voice
georgia VOL.10 • ISSUE 26
EDITORIAL
YOUR VOICE MATTERS Former Anti-LGBTQ Republican Congressman Aaron Schock Comes Out as Gay Eric Ervin: “The dog who barks the loudest and most passionate is always the one who’s looking for a bone!”
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EDITORIAL
Editor: Patrick Colson-Price pcolson-price@thegavoice.com
Brian Hernandez Dodd: “When there’s live aired self flagellation in penance for what he’s done to wrong the community, let me know. Until then, he can go away.”
Editorial Contributors: Conswella Bennett, Cliff Bostock, Melissa Carter, Dallas Anne Duncan, Aidan Ivory Edwards, Stefanee Escay, Jim Farmer, O’Brian Gunn, Ryan Lee, Rose Pelham, Zoe Seiler, Berlin Sylvestre, Dionne Walker, Cristina Williams-Fontanez
PRODUCTION
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ONLINE
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FINE PRINT
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4 Editorial March 13, 2020
Got Depression?
There’s Ketamine For That! Patrick Colson-Price I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, medication prescribed by the doctor and scheduled counseling sessions would be my fix. As I got older, I found treatment at the gym working out. The adrenaline rush and endorphins always lifted my spirits. Fast forward to 2020, and I’m considering new treatment, one that I’ve had quite the relationship with over the past year or so. It’s called Ketamine. Now many of you may refer to it as a party drug, that it is. And before you knock it altogether, give me a chance to explain how I’ve come to realize that it could be the answer to my depression. Ketamine is also a medication used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. In both settings, the club and doctors office, it induces sort of a trance-like state and brings on a numbness to the body. If you’ve used it in the club scene, you may have experienced your share of K-holes where you’re taken into a whole new world of flashing lights, hollowedout sounds, and a slow down in time itself. It’s pretty intense if you do just the right amount. I’ve had my share of experiences, some of which are quite exhilarating while others leave me utterly terrified after coming to my senses. I, however, do find some relief from my depression while using the drug in the club or
even while at home relaxing on the couch. So I’ve been using Ketamine in the club for nearly two years and about a year ago I started hearing about ketamine therapy for depression and anxiety. One day while living in New Mexico, I stumbled across details regarding a Ketamine clinic down in El Paso, Texas. I was intrigued and thought it might be a place where I could just go in, pick up a couple of grams of the party drug, and be on my way. After reading more, I realized this was medically prescribed Ketamine requiring supervision by medical professionals. It’s much more complex than doing a bump in the club. These clinics put you on an IV drip, and if you’re lucky, docs might even prescribe you the drug in the form of a nasal spray. Locally here in Atlanta, I’ve seen this therapy ranging from $350 to $500 for an hour-long session. It’s recommended that patients try at least six treatments over three weeks. And chances are your insurance won’t cover the treatment, so if you’re very serious about it, you might want to start saving your coins. But there’s still no guarantee that you’ll walk away feeling less depressed. Just like with marijuana, Ketamine is now being repurposed to help those in need, and that makes me hopeful that people suffering from depression can finally get the relief they need from the constant cycle of their ups and downs. For more information on local ketamine therapy treatment, visit webpsychiatry.net.
Jace Miller: “Too little too late for this man. He has hurt every LGBTQ person with his hate. Coming out gay doesn’t change that. He has lot of work to do before I’d welcome him. Get to work, Schock!” Billy Porter to ‘Sesame Street’ Backlash from One Million Moms Peter Ent: “Ok lady – aka “One Million” Moms – if you’ve ever watched Sesame Street you’d be a better person. You would have learned tolerance and the fact that this ridiculous thought has entered your empty head proves you know nothing about the message of Sesame Street.” Mark Scott: “And to be clear, “One Million Moms” is basically one busy body with a hate for anything LGBTQ, a good media list and a quick email trigger finger.” John Mulaney Says He Would Play Pete Buttigieg in Biopic Timothy Ronald Pell: “That would actually be an unexpectedly perfect casting.” Kelly Gibbs: “Stop the presses! A straight actor wants to play a gay character.” Bloomberg Apologizes for Calling Transgender People ‘It’ Kay Furlong: “Uhhhh, well that was a horrible thing to say. You can’t just say something horribly racist and a few months later say “oh my bad”. Doesn’t work here either. In this age if you are that clueless about how condescending and transphobic that kind of speech is, how clueless are you in general?” Want to be featured in Your Voice Matters? Leave a comment to a story via social media or on our website, or email editor@thegavoice.com with the subject line “Your Voice Matters.” TheGeorgiaVoice.com
CELEBRITY CLOSE-UP!
Celebrity Brief (ATL EDITION)
ATLiens! Our favorite LGBTQ and allied public figures hailing from the gay mecca of the South share their words of wisdom.
