01/09/15, Vol. 5 Issue 22 by Georgia Voice

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

IN THIS ISSUE OF GA VOICE

01.09.15

THE GEORGIA VOICE

PO Box 77401 | Atlanta, GA 30357 404-815-6941 | www.thegavoice.com

Deputy Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com

NEWS

Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Jim Farmer, Vandy Beth Glenn, Cliff Bostock, Shannon Hames, Bill Kaelin, Ryan Lee, Steve Warren, Simon Williamson

BUSINESS

Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Managing Partner: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com

11 | Diet and fitness mythbusters are here to help 12 | How much exercise to burn off junk food? 13 | Super snacks offer healthy options

Sales Executive: Anne Clarke aclarke@thegavoice.com Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group

Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran says he is considering a lawsuit against the city. (Official photo)

In loving memory of Mike Ritter, 1965-2014

FINE PRINT

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OUTSPOKEN FRIENDS & FOES IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, Publix is expanding spouse coverage for its health, dental and vision benefit plans to associates who are married in any state where same-sex marriages are legal, regardless of the associates’ state of residence.” -An internal memo from Publix corporate communciations department. (Miami Herald, Dec. 30)

“It ought be a local decision. I mean, a state decision. The state decided. The people of the state decided. But it’s been overturned by the courts, I guess.” -Former Florida governor Jeb Bush on the overturning of the state’s gay marriage ban (Miami Herald, Jan. 4)

18 | Theater: Georgia Ensemble Theater brings surprising Lewis Black comedy to stage 21 | Food: Exciting new restaurant Last Word offers inventive dishes 22 – 24 | Best Bets calendar 25 | Books: Story of gay soldier’s life important in post-DADT world

COLUMNISTS

26 | That’s What She Said: Melissa Carter on how 2015 promises new resolutions...or not 27 | Out in the Wild: Simon Williamson on how the equality fight goes on long after laws are passed

Photo via Outsports

All material in the GA Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the GA Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the GA Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of the GA Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to the GA Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. The GA Voice is published every other Friday by The GA Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of the GA Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the GA Voice and its staff.

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National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

“It is time we learn to accept each other for who we truly are. Being seen, heard, and truly loved as our authentic selves is something we all want, and something we all deserve.” -My Chemical Romance guitarist Ray Toro, on dedicating his new song “For the Lost and Brave” to 17-year-old trans teen Leelah Alcorn, who recently took her own life after her parents took her to Christian therapists who told her she was “selfish and wrong and that I should look to God for help.” (Towleroad, Dec. 30)

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GA VOICE | 6

01.09.15

NEWS

NEWSIN BRIEF

LGBT activists Darlene Hudson and Craig Washington founded the Audre Lorde/Bayard Rustin Breakfast 14 years ago. (File photo)

RUSTIN/LORDE BREAKFAST HONORS LEGACY OF BLACK GAY ACTIVISTS

The annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast is set for Jan. 19 at the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta, and will include discussion about the protests against police brutality targeting black people. The breakfast honors the life and legacies of Rustin, a gay civil rights leader and chief organizer of the renowned 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; and Lorde, a lesbian writer, poet and activist. Always held on the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the breakfast also serves as a catalyst for social progressives in the New Year while also bringing people together to share a meal and dialogue before participating in the annual MLK March and Rally. This year’s breakfast comes on the heels of rallies and marches taking place in Atlanta and across the country protesting the killing of two black men, Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York, by white police officers. Organizers of the breakfast say it is important to support those leading the protests. “This work as demonstrated by LGBTQ people of color involved in liberation movements must be intersectional and not single issue focused,” said breakfast co-founder Darlene Hudson in a statement. “We each as individuals, groups, and organizations have an important role in determining our future and we are strengthened when we do the work collectively.” The doors open at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast to be served beginning at 10 a.m. The breakfast was held for several years at Saint Mark United Methodist Church before outgrowing that space and last year moved to All Saints Episco-

MORE INFO Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast

Monday, Jan. 19 Doors open at 9:30 a.m., breakfast served at 10 a.m. Loudermilk Center 40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 www.facebook.com/RustinLordeBreakfast

pal Church where some 300 people packed the venue in a standing room only event. This year’s theme is “Justice, Freedom, and Desire: A Homecoming Part II.” Free parking will be available. LGBT participants in the march will gather at the corner of Peachtree Street and Ellis Street before the march steps off at 2 p.m. — Dyana Bagby

COBB COUNTY CITY APPROVES HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FOR GAY EMPLOYEES

The Smyrna City Council voted 5-2 on Jan. 5 to extend health care benefits to the spouses of same-sex married couples. Smyrna is the first city in conservative Cobb County to do offer such benefits to LGBT people, according to Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon in a story from the Marietta Daily Journal. The benefits are for the spouses of LGBT couples who are legally married in states where same-sex marriage is recognized. Smyrna already provides legally-married same-sex couples retirement benefits in compliance with the Georgia Municipal Association’s policy that follows the mandate issued by the IRS after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a major portion of the Defense of Marriage Act.

www.theGAVoice.com Other cities and counties in Georgia offering health care benefits to same-sex couples include Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Doraville, Clarkston, Savannah, and Athens-Clarke County.

NEW ATLANTA POLICE LGBT LIAISON NAMED

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner appointed a new LGBT liaison to the department on New Year’s Eve. The APD has two LGBT liaisons. Officer Courtney Murphy was officially named as a new LGBT liaison on Dec. 31 and veteran liaison Senior Patrol Officer Brian Sharp has been moved to work in Zone 5, which includes Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station and downtown. Murphy is a native of Conyers, Ga., and joined the APD in 2010. She has served in Zone 5, the Community Oriented Policing Section, School Detectives, and in the Gang Unit. Sharp found out about his transfer on Christmas Eve and announced the reassignment on his Facebook page, saying he was sad to be moved out of the position he’s held for the past four years. Sharp was appointed to the position as the APD was trying to strengthen its relationship with the LGBT community, especially in the aftermath of the 2009 botched and unconstitutional raid on the Atlanta Eagle, a Midtown gay bar. Under Sharp’s direction, the APD implemented a new “transgender interactions” to its Standard Operating Procedures on Nov. 30 to hold officers accountable when dealing with transgender or gender nonconforming people. Elizabeth Espy, spokesperson for the APD, said the transfer of Sharp to Zone 5 and the appointment of Murphy as an LGBT liaison was simply part of a comprehensive transfer and promotion order within the department. Sharp’s transfer was part of the transfers and promotions of more than 70 officers. “It is worth noting that transfers take place because Chief Turner wants to keep a vibrant and engaged department,” Espy told the GA Voice. “The APD has many LGBT personnel who are willing and capable of being an effective liaison.” Officer Murphy joins Officer King, a fiveyear veteran of the APD, who was appointed an LGBT liaison in August. — Dyana Bagby

Senior Patrol Officer Brian Sharp. (File photo)

NEWS

www.theGAVoice.com

01.09.15

GA VOICE

Ousted ATL fire chief considers lawsuit against city Cochran fired after writing anti-gay book By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran said he is considering a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta after he was fired from his job following controversy over a book he wrote that included anti-gay content. In a phone interview Tuesday evening at press time, Cochran told the GA Voice he was “still considering” whether or not to take legal action against the city and declined to answer questions about any legal groups he may have talked to. Mayor Kasim Reed announced he fired Cochran at a packed press conference Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. “His personal religious beliefs are not the issue at all despite the number of comments and emails I have been receiving on a daily basis,” Reed said. “His judgment and ability to manage the department was the subject of this inquiry.” Reed named Deputy Chief Joel C. Baker as the interim fire chief. Cochran published his book in violation of the city’s standard of conduct, Reed stressed, and he said every single employ-

ee in the fire department deserves to come to work in an environment where they feel safe in keeping with the city’s policy on nondiscrimination. “His actions around the book, his statements during the investigation, eroded my confidence in conveying that message,” Reed said. Reed added that he believed the city faced serious liability if Cochran remained on the payroll from potential lawsuits from LGBT members of the fire department. Cochran told the GA Voice said he never practiced discrimination as the chief of the department for the past seven years but added he did not know of any LGBT members within the department. “I never had a member say, ‘Chief Cochran, you know I am gay. I’ve never been with a member of our community who interacted with me before we started talking business say, ‘I’m gay,’” he said. He added the only person he knew was gay was out City Councilmember Alex Wan. “But it never mattered. I treated all people with respect. I put systems in place to ensure justice and equality,” he said. “And I challenge anyone to do a thorough investigation of the department’s complaint history to determine whether or not I had been unjust.” Cochran said he did give his book to a few members of the fire department, but that he knew them in “in personal relationships as Christians.”

Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran was fired by Mayor Kasim Reed after he wrote a controversial book that include anti-gay content. (Official photo)

If city government disallows a person to “cultivate a culture that glorifies God” then Cochran said he should have been fired immediately after taking the oath of office. “We put our hand on the Holy Bible and at the end of that oath we say, ‘so help me God.’ I should have been terminated right after the oath,” he said.

Cochran added that he believes LGBT people should be able to express their views at work. “But so should a Christian and not be discriminated against or vilified for their beliefs,” he said. The self-published book includes this passage: “Uncleanness—whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, all other forms of sexual perversion.” Cochran said the language he used was lifted directly from biblical text. “My intent was not to hurt anyone. I wrote straight from the words of the Bible,” he said. Cochran has received support from the 1.4 million member Georgia Baptist Convention and also Ralph Reed’s 700,000 member Faith and Freedom Coalition. Proponents of a so-called “religious freedom” bill to be passed in Georgia decried Reed’s firing of Cochran. State Sen. Josh McKoon, who plans to introduce a religious freedom bill this session, tweeted on Tuesday, “Disturbed to learn Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has been fired for his religious beliefs.” “This is not about his religious views but his about his ability to lead a diverse work force,” said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality. “It’s unfortunate that this had to happen. I feel the mayor has done the right thing to ensure all employees are treated fairly.” — Patrick Saunders contributed

Atlanta police offering $2,000 reward for arrest in anti-gay attack Victim’s boyfriend urges APD to find suspect By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com The Atlanta Police Department and Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect in a Midtown anti-gay attack from last year. Out Atlanta City Councilmember Alex Wan said this week he and Councilmembers Mary Norwood and Felicia Moore plan to meet with police officials soon to discuss the Midtown attack. Police have labeled it a hate crime. Although Georgia does not have a hate crime law, Atlanta police track bias crimes based on sexual orientation and gender. On the evening of March 7 of last year, an unknown suspect jumped out of a silver BMW, yelled homophobic slurs at the victim who had been holding hands with his boyfriend and punched him in the back of the head, pushing him into the street and into oncoming traffic. Police said the suspect was described as a young male wearing a red

Bryan Long, executive director of Better Georgia and the partner of the man attacked in an anti-gay crime last March, is urging the Atlanta Police Department do more to make an arrest. (File via Facebook)

shirt and an Atlanta Braves ball cap. The victim’s partner, Bryan Long, is executive director of the progressive political advocacy group Better Georgia. The victim requested anonymity. “Ten months ago, my partner and I were victims of a violent assault while walking in Midtown Atlanta,” Long told GA Voice. “We filmed a video of the two suspects in their ve-

hicle and immediately called 911. In the days and weeks after the assault we worked actively with the Atlanta Police Department to provide them with information—including the suspects’ license plate number—that we thought would be valuable to their investigation and assist in apprehending the attacker. “I firmly believe that the criminal justice system can and should do more to resolve this case. I have no doubt that the driver of the car knows the name of his passenger and can help the police bring this case to a close and achieve justice for me and my partner,” Long said. Police have said they identified the driver, thanks to cell phone video the couple took after the incident, but that the driver claims not to know the suspect who was riding in his car. “We do not know with certainty that the parties knew each other or had just met,” APD spokesperson Elizabeth Espy said. “We ask that anyone with information to please call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS.” Sgt. Gregory Lyon told the GA Voice on Tuesday the investigation is still open. “The driver has not been charged. At this time, the investigation is still open so I wouldn’t rule anything out anything yet in

terms of potential charges,” he said. As far as offering a Crime Stoppers reward now rather than when the crime was committed, Lyon said a reward is always offered. “There has always been the possibility of a reward in this case. It is there the moment a crime is committed,” he said. National media attention was given to this crime in December after the GA Voice reported on the assault and included disturbing security camera video of the attack with the story. The couple was leaving Campagnolo, a popular gay-owned Italian restaurant at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, and was holding hands as they set off on foot to have dessert at Cafe Intermezzo when the incident occurred at the corner of 11th Street and Juniper Street. “As we were walking up, a car started following slowly behind us. It was a BMW honking its horn. It was just making us uncomfortable really,” Long said. The couple ignored the honking car, but then things turned violent. The suspect jumped out of the car, called the victim a “faggot,” punched him in the back of the head and shoved him into the street. — Dyana Bagby contributed

GA VOICE | 8

NEWS

01.09.15

www.theGAVoice.com

Pride Medical marks 20 years with an eye on the future Evolving agency offers new treatments in HIV care

BY THE NUMBERS DECEMBER 8, 1994 The day Pride Medical opened

282

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com When Lee Anisman’s partner Michael was fighting AIDS in the late 1980s and early 1990s, he received good and bad medical care. By the time Michael reached a doctor able to provide quality care, his health had deteriorated rapidly. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in March 1991, and over the next year he lost his vision and became incontinent. He died in April 1992, and Anisman made a vow. “I saw the horrors of how people with HIV were treated in the 80s,” he says. “I don’t want to see that ever happen to people.” That’s the primary reason he bought Pride Medical in 1995 from Cole Wolford a year after the practice opened, and the facility is now celebrating 20 years helping not just those individuals with HIV, but also anyone with any primary care needs throughout the city of Atlanta.

‘WE WANTED TO MAKE THINGS AS EASY AS POSSIBLE’

Anisman, who stepped down as CEO for health reasons last October but is still the majority owner, started out as the sole provider at the practice, but it has grown to include four providers—physicians Dr. David Morris and Dr. Amy Swartz, and nurse practitioners Rodney Fox and Terry Hackworth. Anisman is a retired physician. Morris, who joined the practice in 2000 and became medical director in 2012, cites four reasons for Pride Medical’s place in the community. “One is, it’s a place where patients who are gay, lesbian and transgender can feel at home and not feel judged,” he says. “Another is we do confidential testing for HIV for free. The third is we do a lot of HIV care, so we diagnose and manage and treat and care for people with HIV. And we also do primary care for the general population.” Pride Medical’s clientele has changed since the doors opened in the mid-1990s, when approximately 90 percent of the patients were HIV-positive. Anisman wanted to provide a “one-stop shop” for those patients as an alternative to hospitals.

