SOUTHERN WITH A GAY TWIST
03.11.16 V7-05
Jonny Be Good ATHENA RIPKA:
lithium is addicting
Polyamory Questions You Were Afraid To Ask BY: GAMALIEL GROOTENBOER
ICARUS
OUR PAST OUR PRESENT THE FUTURE SAVE THE DATE
ATLANTA PRIDE 2016 OCTOBER 10-11, 2016 PIEDMONT PARK
Contents
FENUXE 03.11.2016
07
CALENDAR: 8 GREAT THINGS TO DO
08
OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS
20
ATHENA RIPKIN LITHIUM IS ADDICTING
22
JONNY BE GOOD
24
POLYAMORY QUESTIONS YOU WERE AFRAID TO ASK
28
ICARUS
36
HEY GIRL HEY
38
GAY NEWS AT A GLANCE
BY: GAMALIEL GROOTENBOER
ICARUS PG 28
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MAR 13
FUN
GOSPEL BRUNCH Sunday, March 13 Wake up, get out your tamboreens, put on your Sunday best and make joyful noise with the Sisters of Sequin – Bubba D. Licious and Justice Counce – at Gospel Brunch, Lips Atlanta. You will definately feel the Spirit! For more info and to make reservations visit atldragshow.com/
Friday, March 11 Hillary Clinton is one of the most divisive political figures in recent American memory. As we move further into the 2016 electoral process, join Charis in welcoming a few of the contributors and the editor of the new book “Love Her, Love Her Not: The Hillary Paradox.” 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore. com FUN
FUN MAR 12
HILLARY: LOVE HER BODY & SOUL OR LOVE HER NOT
Friday, March 11 Now in its 6th year, pb&j Gallery hosts “Body and Soul,” which celebrates the beautiful male nude form. Artists involved include videographer Drew Davis, presenting an erotic video short, and award-winning photographers Bob Burkhardt and Trevor Green. The show will be on display through March 18. www.pbj-gallery.com
MAR 16 05.03.15
Friday, March 11 Shake the dust off your racquets, come out of hibernation, and join the 2016 tennis season in style. Come to the ATTA (Atlanta Team Tennis Association) for the 2016 Hooch Doubles Classic. This tournament serves as the organization’s club championships. Sharon Lester Tennis Center, 400 Park Dr. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309
ART
DISCUSS MAR 11
MAR 11
2016 HOOCH DOUBLES CLASSIC
MAR 15
MAR 11
SWEAT
MANSHAFT Saturday, March 12 Pull out those flannels, union suits, skull caps, squeeze into your signature sexy tight jeans and expect a hot log jam full of furry chests and faces, hot daddies, bears and their cubs at Manshaft, with DJ Neon the Glowgobear spinning at 9 p.m. and then DJ Diablo Rojo taking over, Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com
FUN CHARITY
LET’S MAKE A DEAL
TINA TURNER HUMPDAY!
Tuesday, March 15 If you like gameshows especially ones where you win, then you’ll want to join host Ken for Let’s Make a Deal from 6 – 10 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com
Wednesday, March 16 We need another hero and we also need more private dancers, so get your best Tina Turner impression on at the Humpday Karaoke competition, hosted by Angelica and Malibu, 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com
AGLCC MAR 17
CALENDAR
EAT & NETWORK Thursday, March 17 The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Builder Luncheon is Hosted by Chip Ivie and Chris Torrens on the third Thursday of each month at 11:45 a.m. The event is limited to 14 respondents. Henry’s Midtown, henrysatl.com/
FENUXE.COM : 7
OUT & ABOUT
08: March 11, 2016
PHOTOS
LGBT NIGHT @ THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY PHOTOS BY: MIKE STONE
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a smart and funny look at work, love, and get-rich-quick tech start-ups.
February 13–March 6 Series on the Hertz Stage
Tickets @ 404.733.500
alliancetheatre.org/startdown // Groups 404.733.4690
OUT & ABOUT
PHOTOS
TITANS SOFTBALL BEER AND BOWL @ MIDTOWN BOWL PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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FENUXE.COM : 11
OUT & ABOUT
12: March 11, 2016
PHOTOS
SUNDAY FUNDAY @ TEN ATLANTA PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
FENUXE.COM : 19
OUT & ABOUT
14: March 11, 2016
PHOTOS
OUT ON FILM @ LANDMARK ART CINEMA PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
Atlanta’s own Terry Burrell brings the wit of amazing performer Ethel Waters to life in this one woman play with music.
