David v20 i2 | January 11, 2017 by David Magazine

1.11.17 v.20 i.2

CONTENTS JANUARY 11, 2017

v.20 i.2 DRT MEDIA GROUP INC. 1874 Piedmont Ave., Suite 370-C Atlanta, GA 30324 404.418.8901

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

MLK IN ATL

ART Tanner Gill Graphic Designer tanner@davidatlanta.com

BOYFRIEND 101

Jim Brams jim@davidatlanta.com

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BOOTY CALL At Community Distribution Points Across the City

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

RAINBROS

SALES

CONTRIBUTORS DJ Marc J Cubs Matthew Holley Jason Mietelski James Parker Sheffield Jeffery Silvey Chris Vizzini

DISTRIBUTION Christopher Dixon Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908-232-2021

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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.

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Eat, Drink & Be Mary! ALL DAY EVERY DAY $3.25 Pints and $11.95 Pitchers of Bud, Bud Light and Mich Ultra! $7 Deep Eddy Martinis $3 Shorties MONDAY – FRIDAY $6.95 Lunch 11am-3pm 25% OFF Food & Beverage, 3-6pm for VIP members only! MONDAY Double VIP Points Industry Night! 50% off food for all service industry employees! Movie Night TUESDAY XXX Adult Trivia 8pm

THURSDAY Atlanta’s Best Trivia 8pm (Voted by Creative Loafing, Fenuxe and Southern Voice!) FRIDAY Theme Night! 90’s Night SATURDAY Blunch 11am – 3pm $7 Deep Eddy Bloody Marys $5 Mimosas SUNDAY Blunch 11am – 3pm 1/2-Priced Desserts $7 Deep Eddy Bloody Marys $5 Mimosas

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datebook

where to go and

what to do this week BUBBA BANG George Unda returns to the scene of his last Atlanta slaying to shake up the Southern Bears as only he knows how. Big Dipper (photo) has the bear beats, and the Eagle always has the venue thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready for your anything and everything as you let loose.

Saturday, Jan. 14

Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE atlantaeagle.com

RAINBROS LAUNCH PARTY In an effort to usher in a new era in gay Atlanta for 2017, this new group for peer mentoring and group activities seeks to give gay men a networking platform outside the usual scene. Come get to know the guys from the ground up at this cocktail launch party, and check out our preview in this issue.

Sunday, Jan 15, 2 p.m. Industrious Atlanta @ PCM 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NEÂ www.rainbros.us

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BERNIE SANDERS

LGBT MLK WEEKEND

DREAMGIRLS: ONE NIGHT ONLY

Hey, gay Bernie bros, he’s back! The senator who gave Hillary a run for the nomination and pushed progressives forward hits Atlanta on the heels of his book ‘Our Revolution: A Future To Believe In.’ See him live, and see our Queer Left Agenda in this issue.

They call it ‘Winter Pride’ for a reason. Put the LGBT in the ATL for MLK with reverence and revelry Jan. 13- 16 – check out our preview in this issue – concluding at the Rustin-Lorde Breakfast and a gay contingent in the annual downtown parade.

In honor of MLK Day, join the gays of Bedlam Presents for a ‘One Night Only’ screening of the movie Dreamgirls. Watch Beyonce hold back a little to play her character until she makes you ‘Listen,’ and watch Jennifer Hudson reach Oscarwinning heights.

Sunday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 16

Monday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.

Robert Ferst Center @ Georgia Tech 349 Ferst Drive NW sanders.senate.gov

Rustin-Lorde Breakfast Loudermilk Center 40 Courtland St. NE rustinlordeatl.com

Plaza Atlanta 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE facebook.com/BarryBrandon

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Saturday, Jan 21st 6 pm VIP Preview 7 pm-10 pm General Entry

Cocktail gala and art auction benefiting ArtsNow and Jerusalem House Featuring art from local artists, faculty and students of Atlanta schools and colleges and one-of-a-kind works of art created by Jerusalem Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adult and child residents under the direction of ArtsNow consultants. Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) 349 Peachtree Hills Avenue SE Atlanta GA 30305 General Admission $30 Advance / $40 at the door VIP Admission $75 Advance / $100 at the door Tickets Available at www.anaffairoftheart.org

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BEARS ON ICE AT PARK TAVERN PHOTOS: Matt Hennie

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PUT THE LGBT IN THE MLK BY MIKE FLEMING

MLK WEEKEND MEANS ONE THING TO LOCAL GAYS OF COLOR: WINTER PRIDE. GET READY FOR MORE MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARTIES THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY GET TO, BUT WILL HAVE FUN TRYING.