Active patients as of January 1996

1,352

Active patients as of January 2015

Percentage of patients who were HIV-positive in January 1996

Percentage of patients who are HIV-positive as of January 2015

100

Approximate number of patients on PrEP Dr. David Morris is the medical director of Pride Medical and has been with the practice since 2000. (Photo by Robin Henson Photography)

“In that time there were people who were very, very ill and they were really debilitated,” he says. “To send them to a hospital for infusions, number one, you’re talking about AIDS patients being exposed to a zillion bacteria flying around, and number two, at a hospital you’re really a number and we wanted to make things as easy as possible.” The answer was offering medical, psychological and pharmaceutical care in one place. As HIV prevention and treatment efforts have gotten better over the years, the number of HIV-positive patients shifted down dramatically and the number of those seeking general primary care shot up. Now HIV-positive patients account for less than half of the total number of Pride Medical patients, and they’ve done something that they might not have thought possible 20 years ago—lived long enough to have more common age-related maladies. “Many of our HIV patients who were with us in 1995 are alive and thriving, but have gotten to the age where they now take medications for cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, etc.,” Anisman says. “All the things that men that age get.” Another thing so common from those early days has turned into a rarity. “I can’t even remember the last time an HIV patient died,” Anisman says.

A HISTORY NOT WITHOUT CHALLENGES

As with any business that’s been around long enough, challenges will arise, and Pride Medical has fought its battles. “The biggest financial challenges were back in the mid-1990s to get insurance companies to pay for HIV viral load test, genotyping and, believe it or not, HIV drugs,” Anisman says. “I can think back to 1996 where United Health Care had basically one HIV drug on their list and if you wanted any others you had to jump through major hoops to get drugs for these people.” Morris concurs, ci ting the battles with insurance companies as the number one challenge. “It’s complicated,” he says. “There’s networks and copays and affordable health care regulations. That’s been a big challenge making all that match up and work for the patients.” However, Anisman says they thrive on such challenges, and claims that the practice has only lost one battle with an insurance company. Pride Medical sued Fenuxe magazine in late 2013, alleging that the magazine misrepresented circulation numbers and overcharged the practice for advertising. This led to a messy countersuit dragging Anisman into a personal dispute with Fenuxe Publisher Tyler Calkins. A judge threw out the countersuit, and Anisman followed that up last October with a federal lawsuit against Calkins for failing to pay back

Number of patients denied Truvada for PrEP by their insurance company loans totaling over $200,000 and allegedly lying about the magazine’s circulation numbers. “My comment on that is I’m not going to try this story in the press,” Anisman says. “There’s a lot of facts here that haven’t come out and I think they should come out in the courtroom.” Fenuxe attorney Todd Poole also filed a suit against Pride Medical, alleging it released the confidential medical information, including HIV status, of hundreds of patients. The practice sent a letter to all its patients notifying them of the details of the incident. Morris claims their number of patients has increased by 30 percent since the incident happened. “I consider it behind us,” he says. “This practice has grown from it.”

‘WE CAN PREVENT THIS’

While the balance of the clientele has shifted toward fewer HIV patients over the years, that hasn’t stopped Pride Medical from setting goals concerning the virus. One of the major tools they use, and will continue to use aggressively, is PrEP. “That’s a huge new focus for us and something we’re very interested in being on the cutting edge of,” Morris says. “We would love to never tell anyone ever again that they’re HIV-positive,” Anisman says. “We can prevent this. We can bring this to a zero infection rate. We can do this.”

NEWS

The path to PrEP

01.09.15

GA VOICE

Pr EP

www.theGAVoice.com

More options opening to obtain preventive HIV meds at a cheaper price

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Ask any HIV researcher, employee of an HIV/AIDS organization or HIV activist what the most significant development in eliminating the virus in the last several years has been, and odds are they will say Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP. PrEP is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. That pill’s brand name is Truvada, and studies have shown that if taken every day the pill is more than 90 percent effective in prevention of the contraction of HIV. Despite the growing conversation and near-unanimous medical and scientific approval of the regimen, there remains a disconnect over how to get it, and more importantly, how not to spend a fortune doing so. More and more Atlanta-area organizations and medical practices are offering, or plan to offer, PrEP, and they are doing so while clearing a path that will allow individuals to get it nearly, and in many cases completely, free of charge.

CDC RECOMMENDATION SENT PREP DEMAND INTO OVERDRIVE

The Food and Drug Administration approved Truvada PrEP in the summer of 2012, and it is currently the only drug recommended for the regimen. But the attention paid to it picked up last May, when the U.S. Public Health Service released new federal PrEP guidelines, developed by a working group led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommending PrEP for people who are at a substantial risk for HIV infection, including gay and bisexual men and transgender women. That move put the push for offering the option of PrEP into overdrive. Most organizations, including the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, recommend that individuals interested in taking PrEP first ask their

PrEP Resources PrePWatch: www.prepwatch.org My PrEP Experience: myprepexperience.blogspot.com PrEP Facts: prepfacts.org GoodRx: www.goodrx.com/truvada Gilead Sciences PrEP Page: start.truvada.com Gilead Science Medication Assistance: 855-330-5479 Truvada Co-Pay Assistance: www.truvada.com/ truvada-patient-assistance primary care physicians about it. But some people have experienced difficulties receiving the drug, for a variety of reasons. This fact troubles AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta principal investigator Dr. Melanie Thompson. “If you are uncomfortable talking about sexual health and HIV risk with your doctor, then my next question would be ‘Is this the right doctor for you?’” Thompson says. “To receive appropriate and comprehensive health care, you must be able to discuss intimate issues with your provider.” She says people often find that their doctors are open to having such conversations, but may be less comfortable initiating them. If you’ve tried and felt let down, consider looking elsewhere. “Sadly, many doctors often are not ‘culturally competent’ in dealing with issues about sexuality and HIV/STI prevention, especially for LGBT persons,” Thompson says. She recommends using The Health Initiative’s provider directory of LGBT-friendly physicians to find more progressive options.

‘COST SHOULD NOT BE A BARRIER TO PEOPLE GETTING PREP’

To fill in the gaps and spread the word, HIV/AIDS organizations around town are busy working to educate and provide options for PrEP. AID Atlanta will begin offering PrEP in February or March at the latest, according to Craig Washington, AID Atlanta’s prevention programs manager. Michael Baker, Positive Impact’s director of advancement, says

that while his organization is not currently funded to offer PrEP, it is actively creating referral networks and other funding sources to potentially offer it to clients in the future. LGBT-friendly medical practices like AbsoluteCARE and Pride Medical are offering PrEP right now, and all the organizations, medical practices and health departments the GA Voice spoke to detailed ways to get the drug for next to nothing. The suggested monthly wholesale price for Truvada is roughly $1,500. However, prices in the Atlanta area have ranged from $1,300 to $1,500 per month, according to ARCA’s Thompson. That’s the price most individuals interested in the regimen have assumed they will have to pay. But that’s not entirely the case. Truvada is listed as a Tier 4, 5 or specialty drug on most insurance plans, which means instead of a flat copay, a person would pay a percentage of the cost (called co-insurance), which can range from 10 to 50 percent, according to Thompson. So for a $1,400 prescription with 20 percent co-insurance, the patient would be responsible for $280 per month. Those who have private insurance can get a $300 per month copay card for Truvada from their care provider or from the Truvada website, Thompson says. So in the example given above, a person would end up paying nothing. However, copay cards cannot be used with Medicare drug programs, and you must have an HIV test every three months to continue on the copay assistance plan for PrEP. Dr. David Morris, medical director at Pride Medical, says that the average patient of theirs with insurance is able to get PrEP for between zero and $30 per month. “We get insurance companies to pay for it and Gilead [the company that manufactures Truvada] to pick up the cost of the copay,” he says. “Cost should not be a barrier to people getting PrEP.” But what about those who are uninsured? Gilead has a patient assistance program that provides the drug free of charge if: n You’re a U.S. resident and have proof of residency

n Have a physician that will prescribe the medication n Have an annual income under 500 percent of the poverty level (a one-person household with an income under $58,350, according to Mercedes Wilkinson at the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness) Those who meet the criteria qualify for six months of medication for free, with eligibility for renewal after six months. Gilead will also contact a physician’s office every month when a person is due for a refill to make sure the prescription is needed and to verify a negative HIV test is on file for the previous 90 days. The medication will be shipped directly to the physician, so medication appointment fees may apply, depending on the physician’s rates.