“[While] learning the internet over the past couple of years, I used to be that person being negative. So it’s like I’m not angry or anything, I understand how they just want that reaction. I’m just going to [continue to] joke back [with you].” – Lil Nas X on the homophobic backlash he’s received since coming out (BBC Breakfast)
“I’m competitive in this Senate race because I have the capacity to inspire and mobilize a grass-roots army of supporters, and because I have demonstrated the ability to withstand significant pressure in the harsh glare of the national spotlight.” – LGBTQ ally Jon Ossoff on his senatorial campaign (New York Times)
“We must respect the dignity and worth of every human being. It is a must that we do what is right, what is fair, and what is just …. We need it to set all of our people free.” – Rep. John Lewis on passing the Equality Act (HRC) (PHOTOS VIA FACEBOOK; FILE PHOTO) “When it gets down to survival, you have to pick your battles, and you don’t pick battles with your allies. And I think, as the Trump era moves on, your allies and your enemies will become more and more evident.” – RuPaul on the LGBTQ community unifying toward a common goal (Time)
“When you have the LGBTQ community, so often you hear people talk about struggling and coming out as children and teenagers. If we’re continuing to foster this secretly, I think what ends up happening is you have a number of issues: people who aren’t free to be who they were created to be, you have people hiding their lifestyles from their partners which creates risk factors.” – Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms on the city’s resolution to oppose conversion therapy (Georgia Voice)
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
March 13, 2020 Celebrity Close-Up! 5
NEWS
Georgia Republican Files Anti-Trans Bill HB 1060 Prohibits Medical Care to Transgender Minors
Republican State Rep. Ginny Ehrhart PHOTOS VIA FACEBOOK
Katie Burkholder Republican State Rep. Ginny Ehrhart has filed House Bill 1060, or the “Vulnerable Child Protection Act,” which would punish medical professionals providing genderaffirming care to transgender minors with up to ten years in prison. HB 1060, if passed, would prevent minors, with the exception of intersex individuals, from receiving “any surgery that sterilizes,” mastectomies, puberty-blocking medications, and hormone treatments. Medical professionals who violate the law would be charged with a felony and have their medical licenses revoked. The bill has eighteen co-sponsors, all Republicans. In a blog post outlining her reasoning for HB 1060, Ehrhart claims that it “seeks to protect children who struggle with the belief they were born in the opposite-sex body (gender dysphoria) from the largely irreversible effects of powerful, experimental drugs and mutilating surgeries.” The post further claims that transgender activists “often spout the fear-mongering mantra that children will commit suicide if not permitted to transition.” Ehrhart contends that this is false, noting that “suicide data” – which she left uncited – concludes that there is no connection between gender transitioning and decreased risk of suicide. However, according to Dionne Kettl, above left, the co-founder and deputy director of TRANScending Barriers, this is simply not true. In actuality, Kettl says that there is a complete lack of data from the past few decades regarding trans youth, as children have only recently been privy to the societal concept of transgenderism – trans youth have been dying 6 News March 13, 2020
by suicide, but they didn’t actually know they were transgender themselves. She also notes that the transgender children who do die by suicide do so without having experienced gender-affirming medical transitions. “[W]hen it comes to people who don’t have the same experience as us saying that we don’t understand our own gender identities, it’s blasphemy,” Kettl told Georgia Voice. “It doesn’t make sense; it isn’t backed by correct research.” Research that has been explicitly done regarding trans youth actually finds that suicide rates are disproportionately high among them. According to The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, more than half of transgender and non-binary respondents reported seriously considering suicide, and about one-third had attempted suicide in the past year. Dr. Izzy Lowell, left, of QMed, which provides healthcare to transgender Georgians of all ages, says the care she provides her patients, a third of whom are
under the age of eighteen, is “lifesaving.” “I have plenty of patients who have attempted suicide prior to starting hormone therapy or puberty blockers,” she said. “It changes people’s live in incredible ways, and it’s the coolest thing to be able to provide this care to people.” Suicide is not the only risk of the bill. “This bill can affect everything,” Kettl said. “It can increase mental health issues, identity issues, and gender dysphoria. If children aren’t allowed to transition, who knows what they will be internalizing? If our identity is something we’re battling with, it will affect us in every other aspect of our lives.” According to Dr. Lowell, some of her older teenaged patients, ages 15 to 17, would also be forced to go through an “untransition” without access to hormone or pubertyblocking medications. “We have a significant number of patients in their later teen years who have already transitioned and are on hormone therapy,” she said. “What would this mean for them to
“This bill can affect everything. It can increase mental health issues, identity issues, and gender dysphoria. If children aren’t allowed to transition, who knows what they will be internalizing? If our identity is something we’re battling with, it will affect us in every other aspect of our lives.” – Dionne Kettl co-founder and deputy director of TRANScending Barriers go backwards when they might not even be out to their school or community?” Like many, Lupa Brandt, the community outreach coordinator at TRANScending Barriers, is baffled by the bill, saying it “makes no sense whatsoever.” “[T]here’s no harm being done to these children [by medical professionals],” Brandt told Georgia Voice. “You’re punishing these children when they have done no wrong. They just want to live and be themselves.” The bill wouldn’t only negatively affect transgender young people but could also have a sweeping effect on the transgender rights movement as a whole. “This would have repercussions for other areas of trans rights,” Kettl said. “If we allow the government to infringe on our [trans] youth, they’ll infringe everywhere. If you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile.” TheGeorgiaVoice.com
