelry and other gifts.” Prince Haji Abdul Azim of Brunei recently paid LiLo $100,000 to make an appearance at his New Year’s party, as well as covering all of her travel expenses and accommodations, and Domingo Zapata hass given access to his penthouse at the Bowery Hotel in NYC and his digs at the Chateau Marmont in L.A. Michael was quick to backtrack, telling TMZ, “By absolutely NO MEANS did I ever make such a statement…EVER! Sure, Lindsay and [other celebs] make personal appearances and get paid for it. […] But for sex? Are you kidding me? I would never say that because she would NEVER do that and it NEVER happened!” So wait, she’s getting paid to fly to London, NYC, and L.A., where she then has free lavish accommodations, gets showered with expensive gifts, and there’s (allegedly) no sex involved? Where are all of the rich gay guys? I’d settle for much less while also getting triple penetrated (not sure how the mechanics of that would work, but we’ll cross that bridge later). Charlie Sheen is going to be a grandfather. Apparently he has a 28-year-old daughter named Cassandra Estevez (raise your hand if you knew that…yeah, didn’t think so) who he announced is knocked up. I just imagine an Estevez (Charlie’s legal surname) Christmas: children gathered around Grandpa Charlie, fire ablaze in the background, as he tells his tales of crack binges and porn stars. In two of the most obvious coming-outs of all time, Jodie Foster kind of-sort of came out at the Golden Globes, during a maybe-coherent, rambling acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by Victor Garber confirming he’s been living together with his partner of 13 years, model Rainer Andreesen. Next you’re going to tell me Lance Armstrong has been doping up all these years. Oh, wait…
I
think it’s time for me to interview a new tranny tran tran on the ATL scene. Now that I “thoughts” about it, there’s this one new gal that I think is hot! Her name is Violet Chachki. First of all, Ms. Thing paints her face to the upmost! Her mug gives Home Depot’s paint section a run for their money honey! When I first saw her “just hanging out” with kids, I thought she was just a new “club kid.” A few months later, I see her sashaying on the big stage at Pride as a solo act, I was like “who iz…her ?!” I ran into her again when I hosted a holiday show at Mary’s of East Atlanta, where the crowd lovers her. Then I ran into her “one mo ‘gin” when we worked together for the movie Last Vegas, which I talked about back in the Brent Star Report. It was on that set when I said to myself, “I like her.” She’s a natural. The time has come for us to have a kiki and get Untucked!
What did you like most about filming Last Vegas? Being the star in my own movie, duh!
of tchotchke, a Yiddish word for a pretty, useless little doll. Ex: What a marvelous shelf of chachkies you have. You betta give an example! What made you decide to do drag? Well, I’ve always loved fashion. I used to “style” my girlfriends then got bored and figured, “I probably can do this better on me,” and I did! I then started thinking about how people let fashion define them. Clothes don’t have genitalia, people do! YESSS! YESSSS! AND YESSSS! Who do you look up to in the ATL scene? I’ve definitely been inspired by Jaye Lish, but everyone already knows she’s a genius. Burlesque performer Fonda Lingue is inspirational just to be around, and of course club kid and camera whore David Richardson consistently leaves me gagged! Where can the readers catch you do your thing?
Not too much, Ms. Violet! No, but seriously, it was cool to get behind the scenes and be apart of such a major production. My feet were killing me the whole time wearing those pumps for 12 hours girl! Where did you get your stage name? “Violet” is the name of the character Jennifer Tilly played in Bound —a Chanel clad, money-hungry lesbian. I love her! “Chachki” is the slang spelling 14 // davidatlanta.com
You can catch me on cast of Edie Cheezeburger’s The Other Show every Friday at 9:30 p.m. at Jungle. Every third Thursday of the month, I appear at Mary’s at 10 p.m. I’m extremely excited to announce that I will be apart of Fonda Lingue’s newest vaudeville show, The Jewel Box Revue, starting Feb. 23 at the Elliot Street Pub, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Werq! Fill that schedule up and gag us like David Richardson!
