Fenuxe Magazine V8-13 by Fenuxe Magazine Management

SOUTHERN WITH A GAY TWIST

06.30.17 V8-13

Undercover photography by Darrell Thomas

page 30

Holy Water & being Gay Twins

page 28

MIC DROP

page 26

WITH J. TYLER COVER BY: DANIELA BACCHIM

“I fought for my country. Now I’m bringing the fight to my HIV.” Reggie - Atlanta, GA Living with HIV since 1985.

As a military guy, I know how to follow orders. So when my doctor told me to start and stay in treatment, I listened. Now my treatment regimen is part of my life. That means I take my pills, I keep my medical appointments, I stay connected to support groups and I keep up with the latest education. Treatment works for me, and now I show other veterans who are HIV-positive how it can work for them.

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks

Contents

FENUXE

Bo y D y N ar ex r t D el oo l T r A ho tla m nt a as

ing

by :

clo

oto

pa ge

rc o

06.30.2017

CALENDAR: 8 GREAT THINGS TO DO

LIGHTNING STRIKES THE DANCEFLOOR

14 24 30 36 38

OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS COVER: MIC DROP UNDERCOVER HEY GIRL HEY GAY NEWS AT A GLANCE Scan the QR Code with your smart phone to like us on

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Friday, June 30 - Saturday, July 1 Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus revisits its highly successful 2010 concert “All You Need is Love: The Music of the Beatles.” The chorus will bring back many hits including “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “All You Need is Love” as it celebrates six decades of timeless music by the Fab Four. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. S.W., Atlanta, www.voicesofnote.org

Friday June 30 The Auburn Avenue Research Library will host a screening of Ava Duvernay’s extraordinary documentary, “13th.” Titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which abolished slavery, except as punishment for a crime, this compelling film examines the intersectionality of race, justice and mass incarceration. Free. 7 p.m., 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlant, www.afpls.org/aarl

JULY 4

JULY 3

Monday, July 3 Trans and Friends is a youthfocused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. 7 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www. charisbooksandmore.com

JULY 1

FANTASTIC 4TH CELEBRATION

Saturday, July 1 - July 4 Don’t miss the BIGGEST Fireworks Finale EVER! Experience the Lasershow in Mountainvision®, a not-to-bemissed Atlanta tradition that promises to wow you with state-of-the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring effects. The Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision®, features iconic music, epic fireworks and jaw-dropping fire effects. 9:30 p.m. Stone Mountain.

MAAP ATL

Tuesday, July 4 Make your lunch break a networking opportunity and connect with business professionals to expand your circle of influence at Connecting Atlanta, a networking lunch by Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals (MAAP). Join MAAP at Egg Harbor Cafe the first Tuesday of every month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a networking lunch. Please register by emailing harborlunch@maapatl.org

RISE UP 5K

Saturday, July 1 People of all walks of life, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations and genders will rise together across the nation for the Rise Up 5K in beautiful Grant Park. Proceeds from registration fees go to a social justice cause of your choice, and a race shirt and commemorative bib are included. 8 a.m., 840 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA localraces.com/rise-up-5k/ rise-up-5k-atlanta-ga

COMMUNITY

NETWORK

COMMUNITY

TRANS & FRIENDS

JULY 1

13TH

COMMUNITY

SAGE ATLANTA SOCIAL HOUR

Thursday, July 6 SAGE Atlanta serves to enrich the lives of the GLBT senior community. They do this by sponsoring social alternatives, offering educational opportunities, and promoting contact with the isolated and homebound persons of our community. SAGE Atlanta’s social hour begins at 10 a.m., followed by a program/meeting at 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, 1530 DeKalb Avenue

MUSIC JULY 7

ATL GAY CHORUS

FUN

FILM

05.03.15 JULY 6

MUSIC

JUNE 30

CALENDAR

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: SONGS OF SINATRA

Friday, July 7 Kick back under the stars on the Great Lawn and enjoy the amazing sounds of Michael Feinstein: Songs of Sinatra during Concerts in the Garden! Purchase tickets online or in person at Garden Admissions. $55.50 (Member $53.50) More information: http:// atlantabg.org/visit/events/ michael-feinstein FENUXE.COM : 09

What is TRUVADA for PrEP? TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION |What is the most important information I should know

about TRUVADA for PrEP?

Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: u You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are conﬁrmed to be HIV-negative. u Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: u You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. u You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. u To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. u If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: u Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

|Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: u Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. u Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection. |What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: u Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. u Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. u Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. u Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomacharea (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. |What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking

TRUVADA for PrEP?

u All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider

if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. u If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. u If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. u All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. u If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

Have you heard about

TRUVADA for PrEP™? The once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when used with safer sex practices. • TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. • You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

visit start.truvada.com

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. • To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA, the TRUVADA Logo, TRUVADA FOR PREP, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0092 05/17

MUSIC

Lightning STRIKES ON THE DANCE FLOOR BY MIKE BAHR

hris Brown and Kristii are sparking dance floors with a bolt of titillating energy this summer in “Lightning,” their new single that mixes rap with R&B pop.  Kristii, the young singer often likened to Cascada is shedding her EDM skin for a more pop sound that is sure to appeal to teen listeners. She drew inspiration for it while on the set of a recent photoshoot. “They had me in a corset and I never felt so feminine and sexy,” she explains. “It got me to thinking how corsets are about the most empowering clothing a woman can wear.”  That strength is echoed in the vocals on “Lightning” that showcase commanding pipes from both Chris Brown and Kristii. The duo share a similar tone and key that compliment one another and combine to create a dope, spontaneous sound that is spirited yet erotic.  The song was recorded on

opposite sides of the world. “I remember when Chris called me from the music studio in LA,” Kristii recalls. “I was in Vienna at the time, with a ten hour time difference so it was like 5 am Austrian time. I was barely awake and part of me thought I was dreaming but I must have listened to him sing and given my feedback because two days later, we got the full session from Chris and it was everything I imagined it would be! I laid my vocals over his and I worked hard to match his awesomeness.”  “Lightning” is produced by Adonis Shropshire, a Grammy Winning producer and noted songwriter who works with Brown, JLo, Usher, & Beyonce.  Kristii counts Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston as her inspirations: Jackson for his dancing, Houston for her singing. However, she makes it clear that she doesn’t measure her artistry to theirs. Kristii says she has never wanted to be like anyone except herself and her most important

goal in life is showing the world what she can do.  She is best known in the states for her hit club single, “Recovery”. The song climbed to the number 8 position on Billboard in January. “Recovery was inspired by the breakup of my first real love,” she explains. Kristii wrote all the lyrics; a feat she takes pride in because it’s the first time she has written all the text of a track by herself. “I can’t say I ́m totally recovered from the split,” she admits. “Maybe I never will be? Time will tell.”  “Lightning” featuring Chris Brown and Kristii is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon. Follow Kristii on INSTAGRAM @kristii_music and FACEBOOK @KristiiOfficial. FENUXE.COM : 13

OUT & ABOUT

14: June 30, 2017

PHOTOS

THE WHITE PARTY @ MASON FINE ART GALLERY PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

FENUXE.COM : 15

OUT & ABOUT

16: June 30, 2017

PHOTOS

SUNDAY FUNDAY @ TEN ATLANTA PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

BOYNEXTDOORMENSWEAR.COM

1447 PIEDMONT AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309

404.873.2664

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Townhomes from the upper $500s • Neighborhood features include a swimming pool and Aquatic Center, with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment just outside the community • Situated 1 mile from I-85 and 9.8 miles from the South’s most cosmopolitan city, the neighborhood enjoys a premier DeKalb County location • Children are eligible to attend Sagamore Hills Elementary School, Henderson Middle School and Lakeside High School

For more information, please call Heather Isaac at 404-634-4485. In the Atlanta division of CalAtlantic Homes, prices, plans, elevations and specifications are subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. You should independently confirm which schools/districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorative suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. This is not an offer or the solicitation of an offer for the purchase of a new home. This information is not directed to residents of any state that requires registration or permit issuance prior to the publication of such information. CAATL243

FENUXE.COM : 17

OUT & ABOUT

18: June 30, 2017

PHOTOS

PARTY WITH NASHVILLE SINGER CHELY WRIGHT PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

“A MASTERPIECE! ONCE YOU’VE SEEN IT, YOU’LL FIND IT HARD TO SETTLE FOR LESS EVER AGAIN.” —The Wall Street Journal

AUGUST 15-20

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OUT & ABOUT

20: June 30, 2017

PHOTOS

PARTY WITH DJ NEON @ ZOCALO PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

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FENUXE.COM : 21

OUT & ABOUT

22: June 30, 2017

PHOTOS

THE PRINCE PARTY @ AMSTERDAM ATLANTA PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

