SOUTHERN WITH A GAY TWIST
01.15.16 V7-01
ANDRE XCELLENCE IS GONNA MAKE YOU
SWEAT
10 things to know before becoming a gym unicorn
A NEW YEAR: A NEW YOU
the
tailored approach
PHOTO BY INNERVISIONART
PHOTO BY MARK EVANS
Contents
FENUXE
01.15.2016
06
CALENDAR: 8 GREAT THINGS TO DO
10
OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS
22
ANDRE XCELLENCE: MAKE YOU SWEAT
26
A NEW YEAR A NEW YOU
28
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GYM
29
INTERVIEW: THE TAR PROJECT
30
THE TAILORED APPROACH
34
HEY GIRL HEY
36
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January 12th-24th The Book of Mormon is a religious satire musical with book, lyrics, and music by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, best known for creating the animated comedy South Park. Tickets now on sale. www.foxtheatre.com
JAN 20
THEATER
SWEENEY TODD Jan 20, 2016 – 8:00 PM Sondheim is at his bloody best in Sweeney Todd, his macabre masterpiece about a barbaric barber and an even more beastly baker. Recently adapted by Tim Burton into a hit movie with Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd now comes to Actor’s Express at Kingplow.
06: January 15, 2016
MLK 5K RUN/WALK January 16th, Line up at 8:45AM Drummers line the entire course of the MLK Day 5K Drum Run, which is preceded by music and dancing and followed by a party at Piedmont Park. www.mlkday5k.com
FUN
HOT CHOCOLATE RUN AND EXPO January 22nd-24th Beat the winter’s chill with a sweet weekend filled with all things chocolate - combined with a fun race. Events begin on Friday, January 22nd, with the Hot Chocolate Expo at the GA World Congress Center. There will also be plenty of vendors, entertainment and delicious chocolate samples. Wwwhotchocolate15k.com
JAN 19
ART
MLK DAY MARCH AND RALLY
ROMEO & JULIET AT THE FOX
Monday, January 18th The march and rally kicks off at the corner of Peachtree and Baker streets at 1:45PM. For a complete schedule of events visit www.mlkmarchcommittee. com
Sunday, January 19th at 3PM The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s production of Romeo & Juliet returns to the Fox Theater. Founded by legendary dancer and former principal dancer of The Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, Maya Plisetskaya, The State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents the most passionate romantic tragedy every told. www.foxtheatre.org
SHOW CHARITY
FUN JAN 23
THE BOOK OF MORMON
COMMUNITY JAN 18
JAN 16
COMMUNITY
JAN 22
JAN 15
SHOW
JAN 23 05.03.15
CALENDAR
INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW
SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO HEADLINES
Jan 23, 2016 – 6:00 PM Could you be dining with a killer? Named “Best Dinner Show” in Los Angeles and Denver for four years running, The Dinner Detective now comes to Atlanta to serve up a tasty whodunit along with a four-course sit-down dinner. Everyone’s a suspect -- including you. Marriott Suites Midtown
Jan 23, 2016 – 8:00 PM Saturday, January 23rd The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA presents the hilarious Sebastian Maniscalco. Sebastian’s specialty is saying what we’re all thinking and when he says it, it’s a whole lot funnier. For more information visit www.livenation.com
OUT & ABOUT
10: January 15, 2016
PHOTOS
HAPPY NEW YEARS @ TEN PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
FENUXE.COM : 11
OUT & ABOUT
12: January 15, 2016
PHOTOS
HAPPY NEW YEARS @ BURKHART’S PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
"Cyndi Lauper delivers the best Broadway score in years! "
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FENUXE.COM : 13
OUT & ABOUT
14: January 15, 2016
PHOTOS
HAPPY NEW YEARS @ WOOFS PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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OUT & ABOUT
16: January 15, 2016
PHOTOS
HAPPY NEW YEARS @ BLAKES PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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Promotions in this ad are available only for homes in the Atlanta Division being marketed by Ryland Homes.* Promotion is available to Buyers of To-Be-Built New homes for purchase agreements written between January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2016. “$20,000” can be used towards Design Center Options, lot premiums, finished basement, and other structural options. **Buyers of both To-Be Built homes and Quick Move-In homes that are written between January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2016 are also eligible to receive “$5,000 towards closing costs” and “Limited Time Only Waived 1% Origination Fee”. Both promotions are available only to buyers financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing through a Ryland Homes preferred closing attorney. Incentives available may vary by community, product and home. Prices, plans, and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. CalAtlantic Homes and RMC Mortgage® Corporation reserve the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. See a RMC Mortgage® Corporation loan office for more details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation, NMLS ID #203897, holds a Georgia Residential Mortgage License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive Suite 200a, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and branch location 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA 30022 License #68278. Homes under contract prior to these offers are not eligible. Promotions may not be combined with other offers. Photographs are for illustration only. For complete details on restrictions and limitations, please contact a Ryland Homes Sales Counselor. ©2016 CalAtlantic Group, Inc. RA2065