Terry Burrell in the Walnut Street Theatre production of Ethel.
Ticketass as low
$20
March 25–April 17
Tickets @ 404.733.500
alliancetheatre.org/ethel // Groups 404.733.4690
By and starring Terry Burrell Directed by Kenneth Roberson
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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FENUXE.COM : 15
OUT & ABOUT
16: March 11, 2016
PHOTOS
T DANCE @ MY SISTER’S ROOM PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
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OUT & ABOUT
18: March 11, 2016
PHOTOS
HOTLANTA SOFTBALL PARTY @ THE EAGLE PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT
Come View our Decorated Model
Towns at Druid Hills Townhomes from the low $500s For more information, please call Bakari Maxwell or Tarecia Johnson at 404.634.4485.
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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 February 15, 2016 and March 31, 2016. In the Towns at Druid Hills community only, “$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 February 15, 2016 and March 31, 2016 are also eligible to receive “$5,000 towards closing costs”. Promotion is available only to buyers financing through CalAtlantic 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 CalAtlantic Mortgage® Corporation reserve the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. See a CalAtlantic Mortgage® Corporation loan office for more details. CalAtlantic 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
MUSIC
BY: PAUL HUTNICK
Athena Ripka is making her move from the stages of Broadway to those of dance clubs with “Lithium”, her highenergy anthem remixed by DJ icons Razor & Guido and Dan De Leon. Athena celebrated the song’s ascension into Billboard’s top ten with a performance at Industry Bar for Sherry Vine’s birthday. It’s where we caught up with her.
18 years-old).
Congratulations on breaking into Billboard’s Top 10 with “Lithium”! What was your reaction to hearing the news? Athena: Excitement! It is surreal to get Billboard Magazine in the mail and see my name in it.
What was it like performing your new song “Lithium” at Industry? It was a ton of fun being there and being a part of Sherry Vine’s birthday! The crowd was awesome and I didn’t even need a fake ID to get in.
Has it been a tough transition from theatre to club stages? Not really. People go to the theatre to have a good time and to clubs to have a good time. It is the same thing, but in a club I get the opportunity to sing my own lyrics and I have more freedom to make creative choices.
Let’s talk favorites…what’s your favorite song right now? Tchami’s remix of Janet Jackson’s “Go Deep”.
How do you plan to make your mark in pop? By trusting my vision and hoping that what I have to say resonates with people. What are the biggest hurdles you face? Being taken seriously at my age. (Athena is
Why is it important to have the support of the gay community? It is important to have gay support because they have my full support. I look forward to the day when we are not categorized and we are all one community.
Social Networking app? I love Instagram but Snapchat is my favorite. I use Snapchat as my own little vlog, constantly updating people on my life. Fashion designer? I work with David Quinn, a designer here in NYC. He is truly a gifted designer. He always knows how to make me look my best.
YouTube celeb? Yanis Marshall. I envy the way he dances in heels and I would love to work with him. What’s next? I just came back from LA where I recorded a new song I’m really excited about. I’m looking forward to touring this summer! Athena’s “Lithium” and its remixes are available on iTunes now. Follow Athena on Snapchat @ athenaripka. Visit athenaripka.com.
OP ED INTERVIEW
Jonny
Be Good Jonny McGovern Launches the 4th Season of His Popular Web-TV show, Hey Qween!
“Binary: (adj.) consisting of, indicating, or involving two.”
