The Georgia Voice - 3/30/12 Vol.3, Issue 2

Photo by Bo Shell

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com

Eagle celebrates 25th anniversary as lawsuits over illegal police bar raid end. Page 4

— Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a former GOP presidential hopeful who touted his opposition to gay issues during his campaign, commenting on fellow presidential contender Mitt Romney at March 24 dinner. (Advocate, March 26)

Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com

03.30.12 NEWS

“I like Mitt Romney as much as one really good-looking man can like a really good-looking man and not break Texas law.”

Publicity photo via texas.gov

The Georgia Voice

OUTSPOKEN IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com

Alpharetta student sues school over alleged gay prom flap. Page 6 YouthPride, landlord set date for move; LGBT youth organize new effort. Page 9 CDC leader: Homphobia impacts gay HIV funding. Page 11 AIDS Quilt plans return to Washington, D.C. Page 11

BUSINESS

Atlanta police commander to meet with LGBT residents. Page 12

Sales Executive: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

— Former GOP presidential Rick Perry, referring to his college major while making a gay joke about another Republican rival during the same dinner. (Advocate, March 26)

“I want my voice of love and support to be louder. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Publicity photo

All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia Voice, 1904 Monroe Drive, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30324. The Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia Voice and its staff.

To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.

Publicity photo

Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm, Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen

“For LGBTQ African Americans, Rustin is the only open gay hero we have, and for many of us, his work and words give us courage to fight homophobia in ourselves and in our communities.”

—Actress Tracey Gold (far left in photo), criticizing actor Kirk Cameron’s (far right) recent comment that being gay is “detrimental, and ultimately destructive,” during her remarks at the March 24 GLAAD Media Awards. The two played siblings on the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains.” (On Top Magazine, March 26)

Photo via Library of Congress

Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

“Animal husbandry — That sounds like what Rick Santorum thinks gay marriage leads to.”

“I sing songs about love and just as people have a right to choose to listen to songs about love, I believe people have a right to marry the person that they love.”

— Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz in a video for Americans for Marriage Equality, an HRC campaign to let gay couples marry.

(HRC.org, March 21)

New HIV adviser for Ga. health department. Page 12

A&E Photographer Philip Bonneau celebrates ‘Heroes & Villains.’ Page 15 Film: ‘Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye’ blurs gender. Page 19 Theater: Farewell to theatre at center of gay rights controversy. Page 21

COMMUNITY Atlanta joins April ‘international’ LGBT march. Page 23 Event Spotlight: WigOut with MondoHomo. Page 24 Business Spotlight: Irwin Street Market. Page 24 Personality Spotlight: Rev. Bradley Schemling bids goodbye. Page 25

CALENDAR

— Syndicated columnist Irene Monroe in an essay praising Bayard Rustin, the late activist and adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month. (HuffingtonPost.com, March 22)

Pages 26-28

theGAVOICE.com Video still via hrc.org

Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com

Publicity photo via Facebook

Contributors: Melissa Carter, Brent Corcoran, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Mike Ritter, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Justin Ziegler

• Breaking news as it happens • Calendar and daily event highlights • Photo albums and video galleries • Share your comments and conversations facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice

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Atlanta Eagle celebrates 25 years

— and end to long legal battles Mayor: Raid settlements bring ‘closure to painful time in city’s history’

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com The Atlanta Eagle is ready to party.

In April, the gay bar in Midtown celebrates its 25th anniversary with a barbecue, balloon drop and giveaways, as well as the annual Leather Pride event.

The entire month of April is also booked with numerous other parties each weekend, including the celebration of Richard Ramey and Robby Kelley owning the bar for 15 years and MondoHomo’s popular WigOut party and fundraiser.

It just goes to show you what a difference a year — or almost three — can make.

On March 19, the Atlanta City Council approved a settlement in the third Eagle lawsuit filed by attorney Dan Grossman, with the city paying out $330,000 to 10 plaintiffs who alleged their constitutional rights were violated when the Atlanta Police Department raided the bar on Sept. 10, 2009.

The new settlement followed a settlement for $120,000 for eight employees in October 2011 and the original Eagle lawsuit with 26 plaintiffs that settled for more than $1 million in December 2010.

Atlanta Eagle owners Robby Kelley (left) and Richard Ramey are ready to celebrate 25 years of the bar being in business — and the end of their legal battle against the city. (Photo by Bo Shell)

For any business, surviving for 25 years is reason enough to celebrate. For the Eagle, the fact that the anniversary coincides with the end of the legal battle makes it that much sweeter.

“I think it’s great [to celebrate 25 years] considering everything the bar has been through,” said bar co-owner Robby Kelley, who also spends a lot of time slinging drinks for customers.

“We’re happy to be celebrating 25 years and plan to be here a lot longer. I’ll be here as long as my knees hold up,” he said with a laugh.

For Richard Ramey, who owns the bar with Kelley, the end of the three lawsuits marks a milestone not only in the bar’s history or even in the city’s LGBT history — but also for the city’s history.

“We wanted to go through this to make changes for the city,” Ramey said. “And it was worth it for the final outcome.”

Eagle raid part of Atlanta’s gay history

It was Sept. 10, 2009, when Atlanta police raided the Atlanta Eagle, arrested eight employees and forced some 60 patrons to the floor, then confiscated their cellphones and IDs as some officers hurled anti-gay slurs at them. Numerous patrons said they were roughed up by officers who stood on their necks to keep them

Original Eagle signage The Atlanta Eagle has been located at 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. for 25 years. The bar first opened with a sign that only had the number “306” and an eagle with an outstretched wing. It was not wise to advertise the name of the bar on the streets due to rampant anti-gay bias.

Two of the original Eagle signs are currently located in the bar. on the dirty floor of the bar.

The police said they were there that night — the popular “Underwear Night” — to arrest people having illegal sex and also to bust up illegal drug activity. Nobody in the bar that night was arrested on any of those charges. Instead, employees of the bar were arrested for a permit violation.

News of the raid angered many in Atlanta’s LGBT communities. A rally held in the bar’s parking lot days after the raid attracted hundreds as the story made national headlines.

While public support was there in the immediate aftermath, the bar soon saw the darkest days in its history.

Business declined because people were afraid the leather and bear bar was a target for the police.

Hoping at first to get a simple apology from Mayor Shirley Franklin — who was mayor when the raid occurred — and from the APD, the “Eagle 8” employees instead were put on trial for misdemeanor permit violations. Seven

of the eight were found not guilty or had their charges dismissed. One person, a dancer, did not show up to court.

Chris Lopez, a former bartender at the Atlanta Eagle represented by attorney Bill Atkins, currently has a federal lawsuit pending against the city.

Ramey and Kelley now praise the efforts of the APD in mending its relationship with the gay community, especially with the bar.

“They have been very responsive,” Ramey said. “One talked to me one night — Deputy Chief Renee Propes — and showed me she was wearing an Atlanta Eagle pin.”

“Things are basically back to normal,” Kelley added. “Especially with the beat officers, we have a good rapport. A few times we’ve had to call them and they’ve come in to help and been very kind to all of us.”

Still, the raid on the Atlanta Eagle will remain a key event in Atlanta’s gay history, and perhaps also in national gay history, Ramey added.

“Without our customers being willing to stand up, we would have never been able to fight against what happened that was so wrong,” he said. “Yes, we have suffered [as a bar] but we are so proud of what we were able to accomplish with a great legal team.”

Added Kelley, “It kind of does make us proud. We’ve got good customers, great employees. And they all stood with us.”

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Mayor, Eagle attorney do lunch

The lawsuits filed by Grossman on behalf of the Eagle patrons sought not only monetary damages, but also for the Atlanta Police Department to make changes to its policies, including making it a fireable offense if an officer destroys evidence in a civil case and requiring ongoing training on the Fourth Amendment.

Grossman said he went after significant amounts of money on behalf of his clients to hopefully make the city pay attention, as well as instill better practices at the APD. “Nothing else was working,” he said, noting the original Eagle plaintiffs simply sought an apology.

“Unfortunately, this is a painful way to get to this,” Grossman said. “My hope is it will motivate the APD and individual officers to follow the law.”

Grossman said the procedural reforms put in place should also ensure the APD and the city do not have to face significant settlements in the future which will save the city money in the long run.

He also added the Atlanta Citizen Review Board has been asking for police changes for years and many of the officers that led to the costly settlements had been investigated in the past.

“The end results are good for the citizens and for the taxpayers,” said Grossman.

Throughout the lawsuits, Grossman had a very contentious public relationship with Mayor Kasim Reed, who took office a few months after the Eagle raid. At a town hall forum last November, Grossman suggested publicly the two go to lunch.

And they actually did, Grossman said.

Reed and Grossman met in December and discussed the cases. It was after then, Grossman said, that conversations with the city’s Law Department became more fruitful and, eventually, led to a settlement that gave his clients “justice.”

The settlements also mean all his lawsuits against the city are finished.

“I’m glad this is behind me,” he said.

Bar owners: ‘Highest respect’ for APD

While Reed took a lot of heat in public from Grossman, Kelley and Ramey said they harbor no ill feelings toward the mayor and Police Chief George Turner.

Reed and the city’s Law Department fought tooth-and-nail against the settlements. Turner also came under criticism for not firing more officers involved in the raid, especially after a damning internal report by Greenberg Traurig proved what the patrons had been saying all along — the police violated the constitutional rights of the patrons and treated them roughly while some also showed anti-gay prejudice.

“The mayor was stuck in a bad situation.

I feel kind of bad for him,” Kelley acknowledged. “This case made him look less tolerant than he really is.”

And the police department has “100 percent” tried to mend its relationship with the bar, Ramey added.

Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 www.atlantaeagle.com Richard and Robby’s 15th anniversary of owning Atlanta Eagle Friday, April 6 Rollback prices and music to 1997

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

5

a guaranTeed greaT nighT ouT

Atlanta Eagle 25th anniversary April 12: Karaoke and giveaways April 13: Meet and greet the judges and contestants for Mr. and Ms. Atlanta Eagle April 14: 1 p.m.

