SOUTHERN WITH A GAY TWIST
08.28.2015 V6-19
I AM JOSHUAH
Black Gay
+
PRIDE
BLACK & GAY IN MUSIC TODAY photo by: ben cornford
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Contents
FENUXE
08.28.2015
09
CALENDAR: 8 GREAT THINGS TO DO
10
OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS
20
CRYSTAL’S HOUSE IS HER HOME
24
BLACK & GAY IN MUSIC TODAY
27
GAY BLACK PRIDE: SOUTHERN XPLOSION
28
GAY BLACK PRIDE CALENDAR
30 38
I AM JOSHUAH
40
GAY NEWS AT A GLANCE
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Special guests and events too numerous to list so just check out the website: www. dragoncon.org
9/6-9/12
DRIVING MISS DAISY
DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL
August 28 - September 5 Atlanta born author Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize winning play about an elderly Jewish widow and her AfricanAmerican chauffeur who develop a warm friendship and mutual respect at OnStage Atlanta. For tickets and more info visit: www.onstageatlanta. com or call 404-897-1802
September 4 - 6, Decatur Book Festival features a book fair, author readings, signings, panel discussions, a children’s area, live music, parades, cooking demonstrations, poetry slams, and writing workshops in Decatur. For a schedule of events or list of authors visit: www. decaturbookfestival.com
RUN
SHOW SEPT 11
SEPT 7
BOOKS
BIG PEACH SIZZLER-LABOR DAY RUN
THE 32ND ANNUAL ATLANTA HOME SHOW
September 7, 7:30am
September 11-13
Big Peach Sizzler is a morning 10K that begins in Chamblee and ends in Buckhead with a party. The run benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more info visit: www.milesforcf.org/sizzler
Find inspiration for homeimprovements, new ideas and the latest in technology and accessories for the home at the Fall Atlanta Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo at Cobb Galleria. For more info please visit: www.atlantahomeshow.com
FUN CHARITY
CONCERT AT CALLANWOLDE
A salute to America is an allstar lineup of musicians in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center , 980 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. A VIP after party follows the concert. For tickets, a list of bands and more info please visit: www. callanwolde.org
FOOD
10TH ANNUAL JERKFEST
September 6 from 12 noon to 11pm. Enjoy exotic flavors and rhythms at Caribbean Jerk Festival and Family Fun Day. Jerkfest has jerk cuisine, a cook off, vendors, games, and dancing to Reggae, Dancehall, Calypso, and Soca at Panthersville Stadium In Decatur. For more info visit: visit: www.atlantajerkfestival. com
AUG 21-28
September 4th-7th The largest multi-media, pop culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film in the entire universe!
THEATER
SEPT 11 05.03.15
DRAGON CON
8/28- 9/5
SEPT 4
FUN
SEPT 4-6
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CALENDAR
MUSIC
JAZOO-A PARTY AT THE ZOO Another year of the Animalia Bachanalia! Enjoy food from 30 restaurants, drinks from 20 bars, and music on 4 stages at Jazzoo at Zoo Atlanta. This event is fast becoming one of the hottest parties of the year for Atlanta’s young professionals. For tickets, a list of bars bands and food visit: www.jazooatlanta.org
FENUXE.COM : 09
OUT & ABOUT
10: August 28, 2015
PHOTOS
PIEDMONT ARTS FEST PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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alliancetheatre.org/rain | Groups 404.733.4690 Season Tickets @ 404.733.4600
OUT & ABOUT
12: August 28, 2015
PHOTOS
ATLANTA BUCKS KICKOFF @ TEN PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
OUT & ABOUT
14: August 28, 2015
PHOTOS
THE HO SHOW, BENEFITTING THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS @ JUNGLE PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
FENUXE.COM : 13
OUT & ABOUT
16: August 28, 2015
PHOTOS
GRAND OPENING OF MY SISTER’S ROOM PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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OUT & ABOUT
18: August 28, 2015
PHOTOS
OSCARS BEER BUST FOR AIDS WALK PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
Wednesday Nights at The Hideaway!
8:30pm Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo Bring your friends and enjoy prizes, laughs, and scandalous pleasures! Then, stay after the show and…
11:00pm Karaoke with Tyler King …get those vocal chords warmed up because it’s time for karaoke! We’ll be serving $3 well drinks until 3 a.m.