‘IT’S NOT ABOUT PUSHING PREP FOR PREP’S SAKE’

While the path to cost-free PrEP appears closer and closer to a reality for many, the experts caution the drug isn’t for everyone, even for those who are HIV-negative, sexually active and are a gay or bisexual man or in any other group at a higher risk for contracting the virus. Most physicians and health organizations will run a series of tests in addition to an HIV test, including blood work and kidney function. “It’s a drug like any other, so we want to make sure people are well-suited to take the regimen,” says AID Atlanta’s Washington. HIV tests will be administered every three months. Most health care experts and HIV activists agree that education on PrEP should not be limited to the general public looking to begin the regimen. “I think we need a statewide training initiative where we’re doing due diligence and training the providers, particularly the primary care physicians,” Washington says. “It’s not about pushing PrEP for PrEP’s sake. There is the task at hand of giving people an even more informed choice.” Thompson agrees, saying, “Bottom line: PrEP is a valuable tool that we are just learning to use.”

GA VOICE | 10

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01.09.15

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HEALTH & FITNESS

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01.09.15

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DIET & FITNESS MYTHBUSTERS

Don’t fall into these traps for a healthier you in 2015 By PATRICK SAUNDERS

So you’ve made the commitment to eat better, exercise more and live healthier in 2015. Why do it with outdated information or rely on that thing you heard from your co-worker who she heard from her local barista who he heard from Ask Jeeves in 1998? We asked the ones who know best to bust these diet and fitness myths so you can start and end the year healthier and happier than ever.

FIVE COMMON FITNESS TRAINING MYTHS Moshiah Stringer

Certified Personal Trainer NPC Men’s Physique Competitor

MYTH NO. 1: Running on a treadmill puts less stress on your knees than running on asphalt or pavement.

Running is a great workout but it impacts the knees, and it’s the force of your body weight on your joints that causes the stress. Running on a treadmill is the same as running on asphalt! Cardio is great for weight loss, so vary your workout by trying the elliptical machine or ride a stationary bike. This will reduce the impact on your knees.

MYTH NO. 2: Doing crunches or working on an “ab machine” will get rid of belly fat. Visible abs have to do with overall body fat percentage. Ab-crunching devices will only help strengthen the muscle around your midsection and improve your posture. Combine cardiovascular activities with an ab workout and you will have visible, washboard abs!

MYTH NO. 3: Swimming is a great weight loss activity.

Swimming is great for increasing lung capacity, toning muscle and burning off excess tension. But unless you’re swimming for several hours a day, it may not help you lose the weight you were expecting. The buoyancy of the water is supporting your body so you’re not working as hard as you would if you were moving on your own, like you would on an elliptical.

MYTH NO. 4: If you’re not working up a sweat, you’re not working hard enough.

Sweat is your body’s way of cooling itself. It’s not an indicator of exertion. You can burn a significant number of calories without breaking a sweat, like with activities such as taking a walk or light weight training.

MYTH NO. 5: Machines are safer to exercise with because you’re doing it right every time.

Only if the machine is properly adjusted for your weight and height will you be using proper form and function. You can make as many mistakes in form and function and have just as high a risk of injury on a machine as you would working out with free weights! Have a certified personal trainer or coach assist you to insure that you’re using proper form.

Want to cleanse your body of toxins? No need for a detox and just take fewer of them in, says Jennifer Karlebach, an Atlanta nutritionist. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

FIVE COMMON DIET & NUTRITION MYTHS Jennifer Karlebach Nutritionist

MYTH NO. 1: Carbs make you fat.

Carbs are essential for the body to function properly and are your main source of fuel. And it’s not just white starchy foods that contain carbs—so do whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It’s refined carbs that can lead to weight gain and increased triglyceride levels. So limit carbs from foods like white starchy rice, white potatoes, pasta and chips and stick with carbs from whole grains, fruits and veggies.

MYTH NO. 2: Gluten is bad for you.

Many people don’t even know what gluten is or what foods contain it. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Those with celiac disease—an autoimmune condition where the body cannot digest gluten—need to follow a gluten free diet in order to stay healthy and not suffer from serious nutrient deficiencies. And those with gluten sensitivity can also benefit from a gluten free diet. But if there is no real medical reason, there is no real need or reason to eat a gluten free diet.

MYTH NO. 3: Fasting/detoxing helps cleanse the body of toxins.

Our bodies do not hold or store up toxins in which fasting or focusing on a particular food or nutrient for a period of time will boost the body’s detoxification process. The liver and kidneys function for this reason and filter toxins out of the body for us. The best way to cleanse the body of toxins it to take fewer of them in.

MYTH NO. 4: A high protein diet is a healthy diet.

Proteins play a variety of roles for the body including building and repairing muscle. But unless you are a body builder, an athlete or training for a competition, there are no benefits to a diet high in protein nor is it necessary or a healthier alternative to a well-balanced diet. High protein diets may not provide the variety of foods that are needed to meet our nutritional needs. The recommended amount of protein is seven to eight ounces per day for most people.

MYTH NO. 5: Juicing helps you lose weight. Want six-pack abs? Moshiah Stringer says you have to combine cardio with ab crunches to achieve the desired look. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

Juicing can be an easy way to pack in the daily recommended amount of fruits and veggies, but the calories can add up. Fruits still contain sugar and calories, and juicing can strip away the fiber from fruits and veggies, which can distort that fullness feeling and leave you feeling hungry. If you want to try juicing, be mindful of what you put in it and try to still eat one to two whole fruits per day to get that fiber in.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

01.09.15

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BURN IT OFF

CUT OUT COUNTING CALORIES IN EXCHANGE FOR EXERCISE By DYANA BAGBY

Are you counting calories as part of a New Year’s plan for a new you? Studies show this may not be the most effective way to lose weight. When shown how much exercise is needed to burn off just one soda, teens were more likely to go without the sugary drink, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health research published in October. In a study conducted between August 2012 and June 2013, researchers at the Bloomberg School posted signs in six Baltimore corner stores in low-income, predominantly black neighborhoods saying it would take 50 minutes—or five miles—of running to burn off the 250 calories in a 20-ounce bottle of cola or a sports drink, or even fruit juice. After those signs were posted, the numbers dropped significantly in sugary beverage purchases—from 98 percent to 89 percent. So let’s take a look at what you have to do to burn off the junk food, and maybe next time you’ll just say no.

Sugar-laden soft drinks

A 20-ounce Coca-Cola contains 250 calories. Run five miles or walk for about 50 minutes to burn off that icy cold Coke.

A ‘whopper’ of calories A McDonald’s Big Mac Meal has 1,411 calories. Nutritionists in Great Britain crunched the numbers and say you have to walk 9.5 miles to burn off that burger, fries and soda. To burn off just the 550 calorie Big Mac? A 2013 Texas Christian University says it would take a 155-pound woman cycling about an hour to burn off that two all beef patties, special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun.

BURNING OFF UNWANTED FAT WITH CRAIG RAMSAY Out celebrity trainer Craig Ramsay has plenty of tips on how to burn off those “cheat meals” in a series of videos he films for ulive.com, a website with plenty of lifestyle videos. Titled “Eat It & Burn It,” the videos star some of Ramsay’s friends, such as drag icon Coco Peru, and puts them (or their friends) through a special workout to burn off those favorite unhealthy snacks.