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OUT & ABOUT
18: January 15, 2016
PHOTOS
HAPPY NEW YEARS @ FELIX PHOTOS BY: MIKE STONE
A modern thriller about the stories we tell our friends, the secrets we tell our lovers, and the lies we tell ourselves. By AyAd AhktAr DirecteD By SuSAn V. Booth
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FENUXE.COM : 19
OUT & ABOUT
20: January 15, 2016
PHOTOS
PARTY @ FRIENDS ON PONCE PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
New Townhome Designs Towns at Breton Ridge Townhomes from the mid $300s For more information, please call Heather Isaac at 678.627.0772.
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Promotions in this ad are available only for homes in the Atlanta Division being marketed by Ryland Homes.* Promotion is available to Buyers of To-Be-Built New homes for purchase agreements written between January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2016. “$15,000” can be used towards Design Center Options, lot premiums, finished basement, and other structural options. **Buyers of both To-Be Built homes and Quick Move-In homes that are written between January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2016 are also eligible to receive “$5,000 towards closing costs” and “Limited Time Only Waived 1% Origination Fee”. Both promotions are available only to buyers financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing through a Ryland Homes preferred closing attorney. Incentives available may vary by community, product and home. Prices, plans, and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. CalAtlantic Homes and RMC Mortgage® Corporation reserve the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. See a RMC Mortgage® Corporation loan office for more details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation, NMLS ID #203897, holds a Georgia Residential Mortgage License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive Suite 200a, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and branch location 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA 30022 License #68278. Homes under contract prior to these offers are not eligible. Promotions may not be combined with other offers. Photographs are for illustration only. For complete details on restrictions and limitations, please contact a Ryland Homes Sales Counselor. ©2016 CalAtlantic Group, Inc. RA2065
FENUXE.COM : 21
INTERVIEW
BY MIKE BAHR PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER LOGAN
ANDRE XCELLENCE IS GONNA MAKE YOU
SWEAT
With His New Song, Werk Out... Andre Xcellence launches the New Year with “Werk Out”, his brand new overthe-top club banger that is guaranteed to party off the pounds. “After the holiday season, it’s time to get your booty back in shape so you’re ready to let it all hang out again come summer,” says the openly gay EDM/Pop rapper. “Why not add a little play to the sport with a groovy jam?” Produced for Pink Money Records/ American Commission/ Sony Orchard, “Werk Out” masterfully mixes EDM, hip hop, and even a little of reggae-tone flavor to produce a sound he says will inspire listeners to break a sweat and bust a gut in the gym and on the dance floor. “It’s very Diplo, Jack Ü sounding,” continues Xcellence from his home in Los Angeles. Others will liken the slick beats and glossy vocals to Missy Elliot, Kanye West, and Black Eyed Peas. Along with the track, Andre Xcellence is unleashing a turbo-charged music video, directed by Brad Hammer, featuring well-toned guys and girls, getting their fitness on in neon colored short-shorts and leg warmers. “Fitness has always been important to me. Sure, music is #1 because it’s my life’s work. But I strive to create balance in my life. Its all about the mind, soul and body.” The song begins with Andre talking to a fly guy at a club when he suddenly realizes he has to get to his 9-5. “It’s
