Georgia Voice 03/08/24, Vol. 14 Issue 24

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0292 04/23

#1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*

*Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 01/20/2023.

ELIAS SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY

Listen to REAL STORIES being told by REAL VOICES.

No matter where life takes you, Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

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Fine Print All

Art as the Love of Self

Katie Burkholder

“I know I’m lucky this makes me feel better. I know I’m lucky this makes me feel animal and real.”

—Camp Cope, “Animal & Real”

Although we’re only a couple months in, 2024 is turning into an especially creative year for me. I’ve been addicted to crocheting, I’ve consistently filled pages in my collage journal, and I have publicly shared poetry. This newfound ease of creativity feels sudden — I’ve always had the desire to be creative and regularly engage in creative hobbies (outside of writing for work), but I could never really get into the rhythm of it; I would pick up activities like painting, drawing, or jewelry making, only to quickly lose interest. I would struggle to have ideas I was enthusiastic about and struggle even more to execute those ideas in a way that satisfied me. As I’ve worked on this arts issue and thought about my relationship with making art, I’ve wondered: why, suddenly, does it feel like I’m in my creative stride?

Maybe I’ve just finally chosen the media that work best for me, but I started crocheting in 2019. From 2019 to 2023, I had crocheted maybe five pieces. In 2024, I’ve crocheted upward of 15. I have made attempts at poetry for years, but only this year have I been confident enough in my writing to share it with other people. In fact, maybe the biggest difference between my attitude toward making art this year and in years previous is that I find it so easy to be creative now, because I actually like the things I’m making.

I have been on a journey of self-discovery and healing since 2020. I was deeply struggling with self-image; I completely lacked a sense of self and believed that the way I was, the person I was, could never be good enough. This belief permeated the creative space — because I didn’t like

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KOSTIKOVA NATALIA

“When I make something I’m proud of, I maintain and strengthen my sense of self. I look at something beautiful that came from my mind, my heart, and I see the beauty in me. Everything I make, from a poem to a collage to a sweater, is a testament to how far I’ve come, to the newfound love I have for myself, and I’m proud.”

myself, I didn’t like much of what I made. I was more concerned with being perceived as creative than I was with being true to myself and making things that spoke to me. With no sense of self, it felt like there wasn’t anything inside me that was desperate to be poured out into art.

The past four years of therapy and mental illness treatment, changing relationships, grief, and just growing up have culminated in this moment, now, where creativity and selfexpression come more easily. I am less scared and ashamed of myself, and as the shame and fear have fallen away, my mind has become clearer and my voice louder. I am more easily inspired, because I know myself enough to know what appeals to me, what feels True to

me, and ultimately, I actually have the belief in myself necessary to pursue my inspiration, to make something of it.

When I make something I’m proud of, I maintain and strengthen my sense of self. I look at something beautiful that came from my mind, my heart, and I see the beauty in me. Everything I make, from a poem to a collage to a sweater, is a testament to how far I’ve come, to the newfound love I have for myself, and I’m proud.

Maybe 2024 is my year of creativity, because I no longer make anything to transform myself into the Creative Person I want to be. I make things because it feels good. I make things because it feels right.

Staff reports

Read these stories and more online at thegavoice.com

Department of Education to Investigate Nex Benedict’s Okla. School District

The U.S. Department of Education informed Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson that the department will open an investigation in response to HRC’s letter regarding Owasso Public Schools and its failure to respond appropriately to sex-based harassment that may have contributed to the death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary teenager of Choctaw heritage.

This investigation was triggered by a formal complaint made last week by Robinson, who wrote to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and asked his department to use the enforcement mechanisms at its disposal to prevent similar tragedies from taking place in the future and to help hold accountable those responsible for Benedict’s death.

The letter from the Department of Education reads: “the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), is opening for investigation the above-referenced complaint that you filed against the Owasso Public Schools (the District.) Your complaint alleges that the District discriminated against students by failing to respond appropriately to sex-based harassment, of which it had notice, at Owasso High School during the 2023-2024 school year,” said Robinson.

“Nex’s family, community and the broader 2SLGBTQI+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex+) community in Oklahoma are still awaiting answers following their tragic loss. We appreciate the Department of Education responding to our complaint and opening an investigation — we need them to act urgently so there can be justice for Nex, and so that all students at Owasso High School and every school in Oklahoma can be safe from bullying, harassment and discrimination,” Robinson added.

According to the letter, OCR is opening the following issues for investigation:

• Whether the District failed to appropriately

respond to alleged harassment of students in a manner consistent with the requirements of Title IX.

• Whether the District failed to appropriately respond to alleged harassment of students in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 504 and Title II.

HRC sent a second letter to the Department asking it to promptly begin an investigation into the Oklahoma State Department of Education, as well as the current State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters. In addition:

• Robinson wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into Nex’s death.

• Robinson wrote to Dr. Margaret Coates, superintendent of the Owasso School District in Oklahoma, calling for the superintendent to take advantage of HRC’s Welcoming Schools program — the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ and gender-inclusive training and resources — and offering to bring experts to the district immediately.

New Biden Campaign Hire is the First LGBTQ National Organizing Director

The Biden-Harris reelection campaign announced on Wednesday that Roohi Rustum has been tapped to serve as its national organizing director, becoming the first woman of color and the first LGBTQ person to serve in this role for a general election presidential campaign.

Rustum, who is Bangladeshi-American, was most recently the interim national organizing director for the Democratic National Committee, where she led early organizing efforts for the campaign in Arizona and Wisconsin and also directed “get out the vote” initiatives for key 2023 races like Kentucky’s gubernatorial and Virginia’s state legislative elections, which saw sweeping Democratic victories.

Prior to her role with the DNC, Rustum was national relational organizing director for the Biden-Harris 2020 presidential campaign, and she also worked on the organizing infrastructure for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential campaign.

“This campaign will prioritize face to face voter contact and run a strong, present, brick and mortar operation — while also employing the best lessons from 2020 and 2022 on effective campaigning in online spaces,” said Biden-Harris 2024 Battleground States Director Dan Kanninen. “I can’t think of anyone better to build a field army that can do both than Roohi.”

