David v19 i40 | Oct. 5, 2016 by David Magazine

10.5.16 V.19 I.40

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MANAGEMENT David Thompson (x101) Publisher david@davidatlanta.com William Duffee-Braun (x105) Sales and Development Director william@davidatlanta.com Mike Fleming (x102) Editorial Director mike@davidatlanta.com Joe Ragsdale (x103) Art Director ragsdale@davidatlanta.com

SALES

HAPPY PRIDE

Our annual special issue speaks power to the people with a look at Pride as personal and political. Of course we also have the hottest parties and performances. Dig in, and Happy Pride!

GLAMOUR PUSS

PRIDE PLAYLIST

Before Kitty Glitter hits the decks at the Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party, she makes a splash on our pages. Get to know what this Australian drag DJ is all about, including a preview of her debut event.

You know the standards. Now set some standards of your own! Our own DJ Marc J. Cubs puts your Pride to a beat you can't ignore, from inspiring anthems to full-on dance ragers and beyond.

The comic, singer and columnist best known as the satirical ‘Betty Bowers: America’s Best Christian,’ Deven Green hits Atlanta as the special Pride guest of David Atlanta and Goliath Atlanta.

At community distribution points across the city

CONTRIBUTORS Tanner Gill Graphic Designer tanner@davidatlanta.com DJ Marc J Cubs Tony Gowell Matthew Holley Jason Mietelski James Parker Sheffield Jeffery Silvey Chris Vizzini

DISTRIBUTION Christopher Dixon Brian Harmon

GET HER

Russ Youngblood (x106) Senior Sales Representative russ@davidatlanta.com Steve Tyrrell steve@davidatlanta.com Jim Brams jim@davidatlanta.com

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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. 8 | 10.5.16

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datebook

where to go and

what to do this week

OUT ON FILM CLOSING NIGHT

OUT/SPOKEN: QUEER & PROUD

ATLANTA PRIDE KICKOFF PARTY

ATLANTA PRIDE & PARADE

HRC PARADE BRUNCH

PRIDE CLOSING PARTY

One of the best ways to kick off Pride Weekend is to close out another local mainstay festival. Atlanta’s world class LGBT film festival screens the awardwinning “Other People” as its final feature in eight days of programming. Get tickets early as it will sell out.

We are our stories, and the folks at HRC Atlanta have some doozies. Perfect for Pride season, come hear eight ‘Queer, Questioning, Bold & Proud’ tales of real people from Atlanta and beyond. StoryDistrict helps curate the program to benefit the nationwide LGBT rights organization.

This is the official way to start your Pride experience. DJs Robert Ansley and Kitty Glitter (photo, read our introduction in this issue) pump beats for thousands of revelers itching to get the party started. You party with the fishes in the state’s largest indoor aquarium, and proceeds benefit Pulse Orlando victims.

First of all, duh. This is why we’re here. Second of all, there’s too much fun, fraternity, festival and floats to list in Datebook. Start flipping pages for our preview of the big gay park experience, as well as a packed event roster from our advertisers to keep you going all weekend.

Of the scores of good places to watch Sunday’s parade down Peachtree and 10th Streets, this is one of the most popular. Get there early for breakfast food and a cash bar, and get ready for hobnobbing to the beat of DJ Canvas, all while you raise money for Human Rights Campaign.

New this year to the officially sanctioned events from the Pride Committee, prepare to shut it down with sexy international DJ Micky Friedmann (photo) at the helm and an opening set by Atlanta’s own Corey David. It’s the last of a weekendlong roster of big names from Heretic, Xion and Jungle.

Friday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. • 225 Baker Street NW • georgiaaquarium.org

Saturday, Oct. 8 – Sunday, Oct. 9 • Piedmont Park • atlantapride.org

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Sunday, Oct. 10 • Opera • 1150 Crescent Ave. NE • atlantapride.org

Thursday, Oct. 6, 8:30 p.m. • Midtown Art Cinema Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. • 931 Monroe Drive NE • outonfilm.org • Harland Cinema at Emory • 605 Asbury Circle • hrcatlanta.com

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davidatlanta.com | 17

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obsessed

importantly, ask the hard questions about her community support involvement, while being a staunch Republican. I am not a Republican, and after watching the first Presidential Debate of 2016, I can’t imagine that even Republicans are proud of the debate styles their nominee adopted. Surprisingly, I was more pissed off at the shitty moderating that Lester Holt did than any particular thing that either of the candidates had to say. He allowed for constant interruption, time overages, and inappropriate rebuttals. Even worse, allowing candidates to not even answer the questions asked of them.

Obsessed with Pride, One Last Time by Tony Gowell

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END, AND AFTER WRITING OVER 55 OBSESSED COLUMNS FOR DAVID ATLANTA OVER THESE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THIS ONE SHALL BE MY LAST.

t least, this is the last of me writing a column like Obsessed, since I will always have something to say. So who knows what I might be writing in the future. But I digress. My pride in the Atlanta community could not be what it is today without all of the amazing people who work tirelessly to bring a free gay magazine to you, each and every week.