BY: JOE GERBINO
Each week, comedian Jonny McGovern and his co-host, Lady Red Couture, welcome the top drag queens in the country to the Hey Qween! couch. Everyone from RuPaul, Laganga Estranja, Courtney Act, Candis Cayne... the list goes on and on. Fans tune in for the uproarious comedy and musical stunts: the lap dances that range from sexy to the hilariously awkward, the “Black Lady Screamin’ “ segment with Lady Red belting out the show’ s theme song, and, of course, who doesn’ t love the “Look At Huh!” game? You haven’ t seen the show, you say? Well, hop on board this gay train, honey, because season four is pulling out! Host Jonny McGovern explains. Why is season 4 the biggest, gayest season of Hey Qween! yet? Jonny McGovern: We have a new set, amazing guests and a new addition! Adam Joseph, the music producer behind all my albums has joined the cast as our bandleader. We are calling them Adam Joseph and The Go To Bed Wigs. How would you describe Hey Qween! to someone who hasn’t seen the show? It’s like the classic tonight show if Johnny Carson was a big gay lumberjack and Ed McMahon was the largest drag queen in captivity. We are a place for gay stars and
underground legends to come and tell their stories in a way you can’ t find on any other show. We cut up, have a kiki, and a gay ol’ time. At the end of each show, our star gets to snatch a trophy and wins a lap dance from one of our in-house strippers. It’s a half hour of pure fun! What is your goal with the show? After a decade of making gay music videos, I was ready to reinvent myself. The Gay Pimp is a fun character but it’s only one aspect of what I do. Hey Qween! allows me to be myself. There are aspects of all the things I love in the show: comedy, music, fun and interviewing. I love helping our audience get to know the artists they admire even better and showing a lil’ bit of who they truly are. I love curating exciting new stars and cool artists for our audience to discover. I want to preserve and celebrate the stories of LGBT artists. That, alone, is rewarding. Ultimately, I want to make the show as big as it can be, whether that’s staying on the Internet and creating our own Hey Qween! web community or taking it to television. What makes Lady Red Couture the perfect sidekick? She was the first person I thought of when creating the concept of Hey Qween!. We are best friends in real life and we always have a blast. We bring that energy into the studio. If a guest’ s energy is
lacking, or they’re being difficult, I can always throw to Lady Red to lighten the mood, make a joke or throw a lil’ shade. The audience loves to see her snacking during the show. You’ve named your ultimate dream guests as Andre Leon Talley and Jackee from 227. Why? They both personify the outrageous, larger than life and supremely talented guests we love at Hey Qween!. Both made their own way in some very competitive industries and both are hilarious. What’s next? I decided to take some of the most beloved elements of Hey Qween! and create shows out of them. Lady Red now stars in “Judge Lady Red”, a court show where she decides whether it’s ‘ Shade’ or ‘ No Shade’ in cases between young queens. The lap dancers have their own show too. “He’s Fit” is a parody of fitness shows with Greg McKeon stripping down Instagram hotties and then having a flex battle with them! “HOT T.” is our bi monthly gossip show with Julie Goldman and Brandy Howard (from Bravo’s “The People’s Couch”) breaking down the hot topics of the week. Oh, and this season, we are introducing a new advice show. We have so many fans writing in and asking us our opinions. We decided to create a show to answer them! Visit http://heyqween.tv
INTERVIEW HEALTH CULTURE
Polyamory Questions You Were Afraid To Ask... Until Now 24: March 11, 2016
BY: EDWARD YAEGER
you know polyamory is all the rage now? This is a question Didthree different people have asked me in just the past month alone. Whether they asked it in jest, somehow rhetorically, or in all seriousness, I knew the answer: Yes. Yes, it kinda is.
The first polyamorous ‘unit’ I met was over 10 years ago. It consisted of a primary couple, in which each partner had a secondary boyfriend. I met three of the four of the unit in Fire Island, although they were all based in the Atlanta area, where, in the gay community at least, there seems to be a growing number of unique arrangements involving more than two partners. This particular unit had all sorts of rules. For example, the primaries could have sex with each other or with their respective secondaries, but the secondaries could not have sex with each other or with their non-primary. And if one of the primaries was home, then his secondary could sleep in bed with him. But if both primaries were home, then it was sofa city for the secondaries! I recall sitting at dinner with three-fourths of the unit and with five or six of my close friends; I was so fascinated, I had to ask how it all worked. But when I did, I was shot down immediately, not just by the unit, but also by all of my friends - as if I had broken an unspoken but obvious rule that any discussion about their relationship was off limits and inappropriate. Predictably, because I was henceforth not permitted to ask any more questions, lest I break another “rule,” I only grew more curious. Fast forward about a decade, when I met Jason, a scientist and ex-boyfriend of a friend of mine. Jason is a member of a polyamorous unit comprised of four men - all attractive, all accomplished, and all very approachable. I asked Jason if I could write about their relationship, with an emphasis on its mechanics (i.e., the day-to-day), which, based on my biased, statistically unsound research among friends on Facebook, seemed to be what many
people were most interested in. What follows are snippets from my conversation last year with Jason; John, a veterinarian; and Mark and Sid, two entrepreneurs and the co-founders of a trendy new store in Marietta. *All names have been changed to protect the identities of the men. First and foremost, men, what is polyamory? Jason: Polyamory, in my view, is a committed relationship among multiple, consenting adults. After that, there’s a great deal of flexibility in how polyamory can be defined, independent of the sexual component, which many people seem to get too hung up on. Got it, and we’ll get to the sexual component in a little bit, but in the meantime - why? Why polyamory? Mark: Polyamory doesn’t have to be anything, but what it is for us is having the flexibility and freedom to love each other in our own way - that’s why we’re together. It’s kind of the opposite of marriage. Ah, yes, marriage. It’s one of the reasons why I’m reluctant to write this article. In the fight for marriage equality, the last thing I want to do is fuel the flames of the far right, who’ll claim you’ll all want to get married - first to each other, then to your dogs. Jason: We’re not interested in marriage. Our focus is on our unique, mutually consensual relationship. Sid: I almost look at marriage as a fourletter word. It’s a bastardized institution in many ways; it’s something I don’t want to be a part of. Jason: And polyamory is not polygamy. So what is the distinction between polyamory and polygamy? Jason: Polygamy focuses on an institution of marriage, however it’s defined. Polyamory focuses on love. Pure and simple. Take the sex out, just leave the love part in. Contrary to what we’re told or what we’re led to believe, love is not finite. People think that you can only love one person, which makes no sense to me - it’s not only illogical, but it completely goes against the core of my being.