NEWS
TransParent Chapter Opens in Metro Atlanta Zoe Seiler
Peter Isbister PHOTOS VIA FACEBOOK
TransParent launched a new chapter in metro Atlanta in Februrary in repsonse to the growing need for local support and resources to help parents raising a transgender or gender-independent child. Meetings will be held on the second Thursday of every month from 7 to 9pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave. TransParent is a not-for-profit organization that was founded by Kim Hutton as her and her husband where navigating the experience of raising a transgender child. “I formed it with another woman, Laurie Copeland, just out of our personal experience and how difficult it was. It was the most isolating experience of my life. I couldn’t find experienced, knowledgeable resources to help me with my child who at that time was six,” Hutton said. The mission of the organization is “to normalize this experience through connection, support, and resources,” according to the website. It is based on local chapters having monthly meetings for parents to have a space to discuss their experience and feel supported. Peter Isbister launched the metro Atlanta chapter in February. He learned of the organization through one of his rabbis at Congregation Bet Haverim who has a friend involved in the organization. That conversation led Isbister to look up TransParent and eventually submit an online application to form a chapter. “There’s not a huge number of chapters. There’s obviously one in St. Louis and then they’re largely in the East, the Northeast,” Isbister said. “Basically what I noticed is that there were none in the Southeast other than Florida, so that made me feel like to start a chapter in Georgia would really be to fill a gap that was important to fill.” The group has met twice with seven parents attending the first meeting in February. The group meets at St. John’s Lutheran Church, TheGeorgiaVoice.com
but Isbister said the group and the national organization have no formal affiliation to the church. Isbister described the group as a peer support group that focuses on the unique parental experience of raising a transgender child where there are no questions asked about where a parent is in their journey. “Our belief is that the simple act of a parent getting into the room is a win for the parent and a win for the kid. I would say a majority of the parents in the room are clearly supportive of their kid, so we hope that, that can provide support and encouragement to any parent who might be having a harder time,” he said. Isbister and his wife are raising a transgender child and hope to normalize the experience and make the world safer for transgender children and families. “I think that for us finding out that we were the parent of a transgender child when our child was five years old was something
of a surprise,” he said. “There was never a moment of doubt for my wife and I that we were totally supportive of our kid, but even so it’s an overwhelming life event. We felt like starting the chapter would be one method of creating community for ourselves and our family.” “We wanted to make a contribution to making the community in our state safer and more supportive for transgender people and their families,” Isbister added. He hopes to grow the chapter in terms of membership and geographic reach to attract people outside of the Atlanta perimeter. He said the primary goal is to succeed in providing support to families. “The last goal would just be that through our existing and people knowing about the chapter, that it contributes to normalizing trans kids and families with trans kids because I still think we’re at a point where trans kids and families with trans kids can be viewed with some suspicion. I think by
“Our belief is that the simple act of a parent getting into the room is a win for the parent and a win for the kid. I would say a majority of the parents in the room are clearly supportive of their kid and so we hope that, that can provide support and encouragement to any parent who might be having a harder time.” – Peter Isbister increasing our visibility of our community it’s going to make us more accepted and safer,” Isbister said. Any parent who is raising a transgender child is welcome to attend the meetings. Isbister said the meeting is not targeted towards friends, supports, allies or the children themselves. The meetings are meant to support parents. “You can just come. It’s absolutely drop in. You don’t need to sign up. You don’t need to tell me. We’re always going to have a room that’s big enough,” Isbister said. The group can also be found on Facebook as TransParent, Metro Atlanta. More information is also available on the national organization’s website at transparentusa.org. March 13, 2020 News 7
NATIONAL NEWS
Biden Unveils Extensive LGBTQ Plan
Drawing on Obama-era Achievements
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden PHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKICOMMONS
But President Trump is another matter. Biden blames the Trump administration for going backwards on LGBTQ rights after the Obama era, accusing Trump and Vice President Mike Pence of having “given hate against LGBTQ+ individuals safe harbor and rolled back critical protections for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Washington Blade Democratic presidential candidate Joseph Biden unveiled on Thursday a comprehensive plan to advance LGBTQ rights, pledging to support policies and legislation against anti-LGBTQ discrimination and to protect LGBTQ human rights advances across the globe.