Cookout 8 p.m. Mr. and Ms. Atlanta Eagle contest 1 a.m.

Balloon drop, contest giveaways

“We have the highest respect for the police department,” he said.

Chief Turner, in a statement to the GA Voice, said he is glad the legal fallout from the Eagle raid is essentially over.

“I believe the department is better today as a result of the reforms resulting from this incident. We have made changes to our Standard Operating Procedures that ensure citizens’ constitutional rights are upheld at all times, we’ve undergone training from a nationally-recognized expert on search and seizure and we’ve taken great strides to build a meaningful relationship with the LGBT community, including the hiring of a second departmental liaison and the creation of an advisory board,” he said.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure the LGBT community becomes true partners in our fight against crime, reflecting our mission statement: ‘To reduce crime and promote the quality of life in partnership with our community.’ We have work to do in this community, as we do with all of our communities. But I’m committed to getting us there,” Turner added.

Reed also said in a statement he hopes the city can move on after the Eagle settlements to close “a painful time in our city’s history.”

“I hope the settlements reached in the Eagle lawsuits help to bring much needed closure to a painful time in our city’s history,” Reed said.

“While we have more work to do, I am proud of the reforms the Atlanta Police Department has implemented and the steps we have taken to heal our community. I believe we are on our way to rebuilding trust. I wasn’t mayor when this incident occurred, but that does not diminish my concern,” the mayor continued.

“Atlanta’s diverse LGBT community is part of what makes our city so special, and I am committed to ensuring that the rights of all of our citizens are always protected.”

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Alpharetta teen makes national news over LGBT prom lawsuit School district denies charges, prepared to defend itself in court

around prejudice and biases,” Evans said.

“The other items wouldn’t be sufficient.

It’s significant to mount a lawsuit and get people up and arms and angry about, as they should be, if it were true,” Evans continued.

Evans said she was unsure if the district will settle the case, but added that Fulton County Public Schools supports the school administration’s decision to remove Lack and will be prepared to defend itself in court.

By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com An Alpharetta High School student alleges in a recently filed lawsuit that he was forcefully removed from his student council position after advocating a change in the school’s “Prom King and Queen” tradition to be more inclusive of LGBT couples.

Reuben Lack, 18, says that two Alpharetta High School faculty advisors told him that he was being removed as the school’s student body president for “pushing personal projects.” In the complaint, filed March 20 in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, Lack contends he was removed over his “exercise of rights protected by the First Amendment.”

Fulton County Public Schools, which includes Alpharetta High, disputes the claim, arguing that the gay-inclusive prom policy is not why Lack was removed from office.

“The bottom line is that this allegation that the student is making is not true. This is not a district that would support any type of prejudice or bias,” said Samantha Evans, executive director of communications for the district.

Lack, a senior, has attended Alpharetta High School for four years. He’s also been a member of the student council each of those four years.

“Reuben is not your typical student council president,” Nathaniel Lack, Reuben’s father, said in an interview. “He’s not your popular kid. He’s not a football player or a cheerleader.

He’s your policy kid.”

The lawsuit claims Lack, who is straight, introduced an LGBT-friendly prom resolution at a Jan. 12 student council meeting. After debating the resolution, Michelle Werre, one of the student council’s faculty advisers, demanded the resolution be dropped and said that it would not be adopted — without a vote.

Lack reintroduced the resolution at the following student council meeting on Jan. 26, according to the lawsuit. Werre “expressed great dissatisfaction” and attempted to require a formal vote without any debate, the suit continues. Lack tabled the resolution to prevent a vote rejecting the measure without debate, the lawsuit alleges.

On Feb. 8, Werre and Emily Reiser, another faculty adviser to the student council, called Lack into a meeting where they informed him he was no longer the school’s student body president.

The suit claims that Werre and Reiser told Lack he was being removed for “pushing personal projects” and for advocating “policy changes.”

AHS students react to lawsuit

Alpharetta High School student Reuben Lack is suing his school over his removal as student body president. The change came after Lack proposed an LGBT-friendly prom resolution, his lawsuit alleges. (Photo by Ryan Watkins)

Lack and his family met with school officials after his removal, including Principal Shannon Kersey, to discuss reinstatement but were told the school supported the decision made by the faculty advisers.

In an interview with GA Voice, Lack said that the school was trying to silence him over the prom resolution.

“They’ve damaged my reputation in some respects,” Lack said. “They’re putting out the position that I was a bad leader, which is hurtful to me because I respect the students, I respect the school.”

Lack said he filed the lawsuit, with the help of attorney James Radford, for one reason: to get his job back.

“In the immediacy, we want to get myself reinstated to the student council,” Lack said.

“There’s only two months left. In those two months, I can do a lot of good for my school.”

Lack said that he’s not sure what motivated the student council faculty adviser to force the council to drop the debate on the prom resolution.

“In the meeting, the teacher adviser was visibly uncomfortable when I brought it up.

I can only speculate to what her motivation was. We were coming to a consensus and I think that’s why she shot it down.

“Beyond that, there’s a larger issue,” Lack continued. “If we don’t win this, schools have carte blanche to remove students when they have controversial viewpoints, even when that viewpoint is expressed in a meaningful and constructive way.”

Lack’s attorney, Radford, stressed that the facts and the law are on his client’s side.

“There’s a whole line of cases about First

Amendment rights in schools,” Radford said.

“Students retain their First Amendment rights so long as their speech is not substantially disruptive. The school cannot punish speech like that when it’s protected.”

“We’re on the right side of the law and the facts on this case. I think we will prevail,” Radford added. “I don’t know if we’re going to have to fight them until the bitter end or if they’ll be willing to work with us. I’m going to do whatever I can to get him reinstated.”

School district rejects Lack’s claims

Officials with Fulton County Public Schools, however, denied the claim that his removal was about the resolution, instead citing some 16 examples of how Lack failed as the student body president, none of which involved the resolution.

In a response included in Lack’s lawsuit, the district’s legal representative claimed that Lack failed in his role as student body president by canceling and rescheduling student council meetings with little or no notice, acting uncivilly and refusing to comply with direct instructions from the student council faculty advisers.

Evans, the executive director of communications for Fulton County Public Schools, also disputed Lack’s claims in an interview. Evans said that she personally believed that Lack was using the LGBT-friendly resolution as an excuse to sue to regain his position.

“After he was relieved from his post, all of a sudden this allegation came up. That’s why the rest of the students are frustrated. They know what he did and didn’t do. What a horrible, horrible thing to claim. We have enough issues

Several Alpharetta High School students took to the internet to voice their thoughts on the lawsuit. Comments on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, as well as the website for The GA Voice, from AHS students paint a different picture of the situation.

“He is lazy but wants desperately to be a part of politics and news and so when he was removed months after bringing up the issue in the article, he used the ‘gay rights’ issue as a way to bring his lawsuit into the court of public opinion,” an AHS student wrote on the popular link sharing website Reddit in response to the story.

“Right now the student body is infuriated, he is dragging our school through the mud for his own vengeance,” the student continued. “He knows good and well that the media will fit this into the stereotype of ignorant and backwards southern schools.”

Some AHS students posted derogatory and anti-gay messages online. A Twitter hashtag, #ihopereubensbackpackgetsaflat, mocked Lack for using a “rolling backpack.”

The online taunts prompted Lack’s attorney to release a statement defending his client against allegations that he was lying about the reasons behind his removal.

“The story may have gotten too big, too fast, and I believe the students, faculty, and administration at Alpharetta High School have found themselves overwhelmed,” Radford said. “I know Reuben and his family have felt overwhelmed.”

Radford said he wants the public to know the facts behind the case before jumping to conclusions.

“After the administration issued an official statement – basically accusing Reuben of making this whole thing up — a number of people who were initially supportive began to doubt us,” Radford continued. “Worse yet, a number of students have made statements to the media, and on the web, that drag Reuben’s name through the mud and accuse him of lying.”

As of press time, no court dates been scheduled, though Lack’s attorney has requested an expedited hearing.

“We’ve asked the court for an immediate hearing. We haven’t gotten a date for that yet.

We hope that it will be soon. Every day that passes is a day that he’s deprived of an honor that he’s earned,” Radford said.

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March 30, 2012

GA Voice

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LGBT youth form ‘JustUsATL’ as option to crumbling YouthPride March 31 town hall forum to discuss ways to create new safe space

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com As YouthPride continues to face obstacles including a funding crisis, a group of young people who have used its services before are now breaking off to begin forming their own organization.

The group, named JustUsATL, hosts a town hall forum on March 31 at Greater Smith Church at 7 p.m.

“LGBTQ young people including teens and young adults have come together in a consensus-based process to form a new organization,” the group stated in a press release on March 22, the day after a Fulton Magistrate judge ordered YouthPride vacate its premises as part of a settlement agreement with its landlord, Inman Park United Methodist Church.

“JustUsATL seeks to provide a space that is safe, affirming, educational and supportive by offering discussion forums, after school space, peer education, STI testing, counseling and social activities,” the release adds. “All who wish to stand in solidarity with Atlanta’s LGBTQ youth by aiding in efforts to provide the aforementioned services through a central location are invited to learn more about this new organization.”

JustUsATL spokesperson Chris Kontopidis said that young people between the ages of 15 and 26 have been organizing online since Feb.

10 and had their first meeting on March 10, days after a disruptive town hall forum in which an independent task force tried to explain YouthPride’s financial troubles, including facing an approximate $80,000 debt according to its review of some of the non-profit’s financial records.

JustUsATL has also been organizing support group meetings as options to those offered at YouthPride.

On Tuesdays JustUsATL offers its Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming/Questioning discussion group that meets from 7-9 p.m. in the lobby of the Georgia State University’s College of Education building. And on Wednesdays, the new youth group hosts its Teen and Young Adult discussion groups from 7-9 p.m., also in the GSU College of Education’s lobby. The group also offers shuttle service with pick ups at 6:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at Edgewood.