1544 Piedmont Avenue • Atlanta, Georgia 30324 • (404) 874-8247 Visit us on the web at atlantahideaway.com • Ansley Mall behind Publix
FENUXE.COM : 19
INTERVIEW BY : WILLIAM COOKE
CRYSTAL’S HOUSE IS HER HOME The Gypsy Woman Returns To Her Roots with “Synergy”
Crystal Waters returns to her house music roots with “Synergy”, her first original single release of the year. “I think its one of the best songs I’ve ever written,” she says. That’s a big statement from an artist who penned dance classics like “Gypsy Woman” and “100% Pure Love”. She said she knew it was magic from the start when she first received the track from DJ Sted-E and Hybrid Heights. “I was immediately drawn to it for its space-y sound,” she explains. “I happen to be really into the show Cosmos: A Space Odyssey with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Once I got the word synergy going, the lyrics poured right through me. It felt so 20: August 28, 2015
innate. The song became all about love.” Sted-E and Hybrid Heights produced the track and then Waters enlisted her other DJ friends – prolific house music producer Robbie Riviera and Grammy nominated DJ/ Producer StoneBridge – for remixes. DJ Bojan (formerly of WaWa) also came on board to give the track the nu house sound Waters sought for the track. “Everything happens for a reason,” reflects Waters, discussing the inspirational philosophy behind “Synergy”. “And everything always works out. You may not realize why something is happening in your life until years later. You just
have to have faith that it will all work out.” That’s how music has been for Crystal Waters. She got her start penning songs for recording artists. In one of her assignments, she penned “Gypsy Woman” for dance music artist Ultra Naté, but when producers heard Waters’ recorded demo, they drew up a recording contract for her instead. The song became a worldwide hit, memorable for its “la da dee, la dee da” refrain and keyboard riff. It climbed to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the UK Singles Chart. Her next releases were popular on dance floors but it was “100% Pure Love” from her Storyteller album that
propelled Crystal Waters back onto mainstream radio. Her 1997 self-titled album included another Top 40 radio hit, “Say...If You Feel All Right.” Since then, Waters has remained a prominent artist in the underground dance scene. Her singles “Dancefloor” and “Never Enough” were both Top 20 Billboard dance hits. “Destination Calabria” was a megahit for her in 2009, hitting #1 on the pop charts in more than thirty countries. “Le Bump”, her collaboration with Yolanda Be Cool, reached #1 on the Beatport House Chartand “Come On Down” (based on the theme song from The Price Is Right), “My
“Everything happens for a reason... And everything always works out. ”
Crystal Waters
Time,” and 2013’s “Oh, Mama, Hey” were all Billboard #1s. Still, chart success is not where Crystal Water’s mind is focused today. Shesimply wants to create great songs. “We all want #1 hits,“ says Waters, “but I don’t feel the pressure of having to out do my last track anymore.” It’s about quality and maintaining a commitment to house music. “The house music community accepted me from the beginning and I love them for it.” Crystal Waters has ventured into other areas of dance, including EDM, but found it to be less satisfying. “It’s always the same rise and fall. How
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many times can you do that? It’s predictable and rote, I’m over it.” She defines house music as a feeling. “Something comes alive in your soul,” she explains. And that’s why House is Crystal’s home. Synergy is out now. For more information on Crystal Waters, visithttp://www. iamcrystalwaters.com and Facebook.com/ IamCrystalWaters.
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FENUXE.COM : 23
Feb. 13–
INTERVIEW
BY SAM RADCLIFFE
BLACK AND GAY IN MUSIC TODAY The significance pop music has played in mainstreaming the LGBT community cannot be overstated. As same-sex marriage laws swept the states last year, artists like Sam Smith and Mary Lambert proved love songs didn’t have to be hetero-normative to be beloved. Other artists like EDM siren Sia and country music babe Billy Gilman took bold stands, coming out about their sexual preferences and helping to fight the misconceptions of what gay men and women look and sound like today.
a much larger society where racism continues to be an issue, so it definitely exists. What is interesting to me is on the one hand, you have people calling for equality while at the very same time continuing to keep things separated by race.
