07.13.18 V9-14
Take A Bow The Joining Of All Our Hearts Exclusive! Kameron Michaels Powers Up Lashing Out - The Power of Drag
Ask Daddy Beastly & Mary Edith Pitts
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Contents
FENUXE
8
JOINING HEARTS
16
KAMERON MICHAELS
18
THE ART OF DRAG
22
BOOK REVIEW
24
ASK DADDY
26 PHOTOSHOOT 38 PITTS
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EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt - Director Contributors -Alexander Cheves Mary Edith Pitts/Richard Terri Schlichenmeyer • Tyler Scruggs Daddy Supreme • Tom Tietjen
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ATLANTA MARKETING Jeff Anderson | 404.835.2016 - Sales Manager Andrea Dwyer - Sales
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Photography: Martijn Smouter Model: Laurens Lindeman Images courtesy of Teamm8
5
Drag has a rich cultural history of being political, rebellious, and gender-bending – all through the art of self-expression. With RuPaul’s drag race, drag is dipping into the mainstream without losing its original power of being a hyped up reflection of the society we live in. In this issue we have an exclusive interview with Season 10 RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist, Kameron Michaels, who lipsynch-battled her way to the top three in one of the most competitive seasons to date – and through it all, Kameron kept her kool while quietly powering up. Tyler Scruggs gives us some perspective on the dynamics of present-day drag and how a show like RuPaul’s Drag Race has extended the art of drag to also be about celebrity with a highly competitive element.
from the
note
which offers ‘help’ that may border on insult with a dash of humor rather than advice. See the book review on page 22. We are also fast approaching Joining Hearts weekend, and even though the SHINE! pool party is the main event, there is a whole weekend full of parties lined up to benefit the work of the organization. We have the full lineup for you! Finally, Beastly, Ask Daddy, and Mary Edith Pitts present you with columns on how gender and sexual roles influence relationships, kinkcurious advice, and how to address someone’s bad breath on a 1-10 scale.
We have you covered – from cover to cover!
If you seek perspective from a drag queen who has indeed made it, Bianca del Rio has recently released her book “Blame It On Bianca Del Rio” Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director
6: July 13, 2018
The Joining Of All Of Our Hearts By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Since 1987, Joining Hearts has donated more than $2 million to their beneficiaries, and one of their most essential fundraisers is the annual pool party in Piedmont Park. This will be the 31st time that Joining Hearts will throw their main event, and since its inception, it has only grown in scope, so today the party for a cause spans over the entire weekend. Here is a lineup of all the official – and alternative parties – of the Joining Hearts weekend.
Friday, July 20 Joining Hearts 31 Kick Off Party with DJ Joe Gauthreaux Start off the weekend at the kick-off party where DJ Joe Gauthreaux will make sure you set things off right.
The Heretic, 10 pm
Saturday, July 21 Joining Hearts SHINE!
The main event gathers swimsuit-clad men from all over Atlanta and beyond for a first-class pool party with plenty of free cocktails and food bites. DJ Mike Pope will open the dancefloor, and Superstar DJ/ Producer GSP (Greece) will take the night away. Per tradition, the night ends with a spectacular firework display over the lake.
The Greystone Pavillion at Piedmont Park Pool, 5-10:30 pm ILLUMINATE! Joining Hearts: Shine After Party
Following immediately after SHINE! DJ Joe Pacheco from NYC will light up the dancefloor at 595 North for the after party. Pre-sale tickets at illuminatethenight.eventbrite.com.
595 North Event Center, 10:30 pm – 3 am After Party Joining Hearts 31 with Isaac Escalante
The Heretic will also open its doors for a Joining Hearts after party with beats by DJ Isaac Escalante. Pre-sale tickets through universe.com.
The Heretic, 10pm - 3am
All events marked with
benefit Joining Hearts.
8: July 13, 2018
Sunday, July 22 RADIATE Afterhours
After SHINING at the Joining Hearts pool party and ILLUMINATING the night afterward, get ready to let off even more steam at RADIATE Afterhours, featuring the dark and sexy beats of DJ Alex Cabot from Chicago.