“Hate and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people started long before Trump and Pence took office,” the plan says. “Defeating them will not solve the problem, but it is an essential first step in order to resume our march toward equality.”
“As president, Biden will stand with the LGBTQ+ community to ensure America finally lives up to the promise on which it was founded: equality for all,” the plan says. “He will provide the moral leadership to champion equal rights for all LGBTQ+ people, fight to ensure our laws and institutions protect and enforce their rights, and advance LGBTQ+ equality globally.” Leading with a quote from Biden on “Meet the Press” in 2012, when he famously came out in favor of marriage equality, the 17-page plan draws heavily on the advancement of LGBTQ rights during the Obama administration when Biden was vice president. “During the Obama-Biden administration, the United States made historic strides toward LGBTQ+ equality – from the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to Biden’s historic declaration in support of marriage equality on ’Meet the Press’ in 2012to the unprecedented advancement of protections for LGBTQ+ Americans at the federal level,” the plan says. Biden’s plan is consistent with priorities on LGBTQ rights Biden has articulated on the campaign trail, including making the Equality Act, international LGBTQ human rights and banning conversion therapy nationwide his top priorities. But the plan goes into further detail, pledging to apply laws against sex discrimination to cases of anti-LGBTQ discrimination, creating a third-gender option on U.S. government documents and reversing 8 National News March 13, 2020
rights, including his vote in 1996 against the Defense of Marriage Act. (Biden as a U.S. senator voted for the anti-gay bill.)
Trump administration policies enabling anti-LGBTQ discrimination in the name of religious freedom. Drawing on Biden’s expertise in foreign policy, the plan goes into significant detail on the candidate’s pledge to advance LGBTQ human rights overseas, asserting Biden spoke out against anti-LGBT abuses in Chechnya, El Salvador, Malaysia and Uganda. “As president, Biden will restore the United States’ standing as a global leader defending LGBTQ+ rights and development and work closely with our partners and like-minded governments to ensure that violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals do not go unchecked,” the plan says. The plan makes protecting human rights generally a priority, but also promises to protect human rights specifically by reappointing a special envoy to advance international LGBTQ rights, forming a coalition of countries to advance international LGBTQ rights and guiding the GLOBE Act into passage. Biden unveils the plan after enjoying a
remarkable comeback in the Democratic primary on Super Tuesday, when he routed his remaining opponents and disrupted the media narrative that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was a lock on the presidential nomination. Ahead of the primary, Biden won support from LGBTQ leaders, including former Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin and Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the lawsuit that led the U.S. Supreme Court to rule in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide. In response to a Blade inquiry on how the plan came together and if Griffin had a hand in writing it, a Biden campaign spokesperson said “the plan was crafted inclusive of voices across the LGBTQ+ community, from thought leaders, organizations, every day people, and more.” Sanders, who is now Biden’s sole competition for the Democratic presidential nomination, isn’t referenced in the plan. A look at Sanders’s website reveals a page dedicated to LGBTQ issues, which articulates bulletpoints for policy and recalls the Vermont independent’s record in support of LGBTQ
Biden also seeks to one-up Trump on one of his few initiatives seen to help LGBTQ people: Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. In his State of the Union addresses before Congress, Trump has pledged to beat the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but Biden sets a goal instead of 2025. “Biden has fought for access to treatment for people with HIV/AIDS and funding for HIV/AIDS research, and he helped pass and expand the Global AIDS program (PEPFAR),” the plan says. “As president, he will re-commit to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2025.” Key to Biden’s plan is updating the National AIDS Strategy, which was first developed during the Obama administration, fully funding the Ryan White Health Care Program and making PrEP more available for HIV prevention. Biden’s plan is along the lines of LGBTQ platforms unveiled by other Democratic candidates who have since dropped from the presidential race, including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), former Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
ASK THE DOCTOR
Dr. Quintin Robinson: How to end Atlanta’s HIV epidemic HIV infection remains a serious public health issue in the state of Georgia. In 2015, Georgia was ranked the fifth-highest in the nation for new HIV diagnoses, after Florida, California, Texas and New York. There were over 2,500 new diagnoses of HIV in 2015 in Georgia and the majority were men. The highest percentage of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses was seen among those aged 30 to 39. Atlanta ranked fifth among metro areas for new HIV cases with a rate of 25.8 new diagnoses for every 100,000 residents – more than twice the national rate. Monitoring the HIV epidemic and understanding the burden of HIV in Georgia are essential for the 2020 National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals of reducing HIV infections, increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes for those with HIV, reducing HIV-related health disparities and achieving a more coordinated response to the epidemic. Opportunities to curb the rate of new infections in Georgia include: Treatment as Prevention (TasP): prescribing antiretroviral medications to those who are living with HIV in order to reduce the amount of virus in their blood to undetectable levels so that there is less risk of transmission of HIV. Increasing the number of people who are tested for HIV and made aware of their diagnosis. Access to quality health care, including insurance coverage, medication accessibility and increasing the number of qualified HIV providers available to give care. Addressing mental illness and behavioral health issues, poverty, stigma, homelessness, food insecurity, homophobia and health literacy, which will help with better health outcomes and access to healthcare. Decriminalizing HIV, which will lead TheGeorgiaVoice.com