What challenges are unique to gay black artists? Billy Winn: I find many people have a onedimensional image of the gay, black artist. I’m a pop artist but I’m often asked if I rap or sing R&B. Also, I keep hearing that I should be repeating something that already exists or that has worked for another No one can argue that having our humanity artist and I just don’t agree. I have to believe it’s represented and validated by mainstream culture is possible to do my own thing and find success on my important. From pop to country to underground, gay own terms. musicians are making waves on the contemporary scene. Has the black community begun to accept gay male artists? But where are the gay black artists? Are they reaping Billy Winn: There is some acceptance within the black community but overall, it’s still an extremely the rewards of mainstream’s growing acceptance of taboo area. The black community is very religious the LGBT community? As we celebrate Black Pride, and so you still have people who use the bible we have to wonder if gay black artists are still being as a way to be prejudice toward gay people. On held by two communities – black and gay – into the top of that, there is still a lot of stigma and myth down lo? We sat with Billy Winn, a young gay black about what is gay and what is straight in the black artist, to get his perspective. community. We see independent gay artists like Steve Grand and Cazwell everywhere. Is the same true for gay, black artists? Billy Winn: I can recall only a few magazine covers that have featured black gay artists, literally like three maybe. It continues to perpetuate stereotype, class issues, and ultimately racism. Does racism exist within the LGBT community? Billy Winn: The LGBT community is a small part of 24: August 28 2015
In a 1986, a young Will Smith pumped up his audience by chanting, “All the ugly people be quiet / All the filthy, stinky, nasty people be quiet / all the homeboys that got AIDS be quiet / all the girls out there that don’t like guys be quiet.” Billy Winn: Music is influenced by society. Homophobia in music seems to exist less and less today. It should be noted that Smith came out in support of samesex marriage, noting that, “If anybody can find someone to love them and to help them through this difficult thing that we call life, I support that in any shape or form.” Billy Winn: Exactly, as one matures, you learn a few things. I am not at all surprised by Will’s support. I’m thankful for it. As a black gay man, what are you most proud of this Pride season? Billy Winn: I’ve been seeing so many kids and teens out this Pride season, which I am so happy about. When I was a kid, I was so self-conscious about my sexuality and made to feel that way by the people around me and the things I saw on TV. I’m glad that kids today have more to look up to in order to feel proud of who they are. Do you have the full support of your family now? Billy Winn: I have the support of the ones that matter to me, and that’s what’s important to me. What’s next for you and your career? Billy Winn: 2015 has been a big year for me with new releases and opportunities. I’m back in the studio working on new music so hopefully you’ll be getting a full EP from me soon! For more info visit BillyWinn.com or follow him on Facebook. 26: August 28 2015
COMMUNITY
SOuthern xplosion Southern Xplosion Atlanta is the brand name of The Lion’s Den Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration, which takes place annually during Labor Day Weekend. The Lion’s Den was established in 2002, as a brand of parent company Xtreme Entertainment, Inc. located Atlanta, GA. The Lion’s Den hosted its first major event during Atlanta Black Pride in 2003, which was the Lion’s Den Erotic Street Festival, which drew over 3,000 people and featured Grammy Award Winner Kelly Price as the headliner! In 2004, The Lion’s Den hosted The Mega Party Weekend, which featured performances by National Recording Artists Blue Cantrell, Syleena Johnson, Jackie O, Rasheeda and a special guest performance by Tony Award Winner Jennifer Holiday.
Since its beginning The Lion’s Den has been drawing thousands of people from across the country to Atlanta Black Gay Pride and always been known for providing quality events and entertainment. In 2009, The Lion’s Den established the brand name Southern Xplosion Atlanta as its official brand name for the weekend. Since that time, the Lion’s den has established a reputation for hosting major events that draw thousands of people from across the country, featuring some of the hottest performances and entertainment including, but not limited to Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, National Recording Artists, Grammy Award Nominees and Winners including Ciara, Monica, Kelly Price, Kandi Burress, Mya, Syleena Johnson, Blue Cantrell, Jackie O, Rasheeda, Xscape, Sheila E. Shanice Wilson, Deborah Cox, Tamia, Chante Moore, Oleeta Adams, Rachell Farrell, Trina and Tony Award Winner Jennifer Holiday just to name a few. The Lion’s Den has also played host to a variety of other celebrities including Vivica A Fox, Rockmond Dunbar, Darrin DeWitt Henson, Jenson Atwood, Darryl Stephens, Shamar Moore; from America’s