SPOTLIGHT

MIC DROP WRITTEN BY: TERRY SARTOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DANIELA BACCHIM

WITH ATLANTA BASED RAPPER J. TYLER

GEORGIA BOY UPS THE ANTE ON GENRE-BENDING DEBUT RAP ER & MORE

tlanta-based rapper J. Tyler has been building an impressive portfolio of work including his debut “Live Out Loud“ as well as a recent 2017 feature in “Dope Sh*t” by fellow Atlantan and singer/actress Alissah Brooks. Straight out of Pelham, Georgia, J. Tyler has quickly made his presence known on the Atlanta scene slaying stages at Burkhart’s, Jungle, Blake’s, My Sister’s Room, Six Flags and most recently Hard Rock. Home boy has even won the title of Best Musician of Atlanta for four consecutive years by the readers of The GA Voice. Now the rap artist has unveiled his debut Prelude EP, a collection of songs released June 17 on the Big Snow Entertainment label. And it’s very tight indeed. J. Tyler brings quite a bit of uniqueness to the rap music space considering his distinctive lyrical flow, unabashed on-the mic ferocity, rapid-fire vocal swag and willingness to take his rap stylings everywhere from EDM terrain to tropical island vibes and even 24: June 30, 2017

straight-up power pop. It’s time to get to know more about the man behind the microphone. Although your first commercial EP Prelude was just released this month, you’ve been in the game for a bit now. How did you get your start in music and why did you gravitate to the rap/ hip-hop space specifically? Oh, I’ve been in love with music my entire life. It’s all I know. I grew up on country and rock-n-roll, and I was singing ever since I could remember. Then, when I was seven, my love for music grew into writing little songs. It wasn’t until middle school that I started hearing other genres of music and really getting into them. High school was when I discovered rap - right about the time that Nicki Minaj was being discovered. I learned that fast verse in Busta Rhymes’ song “Look At Me Now”, and performed it before class one day, and this girl told me that I would never be a rapper. I didn’t get upset, I just couldn’t get it out of my mind that she told me that I couldn’t do something. So, that night, I went home and I wrote my first verse,

which completely sucked when I think back to it (laughs). But right then, I fell in love with how fast and creative lyricism can be, and it was really the thing that I felt I was meant to do. After a couple of months, I quit college, quit my job, and gave up everything I had to move into a hotel room here in Atlanta to pursue my dreams of being a rapper. I busted my ass to make people know who I was. I would say something cheesy like I didn’t really find rap, that it found me, but it’s true. I never expected to be a rapper, but I feel like it’s what I’m meant to do. How would you describe your brand of music? I think there’s not really a label that you can put on what I do. I wouldn’t necessarily call my music just rap or hip-hop, you know? I think that to label

an artist’s music as just one thing wouldn’t be compliant to the rules of art. People have spent their lives pouring their hearts out and I think that to categorize it just as one thing really devalues the meaning of it. As far as my brand, I just like to make music that makes people feel good and heal better. Music is so powerful that you can literally save someone’s life. My music is dynamic in the sense that, on my EP Prelude, you will hear more than one genre. From “Dance With Me”’s tropical reggae undertone to “Why?”’s pop vibe all the way to the crazy drop in “Beat Like Whoa”, you will never hear just one sound. For me as an artist, I like to push the boundaries. I mean, I’m a tall, skinny, white, gay guy that raps. What other boundaries can I push? (laughs). No, but seriously, I’m not just a one-schtick kind of artist. You’ll hear a lot of different sounds coming from me. Where do you get your lyrical inspiration from? I’m in touch with my feelings and very vocally independent. Like, I’ll say what I want to say, whenever I want to say it, and not think twice about it. I knew early on that I was good with my words, so it plays a role in how I write my lyrics. As far as my approach in Prelude, each song made me feel a different way, which is why I think people will really connect with me on a deeper level than the remixes I do online. For “Why?”, it’s about an ex who cheated on me and broke my heart. I’m literally asking him why he had to make me feel like that. I’ve never been that vulnerable on a song before, but I felt like it was time to show that J. Tyler has a heart, too. I can’t be the energetic, hype version all the time like in “Beat Like Whoa” or “Blasphemy.” Now, “Paradise Baby” wasn’t really written with anyone in mind. It was just more of how the instrumental made me feel. My paradise baby is out there somewhere though! “Dance with Me” is a song that was written to get people moving. It’s about watching someone dancing and wanting them to dance with you. It’s written from the law of attraction, and it will definitely get you to at least tap your foot. “Who Are You?” is the type of song that you play to your haters. Like if you don’t like me, you aren’t anybody either type of thing. There are plenty of times people have said something to me, and I’m like “Wait.. who are you?” So, I put it in song form, and I find myself singing the hook everywhere. Who are some of your main musical influences and why? Oh, Missy Elliott. Now, going back to the last question, if someone were to say, you sound like Missy, I would be totally okay with that! She just changed the game. She took what hip-hop was and flipped it and was like, “This is how I’m gonna do it.” So iconic. I also take influence from Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes, Machine Gun Kelly, and of course, Eminem. They all have a style and edge about them that makes them stand out to me, both lyrically and on the scale of delivery. What types of positivity as well as negativity have you experienced while trying to make your mark on the music scene as a rapper? I always get those few that say that I can’t rap or I’m not good, whatever they want to say. Everybody’s going to have a group of people in life that just don’t like you, no matter what you do, you know? But the positivity is the light that overshadows. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people from all over the world send me messages saying that they found my music and that it means something to them and that they really believe in me. People I don’t even know just feel the need to reach out to me and let me know that my music is being heard and appreciated, and that’s all I ever wanted to do with this. How do you think the Atlanta rap/hip-hop scene compares to other cities like New York and Los Angeles? To be honest, I don’t really know too much about any hip-hop scene in any city, even here in Atlanta. I came up sneaking in and performing at gay clubs. When I moved to Atlanta, I had no clue what I was doing, but I was fighting everywhere for a stage. As a gay guy, the only thing I knew were the clubs. So I beat down every door to try and perform, but the only entertainment at these clubs were drag queens. So I had to fight my way through that, and the fact that I had just turned 20, to be able to get the stage! But I did it. I’m sure the hip-hop

