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Cover & inside photo: HSL’s Jared Allen by Russ Youngblood
SALES
PITCHERS & CATCHERS
Hotlanta Softball League hosts the national Big Peach tournament each Memorial Weekend. For 2016, the schedule goes hard from Thursday all the way through Sunday’s wrap party, making sure players have as much fun on the field as off.
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GIVE IT UP
30
CUPCAKE COUTURE
Beauty is as beauty does, and performer Angelica D’Paige is drop-dead gorgeous. This month’s David Hero talks to us about devoting her time to worthy causes, inspiring youth, and how critical it is to be true to who you are.
Recent Ru runner up Kim Chi takes Atlanta by storm as the headliner for Hogtied II. The Heretic bash serves an avant-garde fetish theme to celebrate alterna-drag locals Legendary Children.
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Russ Youngblood (x106) Senior Sales Representative russ@davidatlanta.com Steve Tyrrell steve@davidatlanta.com Jim Brams jim@davidatlanta.com
CONTRIBUTORS Buck Cooke DJ Marc J Cubs Tony Gowell Shannon Jenkins Jason Mietelski Jeffery Silvey
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BOOTYLICIOUS
All these softball jocks coming to town gave us baseball fever. We take a long, loving look with a rearview of the MLB’s hottest butts. We hat to see them go, but we love to see them walk away.
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what to do this week BIG PEACH KICKOFF PARTY Hotlanta Softball League’s annual tournament brings gay jocks to Atlanta for Memorial Day Weekend. Besides three days of play on the diamonds, tons of fun is scheduled off it as well at your neighborhood gay bars. Start at Atlanta’s gay sports bar on Thursday for the Kickoff Party, and look for more details on events all weekend long in this week’s cover story preview. Thursday, May 26, 6 p.m. • Woofs • 2425 Piedmont Road NE • hotlantasoftball.org
MARGARITA WARS Some of Atlanta’s best bartenders battle it out for the best margarita in town, and attendees drink the results! Crowd votes determine the winner, so be sure to taste everything. VIP tickets get you in early with free grub and private tasting, but everyone gets food, fun and music to go with the battle buzz. Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m. • Park Tavern • 500 10th St. NE • xorbia.com
12 | 5.25.16
LUCAS MIRE
DEEP SOUTH: THE CARRY NATION
SUMMER KICKOFF PARTY
This gay Atlanta crooner has been killing you softly with his song for years. He brings his singular stylings on the back of his Heyday album, but is sure to please longtime fans with his guitar licks and lyrics from older work as well. Let him snatch your vibe to lull you under his spell and into Memorial Weekend.
The latest iteration of Atlanta’s roughand-ready alternaqueer dance party invites you to see what all the NYC fuss is about The Carry Nation. DJ Producers Nita Vaiance and Will Automatic join forces to blow your dancing queen mind, plus San Fran DJ Chelsea Starr is in the house as a warmup.
If Memorial Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, then this party is gay Atlanta’s very official response. An all-day parking lot party with cooldown games, music, performances and more leads directly into a dance party by night with sexiest of sexy DJs Kidd Madonny (photo).
Saturday, May 28 • Eddie’s Attic • 515 N McDonough St., Decatur • eddiesattic.com
Saturday, May 28, 10 p.m. • Atlanta Eagle • 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE • atlantaeagle.com
Sunday May 29, 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. • Heretic • 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE • hereticatlanta.com
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HSL Extra Innings at Taverna Plaka
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Sunday Funday at TEN Atlanta
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community
Who inspired you to get into drag shows? I saw Martina Diamonte in the window performing at Blake’s. I went in, and I was up there for weeks until I got the nerve up to say I wanted to perform. I was just crazy in love with this woman. It was amazing. She took me under her wing, and I became Angelica Diamonte Paige. But I shortened it a bit. Shawnna Brooks was in that group of people, and also Nicole Paige Brooks. How old were you when you started transitioning?
David Hero:
Angelica D’Paige
I was 17. It was the beginning of my junior year in high school. It was pretty difficult. You know how people can be when something is new. I got a lot of harassment, but it didn’t deter me. I had the support of my family, which was my strength.
by Shannon Jenkins
What advice would you give someone who is transitioning now?
HERE'S HOW THIS MONTH'S DAVID HERO WENT FROM NEWBIE OUTSIDE BLAKE'S TO A FULLY REALIZED HERO GIVING BACK TO LGBT YOUTH.
Love yourself. Be true to yourself. You can’t worry about what everyone thinks about you. You have to worry about what’s good for you. You have to go get it and do it.
O
ne of the first things you may notice about Angelica D’Paige is her beautiful smile. The hardworking entertainer always seems to be flashing a perfect smile on that beautiful face, whether she is on or off gay Atlanta’s stages. You can see for yourself when she hosts karaoke Monday through Wednesday at Burkhart’s, every other Friday at My Sister’s Room for Flirt Friday, and every Saturday at Burkhart’s for Synergy. But don’t mistake her sunny disposition as a routine performance. Behind all the glitz of one of Atlanta’s busiest drag entertainers is a kind, compassionate person who devotes her free time to helping others. For this reason, D’Paige is the David Atlanta Hero for May.