Shedding the slice How much to burn off a piece of pepperoni pizza? One slice is about 440 calories, says Ramsay, and to be able to eat it and burn it means n 2 hours of walking n 50 minutes of jogging n 40 minutes of swimming But in his videos, Ramsay cuts through the fat, if you will, and devises a specific workout that burns the calories in three sets of fairly strenuous 10-minute bursts of exercise, or about 100 calories in 10 minutes. So, to burn off a piece of pizza means 10

minutes of “Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Dips,” 10 minutes of “Kneaded Out Knees,” and 10 minutes of “Pie Pop Roll It Up.” “I divided the total calories of each cheat meal by three exercises and tested the exercise programming while wearing the wrist calorie counter to get a general idea of how long each exercise would take,” Ramsay says.

Curbing the cupcake calories A red velvet cupcake runs you about 500 calories. To burn it means n 2 hours of walking

n 1 hour and 15 minutes of cycling n 1 hour jogging

Or, with Ramsay’s training, you can eat that cupcake and then do 10 minutes of “Red Velvet Rope Jumps,” 20 minutes of “Clowning Around” (elbow to knee exercises), and a front plank position for 2 hours.

Downgrade the doughnuts A Krispy Kreme doughnut runs about 300 calories. That’s n 30 minutes of walking n 20 minutes of cycling n 15 minutes of jogging Or, 10 minutes of “Critter Fritter Crawls,” 10 minutes of “Bear Claw Claps,” and 10 minutes of “Kick-the-Habit Leg Kicks.”

HEALTH & FITNESS

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01.09.15

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SUPER SNACKS

HUNGER PANGS DON’T HAVE TO MEAN STARVING YOURSELF TO BE HEALTHY By DYANA BAGBY

Snacking is an American pastime, but chips and soda and chocolate bars are no way to lose weight. There are some foods that you can eat that are at least not as harmful as those salty and sugary snacks and even others that boost metabolism as you work toward a healthier lifestyle.

You just have to have that sugar fix, right? Gay fitness and nutrition expert Craig Ramsay understands.

“If you can’t stop yourself and you do not heed my advice about the dangers of sugar eating then try and stick to dark chocolate,” he says. “It’s high in health-promoting antioxidants and it’s typically difficult to eat large quantities of it in one sitting. Eat dark chocolate with a glass of lemon water—this will not only fill up the stomach quicker but the lemon in the water will heighten the sweet taste and satisfy you sooner which leads to smaller portions.”

Healthy tip

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers up tons of healthy tips on all kinds of topics—and, yes, scientists there do believe in the ability of an apple (72 calories) to stave off unhealthy cravings while also being good for you.

Eat less junk food of your choice with this tip from Ramsay:

“People who typically skip breakfast in the morning gravitate to higher levels of sugar eating in the evening which leads to more of my embarrassing public displays of exercising,” he says. Try his breakfast shake: n 1 scoop of chocolate Sun Warrior vegan protein powder n 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk n 1 teaspoon of almond butter n 8-10 blueberries or 2 strawberries n Add ice and water to achieve your preferred consistency. “I prefer to make it thick with lots of ice and less water so I can eat it with a spoon which makes me feel like it’s a morning cheat treat dessert,” Ramsay says.

Other healthy snacks:

n 1 cup of carrots (46 calories), or broccoli (30 calories), or bell peppers (30 calories) with 2 tablespoons of hummus (46 calories) n 1 cup of grapes (100 calories)

Nuts are good and good for your heart, too, with high volumes of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Very yummy, but as is the case with most things, eating in moderation is best. n 1 ounce of dry roasted almonds = 169 calories n 1 ounce of dry roasted cashews = 163 calories n 1 ounce of dry roasted peanuts = 166 calories n 1 ounce of dry roasted pistachios = 161 calories

What is STRIBILD? STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. It combines 4 medicines into 1 pill to be taken once a day with food. STRIBILD is a complete single-tablet regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking STRIBILD, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. STRIBILD is not approved for the treatment of HBV.

Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you: • Take a medicine that contains: alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil when used for lung problems (Revatio®), triazolam, oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb St. John’s wort. • For a list of brand names for these medicines, please see the Brief Summary on the following pages. • Take any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, or the medicine adefovir (Hepsera®).

What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? Serious side effects of STRIBILD may also include: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do regular blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with STRIBILD. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD. • Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines. • 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 STRIBILD. The most common side effects of STRIBILD include nausea and diarrhea. 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 STRIBILD? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start any new medicines while taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider. • If you take hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc). • If you take antacids. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Also, some medicines in STRIBILD can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if this can harm the baby.

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. Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

I started my personal revolution Talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment. STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 treatment in 1 pill, once a day. Ask if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you.

Patient Information STRIBILD® (STRY-bild) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. What is STRIBILD? • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD is a complete regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. • STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. • Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • feel very weak or tired • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing • have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • feel dizzy or lightheaded • have a fast or irregular heartbeat 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take STRIBILD. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time. 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone

• Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider • If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking STRIBILD Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: • adefovir (Hepsera®) • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • oral midazolam • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 medicines, including: • Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, Viread®, Truvada®) • Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or ritonavir (Atripla®, Combivir®, Complera®, Emtriva®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Norvir®, Trizivir®, Truvada®) STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old. What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD? STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects: • See “What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD?” • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: • Nausea • Diarrhea Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of STRIBILD. For more information, ask your healthcare provider. • Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including: • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis B infection • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. - There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. - Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can pass into your breast milk. - Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements: • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines: - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) - Antacid medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD - Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high blood pressure - amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®) - atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®) - bepridil hydrochloride (Vascor®, Bepadin®) - bosentan (Tracleer®) - buspirone - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®) - clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®) - clonazepam (Klonopin®) - clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®) - colchicine (Colcrys®) - medicines that contain dexamethasone - diazepam (Valium®)

- digoxin (Lanoxin®) - disopyramide (Norpace®) - estazolam - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) - flecainide (Tambocor®) - flurazepam - fluticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent® Diskus®, Flovent® HFA, Veramyst®) - itraconazole (Sporanox®) - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) - mexiletine - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) - perphenazine - phenobarbital (Luminal®) - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) - propafenone (Rythmol®) - quinidine (Neudexta®) - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) - rifapentine (Priftin®) - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) - salmeterol (Serevent®) or salmeterol when taken in combination with fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) - sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away. - tadalafil (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension - telithromycin (Ketek®) - thioridazine - voriconazole (Vfend®) - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider. Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com. Issued: October 2013

COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. STBC0111 10/14

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

01.09.15

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THEATER BY JIM FARMER

Black humor

Georgia Ensemble Theatre brings surprising Lewis Black comedy to stage

Alan Kilpatrick has been an active member of Atlanta’s theater community for a few decades now, dividing his time between acting, directing and administrative duties. He serves as the associate artistic director for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre and has had his hands in several prominent LGBT productions over the years, including directing both “Take Me Out” at the late, great Theatre in the Square and “Rent” at Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Kilpatrick is currently directing the comedy “One Slight Hitch” at Georgia Ensemble Theatre. We caught up with the out performer to ask about the new production and its unlikely playwright. How did this gig come up? Bob (Farley, artistic director of Georgia Ensemble Theatre) found the play and he was excited by the fact that it was written by (comedian and frequent “The Daily Show With

DETAILS “One Slight Hitch”

Georgia Ensemble Theatre Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, GA 30075 Through Jan. 25 www.get.org