scene is great here and in New York and LA, but my LGBTQ community raised me up. What do you see as the future of hip-hop? Well, how long do you have? (laughs). I mean, wouldn’t it be cool to see some representation from the LGBTQ community in mainstream hip-hop? We’re so close that I can almost taste it. I think that progress will be made if we have an outand-proud LGBTQ hip-hop artist, especially in today’s times. We’re on such a political seesaw right now, with more and more people being vocal about their views. This is a perfect time to start speaking up and speaking out. I wish that I could have had someone who was gay and running against the odds when I was a kid. I think that’s why I have so much fire in me. I want to be that beacon of light to some kid who is hiding from themselves and to others, and let them know that they aren’t alone and they are perfectly different. You’ve used YouTube with great success - What role has social media played in the development of your art? Social media is the reason that I’m talking to you right now. If it weren’t for my crazy idea of posting remixes online, this whole thing wouldn’t have ever happened. Prelude would still be a dream in my heart that I would be chasing. Once I started gaining attention in Atlanta, it quickly spread to social media. All of sudden, I started becoming friends with people that helped me find who I was like Chris Crocker and Adam Lambert. I’ve gained supporters from all over the world and I wouldn’t be the person or artist I am today if it weren’t for each and every one of them sharing, liking, commenting, and telling other people about lil’ ole me. How did you connect with Adam Lambert? What was that like? Is there anything planned with him project-wise? We connected through mutual friends. My friend, John Chandler, was in Los Angeles and he sent me a random text one day that was like, “I just showed Adam Lambert your music and he really digs it.” So I checked social media and saw that Adam Lambert followed me. I’ve looked up to this guy since American Idol, so to hear he knew who I was… it

was crazy. I sent Adam a message and asked if he could review Prelude, and he gave me his number and told me to send it over. From there, we started talking about how my music has its own lane and how I have an edge about me. We’ve just been connected ever since. I don’t have any plans in the near future to work with him, but that might change. Collaborations these days are a great way to unite forces with likeminded artists and - arguably more importantly - bring in a completely different genre for crossover appeal. From Atlanta-based pop/electronic artist James Shealy to YouTube viral sensations Dustin & Genevieve Ahkuoi, you have a number of standout features on your debut EP Prelude. What role has featuring artists in your songs played in your own music portfolio? Like you just said, features bring other genres together. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some