to more people becoming aware of their diagnosis without fear of prosecution. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): medication, along with a comprehensive prevention strategy, to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV. Awareness of PrEP among high-risk populations must be increased and affordability of this program must be explained. There also is a need for increased provider awareness, knowledge and willingness to prescribe PrEP, along with comfortably discussing sexual health with an affirming and non-judgmental approach. As each of these factors is addressed, access to quality care and treatment can become more ensured, and we can move closer to ending the epidemic. As HIV healthcare providers, we work daily to ensure that we move closer to these goals. Absolute CARE Medical Center & Pharmacy’s Dr. Quintin Robinson is board certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine, and is certified by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. The board-certified infectious disease providers and staff of AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy have been dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to those living with HIV in Atlanta for nearly 20 years. March 13, 2020 Health 9
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Malik Brown COURTESY PHOTO BY JOSHUA SPRUIEL
Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers:
Malik Brown Stefanee Escay
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams … We are the movers and shakers of the world forever, it seems. This was the line from English poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s publication from 1873, Ode, creating notoriety for the phrase “movers and shakers.” Today when we refer to someone as a ‘mover and a shaker,’ what we may really be saying is he or she is accomplished. Worldly. Powerful. Enter LGBTQ advocate and visionary Malik Brown, a perfect example of someone who fits this description in our metro area. Brown was appointed as Atlanta’s first full-time LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator in early 2018. While that role alone is worthy of the ultimate recognition among local pioneers today, he’s becoming well-known for the bright trail he’s been blazing through Hotlanta in other ways. As the son of immigrants from Trinidad and Barbados, Malik is a proud, lifelong resident of the City-of-71-Peachtree-Streets and has always been active in his community. Malik joined the National Board of Governors Human Rights Campaign in 2014, and quickly gained involvement in Southeast Prides & Festivals (Savannah, Athens, Augusta, Charleston, Atlanta Black Pride, and Atlanta Pride). It was then that Brown realized his true passion was in advocacy, and that he was capable of doing much more for the LGBTQ population in Georgia. Malik got his official start in advocacy in 2015, with Atlanta’s AIDS Walk & 5K Run. He credits the organization for teaching him the ins and outs of creating campaigns, recruiting participants, and soliciting donations so well that he was more than prepared for the days ahead of him in the political arena.
“Georgia has the secondhighest number of reported cases of discrimination, and unfortunately it’s still legal to fire an employee in our state because of their LGBTQ status. My mission is to significantly reduce that statistic in the coming years, which is a completely attainable goal in my eyes.” – Malik Brown
In 2016, Brown continued on his journey in politics as the Special Events Manager for Mayoral candidate Cathy Woolard. It was with Cathy’s team that Malik learned the logistics of fundraisers and how to coordinate successful events. Malik’s contributions to Woolard’s campaign became so valuable that just one year later, he was brought on board by Keisha Lance Bottoms as LGBTQ Outreach Coordinator during her Atlanta runoff campaign in 2017. In 2018, this familiar face among Georgia’s Democratic political scene made history. The City of Atlanta and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Malik Brown as the first-ever, full-time LGBTQ Coordinator – A new position in the City of Atlanta created to focus solely on liaising between the LGBTQ community and Atlanta City Hall. “We have made significant gains towards the protection and advancement of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, and strive to uphold our commitment to equality every day,” Lance Bottoms says. “I hope that our
10 Community Spotlight March 13, 2020
continued commitment to Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, alongside our work to better our city for all people, will move us closer to truly becoming One Atlanta.” Brown hit the ground running with his new title and responsibilities, and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Since his appointment as LGBTQ Coordinator, Malik has dedicated much of his time to address many of the current issues the LGBTQ community is facing today, from marriage equality to discrimination in the workplace to conversion therapy. “Georgia has the second-highest number of reported cases of discrimination, and unfortunately it’s still legal to fire an employee in our state because of their LGBTQ status,” Brown explains. “My mission is to significantly reduce that statistic in the coming years, which is a completely attainable goal in my eyes.” Another development in the works for Brown is to generate more exposure for LGBTQ businesses across Atlanta. Brown reminds us, “Our city is flourishing with LGBTQ entrepreneurs and their businesses are thriving, so it’s important to draw attention to that. All the restaurants around the Rainbow Crosswalk are something to