That makes sense, but how do you address your lack of rights and benefits given to couples and recognized by the government (i.e., financial, legal, health, etc.)? Jason: These become open discussions. We formulate our decisions together and put everything into writing. We’re very pragmatic that way. Mark: We make all of our decisions independent of what the government ordains or recommends. I appreciate your proactive pragmatism (and should learn from it), but some things still remain a challenge, no? Take, for example, visiting a non-marital spouse or partner in the hospital? John: Correct. If there was a car accident and somebody was put in the hospital,
Her immediate response was, “Is that a gay thing?” Then she texted, “I don’t even care, as long as you’re happy.” Now when we text or talk on the phone, she asks, “How are the boys?”
Mark: My parents live in Rehoboth, on a gay beach. So does my brother. He’s been back and forth on the polyamory thing. But my parents are very comfortable with it. Jason: My parents are the exception, they don’t know. They’re still out West, where I see them once every five or six years. It’s one of those conversations I’d rather have in person, as opposed to over the phone or via text, so it probably won’t happen until I’m back in my hometown, which is an ongoing question. So I’m the one oddity in that sense. What about other people? Not that it matters, but what sort of reception do you experience among new friends, acquaintances, colleagues, etc.? John: There are basically three ways of being received: 1) they’re not okay with it; 2) they are okay with it but don’t care; or 3) they’re really interested and ask a lot of questions. What’s the number one question you are asked? All: How does the bed work?! And what’s the answer?! John: [without skipping a beat] It’s two queens put together; and it’s Mark, Sid, John and Jason. Mark: I think of it in terms of Android charger, iPhone charger, Android charger, iPhone charger.
none of us would, in theory, be able to actually see one another right away; we’re similar to a non-married straight couple in that regard. There are some measures we could put into place for extreme cases... Jason: But, as it stands now, our parents would probably have to get involved. The parents, yes. Tell us about your parents and what they think about your relationship. John: My parents actually met all three of the guys before they knew that we were together, and then I texted my mom, because we don’t really chat on the phone, and told her. Her immediate response was, “Is that a gay thing?” Then she texted, “I don’t even care, as long as you’re happy.” Now when we text or talk on the phone, she asks, “How are the boys?”
What about spooning? Who spoons whom, if there’s any spooning at all? Sid: We are all over each other. Mark: Our sleeping positions are based on how much we spoon and what time we get up in the morning. John: That’s not entirely true. Mark is on the end because he doesn’t like to cuddle; he gets clammy. I can relate. So I don’t want to belabor the bed situation, but I have to ask: what if someone has to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom? John: I sleep so soundly, it doesn’t matter. All three of them could be murdered in bed and I wouldn’t wake up. Sid: I usually have to use the bathroom, so I scoot down the bed.