amazing people who couldn’t rap to save their life, but also who saved me from having to butcher singing a hook! It’s awesome to find other creative people who just get you. Everybody on my EP Prelude is family to me. They’re all on the same label as me, BSE. My album wouldn’t sound as great if it weren’t for Shay, James Shealy, and Dustin & Genevieve Ahkuoi. They really brought those songs to another level. Tell me more about you label BSE. How did you get connected with them? What role do they play in your artistry? BSE is Big Snow Entertainment. The founder, Ryan Snow, found out about me through a mutual friend and liked what he heard. He was so impressed with me that he added me on every possible social media site to try and get in contact with me to work with him. At that time, I was like, “Nah, I’m doing pretty good on my own.” But I really wanted to have original music. Ryan has worked with some of my friends, and their music was insanely

good. I wanted that for me, so after connecting with Ryan for a couple of months, I did a demo track called “Dope Sh*t” with him, which was then discovered and recorded by the amazing Alissah Brooks. After that, we did the single “Live out Loud.” Then, one thing led to another and we’re sitting here with Prelude. The energy that everybody in BSE gives off is nothing short of a family. These people have been there for me when I needed people the most, both musically and in my personal life. Just to have a group of people that love and support you no matter what, and look at you as a full blown artist, it gives me all the fuel in the world to flame this passion that I have. They definitely help take my artistry to the next level. You just recently finished up your concert and EP release event at the Hard Rock here in Atlanta. What was that like for you? Any plans for a tour? When I tell you that I haven’t felt so much love in one room, I mean, I literally felt bliss. That was the closest thing to Heaven on earth that I’ve ever felt in my life. My parents were there to see me perform for the first time ever. All of my best friends and local supporters were there. When I walked out on the stage and I turned around to see the crowd, I couldn’t believe it. It took literally 100 days for all the planning and preparation for this concert, and everything happened so smoothly. I’m so grateful. From the opening acts to the energy of the crowd, and the best surprises ever, it was a night that I will never forget. I’m definitely in the works for more shows. I have to get this EP heard! It doesn’t stop with just one show. In fact, that’s when the real work begins! You’ll be seeing a lot more of me locally and in other cities and states soon! What else is next for J. Tyler?! I can already go ahead and tell you that I’m not going anywhere. Just one EP isn’t enough for me. I can’t shut up for that long! I have way more where Prelude came from! I’m going to be working with my label and making more music. I’m going to be giving you more visuals from Prelude as well. I just released my music video for my song “Blasphemy” that was filmed and directed by Marcelo Pancote & Daniela Bacchim of Produtora Frame, but there are more coming soon! I’m actually working on a song with my boo, Laganja Estranja, from RuPaul’s Drag Race, so that is on the way! Prelude EP by J. Tyler is available online at iTunes and Amazon.

By James Besanvalle

When these gay twins came out together, their mother threw holy water on them

stall and we were fooling around, when two jocks walk in and caught us and I ran back to class. The next day the rumor around school was Zach was caught in the bathroom with this junior, obviously cause we looked more like twins back in the day. When I got home, I told a sick Zach about the rumor: Zach: ‘I thought no one saw me?’ Michael: ‘No it was me that got caught?!’ Zach: ‘No I was fooling around with him, but I didn’t get caught? WAIT, ARE YOU GAY? Zach fooled around with the same kid a few days prior in the same stall, I was just the one that got caught. The kid is the one who actually started the rumor. How did your parents react? Most people would expect since we’re Arab that our dad was going to have a harder time, but it was the exact opposite. Our dad’s a caregiver, so he’s a very mellow guy. On the other hand, our mom threw holy water at us and ran away to her church for a week. Do you ever go to Iraq? If so, what’s it like there for LGBTI people? We have never been to Iraq. In some parts of Iraq, people that are gays are still getting stoned or thrown off buildings. It’s a scary place right now, not just for gay people. In other parts, you would be surprised how open it is. I’m a gay twin too, but my twin is straight! How has it been supporting each other? It’s the most amazing support system. If I didn’t have my “Pray the Gay Away was twin through the process, I never inspired by mom who would have made snuck into our bedroom it. We turned a hurtful and sad and force fed us ‘holy situation into grapes’ she had blessed by something funny. turned our a priest, determined to We coming out story The Zakar twins are gay, Arab and living in America. What could go wrong? How about their own Catholic mother trying to ‘de-gay’ them with ‘holy grapes’ while they were sleeping? Since they accidentally came out in high school after a little mishap in the toilet with another boy, Zach and Michael are going from strength to strength. They’re models, YouTubers and now entrepreneurs. ‘We never assumed we would have a voice in the LGBT community,’ Zach and Michael said. ‘We thought we would take this secret to the grave. It’s quite empowering to be naked and get a lot of negative and positive feedback. You don’t see a lot of Arab people embracing the gay thing.’ And what’s next? A sexy new calendar, an app and a new book. So, we asked the handsome gay twins about their coming out journey, the reactions they face on Grindr and their infamous foe, their own mother. When and how did you both come out? We both didn’t know that each other were gay. Zach was a jock who played rugby and I, Michael, was the artsy, loner kid. Zach was home with stomach flu for the week, from sharing my drink (he didn’t know stomach flu was contagious). A junior asked me if I wanted to fool around in the handicap stall above the gymnasium. I agreed, not thinking if it was gay or straight, I was just excited. So, I met him in the

‘de-gay’ us.”

