SOUTHERN WITH A GAY TWIST
05.06.16 V7-09
soul serenade
take a
BOW COVER BY RICHIE ARPINO
Day celebrates with night
ARPINO 404.231.5092
PROKOFIEV: Suite from
MOZART: Concerto No. 10 for Two Pianos HAYDN: Symphony No. 46 Joseph Young, conductor
& Juliet
Christina Naughton, Michelle Naughton, piano
MAY
19 • Concert ticket • drink ticket + post-concert reception with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Musicians @ TwelveEighty lounge
only $30!
TICKETS
404.733.5000 Use promo code PROUD when purchasing
LGBT NIGHT Presented by:
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05.06.2016
take a
Contents
BOW BY RICHIE ARPINO PG 30
06
CALENDAR: 8 GREAT THINGS TO DO
10
OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS
22
DAY CELEBRATES WITH NIGHT
24
BOOK REVIEW: SOUL SERENADE
27
SPIRITUAL FITNESS
30
TAKE A BOW
36
HEY GIRL HEY
38
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To advertise, please call 404.835.2016 email info@fenuxe.com or visit www.fenuxe.com Published by TW Media Group Š 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1599-A Memorial Drive, Atlanta GA, 30317 Phone: 404.835.2016 | Fax: 404.835.2356 Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers only. Fenuxe accepts no liability for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed in this issue are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of TW Media Group.
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Friday, May 6 Atlanta’s best queer comedians come together on one stage to make you laugh and raise money for “Queer Moxie,” the documentary celebrating queer artists. Come out, toast the creator of the film, Heather Provoncha, for her birthday, support local art and laugh your ass off! Hosted by Julie Osborne. 8 p.m., My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom. com
Now Thru June Ready to have a medieval blast? Guests at the Renassance Festival this year will be greeted by Queen Anne Boleyn and her Court, merry minstrels, fair maidens, gallant Knights in shining armor and a full-day of entertainment on 10 stages, food fit for kings, and a marketplace of over 150 master artisans. You will not want to miss this one!
MUSIC MAY 13
FUN
THEATER NOW
NOW
RENAISSANCE
THE TRIBUTE ARTIST Now thru May 15 The Tribute Artist, a new comedy about an out-of-work female impersonator who, when his elderly landlady dies in her sleep, takes on her identity in order to hang on to her valuable Greenwich Village townhouse. Featuring Topher Payne & DeWayne Morgan. To purchase tickets and for more info visit: onstageatlanta.tix.com
OPERA LOVE Now thru May 15 Come with The Atlanta Opera as they venture to Verona, and meet Shakespeare’s starcrossed lovers “Romeo and Juliet,” whose deaths ultimately reconcile feuding families. Not seen on the Atlanta Opera stage since 2007, Gounod’s opera in five acts, sung in French, reexamines the story through a decidedly French romantic lens. 8 p.m., with performances through May 15, www.cobbenergycentre.com
FUN CHARITY MAY 15 05.03.15
QUEER COMEDY
MAY 13
THEATER
FUN NOW
MAY 6
FUN
SHAKY KNEES
OUTLANTACON
EXTRAVAGANZA
Friday, May 13-15 Taking place in Centennial Olympic Park and International Plaza, the lineup for this year’s festivals is a rock or alternative music lover’s dream. From headliners Florence + The Machine and My Morning Jacket, to The 1975 and The Decemberists, attendees will get to indulge in typical festival fun to the tunes of their favorite bands. shakykneesfestival.com
Friday, May 13-15 OutlantaCon is an Atlantabased event for the Queer Geek audience! You’ll find all the usual convention fare here— discussion panels, gaming, costuming, special events—but the difference is that it all has a queer ‘bent’ to it. You can enjoy all the convention trappings in an atmosphere where you’re free to be yourself! Marriott Century Center, www.outlantacon.org
Sunday, May 15 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of The Seasons “Extravaganza” world tour, featuring a night of show-stopping performances by the world’s most talented drag performers, including winners and fan favorites from Logo TV’s hit series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Hosted by series judge Michelle Visage. 9 p.m., The Buckhead Theatre, www. thebuckheadtheatre.com
ASO MAY 19
CALENDAR
LGBT NIGHT @ THE SYMPHONY Thursday, May 19 Mozart composed the Concerto for Two Pianos to perform with his sister, Nannerl. Typical of Mozart’s concertos, the work showcases both virtuoso technique and elegant expression. Be inspired as Romeo & Juliet is one of the Prokofiev’s most beautiful and inspired creations. Tickets are only $30 and include a postconcert reception. FENUXE.COM : 6
New Odefsey is now available Actual Size (15.4 mm x 7.3 mm)
One small pill contains rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).