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he annual Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend makes Atlanta the South’s go-to for gay. Starting on Thursday night, don’t stop ‘til you get enough all the way through Monday’s big breakfast, march and rally. Celebrities, porn stars, DJs, go-go booties, and more pack the town for the yearly commemoration and celebration of how far the movement has come and how far it has yet still to travel. Be ready for thousands of like-minded people who party with a purpose. We start with an introduction to meet the major players. These party promoters know what’s up, and all have male-oriented fun in store for you. ROCKSTARS PRODUCTION ‘WE ROCK MLK’ WEEKEND From the guys who bring you non-stop Black Gay Pride action in fall comes four days of fab that lets you party – what? – like a rock star of course. While venues are being finalized, secure your Platinum or Silver passes to Friday-through Sunday fun. VIP options available for all events. For access from the welcome party, all the way through day and night, mixers and mayhem, visit rockstarsproduction.com. WASSUPNATL ‘KINGDOM’ The party promoters at Wassup create an ultimate man’s-man getaway for guys. Five amazing nights, five supersized parties, and 5,000 same-gender loving men. Men of Flava Works stars D’Angelo, Tae the Doug, Byron Strong and more appear as guests. Check out a chock-full calendar of events and special guests at wassupnatl.com, or text the party line at 8677. TRAXX ATLANTA: THE MOVEMENT The venerable club and party crew brings what they do best for the historic weekend. Thursday kicks off five nights of exciting and enlightening events include the Circa ‘90s Party and a Main Event with celebrity hosts, live music, dope DJs, sexy dancers and So. Much. More! At press time, their five-night schedule starting Thrusday wasn’t set. Visit traxxatlanta.com. ATL DREAM TEAM The newest organizers on the list offer weekend passes, or get tickets individually to their five blowouts. This year’s Switcheroo Weekend goes down on Friday and Saturday. Visit atlblackpride.com.

MONDAY / JAN. 16 LGBT Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast Loudermilk Center, 8am | 40 Courtland St. NE rustinlordeatl.com MLK Day March & Rally Including a gay contingent from Breakfast Peachtree @ Baker Streets, 1:45pm mlkmarchcommitte.com

FRIDAY / JAN. 13 We Rock MLK Pre-Game Mixer Einstein’s, 7pm | 1077 Juniper St. rockstarsproduction.com Hotlanta Epic Night Life Party Museum Bar, 10pm | 181 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW rockstarsproduction.com Friday the 13th Party Jungle, 10pm | 2115 Faulkner Road NE wassupnatl.com Freedom Kickoff Club 595, 10pm | 595 North Ave. atlblackpride.com Thotica AfterHours Erotic Party Tokyo Valentino, Midnight – 8am | 1739 Cheshire Bridge Road NE wassupnatl.com

SATURDAY / JAN. 14 We Rock Ultimate Day Party Havana, 4pm | 3112 Piedmont Road NE rockstarsproduction.com Unite Day Party Mixx, 5pm | 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE atlblackpride.com Alter Egos: Good Boy vs. Bad Boy with Bobby Lytes Kompass | 2520 Piedmont Road NE wassupnatl.com Saturday Night Live Mega Party Freight Depot, 10pm | 65 MLK Drive SE rockstarsproduction.com Believe Museum Bar, 10pm | 181 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. atlblackpride.com Dick Galore AfterHours Erotic Party Tokyo Valentino, Midnight – 8am | 1739 Cheshire Bridge Road NE wassupnatl.com

connections to last all night or even all weekend long. Saturday afternoon is action packed with the Under One Sun pool party at Deauville Beach Resort, said to be the “hottest pool party in the world.” DJ Dan Slater and Atlanta Pride Kickoff favorite DJ Kitty Glitter are set to keep the bodies undulating to a sunny beat. As the sun goes down, things only get hotter when Energy, a leather and fetish bash, commences. DJs Micky Friedmann and Isaac Escalante take your heart rate to a completely new level.