Youth Thrift Store to show support to young homeless trans and other LGBTQ members of the program. What attracted me to Lost-n-Found was my love for people. I just can’t see how a family could throw someone away, especially a mother who is supposed to have unconditional love. I realized how lucky I was to have a supporting family during my coming out and my transition. I want to be a part of something that gives hope to the hopeless and love to those that don’t get it.
18 | 5.25.16
I like to cook, and of course if I love to cook I love to eat. My favorite thing to cook is red beans and rice. I’ve been making it for years now, and I’ve finally have gotten it down pat. I love hanging out with my family. I’m really a homebody. I like being at home. I am a housewife during the day and a drag queen at night.
Why is it meaningful to you to sup- Anything else you’d like to tell our readers? port these causes?
It’s important to give back to the community that gives us so much. We entertain the community, and in return they pay us, give us stardom and all those great things. Also, it’s important to help out your fellow man. My parCan you tell us about your char- ents taught me that. ity work? I support a number of charities: The Armorettes, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, AID Atlanta, and Lost-nFound Youth. I work in the Lost-n-Found
What do you do when you’re not performing?
The biggest thing I want to share with people is to lead with love. So much is going on in our world today with these laws about trans people and hate and so many horrible things that are happening. Leading with love will stop a lot of the issues we’re having in the world.
Watch each month as David Atlanta unveils a new hero. These select recipients show all of LGBT Atlanta what it takes to enhance the city and the community. If you have a suggestion for an upcoming David Hero, e-mail mike@davidatlanta.com.
MY PROGRESS WILL NOT BE HELD BACK
You’ve overcome a lot. But smoking cigarettes can hold you back by damaging nearly every part of your body. Keep moving forward by living tobacco-free.
confessions
In India, it’s believed that the path to true enlightenment can be blocked by oneself. You can’t attain true enlightenment without letting go of your own ego. They call it the Golden Chain. In other words, I needed to get over myself. It was as if someone bonked me on the head with a truth hammer. Of course I’d be more likely to find someone if I was the best version of myself. It made perfect sense. Looking for someone else to fix me was the exact wrong approach.
Dating 10110: Part 1 by Chris Vizzini
NAVIGATING THE DATING BINARY IN GAY ATLANTA, STOPPING TO TAKE TIME AND FIX YOURSELF, AND LEARNING A FEW POWERFUL LESSONS ALONG THE WAY I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND DATING and relationships very well. Dating was like code. The dating binary was ones and zeros, ons and offs, yeses and nos, ups and downs, tops and bottoms. Beyond that, I kind of understood the idea but didn’t know how to run the program. Time to consult a professional. I revved up my Google and tapped “Gay match-maker.” Lo and behold I found someone established in the field. I am just a person who had looked for Mr. Right in every wrong place and for every wrong reason. I needed a new game-plan, so I made an appointment for a phone consult.
Becoming the best person you can be on your own is the first step to a good relationship. Not superficial things like huge muscles, blinding white teeth or a face with no lines. He’s talking about your core person. The real me (and you). Nobody is perfect, but we can definitely strive for better.
THE FIRST BIG STEP TO FINDING LOVE was to stop dating. I began to examine myself and identify what might not be my best areas. The biggest was in thinking I was intrinsically broken by proxy of my past. I had been a victim, but mistakenly clung to it as an identity. I didn’t know what life was like without being a professional victim. I re-enforced this notion with the men I chose, mostly unhealthy father figures. They wanted me to do well, but not too well. They wanted me to grow, but only incrementally. It took a while to decode my father-son relationship puzzle. The brand of father figures I chose were simply afraid. All children grow up and leave the nest, so if I didn’t need fixing anymore, they were rendered obsolete. So they made sure I perpetually felt broken. Once I realized that, I could release the shroud of being broken because that was absolutely un-fucking-true. It was time to close my eyes, remove the shroud and simply let it go, watching it dance as the winds carried away. It was a farewell dance. It wasn’t mine anymore. I’m fixing myself and will continue to do so. Sure I have dings, but the person I ultimately choose will love me for, not despite, them. I will give him that in return wholeheartedly and without question. After putting the time in and doing the work myself, I’m able to be a much better person, brother, son, uncle, friend, and hopefully one daym a husband.