Ask your healthcare provider if ODEFSEY is right for you. To learn more visit ODEFSEY.com
Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the adjacent pages.
Brief Summary of Patient Information about ODEFSEY ODEFSEY (oh-DEF-see) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. There may be new information about ODEFSEY. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take ODEFSEY or similar medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs – feel dizzy or lightheaded – have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take ODEFSEY. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools) – loss of appetite – nausea – pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and take ODEFSEY, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking ODEFSEY. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. – Do not run out of ODEFSEY. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your ODEFSEY is all gone. – Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider. – If you stop taking ODEFSEY, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking ODEFSEY.
What is ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine that is used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL, or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have a viral load that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment. It is not known if ODEFSEY is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age or who weigh less than 77 lb (35 kg). When used to treat HIV-1 infection, ODEFSEY may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or re-use needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
Who should not take ODEFSEY? Do not take ODEFSEY if you also take a medicine that contains: • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro ®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, BaycadronTM) • dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®) • esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo ®) • lansoprazole (Prevacid®) • omeprazole (Prilosec ®, Zegerid®) • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) • pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®) • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125 ®, Phenytek®) • rabeprazole (Aciphex®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • rifapentine (Priftin®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY? Before taking ODEFSEY, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney and bone problems • have had depression or suicidal thoughts • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY.
Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take ODEFSEY. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in ODEFSEY can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in ODEFSEY can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with ODEFSEY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with ODEFSEY. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with other medicines. How should I take ODEFSEY? • Take ODEFSEY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take
• •
• • •
it. ODEFSEY is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection. Take ODEFSEY 1 time each day with a meal. Do not change your dose or stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ODEFSEY. Do not miss a dose of ODEFSEY. If you take too much ODEFSEY, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your ODEFSEY supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ODEFSEY and become harder to treat.
What are the possible side effects of ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY?” • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Rash can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash. In some cases, rash and allergic reaction may need to be treated in a hospital. If you get a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop taking ODEFSEY and call your healthcare provider right away: – fever – skin blisters – mouth sores – redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis) – swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat – trouble breathing or swallowing – pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area – dark “tea-colored” urine
• Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right
away if you have any of the following symptoms: – feel sad or hopeless – feel anxious or restless – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with ODEFSEY in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take ODEFSEY. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache. The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about ODEFSEY. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ODEFSEY that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.ODEFSEY.com. Keep ODEFSEY and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: March 2016
ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY logo, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and GSI are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GILC0216 03/16
OUT & ABOUT
10: May 6, 2016
PHOTOS
CATHY WOOLARD RUNNING FOR MAYOR BENEFIT PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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OUT & ABOUT
12: May 6, 2016
PHOTOS
ALL STARS PARTY BENEFITTING JERUSALEM HOUSE @ THE BILTMORE PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
Come View our Decorated Model
Towns at Druid Hills Townhomes from the low $500s For more information, please call Bakari Maxwell or Tarecia Johnson at 404.634.4485.
