05.18.18 V9-10
Leading the Way Outstanding Atlantans Notable and Up Next!
Raph Solo’s Final Word
Beastly Mary Edith Pitts
presents
GEORGIA EQUALITY’S 14TH
EVENING FOR EQUALITY 2018 June 16, 2018
The InterContinental Hotel Buckhead
FOR TICKETS AND INFO
GEORGIAEQUALITY.ORG
Contents
FENUXE
8
RAPH SOLO
10 BEASTLY 17 OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS 22
BOOK REVIEW
26 PHOTOSHOOT 38 PITTS
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EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt - Director Contributors - Alexander Cheves Mary Edith Pitts/Richard Terri Schlichenmeyer Bob Shea
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5
Who do you consider your hero or outstanding individual? Someone that you see the potential in and want to guide and mentor on their way to greatness? I bet you’ll find quite a few people that you admire but also feel an obligation to help to do bigger and better things.
from the
note
you take note because they are already making their mark in our community! And what is even more remarkable is the close bond that these individuals develop not only with their mentors but with the community. Truly outstanding!
As always, we have you covered – In this issue, we talked to a variety from cover to cover! of notable Atlanta community personalities and asked them who they consider their own personal, outstanding individuals. That generated a nice little list of people who should definitely be on your radar, and we suggest
Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director
6: May 18, 2018
Raph Solo Gets The Final Word By Rob Shea
“Word of Love,” the title track from Raph Solo’s new album, is a page from his own diary. He was inspired to write the song from the Ancient Eastern proverb that he translated into English and inserted into the song’s chorus: If your love is like honey, don’t lick it all, save some for later. “It doesn’t mean we should hold love back,” Raph clarifies. “It’s about loving numero uno because only when you love yourself can you ever truly love another person.” He admits he has found himself in situations where he felt used and abused, and says he wrote a song about it so he would never make that mistake again.
What kind of fool would take advantage of a hunk like you? You made me feel like a million bucks, thanks! I have nothing bad to say about people from the past. I am sure they did the best they knew how at the time. Maybe if I knew better, I would have not allowed myself to be taken for granted.
Why did you take the abuse? When you love someone, you want to please. I think that’s natural. Unfortunately, it can also make a person vulnerable.
What made you realize you were worth more than what you were getting from your ex? I woke up to the fact that both people are equally important in a relationship and its important that both their needs are met. I remember walking out on my ex after a time he knew he did me wrong. I gave him a chance to get me back if he wanted me. It was a test of love. He chose not to. I gave it 18 days to be exact and when I didn’t hear from him, I put it rest. That taught me self-worth.
What inspired you to write about your experience in a song? It was cathartic. It was a release. It was also me wanting to celebrate that I am not the worthless piece of garbage he took me for.
How would you describe your music? I call it POPTECSOL. It’s a combination of pop, tech, R&B and soul. My album is made up of songs that are based on my life. They’re all very personal, like snapshots of 8: May 18, 2018
things I have encountered or experienced. Sound-wise, it’s a very edgy album as I juxtaposed synth riffs with grand pianos and violas with electronica and structured them like pop songs with killer hooks and big choruses.
Of all your songs, which is the most important to you? “Rich in My Heart” is a very important song to me. It says a lot about me as a person, not necessarily on a romantic note but on a personal note. “Word of Love” is up there, too. Musically, I think it is my one my favorite productions to date. It was the first song I wrote for the album. I experimented with different sounds on it and it worked so well, it inspired me to go in that direction for the rest of the album.
Are you impressed with how you have grown since your first album? I feel proud of myself for working hard as an independent artist. They call it the ‘hustle’ and I certainly have done my share. I’m mostly proud of how I have managed to integrate my personal identity with my music. On my first two singles, I wasn’t out yet and it was restricting and not authentic. I made the decision to be out as an artist and I am very proud that I have done that. I still don’t call myself a gay artist. I prefer to see myself as an artist who happens to be gay. My reason for that is we are all human, first and foremost.
Raph Solo’s “Word of Love” is being released globally through Angel King Musique and is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon as well all other online retail outlets. For more information, visit raphsolo.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram @raphsolo.