Zach & Michael Zakar

into a dark-comedy memoir called Pray the Gay Away. Because we had so much support with each other, we are in the process of creating an app called My Twin. The tagline for the new app is: ‘I had a twin when I came out and now so do you.’ The app hopes to reach out to others struggling during the coming out process or just needing someone to talk too. So, this app is a support system for those scared to talk to a stranger or a friend. You both model – how does the fashion industry react to twins? Does it ever get competitive with one twin getting picked for something over another? The fashion industry loves quirks. Zach and I have a very odd sense of humor, so we find many people in the industry either vibe off it or hate it. As for it being competitive – we are actually each other’s biggest fans. There are never any harsh feelings when one gets an ad, just a bruised ego. How would you describe the fashion industry’s attitude towards LGBTI people? With high fashion and runway, they love it all. But with catalog and commercial work, they still want that straight male persona.

We have been told before to tone down the flamboyance. We have to ask – what is with the nun on your website? Yes, the metaphor for our book cover is that the nun represents our catholic mother. We’re poking fun at the whole situation. The memoir hilariously and poignantly explores what it’s like growing up as gay, Iraqi twins in modern America. Pray the Gay Away was inspired by mom who snuck into our bedroom and force fed us ‘holy grapes’ she had blessed by a priest, determined to ‘de-gay’ us. We face awkward sexual encounters, drug-fueled escapades, coming out to each other, & their biggest foe, mom What’s the creepiest message you’ve received on Grindr? Zach: I’m done. I’m gonna delete my Grindr… and get it back... Michael: I’m gonna delete it, get it back, delete it, hate myself, get it back… Zach’s favorite Pick-up line: *sends a picture of my brother’s dick* Whats yours look like?’ Michael’s favorite: ‘I would tie you up to the bed and tickle you with a feather as your twin watches.’.

REVIEW

By: Terri Schlichenmeyer

BOOK REVIEW:

“SOMEBODY TO LOVE”

Last year was a particularly rough one.

Every time you open a newspaper or turned on the computer or TV, it seemed as though someone – a Hollywood actor, singer, or stage performer you liked – had died. Even now, whether it was six months, a year or, as in “Somebody to Love” by Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne, more than a decade, you still miss them. Farrokh Bulsara was born in India in the fall of 1946 to Parsee followers of the prophet Zoroaster, facts he tried to hide it as a young man. For reasons he didn’t belabor, Bulsara claimed that he was “Persian” and seldom discussed his relatively privileged childhood. He even changed his name to Freddie. Known as a shy boy and famously ashamed of his prominent front teeth, Freddie was nevertheless so in love with music that he helped form his first band in 1958, in part to “impress the girls.” As soon as he was old enough, he moved to London, where he became a hanger-on for two popular local bands, one of which eventually hired him as a lead singer. Freddie, say the authors, loved to put on a show. At around this time, he also fell deeply in love with a woman, though he “was struggling to come to terms with whether he was straight, gay or bisexual.” Indeed, despite social mores and legalities of the time, he was also undoubtedly sleeping with men, but he “had no intention of coming out… even if in truth he had felt able to.” By mid-1970, Freddie changed his surname, while his latest band changed its name to Queen; both began attracting attention in the U.K. Meanwhile, Mercury fell in love with someone whom he considered his “common-law wife.” She, too, seemed to have no idea that he slept with men, which might not have mattered much anyhow: Mercury had led a “hedonistic” life for years and that was just Freddie being Freddie. But then, possibly some time in 1982, he was infected with the HIV virus… At nearly 400 pages, sans notes, “Somebody to Love” is one of those books that might

have been enhanced by being shortened by a third. Authors Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne did an exhaustive job with the biography of Queen front man, Freddie Mercury, but that’s not all: this is also a surprising biography of the AIDS epidemic, beginning more than a century ago. That’s often imagined, since exact circumstances are unknown but, while it makes for an fascinating tale, it stretches too slowly, gets too breathy, and loses its punch. Even Mercury’s career seemed a mess here; readers get names and dates in a bounce-around narrative on a story-loop. There’s merit in this book – early sections on the beginning of AIDS and the beginning and end of Mercury’s life are all stellar – but much of the middle part is pretty ho-hum. In the end, for fans, ‘Somebody to Love” may still be worth a try. Others may find this book to be a rough one.