David Thompson and his team aren’t paid nearly enough for the amount of content they bring to audiences. Because face it, regardless of your opinions about the choices they make, David Atlanta (as well as Goliath and Project Q) are shining examples of the much needed entertainment communication for the GLBTQ community. Most large cities don’t have nearly this much cohesion, and care for that matter, for what’s going on around their communities. David shoulders that pride and does it well. From politics, fashion, gossip and social 30 | 10.5.16

trends, these hardworking men and women make this magazine happen. And it’s fucking free! That means you should support it, nurture it, and give it room to grow.

I miss Bernie. And I miss that Hillary had to spend 95 minutes chasing a child, instead of giving us more insight to how she’s going to run our country. She was robbed of that, and that pisses me off too. MY PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY has to extend to politics, as they reflect the needs and laws of our lives here in Atlanta. I hope you all vote, and more importantly, being sure you vote in the little elections. That’s where change begins. For instance, the next Mayor of Atlanta needs to make the owners of Midtown Music Festival pay up, for the ridiculous cost of maintaining the park sod after their concerts destroy them. So many areas of Piedmont Park will continue to be closed off during Pride activities, because of the lack of a cohesive and fast repair plan from private events held in our community’s public spaces. That should piss off all of you too, as it’s your park!!

DAVID ATLANTA ALLOWS ME to be a part of their family, and to always be able to say what I have to say, with very little censorship. Although, I will state for the Atlanta Pride only works if the entire comrecord that I still think Caitlyn Jenner is munity embraces it, and all of the work continues to make it one of the largest a giant twat. and most amazing Pride events in the She has really been the only point of con- country. I’m thankful to be a part of it, and tention I’ve had, in all my columns over the I’m thankful to all of you that have read my years, with the former editing team. We columns over the years, even the haters. came to an agreement about my language I never started writing Obsessed columns use, after several back and forth argu- with popularity in mind, I wrote them to ments. And thankfully, my low opinion have peace of my own mind. was soon validated by millions of people. That I have been gifted the opportunity to It could easily have gone the other way, share what I think with my column, fills me but the David Atlanta ultimately allowed with more pride than you can ever know. me to express my thoughts on her very public transition in a way that didn’t just Thank you fans, thank you David Atlanta trash her, but allowed room for a caution- family, and Happy Pride, Atlanta! ary tale of her celebrity status. And more

confessions

where and with whom the day takes me! Social cliques be damned! AS BIOLOGY DICTATES, where you’ll find a face there is usually a heart involved. The heart of Pride differs from the face in that it contains many facets of why the weekend even exists. Pride’s heart stands boldly and bravely where fear and shame once hid in the shadows. For that, past warriors traversed unknown battlegrounds in the name of equality. When the fight for equality began, many of us think of the Stonewall Riots that took place in the wee hours on July 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village.

The heart, and many faces, of Pride by Chris Vizzini

However, two other groups formed much earlier in the ultra-conservative and super-repressive year of 1950. Daughters of Bilitis, a lesbian group, as well as the predominantly male Mattachine Society formed, though there was more picketing than partying happening at that time. Even before that, the Great Grandfather of the gay rights movement was established in 1924 with a group calling themselves the Society for Human Rights. MY POINT, AND THERE IS ONE, in bringing up is those groups is that I can’t begin to fathom the courage is must have taken those people to stand up and declare their homosexuality. Those were not pleasant times for gay people.

FROM PICKETING TO PARTYING, REMEMBERING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US IS THE BEST WAY TO TAP INTO THE TRUE MEANING OF PRIDE PRIDE HAS WORN MANY FACES over the years for me. One of the most dominant faces always had a mischievous look that demanded a party weekend! Who was I to argue? I’m a pretty pliable chap! And so the party was on from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. So many amazing, albeit hazy, memories of the sounds of friends’ laughter bouncing about Blake’s. Watching people, myself included, being ridiculous and fun. One year, I decided to hop my happy little ass on the bar at Burkhart’s to dance, and it seemed as normal as a very Vodka soaked apple pie. No one batted an eye at what would otherwise have been uncool, most of all by management. 34 | 10.5.16

In fact, it wasn’t until 1973 that homosexuality became declassified as a mental disorder. I am truly in awe and inspired by those brave men and women who said, “No! We will not tolerate this treatment. We will not One of the great things about Pride is hide in the shadows and pretend not to exthat it brings excitement to the air that is ist because you don’t understand!” palpable and ushers in an unspoken rule that there are no rules. As if a pink cloud There are still towns in Georgia where I settled over the city to proudly watch all would fear for my safety were I to hold her children run amok. hands with a date, as I’m sure many of you can relate. With that, I’d like to ask a favor Another face of Pride is that social bar- from all of you. Take a few minutes during riers drop, and we are simply one uni- Pride Weekend to sit by yourself in silence fied group out to have fun. We all know and think of what it must have been like Atlanta likes to play a pretty hard game for the brave ones before us. of social Red Rover, but for that one enchanting weekend, walls lower and social It was them who took action and paved the crossovers happen that might not on a way affording us a palate of freedoms as typical Saturday night. gay people that they never even had the privilege to taste. Always remember them. That’s when I like to think we, as gay people, are at our most real. No rules? Have a beautiful Pride, Brothers, and Great! I’m just going to go out and see Sisters! davidatlanta.com | 35

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Hello,

et ready, kittens. It’s going to be a bumpy night. Come Friday, Oct. 7, the night comes courtesy Atlanta Pride and the Georgia Aquarium, and the bumps come courtesy Australian drag DJ Kitty Glitter.