that moment when you don’t wanna leave because who knows where the conversation might lead? But if you stay, you risk losing your job. So what do you? Somehow ya gotta make it all werk out.” Once again, Andre Xcellence enlists Brad Hammer for the music video. The pair worked together on Andre’s debut track “Game of Thrones” and on “Ice Cream”, his collaboration with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Manila Luzon. “We found inspiration in the classic 80s aerobic television work out videos,” explains Brad Hammer. “Jane Fonda, Denise Austin, Jazzercise… It was a time when leotards and leg warmers ruled the gym floors. We even got Andre to channel his inner Richard Simmons for a hilarious scene!” Andre Xcellence introduced himself to Hip Hop last year with music that artfully blends urban beats and progressive house. “It’s a new genre and I’d like to be the leader of it,” he says. His name, given to him by his college fraternity brothers, is a nod at his desire to strive for perfection. “I aim to be the voice of the voiceless and make great music with no politics.” In addition to his recording work, Andre Xcellence heads the independent label, American Commission. He lives by the motto, “You do not have to like me, but you will respect me.” Andre Xcellence’s “Werk out” is available now on iTunes. Follow Andre on
Twitter @AndreXcellence. New Years Resolutions Every Gay Should Live By Are you, like me, still hungover from celebrating New Years? Did you mean to have tons of resolutions this year, but now you’re too braindead and irritated to think of any? Well you’re in luck, because I’ve taken the liberty of thinking of some resolutions for you. Living by these rules will bring you New Years Resolutions Every Gay Should Live By Are you, like me, still hungover from celebrating New Years? Did you mean to have tons of resolutions this year, but now you’re too braindead and irritated to think of any? Well you’re in luck, because I’ve taken the liberty of thinking of some resolutions for you. Living by these rules will bring you much success (and a man!) in 2016. 1. Go on a weird diet that freaks everyone out. Whatever your body composition is, why not change it up for 2016? If, like me, you went a little crazy with eating and drinking during the holiday season, it’s time to go on a terrifying diet that will cause everyone around you to think you’re totally anorexic. And then you’ll be like “No I’m not!” (While chewing on a celery stick, wondering how many calories are in it.) I tried this Crazy Vegetable-Based Diet a few months ago and it totally worked. The one downside
HEALTH
BY ORLANDO SMITH
A NEW YEAR: A NEW YOU
Dear Gays,
Are you, like me, still hungover from celebrating New Years? Did you mean to have tons of resolutions this year, but now you’re too braindead and irritated to think of any? Well you’re in luck, because I’ve taken the liberty of thinking of some resolutions for you. Living by these rules will bring you much success (and a man!) in 2016. I promise.
GO ON A WEIRD DIET THAT FREAKS EVERYONE OUT. Whatever your body composition is, why not change it up for 2016? If, like me, you went a little crazy with eating and drinking during the holiday season, it’s time to go on a terrifying diet that will cause everyone around you to think you’re totally anorexic. And then you’ll be like “No I’m not!” (While chewing on a celery stick, wondering how many calories are in it.) I tried this Crazy Vegetable-Based Diet a few months ago and it totally worked. The one downside was that it filled me with uncontrollable rage, but it was worth it because afterwards I looked like this guy to the left..... Ok, maybe I didn’t look exactly like that guy. But how much does that picture make you want to run on the beach in a Speedo? It seems pretty unjust that we live in world where we have to work and stuff when really we should all be running half-naked in the warm sun. Speaking of which, Warm Sun? You spoiled us all through Christmas. Where are you now? I miss you.
1.
For those of you who already have the perfect body, why not try being obese in 2016? This way you can see what life is like for the rest of us and why everyone hates you. And then you can get skinny again and your newfound humility will make you more attractive and finally a man will fall in love with you and you will be happy. Because happiness is dependent on a man loving you. Trust me, I learned this from watching movies based on Jane Austen novels.
STACK YOUR PHONES. I’d never heard of this practice until I was schooled by my sister and her posse of awesome lesbians. Here’s how Phone Stacking works. When you are at dinner with friends, your lover, or a rich relative that you tricked into taking you to a fancy restaurant, you stack your phones and promise not to touch them for the remainder of the meal. Some groups even impose penalties on those who fail to leave their phone in the stack (i.e. they have to buy a round of drinks or give everyone $50). Being that half my social interactions involve me sitting in a room with other people staring into other screens whilst ignoring each other, I love the idea of stacking phones and showing those you are with they are worthy of your attention.
2.
TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR HOME
3.