595 North Event Center, Room B, 3-7 am Xion Afterhours with DJ Phil Romano
DJ Phil Romano returns to Atlanta to close out the afterhours of the Joining Hearts at BJ Roosters. BJ Roosters, 3-7 am
Party Alternatives for Joining Hearts Weekend Although the weekend is dominated by Joining Hearts, there are still some great alternatives out there to get down on the dancefloor.
Deep South presents Chelsea Starr (PDX/SF)
Deep South proudly welcomes back Chelsea Starr who will grace the decks with a unique sound that blends deep house and disco beats.
Saturday, July 21, 10 pm at The Music Room (Edgewood Avenue) ICON a celebration of Disco!
The night celebrates all things disco with hits from Donna Summer, ABBA, Bee Gee’s, Diana Ross, Sylvester, Village People, The Pointer Sisters, Stephanie Mills, Gloria Gaynor and more.
Saturday, July 21, 10 pm, The Deep End (North Avenue)
HELP LOCAL KIDS IN NEED START THE SCHOOL
FEATURING • OPEN BAR! • DELICIOUS
YEAR RIGHT — WITH A NEW BACKPACK FILLED WITH SUPPLIES SPONSORED BY
HORS D'OEUVRES! • GREAT MUSIC!
7-10 PM GREYSTONE IN PIEDMONT PARK 400 PARK DR., ATLANTA, 30309
TICKETS $35 ONLINE, $40 AT THE DOOR
Yes, You Can Date Someone On Your Own “Team” Every queer man has been told the “rule” about tops and bottoms: you can’t date someone who plays for your team. Pitchers date catchers. If you watched the second episode of Ryan Murphy’s Pose as you should have, you’ll remember Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista (trans actress Mj Rodriguez) responding to Damon’s reasonable question, “What if I’m a bottom and I fall for a guy who is also a bottom?” with a harsh, resounding, “Don’t.”
It’s not. In order to make a relationship between two tops or two bottoms work, you have to be willing to bend — and break — the heteronormative rules. These include the “rule” of monogamy. My boyfriend and I are bottoms, so non-monogamy was a pre-established feature of our relationship from the first date. We both love sex and have lots of it, which means we’re both going to have lots of sex with other people.
I watched that episode with my boyfriend, who, like me, loves the bottom bunk, and prefers it. We looked at each other. Was that really the answer? Was that true?
Thanks to this default relationship setting, other vital talks about fulfillment, boundaries, expectations, and more have happened easily and naturally. We don’t have years behind us, and ours is by all accounts a pretty new relationship, but I’m not worried about our sexual preferences as a point of incompatibility. Quite the opposite — it’s the first relationship where I don’t feel shame or resentment from my partner for wanting to go out and have sex with other people.
The episode brought me back to the time in high school when I first heard the terms “top” and “bottom.” A gay guy at a nearby school explained it to me over the phone. “You know how straight people are, like, a guy and girl, right?” I said yes. “Well gay dudes are like top and bottom.” The discussion that prompted this little education began with a question I asked, one similar question to Damon’s on Pose. My friend and I were talking about another gay guy in town, and I asked if they had ever had sex. “No!” my friend said, almost shouting. “We’re bottom and bottom! That’s like girl and girl. It doesn’t work like that.” With respect, I disagree with that friend, and with Ryan Murphy, and with the entire bullshit heteronormative myth that these roles — top, bottom, and versatile — are fixed states that determine and mandate what relationships we can have. Queer people have always defied the so-called “rules” of sex and dating to carve our own path. We change every dating rule to fit our sex, our lifestyles, our desires. Why, then, should this “rule” be such a road block, such a dealbreaker?
I don’t mean to hold up this relationship as the ideal. I have known several queer couples — including one gay male couple that lasted through five years of college — in which both partners played for the same team. For some reason, gay and bi men seem to tolerate and accept relationships between two tops as being more natural and understandable, but not two bottoms — the reason for which undoubtedly lies somewhere in an ugly cultural bed of misogyny and internalized homophobia. My friend, if you fall for another bottom, don’t believe the naysayers. You can make it work. Ignore what the rulebook says, because there are really no rules. If you click with someone who plays for the same team you do, don’t rule out a relationship. The relationship you build together may prove to be more satisfying, more fulfilling, and more honest than any before.