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ALLAGHER G E N A H S BY
W
hen many people think of Israel, it is often in terms of modern war or ancient religion. But there is much more to the Jewish state than missiles and prayers.
In Undressing Israel, premiering Feb. 8 at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, gay porn auteur Michael Lucas and Israeli director Yariv Mozer examine a side of the Holy Land that is largely overlooked: its thriving gay community. The film spotlights a diverse range of local men, including a gay member of Israel’s parliament, a trainer who served openly in the army, a young Arab-Israeli journalist, and a pair of fathers raising their children. Michael Lucas also visits Tel Aviv’s vibrant nightlife scene and even attends a same-sex wedding in this guided tour of a country that has emerged as a pioneer for gay integration and equality. Why is it important for you to introduce people to gay Israel? When Israel makes news, it is almost always in the context of terrorism or occupation. Israel is often cast as an oppressor and people who know little about the Middle East come away with the idea that it is an intolerant place that is only supported by those on the political right. Israel is actually the most liberal country in the area by far, and its very impressive record on gay-rights issues is a clear illustration of that. The gay lives that are shown in Undressing Israel do not exist in any of Israel’s Muslim neighbors.
Are gay men allowed to serve openly in the military?
What surprises viewers most in the film?
Where is Israel in terms of gay marriage?
The variety and openness of Israel’s gay community, and how comfortably it is integrated into the rest of Israeli society.
Israelis are not as interested in achieving the word “marriage” as much as they are in the rights that it accords, particularly when it comes to having children. Although gay marriage does not exist in Israel—because of opposition by the country’s still-powerful religious minority— the state effectively recognizes common-law marriage for same-sex couples, which gives them many financial and legal rights that we do not yet possess in America. (Israel does officially recognize gay marriages performed abroad.)
How do most Israelis view homosexuality? As tolerantly as Americans do—probably more so, overall. How does Israel compare with the USA in the battle for gay equality? Israel is considerably ahead of America in many important ways. For example, Israel’s parliament repealed prohibitions against sodomy in 1988, fifteen years before the American Supreme Court did the same. Discrimination against gays in employment has been prohibited nationwide since 1992. Gay Israelis can adopt their partners’ children, which is still illegal in many states. Gay people may sponsor their partners for immigration, which is not yet legal in America.
Yes, and they have been since 1993. Before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, the Israeli military was often cited as an example for America to follow.
Is it true that Israel is experiencing a gayby boom? Absolutely, yes. It’s a very family-oriented culture. Per capita, in fact, Israel has the highest number of children with gay parents in the world. I think that at least half of my gay Israeli friends have children. What is it like to be a transsexual in Israel? @DavidAtlantaGA // 17
Transsexuals face special challenges everywhere, but Israel is unusually accepting by international standards. One of the biggest celebrities in Israel is Dana International: a beautiful, openly transsexual pop singer who is widely loved by Israelis. In 1998, she was selected to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, a hugely popular annual competition held among many of the active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union. She won.
Barrier, which the government said was essential to prevent would-be suicide bombers from entering Israel and attacking civilians. This concrete-based wall has indeed stopped suicide bombings and other attacks. And Israel proper is not a violent place. The rate of gunrelated death there is less than one-fifth of what it is in the United States.
How does Israel’s nightlife compare to the USA?
Where gay rights are concerned, it is best to adopt a national policy rather than defer, as the USA too often does, to “state’s-rights” arguments that effectively create large regions of second-class citizenry.
It varies from city to city, but Tel Aviv’s club scene is comparable to New York’s. It has clubs, bars, discos, gay beaches and a huge Gay Pride parade. Is Israel safe?
What can the USA learn from Israel?
What can Israel learn from the USA?