Taking pride in your home means that you take pride in your life. If you allow your space to be cluttered, you are telling yourself you’re not worth anything better. or you are just lazy. It should be everyone’s resolution not to be lazy this year. make a point to do something to your space to make it beautiful. Paint a room. Buy a new rug. Make a giant drawing and hang it above the sofa. Do something to show yourself that you deserve to be surrounded by beautiful things. If decorating your place sounds scary, boring, or annoying, hire a homosexual to do it for you. ( If the idea of a homosexual decorating for you fills you with Gay Panic, then hire a blonde girl with really big hair )
RESPECT YOUR ELDERGAYS.
4.
Face it, our gay elders had way cooler clothes than us, they fought for rights and privileges we enjoy, and they did it all whilst battling a terrifying disease that killed all their friends. Befriend older gay guys. They’re more interesting than you and me and they have tons of great stories. And money.
GET OFF FACEBOOK. Ok, I seriously doubt this is going to happen but I really wish it would. What happens on Facebook? Nothing. Facebook is an endless stream of information from gay hookers, people who hated you in high school, and strangers who want to wear your skin as a dress. I know this, and I hate it, but how many hours do I spend on it every day? 19. Why am I doing this to myself? This will be the year that I permanently delete my account. Just as soon as I update my status one more time…
DO CUTE STUFF WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND (OR PRETEND BOYFRIEND) AND TAKE PICTURES OF IT. As gay men, we don’t have a lot of cute couple role models. Yes, Neil Patrick Harris and his husband are ridiculously adorable. But is that all we get? I see tons of cute pictures of my straight couple friends all over Facebook. But rarely do I see cute gay guys canoodling each other or cooking dinner. And I want to. This means if you’re part of a gay couple, it is your duty to represent yourself. Do it for the children, but more importantly do it for me.
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE. Every time my boyfriend and I get ready to go to the Gay Beach and or a Gay Beach-Themed pool party, I put on my favorite tank top and I’m ready to go. Then I see my boyfriend is wearing an even tinier tank top in an even brighter/more exciting color than mine. So then I put on a tinier/brighter tank top. Then he sees that and puts on an even tinier/brighter tank top. This goes on until we are wearing nothing but threads and basically look like homeless male prostitutes. The moral of the story is to stop wanting what everyone else has. The more you compare yourself with other people the more you’re going to get frustrated by what they have that you don’t. Keep in mind that they are probably jealous of something you have. And if they’re not, they should be. Your hair has been looking really good lately. If you must compare yourself to other people, make sure you’re comparing yourself with those who are inferior to you.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU’VE HAD SEVEN VODKA DRINKS TO ADDRESS ISSUES WITH FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. Remember that one time you waited until you were black out drunk to tell your best friend that you’d secretly been in love with him for six years? And then somehow you ended up fistfighting his current boyfriend in the back yard of a multimillion dollar Buckhead mansion? And then you woke up the next morning on top of a car wearing nothing but your super cheesy Aussie Bum undies and a party hat? Here’s a thought, maybe you should have had that conversation when you were sober. That way, you could have expressed your feelings without acting like a total weirdo. You should feel free to talk about your feelings to whomever will listen. Even if their ears start bleeding and they run screaming from you after you’ve talked their ears off for 45 minutes about how your grandma always called you fat.
GROW A BEARD
Because why not? They look hot.
ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANET BEFORE IT’S GONE At the rate we’re killing our planet, we may not have a lot of time to enjoy her natural beauty. So, make time this year to travel. It doesn’t have to be an exotic location there are tons of wonderful and beautiful places to visit right here in the South. So, there you have it. Your resolutions for 2016. Get to it! FENUXE.COM : 25
HEALTH
10 things to know before becoming a Gym Unicorn You may not have more energy at first
It’s a lifestyle
One of the perks of going to the gym is that you get more energy, ironically, after exerting more energy. It may take weeks, even a couple of months, of going to the gym regularly before you start to see the energyboosting effects. You’ll become more critical of your appearance
You’ll want to talk about the #gym more and more and will have to curb yourself from talking about your #gains or #losses with others.
Locker rooms are what you make of it If you want to have a saunato-shower hook up, you might get lucky (just don’t get caught). If you’re not looking for anything, keep eye contact to a minimum.
Everyone has things about themselves they dislike. When you’re actively trying to change those things about your body, and those changes aren’t happening (quickly enough), you get really frustrated and critical of yourself.
It’s not weird to ask someone to spot you
It’s addicting But hey, there are worse addictions than the gym. You’ll find yourself wanting (needing) to go even on your supposed off days.