When It’s Time To Call In Reinforcements I used to live in Savannah. The two gay bars in the city were across the street from each other, and all the queers migrated between the two of them every night. The scene was small and neighborly and quiet. The weekend crowd was no different than weeknights, so it was perfectly acceptable to show up at 10 pm on a Tuesday to get drunk. And really, there was nothing else to do except that. When you went out, you saw everyone you knew. If there were strangers in the crowd — party boys from Atlanta, vacationers from overseas — we followed them from a wary distance, back and forth across the street between the two bars, unwilling to miss the opportunity of fucking someone new. In cities like that, you have to be in a couple, and play by very traditional rules, since everyone knows everyone. You’re monogamous. You have a house. You buy antique furniture. You go to Tybee Island in the summer. You drink mint juleps. You go to Atlanta, a four-hour drive away if you really want to shake things up on the weekend. When I was with my ex, people followed us around too. We were students, a temporary power couple that would leave, everyone reasoned, after graduation along with everyone else. No one doubted our ability to last, since every couple in the town had, more or less, found each other young and stuck it out. We’d either stay and become part of the city, or we’d disappear and never be heard from again. Savannah is the sort of city that maroons you. You fall in love; you breathe the salty air, you love the oak trees, and you stay longer than you think you will. That’s what we did. I graduated and got a job. Yes, we eventually broke up — the right decision for both of us — but we lasted as long as we did because we both believed something that many of couples in town did not: Sometimes you have to call in reinforcements. One night, when he knew I was craving the massive cock that was rumored to be attached to the creepy, silent barfly with a long, gray beard who hung out in the club every single night, speaking to no one, we went out on an idle Tuesday, got tanked, and told the guy to follow us on our way out the door. He followed us behind the building where everyone pisses, and the sidewalk always stinks. The city was deserted. We walked along River Street and came to a construction zone — a lot where the skeleton of a new building was being erected. A blue port-a-potty was sitting on the corner under a white street light, and we all three stuffed in. My boyfriend held me while the man fucked me over the toilet. At the time, we both had reservations about being completely open. Neither one of us wanted that. But we knew when the small town hunger struck us that we had to take someone home. Even if you’re monogamous and are committed to having a very traditional relationship, this truth still applies. You don’t have to change the
parameters or “rules” of your relationship in order to accommodate each other’s needs on a case-by-case basis. Accommodating each other’s needs, after all, is part of the job description, something you have to try to do, and sometimes that means inviting someone else in — not as a regular playmate, not as a “third,” but simply to perform a skill. If it sounds like a one-time, transactional thing, that’s because it is — and that’s how it should be. I no longer do monogamous relationships, but I still have to take this rule to heart. Why? Because if I’m dating someone, sure, I may have the freedom to play with others, but inevitably there will be sexual experiences I want to have with my person or sexual experiences he wants to have with me, and chances are high that one of us needs some help in order to make that experience happen. So I’ll reach out to someone to come into our relationship and help me out. Regardless if you’re monogamous or non-monogamous, open or closed, exclusive or non-exclusive, sometimes you simply need to be taught a sex skill. Most kinks like bondage, fisting, breath play, whipping, paddling, and so on require an instructor — someone to teach you and your partner how to do these things safely. How else do you think you’ll learn? Your “sex helper” may be an escort, friend, or one of your mutual playmates — although I don’t recommend inviting in someone you both play with unless you explicitly define this as a one-time, non-romantic agreement. On some level, you both have to trust your instructor enough to have a session with them — one in which you’ll both probably be naked. But you do not have to go into this setup with the expectation that you are interviewing a “regular” or “third” into your relationship, because that gets very messy and opens up much more discussion than what you’re looking for and what you need. You’re looking for a coach, someone to help, then step away. If this sounds like a paid service, that’s because it often is: Many long-term couples hire escorts and professional sex workers to come in and spice up their bedroom. Sometimes the person you love wants to get brutally fucked by a monster cock. If you’re’ not up for that challenge, hire someone who is. If you want to get fisted by your husband, and he’s never fisted before, consider the option of hiring a fisting pro to come over every other week and teach the two of you how to do this before you start uncomfortable and needless arguments about sexual compatibility and what your “boundaries” are in regards to playing with others. The transactional nature of this setup doesn’t make it any less valuable, any less important. Sex workers are wonderful people and are good at making these experiences happen. It’s never a bad idea to call in a pro.