The momentum for full marriage equality in America has grown stronger, and more quickly, than even most Yes. In 2002, Israel began construction on the West Bank gay activists had hoped. It would be nice to see more 18 // davidatlanta.com
SAM’S HAIR SAL N ion s s a P r u O s I r i Ha
Undressing Israel premieres Friday, Feb. 8 at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. For more information on the film, visit undressingisrael-themovie.com. For more on the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, visit ajff. org or read our rundown of the festival’s LGBT films on page 20.
for first time customers
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I would like for people to take away a greater understanding of how progressive and tolerant Israel really is. People sometimes ask why we should care about Israel. This is why: because Israel shares our core values. And in some areas—like gay rights—it can even help inspire us to live up to those values a little better.
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What’s the overall message of Undressing Israel?
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Hair Is
movement in that direction in Israel, even if the commonlaw system already gives gay couples many of marriage’s practical benefits.
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http://samhairsalonatlanta.com @DavidAtlantaGA // 19
A T L A N T A
Jewish Film
Festival SPOTLIGHTS SEVEN LGBT FILMS By Emma Harger
T
he Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, which turns 13 this year, is the largest film festival in Atlanta and the second largest Jewish film festival in the entire country. This year, the 22-day festival, which runs from
Jan. 30 to Feb. 20, will screen seven films with specifically LGBT themes. Note that some showings may sell out ahead of time and are happening at different theaters around Atlanta. Out in the Dark is a 96-minute narrative film about a romantic relationship between Roy, an Israeli lawyer and Nimr, a Palestinian graduate student. Nimr faces a host of problems: Palestine rejects his sexual identity while Israel rejects his nationality, plus his extremist brother is starting to get more violent and Israeli security forces are tightening up patrols too. He has to decide between what Roy has to offer him and the idea of going to study abroad. Out in the Dark won Best Film at the Haifa International Film Festival. The film is in Arabic and Hebrew with subtitles. Out in the Dark will be shown at Tara Cinemas on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. and Lefont Sandy Springs on Feb. 15 at 12:10 p.m.
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Out in the Dark
Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land is a 46-minute documentary about the gay community in Israel, where LGBT rights are considered the most progressive in the Middle East. The documentary goes through Israel to showcase many different subjects, including a soldier who served openly, an Arab-Israeli journalist, a gay member of Israel’s parliament and two dads raising kids together. There’s also a visit to Tel Aviv’s nightlife scene and a same-sex marriage ceremony.
Undressing Israel
Undressing Israel is in English and Hebrew with subtitles. It will be shown at Regal Atlantic Station on Feb. 8 at 11:55 a.m. The Invisible Men is a 68-minute documentary about three gay Palestinian men who flee to Israel with the hopes of being able to live freely in their national and sexual identities. They’re forced to live in secret in Tel Aviv, shunned from their families and communities, facing death if they dare to go home. The Invisible Men follows its three subjects over the course of three years, detailing their existence of evading Israeli police, facing torture from the Palestinian security service and narrowly escaping death at the hands of their own family members in one case. The three men also receive help from Tel Aviv lawyers in getting asylum in Europe.
The Invisible Men
The Invisible Men won Best Documentary Film at the Frameline San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. The film is in Arabic, Hebrew and English with subtitles. It will be shown at Regal Atlantic Station on Feb. 8 at 11:55 a.m. Koch is a 95-minute documentary about Ed Koch, the former mayor of New York City. Koch was a soldier in World War II, practiced law and was in the U.S. House of Representatives before he became the mayor and served for three terms. He is often identified as being responsible for cleaning up the city in the 1980s when it was dealing with crime and the possibility of bankruptcy. However, Koch had many more issues to deal with while he was in office, including poverty, race, housing, labor unions, gay rights and the rise of AIDS. In Koch, the man himself is interviewed as he talks about family, faith, corruption, politics and his own personal sexual identity.