Jon Stewart” guest) Lewis Black. Some people are taken aback to learn that Lewis has been involved in the theater for a long time. Lewis himself has written close to 40 plays. He founded a theater out in Colorado and then worked at another theater in New York. Bob gave me a call and said ‘come do it.’ I have done a lot of comedy at Georgia Ensemble. That is why Bob thought of me. It’s contemporary and I think I do better with contemporary plays. Tell us about the show. It’s about a family in Ohio, a typical American family. The dad is a doctor and the mother is a stay-at-home mom. They have three children—daughters who are almost grown. The oldest is in her early 30s. It’s the morning of the oldest daughter’s wedding. She has

Doc and Delia Coleman (played by Mark Cabus and Karen Howell) are throwing eldest daughter the lavish wedding they never had—but then ‘one slight hitch’ occurs and the perfect day becomes a comedy of errors. (Courtesy photo)

become engaged to a young man who is the antithesis of her former boyfriend, who she breaks up with. On the morning of the wedding the former boyfriend, who has no idea she is getting married this day, hitchhikes from New York to Ohio and shows up on their doorsteps. Hijinks ensue when he shows up. The bride is not entirely certain she is marrying the right guy.

This isn’t the kind of play you’d expect from someone like Lewis Black, correct? It’s surprising. He himself has said if you didn’t know he wrote it, you’d never know from this. It’s not what he is known for. It’s not a political rant, a social rant, what he has now become famous for on television. This is a comedy of manners with some farcical elements thrown in.

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01.09.15

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Eating my words BY CLIFF BOSTOCK

Last Word delivers Exciting new restaurant offers inventive dishes Christmas has released its annual stranglehold on our throats. Thank you, Jesus. This year, I was totally not in the mood and my friend Bette and I ended up at the inexpensive Hong Kong Harbour on Christmas Day. This restaurant has been a mainstay for about 20 years, offering Midtown’s most authentic Chinese cuisine. Besides that, it is open until 1 a.m. every night of the week. If I’m out and about after 10, when most of the city’s restaurants close, I’ll stop there frequently. The later it is, the likelier to see tables of well-known chefs passing around bowls of the restaurant’s excellent food. Bette grew up in Miami, where her family joined the rest of the Jewish community for the traditional Chinese dinner every Christmas. But she’s not an adventurous diner, so she runs from anything remotely unfamiliar. Happily for her, there’s plenty on the Hong Kong Harbour menu, like the

beef lo mein she ordered, that is ultra-familiar to people who like Chinese-American fare. She also ordered Mandarin-style spare ribs, which the server warned her were actually pork chops. They were sticky-sweet to my taste—not something I enjoy. I’m not that adventurous myself here. My favorite dish is the ground pork and shrimp wrapped in crispy bean curd. I mix the table’s hot chili oil with a dribble of soy sauce and anoint the large nuggets. The salt-andpepper squid is among the city’s best. I’m personally not very fond of run-of-the-mill Chinese brown sauces, but I like anything here—oysters, for example—made with a black bean sauce. There’s a lunch menu that is supercheap, with the Chinese-American favorites like Mongolian beef and Kung Pao chicken. I always order from the regular menu. (2184 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-325-7630, hongkongharbouratl.com)

LAST WORD GREAT NEW ADDITION TO ATL

There’s an exciting newbie in town: Last Word. It has opened in the spot formerly occupied by P’cheen, a few doors down from Highland Bakery. The restaurant has been

Last Word opened last month and its inventive small plates are tasty and a great addition to Atlanta’s food scene. (Photo by Steve Pomberg)

open less than a month and offers some very cool, inventive dishes (ditto for cocktails). The menu is mainly small plates and, really, I urge you to stick to those. One don’t-miss is thin slices of porchetta di testa, octopus, and radishes with saffron aioli, fried capers, golden raisins, and microgreens. I know you’re wondering what the

porchetta is. Well, it’s basically made from a pig’s head—different from head cheese, I promise—and is amazingly flavorful and tender, as is the octopus. The mild crunch of the radishes, the slight saltiness of the capers, the creamy aioli…I could go on. A creamy soup will stun you with its strong flavor of parsnips. It is topped with a swath of nigella seeds—a tiny, pungent seed whose unique flavor, slightly bitter, explodes in the mouth. Fluffy couscous and spicy harissa surround a chunk of braised goat. It’s the best goat I’ve ever tasted; very light on gaminess. If you do want a bit of the gamy, try the rabbit liver mousse. Spread it on house-made crackers and top it with a tiny slice of apple. For dessert, order the roasted dates and figs with lavender honey, sea salt and house-made Greek-style yogurt. A pistachio ice cream sandwich and sorbets were homey-good, but the dates and figs—exemplary of the strong Middle Eastern influence here—are the best choice. I expect the menu will change regularly, but so far, it’s hard to imagine any outright failures. (701 Highland Ave., 404-343-1274, www.lastwordatl.com)

Cliff Bostock, PhD, is a longtime food critic and former therapist who now specializes in life coaching. CliffBostock.com.

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FRIDAY, JAN. 9 PUMP Friday features DJ Neon the GlowGoBear spinning at the Heretic, 10 p.m., www.hereticatlanta.com (Photo via Facebook)

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 LGBT faves and Pride staples Halcyon brings their sounds to Eddie’s Attic at 7 p.m., www.eddiesattic.com (Photo via Facebook)

FRIDAY, JAN. 9

Grammy nominated, openly gay singer Sam Smith croons at the Fox Theatre at 7 p.m., foxtheatre.org (Publicity photo)

SOMETHING GAY EVERY DAY!

Bookmark www.thegavoice.com to get your daily dose of local LGBT events.

SUNDAY, JAN. 18 Chaka Idris hosts Comedy Improv Night at My Sister’s Room, 8 – 10 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com (Photo via Facebook)

SATURDAY, JAN. 10

“Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Ken, is a favorite at Friends on Ponce from 6 – 10 p.m., www.friendsonponce-atl.com

Free country line dance lessons from 8-9 p.m. and then DJ Mike Pope takes over the tables for a late night dance party beginning at 12:30 a.m., at Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Out director Alan Kilpatrick’s “One Slight Hitch,” written by Lewis Black of “The Daily Show,” has just opened at Georgia Ensemble Theatre, with a performance at 8 p.m., get.org

Saturday Night Live show at 11:30 p.m. with special guests Jazell, Lady Isis and Jamal, at My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 11

The Sisters of Sequin – led by Bubba D. Licious and Justice Counce – host Gospel Brunch, with a meal (and a Bloody Mary or mimosa) at 1 p.m. and a drag show at 1:30 p.m., Lips Atlanta, www.lipsatl.com $2 well drinks are on tap all day and night at Sunday Funday at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309

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01.09.15

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The Golden Globes are at 8 p.m., with several LGBT films including “The Imitation Game” and “Pride” up for awards, on NBC, www.nbc.com New Faces competition—all entertainment welcome—at Friends on Ponce is hosted by the lovely Regina Sims and features Piper, Ravian Star and special guest Molly Rimswell, 9 p.m., www.friendsonponce-atl.com Love it or hate it, but the gay-themed “Looking” returns to HBO for a second season at 10 p.m., www.hbo.com