Limited Time Only! Purchase a New Home and Receive:
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Up To
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* Available only when you close on a to-be-built home in the Towns at Druid Hills community in the Atlanta division being marketed under Ryland Homes pursuant to a contract you sign on or between April 1, 2016 and May 31, 2016. Seller provided “Use How You Choose” credits may be applied to closing costs, design center options, lot premiums, finished basement and other structural options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. ** Available only when you close on a home in the Towns at Druid Hills community in the Atlanta division being marketed under Ryland Homes pursuant to a contract you sign on or between April 1, 2016 and May 31, 2016. Receipt of closing cost credit is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage, and closing through a CalAtlantic Homes preferred closing attorney, and is subject to limits. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans, and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc.®, NMLS ID #203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee Number 24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive Suite 200a, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and branch location 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA 30022 License #68278. © 2016 CalAtlantic Group, Inc. RA2065
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OUT & ABOUT
14: May 6, 2016
PHOTOS
HRC BATTLE OF DJS @ THE JUNGLE PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
NOW THRU JUNE 5
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Limited Time Only! Purchase a New Home and Receive:
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Use How You Choose on To-Be-Built Homes*
Up To
5,000
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Toward Closing Costs**
* Available only when you close on a to-be-built home in the Towns at Breton Ridge community in the Atlanta division being marketed under Ryland Homes pursuant to a contract you sign on or between April 1, 2016 and May 31, 2016. Seller provided “Use How You Choose” credits may be applied to closing costs, design center options, lot premiums, finished basement and other structural options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. ** Available only when you close on a home in the Towns at Breton Ridge community in the Atlanta division being marketed under Ryland Homes pursuant to a contract you sign on or between April 1, 2016 and May 31, 2016. Receipt of closing cost credit is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage, and closing through a CalAtlantic Homes preferred closing attorney, and is subject to limits. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans, and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc.®, NMLS ID #203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee Number 24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive Suite 200a, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and branch location 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA 30022 License #68278. © 2016 CalAtlantic Group, Inc. RA2065
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OUT & ABOUT
16: May 6, 2016
PHOTOS
BEAR BBQ @ THE HERETIC PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
OUT OF CONTROL
“
“
AMAZING
Photo: Joan Marcus
– THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
ON SALE NOW! MAY 24-29
FoxTheatre.org/Beautiful • 855-285-8499 FENUXE.COM : 21
OUT & ABOUT
18: May 6, 2016
PHOTOS
CANINES AND COCKTAILS (ANGLES AMONG US) @ HENRY’S MIDTOWN PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
404.873.2664
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OUT & ABOUT
20: May 6, 2016
PHOTOS
BEAR PRIDE 2016 CLOSING PARTY @ THE EAGLE
BEAR PRIDE 2016 CLOSING PARTY @ THE EAGLE PHOTOS BY: XXXXX
SPOTLIGHT BY: TOM CORLISS
DAY CELEBRATES WITH NIGHT
22: May 6, 2016
Dance Diva Inaya Day Celebrates 20 Years in Club Music with Remake of “One Night In Heaven
Inaya Day is celebrating twenty years in club music with a cover of the massive nineties dance smash, “One Night In Heaven”. Produced by Toy Armada and DJ Grind, the new version is a heartfelt pop/house track with blends of tribal soul. “It was important for me to make this record because my buddy, DJ Grind, had recently lost his grandmother and he wanted to make it in dedication to, and in remembrance of her,” she continues. Day first met DJ Grind at Opera in Atlanta, where she was performing a show with DJ Joe Gauthreaux, the mutual friend who introduced them. Months later, when Grind and his producing partner Toy Armada were searching for a vocalist for their cover of M People’s classic hit, they contacted Day’s agent to see if she might be interested. “I jumped at the chance,” remembers Day. “It’s a great song and I hope it reminds people that that while it’s easy to get caught
up in the trials of the world, love ultimately rules. Bad things come and pass,” she says. “Love remains.” She says the song holds a special place in her mind and heart. “It takes me back to my first European tour with the Harlem Gospel Singers when the original music video would be on constant rotation.” Celebrating twenty years in club music, Inaya Day has become a staple on dance floors with tracks including “Horny”, “Keep Pushin’”, “Nasty Girl”, and the Mike Cruzproduced dance
Club music should be happy and uplifting: “Negativity is all around us. I want my music to make people feel better”.
anthems “Movin’ Up” and “Can’t Stop Dancing”. She holds firm to the belief that club music should be happy and uplifting. “Negativity is all around us. I want my music to make people feel better”. In addition to her club career, she has worked extensively as a session musician, appearing on tracks by Michael Jackson, Al Green, Puff Daddy, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Big Daddy Kane and Jonathan Butler, to name a few. She has also written songs for Randy Crawford and Missy Elliott and appeared on Broadway, notably as understudy to Stephanie Mills as “Dorothy” in revival of The Wiz.