YouthPride ordered to vacate premesis by May 31

On March 21, a Fulton Magistrate judge gave YouthPride until 5 p.m. on May 31 to vacate its location at 1017 Edgewood Ave. after being sued by its landlord, Inman Park United Methodist Church, for not paying rent since June 2011. The court also ordered YouthPride to pay a total $28,000 settlement, nearly half of the more than $56,000 actually owed the church in back rent and penalties.

A payment from YouthPride of $18,000 via a cashier’s check has already been paid to the church and a $5,000 cashier’s check is to be paid on April 1 and another $5,000 on May 1, according to the consent order that was signed

YouthPride Executive Director Terence McPhaul says the nonprofit is seeking a new location after learning it must vacate its current site by May 31.

(Photo by Dyana Bagby)

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com JustUsATL Town Hall Forum Saturday, March 31, 7 p.m.

Greater Smith Church 183 Mayson Ave. Atlanta, GA 30303 www.facebook.com/JustUsATL

by YouthPride Executive Director and CEO Terence McPhaul, board member Jordan Myers and Theresa Willis, who signed as the interim chair of the board of directors.

Neither Myers or Willis will respond to requests for comment. Myers identified himself as chair of the board of directors at the start of the financial crisis.

A counterclaim filed by McPhaul on be-

half of YouthPride charged that the church had not made repairs to the building, which should reduce the rent by $500 per month for 60 months — or $30,000. It was dismissed for being “without merit.”

Inman Park UMC’s board of trustees issued a statement saying it wanted to give YouthPride and its clients time to relocate.

“The church is still recovering from the loss of tenant revenue during 2011 and 2012 but wishes for the transition of YP to take place as effectively as possible so clients of that organization are not impacted further by the recent events,” said the church’s board of trustees.

McPhaul issued a statement about plans to form a new board of directors.

“YouthPride has been looking for a new home and has shortened its list. A final decision on the new location has not been made. The final cost is not known, but it will be in line with our current and future budget constraints,” McPhaul said.

“YouthPride continues to inform and market to current youth, and the countless youth in the Metro Atlanta area who need our vital services.

“YouthPride’s search for board members is moving quickly. We have identified community members who have a strong interest in using their skills and talents in support of LGBTQQ youth.

“YouthPride continues to offer counseling from a licensed clinician,” McPhaul added.

McPhaul did not answer when asked to identify the licensed clinician, but he claims publicly to be a mental health expert to celebrities. He is not licensed by the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists.

Timeline of YouthPride’s financial troubles 2011

Dec. 7 — Inman Park United Methodist Church sends a certified letter to YouthPride demanding unpaid rent. YouthPride CEO and Executive Director Terence McPhaul signs that he received the letter.

Dec. 8 — McPhaul states the non-profit serving metro-Atlanta LGBTQ youth is in a “crisis” and money has to be raised or “we may be forced to close our doors.” He says he wishes for $50,000.

Dec. 9 — YouthPride Board President Jordan Myers posts on Facebook the agency needs to raise $25,000 in one week.

Dec. 16 — McPhaul clarifies YouthPride must raise $40,000 by Dec. 31 or be forced to close its doors in 60 days.

2012

Jan. 3 — Despite the Dec. 31 deadline passing, YouthPride remains open. McPhaul says he is not sure how much of the $40,000 has been raised.

Jan. 12 — McPhaul says YouthPride has raised about $20,000 and extended its deadline for reaching its goal past Dec. 31 to raise the $40,000 needed.

Jan. 14 — Inman Park UMC sends another certified letter to YouthPride again demanding payment.

McPhaul signs for the letter.

Jan. 18 — Attorney Marlys Bergstrom, listed as a YouthPride board member, tells GA Voice the board of directors has not met in two years and she was not aware of its plea to raise $40,000 or face closure.

Jan. 25 — Gay teacher Charlie Stadtlander calls together an invitation-only meeting of several LGBT activists and allies to discuss the financial situation at YouthPride. At this meeting, two task forces are created — an internal audit task force to look at the financial viability of the organization and a programs task force.

Feb. 8 — Members of the independent task force reviewing the viability of YouthPride meet

with McPhaul at a public meeting at CHRIS Kids headquarters. Task force member and CPA Patt Cianciullo estimates YouthPride’s debt at nearly $80,000, although McPhaul disputed that amount.

Feb. 12 — Inman Park UMC sends another certified letter to McPhaul terminating its lease with YouthPride.

Feb. 17 — Inman Park UMC files suit in Fulton Magistrate Court against YouthPride, demanding more than $40,000 in back rent and fees and asking the Fulton County Marshal to place an eviction notice on the door of the organization.

Feb. 20 — The independent task forces say they consider YouthPride closed after hearing from YP counselor Tana Hall that Myers ordered YouthPride to be closed Feb. 17. McPhaul insists the agency is open and operating.

March 2 — An eviction notice is taped to the door of YouthPride as mandated by the Feb. 17 lawsuit

filed by Inman Park UMC, giving the non-profit one week to respond in court.

March 6 — A town hall forum hosted by the independent task forces is held at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

March 9 — McPhaul files a counterclaim to the Inman Park UMC lawsuit. A hearing is set for March 20.

March 20 — McPhaul and Inman Park UMC’s attorney Peter Morgan come to their hearing at Fulton County Magistrate Court with an agreement worked out.

March 21 — The consent order signed by YouthPride and Inman Park UMC officials shows that YouthPride must pay the church $28,000 and move out by 5 p.m. May 31.

March 22 — LGBTQ youth announce they have formed JustUsATL as an option to YouthPride and will host a town hall forum on March 31.

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March 30, 2012

GA Voice

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CDC leader: Homophobia impacts funds for HIV prevention “The black church in particular — we do not do due diligence with the Bible. We still do the hate messages. You cannot read homosexuality is a sin when you read the Bible. They put it there because of homophobia,” Meredith said.

“You’ve got to mess with the faith. It is the pastors who must be approached and not just the parishioners,” he added of efforts to combat HIV infection rates.

Fenton said adding “spiritual” is new to the CDC, but something that must be considered and part of the responsibility of recognizing “who we are as beings.”

Agency weighs adding ‘spiritual’ to definition of sexual health

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com The latest numbers are staggering: 61 percent of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among gay and bisexual men, although this population accounts for only 2 percent of the country’s population, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Among black gay and bisexual men, the numbers are even more dire, with the CDC reporting a 48 percent increase in new HIV infections ages 13-29 between 2006-2009.

But funding for HIV prevention and research for gay and bisexual men is about half what it should be, said Dr. Kevin Fenton, the CDC’s director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.

Fenton spoke at a March 20 community engagement session in Atlanta. Participants included Georgia HIV non-profit organizations such as AID Atlanta and AID Gwinnett, as well as the state Department of Public Health.

During the session, Fenton and the CDC focused on black gay and bisexual men because of the significant increases in new HIV infections. But gay men of all races are impacted heavily, CDC officials noted.

“When we look at how funds are distributed, we underfund MSM by a significant amount,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program.

Most of the CDC’s HIV prevention programs are administered by the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. In 2011, the division awarded funding totaling $621 million with 41 percent going toward men who have sex with men, according to the CDC. More funding is going to research and prevention for gay and bisexual men because the CDC feels a responsibility to “match the epidemic.”

Fenton, who is openly gay, noted that homophobia and stigma likely play a role in the underfunding.

“Historically what we see across the U.S is it’s easier ... for states and local jurisdictions sometimes not to put money where the epidemic actually is. In part because data aren’t there … and undercounts gay men,” Fenton said.

“But remember [for] many places across the country, especially in the ‘80s and ‘90s, it’s far easier to do work with women and children, with young people, with high risk heterosexuals, than it is to deal with gay men who having raw sex in bathrooms,” he added.

“Our own stigma, our own homophobia, cascades down in our funding and allocations intentionally or unintentionally resulting in

All must address ‘crisis in our midst’ At a March 20 community meeting, the CDC’s Dr. Kevin Fenton addressed many issues gay black men face when fighting against HIV. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

underfunding of gay men’s work across the country,” Fenton said.

‘Spiritual dimension’ to sexual health?

The session in Atlanta is one of many slated to take place across the U.S. to try to find ways to deal with the epidemic that continues to hit gay and bisexual men the hardest.

As part of the session, Fenton discussed a definition of “What is sexual health?” that is currently being considered by the CDC and the federal Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

The proposed definition is as follows, with changes in bold: • Sexual health is a state of wellbeing in relation to sexuality across the lifespan that involves physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual dimensions.

• Sexual health is an intrinsic element of human health and is based on a positive, equitable, and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships, and reproduction, that is free of coercion, fear, discrimination, stigma, shame, and violence.

• It includes the ability to understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of sexual behavior; the prevention and care of disease and other adverse outcomes; and the possibility of fulfilling sexual relationships.

• Sexual health is impacted by socioeconomic and cultural contexts — including policies, practices, and services — that support healthy outcomes for individuals and their communities.

The approximately 50 people at the Atlanta session overwhelmingly approved of adding a “spiritual” aspect to the definition.

Pastor Dennis Meredith of Tabernacle Baptist Church, who identifies as bisexual and is currently in a gay relationship, praised the CDC’s inclusion of the “spiritual” in sexual health, saying that black churches tend to be among the larger purveyors of anti-gay messages.

HIV activist Adolph Arromand brought up the issue of “raw sex” that gay and bisexual men tell their HIV counselors and testers that they prefer rather than using a condom.

“At end of day as providers of HIV testing, this is reality we deal with. There is a large number of people who interventions will not work on,” Arromand said.

While Fenton agreed there is a group of people who prefer raw sex, most men practice safer sex, he said.

“Most men practice safer sex and practice it consistently. Survey after survey proves this,” Fenton said. “It is wrong for us to think that is the norm in the community.”

Ways to engage this segment of the community include possibly creating spaces where it is safe to have raw sex, such as through serosorting, Fenton said. But there must also be continued support of men to have safer sex, he added.

Black gay men are not valued in many communities, from the nation in general to the LGBT community itself, said Craig Washington, a longtime Atlanta HIV activist.

Sophisticated approaches to ending the epidemic include the development of young black gay leaders, not just within HIV organizations but in research and advocacy, he said, where they can directly impact change.

“We need to exercise creative approaches,” Washington said.