If you need a spot, don’t be afraid to ask. Doesn’t matter how much you’re lifting. Guys injure themselves daily because they’re too afraid to ask.
Don’t forget about your legs
Don’t be afraid to eat more
Do not skip leg day. You will look silly
If you are going to the gym regularly, make sure you’re eating. Skipping meals and going to the gym is not a healthy or effective way to lose fat.
You will become more vain It’s an inevitable side effect that comes from working out consistently. It’s not “Look how hot I am!” It takes a subtler form. When you’re looking in the mirror constantly, searching for improvements, don’t forget, you’re still looking at yourself in the mirror constantly… 26: January 15, 2016
You’ll be more attracted to muscular men
When you see guys lifting, you see the dedication in their eyes. You see the hours of hard work they’ve spent sculpting themselves. You see the beads of sweat drip from their glistening muscles. Suddenly, something changes in you. You’re attracted to them physically, yes, but even more so, to their work ethic. They are there every day. Day or shine. That’s something pretty admirable (and sexy).
BY LUCIAN ORILION
INTERVIEW
The
TAR Project
s a new artist residency coming T here’ to town called the TAR Project which
stands for Therapeutic Artists Residency. Applications are being taken now till January 31st 2016, to take 4 artists under Orion Psychotherapy for a year long residency. Accepted residents will receive once-a-month individual and 2-hour group therapy sessions every month, as well as a $200 Binders Gift Card. The residency will culminate in a group show featuring individual and group work. We were able to catch up with Orion and ask him about his background and learn a little more about this fascinating new program. Fenuxe: Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today, Orion. I want to get into your background just a bit - What led you to wanting to do psychotherapy? Orion: I often joke that it was the only thing worth going into debt for. You know? I was choosing my future and it was a choice between studio art, philosophy or psychology. I really liked philosophy… but did I really want to go into debt for it? I knew that I didn’t want to be locked into academia and that’s pretty much the philosophers life - that or writing. As far as Studio Art goes - I thought I could be an artist and not have a degree in art - which you can
be… but I now value getting an art degree. It pushes you and makes you grow and the reason behind the art that I do is because I took specific class on studio ceramics class. My teacher pushed me and made me do things and pushed my ideas which is essentially why people do art residencies now. So, I chose psychology because I wanted to spend a career helping and sitting with people. Ultimately, it’s my life’s work to hold space for people to do their work. It’s completely private - between me and them. I’m not going to spend my whole life being in academia - it has to be something much deeper. Plus, my dad always talked to me about owning my own business and there was always this thought in the back of my head that if I went into private practice, it would be my own thing. My next choice was between mainstream psychology or a beyondtraditional humanistic-type approach. The humanistic appealed to me the most because it takes an approach to therapy that is tailored to each client. While all therapy is person-centered, the humanistic approach is explicit about it in working ways. I tell my clients, “I’m trained in many things. When I meet you I’m going to try different things and they may all not work for you all the time. So, the way I work with three different people might look very different.
I believe that everyone knows what they need, they just need a safer space to do it. Once you have this space your mind can start naturally healing itself. Humanistic targets less-so severe mental illness thats why i use the word psychotherapy - going deeper. Fenuxe: So, after completing your masters at West Georgia, where did you do your internship? Orion: I went to Skyland Trail because I specifically only looked at internships with an art therapist on staff. While I’m not an art therapist, there is an openness to something there that was present to me. I started working in horticulture therapy which is using plants as a medium to explore therapeutic goals. For example, if someone was becoming sober, I would plant a flower on that first day that flowers white or red and then they go back to that garden and sit with that. It’s just like using art as a medium. I now specialize in adolescences and those who were sexualized at an early age whether it was traumatic or not. I also specialize in working with other forms of trauma due to working at CHRIS Kids. I’m the therapist in their clubhouse program which serves kids from 15-21 who have a diagnosis of mental health disorders. It’s a state-funded program
which offers everything they need plus a TV and an xbox! Fenuxe: What drew you to CHRIS Kids? Orion: I wanted to work at a place that would let me be me where I also supported their work. I knew I could have long hair, I could probably paint my nails… you know, where I could be me. So, I chose CHRIS Kids. Fenuxe: So, tell me about the TAR Project - how did it come about? It seems like you have this recurrent theme in your life of art and psychotherapy. Orion: Right, it’s kind of two of my worlds coming together. TAR, which stands for Therapeutic Artist Residency, came from my desire to want to work with artists. I’ve always wanted to work with artists because they are expressive, they have depth and I think part to my approach is to work with expressive therapy techniques which is wherever someone expresses themselves whether that is fashion, grant writing, or photoshop. For example, I have a trans client and part of our sessions include going to a local thrift shop and shopping for clothes. This changes our relationship in a way that is powerful. I applied to