Mark: And chances are, if Sid’s scooting down the bed to go, I’m probably thinking I should get up and go, too. I’m a sound sleeper, too. With a bladder of a camel. Is that even an expression? Anyway, what’s another (non-sexual) question you are frequently asked? Jason: I’m sometimes asked who the “alpha” is. There is none. Thank god. Because I do NOT want to have to get into the hierarchy and rules of ‘primaries,’ ‘secondaries,’ etc. The whole thing seems like one giant headache, no? Jason: Agreed. We sometimes use those terms when addressing the chronology of how we all met, but our relationship is one of equals. It has to be. [How the four met is redacted due to space limitations.] When I asked my friends what they were most curious about, many of them asked questions related to the day-to-day: how do you handle grocery shopping, cooking, household chores, etc.? Sid: It depends on what it is.
Mark: If it’s tech-related, I’m in charge. Kitchen is more Sid. Breadwinning is kind of Jason.
How do you communicate when you’re not sitting together at breakfast or at dinner?
And the bills?
Sid: Facebook Messenger is really effective; it’s been a good platform for us.
Mark: I am 100% all bills - credit cards, rents. I make sure everything is upto-date: the Target card; the preferred American Express card with 5% back on groceries, 3% back on gas; 2% Capital One card dollar purchases. For organization, if we’re going to get into that, Google Apps is the answer to a lot. Relationships will work with the right amount of technology at the right times, understanding that at other times it won’t be of any use. This kind of leads into scheduling, and making time for each other. Mark: We have a Google calendar for the family that is constantly updated by everyone. There’s a layer to the calendar that has John’s work schedule, which isn’t as consistent as the rest of ours. We try to have breakfast together at least two or three times a week, even if that requires Sid and me to get up at 6 am or 5 am we do it, so we can all be together and communicate. We plan family dinners, often at breakfast. We try not to eat out too much, though. We cook a lot.
Jason: It’s essentially a group text. Mark: You can see who’s read what and when. Sid: You can also see where a message has been sent from. Mark: Sid and I work at home and we use an app called, Life360, so that whenever Jason or John leaves work, we get a notification to let us know to start making tortillas or whatever. Jason: Pretty much we can track each other through GPS. But it’s all very passive. Going back to scheduling, what’s your approach to weekends and vacations? Mark: Weekends are easy, mostly dictated by our schedules. Vacations are more difficult; we try to coordinate them. John: Being from Colorado, I prefer the snow; the other three like warmer
climates. But, to be honest, I’m okay with going pretty much anywhere. It’s a new experience, and I get to be with my boys. But there are times when I’m fairly sure we’re going to go somewhere where I’m going to be miserable. Mark: We went to Charleston and didn’t tell John where we were going. That was a strategy; we didn’t tell him until we hit South of the Border in South Carolina. John: I actually enjoyed myself that time. What about the logistics of traveling?
Jason: Which means the pressure’s off to do anything. If one of us wants to see his [non-poly] family, then that’s perfectly okay. He can visit them, and we’ll stay home and do our own thing. The idea of a complicit descent of obligation does not exist in this house. Nothing’s a requirement in that way, including things like gift-giving. All right, let’s finish up by discussing sex and intimacy. How are the two different in your current relationship from your respective past monogamous ones?
Jason: Yeah, I’m a staunch atheist.
Mark: I think everyone in general secretly wants to sleep with someone else. When you’re with one person, you can grow tired of him very easily. If you’ve gone on a long vacation with one person, or had a roommate in college, or even had a monogamous relationship, you realize that things ebb and flow. Like, I could have a really strong connection with Jason, including passionate sex with him, but it will ebb. When it cools off and maybe becomes a little more practical, we can relate to each other in a whole other way, while interacting physically intimately with John and Sid, or not. I just think it’s better that there are so many more ways to freely express and explore ourselves.
Mark: All of us are atheist.
Jason: Expanding on what Mark is saying,
Jason: We have three vehicles, and one is a minivan. Mark: With four people it’s difficult to book hotel rooms on travel sites since most availabilities and deals are based on double occupancy. Sure, we get to split a hotel room among four people with four salaries, but we don’t always get the best rates. Holidays? John: Thankfully, that hasn’t been an issue.
because we’re dealing with four different people with four different schedules, timing - and I know I’m taking a very pragmatic approach to this - you get options; there is inherent variation as part of this dynamic. And no one gets jealous? Jason: No. Mark: We do have a sex policy, though. Jason: Yes. If somebody wants to get off, he gives everyone at least a five-minute notice. Sid: Usually by text message. Jason: And then you’re free to join, not join, watch, not watch, whatever you want to do. There’s no obligation. But what if nobody’s interested at that moment? Jason: That rarely happens. Somebody’s libido will invariably be up for it. Follow Edward Yaeger on Twitter: www.twitter.com/edwardyaeger
FASHION
waters edge BY CHRIS KIUIKSON
ICARUS by: gamaliel grootenboer
WWW.GAMALIEL.ME FACEBOOK.COM/GAMALIELGROOTENBOER INSTAGRAM: @GAMALIELGROOTENBOER MODEL: RAFA RERCH MAKEUP: PATRICIA KATTKINS STYLING: GAMALIEL GROOTENBOER COLLABORATION: DANIEL AVILA, MACU GAVILÁN, BLANCA GUEVARA & IVANIA HUM
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Hey Girl Hey!