MONDAY, JAN. 12

Join Moral Monday Georgia at the State Capitol today for the opening legislative session. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with the People’s State Address, followed by break-out sessions at 11 a.m. including 2015 legislative fights, organizing 101, and nonviolent direct action, followed by a free lunch, provided by the Open Door Community at 12:15 p.m., Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, www.moralmondayga.com The new Monday Mingle is an opportunity to network with other LGBT professionals in the area, with drink specials, a buffet, raffle prizes and mixing and mingling, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com The Domestic Violence Survivors Group is a safe place for survivors to work toward recovery from their situations. This group takes place Monday evenings, 6 – 7:30 p.m. To participate in the group, please call The Health Initiative at 404-688-2524 ext 112. Making Space: A Community Writing Group for Activists, Healers, and Every Day Heroes is a writing group for those who work, move or spend time serving others through human service and community professions (psychologists, educators, social workers). This is Charis Circle From Margin to Center Literary Program. The suggested donation is $10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com The venerable Stars of the Century take the stage for one of Atlanta’s longest running and most respected drag shows. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. and the show starts at 11:30 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleat.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 13

Drag-eoke with Angelica D’Paige is this evening at 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14

Ruby Redd gets Birdcage Bingo cracking at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at The Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com Get your bingo on tonight at Joe’s on Juniper at 8 p.m., www.joesonjuniper.com

THURSDAY, JAN. 15

SAGE Atlanta hosts its social hour from 10 – 11

TUESDAY, JAN. 20

The Tony-winning musical “Newsies” opens at the Fox Theatre at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Sunday, Jan. 25, www.foxtheatre.org (Publicity photo)

a.m., followed by its general membership meeting at 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org The Atlanta Gay Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) presents a Business Builder Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. at Henry’s Midtown. Hosted by Dustin Drabot and Lissa Dulany on the third Thursday of each month, $20 covers networking and a pre-set menu. www.henrysatl.com The Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals (formerly AEN) hosts its Third Thursday event, 6 – 8:30 p.m., location TBD Charis and Cliterati pair up to present an inviting and fierce open mic & reading series on the third Thursday of every month. Hosted by the anarchic spoken word team of Karen G and Theresa Davis, members of the Art Amok Slam Team, this series cultivates the voices of authors, novices and an assortment of poets, songstresses and storytellers. This is a From Margin to Center Literary Program; suggested donation is $5, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com As part of the 2015 Molly Blank Jewish Concert Series, the Breman Museum presents “American

Masters: Gershwin & Bernstein,” featuring music from the noted composers, 7:30 p.m., www.thebreman.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 16

The Third Friday Film Series presents “American Winter,” sponsored by the Social Justice Guild. This documentary follows the personal stories of families struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the film starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Popcorn and refreshments are available. Donations can be made from a $1 to $10 sliding scale, www.firstexistentialist.org Edie Cheezburger, Jaye Lish and cast bring “The Other Show” drag event weekly to Jungle, 9 p.m., www.jungleatl.com

SATURDAY, JAN. 17

Dine out for Pride School Atlanta is a fundraiser for the new school planned to open in 2015, 5-10 p.m., Jason’s Deli at 230 10th St., www.prideschoolatlanta.org Monica Van Pelt hosts Synergy!, featuring a bevy

of drag superstars, 11 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com Glitter Bomb is 75 minutes of high energy illusion, emceed by Genre, 11 p.m., Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 18

David Knapp rocks it out at Xion Atlanta, 3 a.m., www.cariocaproductions.com Atlanta’s Angelica D’Paige and friends — including Brent Star and Destiny Brooks — purr up fun at Sex Kitten, with $5 burgers and Smirnoff cocktails, 8 p.m. at 10th and Piedmont, www.communitashospitality.com/10th-and-piedmont/ promotions/Sex-Kitten-with-Angelica-DPaige

MONDAY, JAN. 19

The annual Atlanta Bayard Rustin-Audre Lorde Breakfast works to provide LGBTQ people, people of color and progressive allies the opportunity to fellowship before participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. March; to educate about the life and

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performers Wyatt Fenner and Louis Gregory in the cast, www.actorsexpress.com Decadence: A Night of Drinking and Debauchery is every Thursday starting at 10 p.m., hosted by Adam Bland and Ashley Mitchell with beats by DJ Daryl Cox. A wet underwear contest begins at 11 p.m., with a cash prize and dancers galore, TEN Atlanta, www.tenatlanta.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 contributions of Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde and other activists; and to enhance mutual support and continued learning among participants engaged in social justice work. This year’s breakfast will take place at 10 a.m. at the Loudermilk Center downtown, 40 Courtland St. Atlanta, GA 30303 Trans and Friends: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz is a youth focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies. A facilitated space is provided to discuss gender, relevant resources, and activism around social issues. This event is co-sponsored by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children Program. There is no suggested donation for youth participants of this program but adults and allies may make a donation, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books, www.cha risbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 20

The Atlanta Zine Library, Atlanta Zine Fest, and Charis are partnering to form a zinester writer’s group geared at 11-19 year olds. Guest speakers active in the regional zine culture will co-facilitate. Group members will share their writings, layouts and designs—getting feedback from each other

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UPCOMING FRIDAY, JAN. 23

The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian of Commerce holds its Fourth Friday event at the Fox Theatre, sponsored by Gayborhood, with some big announcements about 2015, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., www.foxtheatre.org

THURSDAY, JAN. 22

Freddie Ashley directs the comedic “Bad Jews” openi0ng at 8 p.m. at Actor’s Express starring gay performers Wyatt Fenner and Louis Gregory (in photo, left) in the cast, 8 p.m., www.actorsexpress.com (Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus)

and seasoned zinesters. For more info, email info@ chariscircle.org. This is a Charis Circle Whole Children, Strong Families Program. The suggested donation is $5 but no one will be turned away. New members always welcome, 5 – 6:30 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com

directed by out Casey Nicholaw, opens at the Alliance Theatre, 7:30 p.m., www.alliancetheatre.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21

Freddie Ashley directs the comedic “Bad Jews,” opening at 8 p.m. at Actors Express with out

The world premiere musical “Tuck Everlasting,”

THURSDAY, JAN. 22

Crazy Bitch Bingo! is tonight at Las Margaritas, www.lasmargaritasmidtown.com

SATURDAY, JAN. 24

Jerusalem House, Inc. and ArtsNow present an art auction & cocktail gala benefit at ADAC Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Up for bid will be the art of faculty and graduate students of the SCAD/The University for Creative Careers and selected pieces by the adult residents and children of Jerusalem House. Patrick Hanson, visual artist of Handsonworks, will be performing a live painting, improvisational performance art that will be up for auction. Advance tickets are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP. Tickets at the door will be $35 general admission and $100 VIP, 6 – 10 p.m., www.jerusalemhouse.org

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

01.09.15

GA VOICE

BOOKS BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Becoming a ‘soldier of change’ Story of gay soldier’s life important in post-DADT world The phone call began another very long day. It arrived approximately 10 seconds after you walked to your desk, the first of that kind of interruption, followed by dozens of urgent (to the sender) emails and six cubicle drop-bys. Alas, you didn’t get much done that day. Sometimes, you just want to be left alone to do your work and live your life. Other times, as in the new book “Soldier of Change” by Stephen Snyder-Hill, you need to stand up and speak out. Growing up in small-town Ohio, Stephen Snyder-Hill says he’d always felt “this darkness I couldn’t understand.” His mother also noticed it, but he couldn’t explain to her that he loathed himself. “When people say that being gay is a choice,” he says, “I always remember trying to unchoose it.” That didn’t work, though he spent his teen years trying to be like other guys, trying to work through the shame he felt. Nearing graduation, he started thinking about joining the military; he came from a long line of soldiers and enlisting seemed like a good way to pay for college. He was first stationed in Germany, then went to Iraq as a “fire support specialist.” That was where he started journaling and where, following a friendly-fire near-miss, he decided that he was “going to finally start living my life for myself.” That included embracing his sexuality. After leaving the army, Snyder-Hill began the slow process of coming out and he started “feeling like maybe… my purpose on this earth was to be exactly who I am.” He graduated from college and, realizing that he missed the military, he re-upped— just before “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” went into “full effect…” Knowing that the military would, in essence, force him to become a “professional liar,” Snyder-Hill kept quiet about his sexuality. He endured indirect taunts from fellow soldiers and he learned to hide his love of and marriage to another