Once a stage-trodding queen like so many others – only in her case a DIVA Award-winning one as Sydney’s Favorite Drag Queen 2006 – Glitter made her foray into pumping beats as a progression of her career and her love of dance music, she has said. “I decided I wanted to add more fabulousness to my character, and music has always been my greatest passion, so it was only natural to combine the two,” she said. “I went on to win Most Popular DJ every year since 2007, and the rest is history!”

By Mike Fleming Kitty Glitter plays the Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party on Oct. 7, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., at Georgia Aquarium. Visit djkittyglitter.podomatic.com, and finder her on social media. 40 | 10.5.16

Now about that

That name though? It’s anything but trashy. Well, unless she feels like it might be.

Party

“My star sign is a Leo, so I knew I wanted to be a pussycat of some sort,” she remembered. “Kitty Litter came to mind, but I didn’t want a trashy image, so I added the G to litter and knew I could be as glamorous as I wanted, or as trashy as I wanted just by dropping the ‘G.’’

Now you know Kitty Glitter takes the helm of this year’s official Atlanta Pride Kickoff at Georgia Aquarium. Here’s what else do you need to know.

With a name and a dream, Glitter broke out if for no bigger reason than she set her mind to it. Her taste in music, and a lot of on-the-job training did the rest.

Crowd Source: The event sells out its 5,000-queen capacity ballroom and adjoining viewing tanks every year. At this writing, limited general admission tickets are going fast, though the VIP lounge is sold out.

“I am most popular for playing uplifting vocal house music, that usually gets people with their hands in the air and singing along,” she promises of her Atlanta Pride Kickoff set. “I like to throw in a little bit of deep house, electro, retro, and of course anthemic classics, so that at some point I get to please the whole spectrum of musical genres. It’s hard for one DJ to please everybody, but I do my best to make it my mission to leave everyone dancing to something they love.”

Opening Act: Local favorite DJ Robert Ansley takes the decks early to prime the pump before Glitter’s Atlanta debut set.

Her international popularity beyond Australia is growing by leaps and bounds. She has sprinkled her magic on dance floors in New Zealand, Noumea, New York, Miami, Fire Island, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Toronto, Singapore, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Amterdam and Italy.

Star Attractions: Besides the DJs, the new ATT Dolphin Celebration Show opens during the party at 7:30 p.m. with limited seating. The show starts at 8 p.m. sharp, and there is no late entry.

If you’re judged by the company you keep, Glitter is even more amazing. She has played alongside the likes of Freemasons, Tony Moran, Offer Nissim and Wayne G. She even played a private party for Lady Gaga during her BornThisWayBall Tour in Melbourne.

Meet the glamour puss hitting Atlanta Pride all the way from Sydney as belle of the Pride Kickoff ball at Georgia Aquarium.

Photo Credit: Project Q

Glitter’s most recent mix set features tracks by Britney, Sia, Beyonce and Lady Gaga with remixes by such gay DJ legends as Edson Pride, Ralphi Rosario, DJ aron and Sagi Kariv. She’s also known for giving playlist love to reworks from Freemasons, Dave Aude, Taito Tikaro, Leo Blaco and Dani Toro. With such a glittering journey already and fans around the world scratching for more, it’s exciting to know that Kitty promises - the best is yet to come!

Cash Money: All bars are cash only. Plan accordingly. Good Cause: A portion of proceeds from the event benefit Atlanta Pride and the survivors of the Pulse Orlando shootings.

Where Am I? What Am I Doing? The Ocean’s Ballroom is ground zero for the fun. Enter via the Baker Street Entrance. Bring a photo ID if you want to drink alcohol. You’ll be turned away if carrying backpacks, lighters, cigarettes or weapons. There is no coat check. The Aquaria Food Court will be open until 9 p.m., and the gift shop will be open until 11 p.m. Wait. I Wanna Go! A little late, but of course you do. The only ticket options left at this writing were $30 general admission. If those are gone, beg on Facebook or otherwise throw yourself on the mercy of extra ticketholders with better planning skills.

Visit georgiaaquarium.org and atlantapride.org davidatlanta.com | 41

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opinion

lifetimes and whether the experience gets labeled as “good” or “bad” almost never has anything to do with the event itself. MY VERY FIRST ATLANTA PRIDE was 1997. I was 17 and definitely not supposed to be there. It rained enough that a group of industrious lesbians created a mudslide, which I watched from a position of curiosity. Was being a queer grownup really that carefree? I wandered the marketplace alone, quietly collected materials, and left. Even though I came home soaking wet, I was excited and happy. My first Pride experience allowed me to feel like maybe, just maybe, being gay wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be.