HE WAS CAUTIOUS TO POINT OUT that if anyone thinks they are better than you based on things like economic position, social standing, and the like, run as fast as you can. He’s a dickbag not likely to find happiness using those things as his currency for love. That’s the matchSome time later... maker’s words, not mine. Well, dickbag was mine but the idea was his. My Ring, ring. It was him. After a bit of small thought on it isn’t as verbose. If anyone Keep your eyes on David Atlanta for talk, he explained that finding Mr. Right thinks they are better than you for any Part 2. Chris Vizzini is a freelance had less to do with “him” and more about reason, they are dickbags. writer in Atlanta. Reach him via our me. But maybe not in the way I thought. editor at mike@davidatlanta.com. 20 | 5.25.16
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sports
Grab a Big Peach & play ball by Jason Mietelski
photo: Russ Youngblood
GAY MEMORIAL DAY IN ATLANTA MEANS AN ANNUAL NATIONAL GAY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT WITH A WEEKEND OF PLAY ON AND OFF THE FIELD
T
he holiday weekend and an unofficial start to summer arrives in Atlanta and brings with it the Big Peach Softball Tournament, one of the largest gay softball competitions in the country. Hundreds of guys from nearly 50 teams arrive with their bats and balls from places as far away as Las Vegas and Boston to strut their stuff while trying to prove which team has the skills to become champions. The event is hosted each year by Hotlanta Softball League, and gay Atlanta is lucky to have so many players who lead with their hearts, says HSL Board Secretary Jay “Mother” Malloy.
This year, the two-division (C & D) Big Peach tournament takes place in two parks, Southside Softball Complex in Atlanta, and Johnson Park in Conyers. Both are strategically close to the host hotel, Crowne Plaza Midtown, which offers a special rate to anyone with tournament credentials, as well as events and discounts on hotel outlets, drinks and valet parking. “We are always so excited to welcome everyone to Atlanta and show them what Southern hospitality is all about,” Malloy says.
In addition to the great games and hot sportsmanship, the entire weekend will “I am so proud of all the women and men be jam-packed with events and opporwho make up our league, “ Malloy tells tunities to rub elbows with some of the David. “I would have never met so many country’s most talented ball players. great people without joining HSL.” 24 | 5.25.16
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On Thursday, May 26, start the weekend off right with the Big Peach Kickoff Party, hosted by Ruby Redd at Woof’s, featuring a $10 beer bust from 6 to 10 p.m. On Friday, May 27, come down to the Registration Party on the pool deck at Crowne Plaza Midtown from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a wet n’ wild evening featuring Ruby Redd, surprise guest performers, and DJ Paul Francesca keeping the groove throughout the Mr. and Ms. Big Peach contest. There’s a cash bar, as well as cash prizes given to the winners of the contest, which always make this annual party a hoot. Let the games begin on Saturday, May 28. The excitement heats up at 8 a.m. at Southside, and at 9 a.m. at Johnson Park, so make sure to get plenty of beauty rest and come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and enthusiasm to you cheer on your favorite team. 26 | 5.25.16
After the games, the fun continues on Saturday night with the fabulous Big Peach Bar Crawl, where you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with locals and out-of-towners at Heretic, Woof’s, and Blake’s on the Park. Sunday, May 29, brings more in the morning at both complexes, stretching into the evening’s Big Peach Closing Party, which soars at Heretic from 6 p.m. until 11. Look for Ruby Redd, Gia Sunflowers and other guests who guarantee a great ending to a glorious weekend of fun. The closing party also crowns the weekend’s winners.
The tournament also helps bring in funds for local charities. It gives GayTL an opportunity to take pride in our communities and one another, as well as socialize with other gay athletes from around the country and build relationships that last a lifetime.
Kyle and Kevin, directors of the Big Peach Tournament, say that they would like to extend their gratitude to this year’s sponsors, which include but are not limited to Woof’s, F.R.O.G.S., No Mas Cantina, Cowtipper’s, Joe’s on Juniper, Einstein’s and more businesses whose support has helped keep this Stick around at Heretic as the sun goes great event a reality. down, and you can dance the night away to tracks spun by DJ Mike Pope on the Big Peach takes place May 28-May 29 patio and international hottie DJ Kidd at Southside Softball Complex, 3460 Jonesboro Road; and Johnson Park, Madonny inside on the dance floor. 1781 Ebenezer Road NW, Conyers, The Big Peach traces its roots back to 1984’s with off-stie events May 26 through Armory Classic. These days, it has burgeoned May 29. Visit hslbigpeach.org. For into an enormous gathering of LGBT athletes host hotel, visit cpatlantamidtown. com, and use group code HSC. who love competition and camaraderie.
davidatlanta.com | 27
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drag
It’s fitting that the runner up in our hearts follows Bob to Heretic for the Legendary Children Hogtied party on June 3. Her confectionary of cuteness with a kitschy knack for makeup and couture already makes her a team player in the artsy Neverland parties in Chicago. The 28-year-old Sang-Young Shin started drag just for fun one Halloween, and only a couple of years later, the world would know her from Logo TV’s flagship drag series. Kim Chi as a character touches the spirit of all the sweetie pies in this world who are a bit clumsy. Mixing pop culture with tongue-in-cheek humor and artistically appealing to the fun lover in us all, Kim Chi’s “over the top pure anime fantasy” has a permanent place in the ranks of drag culture. A pastel princess with enough class for the old school and an aesthetic for the Tumblr generation, Kim Chi kills with contour and kindness, a quality rarely taken on in the claws-out circus of drag pageantry.