By: Always Overbooked... Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC bookwormsez@gmail.com The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. FENUXE.COM : 33

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p clo hot th ogr ing a by phy : B by oy D Ne arr xt el Do l Th or om Atl as an ta

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30: June 30, 2017

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Hey Girl Hey! Holler Poodles!

With the onset of summer, I know all of you fashionistas are looking to me to set the trend for the summer... And I am here to tell you the trend is skin!! That’s right readers, skin... as in naked! Or nearly naked! Bare as you dare! Oh hell, why not be naked? It’s affordable, it’s your body and its yours to celebrate. How many people are nudists at home? I find it’s just easier to stay naked. It’s so much cooler in the summertime. Plus, you save so much on laundry. And when the pizza guy delivers, I always answer the door as naked as the day I was born. I let him see my long pendulous breasts swaying to and fro as if to hypnotize him into submission (only if he’s cute!). I’m not sure why some people have such a problem with nudity but in my opinion, we should all give it a try at least once. I think it would help our acceptance of each other and tear down some walls. Can you imagine if world leaders or politicians had to stand in front of each other nude to debate issues? I bet things would be vastly different. I see all of these pictures of The World Naked Bike Ride and other nude events on the interwebs and think why not? In a sense, when we are nude we are our “freest” selves. We are not obstructing our physicality with clothing. It’s as if to say accept me as I am. As I’ve gotten older (shut up bitches) I see nudity very differently from when I was younger. When I was a kid, i didn’t give it much thought one way or another. I remember going to the YMCA with my “big brother” and saw all of these naked men swimming. I immediately told my big brother I wanted to swim naked too and he let me. I remember feeling so free and happy, not in a sexual way but unencumbered. Later as a young adult, I often found locker rooms embarrassing--more because of my scars from back surgery than from my actual nudity. I was very insecure about those scars until about 10 years ago a friend totally changed my perception. He said he thought scars were kinda neat... that they told a story and the history of a person. I had never thought of it in those terms before. It suddenly helped me accept my scars. Suddenly, being nude in front of others wasn’t about my self inflicted shame of my scars--it was about being comfortable in my own skin! Here’s to living how you want!!!

Love and Lashes

Mary Edith Pitts P.S. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please contact me at maryedith99@gmail.com or @maryedithpitts on twitter!

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Gay News At A Glance

Beards can protect you from being gay, according to the head of the Russian branch of a Christian church. Metropolitan Kornily, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Old Believer

REMEMBER WHEN KAREN HANDEL LAUGHED AT THE IDEA OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE? Karen Handel, the Republican winner of Georgia’s recent congressional election, has a 38: June 30, 2017

Church, explained men should stop shaving to ‘protect themselves from homosexuality’. He claims beards mean a man is less likely to be ‘corrupted’ by a same-sex relationship, according to The Moscow Times. Vladmir Putin has previous backed and supported Kornily. ‘God gave us the rules: it is written that God created everyone with a beard. We can not imagine Christ or some saint without a beard. One should not oppose its creator,’ Kornily said in an interview with Russia’s National News Service. He also goes on to explain the beard’s special status has ‘completely disappeared from the Catholic West.’ In an ironic turn of events, Putin always appears with a clean-shaven face. Kornily has not publicly commented on this.

He has no further evidence of a beard’s apparent ‘protective’ powers. Russia’s Old Believers split from the Orthodox Church in 1666 after protesting against reforms made by Patriarch Nikon of Moscow.