Your Annual Pride Exam by James Parker Sheffield FOR AS MANY YEARS THAT WE’VE CELEBRATED PRIDE, WE’VE ASKED ONE QUESTION: WHAT DOES PRIDE MEAN? THE ANSWER, MUCH LIKE A KARDASHIAN RELATIONSHIP STATUS, IS COMPLICATED. “LAUGHTER THROUGH TEARS IS MY FAVORITE EMOTION.” Fitting that the sentiment from Steel Magnolias was the first to come to mind when I sat down to write a piece about the meaning of Pride. For more than a decade, Pride was my job. Each year, requests for “what does Pride mean to you” statements came from every media outlet. It was always a task to remember what had been said before, so I didn’t say the same thing, and to keep it lighthearted enough that people would get excited. The biggest challenge was answering that question without getting personal, because if Pride is anything, it is deeply personal.

what Pride hasn’t meant to me. It’s where I picked up my first rainbow accessories, as well as the first place I laughed at people buying rainbow accessories. It’s where I first learned about LGBTQ resources, and it’s the place where I’ve taught others about LGBTQ resources. It’s where I had my first HIV test. It’s where I sharpened my work ethic. I’ve started and ended relationships at Pride. Some of the memories I cherish most in this world happened at Pride, but so did some of the ones I wish I could forget.

While we’re all suppose to be good gays ready to recite the history of Stonewall and how important it is to be visible, we miss something when we solely stick to those talking points. The truly amazing thing The truth is that it’s hard for me to outline about Pride is that it follows us through our 44 | 10.5.16

With every festival that followed that first experience, my opinion of what “Pride” meant morphed. There were the years in which everything felt OMG AMAZING, and the years that I felt bored and ready to leave before I even arrived. There were years that were very political, ones that were exclusively social, and ones somewhere in between. Every single year, my perception was based on things, such as how ‘out’ I was, who my friends were, who I was dating, where I was living, where I was working, and how I was feeling about myself. Even if the list of variables changes from person to person, I think this is true for all of us. Our attitudes about our lives become our Pride experiences. What “Pride” means is shaped by our needs and expectations in those specific moments. Yes, Pride is about celebrating our successes as a community, fighting oppression, and providing a visual representation of our numbers. But importantly, Pride is also about us as individuals, all looking through different lenses and coming to different conclusions about why it does or does not matter. So, if I have to narrow Pride down to a sound bite, I would like to go back to where I began: Pride is absolutely laughter through tears. It’s a special feeling of experiencing all of the good with the bad on a very personal level, while sitting in a safe space with your community. For some, this Pride will be the beginning of their narrative. For others, their last chapter. Wherever you are, make good choices – or make bad choices that make good stories. HAPPY PRIDE.

davidatlanta.com | 45

Pride

WHAT MAKES

GAY ATLANTA THE BEST?

WHILE THERE MAY BE NO WAY TO QUANTIFY THE BEST QUEER COMMUNITY, WE HEREBY DECLARE ATLANTA THE WINNER. By James Parker Sheffield There are very few things better than team spirit, especially when you’re on a great team. In Atlanta, that’s you. OK, so we aren’t technically in competition with other cities, but it’s pretty clear from our vantage point that being gay in Atlanta is at the top of the list. There’s no algorithm. We didn’t survey anyone. We didn’t rate Netflix selections based on a scale of gayness, nor how many Grindr connections per minute are made within city limits. When you already live in the best place, you don’t need to make things that don’t matter seem like they do. There is a particular beauty to being part of Atlanta’s gay landscape, and there isn’t a scale capable of measuring our “it” factor. When we talk about community greatness, it shouldn’t be about infrastructure or trends; it should be about the people.

Gay Atlantans do it better. Here’s why: History. It’s impossible to discuss the Civil Rights movement without talking about Atlanta. That legacy has been an unbreakable thread running through our local and statewide fights for LGBTQ inclusion for decades. In fact, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of Mrs. Coretta Scott King speaking from the Atlanta Pride stage. When you’re a Gay Atlantan, you can count on hometown hero and Civil Rights icon, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, to prep you for political battles. Not only does he give us words of encouragement, he runs up and down our Pride Parade route, pushing us to keep up our efforts. We’re our own worst critics. If you’re a complainer, pat yourself on the back. In Gay Atlanta, we set our standards high. If an LGBTQ event, organization, or business not living up to our expectations, everyone is going to hear about 48 | 10.5.16

it. While we wish we were a bit more liberal with offering praise, our community thrives, at least in part, because we’re not quick to give out passes. We challenge each other to do better and, as a result, we are better.