WARM UP TO WINTER PARTY BY MIKE FLEMING

POST HOLIDAY BLUES LEAVE YOU COLD? MIAMI BRINGS THE GAY FESTIVAL HEAT WITH MUSIC, MAYHEM AND MEN TO MELT YOUR DOLDRUMS IN MARCH. Will Smith sang it best, “Welcome to Miami, party in the city where the heat is on all night until the break of dawn.” Well, here’s something to look forward to: Hitting Miami’s white sands March 2-7 for the annual Winter Party. Tickets are on sale now to hit the city-cum-gay man’s playground, filled to the brim with boys and beaches ideal for shaking off the winter season in style. Signature events each day of the festival begin with the VIP reception at the New World Symphony, followed by the first dance party of the week, Ignite 20 | 1.11.17

on Thursday, March 2. Rest up, because that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The popular Artscape party hits on Friday, with renowned gay artists from all over the world in an exhibition expected to surpass 13,000 attendees. With every art form all under one roof, look for crafting, painting, sculpting, photography and design sure to sate art enthusiasts. Later that night, DJs Alex Acosta and Nacho Chapado, plus DJ Deanne in the basement kick off the Heat party from 10 p.m. – 5 p.m at Club Space. It’s a perfect way to explore South Beach while dancing, meeting and mingling with Winter Party guests, sparking

True to its name, the boys will throb through the roof, literally, at Miami’s only rooftop bar. Getting down with a few thousand hotties under the stars is a banging time not to be missed. By day, the DJ legends of Rosabel – Ralphi Rosario and Abel – share the stage as the boys take the sands and the sounds ride the waves during Sunday’s Beach Party. According to the Winter Party gods themselves, “whether you’re looking for Apollo or just in search of South Beach’s most hedonistic bacchanal, Sunday’s party is where Cupid will strike.” By night, The We Party at Icon on Sunday will keep the party going well into the night. Finally, celebrate as the sun rises and sets with Winter Party’s Verve Party on Monday at 5 a.m. This dance extravaganza welcomes the dawn and rocks out one last time before setting sail for another year, but not before you get one more rager: Monday night’s Finale with DJ Dan De Leon and gay Atlanta’s own DJ Seth Breezy at Club Score, 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. Who says you can’t do good deeds and a few bad ones at the same time? Whoever that was never went to Winter Party. Organizers at the National LGBTQ Task force put proceeds toward a plethora of LGBT charities. More than $2.1 million has been gifted since the event’s inception. Get the latest on Winter Party Festival at winterparty.com, facebook.com/winterparty and twitter.com/winter_party.

gay-friendly representation to Washington to help balance the presence of anti-LGBTQ officials, like VP Mike Pence. Know who is running and commit to voting. Work at local levels is more important than ever. State, county, city and municipal governments have the ability to create a firewall of protections for our community to help offset what happens at the federal level. Contribute to local races, know who your elected officials are, and pay attention to what they’re working on.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE QUEER LEFT? BY JAMES PARKER SHEFFIELD

THE 2016 ELECTION IS OVER, BUT IN 2017 WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED. JUST AS BERNIE SANDERS HITS ATL, IT’S TIME TO STAY INVESTED AND PAY ATTENTION. With uncertainty around what the next four years will bring, it’s time to get our heads in the game. Since we can’t sit around and Google things like “sheltering in place” and “how to pick a ‘bug-out’ location” all day, we might as well do something productive with our time. For those who still have a fire burning to relive the “excitement” of the 2016 election, there are some options. You could grab your hiking boots and binoculars in hopes of spotting Hillary Clinton roaming the wilds of Piedmont Park, but we aren’t entirely sure if she migrated south for the season yet. If you’re looking for more of a “sure thing” in spotting political celebrities in Atlanta, you’re in luck. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders makes a stop in Atlanta on Sunday as part of

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his national book tour for Our Revolution: A Future To Believe In. The No. 1 New York Times Bestseller details Bernie’s experiences from the 2016 presidential campaign trail and his continued agenda for addressing economic, environmental and social justice issues. Basically, if you’re into progressive thirst-traps, this is your scene. Whether you’re all about the Bernie Book Bash, or you’re feeling “over it” in terms of rehashing the 2016 Beyond The Thunder Dome version of our presidential campaign cycle, we’re here to help. Fight your political-reality blues with these important reminders: Elections happen more than once every four years. The 2018 midterms are an incredibly important election. In it, we have the chance to send gay and