Koch
Koch will be shown three times at Lefont Sandy Springs: Feb. 10 at 7:50 p.m. (sold out), Feb. 12 at 2:50 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 1:40 p.m. @DavidAtlantaGA // 21
Joe Papp in Five Acts
Joe Papp in Five Acts is an 84-minute documentary spotlighting the life and times of Joseph Papp, whose mission was to democratize American theater. He started New York City’s Shakespeare in the Park and founded the Public Theater, which still exists today. He produced many plays and productions, including Hair, The Pirates of Penzance, A Chorus Line and For Colored Girls who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf. Papp also helped nurture the talents of up-and-coming playwrights and introduced the idea of colorblind casting. Joe Papp in Five Acts includes scenes from his stage works, plus testimonials from luminaries like Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, James Earl Jones and Meryl Streep. Joe Papp in Five Acts will be shown at Lefont Sandy Springs on Feb. 10 at 11:25 a.m. The Seder is a 12-minute narrative that will be part of a short film program. It focuses on what happens when Leo, who is openly gay, decides to bring his boyfriend home for Passover seder. It will be shown at GTC Merchants Walk on Feb. 1 at 2:05 p.m. and Tara Cinemas on Feb. 3 at 4:20 p.m. (sold out). The Devotion Project: Listen from the Heart is a 10-minute documentary that will be part of another short film program. It looks at two women and the growth of their relationship from when they first met to the birth of their child, who has a heart condition. It will be shown at Lefont Sandy Springs on Feb. 17 at 11:40 a.m. and Feb. 20 at 2:45 p.m. The festival will screen 71 films in total. More than 30,000 people saw AJFF films in 2012 and are able to vote for Best Narrative, Best Documentary and short film honors. Winners of these awards get a statuette and special encore screening. Visit ajff.org to find out more information and buy tickets. 22 // davidatlanta.com
The Seder
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photo: Shutterstock
Let's Get
Franco Breakout star Dave Franco talks new coming-of-age film, his sex appeal and getting gay with brother James
By Chris Azzopardi 26 // davidatlanta.com
J
ames Franco isn’t the only one fearlessly exploring homosexuality in his career. His own brother, Dave, is too. With himself, even.
The 27-year-old has attracted a big gay fan base ever since he starred in the 2007 indie After Sex, the one where Mila Kunis was a lesbian, and put Channing Tatum in his place after a homophobic mix-up in last year’s 21 Jump Street. But it’s Dave’s viral Funny or Die videos, where he’s had sex with himself and also told actor Chris “McLovin” Mintz-Plasse “I wanna strip you down” (and other homoerotic things), that have really made the gays smitten. Now the heartthrob is fighting zombies in the film adaptation of the best-selling book Warm Bodies (out Feb. 1), also starring Nicholas Hoult of A Single Man. In his first gay press interview, we picked Dave’s brain on the outsider theme of his new flick, whether he plans to work on a gay project with James and how his sexually explicit videos are in no way baiting the boys who love them. Under what conditions could you fall in love with a zombie? I don’t think the physical appearance is getting in the way for me. (Laughs) As long as they were a good person in the past life, and there’s just some kind of sweetness behind those eyes, I’m in. I don’t need much else.
photo: Shutterstock
Do you think there’s some subtext in the movie’s So right around the time you fucked yourself? theme about love being boundless and knowing no sex or race – even life or death – that you (Laughs) That didn’t help things. think your gay fans might appreciate or relate to? Whether you’re having sex with yourself in “Go Fuck Yourself” or talking dirty to Chris in Definitely. If you take the zombie element out of the movie, “You’re So Hot,” are these videos your way of it is still this coming-of-age movie about this outsider who showing your acknowledgement and support is trying to find himself and eventually does through love. for the gay community? It does speak to the fact that it doesn’t matter what your race or your sexual orientation is. Sometimes you can’t Yeah, sure – definitely! I have gay friends and of course explain a connection that works. I’m comfortable enough with my sexuality that I’m open to doing videos like that. I know a huge audience is going When were you first aware you had a gay follow- to think that I am gay. I’m just trying to blur the lines, I ing? guess. I’m not consciously trying to do that, but it’s not something I think about. Like with my friends who are My friend I grew up with started calling me out and saygay, it’s not like that’s the first thing I associate with ing, “Dude, I can’t even imagine what people who don’t them. They’re just another friend, and they just happen to know you think of you.” It’s not like I’m doing these videos like guys. because I’m trying to shock or confuse people. I’m generally drawn toward material that’s just different and unique Why are all the videos so gay? and is gonna maybe surprise people a bit. So I was first aware that there was maybe some awareness of me from There are a lot of very overtly gay things in these videos, the gay community when all my friends were telling me but for some reason while I was making them, or while there’s all this stuff online and if you Google my name, the I was even initially thinking of the ideas, I swear to god I first thing that comes up is “Dave Franco Gay.” (Laughs) didn’t think, “OK, we’re gonna make another gay video @DavidAtlantaGA // 27
photo: Summit Entertainment / Jan Thijs
that’s gonna shock people.” The way “You’re So Hot” came about: I worked with Chris on a movie called Fright Night and in between takes we would play this game. It was a game that he and his buddies played growing up and it just made me laugh my ass off, so when the movie was done and we were back in L.A. I thought to myself, “This would make a really funny short.”