Kim Chi hits Atlanta fit to be ‘Hogtied’ by Sunni Johnson
RUPAUL’S LATEST RUNNER UP JOINS LEGENDARY CHILDREN TO HEADLINE ITS ANNUAL HOGTIED ANNIVERSARY PARTY
E
very spring there is a special Monday night full of anxiety and anticipation for drag fans. On May 16, they gathered around televisions and bar screens to see who would be the Season 8 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Each season of RPDR brings multiple loved contestants, with each queen appealing to different styles, cultures, traditions and fashions, but the Season 8 finale was exceptionally tense. The three lovelies left standing were each a credit to their trade, amazing as people, and offering something fresh and forward to the “herstory” of the show. As ATL’s own Season 7 winner Violet Chachki floated ethereally onto the finale stage, it was hard to say who was going to win. Naomi Smalls brought 30 | 5.25.16
‘90s supermodel pizzazz, Kim Chi curated crazy cute couture, and Bob the Drag Queen “purse first” presented humor and humanity. With three strong queens eagerly awaiting the decision, fans were even perplexed about who they wanted to win. In the end, the crown went to Bob the Drag Queen, the Georgia native who graced Atlanta last month at Heretic. Kim Chi will be absolutely unforgettable for many fans for her inspirational story and artistic spirit. She’s already branded in club culture and drag communities, as well as with fashion and beauty rebels. Her make-up mastery and imaginative looks were heightened through her sweet attitude. Her adorability went beyond just her look to her life, and it gave us life throughout Season 8.
“Shady gays believe in ‘no fats, no femmes, no Asians,’ she calls out the bullshit phobia of the homonormative gays while proudly amping what she’s all about. This is Disney Princess personality thrown in a pop culture pie. With Hello Kitty and anime sparkles in her eyes, she navigated the entire competition without getting wrapped up in throwing shade and still remaining captivating. Especially appealing to those who love a bit cosplay as well as those who enjoy extravagant frilly girly femmeness, Kim Chi never let the haters get to her. As a lover of transformation, she’s bound to continue onward as an artist and makeup master, and we can’t wait to see where her path takes her. Recently releasing an eyeshadow creation with Sugarpill Cosmetics, Kim Chi graces ATL for a performance and intimate meet-and-greet at Legendary Children and Wussy Mag’s 2nd annual Hogtied on June 3 at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE. VIP tickets include pics with the RPDR runner up, as well as a complimentary cocktail courtesy of Smirnoff. Local legend and fellow Season 8 queen Dax Exclamation Point is also on the schedule for this sweaty fetish-fun party, as well as a host of other favorite local alterna-queens.
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davidatlanta.com | 31
34 | 5.25.16
sports
Baseball BUTTS drive us nuts by Mike Fleming
G
ay baseball fans may not always agree on teams, umpire calls, or league rules, but we all know one thing is without a doubt about our favorite players: We hate to see them go, but we love to see them walk away.
Can we get an amen? When it comes to high-quality play and beautiful butts, the MLB has the summer sports market cornered. So here’s our gay tribute to that rarely discussed but never ignored part of the Big Show with the 12 hottest asses in Major League Baseball. You’re welcome.
GIANCARLO STANTON, MIAMI MARLINS 40 | 5.25.16
DANSBY SWANSON, ATLANTA BRAVES
BUSTER POSEY, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
DANIEL MURPHY, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
ANTHONY RECKER, GWINNETT BRAVES (recently traded)
WIL MYERS, SAN DIEGO PADRES
JOE MAUER, MINNESOTA TWINS
JON JAY, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
DAVID WRIGHT, NEW YORK METS
JAMES SHIELDS, SAN DIEGO PADRES
BRYCE HARPER, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Sources: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Sports Weekly, Baseball America 42 | 5.25.16
atlanta’s only gay sports bar
WOOFS WELCOMES
BIG PEACH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
FOR INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS VISIT US ON FACEBOOK OPEN M-SAT 11:30, SUN 12:30 2425 PIEDMONT RD NE ATLANTA, GA 30324 404.869.9422 • WWW. WOOFSATLANTA.COM
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New Faces at Friends on Ponce
photos: Russ Youngblood
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ManShaft: Military Edition at Heretic
photos: Russ Youngblood
the D list David Atlanta’s weekly list of truths all gay men have come to know
10 things gay guys really don’t mean
‘Just kidding.’
‘Why are you still single?
‘I’m just being honest’
‘I’m classier than that.’
What he really means: My mean streak, born of jealousy, insecurity or both, needs covering up with excuses. Honest? Try ‘harsh.’