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Charm and Work Ethic. All the other kids want to sit at our lunch table. It’s true. There have been and continue to be countless national meetings and conferences for various LGBT community-related topics right here. Without fail, other delegations are thirsty for Atlanta gays. At first, you might think it’s due to the sweet accent or our ability to deliver snarky comments that sound hospitable, but it’s something else. Contingents from Atlanta are always the first to have fun and the first to do work. We believe in a cocktail at lunch, but we always make sure the project is complete. Don’t believe it? Check out how well Atlanta is represented with organizations like the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Equality Federation, and InterPride, to name but a precious few. Place for Everyone. There are well over 100 LGBTQ organizations in Atlanta covering practically any issue you can think of. If activism and advocacy aren’t your bag, there are also dozens of social groups that meet the needs of almost any brand of gay. Whether you’re a jock, gamer, book enthusiast, poet, performer, the outdoors type, or a beer snob, we have you covered. If it doesn’t exist yet, don’t worry, we’ll create it – because this is Atlanta.

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Whether you’re planning a house party or just want your earbuds pumping Pride, here’s a finely tune list of must-have downloads By DJ Marc J Cubs Pride is finally here! The parade, the festival, and the parties call for just the right music, so I’m here to help you put together that perfect Pride playlist. Now, the Typical Pride Playlist would include songs like “I’m Coming Out,” “Born This Way,” “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Let’s Have a Kiki,” and “Y.M.C.A.” But we’re not about being typical. Those song are amazing and should already be in your playlist, but I’m here to add some pizzazz for a Perfect Pride Party Playlist. “We R Who We R” - Kesha Kesha opened her set at Music Midtown with this one wearing a rainbow fringed coat and despite standing in the rain, ankle deep in mud. The tears just started rolling down my face. Screw the world if they have anything bad to say about you ! We all are superstars! “Blow Your Mind (MWAH)” - Dua Lipa The 21-year-old Brit is ready to take over the music world with the “Three F’s Philosophy” - if you don’t Feed me, Finance me, or F*** me, then I don’t care what you think about me. Basically, this is my whole way of life and it should be every LGBT’s as well. “All I Ever Wanted” - Michael Brun The perfect Pride jammer to make sure you get all the feels. The title track from Netflix’s EDM festival movie XOXO, this song will serve you Pride PLUR – Peace, Love, Unity, Respect. “Somebody Loves You” - Betty Who Famous for a YouTube wedding proposal, it brings all the feel-good emotions. And if feeling good isn’t a part of Pride, you’re doing it wrong. 52 | 10.5.16

“The Greatest” - Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar Dedicating this song to the victims and families of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, this video is unlike all others for the tragic event. Other songs were about healing, but this is about being proud and empowering yourself. “Don’t give up, I won’t give up. I’m free to be the greatest, I’m alive” “Heavy Cross” - The Gossip You may have heard this song before in a Dior perfume commercial, but it’s so much more. It’s perfect for Pride as an anthem to how cruel the world can be, so just take pride in life and who you are because you write your own rules. “Closer” - Tegan and Sara It’s about hooking up, and you know what, I love it! Let’s have fun! Let’s make out! Let’s enjoy life and let’s not worry about everyone else. “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” - Carly Rae Jepsen Yes, that Carly Rae Jepsen! She has done a ton of amazing music other than her first single, and she’s easily one of the most under appreciated artists out there. This track is all about taking pride in oneself, realizing that not all relationships are going to work out, and that’s completely OK! Honorable Mentions “Dancing On My Own” - Robyn “Follow Your Arrow” - Kacey Musgraves “Battle Cry” - Angel Haze ft. Sia “Only A Girl” - Gia “Free” - Ultra Nate

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on sale noW!

Jerusalem House Presents

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 Empire State South | 999 Peachtree St., N.W., Atlanta, GA Celebrate Atlanta Pride and a victorious year for LGBTQ equality in Georgia, at the 15th Annual HRC Atlanta Pride Brunch, the official brunch of Atlanta Pride! Guests will be treated to two hours of complimentary cocktails and a delicious Southern brunch catered by Empire State South while watching the Atlanta Pride Parade from the best location on the parade route! Join us for good music from DJ Canvas, great friends and celebrate this year’s wins for LGBTQ equality, locally and nationally. 10:30AM: Doors Open | Cash Bar Available 11:30AM - 1:30PM: Brunch Service

11:30AM - 1:30PM: Open Bar 2:00PM: Event Ends

Tickets: Each ticket purchase directly supports HRC’s important mission of LBGTQ equality in Atlanta and across the country. General Admission: $75 - Includes admission to the event and an annual HRC membership or renewal. VIP Admission: $125 - Includes reserved seating, HRC Gift Bag and annual HRC membership or renewal. FEATURING DJ Canvas Host Committee: $350 – 2 VIP tickets that include reserved seating, HRC Gift Bag and annual HRC membership or renewal and Host Committee recognition on social media, event website and day of marketing.

VIP Table (10 seats): $1250 - Only 15 Available.

For sponsorship inquiries or other questions, please email hrcprideatlanta@gmail.com

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celebrity

When did you know that you were destined to perform, and how did that manifest? I see you are asking about my manifest destiny. I started performing as a pro athlete when I was six years old and expect to have enough juice to continue through to my last days. What or who are your inspirations? Silence was always my influence... never to have any.