Holler Poodles! Now that the Oscars have come and gone, it is time for my annual list of porn parodies that I submit to the big producers in LA (Lower Alabama) each year. My selections for best picture are as follows: The Martian becomes “The Man From Uranus”. The first pregnant man gives birth anally to Ted Cruz. Though his rise to power is mediocre, the shit hits the fan when he decides to run for president and the world forces him to climb back inside Donald Trump’s ass! This one’s a real shit show!!! Mad Max: Fury Road becomes “Mad Max: Furry Road”. Max is mad because his lover of two weeks has cheated on him with a bear. In his rage, he seeks revenge on a whole community of hairy bears. Max entices hairy bears to his lair and traps them and sheers them bare forcing them to make a twink sex video. Repulsed by their “lack of hair” and their twinkie look, they resort to donning “Furries” costumes until their furry locks are restored! Room Becomes “Motel” The story of a twink stuck in a motel room at the Cheshire Motor Inn who must trade sexual favors to get by. With no clothes, he’s relies on the kindness of “strangers”, a spotty wi fi signal and his remarkable resemblance to Justin Bieber to survive. Alas, all is not what it seems when one trick decides to go down on Justin and discovers a vagina. Bridge of Spies becomes “Catwalk of Drag Queens”. An international spy ring of Jonesboro’s best drag queens fight tooth (not teeth) and nail(s) to topple the city’s newest gay pickup bar “The Duty Chute!” When the shit hits the fan, these queens put their best heel forward and slide through the muck to victory and the title “Jaymes BondAge, International Spy. Brooklyn Becomes “Buck-Head”. Buck was born with affluenza but without a gag reflex. What’s a gay boy to do? At the age of 2, he could swallow a pickle whole and by the age of 12 he could deepthroat a summer sausage. What’s a talented boy to do? I’m happy to report these have all be selected to be produced and they will be coming to a VCR near you soon. 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 NATHAN DEAL USES NEW TESTAMENT TO REJECT ANTILGBT ‘RELIGIOUS FREEDOM’ BILL Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) broke ranks with his state’s conservative lawmakers on Thursday in speaking out against a proposed “religious freedom” bill, Towleroad reported. “I think what the New Testament teaches us is that Jesus reached out to those who were considered the outcasts, the ones that did not conform to the religious societies’ view of the
world and said to those of belief, ‘This is what I want you to do,’” Deal said after a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Atlanta. “We do not have a belief — in my way of looking at religion — that says we have to discriminate against anybody. If you were to apply those standards to the teaching of Jesus, I don’t think they fit.” The measure, which was passed with bipartisan support in the state Senate, would allow clergy to opt out of performing same-sex marriages, and protect “a person or faith-based organization who believes, speaks, or acts in accordance with certain sincerely held religious beliefs” from incurring any penalties from the state government. The bill has already drawn comparisons to heavily-criticized measures in
CAITLYN JENNER WANTS TO BE ‘TRANS AMBASSADOR’ FOR ANTI-TRANS TED CRUZ When Caitlyn Jenner met Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz more than a year ago, she was still presenting as a male named Bruce Jenner. She says the US Senator from Texas ‘was very nice’ during their meeting. How Cruz, who has spoken out against trans issues and LGBTI equality, would behave if he were to now be face-to-face with Caitlyn is not yet known.
36: March 11, 2016
Jenner, 66, has remained a staunch Republican since her transition last year and continues to defend a political party whose leaders have largely continued to be against LGBTI equality.
Arkansas and Indiana which were ultimately walked back. But despite stating his belief that marriage is between a man and a woman, Deal has said that this type of legislation is “not one of those issues that I have been pushing.” We are not jeopardized, in my opinion, by those who believe differently from us,” Deal said. “We are not, in my opinion, put in jeopardy by virtue of those who might hold different beliefs or who may not even agree with what our Supreme Court said the law of the land is on the issue of same-sex marriage. I do not feel threatened by the fact that people who might choose same-sex marriages pursue that route.”