What he really means: What you did is trashy. I build myself up by tearing you down. I hope you’re nicer when I fall off this pedestal.
‘You’re so gay.’
‘It was before your time.’
‘But you’re so innocent.’
‘You’d be hotter if…’
‘You look so different now.’
What he really means: I can’t deal maturely with the tension I feel, so I’m heartless and cruel and mask it as a “joke.”
What he really means: I have 20 years on you, and I’m going to use the past to shut you down instead of get to know you in the present.
What he really means: Your look needs a makeover, and as the judge of such things, I can’t build you ip without ripping you down.
What he really means: I’m terrible at compliments, so I leave you feeling self-critical instead of good about yourself.
What he really means: You are effeminate and sassy, and I have internalized homophobia that says there’s something wrong with that.
What he really means: I don’t know you, but your behavior rubs my perception of you the wrong way. Change back. For me.
What he really means: You looked better before, or you look better now, but I’m not good at words. Question yourself.
‘He seems really good for you.’
What he really means: You were a hot mess before this miracle worker came into your life.
Got an idea for an upcoming D List? Want to share your truths with the rest of the Gay-TL? Write mike@davidatlanta.com so we can include it. 58 | 5.25.16
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Ave. NE Piedmont
. NE Juniper St
D3
Monro
Charles Allen Dr. NE
9th St. NE
B3 Peachtree St. NE
W. Peachtree St. NW
S1
Spring St. NW
H1
Ponce De Leon Pl. NE
10th St. NE
4th St. NE
R1 C1
B5
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
Midtown Bars
B1 Amsterdam 502 Amsterdam Ave NE B2 Blake's 227 10th St NE B3 Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St NE B4 Friends 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE B5 The Model T 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE B6 My Sister’s Room 66 12th St NE
60 | 5.25.16
Dining th D1 10 & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave NE D2 Einstein's 1077 Juniper St NE D3 F.R.O.G.S 931 Monroe Cir NE D4 G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE D5 Henry’s 132 10th St NE D6 Joe's on Juniper 1049 Juniper St NE D7 La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr NE
B4
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
D8 Ten Atlanta 990 Piedmont Ave NE Retail R1 Barking Leather AfterDark 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Clubs C1 Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Hair/Beauty H1 Helmet 970 Piedmont Ave NE Fitness F1 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE Spa/Bath S1 Flex Spa 76 4th St NW
Billiards/Darts
Drag
Non-Smoking Area
Dancers
Leather
Patio
D1 B4
Lindbergh Dr.
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B1 BJ Roosters 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd B2 Opus 1 1086 Alco St NE B3 Tripps 1931 Piedmont Cir NE B4 Woof's 2425 Piedmont Rd NE Dining D1 Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd D2 Roxx 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd Retail R1 Barking Leather 805 Lambert Dr., Suite A R2 Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd
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Ansley Bars Clubs C1 Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd C2 Jungle 2115 Faulkner Rd NE Fitness F1 Gravitee Fitness 2201 Faulkner Rd NE Spa/Bath S1 Club Eros 2219 Faulkner Rd NE S2 The Den 2135 Liddell Dr NE S3 Manifest 4 U 2103 Faulkner Rd NE
B1 Burkhart's 1492 Piedmont Ave NE B2 Felix's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE B3 The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE B4 Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave NE B5 Oscar's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Not Shown
Bars The Cockpit Atlanta 465 Boulevard SE Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave SE Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Dr NW
Dining D1 Cowtippers 1600 Piedmont Ave NE Retail R1 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE R2 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Hair/Beauty H1 Bubbles Salon 1579 Monroe Dr NE
Dining Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE Club Club Rush 2715 Buford Hwy NE Spa/Bath Qi Clay Sauna 130 Buford Hwy A-107
davidatlanta.com | 61
bartab
got an upcoming event?