Alexander Cheves (Beastly) is a contributing editor for The Advocate where he writes the sex column Sexy Beast, and he is copywriter and social media manager for Fort Troff. His work has appeared in Vice, Out Magazine, Plus, Pride, Gayety, SheWired, GC Magazine, Mend, and others. He loves group sex and tiny dogs.
10: May 18, 2018
EVENTS THIS
May 18 Mister Atlanta Eagle May Bar Night Meet the newly crowned Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2018 on his first official bar night. Tips and donations will benefit the National Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Alliance.
May 19
MORE INFORMATION: Atlanta Eagle
The ManShaft: Military Gear Edition Strap on your gear and get ready for some serious man-to-man combat. Expect bulging camos, fatigues, dress blues, combat boots, berets, flight suits, dog tags, furry chests and face. A-tenhut!! MORE INFORMATION: The Heretic
May 20, 1-6 pm DRENCH GAGA and #IAmMidtown present the first edition of Drench – the W Downtown pool party with a purpose. Drink specials and DJ sets by Neon the GlowGoBear and Ron Pullman – sign up to become GAGA member and get free access to the pool party at gagapac.com.. MORE INFORMATION: W Atlanta Downtown
12: May 18, 2018
Office: 678.298.1600 cell: 706.761.2578
MAY June 2 h2(H)oe w/ Asia O’Hara from RPDR 10 h(2)Hoe returns with the amazing talents of Asia O’Hara from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Strip down to your speedos to show off those Coppertone asses and crotchless tankinis. Additional performances by Brigitte Bidet, Colana Bleu, Evah Destruction, and more. MORE INFORMATION:
The Heretic
May 26 Atlanta Disco Society Anything goes on the light-up dance floor, and everyone who’s anyone will be there. Saddle up your white horse, find your most fashionable jumpsuit, and prepare for a night to remember. Let’s disco, Atlanta.
MORE INFORMATION: The Basement
May 25 The Championship Tour with Kendrick Lamar
featured event May 24-27 (Memorial Day Weekend) HSL Big Peach Softball Tournament
The first rap artist to ever win a Pulitzer, Kendrick Lamar, is coming to Atlanta along with the whole TDE crew including SZA, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Lance Skiiiwalker, Sir, and Jay Rock.
MORE INFORMATION: Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
The nation’s premier NAGAAA tournament will host B, C & D Divisions. In addition to competitive tournament play, the tournament is also known for great events and tons of fun! Check out games and events at bigpeachtournament.sportngin.com.
MORE INFORMATION: Midtown Moon (formerly Burkhart’s)
13
What is BIKTARVY®? BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about BIKTARVY? BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects: � Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
Who should not take BIKTARVY? Do not take BIKTARVY if you take: � dofetilide � rifampin � any other medicines to treat HIV-1
What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include: � Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. � Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. � 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. The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY? � All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. � All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines. � If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. � If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. 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.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the following page.
Get HIV support by downloading a free app at MyDailyCharge.com
KEEP SHINING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for adults who are either new to treatment or whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with BIKTARVY.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
BIKTARVY.COM
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
(bik-TAR-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: • dofetilide • rifampin • any other medicines to treat HIV-1
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider all your medical conditions, including if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. • Changes in your immune system. • 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. • The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. • Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GILC0396 04/18
Notable and Up Next By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
David Lile, Pets Are Loving Support (P.A.L.S.)
OUTSTANDING The Atlanta LGBTQ community is lucky to have many outstanding individuals that make a difference and unite us with their leadership, kindness, and vision. These are the people that are at the forefront of our community and whose names constantly pop up when it comes to giving praise and recognition to worthy individuals for what they do and embody. But who are the unsung heroes of these heroes? Who do they choose to mentor and guide onward to do even better and bigger things? What individuals do they see ripen and mature right before their eyes? Fenuxe spoke to distinguished members of the Atlanta community who each gave their choice of whom they think is an LGBTQ superhero in the making.
David Lile is the Chairman of the board of Trustees for P.A.L.S. Atlanta – a nonprofit that provides ongoing care and support to the pets of Atlanta area persons living with disabilities due to HIV/AIDS, terminal illnesses, and the elderly.