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: July 13, 2018
VIP FESTIVAL PASS TICKETS ON SALE NOW DO PRIDE BIG THIS YEAR. GIVE YOURSELF THE VIP TREATMENT AT THE FESTIVAL AND SUPPORT ATLANTA PRIDE'S YEAR-ROUND WORK. DON’T DELAY - VIP TICKET QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED AND WILL SELL OUT! VISIT ATLANTAPRIDE.ORG/VIP FOR ALL INFORMATION.
OCTOBER12-14,2018 atlantapride.org
EVENTS THIS
July 13-15 Atlanta Comic Con The comic convention debuts this weekend with all things comic books, toys, cards, games, artwork, cosplay, apparel, celebrity guests and more. More info at atlantacomiccon.com.
MORE INFORMATION:
Georgia World Congress Center
Saturday, July 14, 12-4pm 13th Annual Backpack In The Park Backpack in the Park is back at Piedmont Park! Help local kids start the school year off right with a backpack full of supplies – check out forthekid.org for admission and how to stock up a bag or purchase a virtual backpack.
MORE INFORMATION:
Piedmont Park Greystone Pool Pavillion
Saturday, July 14, 4-6pm Manifestations of Art Manifest4U is celebrating their 9-year anniversary with a unique art presentation by local artists whose art will adorn the walls of the clubhouse – the art may be so erotic you’ll need a towel!
MORE INFORMATION: Manifest 4U
12: July 13, 2018
Office: 678.298.1600 cell: 706.761.2578
JULY Thursday, July 26, 5:30-8:30 pm An Evening of Shopping with Bubbles & Bites Fenuxe’s sister publication, Goliath, hosts this evening of shopping in collaboration with Sarah Cyrus Home. Quality furnishings and one-of-a-kind finds paired with a little bubbly and delectable bites will make this night a must-attend.
MORE INFORMATION:
Sarah Cyrus Home, 1194 Huff Rd NW
featured event Tuesday, July 24, 5:30-7 pm Pride Night at the BB&T Atlanta Open Join fellow tennis enthusiasts at the BB&T Atlanta Open’s Pride Night. Food and cocktails provided courtesy of USTA Diversity & Inclusion Department. Tickets through etix.com.
MORE INFORMATION:
Atlantic Station
Tuesday, July 24 National Tequila Day It’s a known fact that tequila makes you live ten years longer and dramatically improves your dance moves, so come out to celebrate National Tequila Day!
MORE INFORMATION: Sunday, July 22, 8 pm
Zocalo Atlanta
Culture Club, The B-52s, and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey An impressive lineup of some of the biggest bands and performers from the 80s and 90s take the outdoor stage of Chastain. Music lovers young and older are in for a treat as this musical extravaganza rolls across the stage. Tickets via Live Nation.
MORE INFORMATION: Chastain Park Amphitheatre
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SCAN QR FOR TICKETS
15
Kameron Michaels Powers Up By Tom Tietjen
Kameron’s rise to the top three on this past season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race came as a surprise to many, but to none as much as the muscle queen herself! While the quiet Nashville queen established herself as a silent but deadly force to be reckoned with — a lip-synch assassin, so to speak — she admits she was shocked to do so well in the competition.
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“I, like most people, did not see myself in that position,” she told reporters the day after the finale. “I think (during the season) that people have grown to understand me a little bit better.” That’s not the only thing she accomplished during her time on the show. “I learned something new about myself,” she explains. “I’m not an introvert; I’m an ambivert! It’s an important distinction because a lot of introverts fear failure and I’d never be where I am today if I didn’t have the courage to go for my dreams.” We spoke to Kameron from her Nashville home.