calendar@davidatlanta.com
Monday
Friday
BLAKE’S Martini Monday’s with Doug and Heros • Pride Kickball, Host Bar 8pm • Ru Paul's Drag Race 9pm with Edie Cheezburger BURKHART’S Blue Monday Karaoke with Darlene at 10PM EAGLE Music Videos with Scotty FRIENDS Texas Hold'em 8:30pm HIDEAWAY Industry Night 1/2 Off Well, Domestic, & Wine JUNGLE Stars of the Century Show 11:30pm MODEL T Monday Night Madness 8pm MY SISTER’S ROOM Industry Night OSCAR’S Service Industry Night with Eric SWINGING RICHARDS Hip-Hop Night, Sponsored by Hennessy 8:30pm TRIPPS Customer Appreciation All Drinks $1.00 Off WOOFS Texas Hold'em Poker 7:30pm
BLAKE’S TGIF with Doug & Brent 3-9pm • “Deadly Vixens” Drag Show 11pm • Bill Berdeaux Spins Street Level BURKHART’S FEMME FATALE with Destiny Brooks and Justice Taylor at 11PM CLUB RUSH “Got Leche” Free entry until 11pm 18 & up - Open until 4am EAGLE DJ Dance Party FRIENDS Happy Time Friday with Kelly & Bryan 6pm HERETIC PUMP featuring Atlanta’s hottest deejays - Occasional special events. No cover b4 11 HIDEAWAY $5 Smirnoff drinks & Martinis DJ Marc J. Cubs @10pm in back room JUNGLE The Other Show with Edie Cheezburger 9:30pm LIPS ATLANTA Glitz & Glamour Las Vegas Style MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 9pm MY SISTER’S ROOM Dance Party upstairs featuring Drag, DJs & Hosts OSCAR’S Music Video Night SWINGING RICHARDS T-Shirt Review,$10 TEN ATLANTA Music & Videos by DJ Daryl Cox 10pm TRIPPS Jeremy Presents “Skin” 4pm - 2am WOOFS Fur Fridays
Tuesday BLAKE’S Latin Night with Guest DJ’s • 1/2 Priced Menu ‘til Midnight BURKHART’S DRAG-EOKE with Angelica D’Paige at 10PM CLUB RUSH “Tipsy Tuesday” 18 & up - Open until 4am FRIENDS Let's Make A Deal with Ken 6-10pm HIDEAWAY Game night: Poker and blackjack 7:30 Trivia with Jason Walker 8:30 LAS MARGARITAS Cuban Night - $12.95 All You Can Eat Cuban Buffet & $5 Mojitos MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 7pm OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday with Chad- 8 pm SWINGING RICHARDS 1/2 Price cover WOOFS Poker Professional Hour BLAKE’S Party Pop Hits w/ Doug 3-9pm. “Voyeur Wednesday” Go-go guys, 10 p.m.
Saturday
BURKHART’S HUMPDAY KARAOKE with Darlene at 10PM FRIENDS Hump Night with Regina Simms HERETIC WarpZone Video Game Night 7pm - Pig Dance Black Out Party DJ Stan Jackson 10pm-3am NO COVER HIDEAWAY Beauty and the beat! Ruby Redd Charity Bingo @8:30 free to play. karaoke W/ Tyler @ 11:00 $ 3.00 well drinks all day long JUNGLE Dragnificent Season 4 - 9pm LIPS ATLANTA Bitchy Bingo MODEL T Wonderful Wednesdays 7pm MY SISTER’S ROOM Karaoke TRIPPS Hump Day Buffet Free Food @ 5 pm w/ Drink Purchase WOOFS Trivia and Bear Hump Hour
10TH & PIEDMONT Bottomless Mimosa Brunch BLAKE’S Open at 1pm • “Glitter Bomb” w Edie Cheezburger • Guest DJs Upstairs 10pm-close. BURKHART’S SYNERGY with Shawnna Brooks and Monica Van Pelt at 11PM CAMPAGNOLO Legendary Musician Robert Ray on the piano 10pm-1am EAGLE DJ Dance Party FRIENDS Free Pool 2-6pm HERETIC Varies. EARLY COUNTRY (8pm-12:30am) & LATE NIGHT DANCE with Billboard DJ MIKE POPE @12:30-close. No cover except special events. HIDEAWAY $2.50 All Well Drinks JUNGLE Fantasy Girls 9pm; Club Night, Various Guest DJ’s LIPS ATLANTA Glitz & Glamour Las Vegas Style MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 3pm MY SISTER’S ROOM Brunch 11:30am-4pm - Dance Party upstairs featuring Drag, DJs & Hosts OSCAR’S DJ Christopher Kind SWINGING RICHARDS T-Shirt Review $10 TEN ATLANTA Music & Videos by DJ Rob Reum 10pm WOOFS Game Day
Thursday
Sunday
BLAKE’S Texas Hold em Poker 7pm • #TBT 90's Divas with Shawnna Brooks 11pm BURKHART’S DANCEFLOOR DIVAS with Phoenix (RuPaul’s Drag Race s3) at 11:30PM EAGLE Balls Deep Karaoke w/ Mikey FACES LOUNGE The All Star Cabaret Drag Show & Karaoke FRIENDS Texas Hold'em 8:30pm; Ladies Nite 10pm HERETIC 3 Legged Cowboy Night 9pm Free dance lessons 8-9pm. No cover. HIDEAWAY Hot Mic’ Comedy w/ Ian Aber at 10pm followed by Karaoke at 11:30. Draft Beer Special LAS MARGARITAS Dirty South Trivia $5 Smirnoff & Cuervo Drinks. House Cash Prizes & $5 Wings LIPS ATLANTA Dinner with the Divas MODEL T Pre-Weekend Party! 7pm MY SISTER’S ROOM College Night - King of Thrones Drag Show OSCAR’S Twisted Thursday with Eric SWINGING RICHARDS 2-4-1 VIP & Entry WOOFS Country Music Night 7pm