Fenton said one of the most important issues he wanted all people and groups to consider is, “Who is responsible for ending the epidemic?”

“What can we do to empower and hold each other accountable? We can do what we can from the federal, state and CBO [community based organizations], but I wonder to what extent we need to have a new conversation of us as a community where we say this is enough?” Fenton asked.

“We have a crisis in our midst,” he added.

“What more do we need to do to address the epidemic among gay men? It requires all of us to say this is an injustice and we need to do better.

“Let us not have the question, ‘What has the CDC done for me lately?’ We are all in this together,” he said. “We are going to have to have a new narrative of what we are going to do together.”

The AIDS Memorial Quilt returns to Washington, D.C., this summer — the first display of the entire quilt since 1996.

(Photo by Dyana Bagby)

AIDS Memorial Quilt plans return to Washington, D.C. Those working at the Names Project Foundation, home of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, get asked the same question over and over, according to staff member Jim Marks: “When is the Quilt going back to Washington, D.C.?”

A benefit on Saturday, March 31, at Mixx will benefit “Quilt in the Capital 2012,” also coincides with the Quilt’s 25th anniversary.

The event is hosted by Ms. Patty Cakes and will include an appearance and performance by Bubba D. Licious, Marks’ alterego. It features a silent auction, personal quilt stories and a display of quilt panels.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt was first displayed in Washington, D.C., in 1987, the year it was founded. At the time, it had fewer than 2,000 panels. The last time the Quilt was fully displayed was in 1996 when it had some 45,000 panels and covered the entire Mall in Washington, D.C. Now the Names Foundation Project Foundation is joining efforts with POZ, an online magazine and a leader in providing HIV/AIDS information, to bring the entire Quilt to the capitol from July 21-24, according to a press release from POZ. The Quilt will be on display in its entirety in multiple locations on and around Capitol Hill and throughout metro-D.C. The display coincides with the XIX International AIDS Conference. The quilt now includes more than 91,000 names.

— Dyana Bagby

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‘When is the Quilt Going Back to Washington, D.C.?’

Saturday, March 31 8 p.m. appetizers, 9 p.m. show Mixx Atlanta 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.mixxatlanta.com, www.aidsquilt.org

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GA Voice

March 30, 2012

News

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Ga. Department of Health gets new HIV adviser New Atlanta Police Zone 6 commander to meet best possible input to inform our pro‘Renewed commitment’ to the grams and policies.” with LGBT residents STD rates in Georgia are among the highaddressing AIDS epidemic

est in the country, according to Fitzgerald.

Melanie Thompson is joining the Georgia “This is the beginning of a renewed comDepartment of Public Health as a special ad- mitment from DPH to address our most vexviser for HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis and tuber- ing infectious disease challenges with a fresh culosis, according to a statement start and new perspectives. released by the department’s comGeorgia can, and must, bemissioner, Brenda Fitzgerald. come a national leader in our Thompson is the principal response to HIV, STDs, viral investigator with the AIDS Rehepatitis and TB,” Fitzgerald search Consortium of Atlanta concluded. and currently serves on the InThe Georgia Department ternational AIDS Society-USA of Public Health has come Antiretroviral Guidelines Panel under fire from HIV activand the International Associaists, who have in the past tion of Physicians in AIDS Care Melanie Thompson has complained about the deGuidelines Panel on Entry Into been named an HIV adpartment’s internal struggles and Retention in Care and Anti- viser to Ga. Department of as well as not sending out retroviral Adherence. resources and funding in a Health. (Courtesy photo) “My feeling is that we can timely manner to help clients. best address the challenges we face with The Department of Public Health is also good external input and an overarching plan responsible for reducing the state’s AIDS to guide us,” Fitzgerald said.

Drug Assistance Program wait list, which “I have asked Dr. Thompson to convene currently includes more than 1,000 people. an advisory council that will bring together In October, the Department of Public Health individuals from affected communities, received a grant of $3 million to reduce the community-based organizations, academia, list by some 300 people. and other stakeholders to provide DPH with — Ryan Watkins

Atlanta Police Major Keith Meadows, recently appointed as the new commander for Zone 6, wants to meet directly with LGBT residents of Zone 6 and listen to their concerns.

The informal gathering is set for Saturday, April 7, from 6-7 p.m. at Kirkwood United Church of Christ.

“The department’s mission is to reduce crime and promote the quality of life in partnership with our communities,” Meadows said in a press statement. “The LGBT community is an important part of Zone 6, and I welcome the opportunity to work together with them to reduce crime.”

Zone 6 incorporates heavily gay neighborhoods including East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Inman Park, Candler Park, Little Five Points and Virginia-Highland.

Meadows joined the APD in 1986 and was commander of the Major Crimes section before taking over as Zone 6 commnander on Feb. 16.

The former Zone 6 commander, Major John Dalton, was promoted to deputy chief.

While with Major Crimes, Meadows talked to the GA Voice in 2010 about the murders of three men involved with the LGBT community.

Durand Robinson of Traxx Atlanta, the gay party promotion business, was gunned down

Atlanta Police Maj. Keith Meadows was promoted last month to commander of Zone 6.

(Photo by Dyana Bagby)

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Atlanta Police Zone 6 LGBT Meet-and-Greet Saturday, April 7, 6-7 p.m.

Kirkwood United Church of Christ 2033 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta, GA 30317 in the middle of Hadlock Street in southwest Atlanta on Aug. 25, 2010, a week before one of the biggest weekends of the year for Traxx — Atlanta’s Black Gay Pride.

Eleven days later, on Sept. 5, two men — Samuel Blizzard, 21, a Georgia State University student from Spring Cove, Va., and Calvin Streater, 26, of Atlanta — were found shot to death in a Richmond Circle apartment in southeast Atlanta after police said they had attended Black Gay Pride events.

These crimes remain unsolved.

— Dyana Bagby

March 30, 2012

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Arts & Entertainment

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HERO

worship Photographer Philip Bonneau re-imagines comic book superheroes

By Jim Farmer Atlanta artist Philip Bonneau is so addicted to superheroes and villains that he has found a way to incorporate them into his professional life. His new exhibit, “Heroes + Villains #2,” opens at the MISTER Community Center next week for a month-long run.

Art and photography have always been part of Bonneau’s life. His mother was an artist and Bonneau, who is gay and has lived in Georgia his whole life, studied at the Savannah College of Art & Design.

Ultimately, he got a degree in graphic design, but found that photography isn’t something he can or wants to get out of his system. Last May, he did some soul searching and dabbled in photography over the summer.

“I am a graphic designer by day but I have found time to do photography by night and on the weekends,” he says. “I am doing stuff I never thought I’d have a career in doing.”

Bonneau has lived in Atlanta for the last six years and got his love for superheroes and villains from his grandfather, who he says is the definition of an adult who never really grew up.

“He got me addicted at an early age,” Bonneau says.

His favorite is The Incredible Hulk, he says, because he loves the whole Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde aspect of the particular superhero.

To get ready for an upcoming exhibit, he shot Wonder Woman but with a twist – it’s a drag version of the iconic superhero.

“Not every boy wants to be Batman or Superman; some boys want

MORE INFO

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‘Heroes + Villains #2’ Photography by Philip Bonneau Exhibit opens April 7, 6-9 p.m.

MISTER Community Center 60 Eleventh St., Atlanta, GA 30309

to be Wonder Woman,” he laughs.

Bonneau’s first photography exhibition was called “Beautiful Layered Lies,” shown at Pedini of Atlanta in 2011. It was a narrative show – as well as a way to get over a break-up in his life.

“I was getting rid of things in my life emotionally,” he says. “It was a cathartic release, turning something negative into a positive, learning that you are never alone.”

Proceeds from that exhibition went to the Atlanta Cotillion, which raises money for AID Atlanta.

“I had done graphic work for the Atlanta Cotillion for the last four years,” he says. “I love being able to do that as an artist.”

Bonneau’s second show was introduced last October at MISTER, the gay men’s community center that is part of Positive Impact. While being involved with the Cotillion, he was introduced to Chandler Bearden of MISTER. The name stands for Men’s Information Services: Testing Empowerment Resources, and Bonneau says he is thrilled to be able to support that mission.

“I had been following what was going on in the community and knew about MISTER,” he says. “They asked me about being the first artist in their new space. I’ve never been able to donate money, but I do like to introduce people to things like MISTER and all they are doing.”

It was a one month show, com-

plete with 15 pieces. That was his first Heroes and Villains piece, which he always envisioned as a four part series.

Last year’s segment featured Marvel Comics, and this year it is D.C. characters. On display will be the likes of Superman, Lex Luthor, Batman, Robin, Catwoman, Joker, Captain Marvel, Clayface, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Shadow, Zorro, The Flash, The Sandman, The Blank, Alfred the Butler and more. Prints will be available for purchase at the opening.

Drag will be the underlying theme for the third installment, which Bonneau hopes to have at the end of summer. The fourth instalment has no date set, but it will black and white, featuring superheroes 70 years of age and older as a tribute to his grandfather.

He feels that being gay has shaped his sensibility as an artist but hardly defines it.

“I have been called a gay artist,” he says. “I don’t choose gay themes, but I do admit that I like the male form. I like to try and break barriers. I am definitely trying to change the way gay art is viewed and breaking all the stereotypes.”

Superheroes are extremely popular in the LGBT community, Bonneau says.

“With comic books and superheroes, they all have secret identities, and there are so many gay connotations,” he says. “We can all understand trying to fit in.”

‘With comic books and superheroes, they all have secret identities, and there are so many gay connotations,” says photographer Philip Bonneau (top, inset), whose new exhibit opens April 7. ‘We can all understand trying to fit in.’ (Courtesy photos)

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Like HIV, HIV-related excess belly fat is a chronic condition. In clinical studies: • People who used EGRIFTA® continuously for 1 year maintained their results over this time period • People who stopped taking EGRIFTA® after 6 months had their HIV-related excess belly fat come back EGRIFTA® is believed to work with your own body to produce natural growth hormone to reduce your excess belly fat.