David Lile
My Outstanding Indvidual Chip Moore, Executive Director, P.A.L.S. Atlanta
Here’s Why “Chip has not only brought a new round of fundraising ideas to P.A.L.S. but he has also brought a renewed awareness from the community to Pets Are Loving Support. His commitment to this organization is truly astounding. He works non-stop and tirelessly to keep this community aware that P.A.L.S. is here to help keep pets with those unable to afford their care due to HIV/ AIDS, disabled by critical illness, and elderly on a low fixed income” – David Lile
Chip Moore In all honesty I have truly found my life’s work. I absolutely LOVE the work I do and the amazing clients that I get to work with every single day, I couldn’t be more fortunate! – Chip Moore Celeste Holmes, Drag Queen Extraordinaire Celeste has a an impressive 35-year drag career in the Southeast and Atlanta. She has performed just about everywhere and during the recent shakeup at Burkharts, she was a joining force that united the displaced queens and was active in moving everyone forward. She is now the show director at the newly opened Midtown Tavern that present a variety of drag show troughout the week and is the home for the popular The Other Show.
My Outstanding Indvidual Celeste Holmes and Brigitte Bidet I do drag because it’s my way of living out the dream of being an entertainer. The queens in Atlanta have been a huge inspiration and kept the art form alive. Keeping that going feels very important, and I’m so lucky to be learning from queens with such longstanding careers. – Brigitte Bidet
Brigitte Bidet, Drag Performer hosting Tossed Salad at MSR
Here’s Why “Brigitte is an amazing entertainer, artist and human being. At a young age, she already has developed a successful show - Tossed Salad - and is booked across multiple venues in Atlanta. She’s smart, creative and humble. I’m sure she’ll be around for many years to come.” – Celeste Holmes
17
Lynn Barfield, President, For the Kid In All Of Us I’ve always wanted superpowers, but making people (especially kids) happy is cool, too. Most folks do want to help out the less fortunate— I love that we make it fun, easy, and social.
Lynn heads For the Kid In All Of Us that since 2003 has distributed more than 41,500 toys and gift cards through The Toy Party, 11,904 backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards through Backpack in the Park, and raised over $475,000 to donate to numerous agencies and organizations serving Georgia’s less fortunate.
My Outstanding Individual Sean Dunn, For the Kid Board Member and Marketing Chair
Here’s Why “I knew he just what we needed to better market the message of our organization and to bring us into the 21st century. He has given us a social media presence and uses the knowledge and skills he has honed at Google to help us communicate and stay relevant in this community. His vision for our organization, his wit, his communication skills and knowledge of the LBGTQ community’s strengths and needs make him an asset to us and the world we live in. I am proud to know and work with Sean.” – Lynn Barfield
– Sean Dunn
Tony Kearney, Director Strategic Partnership, Planned Parenthood Tony is secures strategic partnership for Planned Parenthood in the Southeast that provides comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services in settings which preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual.
My Outstanding Individual Deontez Wimbley, Health Educator at Planned Parenthood Southeast
Here’s Why
The work that I do in health education is likened to planting seeds. I might not ever see a harvest, but it would never bloom if it weren’t for the vital education I am fortunate to provide every day.
“I have worked with Deontez for 2+ years, and he is our Health Educator. He provides programming to all ages from 3 to 83 on sex education around communication, safe sex, LGBT topics, etc. He is an out black man and amazing role model for all that he comes in contact with. He is a young gay man who will do amazing things in our community.”
– Tony Kearney
– Deontez Wimbley Bubba D. Licious, Drag Queen Extraordinaire Bubba D. has been a drag performer and tour de force for more than 25 years in Atlanta. She performed everywhere, she is an original Armorette, and currently reigns as the mother superior at Lips Atlanta. As Atlanta’s most treasured and favorite charity hostess, she also heads the PALS Atlanta Bingo games and many other shows and events that raise money and give back to the community – being a local legend keeps you busy!
My Outstanding Individual Edie Cheezburger, Drag Performer Hosting at Lips, Midtown Tavern, and Blake’s.