which includes a couple of pics of you and “Dear Dave Franco, FUCK ME!!!” as the headline.
Being comfortable with your sexuality seems to be something that runs in the Franco family. Obviously your brother also has no qualms with his sexuality. But whereas you explore it with humor, James has more of a political and sexual agenda. Do you see any overlap in the way you two explore homosexuality?
I gotta embrace it, right? I love it. At this point, I’m so happy that anyone is even aware of me or is a fan of me. It’s still something that I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. From just what I’ve heard and what I’ve observed, the gay community, when they revolve toward someone or something or a movie, they come full force and they tell everyone about it. Tell me if I’m wrong.
Uh-oh. Come on. How do you react to the gay community’s excitement over you and your videos?
That’s a good question. The main overlap is just how No, word spreads fast in the gay community if hard we dive into it. There’s nothing subtle, I guess, a Franco brother is naked. about how we embrace gay culture – and there basically are no boundaries. We both push the envelope. Exactly. So I totally embrace it. I don’t know why a lot of what we create deals with that subject matter. I get asked that all the time, and I’m not consciously thinking to myself, “I’m gonna make these sexually explicit gay videos.” It just comes through us for some reason. You obviously have lots of appeal in the gay community. To know that, you don’t have to look further than Perez Hilton’s recent post, 28 // davidatlanta.com
With your upcoming role in Now You See Me alongside some heavy hitters, your career is really taking off. Are you ready for a lead role? Any idea what you might want that to be? I’m definitely ready for a lead role. My criteria for picking a project these days is just wanting to work with filmmakers I admire. I do want to make my own films one day. I’ve been writing and producing and editing
all these Funny or Die videos, and it’s kind of been practice on a much smaller scale. I want to work with guys like Jonathan Levine, who directed Warm Bodies and who I’ve admired for years. I just wanna be on set with these guys and see the process and see how they work with actors regardless of how big or small my role. So, honestly, I would be an extra in all of Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies. I just wanna be around these guys. The Funny or Die videos really helped launch your career, as did the “Acting with James Franco” skits. Other than Broken Tower, do you have plans to work on any projects with James that might have a gay sensibility?
the James questions have been dialed down a little bit. What’s coming up for you besides Now You See Me and Warm Bodies? There are a few things that are in the air that I can’t quite talk about just yet, but I am always pumping out these Funny or Die videos. I do all of them with one of my good friends who I’ve known since childhood, and we have one coming out in a couple weeks. This one is actually the cleanest one we’ve done. The rest are rated X, but this one’s like a hard PG-13. Without giving too much away, it’s with an NBA star who’s 7 feet tall and then, of course, myself. I’m not the biggest guy in the world, so it’s this odd couple – the two of us competing in a series of events. It’s still in the same vein and tone as the rest of the videos, but because he’s a professional athlete, he can’t push the envelope as much as I’d generally like to.