Regardless of your party, there’s major work to be done internally on LGBTQ issues. The GOP passed one of the most anti-LGBTQ platforms in history last summer, and while Sen. Sanders and Hillary Clinton both had a strong base of LGBTQ supporters, both campaigns and the DNC were criticized for lack of policy speeches and debate questions addressing the gay community. Tell your party leaders that they have to do better, and hold them accountable. Don’t just talk politics; get involved in the process. From registering voters to campaigning for candidates at every level, your time and energy are needed. Stay connected to Georgia Equality as a great way to find out how to get and stay plugged in: www.georgiaequality.org When in doubt, be prepared. If this whole thing goes upside down fast, you’ll want to have some basic fundamentals in place. Sharpening your depression era skills, like “just cut the moldy part off of the cheese,” “nail a new a notch into your belt,” and “whatever is in the panty will work; we’ll just tell everyone it’s a casserole” is a great way to feel more empowered. How to See Bernie: The hour-long program on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m., is presented by A Cappella Books at the Ferst Center on the Georgia Tech campus, 350 Ferst Drive NW. Sen. Sanders will speak and take pre-submitted questions from the audience. Tickets are $32 and include a copy of Our Revolution. A limited number of pre-autographed copies will be handed out at random, but the event does not include a meet-and-greet photo or signing lines. Questions for Senator Sanders may be submitted in advance to info@acappellabooks.com.

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#RELATIONSHIPGOALS

DOS, DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TS AND OTHER USEFUL GAY GUIDELINES TO MAKING 2017 THE YEAR YOU FINALLY KEEP A MAN. BY MIKE FLEMING 24 | 1.11.17

e know, Oprah. You don’t need a man to define or complete you. But that doesn’t mean that a good man isn’t hard – or desirable – to find. So you did that. Now you see he’s even harder to keep.

TRUST. TRUST AGAIN. REPEAT. You should both feel free to do your own thing with your own group of friends, but don’t make things more complicated than they have to be.

If the timing is right, and a fulltime partner instead of your next ex is your goal, there are some things you can do to make sure that this is your year to make it happen.

“One of the biggest gay relationship mistakes is sucking the life out of your gay relationship with a one-way train ticket to ‘Distrustville,’” says Clemons. “Distrust me once, shame on you. Distrust me twice, see ya!”

If you’re dating and ready to take it to the next level, or you’re about to embark on another date-him-awhile excursion with no guide, these tips from gay relationship expert and life coach Rick Clemons have us all atwitter with possibility and anticipation. DEFINED PARAMETERS “How you and your guy define your relationship determines whether you and your guy screw it up royally or masterfully make things work,” Clemons writes “It’s all about boundaries and agreements, both of which need to be checked and discussed about every three-to-six months. Thinking about an open relationship? Define “open.” Out loud. Open relationships in themselves aren’t the mistake guys make. Clemons makes it simple “No boundaries, no agreements, no relationship. Period!”

LIVE TOGETHER When the timing is right, take the plunge and don’t live separate lives. “I’m not advocating first date, U-Haul truck, move-in immediately, white picket fence warp-speed relationships,” Clemons says, half-joking. “And I also understand that sometimes, things get in the way, like the question of ‘How would I hook up with other people if we’re living together?’ If that’s your priority, maybe it’s time to rethink this whole relationship thing.

CLINGY vs. ALOOF There’s a balance to a good relationship. “Nothing’s more embarrassing than having a trail of toilet paper clinging to your sneaker as you walk out of the men’s locker room into the free weights area at the gym,” Clemons jokes. “No, that’s not true. It’s actually more embarrassing to be too clingy or not clingy enough in your gay relationship. Find the balance.” BE EXACT & FOLLOW UP Your gay relationship is on thin ice if you’re communicating by assuming you said something clearly and later finding that what you said actually meant nothing. “Hello, it’s time for “Gay Relationship Rescue Plan Numero Uno,” Clemons advises. “Speak to communicate, listen to learn, and validate what you think you heard. The biggest mistake you can make is thinking what you said is what your guy heard. And no, it’s not about his earwax removal.” YOU DO YOU. No matter how comfortable you get being part of a “we,” don’t forget to believe in yourself, and practice self love and respect as a “me.” That means admitting when a relationship has gone sour. “No matter how much money he has, available party favors, to die for sex, or the size of his loft apartment, if the relationship sucks, it sucks,” Clemons says. “It’s a false sense of comfort to believe ‘If I leave, I’ll be single and that’s bad.’ Yes, you’ll end up single, but you might actually be happier, and isn’t that what you’re really after?”