However, for the larger part of her career, her heart has belonged to the clubs. “For twenty years, my fans have come to hear me sing, supported my efforts, remembered songs that I’d forgotten I’d recorded, met with and greeted me, purchased my merchandise, sung along with me, and never made me feel like I was anything less than blessed. All I can say is that I am grateful and thank you.” Toy Armada and DJ Grind’s “One Night In Heaven” featuring Inaya Day is available on iTunes now. Visit www.inayaday.com
FENUXE.COM : 23
REVIEW
By: Terri Schlichenmeyer
BOOK REVIEW:
V
“SOUL SERENADE” BY RASHOD OLLISON
inyl is making a comeback. Those are five words that put a smile on a music aficionado’s face. A CD isn’t the same, they say. An MP3 is nowhere near as good. You don’t get the right sound unless you’re spinning a record, so vinyl is coming back – but, for people like Rashod Ollison in “Soul Serenade,” it never really left. There was once a time when “Dusty” Ollison’s parents were happy. He knows it’s true; he has evidence of it, in the form of a picture taken at the beginning of their marriage, which lasted thirteen years. When they split, he was old enough to witness but too young to understand, having become inured to the fights, the cheating, and the drinking at his home near Hot Springs, Arkansas. After Ollison’s father fled his family – leaving Ollison’s mother with a ‘tween and two small children – he rarely returned. But he left a gift behind: stacks of vinyl. Ollison says he remembers poking around music stores with his father, ogling covers, eager for approval of his taste in performers. Chaka Khan, Bobby Womack, Stevie Wonder, Ollison recalls fascination with their record labels spinning on the turntable. Michael Jackson gave him comfort, Aretha was a mood barometer, they all taught him about grown-up love through lyrics. With his mother working two full-time jobs to keep food on the table, Ollison counted on music to anchor him. It was his means of escape as his oldest sister took her rage out on him, as his family moved repeatedly, as he was bullied in school for “actin’ like a woman.” He denied feminine gestures and a tender heart, but by age thirteen, he could no longer ignore that he was gay. School, by then, had joined music as a thing of refuge; Ollison excelled at his lessons, achieved good grades, made friends, and expanded his playlist. As he grew, he also wondered about his father sometimes but was largely indifferent, even as the man lay dying. And then an aunt told Ollison something that made him change his tune. “Soul Serenade” starts where many good memoirs do: with a faded picture of a time that barely seems possible. From there, we’re surprised by a
death that promises to taint much of what’s to come, all wrapped in family lore. But don’t get complacent. Author Rashod Ollison doesn’t allow any lingering. Soon enough, his story becomes angry yelling, a smack upside the head, profanity, TV-asbabysitter, fists and sore feet. We’re taken from neighborhood to neighborhood as the lights are shut off, the rent isn’t paid, and he’s taunted with words that his sister has to explain. It’s chaos – but it’s also a darn good tale that it doesn’t dissolve into whining or poorme-ing, testament to Ollison’s storytelling skills. “Soul Serenade” is one of those books that sticks in your brain – not only for the suggested music, but because the memoir itself leaves its mark. And if that sounds like solid gold to you, then give this book a spin. By: Always Overbooked... Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC bookwormsez@gmail.com Bio: The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 14,000 books
Ollison counted on music to anchor him. It was his means of escape as his oldest sister took her rage out on him, as his family moved repeatedly, as he was bullied in school for “actin’ like a woman.”