Along with Rustum’s new role, the campaign announced on Wednesday that Alana Mounce will serve as its political director, and Meredith Horton will be national director for voter protection and access.

“I’m thrilled to have these battle-tested operatives join our team. This is a team with unparalleled expertise, creativity, and grit that will be critical to winning this November,” Biden-Harris 2024 Campaign Manager Julie Chavez-Rodriguez said.

Department of Education to investigate Nex Benedict’s Okla. School District COURTESY PHOTO

Michigan Primary is a Cautionary Tale for November Election

Victoria A. Brownworth, Philadelphia Gay News via the National LGBTQ Media Association

Read the full article online at thegavoice.com.

The Michigan primary promised a test for President Joe Biden and for Nikki Haley and it delivered. But the cautionary tale pundits predicted depends entirely on who is reading the results and through what prism.

The final results were unsurprising: Biden and Donald Trump both won. Yet while the mainstream media pronounced Biden in trouble and Trump sailing to victory, the real story is more nuanced. As an incumbent with no real challengers, Biden has been scoring in the 90 percent range through the short primary season of just a handful of states. Millionaire Wisconsin congressman Dean Phillips is running against Biden but has been unable to push past one or two percent of the vote. Michigan was no exception, where Phillips came in dead last at 2.7 percent, even behind self-help guru Marianne Williamson who was still on the ballot but dropped out several weeks ago, yet garnered three percent.

Michigan has an “uncommitted” vote in primaries, and it was this that proved the first shift in Biden’s overwhelming win in previous states. Led by PalestinianAmerican congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, there was a call for Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian American voters and others with similar concerns, to protest the Biden administration’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war by voting “uncommitted.” The goal was purportedly to send a message to Biden that he could not depend on these voters in the critical swing state without a change that signaled to these voters that Palestinian lives in Gaza matter.

The initial goal was to have 10,000 voters choose that uncommitted vote over Biden. That was the number by which Hillary Clinton lost Michigan in 2016. On Wednesday, with 95 percent of the Democratic votes counted, there were 101,100 uncommitted votes — 13.3 percent of the 762,697 votes cast. Biden received 81.1 percent of the vote — 618,426 votes.

The number of voters choosing uncommitted was significantly higher than it was in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Michigan primaries, when around 20,000 people picked “uncommitted” each time. Yet the actual percentage of the vote was only marginally higher than it was in the last Michigan primary with an incumbent president. In 2012, “uncommitted” got about 11 percent against Barack Obama. And that primary had a much lower turnout. There are several other states coming up that also

offer the uncommitted choice: Kentucky, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

How those numbers are read depends on who’s doing the reading. Certainly, Tlaib and her coterie of protest voters can claim a victory for their protest. Yet in his long statement on the primary, delivered on Twitter/X, Biden only alluded to the protest — he did not cite it or that demographic. “I want to thank every Michigander who made their voice heard today. Exercising the right to vote and participating in our democracy is what makes America great.”

For her part, Tlaib did not comment on either of her Twitter/X accounts but had been speaking publicly in Michigan for the past week. On Tuesday, Tlaib said in a video shared on Twitter/X by the Listen to Michigan campaign, “I was proud today to walk in and pull a Democratic ballot and vote uncommitted. We must protect our democracy. We must make sure that our government is about us, about the people.”

She said, “When 74 percent of Democrats in Michigan support a cease-fire, yet President Biden is not hearing us, this is the way we can use our democracy to say ‘listen.’ Listen to Michigan.”

Listen to Michigan had called on Michiganders to “Vote Uncommitted in the Feb 27 Michigan Democratic primary. Tell President Biden, count me out for war and genocide in Gaza.” The campaign’s goal was to “demonstrate our political power and discontent” through the primary protest votes and to alert Biden that these votes were not guaranteed. The aim was also to — according to the group’s website — make him “feel more at risk of losing Michigan in the general election, prompting a potential

reassessment of his financing and backing of Israel’s war in Gaza.”

That mission, it would seem, was accomplished. Tlaib garnered headlines from Fox News to the Jerusalem Post. Other headlines called Biden the loser in the Michigan primary.  The Daily Beast said “‘Uncommitted’ Campaign in Michigan Shatters Expectations Against Biden.”

A significant number of people interviewed on national news broadcasts said their protest will extend to November. Khalid Turaani, co-chair of Abandon Biden, who are urging voters not to vote for Biden in November, said news of a possible ceasefire this weekend is “too little too late.”

If that 13 percent of uncommitted voters are worrying for Biden — and it would be a mistake to ignore those votes — this is what Trump’s primary losses look like: Trump lost 49 percent, 46 percent, 40 percent, and 34 percent of voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Michigan, respectively.

About 400,000 more Republicans voted in the Michigan primary than Democrats, but of those votes, Trump lost 294,884 to Haley, only getting 68.2 percent of the vote to Biden’s 81.1 percent. The difference is, stunningly, exactly that of the uncommitted Democratic voters.

The final message of the Michigan primary is mixed. The state is not comparable to other states demographically in terms of its large Arab/Muslim/Palestinian community, but it’s crucial that the administration remember that it’s not just that demographic that has conflict with the president over the IsraelHamas war. Younger voters and progressive voters especially have been vocal in their opposition to the U.S. stance.

President Biden PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ MIDARY

Drag Icon Jimbo Dishes on Life After Winning ‘Drag Race’ and Her Upcoming Tour

Luke Gardner

Drag fans rejoice: Jimbo is coming to town! Chances are you’ve heard of the Canadian drag-clown-turned-fashion-icon and current reigning “Drag Race” All-Star. The drag legend sat down with Georgia Voice to discuss her journey and upcoming tour, Jimbo’s Drag Circus, which comes to Center Stage on March 16.

Read the full interview online at thegavoice.com.

You’ve toured everywhere, but this show — Jimbo's Drag Circus — is your first onewoman solo tour, right?