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“If you can’t live with your man, what other relationships in your life aren’t you able to live with? How you do anything is how you do everything!” HOOKUP APPS AREN’T FOR ‘FRIENDS’ Apps have overtaken all of our lives, but let’s call a spade a spade. If you’re on Grindr, say so and admit it’s not for “making friends.” “I hear of more and more gay men, me included, who use gay-specific apps like Grindr, Scruff and the like, for ‘networking.’ Honestly,” Clemons writes with an eye roll.

“Not that money is everything, but when you start analyzing the water bill based on who was home more on which days of the month, it might be time to have a real conversation,” Clemons says. “Let’s not nickel and dime each other’s spending habits in our heads, rather than banking on the fact that a real conversation about the state of the finances could lead to more cash in the love bank.”

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX Even though our reputations sometimes say otherwise, gay men are just as likely to avoid talking about bedroom issues “Look, if you can’t be fully honest in your gay relationship as the rest of the world. Release the hangups, according to about your app fetish or extracurricular activities, then your gay Clemons. relationship won’t be honest with you.” “What doesn’t get talked about doesn’t get done,” he says. PUT IT TO THE TEST “How much fun is that? (Answer: not very).” “Every healthy gay relationship gets tested,” Clemons asserts. “Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a healthy gay relationship. We push In closing Clemons leaves us all with one good reminder: buttons, ignore needs, and think we’re the only one not getting the attention we desire. “There are no mistakes: only purposeful lessons we all learn as we live, learn and grow. Now go find your man, give him a big, “Assuming your gay relationship is above being tested is a old smooch, slap him on his adorable butt, and tell him you mistake. Test, test, test, or the relationship could go to rest. love him. He may wonder what’s gotten into you, but he’ll also Test out of love for yourself, for him, and for the good of the definitely feel good to know that he still turns your crank.” relationship. TALK ABOUT MONEY If you can’t talk about the big stuff, then the rest of the talks are just fluff. 26 | 1.11.17

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COME ON, BE A RAINBRO GAY ATLANTA HAS EVERYTHING TO GAIN WITH RAINBROS, A NEW PEER MENTORING AND SOCIAL OUTLET FOR GAY MEN, BY GAY MEN. BY MATTHEW HOLLEY Just in time for 2017’s batch of fresh resolutions comes the launch of Rainbros, an organization designed to “create opportunities for gay Atlanta men to connect with and coach peers across a spectrum of areas identified and prioritized by the community.” The beginning of the year finds local gay men and everyone else striving to achieve resolutions like maintaining fitness, achieving career heights, expanding our social networks, and so on. Some of these we keep; others we unfortunately discard to the messy, unpredictability of life. Founded by Mike Duffy and James Yancey, Rainbros wants to redefine the local gay community and scene through one-on-one peer coaching and group activities, all revolving around a quarter system, each respectively focusing on 28 | 1.11.17

common themes most gay men struggle to navigate such as those same pesky resolutions: fitness, finance, career building and health. Rainbros envisions immeasurable opportunities to discover commonalities and foster friendships above and beyond the typical gay hotspots and your own personal social circles. To celebrate the launch of this inspired innovation, Rainbros hosts a debut party on Jan. 14 at Creative Approach. In light of the upcoming soiree, Rainbros co-founder James Yancey spoke with David Atlanta, offering further details about how Rainbros was conceived, ideal instructions on the coaching process and what attendees can expect from the immaculate launch party.