Next Top Model Eva Brooks, Tocarra, Bre, Niama Mora, Jade and Nik Pace; from the Real Housewives of Atlanta Sheree Whitfield, Lisa Wu, Kandi Burress and NeNe Leakes. After a three-year hiatus from the scene, the Lion’s Den reemerges with Southern Xplosion Atlanta 2015! With an all-new team, Reloaded with new events and brands, The Lion’s Den is looking forward to bringing quality entertainment and events back to Atlanta’s LGBT Nightlife. The Lion’s Den has always strived to make a difference in the community offering parties and events with a purpose, engaging in causes and initiatives that impact the LGBT community, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention, Substance Abuse, Homelessness, Politics, Religious Oppression and Homophobia; To empower members of the LGBT community through partnerships and alliances with various community and civic organizations and institutions. For more info and tickets visit: www.southernxplosionatlanta.com. FENUXE.COM 27
Southern xPlosion Girl Events
SEPTEMBER 2ND
Hip Hop Karaoke @ MSR, 1271 Glenwood Avenue S.E. 9PM-AM SEPTEMBER 3RD Hideout. Welcome to Atlanta Black Pride @ Halo Lounge 10PM-3AM Annual Strip-her Event @ Dream Atlanta 1715 Northside Drive N.W. 10PM-3AM SEPTEMBER 4TH Comedy Show Hosted by Ms. Sophia @ The Georgian Terrace Hotel 659 Peachtree Street, 7PM10PM The Naked Hustle Day Party @ Magic City, 3PM8PM Annual Mega Friday Night Ladies Lounge @ Compund,1008 Brady Avenue N.W. 10PM-4AM The biggest all girl Friday in ATL. SEPTEMBER 5TH “The Same Difference” Documentary movie screening @ Landmark Midtown Cinema, 931 Monroe Avenue N.E. 12 Noon, doors open 11AM. Atlanta WETher Celebrity Block Party @ Opera, 1150 Crescent Avenue N.E. 3PM-8:30PM The Legendary Traxx Girls “Big Bang Event” @ The Georgia Freight Depot, 65 MLK Jr. Drive S.E. 10PM5AM The biggest all girl party in the country SEPTEMBER 6TH Annual Pure Heat Community Festival @ Piedmont Park, 12 Noon-8PM Jazz Brunch and Poetry Slam featuring Queen She28: August 28 2015
ba @ The Georgian Terrace Hotel, 659 Peachtree Street, 11AM to 3PM. Celebrity Showtime Sunday@ Mansion Elan, 3695 Clairmont Road10PM-5AM Pretty In Pink For The Cause @ Lake Lanier, 1PM5PM Party Bus departs at Noon. Some Like It Hot SPLASHer Pool Party @ The W Hotel Downtown 4PM-8:30PM Hosted By Tomboi Swagg & Cream De La Cream. DJM Annual BDay Bash @ Strip Club 10PM12:45AM Annual White Party @ Havana Club 3112 Piedmont Rd. N.E. 10PM-3AM
Southern xPlosion Guy Events
SEPTEMBER 4TH
Juke Box Jams Featuring Cece Peniston @ Center Stage 1347 Peachtree Street 9PM With sounds by DJ Star Zeff, DJ Tabone and DJ Naturel . Tickets are $45 and available at Center Stage or Ticketmaster. Wet Dream Pool Party @ The Ramada Plaza 450 Capitol Avenue S.E. 4PM-10PM Hosted by Love & Hip Hop Hollywood’s Newest Cast Member Milan Christopher, radio personality and First Lady of Extreme Entertainment “Shay Baby”, Southern Xplosion Atlanta’s Hot Male Dancers and Hott Body Contest. Hotlanta 5000 Man Party @ The Georgia Freight Depot, 65 MLK Jr. Drive 10PM-4AM 3 Dj’s 15 Male Dancers, Multiple Dance Floors, Hookah Lounge, Bottle Service and VIP Sections
SEPTEMBER 5TH
The Mega Block Party @ Museum Bar 181 Ralph Abernathy Boulevard 10PM-3AM Celebrity guests SEPTEMBER 6TH ITLA presents “House of Soul” With sounds by DJ Cedric and DJ Frye @ Piedmont Park 12 Noon The Main Event @ Opera 1150 Crescent Avenue N.E. 9:30PM-3:AM 3 DJ’s, VIP sections, Multiple levels, Thunderous Sound System, Dynamic Light Show, GoGo & Exotic Dancers SEPTEMBER 7TH Men In White Party @ Havana 3112 Piedmont Road NE. 10PM-3AM
Southern xPlosion Events For All
SEPTEMBER 4TH Vendor Market Opens @ Georgian Terrace Hotel 10AM-8PM Pride Comedy Show @ The Georgian Terrace Hotel 659 Peachtree Street 7PM SEPTEMBER 5TH ITLA Health and Life Expo 10Am to 5PM SBGA Summit 2015 (The State of Black Gay America) @ The Hilton 1031 Virginia Avenue. Summit Theme “Shaping the Collective Agenda for the Black LGBTQ Community” Registration & Check-in 10AM-11AM SBGA Luncheon & Keynote Address: 11AM-1PM
Panel Discussions: 1PM 4PM (Free to the general public) ITLA See Us In The Life On Film. 4PM-9PM $10 Advance-$15 at the door. Speak Fire, Love, Leather, Lust 11PM-3AM. Erotic Poetry hosted by Queen Sheba in the Piedmont Ballroom. Presale tickets are $10 advance or $15 at the door. SEPTEMBER 6TH Jazz Brunch and Poetry Slam, Hosted by Queen Sheba @ The Georgian Terrace 659 Peachtree Street 11AM to 3PM. General seating $35 Pure Heat Community Festival @ Piedmont Park Noon-8PM For more information visit www.atlantaprideweekend.com
INTERVIEW
30: August 28 2015
Photography By; Ben Cornford