Who’s that girl?

You’re originally from Canada. How did you come to the U.S.?

by Mike Fleming

Your gay fans are fiercely loyal. Describe your connection to them.

COMIC, SINGER, YOUTUBE STAR, COLUMNIST AND ALL-AROUND FRIEND OF THE GAYS HITS ATLANTA PRIDE STAGE, PARADE AND FESTIVAL AS OUR GUEST

hether you know her better as Betty Bowers, America’s Best Christian, as the uproariously clueless host of the “Welcome to My Home” videos, or from guest stints on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” you probably already love Deven Green. “I am an elegantly filthy performer whomakes videos and live music all while posing,” she says with a wink. “It’s just what I do.” Obviously, the Los Angeles-based comic knows how to bring the funny. For 2016, she brings it to Atlanta Pride courtesy David Atlanta and Goliath Atlanta magazines. Her tongue-in-cheek advice column appears in Goliath each month. During the big weekend, Green will appear in booth of the magazines, will ride in a fabulous convertible in Sunday’s parade in full drag as America’s Best Christian Betty Bowers herself, and she’ll even hit the Pride stage doing her music act.

I heard it was warm in Los Angeles, so I found out for myself. I’m not very good with directions, so I don’t really don’t know how to get back.

From a very young age I grew up singing and performing with my four brothers. Over the last decade I’ve been focused on writing my own music. I’ve been back in the studio for the past few months recording my own songs and happy to have this chance to share my new music. Follow me and my journey on

@J.anthonymusic

J.Anthony Singer & Songwriter

My father said, “If you can find love anywhere in this world, it is a good thing.” So when I saw several of my “secretly gay” figure skating friends obligated to marry women, the injustice impacted me. I only cared about their expression of love and their rights, and I still do.

Star Magazine’s fashion squad, Green is a remarkably talented singer. When she lands on the Pride stage, she performs versions of songs from the 1920s to today in her own very fun, very eclectic way – and in a factoid not to be ignored, all while What does it take to birth characters like Betty Bowers and “Welcome to playing an electric ukulele. My Home”? Green has been called a “veritable human jukebox,” so look for her to do mash-ups, When someone lives in a bubble or is clueless, I can hear their voice in sing-alongs and to take requests. my head. Then, I illuminate that monWith so much going on and so much to ster with inappropriate words. “Betty talk about, this is one woman hard to pin Bowers - America’s Best Christian” all down, and that’s just how she likes it. starts with Andrew Bradley, the writer. She sat down with us to help you get to If I were you, I would seriously follow @ know her better, and from satirical romps BettyBowers. through some of our queries to informative takes on others, Deven Green always What are your expectations for your shows her style and humor at every turn. Atlanta Pride visit?

We finally decided to just let the interview I. Love. Atlanta! Everyone was just so speak for itself, because “charming, funny cool, fun and talented when I was there. I honestly can’t wait to be part of Pride. and original” just isn’t the half of it. It is a huge honor. As for expectations, I When you’re not “on,” who is the real expect nothing less than excellence. Deven Green? Anything else you’d like to say to the You heard that right: Music. And it’s I am pretty much always turned on. My LGBT ATL before you arrive? awesome. videos tell you exactly who I am. What Beyond her comedy and other gigs as an drives me? It should be who drives me, Here is a life lesson: As much as I truly OCC Makeup spokesmodel and one of and that would be you in Atlanta – please. care about what you say, I equally don’t. 62 | 10.5.16

davidatlanta.com | 63

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nightlife

PRIDE PARTY PLANNER A look at our favorite bar happenings over Atlanta Pride Weekend

Happy Pride Atlanta!

By Mike Fleming Here are the biggest blowouts after the sun goes down on Pride, but not nearly all. Remember that your favorite watering hole is open and pouring something special. Check out their ads in this issue for even more options.

FRIDAY, OCT. 7

Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party with Kitty Glitter Georgia Aquarium, 7 p.m. georgiaaquarium.org Pride Weekend Kickoff with DJs Daryl Cox & Neon Ten Atlanta, 9 p.m. tenatlanta.com Pride Kickoff with DJ Manny Lehman Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com Pride Friday with Drew G and Roxxy Jungle, 10 p.m. jungleatl.com

SATURDAY, OCT. 8 Mega Pride Block Party with outdoor bars, beats & boys Ten Atlanta, all day

Pride Blowout with DJ Tony Moran Jungle, 10:30 p.m. jungleatl.com Rise Dance Party with DJs Cubs, Scott, Neon & Eric Atlanta Eagle, 10 p.m. atlantaeagle.com TribaHaus with DJs Shane Stiel & Seth Breezy Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com Pride After Hours with DJ Paulo Xion, 3 a.m. – 7 a.m. facebook.com/XionAtlanta 66 | 10.5.16

End of year cruise sale. On board credit on all 2016 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises*

Grr Pride with DJs Marc J. Cubs & Ron Pullman Atlanta Eagle, 10 p.m. atlantaeagle.com Hot Fruit Pride Weekend Kickoff Mary’s, 10 p.m. Latino Pride Party with Brenda & Alejandro Guzman Club Russ, 11 p.m. After Hours with DJ Martin Fry Xion, 3 a.m. – 7 a.m. facebook.com/XionAtlanta

770•729•1881 concierge@cruisenationwide.com End of year cruise sale valid for new bookings made 10/10/2016-10/31/2016 for travel in 2016 on Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Azamara Club cruises for ocean view and above staterooms on 5 night or longer sailings.