I like to say it’s like a one-queen show. It’s a bit of an ensemble show in a way, because I’m touring with my musical partner Andrew Feels. He’s playing Jeepers, my musical accompanist, and he'll be on stage with me. He’s playing this clown character of this old carny that’s toured with me and plays music for me, but we really did actually write the whole score ourselves for the show. And then I also have two backup dancers, Ander and DaRon, two sexy boys who are just incredible performers and movers. So, they’ll be on stage with me as well, telling each of the different characters’ stories.

Exciting! What has the preparation been like?

Well, I started off working in theatre and then in film as a production designer, a costume designer, and a costume maker. So, prior to being on stage myself and prior to being on Drag Race and now an international drag queen, I did production design and I was a storyteller through being a maker. So, this is my opportunity to use all of those skills and to use all those connections to tell my own story. I’ve written this story, I’ve written the music with my friend Andrew, I collaborated with the set design with my friend Marshall McMahen and an artist, Cat Dirty, and I’ve got my clown teacher, Britt Small, directing.

It’s sort of like I went back to my community

and just said, “Hey, let’s put on an epic, awesome show, the weirdest show on Earth,” and people are going to laugh, they’re going to be surprised. I’ve got some really cool looks. [There are] three people in the studio next door, sewing away, working on the looks right now. So there’s awesome costumes, awesome music, and it’s going to be a spectacle.

What would you say audiences should expect from the show?

In general, I want people to laugh. When I’m thinking of these things, the intention behind it all is to really invite people in to just have a good time … I’ve written the script and I’ve also built in a lot of times for me to improv and break that fourth wall, which, you know, that’s what clowning is all about

and that’s what I love so much about live performance. The hope is to invite people in, to make them laugh, to show them some weird awesome drag, and for them to leave going, “What the fuck was that? I can’t wait to see that again.”

I love the sound of that! You mentioned earlier that you’ll be doing different characters in the show.

I’ll be doing six characters from my time on “Drag Race.” I’ll be doing Eva Dents, my forensics sexy stripper investigator character. I’ll be doing Joan Rivers and Shirley Temple and my Casper the baloney ghost from my talent performance. And I’ll also be doing some video components where I do some Nancy Grace, which is another character I

did on “Canada’s Drag Race.” So, kind of calling back to some things I love to do and then also a new character, Alphabet Annie, which is something I’ve never done before.

It’s going to be a combination of things I’ve done and things I’m trying new and kind of expanding on those stories. My Shirley Temple character is kind of an influencer now and she goes by Sweet Tea. She’s rebranding and she's a hip-hop star. There’s going to be some new angles to the characters [to give] people a new dimension of me.

You won Drag Race, you've had your own talk show, created music, you did the cruise, and now you're doing this tour. What is next? What are long-term goals for Jimbo? Well, I want my sketch comedy television show, House of Jimbo. That’s a big goal of mine, to collaborate with other performers and entertainers to write original sketches and to kind of create a “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”-style show using my aesthetic, to create sketches and explore other drag and clowning and character work with other friends or collaborators.

Awesome! I saw in an interview you discussed potentially doing a biography in the future.

I was talking about that because there are facets to the story that I haven’t necessarily shared that are relatable or dark and funny and kind of twisted. I would like to explore that and dramatize that. I think it would be funny.

Jimbo’s Drag Circus comes to Atlanta on March 16 at Center Stage Theater. The show is 90 minutes long with a 20-minute intermission. General admission and meet and greet tickets can be purchased at centerstage-atlanta.com/events/jimbos-dragcircus. You can follow Jimbo on Instagram @jimbothedragclown, or check out her website at houseofjimbo.com.

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” All-Star Jimbo comes to Center Stage on March 16. PHOTO VIA HOUSEOFJIMBO.COM

Melissa Etheridge Comes to Decatur for Music Festival This Spring

Folk fans have a treat coming this spring to Decatur — Melissa Etheridge headlines Amplify Decatur Music Fest along with a lineup of fantastic folk musicians.

Etheridge, the critically acclaimed folk rock band Dawes, and five-time Grammy Award winners Blind Boys of Alabama will appear at the 2024 Amplify festival on Saturday, April 13, in downtown Decatur Square. The festival will also feature Run Katie Run and a performance by the winners of the Decatur High School Battle of the Bands. The weekend will also include a series of events in and around Decatur Square on Friday and a tribute to Bruce Springsteen at Eddie’s Attic on Sunday evening.

All proceeds from the festival will benefit Decatur Cooperative Ministry and Decatur Education Foundation. DCM’s mission is to help families facing homelessness settle into safe, stable homes and build healthy lives, and DEF works together with the City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Housing Authority, and City of Decatur to bolster community efforts and ensure that all students have the resources, opportunities, and experiences to foster their growth and ensure their academic success.

Etheridge will be performing her biggest hits, like “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window” from her hit 1993 album, “Yes I Am.” She will also be performing a song from her upcoming project, which will include an album and documentary about a concert she performed at a women’s prison — both of which come out this summer.

The Grammy-winning folk singer is looking forward to coming to Georgia, a place that holds an important place in her heart.

“I love Georgia,” she said. “I love Georgia a lot. I grew up in Kansas, I grew up in the Midwest, but I had roots in Louisiana and I had an aunt that lived in Georgia, in Marietta, Georgia. I really have fond memories of that in my childhood. Georgia just loves its rock and roll and its live music.”

In all, the festival promises to be a night of great music — something Etheridge believes is crucial not only to fostering community, but also breaking down walls put up by bigotry.

“I just think our human race is designed to be in relation with other people, and I think

“I love Georgia a lot. I grew up in Kansas, I grew up in the Midwest, but I had roots in Louisiana and I had an aunt that lived in Georgia, in Marietta, Georgia. I really have fond memories of that in my childhood. Georgia just loves its rock and roll and its live music.”

that we love gathering together with one common rhythm,” she told Georgia Voice. “Ancient cultures have always had rituals, and I think that today’s rituals are our live concerts … Music does cut through all of all of the bigotry walls that can be put up by fear of the other, which is the basest of fears. You reach people’s hearts that might not be reached. We can share an experience, even though there’s many other things that we don’t agree on. Music is extremely important in the dealings of politics, I think. I think music rises above all that.”