But Jenner says she’d welcome Cruz being elected to The White House. ‘Wouldn’t it be great, let’s say he goes on to be president,’ she says. ‘And I have all my girls on a trans issues board to advise him on making decisions when it comes to trans issues. Isn’t that a good idea?’ There would be much for Jenner to teach Cruz who last November described the Obama administration’s support of trans students as ‘lunacy.’ In reaction to wanting to allow students to use the restrooms of the gender of which they identify, Cruz accused the government of ‘trying to force (school districts) to let boys shower with little girls.’ Still, Jenner declares: ‘I like Ted Cruz. I think he’s very conservative and a great constitutionalist and a very articulate man. She goes on to explain why she still supports the Republican party. ‘Number 1, if we don’t have a country, we don’t have trans issues. We need jobs. We need a vibrant economy. I want every trans person to have a job. With $19 trillion in debt and it keeps going up, we’re spending money we don’t have. Eventually, it’s going to end. And I don’t want to see that.
and sport, it will be a rare chance to be free from the homophobic oppression of the government.
RUSSIAN LAWMAKER VOWS TO ARREST ATHLETES, SPECTATORS AT GAY WINTER SPORTS FESTIVAL Russia LGBT Sports Federation respond in the best way to the notorious homophobic lawmaker A Russian lawmaker has vowed to arrest athletes, spectators at a gay winter sports festival. From tomorrow till Monday (5-7 March), a sports facility in Priozersk, Leningrad will pay host to the ‘Paint With Winter’ festival. A celebration of rainbow families, athleticism
BIGGEST LOSER: MANNY PACQUIAO TAKES A BEATING IN LATEST SENATORIAL POLL FOLLOWING ANTI-GAY REMARKS The boxer-congressman attracted international condemnation last month when he said that ‘same-sex couples were “worse than animals”’ Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who is running for a seat in the
any parliamentary members to ban the festival,’ she said. ‘This means all of these threats from this well-known deputy were
likely false and done for his PR.’ ‘This sports event is being organized for adult LGBT people.’
Until now. Vitaly Milonov, the notorious lawmaker who was the author of the country’s ‘gay propaganda’ law, has reacted with outrage. On Radio Baltica, he has demanded police arrest any person that promotes homosexuality to a minor. ‘The law must not allow any of the [gay men] an opportunity to touch our children,’ he said. ‘These people want to stay in hotel rooms with children.’ He has also called for the arrest of the organizers of the festival, the Russia LGBT Sports Federation. Maria Mikhailova, a spokesperson for the Russia LGBT Sports Federation, said the festival is being held in ‘full accordance with the current Russian law’. ‘The authorities of Leningrad have stated they have not received any inquiries from
Philippine’s 24-seat Senate, has suffered a huge drop that nearly had him kicked out of the magic 12, according to a poll released on Friday by Pulse Asia Inc. In February, the boxer became the subject of an international controversy after he said in a TV interview that ‘same-sex couples were “worse than animals”‘. He was dropped by his sponsor sporting giant Nike within days. Pacquiao, who is running under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), registered the biggest decline in the voters’ level of support, according to the poll. From 46.9 percent rating in early February, which put him in the 8th to 10th spot, Pacquiao’s rating dropped by 12.1 percentage points to 34.8 percent, placing him in the 11th to 14th position among other candidates, Sun Star reported. The survey was conducted among 1,800 registered voters.
CANADA CONSIDERING APOLOGY TO VETERANS WHO WERE SACKED FOR BEING GAY The Canadian Government is reportedly considering issuing a formal apology to gay men and lesbians who were dishonorably discharged from the military before they became able to serve openly in 1992. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Canada in 1969 thanks to legislation introduced by Pierre Trudeau – the father of Canada’s current prime minister Justin Trudeau. But for another 23 years
after that gay and lesbian Canadians would be sacked from Department of National Defense jobs if their sexuality became known at work.It is estimated that hundreds, if not thousands, of gay and lesbian service members were dishonorably discharged from their jobs under the policy and a ‘We Demand an Apology Network’ has been campaigning to have their honor restored and an official apology. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s New Democratic Party had called on the then Conservative lead Canadian Government to make such an apology while in Opposition but one was not made. Now activists are hopeful that the New Democratic Party will issue an apology now that they hold office.
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