SUNDAY, OCT. 9

Mega Pride Block Party with DJ Kraax + outdoor bars & boys Ten Atlanta, all day

Pride Closing Party with DJ Micky Friedmann Opera, 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Pride Bearracuda with DJ Paul Goodyear Heretic, 9 p.m. hereticatlanta.com

Closing After Hours with DJ Joe Gauthreaux Xion, 3 a.m. – 7 a.m.

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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 COCKPIT $3.00 House Draft EAGLE Music Videos with Kirby 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 OSCAR’S Service Industry Night SWINGING RICHARDS Industry Free Entry, Free VIP Lounge for all. 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 COCKPIT $6.00 SkyFall Wine EAGLE DJ Dance Party 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 OSCAR’S Music Video Night SWINGING RICHARDS Sexy dancers pack the strage early! Drink Specials all night. Free before 8PM. $10 Cover before 12 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 COCKPIT $5.00 Smirnoff Drinks FRIENDS Let's Make A Deal with Ken 6pm HIDEAWAY Game night: Poker and blackjack 7:30 Trivia with Jason Walker 8:30 MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 7pm OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday SWINGING RICHARDS Titos Tuesdays! $6.25 Titos Cocktails with the hottest crowd in the ATL. Free before 8PM WOOFS Poker Professional Hour

Wednesday BLAKE’S Party Pop Hits w/ Doug 3-9pm. “Voyeur Wednesday” Go-go guys, 10 p.m. BURKHART’S HUMPDAY KARAOKE with Darlene at 10PM COCKPIT Karaoke - Humpday Specials FRIENDS Hump Night with Regina Simms 8pm 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 LIPS ATLANTA Bitchy Bingo MODEL T Wonderful Wednesdays 7pm OSCAR'S JukeBox Wednesdays SWINGING RICHARDS Wasted Wednesdays! Free VIP Lounge. 2-4-1 VIP Rooms all night! TRIPPS Hump Day Buffet Free Food @ 5 pm w/ Drink Purchase WOOFS Trivia and Bear Hump Hour

Thursday 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 COCKPIT Customer Appreciation Night EAGLE Blackout Night with Gerry FACES LOUNGE The All Star Cabaret Drag Show & Karaoke FRIENDS Texas Hold'em 8:30pm; Regina hosts 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 JUNGLE True Thursday EDM Party 10pm LIPS ATLANTA Dinner with the Divas MODEL T Pre-Weekend Party! 7pm OSCAR’S Thirsty Thursday SWINGING RICHARDS 2-4-1 Entry and VIP All night! A Matthew & Billy Fav!! Fireball Shot Specials! WOOFS Country Music Night 7pm 100 | 10.5.16

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advice

Gross leather daddies, lesbian moms and natty little kids, and those social justice freaks all just need to have a drink and chill out. I could go on. How can I get these people to see Pride for the celebration it’s intended to be, and not a buzzkill excuse for hoisting their lifestyles on the rest of us? Join Us Simply Normal Others Dear JUST NO:

HEY,

Daddy! Hey, Daddy! I’m considering going to my first Pride festival, but I’m nervous someone I know will see me. I know I’m gay, but admitting it in broad daylight is scary. Does my fear mean that I’m not ready to “come out” completely? Should I wait until my confidence is better to dip my toe into the Pride pool? Not Exactly With Bravery, Is Edgy Dear NEWBIE:

The bad news is that you don’t have the key to Pride. The good news is that it’s not locked.

Let’s start with one basic principle: There is no “normal.” Here’s another: There are as many different kinds of gay people as there are kinds of people. There is no “one came before you. It’s natural to be wary community, one way” other than the hardof the unexpected, but your entire fu- fought right to live and love as we choose. ture awaits you on the other side of the That includes you and yours partying Pride festival. through the weekend, as well as the felMy gut says you should buck up and go. It low human beings and siblings in the also says you will be comfortable within struggle that you so effortlessly mock. 10 minutes, and unstoppable, never to The very acceptance we celebrate at Pride look back, in less than an hour. is sorely missing from your repertoire of About those people you know who might getting along in the world. If you don’t learn see you there: Most of them are gay, and these lessons, you’re as bad as the straight, all of them on your team. Instead of fear- cisgendered, fearmongering foes who’d ing that they see you, start hoping they rather not be subjected to your “lifestyle.” do. They can be your closest allies and support system.