I love my brother and I respect him so much, but in general, I have been trying to distance myself from him just in terms of work, because I need to kind of carve my own path at this point. I don’t want to be referred to as “James Franco’s little brother” for the rest of my life. So it’s hard sometimes, because he is creating so many of his own projects and he asks me to be a part of them I’m always writing something. I’m working on a featureand I would love to – but at this point, I just need to length film right now. Two years ago I made a decision distance myself from him work-wise. to only audition and meet on projects that I’m actually passionate about. I knew it might be the stupidest deciDown the line, who knows, man. We do work very well sion I ever made because I might never work again, but together and our sensibilities are very similar, obviously. in the meantime, that’s how these Funny or Die videos We might push the envelope almost too far if we comcame out. bine our heads. I’m open to the idea. If I establish myself a little bit more, and people start giving me my own due, I would love to work with him down the line. You say “almost too far.” You mean make it too gay? I think that’s already been done by both of you. Who knows how weird it could get if the two of us get together. You mention his projects, and currently James is making headlines for his interest in gay art films, including the gay sex indie Interior. Leather Bar. Have you seen it? Do you plan to? The only one I’ve seen is Broken Tower, just because I was a part of that production. I’ve obviously heard stories or read about these projects, but I really have no basis to say anything at this point. Do you get annoyed when journalists bring your brother up? No! I totally understand it. It could be a lot worse. At least he’s a very well-respected guy, and I do love him. We get along very well. But with that being said, it is a little comforting, and I feel slightly relieved, that at least
photo: Summit Entertainment / Jan Thijs @DavidAtlantaGA // 29
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BARTAB
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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 HOBNOB Trivia 8:30 MIXX Piano with David Reeb at 8pm 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 EAGLE 80’s Music w/ Travis
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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 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! mIXX Mens Night with Aaron & Matt at 6 pm 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 10th & piedmont Live DJ 10 PM 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 10th & piedmont Live DJ 10 PM 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 10th & piedmont Bellini Brunch 11 AM & T-Dance 4 PM 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 HOBNOB Brunch - $15.00 - Bottomless Mimosas 11 AM-3PM plus 1/2 price wings 4-11PM 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
wy
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Woof’s 2425 Piedmont Rd
The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave
Rush Lounge 2715 Buford Hwy Burkhart’s Pub BJ Roosters 2345 Cheshire Bridge
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Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave
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NOT SHOWN
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Jungle 2115 Faulkner Rd Manifest 4 U 2103 Faulkner Rd
dm on t
Tripps 1931 Piedmont Circle
Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge
Pie
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I-85
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
10th St
Dining Pool table
Blake’s 227 10th St
8th St Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St
7th Street 6th Street
Flex Spa 76 4th St
5th Street 4th Street
XS Ultra Lounge 708 Spring St
3rd Street
Argonne Ave
I-75 I-85
Club/Dance
Atlanta Eagle Rawhide Leather 306 Ponce De Leon Ave
Ponce De Leon Ave
Ponce De Leon Pl
Daiquiri Factory 889 West Peachtree St
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Monroe Dr
Juniper St
Peachtree St
West Peachtree St
Spring St
Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Drive NW
Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave
The Model T 699 Ponce De Leon Ave
designs by www.tannerhuynh.com @DavidAtlantaGA // 35
M
andy Mitchell has a dream to one day be a gay icon. She may well be on her way to that status by stepping in the Double D size bra of gay icon Dolly Parton in The Legacy Theatre’s production of 9 to 5: The Musical. Ms. Mitchell portrays Doralee Rhodes, the sexy blonde secretary made famous in the film version of 9 to 5 by Ms. Parton herself.
Originally from the Boston area, Mandy is a graduate of Salem State University in Massachusetts with her degree in Theatre Performance. Before moving to Atlanta three years ago she starred in other iconic roles as Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Since taking up shop in Georgia she has appeared on stage with The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nunsense, Winter Wonderettes), as well as the Spring Opera House, Newnan Theatre Company, Onstage Atlanta and several other companies. Recently, Ms. Mitchell took a few moments out of rehearsals for 9 to 5: The Musical to talk to us about what it’s like to become Dolly Parton while singing Dolly’s own music, including the biographical tune “Backwoods Barbie.” Why do you think Dolly Parton is considered such an important gay icon?