The 2024 Amplify Decatur Music Festival featuring Melissa Etheridge, Dawes, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Run Katie Run will be held from 3 to 11pm on April 13 at 101 East Court Square, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Tickets start at $75. Learn more and buy your tickets at AmplifyDecatur.org.

Katie Burkholder

Melissa Etheridge performs April 13 at the 2024 Amplify Decatur Music Festival PUBLICITY PHOTO

Out On Film Goes Queer All Year

Steve Warren

There was a time when we were lucky to see ourselves on screen once a year, in a “Desert Hearts,” “Transamerica” or “The Boys in the Band,” not counting Paul Lynde camping it up on TV. Now we get “Rustin,” “Nyad,” “Saltburn,” “Bottoms,” “Maestro,” “Kokomo City,” and “All of Us Strangers” within a few months of each other, while nearly every network and cable series has at least one queer character.

Yet, festivals like Out On Film still fill in many cracks, spotlighting independent and foreign films that might be hard to find elsewhere, if they’re available at all.

Out On Film is expanding with a three-film minifest this spring, from March 19 to 21, at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. The overall title, Queer All Year, suggests this may not be the last of them.

Set in Pakistan, Egypt, and England, the films present something of an audio challenge, with most English-speaking actors heavily accented and limited, if any, subtitles.

Femme

March 19 at 7pm

At the outset, Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), a popular drag performer, is enjoying life, but is paranoid when alone on dark London streets at night. We see why when he encounters a homophobic gang in a convenience store and talks back to one of them. Moments later he’s lying, bloodied, on one of those dark streets. Three months later, Jules — who has become a virtual recluse — recognizes his chief attacker, Preston (George MacKay) in a gay bathhouse, but Preston doesn’t recognize him. As he formulates his revenge, Jules studies online videos that have outed closet cases. Soon he’s having sex regularly with Preston, butching it up when he can’t avoid Preston’s mates, while trying to figure out how to film their sessions. It’s no spoiler to say there will be more violence before it’s over. Writer-directors Sam H.

Freeman and Ng Choon Ping include plenty of sex, but we hear more Cockney than we see cock.

The Queen of My Dreams

Wednesday, March 20 at 7pm

For half an hour or so, “The Queen of My Dreams” seemed headed for my year-end “Best” list. It’s bright, serious fun with a Bollywood color palette. It begins in Toronto in 1999, the same year “Drive-Away Dolls” takes place (and coincidentally uses some similar tricky editing). Azra (Amrit Kaur) is enjoying her girlfriend when her mother, Mariam (Nimra Bucha) calls and they exchange unpleasantries. Soon, Mariam calls again. Azra’s father died while they were visiting their native Pakistan and Azra will have to go there for the funeral — or as close as Muslims let women get to a funeral. Scenes in 1969 show that Mariam (now played by Kaur) had generational problems with her mother too, including being unable to tell her the man she wants to marry will be moving them to Canada. So far, so very

good (except when the subtitles stop in midspeech because the speaker has switched from Urdu to barely intelligible English), but then a third time period is added: 1989, when Azra was 12 and beginning to realize she liked girls. Mother and daughter share an admiration of beautiful Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore, perhaps for the same reason, but Mariam would never admit it. Writerdirector Fawzia Mirza gets overwhelmed at times trying to compare three eras while celebrating and criticizing Pakistani Muslim culture, but the film’s still worth seeing.

The Judgment

Thursday, March 21 at 7pm

Leading men Junes Zahdi and Freddy Shahin are easy on the eyes, but “The Judgment” can be painful to watch — sometimes intentionally so — because of its subject matter. As in “The Queen of My Dreams,” a queer goes from North America to their ancestral Asian home — in this case, Egypt. These days many of us have the luxury of being able to be out all

the time, while others still have revolving doors on their closets. Mo (Zahdi) and Hisham (Shahin) are out in America, but know they’ll have to be deeply closeted in homophobic Alexandria. Still, someone finds out about Mo and enlists witchcraft to punish him for his “sins.” What’s odd is that while they make out all the time (in private), Mo, a self-proclaimed atheist, insists they wait until they’re married to have actual sex. A red star in the sky is some kind of sign, but the creatures who bedevil — and sometimes attack — our heroes take different forms. Mo sees his childhood self, while Hisham sees the adult Mo performing the same actions. It’s a lot to absorb, not helped by the fact that it’s hard to tell what language most of the supporting players are speaking, let alone what they say. A few subtitles pop up in the second half, but more for prayers than key dialogue.

For tickets and more details, go to outonfilm.org/upcomingevents/queer-allyear-2024.

Out On Film is expanding with a three-film minifest this spring, from March 19 to 21, at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. COURTESY IMAGE

A Look at Atlanta’s Spring Arts Scene

Katie Burkholder

Find the full calendar online at thegavoice.com.

THEATER

A Tale of Two Cities

Now – March 17

Alliance Theatre

It’s the best of times and the worst of times. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The oppressed call for revolution. Despots threaten global war. Sound familiar? It’s Paris and London, 1787, a powder keg of spies, lovers, madmen, and unexpected look-alikes. This radical reimagining of Charles Dickens’s classic tale of the French Revolution forces us to ask: am I who I am because of my actions or the circumstances of my birth? Do I control my destiny? And where do we begin if we want to right the wrongs of history?  Tickets begin at $25 at alliancetheatre.org.

Beauty and the Beast

Now – March 24

City Springs Theatre Company

Tickets start at $50 at cityspringstheatre.com.

Kim’s Convenience

Now – April 2

Horizon Theatre

Mr. Kim, a Korean immigrant, dispenses fatherly wisdom, history lessons and potato chips from behind his Toronto convenience store counter in an up-andcoming neighborhood. When he receives an unexpected offer for his property, he has a difficult decision to make: take the money and give in to developers or convince his daughter to follow in his footsteps. And no

matter what, humor and heart find their way onto every aisle in this award-winning play that is now a hit series on Netflix. Tickets at horizontheatre.com.