10TH & PIEDMONT Bellini Brunch BLAKE’S Open at 1pm - Bloody Mary’s with Robin. Texas Hold em Poker Upstairs 2pm. • "Midtown Rouge" Drag Show w/ Peaches 8:30pm • High Energy with DJs Will Bryan & Bill Berdeaux. BURKHART’S Tossed Salad hosted by Brigitte Bidet - Music & Drinks 8pm - Showtime 9pm CLUB RUSH Hip Hop and R&B - 18 & up - Open until 4am FRIENDS Sunday Delights 2pm-closing HIDEAWAY $3.50 wells the Armorettes @8:00 LIPS ATLANTA Gospel Brunch w/ Bubba D. Licious LAS MARGARITAS Papi’s $17.95 Unlimited Brunch & Choice of Mimosas, Sangrias, Bloody Maria’s, & Mojitos MODEL T Karaoke for a Cause 8pm MY SISTER’S ROOM Brunch 11:30am-4pm - T Dance Party featuring $3 Mimosas & $5 Bloody Marys TEN ATLANTA Brunch 11am & music by DJ Rob Reum inside and DJ Robert Ansley on the patio 4pm TRIPPS 2nd & 4th Sunday - Tripp n Joe’s Open Mike Show 6pm WOOFS Sunday Funday
Wednesday
62 | 5.25.16
TIMBERFELL LODGE MEN'S RESORT & CAMPGROUND Now hiring for the 2016 season. Base wage, tips, housing and meals available. Energetic team players contact timberfell@timberfell.com or 800-437-0118
OPENING FOR
FULL TIME BARTENDER Great Neighborhood Bar Send qualifications to 3606 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta, GA 30345
FULL BODY MASSAGE by Walter @ 404-872-5671 (8th St. @Monroe Dr.) Only $40..Shave too License No. MT003122
davidatlanta.com | 63
advice
Hey, Daddy! I’m happily committed in a monogamous relationship. At least, I thought I was happy until I found myself downloading Grindr and chatting up strangers. My profile says I’m interested in friends, and explicitly says that I’m in a committed relationship. Sometimes I exchange pics or let conversations go over the line, but I would never cheat. A close confidant at the bar says that if my partner found out, he’d think I’m already cheating. I say it’s just fantasy as long as I don’t act on it. Who’s right? Can Harmless Easy App Turn Risky? Dear CHEATR: It’s not what you’re doing. It’s how what you’re doing makes you feel. The clues to your solution are in your own words.
HEY,
Daddy!
On their own, hookup apps are innocuous. There’s nothing wrong with a little ego boost and sexual lift. Trouble comes if you make and break your own rules of engagement, wonder out loud about it with friends, or keep secrets from your partner. You’ve done all three.
Instead of hashing it out and airing your dirty laundry over drinks, have an honest conversation with the one person who can make a difference: your partner. Does your relationship agreement need adjusting? Would certain changes Hey, Daddy! eliminate your urge for the app? Does either of you mind if I broke up with my ex about a month ago and started the other cruises Grindr? hooking up with his best friend about two weeks later. We’re having a good time and want to keep it up, but Answer those questions, and I won’t make you answer how a grown man “finds himself downloading Grindr” like you just we’re keeping it hush-hush for obvious reasons. woke up and Mr. Hyde had taken over your body. We both want to stay friends with my ex, but we’re afraid if he finds out, we could both lose him forever. He might Hey, Daddy! think we were both interested all along, and I swear that is not why I broke up with him. He’s a good guy and I found out I’m HIV positive right as things were getting going with a new guy. I’m afraid this will ruin our doesn’t deserve the drama. What should we do? chances. What’s my obligation here? Doesn’t Undo My Breakup Pouting Over Situation Dear DUMB: Dear POS: So you’re sleeping with your ex’s bestie, and the two of you are keeping it from him to save his feelings and keep a lid on There’s a saying that our readers in recovery know well: We drama? No. It’s to save the two of you from dealing with it and are only as sick as our secrets. There’s a cure for what’s really ailing you: Honesty. letting drama stew. You have two easy options. Decide that some temporary fun isn’t worth your friendships, or choose to give it a go with the new guy for a possible future together. The option you don’t have is to keep it quiet. Man up and tell your ex before he finds out on his own, which he will. You might lose the friend, but it’s his call not yours. You might also gain some personal integrity, and that’s on you. 64 | 5.25.16
Daddy
Daddy loves his boys. He knows the answers you need, and you’re going to get them. Reach out to him with your burning questions via our editor, mike@davidatlanta.com. Warning: Advice given in this column is intended for entertainment and novelty purposes. Please proceed at your own risk.