HOW DID RAINBROS COME TO BE? Mike Duffy and I co-founded Rainbros after both seeing a need from differing perspectives. Mike, a producer with CNN, used to tend bar for years in NYC and met a variety of older people who would share the stories and experiences of their lives. It had an amazing impact on his life to provide their advice, thoughts and life perspective. Likewise as a tech entrepreneur, I know many younger people in their 20s who come to me often for advice, thoughts and connections. In sharing our stories, we realized that in collaboration we could launch a peer coaching network unique to Atlanta where there is benefit to both those who have experiences to offer and those looking to learn and grow, all for free.

HOW WILL IT WORK? We are very specifically a peer-coaching network. We distinguish this from a mentor, as we felt that the concept of mentoring has the connotation of only older giving to younger. We believe that people of a variety of ages can be both someone seeking to grow and someone who has much to offer in teaching. Based on life experience, someone who is 28 can provide thoughts to someone who is 70, and vice versa. So people can both provide guidance and receive it on an ongoing basis. Right now, areas of interest include career advice, thoughts on healthy relationships, coming out, personal finance coaching and health and fitness. In addition to one on one coaching relationships, there will be small-group social sessions around things like fitness and finance. We will also cater to people who are new to the city and looking to get tutorial on what the community has to offer. We will address a variety of areas as the group naturally expands. Everyone is volunteer, and we ensure the quality of the program through interviews, background checks and a code of ethics that makes all of our efforts platonic to simply help others out of kindness. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE PART OF RAINBROS? Currently you must be 18 and up to receive coaching and we extend the group to anyone in the LGBTQ community. You must 21 and up to serve as a coach. WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL FOR RAINBROS? The ultimate goal is to use our networks and technology to create platonic relationships to simply help each other grow. Growth comes from both offering thoughts and connections as well as receiving them. Atlanta doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a gay center, and we lost Outwrite Bookstore years ago. Sports groups, bars and religious/ social groups are great, but to truly connect people to help each other in a platonic way is still a big need in Atlanta. We hope to fill that gap with peer coaching. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE LAUNCH PARTY? This will be a chance to hear about our programs and meet some of the coaches who will share their life stories. It will be fun and give everyone a chance to hear and discuss how a peer coach in their life in 2017 could be something truly great. Rainbros Launch Party takes place on Jan. 14 from 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. at Creative Approach, 1080 West Peachtree St. For more information about Rainbros, visit www.rainbros.us.

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BLAKE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood

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BURKHARTS NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood

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EAGLE NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE PHOTOS: James Hicks

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HERETIC NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood

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JUNGLE NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood

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DMITRY JOHNSON That smile. Those abs. This week’s cover guy hails from Louisville, Kentucky by way of Memphis. He loves his chosen school and its Cardinals, as well as his adopted city, but nothing calls him home to Tennesse faster than his mom’s barbecue. Dmitry is studying Sociology with a specialty in Underserved Minorities, and is an aspiring model. He enjoys working out, video games, Game of Thrones, and meeting new people.

COVER GUY OF THE WEEK PHOTOS BY LIPIK 1.11.17 v.20 i.2

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THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT ATLANTA PRIDE, WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D LIKE TO EXPRESS HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO OUR MARKET VENDORS, PARADE ENTRIES, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND EVERYONE WHO CAME TO OUR EVENTS FOR MAKING THE FESTIVAL SUCH A SUCCESSFUL AND FUN WEEKEND! RAINBOW LEVEL SPONSORS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OF ALL LEVELS FOR MAKING ATLANTA PRIDE 2016 POSSIBLE! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 47TH ANNUAL ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL OCTOBER 14-15, 2017 KEEP UP WITH OUR APP AND WEBSITE FOR OUR BIG PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR! ATLANTAPRIDE.ORG

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Spring St. NW

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

10th St. NE

4th St. NE

R1 C1

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

52 | 1.11.17

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

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 Louisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 | 53

bartab

got an upcoming event?

calendar@davidatlanta.com

Monday

Friday

BLAKE’S Martini Monday's with David, Doug and Rod 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 • Celestial Fridays with Celeste Holmes & Cast 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 DJ, Melo, 1/2 Priced Food 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 with Doug 3-9pm, "Voyeur Wednesday with Kyra Mora. Go-Go Guys 11pm - 2am 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 54 | 1.11.17