Clyde’s

March 13 – April 7

Theatrical Outfit

In the kitchen of a truck stop diner near Reading, PA, a group of formerly incarcerated cooks work together to get their shot at redemption. As their fiery boss cranks up the pressure, and a new staff member rocks the boat, they have to unite to fight back the only way they can: by making the perfect sandwich. Tickets are $25 at theatricaloutfit.org.

The Gulf

March 14-30

Out Front Theatre Company

The divide between Kendra and Betty mimics the very world that devours them: a vast and polarizing abyss. On a quiet summer evening, somewhere down in the Alabama Delta, Kendra and Betty troll the flats looking for redfish. After Betty begins diagnosing Kendra’s dead-end life with career picks from What Color is Your Parachute, their routine fishing excursion takes a violent turn. Tickets begin at $15 at outfronttheatre.com.

True North

March 15-31

7 Stages

All compasses point to Magnetic North, but Magnetic North is currently moving erratically – averaging 34 to 40 miles per yearand humans feel it. When magnetic fields move erratically, the part of our brain that makes ethical decisions becomes impaired, and our health can be compromised. Developed in partnership with a NASA

scientist, this project illuminates the dedicated work of scientists from around the world. Tickets are $15 at 7stages.org.

Beetlejuice

March 19-24

Fox Theatre

Tickets begin at $31 at foxtheatre.com.

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

March 28-31

7 Stages

Paul is an average guy. He likes movies and pizza and average guy things. He does not like… musicals. But after a strange meteor strikes, Paul’s small world is about to come crashing down under the weight of unspeakable terror! Now he must run, run for his life, as something sinister spreads, and grows, and sings, and dances! Tickets are $22 at 7stages.org.

Fat Ham

April 3 – May 12

Alliance Theatre

Fat Ham is the deliciously funny, Pulitzer Prizewinning new play that recently finished its critically acclaimed Broadway run. Playwright James Ijames has reinvented Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet, creating what  The New

York Times calls “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.”  Tickets begin are $25 at alliancetheatre.org.

Mercury

April 4-28

Actor’s Express

Revenge is a dish best served…bloody. In this savagely hilarious comedy-thriller, three different stories converge through a strange curiosity shop in Portland, Oregon. Joining in on this crazy thrill ride of a play is a nosy neighbor, a bickering couple, a missing dog named Mr. Bundles, a guy with the worst job in the underworld, and a housewife who is not handling the end of her secret affair very well. Tickets are $25.75 at actors-express.com,

Shrek the Musical

April 6-7

Fox Theatre

Tickets begin at $30 at foxtheatre.com.

Six the Musical

April 16-21

Fox Theatre

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives

‘Beetlejuice’ comes to the Fox Theatre. PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY/FOX THEATRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power! Tickets begin at $31 at foxtheatre.com.

Support Group for Men

April 21 – May 28

Horizon Theatre

Every Thursday is Guys’ Night for a small group of friends who gather to vent – with a “No Ladies” policy strictly enforced. When an unexpected visitor crashes the party, their notions of what it means to be a man in today’s America are suddenly upended. Tickets at horizontheatre.com.

Psycho Beach Party

May 2-18

Out Front Theatre Company

Chicklet Forrest, a teenage tomboy, desperately wants to be part of the surf crowd on Malibu Beach in 1962. One thing getting in her way is her unfortunate tendency towards split personalities. Among them is a check-out girl, an elderly radio talk show hostess, a male model named Steve, and the accounting firm of Edelman and Edelman. Her most dangerous alter ego is a sexually voracious vixen named Ann Bowman who has nothing less than world domination on her mind. Tickets begin at $15 at outfronttheatre.com.

Legally Blonde the Musical

May 3-19

City Springs Performing Arts Center

A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde the Musical follows the transformation of lawyer-to-be Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Tickets begin at $37 at cityspringstheatre.com.

The Preacher’s Wife

May 11 – June 16

Alliance Theatre

In their fast-gentrifying Harlem neighborhood, Preacher Henry and his wife Julia struggle to keep their congregation going in the face of development. When all seems lost, Henry asks God for help, and receives it in the form of an angel.  But will

this mysterious newcomer really help or make matters worse?  Tickets begin at $25 at alliancetheatre.com.

MUSIC

ConcertCON

March 23, 7pm

Church at Ponce and Highland Atlanta has DragonCon, MomoCon, OutlantaCon, and now ConcertCON! Atlanta Freedom Bands celebrates all the different fan conventions that come to our city with ConcertCON. The program includes music from sci-fi, anime, film, and fantasy.

Sugar & Spice

March 23, 2pm and 7pm

Riverside Epicenter

This show embraces everything from fairytale princesses and heroines to Broadway villains and naughty girls to the baddies of rock and pop! Tickets start at $30 at voicesofnote.org.

IN UNISON: Carmina Burana

March 24, 3pm

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Who would have thought that 13th-century monks could dream up such naughty poems? But they did. And the discovery of their dusty manuscripts sent the 20th-century composer Carl Orff down the proverbial rabbit hole. He dreamed up a hair-raising cantata in Carmina Burana—and the rest is history. Tickets begin at $39 at aso.org

TRANSformation

April 6, 7:30pm

Byers Theatre

Curated by a group of trans and nonbinary members of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and Atlanta Women’s Chorus as well as members of the broader Atlanta trans community, these songs acknowledge the challenges and celebrate the beauty and authenticity of what it means to be your true self in the face of being eradicated.  Tickets start at $20 at voicesofnote.org.

IN UNISON: Rite of Spring

May 18, 8pm

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Much has been written about the riot that disrupted the 1913 world premiere of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. What incited such a reaction? Was it the music or

the choreography? Was it the subject matter (human sacrifice), or was it personal? No one knows for sure, but The Rite of Spring delivers a thrilling sound experience in the hands of a great orchestra. Tickets start at $26 at aso.org.

VISUAL ART

Cristóbal Balenciaga: Master of Tailoring

Now through June 2

SCAD FASH

Considered “the master of us all” by his contemporary Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga was adored by the fashion world and social elites of the 20th century. Tickets are $10 at scadfash.org.

Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina

Now – May 12

High Museum

This exhibition tells the story of the enslaved potters of Old Edgefield District, a rural area on the western edge of South Carolina famous for its natural clays. Tickets are $18.50 at high.org.

Please Be Seated

Now – March 24

Museum of Design

Dive into chair design in Please Be Seated, an exhibit that invites you to rethink the roles of chairs in our lives. Tickets are $10 at museumofdesign.org.

Truth Told Slant: Contemporary Photography

Now – August 11

High Museum

The more than seventy-five works in the exhibition, including several from the High’s collection, exemplify a recent shift in how photographers have taken up the challenge of making meaningful images from the world around them. Tickets are $18.50 at high.org.

Manish Arora: Life is Beautiful

March 27 – August 18

SCAD FASH

Renowned for dazzling designs in a rainbow of colors, Manish Arora has brought the talent and craftsmanship of India’s rich sartorial history to the global forefront, earning international acclaim on runways across three continents. Tickets are $10 at scadfash.org.

First They Brought You The Bakery...

Mars Stone

Read the full article online at thegavoice.com.

In the fall of 2017, 825 Warner Street became the birthplace for what would grow to become one of the most recognizable artist collectives in Atlanta, The Bakery, now based in South Downtown. The original location was just a raw space that people transformed into a magical place. Widely known for their art exhibitions, open mics, workshops, and a wide variety of other events, The Bakery has worked hard over the years to give practitioners and lovers of DIY art a space to learn, grow, network, and create.

Now, the people who started The Bakery have a new, even bigger project they are working on, The Supermarket. The founder and creative director, Willow Goldstein, and Assistant Director Amanda Norris sat down with Georgia Voice to discuss how The Bakery Atlanta came to be, what it is today and what they hope to bring to the table with The Supermarket.

Goldstein credits many of her ideas for The Bakery to her childhood and time spent with her mother on their 12-hour trips to Florida to visit family. It was a time before screens, so she said they “would make up imaginary BnBs and restaurants, talk about planning a whole menu. It was just a lot of makebelieve.” Goldstein grew up around many artists in Cabbagetown before it was what it is today and her mother, who studied at the Atlanta College of Arts, always instilled in her the importance of the arts.

Shortly after buying a home in Atlanta – after moving back from New York –through a first-time homebuyers program, Goldstein personally guaranteed her lease on The Bakery’s original property, meaning that if she failed, she would lose her house. Whatever the warehouse was going to become needed to work.

Access and collaboration were a core value for her. She had found some inspiration

from places in New York that were mixeduse facilities, but in Atlanta, things were more fractured between different styles, media, and circles.

The Bakery had an organic growth from the beginning; Goldstein and Norris both acknowledge that The Bakery became what the people who showed up made it.

The team feels like it caught lightning in a bottle with the success of The Bakery. Even through COVID-19 and closing the doors on the original space, the fire that The Bakery lit hasn’t gone out. Now they are taking on a huge new project with The Supermarket, an over 12,000 square-foot space in the PonceyHighland neighborhood. The Supermarket will be its own thing, but will bring many of the same flavors and values seen with The Bakery. They thrive on the code: experiment, collaborate, and play.

The organic growth of The Bakery is part of what made it such a magical place. On

bringing that to The Supermarket, Goldstein said, “I think that it’s something I’m struggling with in this space [The Supermarket], because it’s like the first time we did it and I know it worked doing it that way, but also this is bigger. It’s more expensive, and the stakes are higher. There’s so much more to this space that wasn’t the case then. The city is different. The part of town we’re in is different.”

They are excited about the potential of the new space. The Supermarket will be big enough to hold larger-scale events for gatherings and performance arts and even host multiple events simultaneously. The Supermarket’s full potential is still unknown. Norris said, “A lot of it will depend on behind-the-scenes factors, primarily sources of funding such as corporate sponsorship and new revenue streams such as expanding our daytime educational programming.”

They have plans for more youth arts programming. Goldstein is most excited to eventually launch a youth summer camp in

the future to address community needs.

“We’ve always existed to serve and provide a service where there isn’t one and the biggest thing that I’m hearing right now is that Atlanta does not have places where kids and parents can coexist and doesn’t have enough youth art classes,” she said. “I think there is true correlation between mental health and creativity for better and for worse. I think that folks who don’t necessarily fit the norms of what society wants, having space to exist safely and successfully is really important. Status quo doesn’t work for those people, so it has to be a creative space.”

Support these creative spaces this spring by attending a monthly Bring Your Own Art night at The Bakery Atlanta or be on the lookout for their many programs, including new educational workshops. They will also be hosting a youth art exhibition on March 23. Be on the lookout for the next fundraiser at The Supermarket. Follow them on Instagram @thebakeryatlanta and @thesupermarket.atl.

The Supermarket’s first event, the Lovers Below fundraiser. COURTESY PHOTO

Oscar Memorabilia

As a big movie buff, I used to host annual Oscar parties. It began with three people and grew to many more. I asked my guests to fill out ballots ahead of time, which we would then shuffle so no one could grade their own papers during the telecast. I offered prizes for the top scorers, and found that when they each had a vested interest in the outcome of the Academy Awards, they were more engaged in the evening.

There were several categories that were so-called tiebreakers, especially when there would be clear-cut winners of the ceremonies. Foreign films and animation were some; the others were for production design and costumes.

The Oscar for Best Production Design is awarded to the best interior design in a film. That would include finding locations to film in as well as the soundstages and dressing up the area to fit the script. Past winners

include “Star Wars,” “Schindler’s List” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

The Oscar for Best Costume Design is selfexplanatory, yet one of the requirements is that the costumes must have been “conceived” by a costume designer and are reviewed by the costume designer members of the Art Directors Branch before being nominated. I’m sure many a gay man can name the woman who has both won and been nominated the most in this category. Here’s a hint: Edna Mode from “The Incredibles” is based on her.

Do you ever wonder what happens to those costumes and props once the movie is over? For a fan, you assume these cherished items are delicately stored somewhere for safekeeping, or given to cast and crew of the production, who then take these souvenirs home and show them off.