can either relate or aspire to. Its got strength peppered with some real great humor. What challenges do you have as a performer in trying to make the role your own, while still keeping the spirit of Dolly in it? It’s a tight wire act that’s for sure! As we go through rehearsals I’m trying to keep true to the script and pay my homage to Dolly as well. Obviously I’ll be. “enhanced” to look as much like her as I can. She wrote all the music so it’s easy to slip into that Dolly style. Have you ever seen Dolly Parton perform? I’ve never seen her in person. Movies, televised interviews. Dollywood’s on the bucket list though! Have you seen 9 to 5: The Musical performed before? How does this production differ? I had the opportunity to see the Broadway production when it first opened at the Marquis in New York City. It was such a fun theatrical experience. Our version doesn’t have the Broadway budget, but we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to keep our audience engaged! We’ve got an amazingly talented cast with great voices and great acting chops!
What draws people to the story of 9 to 5?
9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 1980 film, which starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. The musical originally opened on Broadway in April 2009 with a book by Patricia Resnick (who wrote the original movie screenplay) and music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
The show is all about taking control of your own future. It’s a throwback to a different time where “girl power” was more of an idea than an actual way of life. To see three women come together and take control of their lives and strengthen their bond of friendship is something everyone
9 to 5: The Musical runs Jan. 25–Feb. 17, 2013 at The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone. Tickets are $25 for Adults, $22 for Students & Seniors (60+) and $15 for Children 12 & Under. Tickets can be purchased online at thelegacytheatre.org.
She’s sassy and she’s strong, which are definitely two personality traits that are important to being a gay icon. But I think that Dolly’s overwhelming strength even in the face of adversity is why the gay community idolizes her.
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R A W D E E I R U A L Y B
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@DavidAtlantaGA // 41
Black Sleeveless Hoodie with Fur by LASC Clifton Grey Cloud Jean by 7 Diamonds Yellow Jelly Belt with Dotted Holes by OSFA 42 // davidatlanta.com
Mineral Blue Milan/2Face Henley by Kinetix Red Zach Denim by MAVI @DavidAtlantaGA // 43
Indigo Jake Wax Denim by MAVI 44 // davidatlanta.com
Indigo Speedboat Hoodie by life/after/denim White Upgrade Gold Brief by Bon Bon @DavidAtlantaGA // 45
All items pictured are available locally at Boy Next Door.
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NOT SO STR8 G
HAIR PRODUCTS
By Van Gower
ay men, rejoice. If you have ever thought you had sexy a special way. He recently announced that LAID will partner hair but it wasn’t quite getting the attention ithat you felt with Augusta Pride, Inc., which produces an annual festival was well deserved, the times they are a-changing. – including this year’s “Pride 365” theme – in his hometown. LAID will donate 15 percent of all national sales of Not So Str8 The hair care company LAID is introducing a brand-new line to the organization. of hair products called Not So Str8, designed exclusively with gay men in mind. The line is unique in that the products are “Augusta Pride is thrilled to be partnering with David Hensley, packed with gay pheromones to set boys’ fabulous follicles Jr. to promote his new product line, Not So Str8 hair care ablaze. The inclusion of this sexy science is nothing new for products. As an Augusta native, David is giving back to his the LAID brand, which pioneered its exclusive Pherottraction community, and we are so proud of him and this collaboraTechnology. tion,” said Christopher J. Bannochie, Augusta Pride Public Relations Director. “When we were working [a year and a half ago] to create a line, the inspiration came from my gay friends and clients who “We’re excited to be partnering with and sponsoring Augusta wanted something special just for them,” said David Hensley, Pride. I was a bullying victim, so having left there and now to Jr., LAID co-founder and product creator. The hair care come back as a grown gay man with Not So Str8 and some professional knew that there were many products glutting the professional success, it’s about making a statement and givmarket, but felt he could zero in on the niche gay market by ing back to the community,” Hensley said. “It feels amazing.” responding to that high demand. Rauch agreed that innovation and giving back are “deeply Adam W. Rauch, LAID brand CEO and co-founder, echoed rooted in culture of our business. Anybody who gets their hair that, saying, “There is so much out there, we really wanted to done by David leaves uplifted and feeling positive.” be different and unique and authentic.” Rauch feels that “pheromones are the ultimate aphrodisiac, and we were able to put that into our hair care products.” The business partners cited studies that showed when gay men picked up on a chemical in the male hormone testosterone that is found in sweat, their brains responded similarly to those of straight women towards men. Those study findings suggested that brain activity and sexual orientation are linked. Hensley, a native of Augusta, Georgia, is now bringing awareness of his sexy new hair care line to the gay community in
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For more information on Not So Str8 and LAID, visit laidnotsostr8.com. To find out more about Augusta Pride, visit prideaugusta.org.