Saturday 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 COCKPIT Karaoke 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 10:30pm LIPS ATLANTA Glitz & Glamour Las Vegas Style MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 3pm OSCAR’S Music Video Night SWINGING RICHARDS T Shirt Review. Atlanta boys get crazy! Free before 8PM. $10 Cover before 12 TEN ATLANTA Music & Videos by DJ Rob Reum 10pm WOOFS Game Day

Sunday 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 Armorettes at Burkhart's, 7:30 p.m. before Tossed Salad • Tossed Salad hosted by Brigitte Bidet - Music & Drinks 10pm - Showtime 10:30pm CLUB RUSH Hip Hop and R&B - 18 & up - Open until 4am COCKPIT Movie Night FRIENDS Open Sunday 2pm-12am HIDEAWAY $3.50 wells JUNGLE Cherry Bomb with Wild Cherry Sucret 8pm LIPS ATLANTA Gospel Brunch w/ Bubba D. Licious LAS MARGARITAS Papi’s $17.95 Unlimited Brunch & Choice of Mimosas, Sangrias, Bloody Maria’s, & Mojitos OSCAR'S Sunday Funday TEN ATLANTA Brunch 11am & music by DJ Rob Reum inside and DJ Robert Ansley on the patio 4pm TRIPPS 2nd & 4th Sunday - Open Mike Show 6pm WOOFS Sunday Funday

NOW HIRING • Full-time opening for a pharmacy technician. Must be certified and have five or more years of HIV pharmacy experience. Competitive pay, PTO, health and 401K package. • Full-time opening for a staff pharmacist. Must have a minimum of five years of HIV experience, AAHIVM strongly preferred. Competitive pay, PTO, health and 401K package. Mail résumé to:

Alliance Community Pharmacy Attn: Hiring Manager 1529 Piedmont Ave NE Suite C Atlanta, GA 30324

FULL BODY MASSAGE by Walter @ 404-872-5671 (8th St. @Monroe Dr.) Only $40..Shave too License No. MT003122

ManScape Affordable Prices Full Body Waxing (all areas), Dermaplaning, Chemical Peels.

404.552.4535 davidatlanta.com | 55

Dear AGING: Life is hard. If you deserve a medal, everyone deserves one, and I don’t do Millennial Participation Medals. You get a GenX Middle Age Cookie – sweet, but not enough to spoil you. You probably just forgot, but tricking is a full time job. You have to prioritize it, make time for it, and keep at it. Maybe it’s lost its luster because after a real relationship, the payoff doesn’t look as good as it used to – in the pursuit or the prize. For some guys, the pursuit, the trick, and the non-commital sex are all good as is. For others, the actual trick is less the draw than the chase. Still others tell themselves they’re looking for a boyfriend, or play other mind games on themselves, to keep up the energy and investment in random flings to avoid the difficult stuff of meaningful engagements. Maybe one of these used to be you, but you’re older now and your relationship changed your perspective.

HEY,

Daddy!

HOOKING UP IS HARD TO DO Hey, Daddy!

What is the deal with Millennials? I was in a 10-year relationship that ended, and I’m back on the dating scene in my 40s, well at least back on the tricking scene. Either things have changed, guys have changed, or I have changed. Maybe all three. Rather than dating seriously, I thought a little fun with younger guys not ready to settle down would be more my speed. Boy was I wrong. One guy was hot the first time, a mess the second. Another I’m working on but he is proving elusive. There are tons of guys on Grindr, Jackd and Scruff, but they’re too interested in being chatted up. It’s so much work! I remember my younger, sluttier days with fondness, but I deserve a medal for all the time I put into these men. Was it always this hard? Where do my longtime single friends who hit up younger guys find the time the energy? I just want the sex without the hassle.

Always Games, I Never Guessed 56 | 1.11.17

You say you don’t want the hassle, but Millennials are all about the hassle. It’s not their generation, but their age. It’s all new to explore and experiment with flirting, tricking and dating for them, just like you before your long-term relationship. That’s normal and understandable. But I get it. Everybody wants a no-strings orgasm. So for you and everyone: Sex without any hassle at all is called porn.

Hey, Daddy! I’m 25 and love a hookup. I’m not interested in playing house but playing the field. How can I avoid guys who want commitment and entanglements?

For Really Easy Endings Dear FREE: My best advice is always the simplest: Communicate. The same conversation in which you tell what you want to do to each other, you gauge his interest in more than sex. If you don’t match up, be willing to throw him back and fish for another catch.