take note of, as well as so many LGBTQ owned businesses across the metro area.” In addition to raising more awareness about concerns and generating more visibility within the LGBTQ community, Brown has also had a hand in producing the City of Atlanta Biennial Report on LGBTQ Affairs. He’s also been active behind closed doors, working on a “big employment push” as well as Transgender Day of Visibility, an upcoming event scheduled to take place at City Hall. The Mayor’s Pride Reception and Mayor’s Black Pride Reception are also on Brown’s project list to tackle in the coming months. Before he discovered his affinity for advocacy, Malik Brown was (and continues to be) an enormous fan of comic books. He spent his childhood and adolescent years reading about superheroes, but now in his adulthood, he’s a superhero of his own. Brown continues to be an active member of the Human Rights Campaign and is also an integral part of the DNC’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. For additional information and resources, visit the City of Atlanta’s resource web site: https://atlgbtq.atlantaga.gov/. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Amy “DC” Baltz PHOTO BY DALLAS ANNE DUNCAN
Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers:
Amy “DC” Baltz Dallas Anne Duncan
Amy Baltz’s colleagues know her as Amy Baltz, but she’s better known as Despoena Calypso, or Ms. DC. For the past year, she also answered to “Ms. Atlanta Eagle.” DC will never forget the first time she saw the leather pride flag painted on Atlanta Eagle’s exterior. “I had never seen a leather pride flag that big,” she said. “This was definitely a leather space, and it was proclaiming it very proudly from the moment I set foot on the property.” DC is the ninth sash-wearing Ms. Atlanta Eagle. Her competition included an interview, bar wear, and fetish attire, plus a “mystery grab bag” performance onstage.
“My platform was all about, everyone’s invited to a seat at the table, and we’re going to leave a chair open for who we don’t know is coming. I am not the only person in this conversation. I’m maybe a tipping point. I’m honored and grateful that I got to be part of the discussion and say, ‘This is why I think we need it.’” – Amy “DC” Baltz
to Ms. and Mr. at certain competitions. “[A former Ms. Atlanta Eagle] walked by me wearing the sash. In this studded leather corset and leather pants and leather boots and I was like, ‘Woof. How do I be that? How do I do that? How do I support that?’” DC said. “I was like, ‘Oh I belong here. If she’s here, I can be here.’” DC is changing the way Atlanta and the international leather scene looks at women and nonbinary folk as part of their community. “I wanted to show that everyone is welcome at our bar. You don’t necessarily see a girl with braids in her hair in a pink dress and a tutu and a 1950s look. That’s my style,” she said. “I just didn’t see a lot of me in the leather. … And I realized the only way I was going to see that was if I competed and gave my brand of leather and my brand of protocol.” Since her competition, she’s seen more lipstick and high-femme fashion in leather, and there will soon be a “Mx” title in addition TheGeorgiaVoice.com
“My platform was all about, everyone’s invited to a seat at the table, and we’re going to leave a chair open for who we don’t know is coming,” she said. “I am not the only person in this conversation. I’m maybe a tipping point. I’m honored and grateful that I got to be part of the discussion and say, ‘This is why I think we need it.’” DC isn’t leather only at the Eagle. It’s a lifestyle she devotes herself to daily. “Leather lifestyle is about living your life to a higher standard. It’s about how you interact with the world around you,” DC said. “Leather is a fetish. Leather is a garment I wear. Leather is choosing to live myself to a higher standard and it is also a nod to the history of our past and the oppression we faced.” DC defines her bisexuality as being attracted to individuals of her gender identity and others. She realized as a young child that she was into bondage. She liked self-suspending
from trees to read books, and tying herself, and later her partners, up. “I looked up how to tie a girl to a bed. What popped up was a picture of a woman in shibari,” DC said. “I wanted to do it. I wanted to be it. I wanted to watch it. I wanted to photograph it. … It kind of flipped a switch to me; I wanted everything to do with rope like that. But I was 16 and that’s not readily available to you when you’re 16.” DC explored her sexuality and purpose for the next few years, and found leather. “The leather lifestyle might be seen from the outside as cosplay or [Live Action Role Play], but really we have chosen this,” she said. “There’s usually a piece of leather on my body or a little piece of rope. Some people are dance moms. Some people are military. I’m leather. It’s an identity and the choice I’ve made.” The House of the Primal Kind is DC’s leather family. “These people are my everything. They’ve seen me through good stuff and bad stuff. They’ve seen me make really rough relationship mistakes. They also taught me how to hold a flogger so it doesn’t hurt my back,” she said. DC said each leather family is different, and
hers encourages its mentees to earn their stripes. Over the course of a decade, she earned first her belt, then her boots – a reminder of being grounded in who she was and the community she represented – and most recently her vest. “From there, and this is something I have not earned, maybe you get a master’s cap or a cover,” DC said. “A sir’s cap or cover is specifically meant to come from the community or the leather family you’re in, and it is to show that you have been doing the work and you will continue doing the work. It’s like a lifetime achievement award in my book.” All of DC’s leather is white, even her Ms. Atlanta Eagle vest. That’s an intentional nod to the history and tradition of leather, but a sign that she’s part of the next generation. “I want to prove that I will take care of and shelter and educate the next generation. I am in a continual state of cleaning my white leather and reconditioning it and ensuring that it stays white,” she said. “It’s almost a ritual for me; a meditation of sorts. To promise to uplift and support instead of cut down, and it’s a promise to make the space for the people I haven’t even met yet. It’s not just a fashion statement for me. It’s very much something meaningful that’s a commitment to my community; to myself; to the future mes that are going to be.”