I am Joshuah Fenuxe: Tell the world a little about yourself, the good and the bad. Joshuah: Well, my name is Joshuah with an “h” at the end Of Joshua. At first I didn’t like [the spelling of my name] but now I love it! I’m from a small town in East Texas known as Henderson with a population around 10,000. I’m a 36 African American gay male who is human and have had many struggles throughout my life as well as triumphs. I hope that my story will truly help anyone that currently has some type of struggle in his or her life! First let’s start in general: Growing up being and accepting myself as an African American gay male has been hard been hard, however I am happy now. If you don’t get anything else from this please get this: just be yourself, live a happy, healthy and honest life as much as possible! African American Gay or bisexual men know that it is hard to live a normal life in the world! I just came out to my mom and sister two weeks ago, and you know what they said? “We had a feeling something was going on”. For 36 years I have held that back. Do you know how much easier my life would have been if I just would have told them when I really knew I liked the same sex. We as African Americans are afraid to say anything because of the perception or the stereotype when someone is “gay”. The common stereotypes are; They wanna be a girl, they call each other girl, they dress like a girl, they talk and walk like a girl, they have AIDS, etc. (There is nothing wrong with being transsexual, into drag, feminine or living with AIDS by the way, but being perceived as a girl when you are a man or masculine is frustrating) . We also don’t like to say anything because when we are around “normal” conversations we hear some heterosexuals talking so negative when they do see an openly gay person. “Oh look at him, girl he go
that way, girl you don’t want that mess, chile he a sissy, or for a gay girl: “oh stay away from her she wanna be a boy”. Or we are around an openly gay person they just point and laugh. What really hurts is when our talk is so negative when referencing each other. It’s all insulting and degrading. Therefore when someone who really is trying to understand this life and might want to come out they are afraid because of the negative pressure. The effects of all this leads a person to suppress their feelings and then other situations began to develop. Ultimately it can affect the way people love one another and also affect how they develop and lose friendships and relationships. In the African American community being a GAY PERSON period is greatly looked down upon. Yes it is. And that’s why some of African American Gays tend to venture with other cultures because they feel more comfortable. For me I was afraid to just truly accept being who I am. And as of today I happy with who I am and I’m taking it one day at a time. Fenuxe: Tell me about your life in Texas and how you came to Atlanta. Joshuah: For me growing up in a small town and being gay was nothing but wrong...and it was of the devil. My mom Gloria Neal was a single parent of two as my dad died before I was born. My mom was a victim of domestic abuse and did the very best she could for us and I love her to death. At the age of 3, I remember a relative always changing my clothes but in a weird way. At the age of 6-7, I was molested/raped a few times by multiple guys. It happened under the house, in the woods, and also in the bathroom or in a room when no one else was home or sleep. One time it happened under the house. Four guys, after fondling me, took thin branches from the tree and stuck them up into me until I was bleeding! I was so scared to tell anyone so I just put it in back of my mind and forgot about it. Till this day I have nightmares...but I am able to deal with them better now because I have a positive support team! Growing up, I was around domestic violence and
was abused myself. I first call feeling “love” for this one guy when I was 15 but he rejected me because it was not “right” according to everyone. So next thing I know I had a girlfriend and then I became a player and had multiple girlfriends. I thought I was IT! Then I went off to college and that’s where I first met an openly gay guy. We were just friends at first. I would go over to his apartment and there would be two or three more openly gay guys. I was like wow. So, I loved going over to that apartment. We would do homework together and then he would always walk me to my car. I wanted to kiss him every time but I couldn’t. About a month later we kissed, I smiled and drove off fast. But I was back over there every night. Getting my nightly kiss cause I thought that those kisses were LOVE. However, I would always ignore those guys on campus because I was ashamed and embarrassed. But one day one of them called me out on campus he said: “hey Josh, girl u coming over to the apartment to play spades tonight”. I ran so fast. But, I did go over there that night and before I could walk in the door...God he let me have it...he said I was “shady.” This was at the age of 19. Because I still wasn’t opened and secure with