FENUXE.COM : 25
INTERVIEW
BY JANINE DEFANO
JASON WALKER IS SO HAPPY “SO HAPPY” RISES ON THE CHARTS think that is? Everything moves quicker these days. Life moves quicker. It’s kind of scary! Social media has just made everything so accessible. There are aspects of that that I think are great, but at times, slow would be nice. Time to enjoy the present would be nice, instead of always focusing on what’s next. Is that what you really want? Honestly, I have conflicting feelings. I enjoy my rainy days with Tori Amos, but going to see Danny Tenaglia really puts me over the edge.
Grab a coffee, coffee take a survey,
change the world.
You’re a king of dance. Could you see yourself ever dabbling in another genre of music? Sure, I “dabble”. (Laughs) I think I’m a pretty well rounded singer. My roots are in Soul, and I try to inject that into everything that I do. I released a pop album in 2010 called “Leave It All Behind” and stretched out a little, but I’ve actually been working on a ® Soul album for the past five years. Five years is a long time in music! Yes, but Soul’s a completely different world, especially when you are dealing with live musicians. It’s a process. But it’ll be worth it when it’s ready. You’ve worked with so many of the dance greats from Kristine W, Junior Vasquez to now Tony Moran. Is there anyone you’ve missed that you would love to work with? I have a list - hanging on my wall, in fact – of all the people in the dance world I would love to work with some day. Guys like TILT, Chicane, Danny Tenaglia, Louis Vega, David Morales, Bob Sinclair, Dave Aude, Rosabel, Tiesto, Kaskade, Afrojack… Oh, there are tons and all because they are masters at their crafts. And in the pop world: T Bone Burnett. What are you most looking forward to this summer? Sunshine and beats.
Making a Difference is Easy. seven Top Ten songs10th including two #1s Jason Walker has a lot to be “So Happy”Take the Annual about these days. His latest track – a collaboration with two-time Grammy nominated dance producer Tony Moran and gospel singer turned electronic dance music phenomenon (for his work with David Guetta) Chris Willis – is already in the top 20 on Billboard & rising. The song is a feel-good track, because, as Jason explains, “With all that’s happening in the world today, isn’t that what everyone wants? The dance floor is my happy place,” he continues. “It’s where I can forget my troubles and let the music take over. For me, music is the universal truth and when a hard beat pulses through my body, there is simply no better feeling than that. My hope is that ‘So Happy’ lifts listeners to their own place of pure joy.” Jason Walker grew up in Pittsburgh, singing in church choirs and local R&B and Blues bands. He first shined on the national spotlight with a winning performance on TV’s “It’s Show Time at the Apollo”. Since then, he’s had
(“Foolish Mind Games” and “Set It Free”). “I am truly the definition of So Happy”, reflects Jason Walker. “In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with all the dance greats from Junior Vasquez to Bimbo Jones, and now Tony Moran!“ We spoke with him from his home in New York. To start with, you must be so happy with how the song is doing. This record was the biggest project that I’ve ever undertaken. So much love and attention from both Tony (Moran) and myself and the video director Karl Giant went into it! We really poured all of ourselves into it. As far as the chart goes, I’m just grateful. It’s risen up the charts really quickly! It began as a #1 Breakout Record, then the Hot Shot Debut, then it was the chart’s Power Pick! It used to be that a song would gradually climb to the top ten and then remain there for weeks. Now it seems Proudly LGBT-owned and -operated like top songs rise quickly but then fall Visit JasonWalkerMusic.com off the charts just as fast. Why do you A pioneer in LGBT research, founded in 1992 Your information 26: April 22, 2016is confidential, used for research purposes only. NGLCC-Certified LGBT Owned Business Enterprise You will not be contacted for marketing purposes.
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FAITH
Spiritual Fitness
Spiritual Fitness is a term I use to describe a person’s overall spiritual health. Spirituality is that which gives meaning and purpose in life, or the term may be used specifically to refer to the practice of a philosophy, religion, or way. Some common indicators to know if you are Spiritually Fit are: Engaged in life’s meaning/purpose, Hopeful about life/future, Makes sound moral decisions, Fully engaged with family, friends, and community, Able to forgive self and others, Respectful of others, and Engaged in core values/beliefs. Some common indicators to know if you may need improvements are: Losing a sense of life’s meaning/purpose, Holds very little or no hope about life/future, Makes poor moral decisions routinely, Weakly engaged with family, friends, and community, Not likely to forgive self or others; or forgivess is not an option, Strong or complete disrespect for others, Disregards core values/beliefs.