several art residencies myself including Hambidge which is up in north Georgia. You can stay for two weeks and the only thing that is required in the program is that you show up for dinner. Other than that, you are free to do whatever you want to do. It’s mostly giving you space where you can do your work and disconnect from the world. So, I applied to Hambidge and several other residencies as a living sculpture artist working living things molds, mosses, plants, and roots - into sculpture. I didn’t get into any of these residencies which was okay because I started to work with C4 Atlanta who have supported me and helped me build my website. Their mission is to support artists to live creative careers. My school sees phycology as an art form so my masters is in art, which is pretty rare, but also really cool. So, I went to this program they offered called fiscal sponsorship and basically they were like “If you have a project, propose
it to us, we can give you non-profit status and support you to raise money as a non-profit under our umbrella.” And from that day [about a year and a half ago] I wanted to do this [TAR] residency. So, I raised money and have a panel of experts - Neda Abghari from the Creatives Project, Matt Rosenthal from WonderRoot, Lauren Garvey from Atlanta Teen Mentor and Stephanie Pharr from Independent Artist. Binders also gave us $800 worth of gift cards so every artist gets a $200 gift card. So, each artist gets those gift cards, and they have year-long once a month individual therapy session and once a month group session for two hours - so essentially they get an encounter every other week for a year. Part of what they are also doing is building a show. So they have to create new work and they have to create one group piece…. which will be interesting because I don’t even know what type of artists we will have. For example, if a massage therapist comes to me and tells me they view massage as a form of art, I would be open to that. I’m open to what art in a very dynamic way. I know a few musicians that will be applying so it’s going to be interesting. Fenuxe: So how do musicians and massage therapists build a show together? Orion: I mean who’s to say you can’t have music playing in the gallery and everyone comes and lays on something and gets touched. Or maybe they make paint through their massage or maybe it’s a performance where they are walking on bodies. Fenuxe: So, how many people can apply? Orion: Well, anyone and everyone is welcome to apply, [application period ends January 31st] but only 4 will be chosen. There is an application that is on my website and it’s a very ‘free’ application. Each question is a page. For example, one page is tell us why a therapeutic artist residency make sense for you. And another that simply says, ‘Tell us about your work.’ We will also be assessing each artist at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the program to see what type of change they have
had to the creative experience and their general happiness. Fenuxe: So what are some of your goals and ideas on the project? Orion: Part of what I want to do is look at how they create art (like do they do a lot of things all at once or do they create one thing at a time) and then remove the word art and put in the word dating and see how those things relate. To me, the outcome of the art is not as important as your relationship with your process of creating art. For a lot of people, creating art is like torture. They love it and they hate it. And that’s part of the stuff we will be working with. The heaviness of becoming an artist and dealing with it. The art world and the all of the places you have applied to that have denied you. All of that ‘stuff’ that sits in your art process is the stuff we will be working with. Fenuxe: What else do you want our readers to know? Orion: I’m also hoping to let Atlanta know that we need to support our artists with more than just money or gallery space - we need to also support them with therapy. It’s well-known that a lot of artists have high rates of suicide, that a lot of them make very little money and don’t value themselves. Applications close on January 31st! Visit orionpsychotherapy.org
FASHION
the
tailored approach
PHOTOS BY MARK EVANS
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Hey Girl Hey! Holler Poodles! With all of the hoopla around the awards season and “Hollywood” coming to Georgia, I thought Fenuxe readers would appreciate an in-depth piece on the so called “casting couch” and all of its implications. To get started in the “business,” you must have headshots which are sent out to promote your individual talents. Being a cheap ass bitch frugal person, I thought I could do my own. So I called up a few different tricks clients who were particularly hung impressive and took photos with my flip phone iphone 6s plus. Well, the reception I got from Grindr & Scruff casting agents was rather shocking. Unbeknownst to me, headshots do not include your head on someone’s member. Color me embarrassed!! I then had to schedule an appointment with a well known porn star photographer who proceeded to take some beautiful head shots followed by some unbelievable words of encouragement “Now why is it you need these pictures? You’re gonna pay me when?”. After sending them to everybody on my contact list producers and posting on Facebook casting agents, my phone literally blew up. Bill collectors Agents were furious because they couldn’t reach me. Finally, I got my check and a new flip phone after a two week vacation, I started to call Selma back return the numerous calls. While eating at McDonald’s one day As fate would have it, an important porn producer from Jonesboro Hollywood thought I would be the perfect stand in girl for Precious Too-Big Girls Need Love Too. 2, ‘Girls Need Love’. After he paid me cash reading over the script, I thought this was something I was legally bound had to do. Artistically, a role like this stand in for Shameka doesn’t come around very often.