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swelling. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site reactions The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: • joint pain • numbness and pricking • pain in legs and arms • nausea • swelling in your legs • vomiting • muscle soreness • rash • tingling • itching EGRIFTA® will NOT cure HIV or lower your chance of passing HIV to others.

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 Consumer Brief Summary of EGRIFTA® on following page.

Ask your healthcare provider if EGRIFTA®, the first and only FDA-approved medicine for HIV-related excess belly fat, may be right for you. For more information, visit www.egrifta.com or call the AXIS Center at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947).

Consumer Brief Summary for EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) EGRIFTA® (eh-GRIF-tuh) (tesamorelin for injection) for subcutaneous use

• Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA® can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare

provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)

Read the Patient Information that comes with EGRIFTA before you start to take it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

• Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes. Your healthcare provider will measure your

What is EGRIFTA ?

• Injection-site reactions. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site reactions.

• EGRIFTA® is an injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess in abdominal fat in HIV-infected

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have the following symptoms around the area of the injection site: – bleeding – redness – rash – itching – swelling – pain – irritation The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: – joint pain – nausea – pain in legs and arms – vomiting – rash – swelling in your legs – itching – muscle soreness – tingling, numbness, and pricking 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 EGRIFTA®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects, contact EMD Serono toll-free at 1-800-283-8088, ext. 5563. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep EGRIFTA® and all medicines out of the reach of children.

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patients with lipodystrophy. EGRIFTA® contains a growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) • The impact and safety of EGRIFTA® on cardiovascular health has not been studied • EGRIFTA® is not indicated for weight-loss management • It is not known whether taking EGRIFTA® helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications • It is not known if EGRIFTA® is safe and effective in children. EGRIFTA® is not recommended to be used in children Who should not use EGRIFTA®?

Do not use EGRIFTA® if you: • have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your pituitary gland • have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment for cancer • are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA®. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in EGRIFTA® • are pregnant or become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using EGRIFTA® and talk with your healthcare provider. See “What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA®?”

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA®?

Before using EGRIFTA®, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have or have had cancer • have diabetes • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EGRIFTA® passes into your breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed to avoid the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking EGRIFTA® • have kidney or liver problems • have any other medical condition Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. EGRIFTA® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how EGRIFTA® works. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

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blood sugar periodically

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Active ingredient: tesamorelin Inactive ingredients: mannitol and Sterile Water for Injection

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EGRIFTA® is a registered trademark of Theratechnologies Inc. Distributed by EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370

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FILM

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

19 23

by Steve Warren

What they did for love Documentary follows ‘pandrogyny’ artists seeking to merge identities When Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend,” cosmetic surgery was not an option.

Genesis P-Orridge (of the industrial bands Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV) and Lady Jaye Breyer had the nip/tuck option and took it.

Rather than having children together they decided to “create a new person” by having themselves surgically altered to look like each other.

It should be noted that these are not the sort of people most of us are likely to run into every day, even at Little Five Points. They’re avantgarde artists who sought to create the ultimate in performance art with their bodies as the medium.

“The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye” is not your run of the mill love story, but a documentary about two people who coined the term “pandrogyny” and set out to define it. They married on Friday the 13th in 1995 and celebrated Valentine’s Day 2003 by getting breast implants together.

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com ‘The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye’ Opens April 6 at UA Tara Cinemas 4 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 The British P-Orridge, born Neil Andrew Megson, met Jacqueline Mary Breyer in her native New York when he was sleeping off a wild night of clubbing in the dungeon of a dominatrix.

It was love at first sight. That same day, sensing he’d be receptive, she dressed him in a green velvet jumpsuit and leather miniskirt and they went out on the town.

Marie Losier’s film has a style to match its subjects — crude and home video-ish, going into great detail about some things while skipping over such key points as the transition from Throbbing Gristle to Psychic TV, and pausing at times for lengthy concert footage. Losier’s restless camera prowls whatever space it’s in.

Two things remain consistent: music, mostly

by Psychic TV, on the soundtrack; and the love of Genesis for his late wife. She died in 2007,

Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (center) and Lady Jaye P-Orridge (left and right) seek surgery to look more like each other in the documentary film, ‘The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye.’ (Photo courtesy Adopt Films)

providing something of a downer ending, despite a “show must go on” epilogue.

With some Ls and Gs still having trouble accepting Bs and Ts, pandrogyny is going to test the limits of a lot of people’s tolerance. Though not presented in exploitative fashion, the film is

likely to be seen as a freak show by the majority of viewers.

“The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye” is obviously aimed at a niche audience, and those curious or cool enough to want to see it are likely to be satisfied.

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March 30, 2012

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THEATER by Jim Farmer

Farewell to an iconic theater Marietta’s Theatre on the Square was ground zero for anti-gay resolution

Theatre in the Square, the highly regarded Marietta playhouse founded by Palmer Wells and his late life partner, Michael Horne, closed its doors last week.

The theater — known for often staging gaythemed productions — had gone public last year when it found itself in a financial deficit. Despite raising money since that announcement, the board of directors released a statement March 19 that the theater is closing.

“After three days of board deliberations and financial analysis, we have decided that it is not feasible for us to finish our current season or launch a 31st season. We simply do not have the money,” Board Chair Mike Russell stated.

The board turned down an offer from the Marietta City Council for a contribution of $30,000, believing the financial gap was ultimately too large.

Wells and Horne founded Theatre in the Square 30 years ago and the company was critically and commercially successful. Wells, now 75, had contemplated retirement not long ago but stayed aboard to help try and keep the theater going.

When it came time to decide whether to close, Wells had only his one vote among the board of directors.

“Against my objections, they were all united in favor of (closing),” he says.

He feels several opportunities for funding were possibilities and there was a chance they could get more funding if they had announced their 31st season. The closing leaves him disappointed and frustrated. He still hopes for something of a miracle, that someone can step in and save the theater, although he is not sure if the board would invite him back. He admits there hasn’t been much communication between him and the board.

Theatre in the Square made international headlines when a Cobb County resident complained about their version of Terrence McNally’s “Lips Together, Teeth Apart,” which, ironically, had no gay content onstage.

It led to the infamous 1993 Cobb County Commission condemning the gay “lifestyle,” which prompted protests that eventually kept Cobb from hosting events for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Horne passed away shortly after in 1996 and Wells has always said he felt the stress of the situation contributed.

Since the resolution, the company produced several gay-themed dramas, including “Tru,” “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde” and “The Little Dog Laughed.”

One of the biggest shows staged by Theatre in the Square was the Tony-winning “Take Me Out,” Richard Greenberg’s drama about a baseball player who has just come out of the closet.

The show had ample frontal male nudity but didn’t cause a ripple, says Wells.

The company also produced lots of world premieres during its time. Their final show was Pearl Cleage’s “Flyin’ West.”

Wells says he is not sure what he will do next but that he enjoyed every moment of his time at

Palmer Wells founded Marietta’s Theatre in the Square with his late partner, Michael Horne. The theater closed this month after three decades that included being at the center of Cobb County’s 1993 anti-gay resolution. (Photo via Facebook)

Theatre in the Square, save for the stress of the politics and financial situation.

‘Miss Richfield’ returns

This weekend, the infamous Miss Richfield 1981 comes to town for a two-day gig at the 14th Street Playhouse. Last seen in the ATL a year ago, Miss Richfield is returning to kick off her new show “2012: We’ll All Be Dead By Christmas!”

“I simply adore that Southern pace,” says Miss Richfield. “Nothing makes me happier than repeating my material two or three times until everybody catches up! Not to mention how nice it is to be performing in a state best known for a fruit!”

According to the performer, the new show is about the impending apocalypse.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the world is ending this year. So I fashioned a multi-media extravaganza complete with upbeat music, infor-

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Miss Richfield 1981: “2012: We’ll All Be Dead By Christmas!”

March 30-31 at 14th Street Playhouse 173 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.14thstplayhouse.org mative videos and opportunities for the audience to get involved in the show,” she says. “And you know that’s where learning really starts.”

The current tour is taking her across the country and the world.

“Where am I NOT going would be an easier question. … It’s been so busy!” she says. “In fact, I just returned Sunday from the Third World, where I performed for my Mexican friends in Puerto Rico.”

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March 30, 2012

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Atlanta prepares for 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March Organizer hopes for participation from 40 international cities

By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Atlanta is one of more than three dozen participating in a global march for LGBT equality on Saturday, April 21.

Organizers hope the event, billed as the “2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March,” will draw thousands of LGBT people and their allies to the streets to demand full equality and to raise awareness of ongoing LGBT issues.

The marches are the brainchild of Joe Knudson, an author based in Oklahoma Cit. Knudson said in a phone interview that the idea for a worldwide event came to him about a year ago when he created a Facebook campaign to draw attention to the struggle for LGBT equality.

“Through that group we started a committee and looked at what we could do for a mass movement,” Knudson said. “We commissioned an outside firm that does litigation work on civil rights issues. They decided this year would be a great year to do something worldwide, especially since the UN [United Nations] spoke out for gay rights last year.

“We’re just gonna do it, just get this thing going, especially since it’s an election year in America,” Knudson continued.

The objective of the marches, Knudson said, is simply to raise awareness for issues that affect the LGBT community.

“Our biggest goal is to make the governments around the world, and all of society, aware of our struggle, aware of the lack of rights for our community.

“There’s not a whole lot that government or society can do if they’re ignorant of what’s going on,” Knudson said.

Organizing some 40 marches around the globe is no easy task, but Knudson said that Atlanta’s march, led by local activist Dusty Wenk, is in good hands. An overall planning committee of six volunteers, overseen by Knudson, and dozens of local activists working on the ground in each city have made the events possible, Knudson said.

“Atlanta, I don’t have to worry about very much,” Knudson said. “It gives me time to get the other locations up and going.”

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Pre-Party and Sign Making Event April 20, 2 p.m.

Phillip Rush Center 1530 DeKalb Avenue, Suite A Atlanta, GA 30307 Atlanta: 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March April 21, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Woodruff Park to Ga. State Capitol www.letsreachonemillionpeople.com Post-March Barbeque April 21 Immediately following march and rally Piedmont Park Knudson said that national gay rights groups have offered little, if any, support.