Here’s Why “Edie and I became friends when we participated in a performance together at the Jungle about eight years ago. Since we done many shows and events together. Edie was an Armorette for two years early in her drag career. She later (along with Jaye Lish) joined me as co-hosts of PALS Bingo in 2015 and 2016. Edie is an outspoken advocate for Prep and HIV awareness. Edie has also up teamed with Posman Books at Ponce City Market for Drag Queen Story Time where she reads to children (and their parents).” – Bubba D. Licious
18: May 18, 2018
Edie C. & Bubba D. My time helping others has had significant impact on my life, helping me forge a better version of the person I want to become.” – Edie Cheezburger
19
Vicki Powell, DJ, Founder of Deep South Vicki is veteran of Atlanta nightlife and one of the biggest driving forces right now to put Atlanta on the national map of electronic music and parties. Showing no signs of slowing down after 25+ years, her DJ collective, Deep South, is currently booking some of the biggest names in the queer underground music scene.
My Outstanding Individual Brian Rojas, Resident DJ, Deep South
Brian Rojas & Vicki Powell My friendship with Vicki developed into a mentorship with a shared value: Deep South’s mission is to spotlight underground queer DJ acts who are underrepresented, talented, and the future. With her knowledge and experience, I absolutely knew to trust the guidance of an Atlanta legend
Here’s Why “Brian is humble and eager to learn and has respect for the craft and culture of DJing – as well as an interest in the history. I was so excited when he asked me to mentor him, because I never really thought it was something I would pass on – and my favorite part about being a mentor is learning things from Brian as well! And as an only child I’ve never known what it would be like to have a little brother, but I feel that way with him” – Vicki Powell
– Brain Rojas Mike Woodside, Founder, Ready 4 Hope Mike founded Ready 4 Hope in 2013 to provide hope for those living or caring for those with HIV/AIDS. Thorugh the popular Party With A Purpose, Ready 4 Hope hosts events throughout the year to raise money – so far the organization has donated nearly $100,000 to AID Atlanta.
My Outstanding Individual Chad Wick, Volunteer with Ready 4 Hope for more than five years.
Rick Westbrook, Executive Director, Lost-nFound Youth Rick heads Lost-N-Found Youth, which is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that exists to end homelessness for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) and all sexual minority youth. Rick has been instrumental in making Lostn-Found Youth one of the most prominent LGBTQ nonprofits in the Atlanta area.
My Outstanding Individual Joseph Bishop is the Linkage Care Coordinator at Lost-n-Found. He is also a fully professed Atlanta Sister Of Perpetual Indulgence (Lynda Hande).
Here’s Why “I’ve seen Chad mature into an amazing adult with such a big heart. You can always count on Chad for good advice, support, laughs, and a strong friendship. Chad was part of the Ready 4 Hope family and volunteered many hours at numerous events. He is now running his own charity organization called More to Love and is on the right path to do more amazing events locally and now globally. One of the biggest reasons why he deserves to be the ripening peach is because he does this for the right reasons. Not for the notoriety, but because he has a big heart and giving back is much better than receiving.”
– Mike Woodside I do believe in a higher power, call it what you will, but there is no denying its love and energy. It compels me to exude love first to myself and then to others around me. I choose to play an active role in this human race - being and making the change I want to see in my lifetime. – Chad Wick 20: May 18, 2018
Here’s Why “In both roles, I have seen him grow into a stronger advocate for the community. He works tirelessly for the betterment of all. As he finds his voice, it will only grow louder to stand against ALL the injustices our community faces.
– Rick Westbrook The willingness to accept change and to fight for what is right leads us down a humble, yet rewarding path. Being able to spread the joy and happiness I experience is my mission. – Joseph Bishop
Mike Woodside & Chad Wick Joseph Bishop
© Tony Veloz www.tonyveloz.com
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BOOK REVIEW your hands thoroughly. Wash That’s good advice, no matter
where you are. At the risk of sounding germophobic, you never know what lurked on that which you just touched. Stay healthy, keep clean, be tidy, and wash your hands because, as you’ll see in the new book “The Trauma Cleaner” by Sarah Krasnostein, messy life, messy house. The woman didn’t seem very old, but it was really hard to tell. She wouldn’t let anyone past her screen door – as if the stench wasn’t enough to keep most people away.