Sometimes that happens, but it is rare. Unlike us, who associate these movies with major events or times in our lives, Hollywood sees them differently. They are simply part of the business, and when the set and clothing are no longer needed, the

powers-that-be get rid of them.

How? A lot of times they go into storage for repurposing on a later project. Sometimes those props weren’t constructed to last and end up getting destroyed. However, sometimes the average person can claim them for their own through an auction. And it just so happens a big one is happening around the same time as this year’s Oscars.

Propstore is holding a live three-day auction from Los Angeles beginning on March 12, including over 1,600 items from film and

television. Founded in 1998 by a movie fan in search of such items, Propstore has built a reputable business with offices in Los Angeles and London. The auction includes items from movies like “300,” “Alien,” “Back to the Future,” the “Batman” films, “BenHur,” and many more.

So, when you are watching the Oscars on the evening of March 10, go ahead and take notes about your favorite period pieces, space outfits, or torches you might see in the movie clips. You never know, they might end up in your closet or on your mantel someday.

Melissa Carter

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ LANKS

Out Front’s ‘The Gulf’ Charts Lesbian Relationship, SCAD TVfest Hosts Gay Icons

Successfully staged other places around the country, Audrey Cefaly’s work, “The Gulf” debuts in Georgia next week via Out Front Theatre Company. It’s a drama with three-dimensional female characters, says director K. Parker.

“The Gulf,” set in 2016, takes place one evening in the Alabama Delta, as couple Betty (Jamie Goss) and Kendra (Daryl Lisa Fazio) are searching for redfish. What starts off as a routine night takes a darker twist.

The two have been together for six years and Betty is starting to want more from her life.

“She wants to go to college and be a social worker,” Parker said. “She wants more from herself than her mundane day-to-day of being a bartender. Kendra is completely fine where she is; she loves the comfort that her surroundings have brought her. There is a little bit of tension as the two find out they are not as compatible as they thought. As we are riding the waters of the Delta, we are riding the waters of their emotional

relationship. There is an ebb and flow.”

Over the course of the show, the women become vulnerable with each other in a way they have never been before. Through conversation, they are able to see each other in a different light and make revelations.

“What we see unfold is the messy fallout of their own personal traumas and their own personal attachment wounding,” Parker said. “They are hurting themselves and each other at a certain point.”

What Parker finds particularly beautiful about what Cefaly does with the play is show how these women love, hurt, and yearn.

“Audrey talks about the ache these women have — what they ache for and the ache they have for each other,” she said. “There’s a lot of intersectionality; people who are not members of LGBTQIA community can see a lot of themselves in the relationship.”

Parker has always been passionate about queer stories, especially because there aren’t that many of them.

“The stories we do see don’t allow the depth

and nuance of queer relationships. This play spoke specifically to me — I am a queer woman,” she said. “I do love women. I was intrigued by seeing this relationship that reminded me of some of the relationships I have been in. I have never experienced a play that really gave an authentic ‘fly on the wall’ perspective of what a lesbian relationship looks like. Of course, you can’t say this is what [all] lesbian relationships are, but there are a lot of components that are relatable.”

SCAD TVfest’s recent four-day event showcased much current and upcoming television fare, as well as a slew of out performers. Matt Bomer was in town to accept the Hollywood Reporter Trailblazer Award for his work in the series, “Fellow Travelers.”

The actor liked the fact that the project had so many out cast and crew members, including co-star Jonathan Bailey.

“I am not one to prescribe who should play what, but I will say it lent such an ease in terms of talking about the relationships, understanding the relationships and how the characters behave around each other, as well the intimacy scenes,” Bomer said. “It lent comfortability to the entire project and a shorthand.”

He feels lucky to be in an era where so much LGBTQ content is available.

“I think we are blessed that we have all these streamers,” he said. “It’s almost like the more personalized your narrative is now, the more universal it will be and audiences will find it. People who have a hunger for this story will find it. It’s been advantageous — people who have been marginalized now have a platform to tell our stories.”

Joel Kim Booster, who received the Rising Star award for his work in the series, “Loot,” also feels blessed to be around in this era.

“We are seeing so many successful gay actors out there playing a variety of roles and getting to do a lot of things,” he said. “For me personally, the biggest change is the solidarity amongst us. For a long time, especially in comedy, the idea was that there could only be one of us and that one of us was going to be me. I feel lucky to be in a place now where we are all supporting each other and rejecting that only one can be successful. That is changing the way gay audiences engage in gay work. For so long, we got one gay movie or show, and we are seeing more. There is not just one depiction of our community anymore.”

Also visiting was director Alan Poul, who directs the second season opener of “Tokyo Vice.” He has been responsible for acclaimed LGBTQ fare such as “Tales of the City,” “Six Feet Under” and “My So-Called Life.”

“Very early in the ’90s, I felt as I was coming up as a producer there was a responsibility to create not just more portrayals of LGBTQ folks but more complex portrayals,” Poul said. “Because we already had ‘Will and Grace’ and it was a period where we were overcorrecting for decades of negative representation, on ‘Tales of the City’ and ‘Six Feet Under’ we were trying to present characters who were as complicated and fully rounded and morally complex as straight characters.”

Jim Farmer

“The Gulf” PUBLICITY PHOTO

Jim Farmer

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

MARCH 8, 8PM; MARCH 9, 3PM

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Mystical figures dance in the night as Benjamin Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This adaptation of celebrated playwright William Shakespeare’s work follows the consequences of a falling out between Oberon and Tytania, the fairyking and queen. What results is a chaotic comedy rife with magical potions, mistaken identities, perplexed lovers, and even more machinations of mischief. British countertenor Iestyn Davies as Oberon and soprano Liv Redpath as Tytania make their Atlanta Opera debuts, joining mezzo-soprano Megan Marino performing the role of Puck.

“House of Hidden Meanings” Reading

MARCH 10, 4PM

TABERNACLE

Pop culture icon and international drag superstar RuPaul invites you to a spiritual awakening to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated memoir, “House of Hidden Meanings.” Don’t miss the opportunity to hear RuPaul’s extraordinary story as told by RuPaul. Every ticket to this event includes a copy of the new memoir.