Daddy Come on in. The water’s fine. Trusting Daddy loves his boys. He knows the answers yourself is difficult at first, but if you dig Hey, Daddy! you need, and you’re going to get them. deep, you’ll find most of your answers. Reach out to him with your burning quesHaving confidence comes with every ex- I love Pride – the parties, the shirt- tions via our editor, mike@davidatlanta.com. less boys everywhere you turn, the perience in which you face a fear. flowing alcohol. But for all the talk Warning: Advice given in this column is intended Nervous to come out of the closet and about “community,” there are a ton for entertainment and novelty purposes. Please into the light? Join the millions who of people I can’t relate to. proceed at your own risk.

Happy Pride Atlanta! Have a safe and festive weekend!

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fairyscopes

More details on your gay horoscope at

Astrobarry.com by Barry Perlman.

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):

That very public splash you’ve intended to create for months is ready for you to make it happen. It’s time to push forward your ambitions. Thoughtfully redirect snubs or smackdowns aimed at you, mirror-magic style, setting a trap they’ll fall right into as a simple result of their own behavior, neutralizing their power to effectively antagonize.

Onward and upward! An open expanse of pavement is stretched out in front of you, promising to reveal a fresh segment of your journey. Wherever you’re off to, make it by design, rather than a haphazard anywhere-but-here departure. Actively seek to connect with close confidantes who’d unequivocally support such a move.

Forget not-mentioning-it or wishing-it-away. Things intensify, and the sink-or-swim pressure comes to a head forcing you to consider all the relevant factors, enabling you to begin creating more level-headed plans for the coming months. Get real with collaborators and manage any differences and get past that sticking-point you’ve tried to avoid.

Unaddressed interpersonal tensions rise to the surface. Take a firm stand where you’ve previously let things slide. Avoid conflict by properly premeditating your goal and shrewdly laying a trail of bait-bits the other person can’t help but follow. Adopt a well-boundaried, self-composed tone so the intended people can’t help but want more of you.

Don the workboots and gloves and put that nose to the grindstone. You’re incredibly productive now, just be sure to work smart not feverishly. There is a most-functional ordering of tasks and priorities, and it’s not necessarily the arrangement you might choose based purely on personal preference. Use it to cruise along along systematically.

Your biggest responsibility over these next several weeks is to make damned sure you’re having a whole bunch of fun on your terms – even if it might cause a smoother flow to just go along. The best way to rally this continuing emergencefrom-the-shadows is to keep getting out. Good times will fuel your overall life-momentum.

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Skillfully position your public self with a welcoming receptivity, affording all those who encounter you the chance to offer their interest, admiration and kindness. Meanwhile, gear up private self to earnestly wage that battle for emotional sovereignty. Sharpen your assertive edges and stand steadfastly in your self-salvation mission.

You’re gifted with an ability to glimpse into the realm of ‘what doesn’t yet exist.’ Don’t, therefore, settle for any version of the story constrictively bound by understandings of reality. You can strategically dismantle limited perspectives point-by-point and start a new conversation. Just don’t attack the people bearing such perspectives.

Pay your bills, balance your books and design a systematic approach to enhance your earning-power this closing quarter of ‘16. Assume you might’ve let a few obligations drop off your radar. Restore order to your world and set a plan for addressing them. Strip out the emotions, and think of this as taking inventory.

Ready? Likely. Set? For a while now. So go! An upsurge in initiative gives lets you jump-start whatever’s been stalled so far this year. Your reemergence as a vital player might ruffle feathers of those who unwisely counted you out, so speak positively in terms of values, concepts, ideals, or intentions—not enemies, evils, or self-interests.

Remind yourself where you’re headed. Hold that vision to continually drive you forward. Your journey to ‘where you’re headed’ might not be as directly or adversely affected by what’s happening now as you fear. Preserve trust in you by not reacting outwardly with too much will, might or aggression. Let this play out. You’ll be glad you did.

Your communications with others could produce a heap of useful information. Confirm with your primary collaborators that each of you really grasps where the other is coming from, and confidently articulate reasons why a certain individual isn’t in supportive alignment. The more rational your information, the cleaner and surer your victory.

davidatlanta.com | 109

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110 | 10.5.16

Bitch

S E S S I O N Repeating ranty, angry opinions cooked up on the campaign trail and fed to you by the media in no way makes you a ‘political activist.’

Not even Rihanna would love the way you lie.

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!)

I have three sides. My quiet sweet side, my fun crazy side, and the side you’re about to see.

Bitches say whaaaaat? Uh-huh. Thought so.

That time you were so drunk you shit yourself and walked around hitting on guys in the bar? That was awesome.

If you would keep finding things to critique, that’d be great. The world needs more off the cuff criticism and judgment.

Come on, sugar. Let’s get out of here before this wig glue expires.

I get it. Since you’ll never be cute, you might as well try to be clever.

Honey, no one knows who your passive aggressive status was supposed to be about, but worse for you, no one cares.

112 | 10.5.16

Found your nose: It was in my business. Must have been on break from that go-go boy’s ass.