The religious aspect of spiritual fitness refers to the faith and hope you have as it pertains to your soul. It include activities that connects one to the Divine, the God, and/or the supernatural. A few examples of the activites that can help one with their spiritual fitness are prayer, workship in church, faith and belief in the Divine. The human aspect of spiritual fitness doesn’t really involve religion but it can have a major effect on the individual. This aspect of spiritual titness for me personally was a challenge. I have always believed in God and I know that without Him nothing is possible. My mother and grandmother has always had me in church since I was young. Therefore the religious approach was not too hard. Over the last couple of years I have grown closer to God. I read “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young every single
day. It is a 365 day devotional book that has impacted my live with encouraging words and scriptures from the Bible. Its ultimate goal is to keep Jesus in your presence at all times. I highly recommend it! I am currently in a spiritual awakening phase of my life where I have learned to love myself. I have been in such a better place since I have forgiven and accepted those who have done wrong to me in my past. More importantly, I realize that ultimately I had to forgive myself for all the things that I have done and also accept myself for who I am. Forgiveness and Acceptance have been the two key elements for me on my path to becoming more spiritually healthy. Since then, all my relationships have been so much better. If you are struggling with life take a deep inventory of yourself and really accept yourself for who who are. Secondly forgive everyone and yourself for what has transpired in the past. Thirdly accept others for who they are. Do not wait on others to forgive you or accept you. Your spiritual fitness is typically healthier if you practice your faith, beliefs, and other activities that support your spirituality. A great church to visit in Atlanta that i have personally had the pleasure to visit is Victory World Church 5905 Brook Hollow Pkwy, Norcross, GA 30071 Phone: (770) 849-9400 I hope this helps! Joshua Neal Behavioral Health Coach & Fitness Expert
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ATLANTA PRIDE 2016 OCTOBER 10-11, 2016 PIEDMONT PARK
FEATURE
BY: MIKE TROMBINO
CHICAGO PRIDE HOOKS IN ‘THE LOST BOYS’
Chicago Pride celebrates its fourth year of Neverland this June with its biggest themed Pride event ever, “The Lost Boys”. “Our parties are always a tribute to big imagination,” proclaims Anthony DiFiore, Neverland’s founder and Creative Director. “For this year’s Chicago Pride, our production team is building extravagant Peter Pan and Hook elements to the main stage. Instead of traditional sets, we’re producing the night as more of a storyline with dancers and performers dressed as the famous characters. “All the weekend’s events will be even more theatrical than ever before,” he promises.
NEVERLAND PRIDE launches Friday, June 24th at 11pm with a special edition of GayGlow spun by NANDO, one of the most energetic and happening DJs on today’s national club scene. The fun continues Saturday at 11pm when NEVERLAND presents “The Lost Boys” at Metro, a two-story concert hall that boasts one of the finest stages in Chicago. It will be a surreal night of character-driven fantasy featuring a massive set. Barcelona29: May 6, 2016
based DJ Ivan Gomez will man the decks alongside Chicago’s own Alexis-R. Wrapping the weekend will be the Sunday night Closing Party at Mid, headlined by International superstar DJ Paulo. Paulo will present a dark and visceral production amidst one of Chicago’s most powerful sound systems. Opening DJs Sean O’Hara and TVG will start the night at 10pm with Paulo taking over until 4am. The first NEVERLAND took place July 2012. Billed as a costume party with club