FREE TO LISTEN AND REPLY TO ADS Free Code: David
FIND REAL GAY MEN NEAR YOU Atlanta:
(404) 244-7000 www.megamates.com 18+
davidatlanta.com | 65
fairyscopes ARIES (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19):
LIBRA (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22):
TAURUS (Apr. 20 – May 20):
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):
GEMINI (May 21- Jun. 20):
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):
CANCER (Jun. 21- Jul. 22):
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):
LEO (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22):
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):
VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22):
PISCES (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20):
Relax into the flow. Your easiest pleasures come from allowing a great calm to wash over you from the inside, even when external proceedings are anything but. Be lulled into the week’s interactions, unless somebody utters a remark that throws your moral compass out of whack. Then you bear a responsibility to court tension and call it out as unacceptable.
You have a chance to putter around and explore new ways of activating your money-earning and/or money-managing potential, but it’s less about making deals in an immediate sense, and more a matter of trying things out on a provisional, non-committal basis. Don’t mistakenly assume there’s one ideal solution to boosting your bottom-line.
You get a significant booster-shot of energy, initiative and fighting spirit. Let it light that fire under your ass to get up, grab your tools or weapons, and do your shit. One warning: Your assertive edge might bump uncomfortably against an uncompromisingly black-and-white attitude from a partner, main squeeze, or close pal.
There’s a lot of good intended for you, but you must leave well enough alone. Don’t take bait, succumb to temptation, attempt to escape detection or do something slightly-orsomewhat shady. You currently know less about what’s ‘good’ for you than the divine forces of the universe. Let them guide, while you collect tiny bits of treasure along the way.
As much as you might wish to try on this or that social persona and sample potential connections with this or that type of pal, there’s only so much experimentation you can legitimately get away with. Respect the guardrail in place that demarcates the line you probably shouldn’t cross. If you’re uncertain, admit it upfront.
There’s a rip-roarin’ gung-ho charge surging through your career/outer-world-accomplishment house, offering you an extended opportunity to experiment with reaching out to new contacts who may not prove vital to your end-game. Prioritize personal, emotional considerations over certain hoops you’re mistakenly expecting yourself to jump through.
66 | 5.25.16
More details on your gay horoscope at
Astrobarry.com by Barry Perlman.
No, you may not fly off on the wings of a ‘something radically different than all this’ fantasy, not without answering for your part in this not-yet-finished process you’re in alongside certain other characters. Take short dashes away, dip a toe or two into the vast ocean of possibilities, but don’t cut your immediate hereand-now short because you have a fresh iron or two in your fire.
Indulging your most romantic ideals, whether about a particular person or a general principle, will certainly keep life interesting. But it simultaneously threatens to derail your practical focus. Allow yourself the ‘fun’ of rifling through complex feelings, but don’t let it distract you moving surefootedly forward with what you need to do.
There’s a stark standoff between that which seems undeniably right for you and whatever you feel might be necessary to promote, protect, or progress in a certain relationship. Perhaps you’re willfully avoiding some fairly obvious fact about yourself, in fear of damaging or destroying the relationship. If so, then explicitly talk it.
You’re tinkering with a lot of different ideas about how to boost your efficiency, bolster your health, and accomplish your tasks, but do so with wisdom. Swallow the realization that extenuating circumstances are beyond your control and must be taken into account. Work with what you’ve got, imperfect or restraining as it may be.
The number of appealing and entertaining prospects are great. Consider options with your own gratification as a primary concern, but not all the possibilities are appropriate to your rightful place in the world. “Whatever the hell you want” could disturb others threatened by it. That’s fine if you decide it’s worth it, but don’t be playing about it.
Beware of sharpening trouble or tension on the home-front. The ever-changing demands of staying on top of it require a lot of brain-power, but don’t drop everything else to concentrate solely on this. It’s trying, but consider this a lesson in smartly containing emotional fallout temporarily, but not in an unhealthily escapist manner.
Bitch
S E S S I O N
SEND US YOUR BITCHES! Text 404.969.BTCH, tweet @BitchSessionATL or email bitch@davidatlanta.com *This page reflects the bitchiness of the community not David Atlanta or its publisher (although we’re bitchy too!)
On the one hand, I'm not a size queen. On the other, your penis isn't big enough.
Just because I asked your name doesn't mean I am hitting on you!
Welcome to Atlanta, where style over substance, and appearances over reality, reign supreme.
I've never met a brunch I didn’t bitch at.
Living my life, and all these bitches just commenting from the sidelines.
OMG! As if your ego wasn't big enough,now your nominated as one one of the Men of David? Ugggh!
Just got home from your “36th” birthday. Was at your 30th 12 years ago too. Your inability to face reality doesn’t quash my ability to do math.
I understand you like sports, but in no way does that make you straightacting. The dick you love makes you gay-acting. The end.
68 | 5.25.16
Dear Twinkie Do and Tweedle Don't: Your words would hurt if I gave a crap about your opinion.
Sorry asshole, but you have a bloated sense of your importance in my life. Bye-bye!