Vladamir Putin was the first head of state to visit an Old Believer church in 350 years when he visited the RSPC Rogozhsky spiritual center in Moscow earlier this year.

she didn’t want to ‘spend the whole day discussing this.’

long history of shunning LGBT rights. Just a few weeks ago, we all saw Handel tell a mother of an LGBT child that her ‘faith’ calls her to stop samesex couples from adopting children. Now, a video clip from 2010 which shows Handel literally laughing at the idea of supporting same-sex marriage has resurfaced. Doug Richards, a reporter with WXIA asked Handel about her opposition to same-sex marriage: ‘So you have said

that you are against gay marriage,’ Richards stated. ‘Absolutely,’ Handel replied. ‘Marriage is between one man and one woman.’ Handel went on to say that she voted no on the idea of benefits for domestic partnerships and that she’s against civil unions. Richards asked why she believes that marriage is between one man and one woman. Handel scoffed: ‘Why is marriage between one man and one woman?’ she repeated. ‘Are you serious?’ she laughed. She cited her Christian faith, saying ‘gay relationships’ are ‘not what God intended.’ The conversation then shifted to same-sex parenting. Richards asked her why she believes that ‘gay parents are not as legitimate at heterosexual parents.’ ‘Because I don’t,’ she replied. She then told Richards that he needs to ‘move on’ as

Image via AP Press

OUR BEARDS MUST BE BROKEN CAUSE... “BEARDS CAN PROTECT YOU FROM BEING GAY” CLAIMS HEAD OF RUSSIAN CHURCH

Since the early 2000s, Handel has had a ‘complicated’ relationship with LGBT rights. When she was a Fulton County Commission candidate and chair, Handel courted the gay vote and became a member of the Log Cabin Republicans. When she was chair of the commission, Handel even supported a grant for a non-profit that helped LGBT youth. But, when she was elected Georgia secretary of state, she changed her stance by disavowing same-sex partnerships. This anti-gay stance followed her through her 2010 run for governor of Georgia. And, in 2014, she said that being gay was ‘a choice’ during a Republican primary for a United States Senate position.

NO FUNERAL UNLESS YOU ‘ REPENT ’

He decreed: ‘A person living publicly in a same-sex marriage’ will ‘not receive the sacrament of Confirmation unless he or she has withdrawn from the objectively immoral relationship.’ This position is in stark contrast to the position of the Pope, the head of the Catholic church. In a highly publicized meeting, Pope Francis welcomed Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel & his partner to the Vatican. The Vatican also appointed a pro-LGBTI campaigner to consult on their PR team. Father James Martin is the author of Building A Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity. He run the Pope’s Social Media, Vatican radio & TV channel.

CALIFORNIA BANS STATE-FUNDED TRIPS TO 4 MORE STATES

prejudicial laws that have deprived too many of our fellow Americans of their precious rights. Sadly, that is not the case in all parts of our nation, even in the 21st Century.’ North Carolina has come under fire for its ‘bathroom bill’ which forced people to use bathrooms that correspond to their gender at birth, even if they are transgender. This month Texas passed a law that allows people with ‘sincerely held religious beliefs’ to deny adoption to same-sex families. Alabama and Kentucky have also passed similar anti-LGBT laws concerning adoption and student organizations being able to discriminate against LGBT students.

An Illinois Catholic bishop believes gay couples should repent on their deathbeds in order to have funerals within the church. In a decree, Bishop Thomas Paprocki said ‘Unless they have given signs of repentance before their death, deceased persons who had lived openly in a samesex marriage giving public scandal to the faithful are to be deprived of ecclesiastical funeral rites.’ This basically means if you enter into a same-sex marriage, you must repent for that sin before you die. He also believes the Catholic church should have no place in blessing gay marriages or allow married gay couples to receive Communion & Sacraments.

Texas, Alabama, Kentucky and South Dakota are the newest states that California has banned state funded trips to due to their anti-LGBT laws. These four states have now joined Kansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Mississippi under the ban. Californian state attorney Xander Bercerra said: ‘We will not spend taxpayers money in states that discriminate. Our country has made great strides in dismantling

MISSISSIPPI’S ANTI-LGBT LAW GOES INTO EFFECT AFTER RULING

The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals today reversed an injunction against Mississippi House Bill 1523 which is considered one of the most antigay laws in the US. Known as the Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination, the law effectively gives license to anyone to discriminate against gay people including businesses based on ‘sincerely held’ religious or moral beliefs. Gov. Phil Bryant Bryant signed the

bill into law in April 2016. The law also includes a portion that forces transgender people in Mississippi to use bathrooms corresponding with the gender of their birth instead of their gender identity. US District Judge Carlton Reeves had struck down the bathroom portion of the law last June and a month later issued a ruling that blocked HB 1523. He wrote that HB 1523 ‘violates both the guarantee of religious neutrality and the promise of equal protection of the laws.’ But a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit revered that injuction which effectively makes the bill go into effect. While they are still fighting the bill from going into effect, the future is still uncertain. FENUXE.COM : 39