March 13, 2020 Community Spotlight 11
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 effects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. 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.
ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. 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 affect 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.
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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking 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 effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. 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. 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.
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KEEP PUSHING.
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. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers:
Jim Farmer Cristina Williams-Fontanez
Ever since he was a boy, Jim Farmer has been obsessed with movies. What early cinema classic did the future Out On Film festival director consider one of his favorites? John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” “It was just so well constructed … it was just so pure and simple.” Jim’s cinematic tastes have evolved since then, but his love for great cinematic storytelling only grew. In his younger days, Jim knew that film had to be part of his life. “I was always enamored with film. Ever since I was old enough to go to the campus theater, I thought, ‘I want to do something like this’”. The city of Atlanta itself has seen a sharp influx in business from the film and television sector. From big budget superhero films to reality TV shows, the city is awash with film crews, production companies and entertainment creatives. Atlanta is becoming a major hub for film, complete with Atlanta branches of well-known film schools, but back when Jim was thinking of pursuing his passion for filmmaking, the opportunities were few and far between. “Nowadays, everywhere you go in Atlanta … you can learn to become a filmmaker or learn to get in the business. Back then, opportunities were very, very limited. Especially in this area.” Of course, there were schools that catered to cinema-craft, but nowhere near Georgia. So, while attending The University of Georgia, he tried to cherry-pick the classes that had anything to do with film and television, helped with finding programming for the local campus station and began his love affair with writing about film. After graduation, he bounced from vocation to vocation but ultimately moved to Atlanta and returned to his life’s passion. LGBTQ film festivals can be found all over the world, with some of the oldest ones popping-up in London, San Francisco, New York, Copenhagen and right here in Atlanta,
“With the festival we want to showcase film from around the world, but also want to showcase film from our backyard as well. It’s very important to highlight what is happening in Atlanta, in Georgia.” – Jim Farmer
Georgia. Out On Film is a well-established festival that was created to, according to its mission statement, “inform, entertain, educate, and enrich the LGBTQ culture by showcasing films by, for and about the LGBT community and its allies,” and they’ve been doing just that for the past 33 years. Out On Film started out as a segment of the larger Atlanta Film Festival and branched off on its own in 2008, and that year Jim took over as Festival Director. Since then, the festival has grown by leaps and bounds. Just over the past six months alone, the festival has been awarded various accolades, like its first grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, a place on the Top 20 Film Festivals in North America reader’s poll conducted by USA Today, and designation as an Oscar® qualifying film festival, meaning that a Best Drama Short entry that wins at Out On Film is eligible for consideration for the Best Live Action Short Academy Award®. Jim feels that all of this recognition will ultimately not only help the festival, but the city as well. “It’s good for us, but it’s also good for Atlanta.” A major key to the success of Out On Film
14 Community Spotlight March 13, 2020
has to be Jim’s personal goal of making the festival more inclusive. “If I had to program a film festival just for gay white men, I would be bored silly because that’s not who our community is … I want to try to find films that speak to everybody.” Whether it’s an Asian film about a Vietnamese Opera singer or documentary about LGBTQ refugees, the festival is sure to have something for everyone. “When you come to Out On Film, you get to watch it with your community. You get to experience it … really celebrate that moment together.” The festival also likes to spotlight works from local filmmakers by choosing features that help focus on issues that the local LGBTQ community may be facing. “With the festival we want to showcase film from around the world, but also want to showcase film from our backyard as well. It’s very important to highlight what is happening in Atlanta, in Georgia.” But Jim is still expanding the scope of the festival. Just last year, he helped launch the