DRAG MAKEUP 101 with Mary Edith Pitts February 6. 11-3pm Atlanta Costume Call 404.874.7511
And then the inevitable happened, I started stalking this cute twinkie met the guy who would try to run away from deflower me. Our eyes met and his face wretched in pain tried to hide as he threw up the undeniable attraction we both felt. He led me I picked him up and took him to a trailer where he I stripped naked undressed me with his eyes. I threw him on the sofa He asked me to have a seat and started trying to get up caressing my breast. The overlap of my thigh trapped him Caught in the moment of passion, I stripped his pants down was shocked as he started lowering his pants and underwear. Continued next issue……… Love and lashes,
Mary Edith Pitts Mary Edith Pitts
PS. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email me at maryedith99@gmail.com or on twitter @maryedithpitts
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Gay News At A Glance SURVEY: BISEXUALITY ON THE RISE IN US – ESPECIALLY AMONG WOMEN Bisexuality is on the rise in the US – especially among women, according to a new survey by the Centers for Disease Control. Of the 9,175 adults ages 18-44 interviewed for the 2011-2013 National Survey of Family Growth, almost three times as many women (17.4%) reported any same-sex contact in their lifetime compared with men (6.2%). Similarly, women (5.5%) were three
times more likely than men (2%) to say they were bisexual – up from 3.9% and 1.2% respectively in a 2006-2008 survey. Eight percent of women under 25 identified as bisexual, and were the most likely among age and gender groups to be LGB overall. However, women (1.3%) were less likely to identify as gay or lesbian, and the percentage of gay men (1.9%) did not change significantly. ‘There’s a progression away from straightness, if you will,’ Ritch SavinWilliams, a professor of developmental psychology at Cornell University, told NJ.com. Savin-Williams said the results were ‘astonishing’ but he did not take them as a change in actual sexuality. ‘I always think of it as reflecting
POPE FRANCIS EXPLAINS HIS PHRASE ‘WHO AM I TO JUDGE?’ In 2013, Pope Francis made waves when in a press conference he said ‘who am I to judge’ when asked how he deals with gay people. In the upcoming book The Name of God is Mercy, the pontiff offers a fuller explanation of his comment. ‘On that occasion I said this: If a person is gay and seeks out the Lord and is willing, who am I to judge that person,’ the pope says, according to the National Catholic Reporter. ‘I was paraphrasing by heart the Catechism of the Catholic Church where it says that these people should be treated with delicacy and not be marginalized.’ ‘I am glad that we are talking about “homosexual people” because before all else comes the individual person, in his wholeness and dignity,’ he continues. ‘And people 36: January 15, 2016
permission – that women now have greater permission to say they have some sexual attraction to other women,’ he said.
should not be defined only by their sexual tendencies: let us not forget that God loves all his creatures and we are destined to receive his infinite love.’ ‘I prefer that homosexuals come to confession, that they stay close to the Lord, and that we pray all together,’ Francis added. ‘You can advise them to pray, show goodwill, show them the way, and accompany them along it.’ The Name of God is Mercy, set to be released this Tuesday, is an interview between the pope and Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli. The book’s title is taken from an answer Francis offers on why God doesn’t stop forgiving. ‘Because he is God, because he is mercy, and because mercy is the first attribute of God. The name of God is mercy,’ the leader of the Catholic Church says. The pope’s emphasis on compassion, and forgiveness, does not mean the church is changing doctrine, specifically on marriage equality. Last month Francis urged Slovenia voters to uphold ‘family values,’ and defeat the Catholic-majority country’s referendum on gay marriage.