music, it was kind of like Halloween in the middle of the summer. “We were an instant hit,” remembers DiFiore. In order to create a big dance party brand, he needed everyone to come. “Guys in their late 30s and 40s would tell me they were too old for a costume party.” In 2013, NEVERLAND introduced themes to the events, along with more elaborate production. At “Walt Disney is Dead”, Brazil’s DJ Ana Paula dressed up as Maleficent while she was spinning. For the “Ratchet Ball”, producers brought in a graffiti artist from Michigan to create graffiti on large canvases hanging from the walls of Hydrate Nightclub. Soon, every group was represented, from muscle guys to hipsters to drag queens and more. “Today’s Neverland is like a Studio 54-style party,” says DiFiore. Last year’s Pride party was a “Bougie Ball”. Producers went all out with the theme, from putting fake rolls of hundred dollar bills as toilet paper in the bathrooms, to firing off fake money as confetti during Sasha Colby’s performance of “Bitch Better Have My Money”. Giant gold birdcages flanked the stage with gogo dancers wearing three-foot long lion headdresses. “What sets our team apart is that many of our artists don’t even go to big dance parties. They’re a set designer who cares deeply about what the set is going to look like, or a costume designer who is developing their own label and is working with Neverland to showcase their talents.” Even the crowd gets in on the act, with many of the attendees arriving in full costume. “Revelers are always welcome to wear whatever they want,” says DiFiore. “Some will come in simple jeans and tees, and that’s fine! I’m excited to see lot of Pans, Hooks and of course, Tinkerbells.” NEVERLAND PRIDE 2016 takes place Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th with three spectacular events. For more info visit: neverlandpride.com
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Hey Girl Hey! Holler Poodles! Two Some of my readers have professed their fickle undying love for my column and the fabulous drag queen they ran into at mall I am. I imagine a few of you gays might have a have a question as to how do I have it all?- A beautiful 1974 Pinto Blowabout car, a stately double wide triple high mobile home and man Thruster that keeps me satisfied. I would suggest you try and lead a more vaginal virginal life like mine. I sacrificed my burning bush so mortal temptations wouldn’t strike me down. Try thinking of me as a saint bernard. Saint Mary Edith is of a Sissy. And as a saint, I will offer my body for your inspection inspiration. When you’re feeling weak, think of the low, pendulous swing of my boobs to lull you into a hypnotic state. When you hear voices in your head, think of my soothing, deep, almost man-like voice screaming HOLLERRRRRR! And when you feel tempted to partake in temptations, think of my mostly smooth, bare cavernous mounds beckoning for your attention. When you’re weary, think of the pounds of makeup I wear in order to brighten up your humdrum life. When you’re feeling small, think of me in that tiny gold lace thong running a 5k between my taint and mangina. And, finally, when you feel tempted to have sex (yes, even with drag queens), send me a message on GRINDR, SCRUFF or Facebook. Love and lashes,
Mary Edith Pitts Mary Edith Pitts
PS. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email me at maryedith99@gmail.com or on twitter @maryedithpitts
Gay News At A Glance KASICH ADMITS THAT ‘GAY SEXUALITY’ IS ‘PROBABLY’ GENETIC Ohio Governor John Kasich is working hard to distance himself from some of his Republican peers on LGBT issues.. The GOP presidential candidate was in California on April 29th and was confronted by a Clinton supporter during a campaign stop at the Commonwealth Club of California. Kelly Bryan, 62, of San Francisco asked the candidate the following: ‘I’m a 62-year-old gay man who came out to both of my parents at 19,’ Bryan said, according to MSNBC. ‘And I’ve been gay for 45, over 40 years. Gay people are human beings and not a lifestyle choice. Please respond without prayer being an answer.’
‘In terms of me, I don’t believe in discrimination, I think there is a balance, however, between discrimination and people’s religious liberties,’ Kasich responded. ‘But I think we should just try to, like, take a chill pill, relax, and try to get along with one another a little bit better instead of trying to write some law to solve a problem that doesn’t frankly exist in big enough numbers to justify more lawmaking.’ Bryan wasn’t pleased with this answer, reminding the governor the most recent GOP platform, passed in 2012, calls for a constitutional amendment making marriage a union between a man and woman.
rabidly anti-LGBTI laws with the overwhelming support of Republicans. Kasich noted those opinions are not his, adding LGBT people are born with samesex sexuality. ‘They are not me. Okay? They are not me. I’m telling you my views,’ Kasich said. ‘Do I think that people are, are, you know, born gay? Probably. I’ve never studied the issue. But I don’t see any reason to hurt you or to discriminate you or make you feel bad or make you feel like a second class citizen.’