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man. Finally, fed up and coincidentally presented with a chance to ask a question of the 2012 Republican candidates in a national debate, he crafted a query he thought might change things. And, he says, “I hit send.” His question was selected and he asked the candidates via YouTube if they planned to reverse the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Before any of the candidates could answer, Hill was booed loudly by the audience in a moment that became a major event during the campaign. Reading this book is kind of like having a beer with a buddy. It’s chatty rather than stuffy with a bit of brevity sprinkled here and there, yet Snyder-Hill’s outrage comes through loud and clear as he takes his story further, writing about life as a gay man during DADT days, his activism, and the work he’s done on behalf of gay and lesbian soldiers. This book is genuine, and I liked that, too. I think this is an important story to read if you need to know where LGBT rights have been and who’s brought them forward. It’s also one to enjoy if you want an informal, easy-to-like memoir. Even in this post-DADT time, “Soldier of Change” is a book to call for.

Offer Never Expires.

GA VOICE | 26

COLUMNISTS

01.09.15

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THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID A fresh slate 2015 promises new resolutions … or not

Meet your future with confidence. LESLIE A. COOK, JD, CFP®, CDFA™ Financial Advisor 825 Juniper Street Atlanta, GA 30303 404.564.4265 leslie.a.cook@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/leslie.a.cook

Oh, what could have been. You are looking at your blank 2015 calendar as a clean slate and finalizing a list of things you want to accomplish in the next 12 months. I am instead taking the opportunity in this New Year to reflect upon resolutions lost. Just think how different life would be if we actually fulfilled the promises we make to ourselves in January every year? Take 1982. I was entering junior high school that year, and puberty made me acutely aware how important it was to stay in shape. So my New Year’s resolution was to do the calisthenics I learned in gym class every day at home. In my room with the door locked, I would place myself in front of my mirrored dresser and go through the stretches, jumping jacks, push-ups, crunches, and toe-touches. That resolution lasted about a month, but if I had maintained just that small level of exercise on a daily basis in the 32 years since then I bet I could take the trash bins to the street today without getting winded. Years later, when I began making my own money, I was going to make sure not to live under the weight of debt. I was too smart for that. My resolution was to take a percentage of every paycheck and put it away into savings. If I needed to pay for anything I would use cash, and leave my savings account alone. But later that year eBay was invented, and those Xena collectibles weren’t just going to buy themselves. Duh. As I grew older I got more creative with resolutions, thinking that would give them a better chance of success. Take the year I thought making a viral cat video was the way to go. I am guilty of watching a cat video or two, and had three cats at the time, so of course I could pull off creating a video of my feline children that others would want to see. And I wasn’t overly ambitious; I only needed 30,000 people to click on my video in order to achieve my goal. I know that sounds like a lot, but most viral videos are a million views or more. Turns out I was wrong and only

Melissa Carter is one of the Morning Show hosts on B98.5. In addition, she is a writer for the Huffington Post. She is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and one of the few in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter

As I grew older I got more creative with resolutions, thinking that would give them a better chance of success. —Melissa Carter about 200 people wanted to see my cats. Last year I had it. I was going to challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone. Since I dabble in cartooning and animation on the side, I decided to take that skill to a new level and pitch an idea to Cartoon Network. TCN is in Atlanta, I’m in Atlanta, what could be the problem? I was told pitches are made in Los Angeles, and “thanks but no thanks” on making my way out there to do it. If you put all those together, and if I had stuck to each of them, by now my muscles would be cut like Bruce Lee, and my bank account would be big enough to allow for early retirement. I could be signing autographs for fans of my online viral videos and new cartoon masterpiece on cable. But such was not meant to be after my many resolution shortcomings, and I’m afraid I’m out of ideas. What to change for 2015? Nothing. Albert Einstein once said insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Based on my past experiences, I vow to make no resolutions for 2015. Then again, since I’m so good at it, I’ll likely break that promise and come up with a new scheme by February. Maybe I’ll just hold on to my 2015 cardboard glasses, to see if any inspiration comes my way. Happy New Year.

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COLUMNISTS

OUTINTHEWILD Our work is never done Equality fight goes on long after laws passed In my native South Africa, the rights of gay people are, as written in law, sacrosanct. When the folks who ran apartheid cried “uncle,” and our political leaders went into negotiations over a new constitution, Nelson Mandela and his party’s leadership insisted on protections for a whole host of people the previous government had willingly and intentionally marginalised. These included a ban on discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and our nation at the bottom of Africa became the first to constitutionalise that right. Yet South Africa still suffers from severe and gory hate crimes against LGBT people. Gay folks in Johannesburg and Cape Town are unlikely to experience much blowback,

but outside the middle class centers of the major cities (and a few small liberal towns), the law on the books does not necessarily equate with protected rights for our family members across the nation. In fact, it lets them down repeatedly. People are more rigid than rigor mortis when it comes to enforcing their idea of gender roles upon others. Why am I giving you a South African history lesson? In Georgia, we’re going to get gay marriage eventually, and many will incorrectly declare the gay rights fight won. One day we will get an Employment Non-Discrimination Act (and not the HRC skim-milk version, but one that includes transgender people too). And one day we will get immigration reform and not have a Florida senator wank out over whether gay couples are included in it. But we need to remember that our jobs are not done when our aims are passed into law—and even when they are, they have to be fought for day in and day out (I refer you to the carrion that is

Simon Williamson lives with his federally-recognized spouse in the wild yonder of Newton County. You can follow him on Twitter: @simonwillo.

the Voting Rights Act). This warning applies notably, albeit not exclusively, to those of us who live outside the metropolitan areas. In many instances we can’t rely on the police or public institutions to get over their personal views and adequately protect us. The Georgia Voice reported in its last issue that the Atlanta Police Department fell asleep at the wheel over a gay bashing in Midtown—MIDTOWN. That’s home turf, for goodness’ sake. Me and my people in the boonies are going to find it even harder, where we don’t necessar-

01.09.15

GA VOICE

ily have a supportive media or electorate, to get all up in the face of bigoted civil servants. Brandon Bush, a friend of mine who is one of the founding members and former board members of South Georgia Pride in Valdosta, told me Valdosta’s first-term mayor, John Gayle, refused to sign agreeable, if incidental, paperwork (which his predecessor hadn’t taken issue with), and used his public refusal to let his voters know all about his anti-gay sentiments. As Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum will be proving all over Iowa over the next year: our victories and successes will result in pushback. My husband’s hometown of Meadville, Pennsylvania, tried to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance last year, and the public absolutely freaked out, to the point that the city manager tabled the issue. In 2014, the state of Nebraska’s legislature didn’t even get to a vote on nondiscrimination legislation due to procedural trickery. Michael Sam and I have played the same number of NFL games. And the police chief of Philadelphia has a gay-bashing daughter. These incidents and attitudes are not going to change with the laws. Look at Florida: the introduction of same-sex marriage to the Sunshine State has been complicated enough to deserve its own Taylor Swift album. So it is up to us not to let it go. There are too many people desperate to take away the basic civil rights we want—the same ones that everyone else has. I’d love to know I could phone the police without worrying about the personal prejudices of whoever might answer the phone.

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