What exactly is an ambivert? Kameron Michaels: Ambiverts are introverts that have an internal switch that clicks over to our extroverted side when we need to. A lot of entertainers are ambiverts.
Like Janet Jackson. Exactly.
But not many drag queens are introverts. I’m learning quickly that I am apparently one of the most visibly introverted queens to have been on the show. I’ve had thousands of fans reach out to tell me that they relate to me more than any other queen. As an introvert, I tend to enter a room quietly and go unnoticed for some time. It helps me acclimate to the environment on my own time.
How did you discover drag? Drag is just who I am. I never felt like I had what it took to be a vocalist or a star on Broadway, so drag just became this outlet for me to escape my introverted bubble and be on stage. I love the spotlight, and I love entertaining people.
Did you expect to do as well as you did in the show? No, not at all. I can’t speak for all introverts, but a lot of us have a tendency to self-doubt. I know that I am artistic and have a couple talents, but I just do what I do most days and hope it’s enough. I never see myself as the best of the best. Just trying to do better than I did yesterday. I kept my head down in the competition and just tried to make it day by day. Surprised but very proud of how far I made it.
Looking back now, what were your biggest strengths and weaknesses? My biggest strength is my perseverance. No matter how much my biggest weakness of self-doubt tries to get in the way, I always perform when it’s time and do the best that I can. They balance out well.
You proved this season that you’re one the hardest working queens in the business. We are all working so hard. I am so proud of all of my sisters.
Any plans to release a single or album? I will release music when I am ready. I’m not playing by the rules of the timeline. I’m not going to release music until I can give it the time and attention it needs. My schedule is far too busy for me to do that right now.
You must have a busy summer ahead. Yes. I am booked, busy, and blessed. I am having a blast touring the world and meeting all of the amazing fans that I have reached with the platform the show has given me. I will be headed to Australia and the UK starting in August, and then there will be a US tour starting in September.
Do you add workout time into your artist rider? No, unfortunately that is not something that I have time for right now. I am so busy touring at this point that I honestly must choose between sleep and things like the gym. A full night of sleep on the road is rare. I have to get as much sleep as I can as I am in a different city every day. I’ve accepted that drag needs my full attention right now, and hopefully, after the first year, I can rearrange my schedule to allow more time for fitness again.
So, no special treats on your rider? Honestly, I don’t have time for treats when I arrive at a venue. I’m busy getting ready. As long as I get a vodka before the show, I’m quite happy.
Do you think people underestimated you at the beginning of the competition because of your muscles? I think only a very small percentage of people underestimated me by my boy appearance. My costumes in the first half of the season showed what my drag was all about.
Visit KameronMichaels.com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @KameronMichaels
17
Lashing Out – The Art of Drag By Tyler Scruggs
Drag feels everywhere now, but we still haven’t reached the saturation point. Alongside hip-hop culture, which carries its own wealth of history and struggles for mainstream acceptance, both it and drag tell a narrative through-line that parallels American culture as a whole. In perhaps the most uncertain time in history, it’s stabilizing, motivating even, to see minorities band together to express themselves in the most authentic way possible. This could only be done through art.
Hip-Hop music and culture have had a stronghold in mainstream media for decades now, but drag particularly has hit a stride in recent years. The rise of the current presidential administration in America alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race’s move made from minor-league channel LOGO to VH1 has created this perfect storm of perhaps hyper-awareness of drag culture in the public eye. Straight people are being exposed to and gobbling up RPDR, and more power to it! There’s no doubting the significance RuPaul has personally had in lifting the artform from metropolitan clubs and live venues to mainstream media, but drags sights are set higher than that. With a deep history leading back to Shakespeare, drag (stemming from DRessing As a Girl) has taken many forms, from being a necessity in theater to a part-time hobby for gay men to express themselves through the confines of modern society to the hyper-theatrical pop personality competition it’s become. Through social media, music, and television, drag has extended beyond simply dressing up as a woman and putting on a show, thanks in no small part to Drag Race; drag has become a competition of vocal performance, dance, fashion design and construction, make-up, improv, and all-around congeniality. Your fav could never.