myself we decided to part ways. The next relationship was with a dancer “jay setter”. I loved the way that they dance at the club. I would go home and practice! This is when I became open but only at the clubs. I gained a new set of friends and we would jay set and disco at the club. I was fresh meat in Houston Texas too! So I didn’t know what to do. I was in and out of relationship getting my heart broken and breaking hearts as well! But the one thing I loved was my fitness and aerobics class. I would go out all night and get right on up to work and teach my class. When I worked at the gym or taught classes for whatever reason it just was not just a job to me. Nothing stopped me. I loved fitness however I was still searching for love. This same pattern of searching for love transferred from Houston to Atlanta GA. I was offered the interview for a higher position at Bally Total Fitness at the time and I took it! Up until a couple of years ago my life was in this same pattern, the last two years I’ve had the best times and worst times of my life. Why? Because the pattern got bigger. The Bad part was that I was in and out of relationships, lying to my mom 32: August 28 2015
and sister about who I really am and suppressing my childhood. I mentally and physically abused my body inside and out . I’ve used the word love and friend too lightly I lost a really good love disappointed myself and lost touch with God The Good part was making sure my friends where ok, almost everyone one of my friends has worked for me. Packing out studios with my fitness classes and continuing to progress in the fitness industry and really understanding that I have Been given a gift from God and that is, my being able to touch and inspire people with craft and knowledge in this industry. I’m partner in a gym Anytime Fitness. I’m so in tuned with this fitness industry. I’ve touched so many lives through my craft, I have a nice car, nice place to live I’m making good money. Fenuxe: And how about now? Joshuah: Now? I’m having a close relationship with God, amend friendships of worthiness, apologizing for my wrong doing, came out to my mom and sister and the world now. I’ve have the deepest love for this fitness industry one could ever imagine, I’m admitting my faults and have gotten help from positive people. I’m working on getting my partner back and I’m not abusing me, I Love me! What I want everyone to know is that there are no excuses for how I have lived me life thus far as I take full responsibility for my actions, I am still learning and this is an on going process. However the way that we grow up and the situations that we encounter influences the way and the type of friendships and relationship we choose to have. Also we should be mindful of what we say and how we act because not only does it affect others but also ultimately it affects you. If you are suppressing anything in your past please at least talk to someone and or God and let it all out. As of now I’m working hard at being the best that I can be and even though I fall I get right back up and keep on trying. And u should too! If you are a witness to someone’s struggles or failures, please lend them a hand or an ear, maybe that’s all they need! Anyone reading this I hope and wish from the bottom of my heart only the best of happiness for you.
36: August 28 2015
Fenuxe: Now that you are out, how do you feel about gay life in Atlanta and Atlanta’s black gay community? Joshuah: I must say Atlanta does have the best looking African American gay males and females in the states! Atlanta also has a tremendous amount of ambitious entrepreneurs. Since I’ve been here I had the pleasure of meeting some of the most influential, hard working, goal driven and workdedicated individuals. There are no negatives to Atlanta. No one is perfect, I am still working on self-development; however I would honestly like to see more of the Atlanta African American Gay community working together and helping each other, discovering how we can make this city bigger and better. We have so much opportunity here that if we can just build a solid networking system, support system, develop positive and motivating foundations and partnerships, and really just a little teamworkthen the outcome will be limitless and effortlessly rewarding for not only the Atlanta African American Gay community but for Atlanta’s entire LGBT community , the City of Atlanta and its economy! Fenuxe: Where do you see yourself in the future? Say ten years from now? Joshuah: First God says take on day at a time. So I’m going do just that. Fenuxe: is there anything else you would like to say to the world? Joshuah: Yes, I would like to thank God, My mom, my sister, Ronnie, Brandon for never giving up on me! Bob & Libby, Wendy & George, my support system! All the members and clients that I’m involved with! The Anytime Fitness Midtown Family My Past, My Present, and as I know not the Future!
I AM JOSHUAH, IMPERFECTIONS AND ALL!
HEY GIRL HEY
Hey Girl Hey!