“One thing about this movement is that it’s strictly grassroots. We’re not getting a lot of support from the larger organizations like the HRC or the ACLU. They’re satisfied with the progress that they make on a yearly basis. They need our equality strung out so they can have a reason to exist. They have a way and a method of getting what is ‘enough’ equality to satisfy us. We’re not going to settle for anything,” Knudson said.

Other cities listed as participating in the march include Chicago, New York, Oklahoma City, Portland, Washington, D.C., Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Abuja (Nigeria) and London. In total, some 30 cities across the globe have signed on to take part. Knudson hopes to reach a total of 40 as several other cities will host other events that day, while others may join in the days leading up to the march.

A voter registration initiative at each location is a pivotal aspect of the movement, Knudson said. Each location will have printed materials on candidates running for office locally and nationally.

“We’re no different than anyone else, we just don’t have the same rights as everyone else,” Knudson said. “Society is pretty understanding once they have the complete set of facts. This movement will raise awareness, I think voters will get out there in this pivotal in this election year.”

LGBT parades, marches and rallies are still taboo (and illegal) in many parts of the world. Some cities, like an as-of-yet undisclosed location in Pakistan, won’t announce participation until right before the march kicks off, Knudson said.

Left: ‘We are one community, we have to stand up as one community,’ says Dusty Wenk, organizer of Atlanta’s local events for the 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March. (Courtesy photo) Right: Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham (top) and State Rep. Simone Bell are slated to speak April 21 at the Georgia march. (File photos)

“Some of those locations aren’t being advertised too heavily because some locations could be shut down and people could be arrested. We do have a lot of foreign participants. The talk is that something big is going to happen around the world in April,” Knudson said.

“Sexual orientation, gender identity needs to be a part of basic human rights. Until it is, we’re not going to have full equality.”

March to Georgia State Capitol

The Atlanta march kicks off at noon and will take participants from Woodruff Park to Georgia’s Capitol building, local organizer Dusty Wenk said.

Wenk, a German national, has lived in Atlanta for four years. Living in the states has been an eye-opening experience on how Americans treat the LGBT community, Wenk said.

“I’m German, and my girlfriend is American and in the military. We went through housing together with ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’

When I came to the states, I felt discriminated against,” she said. “I was an activist from the

first minute I came here.”

Wenk added that six speakers will be tapped for a post-march rally at the Capitol. As of press time, Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham and Ga. State Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) were confirmed. Bell is one of four openly gay members of the Georgia General Assembly and was the first African American lesbian elected to serve in a U.S. state legislature.

“After the speeches, we’re going to go to Piedmont Park to hang out, just for a little barbeque or whatever. We’re going to have a closing event at Island Breeze in East Atlanta.

A few different LGBT entertainers will help us close it out,” Wenk said.

Wenk said she hopes the local LGBT community will support and participate in the march.

“The women’s movement, the civil rights movement, they all stood up for themselves,” she said. “Everybody complains, but nobody stands up for themselves. There’s nothing to be ashamed or to be quiet about.

“We are one community, we have to stand up as one community.”

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Wig Out with MondoHomo Alterna-queer fest sets the mood for Spring

MondoHomo, the queer alterna-fest, returns to Atlanta this Memorial Day Weekend, but pre-festival events are already underway.

The third annual Wig Out event will be held at the Atlanta Eagle on Saturday, April 7, from 2 – 8 p.m. This year’s theme, “Queer Justice, Queer Beats!” will be a celebration of wigs, dancing and drag, according to event organizers.

“It’s a play on ‘no justice, no peace,’ the classic protest cry,” said MondoHomo cofounder Kiki Carr.

“MondoHomo is all about art and fun and politics. It sort of pulls that all together very well,” Carr continued.

Hosted by Atlanta’s Koochie-Koochie Ku, Wig Out will feature beats by DJ Vicki Powell, a dunk tank, beer pong and grilled hotdogs and hamburgers (with vegan options, of course!).

Also on the schedule is an Easter egg hunt.

“We were trying to go with something new and different,” Carr said on the selection of Koochie-Koochie Ku as the event’s emcee.

Musical, drag and burlesque performers will take the stage inside the Eagle throughout the day. Some 23 performers have been booked as of press time, including GA Voice’s 2011 “Best Drag King” Devin Liquor, Fonda Lingue, Brent Star, DAX! and Boydonna.

Tickets for the event are $15 at the door. They

EVENT SPOTLIGHT MORE INFO MondoHomo ‘Wig Out’ April 7, 2-8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308 www.mondohomo.com

can also be purchased in advance from The Eagle, Charis Books & More, Mary’s and through members of the Radical Faeries for $10, but all MondoHomo events are “pay what you can.”

Carr added that ticket sales go to support the festival and the artists who attend.

Last year’s Wig Out, held at Friend’s on Ponce, may pale in comparison to this year’s, with 23 performers ready for the stage at the Atlanta Eagle.

(Photos by Dyana Bagby)

“That goes to produce the festival, from space rental to promotions,” she said. “We give stipends and travel funds. One of the points is to be supportive of queer performers. We’re trying to make sure they get support, as well. That’s the primary expense.

MondoHomo, founded in 2007, will be held May 26-29 at various locations in East Atlanta.

— Ryan Watkins

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Irwin Street Market showcases local food vendors Irwin Street Market used to be home to an old air conditioning and repair facility, but in 2006 Jake Rothschild had the idea of turning the space into an incubator for local food vendors as he was expanding his business, Jake’s Ice Cream.

Rothschild, who is gay, said his initial idea was to offer a space for local food vendors to showcase their wares.

Six years later, some 14 food merchants call Irwin Street Market home – including a coffeehouse, a bakery, several restaurants and a cooking school, which was voted one of the top three cooking schools in Atlanta in a recent Yelp survey.

Rothschild said many of the employees who work in the Irwin Street Market, located in the heart of Atlanta’s revitalized Old Fourth

MORE INFO Irwin Street Market 660 Irwin Street NE, Atlanta GA 30312 www.irwinstreetmarket.com

Ward, are gay and lesbian.

“We’re an important part of the community,” Rothschild said. “We’re very diverse.

We’re not political, but we’re warm and welcoming and supportive of gay causes.”

“There are plenty of gay people working there,” Rothschild added.

The cooking school, Irwin Street Community Kitchen, offers regular classes on everything from sharpening your knife skills to cooking with fish. There are even “singles nights” and classes geared toward children.

Irwin Street Market offers culinary classes on topics ranging from sharpening your knife skills to how to properly cook fish. (Photo via irwinstreetmaret.com)

The school offers some 25 classes each month hosted by six Atlanta chefs. Rothschild hosts regular classes on making ice cream.

Rothschild, 49, sold his stake in the Irwin Street Market in late 2011 but has stayed on as a creative consultant, he said.

Despite a down economy, Jake’s Ice Cream and Irwin Street Market continue to do well, he said.

“It really hasn’t been a negative,” Rothschild said. “People will always treat themselves to ice cream.”

— Ryan Watkins

Community

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PERSONALITY SPOTLIGHT

Pastor Bradley Schmeling on faith, love and leaving Atlanta

By Laura Douglas-Brown Pastor Bradley Schmeling of Atlanta’s St. John’s Lutheran Church made international headlines when he faced a church trial for violating the denomination’s policy banning LGBT people in relationships from ordained ministry.

The church knew Schmeling was gay when he became pastor in 2000, and embraced his relationship with Rev. Darin Easler. The congregation stood by Schmeling and Easler through a journey that began with formal charges filed in 2006, and continued through 2009, when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to allow clergy in committed, monogamous same-sex relationships.

Easler and Schmeling, who had remained at the helm of St. John’s throughout the struggle, were officially restored to the ELCA clergy roster in 2010. On March 24, Schmeling announced he is leaving St. John’s to become senior pastor of the 2,300-member Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. He will preach his last sermon at St. John’s on Sunday, May 6.

Schmeling talked with GA Voice about his past, his future and the journey to LGBT equality in the church.

How long have you lived in Atlanta, and what made you decide to move to the city?

I moved here to do doctoral work in theology at Emory University. I never imagined that I would live here for 17 years, longer than I’ve lived anywhere in my life.

Other gay pastors have chosen to keep their relationships secret. What made you decide to be open with your congregation, and then with Lutheran church leadership?

I was single when I came to St. John’s, but I promised the bishop that if I ever entered a relationship I would tell him. I kept that promise.

When Darin and I became partners, I was eager to tell everyone about our relationship. I never wanted to hide it. I wanted to celebrate it, and I wanted the church to join in our celebration.

St. John’s threw a party for us as soon as they heard the news. I had no idea how powerful and life-changing the journey would be for me and for the church.

Your battle helped ELCA change its rules for gay clergy. At the time that the fight started, did you think it would be won? Do you have any regrets from this period?

Rev. Bradley Schmeling (right) with his life partner, Rev. Darin Easler. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

MORE INFO St. John’s Lutheran Church 1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30307 www.stjohnsatlanta.org

Many strong leaders helped to shape the direction of the ELCA. I felt privileged to have played a part in moving the church to welcome everyone into leadership. For me, it was never about winning or losing, but about being faithful to the good news that God loves everyone.

What has inspired you most about the congregation at St. John?

The members of St. John’s are some of the most creative, generous, faithful and courageous people I’ve ever met. It’s been an honor to serve with them in ministry.

What motivates you to move on now?

Gloria Dei is an amazing congregation with a rich tradition, a warm and generous heart, and a love for social justice. It’s the largest Lutheran church in the city of St. Paul, and it offers wonderful opportunities for service and growth for me.

What are you most looking forward to in your new job and new city?

I’m looking forward to meeting new people and helping to shape a wonderful ministry. I’m also looking forward to life in the Twin Cities. Despite the reports about winter, it seems like a great city in which to make a home.

What will you miss most about Atlanta?

Mostly, I’ll miss my friends, many of whom I’ve know for 17 years. I’ll also miss azaleas, dogwoods and walks in Piedmont Park. I’ve even learned to love grits if they have enough cheese in them.