> CREDIT | Author: Sarah Krasnostein > “The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman’s Extraordinary Life in the Business of Death, Decay, and Disaster”
Hoarder situations like that, suicides, undiscovered deaths, and accidents are businessas-usual for Sandra Pankhurst, 60-something owner of Specialized Trauma Cleaning (STC) in Australia. But as author Sarah Krasnostein learned when she befriended her, Pankhurst extends to those clients compassion, and nothing less. There was ample reason for that. Although many of the questions Krasnostein asked Pankhurst were waved away with claims of disremembering, it’s true that Pankhurst was born a boy, raised as a boy, became a man, married a woman, and fathered two sons. But “Peter,” as Krasnostein pseudonymously calls Pankhurst then, was hiding a part of himself so, soon after his youngest son’s birth, he left his family to live as a woman. Though “her reality is as conflicted as it is real,” Pankhurst told Krasnostein tales of being a sexworker and a madam. Dates and locales may’ve been incorrect and names forgotten, but it’s also true that Pankhurst eventually fully transitioned, and continued to work in the sex industry until she was raped and almost lost her life. She fell in love, fell out of love,
By: Always Overbooked... Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC bookwormsez@gmail.com
22: May 18, 2018
fell in love again, married an older man, and divorced. It was because of her ex that Pankhurst founded STC. “As a boss,” says Krasnostein, “Sandra is, variously, mother hen… bad cop… and hanging judge.” Her business cleans up sites affected by hoarding and death, and she’s matter-of-fact about bugs, vermin, and smells as her staff hauls away pathogen-soaked furniture while ensuring that next-of-kin are treated with kindness. Says Pankhurst, “None of us know what tomorrow’s got in store.” As enjoyable as this unique tale is, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you sweep through “The Trauma Cleaner.” First of all, in her get-to-know-you time, author Sarah Krasnostein became close friends with her subject, which is good in most cases. Here, though, Krasnostein uses familiarity to gush about her subject in a way that could make readers wince uncomfortably. She’s also exceedingly, perhaps needlessly, explicit in details of a sexual nature while largely ignoring big opportunities for enlightenment on the business side of the book. And yet... The goodness – and there’s an industrial-sized dustpan full of it – comes between the lines. This is a biography of cringing, compassion, and somebody’sgot-to-do-it resourcefulness, plus irritations, but with a breezy heft of fabrication built in. It’s so singular that it’s almost irresistible; indeed, if you can get past the gushing and the gruesome, “The Trauma Cleaner” is a book you shouldn’t wait to get your hands on.
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PHOTOS
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Hey Girl Hey! Holler Poodles! Summer is sizzling and so is my ass in this tiny whiteish thong I’m wearing. Fenuxe Magazine recently sent me to check out a traveling new amusement park (I think it’s supposed be a rip off of Six Flags but I’m not sure) called 3 Flags Over Here. Located in beautiful downtown Jonesboro, it offers an affordable alternative to Six Flags along with some interesting variations on some well known rides. This particular day they were celebrating their unofficial “Gay Day” called Hey Girl Hey Day. I took my bestie Selma B. Hole and off we went. Since it was hot as hell, I decided a wet ride would be a great way to start the day. Bad idea! Their version of Thunder River called Storm Sewer was horrific. Now any other day of the week if you told me I would be entering a manhole I would be thrilled. Not today! I got stuck trying to enter so Selma B. had to jump on my shoulders to get me through. We both fell through and landed on an old tire and proceeded through a really dark tunnel. As we began to emerge from the darkness, a beautiful arc of showers greeted our exit from the abyss. We began to scream as I realized it was a latrine and these men were pissing on us. I acted was disgusted! We moved along to the next tunnel through countless feet inches of muck to come out the next manhole covered in gunk. I was relieved there were people showering as I came to the surface and got under the warm shower only to realize there was only an elephant and no outdoor plumbing. Next, Selma ushered me off to their version of Monster Plantation called “A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing” which was surprisingly entertaining. Throughout the ride, there were drag queens taking off their makeup and wigs. I’ve never seen such a thing. Imagine, a man dressed up like a woman. Well, we had to get out of there. We then ventured to “Let ‘Em Swing,” their version of the Flying Dutchman--the ride that’s like a pirate ship on steroids. Because the seats were so small, Selma sat right behind me so we had room to sprawl. Well, unfortunately for her, with each pendulous sway of the ship, my boobs fell out of my tube top and kept hitting her face. Selma had to be rushed to urgent care because she had two black eyes, several concussions and mouth full of fucked up teeth which she had before but she’s trying to sue the insurance company so don’t say anything! We’ll go back another day to finish this story. Until then…
Love and lashes,
Mary Edith Pitts
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