Being the quintessential queen of politeness, I was recently asked some questions about decorum--and how to handle awkward situations. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be addressing these pressing issues for you. Write in with your awkward situations and questions and I’ll be happy to answer them. Is it ok to pass gas in public? No, but it’s a lot better than pooping on yourself. If you’re sitting down, I recommend leaning slightly over to one side and grabbing a butt cheek and pulling it as far apart from the other cheek as possible to create the least amount of resistance. There should be no sound as you let the gas out but if a sound is produced, a quick clearing of the throat should provide cover. If you are standing up, I recommend bending over to “tie your shoe” or “wipe” away some dirt off your shoe so as to separate your cheeks as much as possible. Next is dealing with the putrid smell that is inevitably gonna smack someone in the face with its hang time. If you can’t retreat from the scene of the crime fast enough, I recommend looking directly at the person closest to you and with the most accusing of facial expressions, yell out “Oh My God” and then walk away shaking your head. Problem solved! What if someone does this to you? You have to be prepared for your response ahead of time. I usually say something like “Bitch, don’t even try it--I saw your dress fly up when you cut that cheese and now there’s a stain where your butthole used to be!” Though you may not remain friends afterwards, your good name has been preserved. What if you pass gas on the elevator? Always be prepared with your response. Cover your face with your shirt or blouse and act like you just smelled the worst thing ever (after all it is hot air being blown over poop) and as you’re getting off the elevator state “I can’t believe someone would do that!” If you notice, most people who fart don’t have a problem with the smell so they’ll just assume you weren’t the guilty party. Fart away my lovelies!
Love and lashes,
Mary Edith Pitts Mary Edith Pitts
PS. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email me at maryedith99@gmail or on twitter @maryedithpitts
Gay News At A Glance Trick or a treat? A new low or the hottest costume this Halloween? Like it or not a costume retailer expects to cash in on the Caitlyn Jenner story. Spirit Halloween, the company behind the seasonal pop-up costume superstores that appear all over the country every fall, has confirmed that it will be carrying the Caitlyn Jenner costume this year. In a recent interview, the company’s PR and marketing head, Trisha Lombardo, was asked about the costume and controversy, she replied, “Caitlyn Jenner has proven to be the most important real-life superhero of the year, and Spirit Halloween is proud to carry the costume that celebrates her.”
CAITLYN JENNER HALLOWEEN COSTUME SOON TO BE RELEASED.
She went on to say that the costume would hit the shelves soon but that the company would not be able to reveal any details about the look until the costume goes on sale. A representative for Jenner, Alan Nierob, declined to comment.
ELLEN PAGE CALLS OUT TED CRUZ ON GAY RIGHTS AT IOWA STATE FAIR. GOP presidential candidate, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz was cooking pork chops at the Iowa State Fair last Friday, on a grill, not on a machine gun, when actress Ellen Page, wearing a hat and sunglasses, snuck her way up to the grill and asked Cruz about “the persecution of gays in the workplace and LGBT rights.” “What about the question about LGBT people being fired for being gay-trans?” Page asked. Cruz replied, “Well, what we’re seeing right now, we’re seeing Bible-believing Christians being persecuted for living according to their faith.” Page responded, “You’re discriminating against LGBT people, 40: August 14, 2015
Well, would you use that argument in segregation?” “Now I’m happy to answer your question, but not to have a backand-forth debate,” said Cruz. He then went on to say, “no one has the right to force someone else to abandon their faith and their conscience.” Imagine, hypothetically, you had a gay florist and imagine two evangelicals wanted to get married and they decide, ‘You know what, I disagree with your faith and I don’t want to provide flowers.” Cruz and Page went on for over five minutes. Later, an ABC News reporter asked Cruz whether he knew it was Ellen Page and he said no. He described the conversation with Page as being about religious liberty. Later that night Cruz held a rally in Des Moines to call “attention to the religious persecution of Christian business owners and employees who have been sanctioned by their government because of their religious beliefs,” The rally had an appearance by an Iowa couple who refused to host a gay wedding at a venue they owned. Ellen Page was in Iowa on a project for VICE Media, at the time Page is set to star in the film “Freehold,” costarring Julianne Moore, it’s about a police officer and her partner’s legal battle to get her pension benefits after she’s diagnosed with cancer. Page came out as being gay last year on Valentines Day.