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Calendar

BEST BETS 03.30 - 04.12 Friday, March 30Saturday, March 31

Publicity photo

The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus performs “Gleeful Noise: Celebrating Glee Clubs, Then & Now,” featuring arrangements from “Glee,” including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Teenage Dream.” $25, 8 p.m. at Cannon Chapel at Emory University, 515 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, www.agmchorus.org/SpringConcert2012.html

Saturday, March 31 The lesbian-led Michelle Malone Banned performs two shows at Eddie’s Attic. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Publicity photo

Superstar DJ Tony Moran hits the turn tables at Jungle. 10:30 p.m., 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.

Friday, March 30

Gay Outreach at AID Atlanta hosts a happy hour social event. First-time participants receive a drink on the house. 5 - 7 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/GERqKn Kai Lin Art’s 21st exhibition, “BLOOM,” is the annual spring exhibit, this year featuring Wallace Duvall, Nathaniel Galka, Lucha Rodriquez, Marlene Lillian, Jarno Kettunen, Penny Treese, Bethany Collins, Sun Hong and Karen Divine. 7 - 10 p.m. at Kai Lin Art, 3069 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com The Southern Bears host an informal coffee and dinner for members and those who’d like to know more about the fundraising and social group. 7 p.m. at Caribou Coffee, 3487 Northside Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30327, then dinner at 8 p.m. at OK Cafe, 1284 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30327, http://on.fb.me/GICQE2, www.southernbears.org

Sunday, April 1

Award-winning trans performance artist Scott Turner Schofield performs “Words Can’t Describe” to raise money for his surgery fund. Silent auction at intermission. 3 p.m. at 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/GHDO0C, www.undergroundtransit.com

Lesbian poet Megan A. Volpert brings “Sonics in Warholia” for an appearance with fellow writers Chris Chipman and Vince Cellucci. 7 p.m. at Bound to be Read Books, 481-B Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.boundtobereadbooks.com Superpill, the Sonia Tetlow Band and Flat Cat open for the super-duper queer-inclusive band The Shondes.

8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. at the HIgland Inn Ballroom Lounge, 644 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/GQTmS2 Savannah Pride hosts the second annual Fools Party to raise funds for the annual festival. Includes amateur drag contest with 50/50 raffle and drink specials from 9 - 10 p.m. $5, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. at Chuck’s Bar, 301 River St., Savannah, GA 31401, www.savpride.com Mary’s in East Atlanta celebrates the release of Madonna’s “MDNA” album with CD and promotional swag giveaways. VJ Headmaster Ritual will spin a full night of girl pop dance music. 9 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Friday, March 30 Saturday, March 31

Saturday, March 31

ADD YOUR EVENT

The ever-zany Miss Richfield 1981 brings “2012: We’ll All be Dead by Christmas” to Midtown. 8 p.m. at the 14th St. Playhouse, 173 14th St., Atlanta GA 30309, www. missrichfield.com, www.14thstplayhouse.org

Saturday, March 31

The Atlanta Harlequins, the city’s women’s rugby football club, takes on the Raleigh Venom. 12 - 2 p.m. at Central Park, Upper Field, 355 Pine St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/ySUJIM

Publiticy photo

Courtespy photo

SPOTLIGHT

www.theGAVoice.com

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< MORE LGBT EVENTS: Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules, sports, worship services and community organization meetings. www.thegavoice.com/calendar

Strong Ladies and Men, or SLAM, hosts a “Kick Butt & Chew Bubble Gum” self-defense seminar in light of recent homophobic assaults. Free, $5-$10 suggested donation. 12 - 3 p.m. at the Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center, 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/GEgO7k, www.strongladiesandmen.com

The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament hosts a final cookout before its big gay bowling tournament. $10 covers all you can eat burgers, hot dogs and beer.

Look out for the drunken gummy bears! 5 - 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/GGzobQ The Woofs Wackers softball team hosts their annual Final Four Beer Bust with a 50/50 raffle, Jell-o, shots and drunken gummies. 5 - 8 p.m. at Woof’s, 2425 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/GLfDjC

The Atlanta Freedom Bands perform “March Madness and April Fools: a concert of humor, whimsy and fantasy” with trans performance artist Scott Turner Schofield. 8 p.m. at Druid hills United Methodist Church, 1200 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantafreedombands.com Fenuxe Magazine presents their 2012 Best Bachelor Auction to benefit AID Atlanta. Ten local gay bachelors will be auctioned off for dinner/spa/theater dates to benefit Atlanta’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization. Tickest $20-$150. 8 - 11 p.m. at Raw Space Gallery, 431 Fair St., Atlanta, GA 30313, http://2012bachelorauction.eventbrite.com

Sunday, April 1

Meet, greet and read with local gay authors Collin Kelley and David-Matthew Barnes. 3 - 6 p.m. at Bound to Be Read Books, 481-B Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, www.boundtobereadbooks.com

Calendar

www.theGAVoice.com Pink Martini takes listeners back to the golden era of Hollywood musicals with a genre-blending performance. 7 p.m. at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantasymphony.org

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Publicityphoto

SPOTLIGHT

Monday, April 2

PFLAG Atlanta hosts the First Monday Support Group with a trained facilitator leading a group of LGBTQ friends and family. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1587 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pflagatl.org

Tuesday, April 3

Wednesday, April 4

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a prix fixe Business Builder Luncheon. $20, cash only, RSVP to laura@truevoices.com 11:55 a.m. at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantagaychamber.org Dine out at La Tavola to support of the AIDS Vaccine 200 fundraising ride for the Emory Vaccine Center.

Twenty percent of food sales will be donated to the HIV research organization. 5:30 - 10 p.m. at La Tavola, 992 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306. Make you reservations at www.latavolatrattoria.com The original “every woman” Chaka Khan plays the Cobb Energy Performing Art Center, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. www.ticketmaster.com

Thursday, April 5

Dr. Susan Perz presents “Conceiving a Peaceful World: Women’s BodyWisdom, Leadership and Peacemaking,” a discussion on how women have shaped social movements and created social change.

7:30 - 9 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence raise funds for the Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption during a night out at Atlanta’s first and only gay sports bar. 6 - 9 p.m. at Woof’s, 2425 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/zSIwF4

Thursday, April 5 Sunday, April 8

The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament celebrates its 30th anniversary over Easter weekend.

The gay bowling event typically hosts 300 southeastern bowlers and this year’s “Family Reunion” theme promises new activities and surprises. Events through out the weekend at Brunswick Zone, 6345 Spalding Drive, Norcross, GA 30092, www.dixiebowl.org

Friday, April 6

The Atlanta Bucks gay rugby club host a night of hot wings and beer at the Heretic. $10, 8 - 11 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Saturday, April 7

The Atlanta Rainbow Trout swim club hosts the 2012 Spring Splash swim meet and post-meet social. Competition is open to all swimmers over 18 and up. Warm up at 10 a.m., meet starts at 11 a.m. at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. 266 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, http://on.fb.me/xMfUbd The Atlanta Queer Literary Festival in conjuction with Charis Books and More, the Ponce De Leon Branch of the Fulton/Atlanta Public Library and Atlanta Pride host a poetry workshop during National Poetry Month with Don Perryman and Dustin Brookshire that focuses on generative exercises for new poems. Free, pre-register with dustinvbrookshire@ gmail.com. 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Ponce De Leon Branch Library, 980 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta GA 30306, 404-885-7820, www.charisbooksandmore.com Join the Prime Timers of Atlanta, a social organization of older gay/bisexual men, as they host their monthly meeting. 3 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1539 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.atlantaprimetimers.com Mondohomo hosts its 3rd annual “Wig Out,” a day-long party to raise funds for the the group’s yearly alternative queer arts and music festival. $10 tickets available at the Eagle, Charis Books, Mary’s and Atlanta Radical Faeries. $15 at the door. 2 - 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/GJZKvs Maj. Keith Meadows, the Atlanta Police’s new Zone 6 commander, which covers East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Candler Park, Little Five Points and Virginia-Highland,

The annual Armorettes Easter Drag Races means an afternoon of fun games. The bar opens at 2 p.m. with the races beginning at 4 p.m. Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Saturday, April 7 Carioca Productions welcomes superstar remixer Danny Verde of Milan, Italy, to an Easter weekend throw down. DJ Scorpio immediately follows with a late-night set at XION. $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door, 10 p.m. 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.cariocaproductions.com Publicity photo

Angelica D’ Paige hosts Trivia Tuesday Karaoke.

11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Photo by Dyana Bagby

Jerry hosts “I Gotta Sing!” karaoke. 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Sunday, April 8

hosts an informal meet and greet. 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 2033 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta, GA 30317 The Armorettes and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence judge MISTER’s Easter Bonnet Runway Competition where the best bonnet takes home an “adult” easter basket. Grab a free HIV test while you’re at it, stick around for Philip Bonneau’s art show. 5 - 6 p.m. at MISTER, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.positiveimpact-atl.org “Heroes + Villains Issue #2” is a gallery showing by photographer Philip Bonneau featuring a world of comic characters as played by the gay artist and several local gay models. 6 - 9 p.m. at MISTER, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/Philip Bonneau

Tuesday, April 10 Hunx and his Punks return to Atlanta for another raucous show. 830 p.m. at The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.badearl.com Photo via Facebook

Sing along as pianist David Reeb tickles the ivories every Tuesday. 8 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Campagnolo, a new Midtown restaurant near 10th and Piedmont, celebrates its grand opening sneak peek with a fundraiser for ARCA, an HIV/ AIDS research non-profit. Suggested donation of $10 includes hors d’oeuvres by executive chef Daniel Chance. Cash bar and donation proceeds go to ARCA. 6 - 10 p.m. and at Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar, 980 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309 Will Pollock and Wiffledust present “Story & Song with Matthew Kahler,” a gallery and music experience. Gallery browsing beings at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. at Stone Four Studios at Studioplex Atlanta, 659 Auburn Ave. #131, www.matthewkahler.net Second Sunday Service dance party with DJ Vicki Powell returns to the Old Fourth Ward. 7 p.m. at Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, http://on.fb.me/GSf5da