Kasich argued he’s not defined by the party’s platform. ‘The Republican Party is my vehicle and not my master. I have a right to define the Republican Party, too, okay?’ Bryan pointed to Kentucky and Mississippi, states that have passed
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FLORIDA RESIDENTS CALL FOR POLICE ACTION AGAINST GAY CRUISING IN A LOCAL PARK
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A resident in Wilton Manors, Florida wants to clean up the city’s parks – but preventing men from having sex in its restrooms. ‘I ask that you take some action,’ Michael Rajner told a commission panel at a meeting on April 12. Rajner has called on the city to do more about men cruising each other in Colohatchee Park, saying the problem has reached ‘boiling point’. Commissioner Julie Carson said it is ‘a very, very tough problem, and I am again surprised that city with the resources of Wilton Manors cannot address the problem adequately. By adequately [I mean] I think it should stop. ‘I am there regularly, five or six days a week, the days that its open, and the continual illegal activity is stunning.’ Cruising for sex is illegal in Florida. The city has taken steps to prohibit cruising in Wilton Manors: A partition between urinals was erected in restrooms, but was torn out by vandals. A new, stronger one was then installed. Carson suggests the city has to better penalize men who cruise. ‘The biggest and best way to address the problem is to arrest offenders. It’s just not cool. The answer is not to close the park. The answer is to enforce the law.’In order to do this, the police enacted the Colohatchee Park Action Plan to patrol the park. Some of the police were in plain clothes, resembling the infamous ‘sting’ operates that caught out politicians and celebrities.
GAY MARRIAGE IS NOW LEGALIN COLUMBIA! Colombia’s top court has legalized same-sex marriage. The Catholic country follows Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and many states in Mexico in allowing same-sex couples to marry in Latin America. Six of the court’s nine judges approved the ruling that ‘all people are free to choose independently to start a family in keeping with their sexual orientation…receiving equal treatment under the constitution and the law’. ‘The judges affirmed by a majority that marriage between people of the same sex does not violate constitutional order,’ presiding Judge Maria Victoria Calle told the court. ‘The current definition of the institution of marriage in civil law applies to them in the same way as it does for couples of the same sex.’ The decision will be recorded as an irrevocable constitutional ruling within a month, making it legally valid.
NC GOV. KEEPS DEFENDING BILL When television cameras are rolling, expect one thing from Governor Pat McCrory: a rigorous defense of HB2. HB2 bans all local LGBTI rights ordinances in the state. It was pushed forward to override an ordinance in Charlotte that would have allowed transgender people to use the bathroom of their gender identification. Gov. McCrory said, ‘What we did in the state of North Carolina was overturn a local mandate on private business’ referring to the Charlotte bill. ‘I do not want government to be
able to tell private businesses what their bathroom policies should be. I have no desire to be the bathroom police for private business. An expectation of privacy that individuals have, especially our youth have…they expect only people of their gender to be there… It’s a tradition we have had for many years. What we ought to do, for those people with this unique gender identification issues, we ought to allow the school’s to make special arrangements for those people.’ The conversation concluded with harsh words for Bruce Springsteen and Paypal; the singer canceled a concert and the company blocked the opening of a Charlotte global operations center.
FAROE ISLANDS SAYS YES TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago part of Denmark, has passed same-sex marriage. Comprising of 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, it is the final Nordic country to adopt same-sex legal unions in any form. Politicians voted 19 to 14 in favor of same-sex marriage on April 29th. (Denmark legalized same-sex marriage in 2012.) The only difference between the two laws will be is that while Denmark allows same-sex couples to wed in churches, the Faroe Islands will not. Marrying in churches was left out of the law for fear the Christian parties would vote against it. In a 2013 poll, two thirds of Faroese people said they support same-sex marriage. This led to the first gay person elected to the Faroese parliament in 2015, Sonja Jógvansdóttir, who received the third most votes in the country.
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