HRC PRESIDENT CHAD GRIFFIN’S TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY GEORGIA STATE LEGISLATOR, FORMER NAACP CHAIRMAN AND LONG TIME FRIEND AND ALLY TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY WHO PASSED AWAY ON AUGUST 16TH. HE WAS 75. The fight for LGBT equality has had many heroes, some known, and many more unknown. They are individuals who have devoted their lives and risked so much for the pursuit of a nation that is more just and more equal. But our collective movement has had few heroes like Julian Bond. Julian Bond’s commitment to equality, his pursuit of justice for all, and his pointed criticism of those who would permit discrimination in any form made him an icon, a hero, and a legend. His legacy was cemented long before he decided to speak out on issues of importance to LGBT Americans. He stood up against white supremacy; he
battled for his right to speak freely in the Georgia state legislature — an issue that was finally settled by the U.S. Supreme Court — where he served the people of Georgia for 20 years. His devotion to equality took him from his roots in Tennessee to helping establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, chairing the NAACP for more than a decade, and serving as the first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center. In short, he didn’t have to fight for LGBT equality. But he did, and he became our champion. Julian spent his entire life standing up for the equal rights of each and every person. And throughout it all, he was a champion of the rights of LGBT people, blazing a trail for others to follow. In the years I got to know Julian, I discovered a man whose generosity had no bounds. There was no ask too big or too small for Julian. His voice was instrumental in helping to secure support for marriage equality, and he was an early supporter of the federal court challenge to California’s Proposition 8. He joined HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality public education campaign in 2011. A few years later, he wrote “LGBT rights Are Human Rights” on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Throughout the first half of this year, he wrote multiple opinion pieces in support of LGBT equality, including those that highlighted the need for equal treatment in the South and opposed anti-LGBT religious refusal legislation in state legislatures. When
discussing the need for comprehensive federal LGBT nondiscrimination protections earlier this year and our path forward to securing them, Julian looked at me and very quickly said, “Why wouldn’t you just amend the existing civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity?” Several months later, we’re attempting to do just that with the Equality Act, and Julian came out in strong support of those efforts. He was one of the boldest champions our cause has ever known. The last time I saw Julian and his wife, Pamela Horowitz — his partner in the fight for equality — was at the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments in the marriage equality case, Obergefell v. Hodges. We were in the courtroom as the justices considered the case that would ultimately bring marriage equality to all 50 states. We waited together in line outside and inside for hours. It might just have been a few of the most memorable hours of my life, and Julian emailed me later to express what a profound moment it was for him and Pam. It’s rare in life to get to know one of your heroes. Julian is one of mine. I not only looked up to Julian, I had the great honor and privilege of meeting him, learning from him, and working with him. And for that, I am forever grateful. When it came to equality, Julian was not a patient man. He knew our work was far from over. Quoting Frederick Douglass, his greatest advice was to organize and to agitate. There are very few throughout human history who have embodied the ideals of honor, dignity, courage, and friendship quite like Julian Bond. Future generations will look back on his life and legacy and see a warrior for good who helped conquer hate in the name of love. For the LGBT movement, we have lost a champion. For our country, we have lost a true American hero. But despite the fact that so much work remains ahead for our great nation, the legacy Julian Bond has left us is of a world that is far more just and far more equal because of him.
POP CULTURE
For this edition of Pop Culture we’re highlighting 6 Film/TV Characters that we love & the gay actors that portray them:
Jim Parsons
Cynthia Nixon
Matt Bomer
Sheldon Cooper – The Big Bang Theory Even though Sheldon has been described as “asexual” and “aromantic”, he has still been in a relationship with Amy Farrah Fowler, who he found on a dating website.
Miranda Hobbes – Sex and the City Miranda Hobbes is amongst the famous four ladies that graced the streets of New York City. She was married to Steve Brady the last time we saw her.
Neal Caffrey – White Collar Neal Caffrey is an ex-white collar conman who has been arrested by the FBI, but released with one stipulation: that he assist the FBI in catching and arresting the nation’s most high-profile white-collar criminals.He’s had multiple relationships in the show with women, even breaking out of prison once to visit one of them.
Jim Parsons, however, is openly gay and has been with his partner, art director Todd Spiewak, for the past 11 years.
Cynthia Nixon began dating education activist Christine Marinoni in 2004 and the couple married in NYC in 2012. Together, the couple have one son, born to Marinoni in 2011. Nixon identifies herself as bisexual
Matt Bomer has three sons with his husband, publicist Simon Halls, whom he married in 2011.
Jonathan Groff
Raven-Symoné
Jonathan Bennett
Jesse St. James is the king of the rival glee club to McKinley High School’s New Direction. In an attempt to eliminate the competition, he seduces New Direction’s star performer Rachel Berry into a relationship.
Raven Baxter – That’s So Raven Raven Baxter is an energetic, sassy, psychic teenager who catches glimpses or “visions” of the future but hardly ever the moments leading up to the event. Her shenanigans with her friends to try to lead up to the event often concludes in humorous results.
Aaron Samuels – Mean Girls Aaron Samuels, the previous boyfriend of head Plastic Regina George was definitely the teen heartthrob of this crazy school.
Jonathan Groff, who is actually best friends with Lea Michele, has been a Broadway star ever since he was a child. In 2009, he officially came out as gay during the National Equality March. 42: August 28, 2015
Raven-Symoné announced in 2014 to Oprah Winfrey that she was happily in an “amazing” relationship with her female partner.
Jonathan Bennett was accidentally outed by Dancing With The Star’s Julianne Hough, who commented on the fact that he is, indeed, a proud gay man.