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Wednesday, April 11 Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star host a “Masquerade” PALS Bingo, where a prize will be awarded for best mask. The monthly themed game raises money for Pets Are Loving Support, a non-profit to help HIV/AIDS-affected pet owners with their furry friends. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program at 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

March 30, 2012

Calendar

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Sunday, April 8

Blake’s on the Park parties all day, starting at 2 p.m. with Texas Hold’em upstairs. DJ Bill Berdeaux spins Old School Sundays starting at 3 p.m. and DJ Darryl Cox spins Sunday Funday at 7 p.m. 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com Traxx Girls presents Showtime Sundays hosted by Ms. Sophia, 12 a.m. showtime at Scores Sports Bar, 2425 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30035, www.traxxgirls.com

Monday, April 9

Writing with Intent is a facilitated discussion group for authors of fiction and creative nonfiction. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com Mondays are Happy Bear Cocktail Hour, where patrons can watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Absolutely Fabulous” with half-price appetizers 5 - 8 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com Niesha Dupree’s Stars of the Century takes the stage on Mondays at 11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com Every Monday, Catch the “Martini Girls Cabaret” featuring hostesses Jealouse and Charlie Brown with Elea Atlanta and “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” alum Mariah Balenciaga. $5 martini’s all night. 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. at Beluga Martini Bar. 3115 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.belugamartinibar.com

Tuesday, April 10

Gay Chicago poet Gregg Shapiro reads from his new book “Gregg Shapiro 77.” Local gay poet Dustin Brookshire joins. 7:30 p.m. at Bound to Be Read, 481B Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.boundtobereadbooks.com

Wednesday, April 11

Get 25-cent Keystone drafts all night at Heretic’s Dress Code party with DJ Lydia Prim on the turntables. 10 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Thursday, April 12

Join infamous drag personality Ruby Redd for the truly Dirty Boy Bingo. 10 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com Thursday nights, catch the Shawnna Factor with Shawnna Brooks, Nicole Paige Brooks, Lena Lust, Lady Shabazz, Lateasha Shante Shuntel and Regina Ryan. 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

www.theGAVoice.com

yana Bagby

GA Voice

D to by Pho

28

ril 18 Wednsday, Aptes the

Doria Roberts celebra at release of “Blackeyed Susan” . at p.m 10 Eddie’s Attic. 8 p.m. and ugh ono McD N. -B Eddie’s Attic, 515 St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

UPCOMING Friday, April 13 Sunday, April 15

The Atlanta Eagle celebrates their 25th anniversary and co-produces the third annual Leather Pride, which includes a BBQ and beer bust, Mr. & Ms. Atlanta Eagle Contest and Dutch Treat Leather Brunch. All events at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlanteagle.com

Saturday, April 14

The Magnetic Fields, led by gay musician Stephin Merritt, brings the “Tour at the Bottom of the Sea” to Atlanta. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. at the Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.variety-playhouse.com Sister Funk, a five-girl punk band featured on “L-Word,” rocks My Sister’s Room. DJ Liz Owen spins after. $10, 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Sunday, April 15

Celebrate Joining Hearts’ 25 years of fundraising with a Change of Seasons tea dance with dueling DJs Mike Pope and Vicki Powell. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 4 - 9 p.m. at The Georgian Terrace Hotel, 659 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.joininghearts.org

Saturday, April 21

The Atlanta Bucks host their annual “Purple Dress Run” fundraiser, where the beefy boys of the city’s gay rugby team invite runners to don purple dresses for a run/bar crawl through Midtown. 1 - 5 p.m. Start details TBA. http://purpledressrun2012.eventbrite.com

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March 30, 2012

GA Voice

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GA Voice

March 30, 2012

A&E

www.theGAVoice.com

THAT’S WHAT

SHE SAID

The art of life My mother is going blind, but her artistic vision remains

Millie Pete is going blind. My 82-year-old mother was diagnosed with macular degeneration two months ago, and the condition is quickly taking away her vision because of damage to her retina.

As an artist, this has posed a serious challenge to her lifestyle, since the result of the condition is the inability to see detail or recognize faces. As the daughter of this artist, I have come to realize these past few weeks that is was through her art that I learned my most important life lessons: • Shadows. My mother taught me never to use black when shading paintings. Instead you use complimentary colors to show depth to an object. As a child I saw shadows as dark places to avoid, but Millie Pete allowed me to see they are never as black as they seem, and that shadows actually help enhance the world around you.

• Begin small. When starting any drawing, you begin with small strokes that, over time, will make a bigger picture. In life we tend to look toward people with established relationships or careers as role models, yet we forget how long it took them to reach that point in their life. Knowing the small steps we take are not wasted and contribute to our larger success can allow us to relax enough to enjoy each of those moments.

• Work with oils. My mother’s favorite medium was oil paint. Since oil paints take weeks and sometimes months to dry, Millie Pete was able to change elements within the painting over the course of many days before it was complete.

This allowed her the opportunity to put her brush down and walk away for a time in order to get a fresh perspective upon her return to the canvas.

For me I know that you never attempt to do anything perfect the first time, and a fresh eye always makes a situation better.

• When finished with one project, begin another. My mother’s home, as well as my own, is filled with paintings Millie Pete created.

Her life was not dedicated to just one piece. In-

Melissa Carter is also a writer for Huffington Post.

She broke ground as the first out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter

stead she always wanted to try new scenes, new mediums, or new canvas sizes.

This taught me that life is not one journey, but many. The only constant in life is you, and you should always be ready to complete one experience and set off to own another.

• Your work is more valuable when you’re gone. As an art teacher, my mother taught me not only art technique but also art history. She would often laugh at the fact famous artists were more valuable dead than alive, since these same masters struggled with poverty while creating their best work.

What I took away from those stories is the idea that passion is always better than profit, and your life’s work should be about what you leave behind for others.

• Keep going. Perhaps the biggest life lesson I have learned through my mother’s art is the fact it doesn’t stop, despite the fact she has now lost her vision. In a corner of my mother’s home stands a brand new painting of a man’s silhouette. She explained to me it was the image she now sees when looking at my brother.

My mother’s determination to continue to live life, and express it in art, shows that no matter what obstacle you have to endure, you simply keep moving forward.

No one wants to see their parents grow old.

It’s as if their grey, wrinkles, and slow pace are constant reminders that the safety of our childhood is really over. I know my mother is afraid of her weakening body, but she still has something familiar to lean on, art.

Art has been her best friend and closest confidant throughout her life. In its ear is where she whispers her deepest fears and darkest thoughts and in return, it has taught her about life’s never-ending beauty.

And by being the daughter of this beautiful artist, I can make sure these lessons I’ve learned from her live on as long as her art.

A&E

www.theGAVoice.com

DOMESTICALLY

DISTURBED

In bloom Peace and perspective, courtesy of a little flower power

It was a week ago, and I was at the Home Depot garden center, attempting to navigate the aisles pushing one of those flatbed carts while balancing the phone under my ear. I’d called Mama to ask for her advice about my flower beds. Not to diminish anything I’ve accomplished up to this point, but she made it pretty plain that this was the proudest moment of her life.

“Oh, Barbara,” Mama cried out to her sister.

“Topher’s buying plants!”

Aunt Barbara let out a little whoop of approval and instantly suggested azaleas.

“Calm down. I’m just doing a little bed by the front door…”

“Climbing jasmine!” yelled my mother.

They’d developed landscaping Tourette’s.

The yard had been on my to-do list since late 2007, but it was that thing that always fell to the bottom of the priority list. I really did want to get around to it, but was inevitably the easiest thing to drop. It was the real-life equivalent of recording Rosie O’Donnell’s talk show on my DVR. I had every good intention of watching, but if I needed to make room in the queue for an episode of “Untucked,” O’Donnell got cut.

Which is why I now feel personally responsible for her cancellation. Ro, I am so sorry.

Anyhoo, my husband and I recently had a very serious conversation about the general state of our home, namely how he works very hard to maintain it, and I work equally hard to destroy it, and I seem to be winning the battle despite his best efforts.

Confession: I am a very messy person. I tend to be a big idea kinda guy, but then I am easily distracted mid-project. So I leave everything out in case I want to return at some point. I swear to God, right now there is a hot glue gun on my desk that has been sitting there for almost a year.

I could put it away. But then I might need it.

If I were still single, I’d be on “Hoarders” by now, watching the Got Junk team extract a

Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book “Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life.” Find out more at topherpayne.com

skeleton from under a pile of American Theatre magazines and trying to remember when the hell I owned a cat. There are many things Preppy has brought to my life, but preventing me from that fate is among the most commendable.

We’ve had the conversation about my… habits… for about five years. But the recent serious conversation was more in the vein of “Jesus God, I love you but I am absolutely not going to live in your tornado of shit a moment longer and I will burn this house down myself with you in it before it gets this bad again,” so I’ve been addressing it a little more aggressively.

I’ve been adopting all these novel concepts: The dining room table is not where we put our underpants when we strip after work. Dishes, once used, must be cleaned in some fashion.

If we vacuum more than once a month, it will eliminate the dog hair tumbleweeds rolling through the kitchen.

Beyond the general housekeeping, I wanted to take on a small, manageable project as evidence of my love and respect for the house, and by extension, my husband. And that’s how I ended up in the garden center, with a cartful of manure and questions for Mama about the difference between annuals and perennials.

“You’ll love it, son,” said Mama. “Once you start, you’ll just fall in love and want to do the whole yard.”

“That is precisely what we’re avoiding,” I told her. “The whole point of this is to see the project to completion.”

This turns out to be only partially true, as nurturing a living thing isn’t really a one-time exercise. Drive by on any given afternoon, and you’ll see me out front with my watering can, caring for my little bed of marigolds and snapdragons. I’ve become quite invested in their well-being.

Recovery programs usually suggest you learn to care for a plant, then an animal, then a person. Like so much else in my life, I’m doing it backwards, but I’m beginning to comprehend the philosophy: With a little daily maintenance, life has the potential to be quite beautiful.

March 30, 2012

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