PROTECT YOUR MONSTER BY RICHARD MARSHALL
Hotlanta Softball League is recruiting NOW for our Spring 2013 Season.
HSL welcomes players of ALL experience levels. We are the largest GLBT sports organization in Atlanta and one of the largest GLBT softball leagues in the country. Our Season Starts March 17th – so sign up NOW. For more information, visit our website at
52 // davidatlanta.com
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fairyscopes ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Stand your ground
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): You can see
this week. You may not feel right if you’re not moving forward all the time, but right now, you need to just hang tough and make sure you don’t end up moving backward.
every side of every issue—but that very positive trait can sometimes lead to unfortunate side effects! Make sure you avoid the paralysis that is staring you in the face.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You’ve got good
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): You need to harness your imagination now—and it’s much easier to access it! You should be able to get your friends or coworkers to follow along as you lead them to awesome new heights.
friends, and that counts for more than you can imagine. It’s a really good time for you to give them the thanks and props they deserve—life is too short to put off the important stuff!
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You need to find new ways to handle frustration—or you could boil over and explode at whomever is handy, which could also work. Your maturity is being tested, but you don’t know who’s grading.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): It’s time for you to stop thinking and start acting—you’ve got plenty of material to work with. Your own life is a canvas, and you’re an artist with a deep well of inspiration to draw from.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Avoid the temptation to force yourself into repetitive or detail-oriented tasks— daydreaming and brainstorming are much more appealing and worthwhile this week!
CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): All that
LEO (July 23 – August 22): Don’t fall into the trap of going along with a too-big plan just because your business or romantic partner is on board. In fact, that’s exactly the kind of thing you need to avoid at a time like this!
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You’ve got to
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your most important relationships need attention right now. That’s not to say that you’re in big trouble or that you need to walk away, but that you’ve just got to spend extra time and energy building bridges.
PISCES (February 19 – March 19): It’s a long way
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good energy has to be put to some good use—so go for it! You may be able to push forward in a new direction, but no matter what happens, you’re likely to feel quite good about it.
make a conscious effort to lend a hand when friends or colleagues need you this week—but it’s worth it! Even if you’re emotionally overdrawn, you can still expect some good karmic interest in your future.
off from your birthday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a little present anyway. Find something you’d never think to buy for yourself and then force yourself to get it.
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The models in some ads are not what you will find, if you’re wondering.
Shut your mouth and keep on talking.
Why don’t liquor stores deliver?
Always hit on the hottest guy in the room. If you strike out, you’re not having any less sex with him. Remember: if you see his penis before you go on a date, he isn’t boyfriend material.
Overweight people shouldn’t be allowed on escalators or speed walks; they just stand there. These were invented to get from Point A to Point B, not to enable obesity. 62 // davidatlanta.com
“I need a boyfriend.” No, you want a boyfriend. You need water, ‘cause you sound thirsty.
I’d like lazy Sundays a lot more if there were a boy in my bed.
I’m over tops who become bottoms once we take off our underwear.
I don’t have an attitude problem. I have a you problem. When I first moved to Atlanta, gays took pride in what they wore out in public; now the trend is the clothes in a pile behind your dirty hamper. What happened? *This page reflects the bitchiness of the community not David Atlanta or its publisher (although we’re bitchy too!)