impress? The contestants are confused, and the constructed nature of reality TV and competition shows clouds all the hats (or in this case, wigs) RuPaul puts on every episode. After ten seasons, I’m personally hopeful some of these roles are rectified in the near future because there’s so much good that can come from intimately and honestly unpacking some of the adversities in the queen. The themes are universal to all genders, races, and sexualities, but under the guise of congeniality and competition, one has to wonder if the setting is appropriate. To discuss drag culture in 2018 necessitates such lengthy discussion of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but hopefully, that won’t be the case for long. There are so many, potentially unlimited facets of Drag and gender expression. We haven’t reached a saturation point in the slightest. Locally, there’s an exploration of that saturation point with many bars establishing their own shows, all in competition for THE drag show in Atlanta, but there simply isn’t one yet. And maybe there won’t be just one. Drag is for everyone, and as long as we maintain the themes and purposes of the art and sport, we may be in for the first truly and authentically queer space in mainstream media. All of this begins though when you hand that dollar to the local queen performing their padded ass off.
Honestly, it’s exhausting to see drag stars perform, because the great ones effortlessly perform as a one-woman pop star production, and there’s a stark underappreciation of the queens who do it well while no one’s noticing. This leads to a drive to stand out in other ways, such as comedy, drama, and mythology. Drag is reality TV with a sugar rush. It’s astounding simply how much work is left to the queens themselves and the amount of understanding of celebrity, self-awareness, and performance necessary to pull it off. Perhaps one of the greatest criticisms of Drag Race is how little the focus is on simply pulling off such feats week-by-week, instead focusing on catty, manufactured, and semi-predictable reality TV beats, often exasperated by RuPaul’s intentionally repetitive brand-awareness. More importantly, and more noticeably, is the unpacking of personal struggle and adversity every drag queen is faced with, which leads to a weird dynamic between the contestants and mama Ru. Oftentimes, he tasks herself with the role of Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, and Oprah. RuPaul plays host, therapist, and oftentimes judge in the same breath, and it leads to a very strange dynamic between him and the contestants. Is Ru a mentor, a fan, or an icon to
Photo Credits: DFree / Shutterstock.com
19
OUT & ABOUT
20: July 13, 2018
PHOTOS
DEEP SOUTH: RIVER RAVE PHOTOS BY: MH
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21
BOOK REVIEW
Y
ou have no rope left.
You were at the end of yours last week, and you need help. Advice. Tell-me-what-todo direction. Even a little hint would be great, and in “Blame It On Bianca Del Rio” by Bianca Del Rio, you might find it. Or not. Then again, Del Rio adamantly says that she gives “better advice than Dr. Phil” because what she espouses is based on “years and years of insightful prying and corrosive gossip…” That’s what this “literary goldmine” is based on, but Del Rio cautions that she changed names and circumstances as she wrote this book. In other words, even if you see your name here, it’s not all about you.
> CREDIT | Author: Bianca Del Rio > PHOTO CREDIT | Jovanni Jimenez-Pedraza > COVER PHOTO CREDIT | Courtesy of Dey Street Books > “Blame It On Bianca Del Rio: The Expert on Nothing with an Opinion on Everything”
Some of the problems here may be yours, though, and Del Rio offers “help” – first on health and grooming. This includes bad smells and what to do about them, rocking a bald look, dealing with serious illness, preparing yourself for a loved-one’s death, and looking one’s best (or lowering one’s standards). This book wouldn’t be right without Del Rio’s guidance on sex and relationships. She has a lot to say about LBD (Lesbian Bed Death), coming out as gay to your girlfriend of four years, how many cats a queen can have before crossing the line, and what to do about a terrible mother-in-law. There’s “advice” here on how to deal with neighbors who don’t like you, and neighbors you like a little too much. Find out what Del Rio says about unknown paternity and how to avoid the same situation in the future. Get help on dealing with homophobia, parents that are overly supportive, bad Grandmas, and other family matters. Learn how to turn down an invitation,
By: Always Overbooked... Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC bookwormsez@gmail.com
22: July 13, 2018
how to read an invitation, and how to be rude-not-rude. Finally, find out what it’s like to be famous, fabulous, and fabulously famous. In a rush of snark and a long answer, Del Rio tells all… In case you hadn’t already figured it out – whether you are familiar with author Bianca Del Rio or not, whether you know her work or don’t – you need to know that there’s not one single thing about “Blame It On Bianca Del Rio” that’s PC. Nope, in fact, there may actually be parts of this book that could be downright insulting. Contrary to what you were told in grade school, however, there are some books that need to be judged by their covers and this one is a good example. With one look, you should know what you’re getting yourself into, and a good insult is half the appeal of what you’ll have once you’re there. Mixed in with that is the occasional usable nugget, a lot of “you-go-girl!” empowerment, blunt MYOBiz answers to authentically sticky problems, and fall-down screaminghysterical laughs hidden in the snarkiest of comments. “Blame It on Bianca Del Rio” absolutely does not belong on the shelf with other Agony Aunt tomes. Get it, and it might not even need a shelf at all because you’ll want it close, all tied up in fun.