27 STATES TO SEE MORE ANTILGBT ‘RELIGIOUS FREEDOM’ BILLS IN 2016
Anti-LGBT bills likely to be considered in at least 27 states this year according to the Human Rights Campaign. It’s also noted that many of the more than 115 anti-LGBT bills introduced in at least 31 states last year are still pending while new anti-equality bills may be introduced in other states. ‘2016 will prove a critical year for the fight for LGBT equality in states across the country,’ said HRC President Chad Griffin. ‘The progress our movement
TRANS DIRECTOR CHOSEN AS MODEL FOR MARC JACOBS’ NEW CAMPAIGN This is a huge step forward for trans people in fashion Tina Healy gets to experience Trans director Lana Wachowski has been chosen as a model for new fashion campaign. The Matrix director has left her brother behind for fashion, starring as one of the many individuals fronting a new ready-to-wear collection by Marc Jacobs. ‘The spectrum of individuals photographed in our Spring/ Summer 2016 ad campaign represent a celebration of my
has made is threatened by an organized effort to pass discriminatory legislation that seeks to rollback our hard-won rights. We will have much work to do to defend our rights this year, but we will not waver in our fight to expand the map for LGBT equality to every corner of this country.’
cite religion as a reason to refuse goods or services.
families were introduced in the state’s legislature.
Alabama, the Carolinas and Texas saw proposals that included legislative attacks that sought to allow individuals, businesses, & government employees to refuse goods & services related to gay marriages.
In 2016, HRC expects more than two dozen state legislatures to consider antiequality measures. These include legislatures in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia (surprise surprise), Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
In Florida, Michigan, Mississippi and elsewhere, lawmakers proposed allowing adoption and foster care agencies to discriminate against LGBT prospective parents. Other anti-LGBT bills last year sought to restrict transgender people from accessing bathrooms, to eliminate the ability of local officials to protect LGBT residents and visitors, and even to promote the dangerous & discredited practice of socalled ‘conversion therapy.’
The largest number of antiLGBT bills introduced in 2015 were aimed to authorize individuals and businesses to
While not in session this year, in Texas alone, last year at least 20 vicious anti-equality bills attacking LGBT Texans and their
On the positive side, efforts to pass pro-equality legislation at the state level are expected to continue in 2016. Lawmakers in Massachusetts will continue trying to pass a bill to add gender identity protections to existing state laws that already include protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in public accommodations. In states where there are proequality legislative majorities and existing state-level protections against anti-LGBT discrimination, HRC says it expects to see increased focus on addressing bullying in schools, protecting youth from ‘conversion therapy,’ simplify names/gender on identity documents, and require LGBT cultural competency training for medical and social service providers.
America. In collaboration with photographer David Sims and stylist Katie Grand, the people featured in our campaign personify this collection of fashion through their individuality. Collectively, they embody and celebrate the spirit and beauty of equality.’ On casting Wachowski, he said: ‘I was first introduced to Lana via YouTube in December 2012. The speech Lana gave to accept the Human Rights Campaign, Visibility Award, (October 20, 2012) was utterly profound in its script and her articulate, brilliant and timeless delivery. ‘She expressed thoughts and iSummer ’16 fashion show and through a fateful series of communications, much to my incomprehensible delight, Lana accepted an invitation to our show in New York City and thus I took her, “fashion show virginity”.
OHIO MAN CONVICTED FOR HATE CRIME AFTER THREATENING TO ‘SHOOT UP’ GYM The man’s attorney suggested that her client was reacting to being ‘hit on’ by gay gym members and being stared at in the showers
A man in Columbus, Ohio has been convicted for ethnic intimidation after making threats and harassing a gay man at his fitness club. He was charged with the offense after he made anti-gay remarks to a gay man and had
to be restrained by two other gym members. When he was informed by email that his membership had been terminated, he responded with two brief e-mails filled with profanity and gay slurs. He had also gone to the gym on two different days during the last week of August threatening to ‘shoot up’ the gym if it did not ban gay members. Witness Laverne Kemp told the court that she was on the adjacent treadmill when Smith launched into a rant about not being able to go into the locker room ‘because all the fags are in there’ and that ‘he wished he could kill all the gays’. He will be sentenced next week. If convicted, the charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail.
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