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.

LOVE AND NO SMOKING PLEASE VISIT:

www.dph.gov thehealthinitiative.org

FAIRYSCOPES

58 | 1.11.17

presented by Jack Fertig

a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

ARIES (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19):

LIBRA (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22):

Your ruler, Mars, turning retrograde in Virgo is likely to make you cranky, even aggressive, especially with colleagues, in the next few weeks. Obsessing over details can distract you from bigger issues and dangers. But do heed details that concern your health!

Hitting a plateau in whatever you’re working on is a natural stage. Don’t let it discourage you! Keep at whatever you’re doing, although if you can figure out why you’re stuck you may find better ways of doing it.

TAURUS (Apr. 20 – May 20):

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):

Being _too_ nice can come off as saccharine and manipulative. Use your overactive charms to deal with problems in a straightforward fashion. Resist the urge to gloss over them. Flirtations can lead a lot further than intended.

Frustration with co-workers has more to do with your expectations than with them. Brace yourself for recent problems to come back at you. You need to mouth off. Save it for your friends who can help you develop a better perspective.

GEMINI (May 21- Jun. 20):

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):

Disagreements at home are likely to get out of hand, and especially when you thought you’d just settled the problem. Be as patient and diplomatic as you can. Your attention will soon turn to more interesting problems.

Talk with relatives about family health issues. Better to get rude surprises from your family to prepare your doctor than the other way around! Brush up on skills and get updated on technology that will help you at work.

CANCER (Jun. 21- Jul. 22):

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):

A new passionate fling probably seems a lot more serious than it really is. Or less. Either way it’s sure to surprise you – and probably a lot more people than you’d like to have know about it.

Recurrence of old arguments may highlight your need to reconsider ideals and tenets you’ve long taken for granted. Be careful that shrewd insight doesn’t push you to disillusion friends. You can be realistic and respectful.

LEO (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22):

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):

It’s too easy to react to others. Your natural instinct is to be a control queen, but more productively, try to see why your nerves are so raw. Vigorous exercise will help your balance and insight.

The impulse to demonstrate your debonair wit could easily backfire. The line between incisive epigrams and rude bitchiness is too easy to stumble over. If you need to be naughty, find an appropriate partner and a room.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22):

PISCES (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20):

A conservative, cautious approach to a creative problem will provide a key to much more imaginative possibilities. Take that inspiration to work and you’ll find more ideas pointing to new methods. With a solid grounding, dare to advance bold new techniques.

Venus is in Pisces boosting your charm and seductiveness. It’s very easy to talk your way into a hot little affair, but you may soon find it harder to get out of. Be sure of where the exits are before you step into anything!

YOUʼRE NOT THE ONLY CURIOUS ONE

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www.megamates.com 18+ davidatlanta.com | 59

BITCH SESSION YOU WANT TO BE AT MY LEVEL? CLIMB BITCH! TEXASNGEORGIA:

Oh you’re back. I thought I smelled bourbon, drama and a headache coming on.

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!)

When you say STOP ACTING 2017 is The Year LIKE A of The Beast and VICTIM! And no bitch, I’m we agree, we’re not talking about talking about him. It’s you, your face, not all you. your body.

I DIDN’T BLOCK YOU, SWEETHEART. I WANT YOU TO SEE MY SHIT AND CRY.

CAREFUL, ASSHOLES.

WHAT’S A QUEEN WITHOUT HER KING?

BEHIND EVERY BITCH IS A NICE GIRL WHO GOT SICK OF ALL THE BULLSHIT.

LADY DAY OF THE AFTERNOON BAR CLUB: YOU TALK SHIT BEHIND MY BACK BECAUSE YOU KNOW BETTER THAN TO SAY IT TO MY FACE.

60 | 1.11.17

SEND US YOUR BITCHES!

I SEE WHY YOU’RE ALWAYS TRYNA RUB MY SHINE OFF ME – BECAUSE YOU’RE SHADYAF.

WELL HISTORICALLY, MORE POWERFUL.

MY GRANNY USED TO CALL PEOPLE LIKE YOU ‘PENNY.’ BECAUSE YOU’RE TWO-FACED AND NOT WORTH MUCH.