Join Us For An Evening of Shopping with Bubbles & Bites
Thursday, July 26 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm 1194 Huff Road | Atlanta, GA 30318 404.481.5881 | www.SarahCyrus.com
Artwork by: Rob Clarke
Ask Daddy friends about them. There are a lot of great groups around Atlanta where you can try things. There are nights and events at the Eagle, there are places like 1763, there are even private events at homes like a rope class (search the Facebooks for that). If you don’t want to do something more public, find a fuck bud or a FWB who might be interested in trying new things. I suggest starting with rope. Rope can start out really loose… and then can you tighten it as you go. Handcuffs can be painful, and not good for long term play – and maybe a bit too intense for a first attempt. With rope, you can bind hands in front or in back… or even tie someone’s hands above their head on the bed. Take your time. Ask if the sub is happy. Part of the fun of bondage is the journey to immobility and not the destination (kinda like life). Think of bondage like a song… you don’t just skip to the end because that is the best part, you enjoy the whole thing – from start to climax. As for the rope, try to find a thicker gage – the thin rope can constrict quickly. Some people like the rigging rope sold at HomeDepot. I prefer hemp. And if you want to go fancy, go to etsy.com and look at DreXrope.
Daddy says: Bondage is all about trust… Trust is an amazing thing… it’s the only resource that the more you use, the more you have.
What is this?
Daddy, what do you look for in a sub, pup, slave?
I wanted to create a way to discuss topics that some curious people might not have an audience to ask. Sex is personal; sex isn’t always about making a deep connection, it isn’t always about the other person, it isn’t about the toys or the equipment. Everyone has a different “in” to their sex – a different path to the heart of their passion.
Well, what I look for isn’t what everyone looks for. That’s part of the fun of this, you get to decide. There are men out there who are looking for obedience and service from a sub. There are some who are looking to mentor someone, there are some who enjoy being Daddy and love trading affection. There are some who enjoy providing comfort because it wasn’t something they had, and they want to share that. There are others out there who are just looking for a good lay. What I look for is irrelevant. I think the better question is what you are looking for and is it a good match for what they are looking for? If the two things aren’t in sync, then there are two options: move on or compromise. The issues come when you try to make two things match that don’t. If you are looking for a mentor, and they are looking for a fuck, then there will be problems. I know I harp on this a lot, but it is all about communication and expectation setting.
Successful kink happens when you understand how someone connects to their sex, and you engage accordingly.
Daddy, I am not great in social situations – I’m kinda shy – how do I get better at that? Hey there, boy. Hey there, boy. Here are two little tricks I learned a long time ago: 1.Ask questions. 2. Be a good audience. They seem pretty simple but are not always adhered to in polite (or impolite) conversation. Have you ever met “The One Upper?” Most times, they aren’t attempting to out-do anyone, they are merely trying to say, “I have a similar experience, I’m like you, and we aren’t that different.” It is an attempt to “belong.” The same is true of the person who has an opinion about everything. Try to pay attention to the now, boy, and give them a bit of leeway. So, a better tactic in a conversation is to ask questions directly to someone. Where are they from? Do they enjoy their work? Is this your regular bar? Try to avoid questions that are basically underwriting their social worth like “What do you drive?” “Where do you live?” “What do you for a living” too early in the conversation. The 2nd trick is: simply be a good audience member. Let people tell their stories, don’t interrupt or overtalk. And laugh. Be engaged.