Drag Queen Bingo

MARCH 12, 6:30PM

LIPS ATLANTA

Don’t miss PALS Lucky Leprechaun, Wearing of the Green, Winning of the Cash Drag Queen Bingo.

Ruby Redd’s Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch

MARCH 17, 2PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Wear your green to Ruby Redd’s Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch, 2pm.

PFLAG Support Group

MARCH 17, 2:30PM

SPIRITUAL LIVING CENTER

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets in person today.

Trans and Friends

MARCH 18, 7PM FOR YOUTH, 8PM FOR ADULTS

CHARIS BOOKS AND MORE

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources, and activism around social issues.

Queer All Year

MARCH 19, 7PM THROUGH MARCH 21

MIDTOWN ART CINEMA

Out On Film kicks off a spring mini festival with three titles including “Femme.” Jules’ life and career as a drag queen is destroyed by a homophobic attack. But when he re-encounters his attacker, the deeplycloseted Preston, in a gay sauna, he is presented with a chance to exact revenge. Unrecognizable out of his wig and make-up, Jules infiltrates Preston’s life, and in doing so, discovers power in a different kind of drag. Also in the series are “The Queen of My Dreams” and “The Judgment.”

LGBTQ Book Club

MARCH 23, 10AM

VIRTUAL

The LGBTQ+ Book Club is a group for LGBTQ+ folks and allies to read queer-themed books and books by queer authors. The aim is to have diverse, thought-provoking discussions about queer identity, history, and topical issues. All are welcome to join. This month's book is “The Women Could Fly” by Megan Giddings. Register at the following link -https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85007056372

“A Mermaid Called Aida”

MARCH 29, 6PM

WHITE HALL 206 AT EMORY UNIVERSITY

“A Mermaid Called Aida” is part of Emory University’s spring series of Indian queer cinema of the ‘90s. This fascinating documentary that reveals the enigmatic real-life story of India's most famous transgender woman, the fabulous Aida Banaji. Director Wadia explores the politics of gender and in so doing boldly challenges perceptions of race, culture, and social morality.

COMING UP

Madonna’s The Celebration Tour

APRIL 1, 8:30PM

STATE FARM ARENA

Time to vogue – Madonna brings her The Celebration Tour to State Farm Arena.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

Katie Burkholder

RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party

MARCH 8, 8PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Watch season 16 with friends!

Disco Dollz

MARCH 8, 8:30PM

FUTURE ATLANTA

Starring Coco Iman Starr, Cici Nicole, Raquel Heart, Lala Ri, Phoenix, and host Brigitte Bidet. $5 cover.

Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love

MARCH 8, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

With Just Jermaine, Malaysia Black, Lacie Bruce, Tatiana Tuesday Dickerson, A’Jivan Avioncé Dickerson, Chavon Scott, and Jeremiah Tymes Starr.

Queerbait

MARCH 8, 9PM

MARY’S

Gay pop videos with DJ Headmaster! $5 cover.

Dom Dolla

MARCH 8, 10PM

DISTRICT ATLANTA

Tickets at collectivpresents.com.

HSL Beer Bust

MARCH 9, 3PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Drink all the beer you want for $10, which benefits the HSL Hall of Fame!

Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX Rated Cougars

MARCH 9, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

With Niesha Dupree, Misti Shores, Lena Lust, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover.

Unwrapped Burlesque Show

MARCH 9, 9PM

MY SISTER’S ROOM

Performances by Rainy Galore, Ava Cado, Pretty Rik E, and Bleu Pearl. $10 cover.

XION

MARCH 10, 3AM

BELIEVE MUSIC HALL

With David Alvhar. Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

Karaoke Night

MARCH 10, 7:30PM

THE T

Shameless Sundays

MARCH 10, 11:55PM

FUTURE ATLANTA

With Kyra Mora and Tristan Panucci. $5 cover.

End Overdose Presents: Industry Training Night

MARCH 11, 10PM

DISTRICT ATLANTA

A night of education on harm reduction, naloxone certifications, and free resources in collaboration with End Overdose – plus music by Cyrus, Brendon Lee, Lorne & Pedrumz, and Red. Hat. Free reservations via Eventbrite.

Country Night

MARCH 12, 8PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Show up at 8pm for the line dance lesson before line dancing the night away with DJ Dice!

WussyVision: Freaky Friday

MARCH 13, 7PM

PLAZA THEATRE

Wussy Mag presents this screening of Freaky Friday, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, as part of their queer camp series with costume contests, drink specials, drag, and more! Tickets at plazaatlanta.com.

Karaoke Night

MARCH 14, 9PM

THE T

Rock Haus Karaoke

MARCH 14, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Hosted by Raqi.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party

MARCH 15, 8PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Watch season 16 with friends!

Disco Dollz

MARCH 15, 8:30PM

FUTURE ATLANTA

Starring Coco Iman Starr, Cici Nicole, Raquel Heart, Lala Ri, Phoenix, and host Brigitte Bidet. $5 cover.

Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love

MARCH 15, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

With Just Jermaine, Malaysia Black, Lacie Bruce, Tatiana Tuesday Dickerson, A’Jivan Avioncé Dickerson, Chavon Scott, and Jeremiah Tymes Starr.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX Rated Cougars

MARCH 9, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

With Niesha Dupree, Misti Shores, Lena Lust, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover. Mr. Charlie Brown photo via Facebook

Queerbait

MARCH 15, 9PM

MARY’S

Gay pop videos with DJ Headmaster! $5 cover.

Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX Rated Cougars

MARCH 16, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

With Niesha Dupree, Misti Shores, Lena Lust, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover.

Steve Aoki

MARCH 16, 10PM

DISTRICT ATLANTA

Tickets at bit.ly/AOKIATL2024.

Karaoke Night

March 17, 7:30pm

The T

Shameless Sundays

MARCH 17, 11:55PM

FUTURE ATLANTA

With Kyra Mora and Tristan Panucci. $5 cover.

Karaoke Night

MARCH 21, 9PM

THE T

Rock Haus Karaoke

MARCH 21, 9PM

ATLANTA EAGLE

Hosted by Raqi.