Daddy says: It’s pretty simple. Be authentically curious, and
Daddy says: Know what you are getting in to. If it’s just a lay, have a good time, and enjoy it.
Daddy’s Final thought Take some time for yourself this week, boy. I don’t care if it is just 5 minutes in the morning to quietly have a coffee, if it is to take a walk after dinner, or a quick stroll the park. In that moment, pull your head up from the cacophony around you, and look at where you are, and what you have accomplished, and smile. Good boy.
don’t be a douche nozzle. Give it a try.
Daddy, I want to try bondage, but how do I even start? First and foremost, find someone you trust. Don’t go to a social network site and just choose someone from “the grid.” If you do play with someone you don’t know… get some references by asking
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So, do you have a question you want to ask Daddy? Email your questions to questionfordaddy@gmail.com.
PHOTOSHOOT
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Photography: Martijn Smouter/@martijnsmouter Model: Laurens Lindeman/@laurenslindeman All images courtesy of Teamm8. All styles from the new activewear collection are available at teamm8.com. 27
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Images courtesy of Teamm8. All styles available at teamm8.com.
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Images courtesy of Teamm8. All styles available at teamm8.com.
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31
OUT & ABOUT
32: July 13, 2018
PHOTOS
QUEER HISTORY AT RELAPSE THEATER PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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33
OUT & ABOUT
34: July 13, 2018
PHOTOS
FOURTH OF JULY AT BLAKE’S PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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LIVE. CONNECTED.
imply.
OUT & ABOUT
36: July 13, 2018
PHOTOS
LGBT NIGHT AT BRAVES PHOTOS BY: TOM DEMPSEY
Hey Girl Hey! Holler Poodles! Thanks for all the feedback on my last column. I’m glad you now know where to come for the definitive answers regarding decorum. My next question is from Stan K. Breath who writes, “Mary Edith, What do you do if someone has bad breath?” Well, I guess it depends on how bad it is and the kind of relationship you have with them. If the smell is a 2 or 3 out of 10 and comes from garlic or some kind of food, it’s usually easy to overlook. But if it smells like someone took down their pants and took a massive dump in their mouth, then there’s a real issue. I have known people who have chronic halitosis and just like Pavlov’s dog, my learned response was to keep my face turned so they couldn’t shit breathe directly on me. Sometimes you also have people who insist on breathing the same air you do and after a conversation, you feel the need to wipe your face down with butt wipes. Not cool! The thing is, not everyone has the talent I do for saying just the right thing at the right time. So here are my rules! On a scale of 1-10, if their breath stinks from 1-3, leave them alone, from 4-7 offer a breath mint or some dental floss and from 8-10 offer a roll of toilet tissue to wipe the shit out of their mouth. And by the way, using mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing your teeth. I don’t want to smell minty fresh poop!!! If it is a casual acquaintance, I recommend politely holding your nose and making a face like a child. When they ask you is something wrong, just say “it smells like someone just took a dump!” or “Did you just fart?” If you’re dealing with a close friend, don’t hesitate to ask them did they just eat a dirty ass? They’ll get the hint real quick. What if they are a lover, husband, boyfriend etc. who want to french kiss you? Short of hauling the floss out and flossing their teeth for them, you could say “Honey, I don’t know why it is but everytime we kiss, I want to throw up and then eat your ass! Any idea why that is? Keep your mouth clean and your words dirty!!
Love and lashes
Mary Edith Pitts
Have questions for me, Poodles? If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please contact me at maryedith99@gmail.com and add me on twitter @maryedithpitts and Facebook. 38: July 13, 2018
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