Atlanta Queer Arts Alliance. “It’s a way to really cross-promote each other and just remind people of what a rich tapestry of queer arts there are in Atlanta.” Besides the yearly festival, Out On Film started collaborating with different LGBTQ organizations to hold screenings all year round as well as teaming up with Atlanta Pride to offer insights into the LGBTQ entertainment community. At the moment, they are planning a panel dealing with lesbian, transgender, AfricanAmerican and non-gender conforming filmmakers to showcase at the upcoming Atlanta Pride festival. This self-described “Georgia peach” has really dedicated his life to putting queer cinema on the map. The passion for LGBTQ film just radiates off of Farmer, which has helped him create a unique atmosphere in which if you walk into his festival feeling alone, unheard, or invisible you will walk out feeling like a member of the Out On Film family forever. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
DEMETRI GANTT PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers:
Demetri Gantt Dallas Anne Duncan
Demetri Gantt calls himself an introvert and was not particularly keen on speaking on stage in front of 1,300 people. But for someone who shies away from the limelight, he has a wealth of influence on how Atlanta’s businesses expand their support of diversity, both in and outside the workplace. Gantt started volunteering with the Human Rights Campaign Atlanta Steering Committee as the 2016 presidential race heated up. Now the co-chair of the organization’s Corporate Sponsor Relations Committee and the diversity, equity and inclusion liaison, Gantt was honored for his dedication and service as HRC Atlanta’s member of the year. “Sometimes these are people that don’t necessarily get their names in lights. They’re the people behind the scenes or people that have showed not only passion and heart, but grace and inspiring work over the last year,” said Percy Brown, communications manager for Georgia Equality and volunteer leader on the National Board of Governors for HRC. “I would say it was a unanimous decision to select Demetri as our steering committee member of the year.” “The Human Rights Campaign isn’t actually a career path. It’s a passion path. HRC found me,” Gantt told Georgia Voice. Gantt was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on Maxwell Air Force base. After kindergarten he moved to California, then to upstate New York – less than an hour from the Canadian line – and settled in East Cobb in 1996. “We were the second black family in that neighborhood,” Gantt said. “I’m in a predominantly white area, and I was maybe one of two people of color in my classroom, and it wasn’t the diversity I was used to. I grew up with kids who were Asian, Latino, black, white. It was a very mixed community TheGeorgiaVoice.com
“It was one of the most monumental experiences I’ve had in my life. God was giving me a sign: ‘I did this all for a reason, and I’m leading you this way so you can find this purpose that you’re looking for.’” – Demetri Gantt
or hold sensitivity and diversity training for their staff and don’t know where to begin.
The trip was a tipping point.
with military housing.” He moved away for college and returned to Atlanta shortly to begin a nearly decade-long career in banking. He bought a home, and two weeks later was laid off. “I battled a lot with depression and feelings of inadequacy. Building myself out of that rut, I had to find a purpose,” Gantt said. “I started phone-banking for Hillary [Clinton] because she had her satellite office in Castleberry Hill.” Gantt jumped at the opportunity to go to North Carolina with some HRC folks he met through the campaign. One of those was now-colleague Brigid Scarbrough, cochair of the Atlanta Steering Committee and a member of the HRC Board of Governors. “HRC had him committing to a weekendlong trip to help support the political canvassing efforts in North Carolina. 2016 was the election year in that state impacted by then-Gov. McCrory’s decision to support House Bill 2,” Scarbrough told Georgia Voice. “Demetri jumped head-first into the fight against this discriminatory bill by committing to be a leader in HRC’s work in [North Carolina] to canvass for pro-equality candidates.”
“It was one of the most monumental experiences I’ve had in my life. God was giving me a sign: ‘I did this all for a reason, and I’m leading you this way so you can find this purpose that you’re looking for,’” Gantt said. After seeing his leadership skills at work, Scarbrough said a friendship quickly developed, as did Gantt’s more official work with HRC Atlanta. “I have seen Demetri be an Atlanta ‘mover and shaker’ since that trip,” she said. “He is an amazing leader and mentor to our team. He can make connections one-on-one as well as to huge groups and has had a true impact on the work HRC does in Atlanta.” Brown echoed her sentiments and said it’s rare that Gantt’s name doesn’t come up in discussions about influential young people in Atlanta. “The work that Demetri does is very nuanced,” Brown said. “He’s the face of the Human Rights Campaign [in Atlanta] to Fortune 500 companies.” Gantt’s role is to reach out to existing and potential sponsors for upcoming events. He’s also the person companies reach out to if they want to host an inclusivity event of their own,
“I had a company reach out recently that was like, ‘How do I introduce pronouns into the workplace?’” Gantt said. “It’s wonderful, and I get such a giddy feeling.” Brown’s first impression of Gantt was how engaged and passionate he was in the work laid in front of him. “I remember seeing Demetri come in, and to see his leadership be cultivated and to see where he is now, I think it’s inspiring and it’s a joy to see him receive this recognition,” Brown said. Though he’s honored to be recognized by his peers, Gantt says it’s not him that should be considered a “mover and a shaker,” but HRC Atlanta as a whole. “This group … they help build individuals; they help shape people. I feel like that’s what they’ve done with me,” Gantt said. “The work that I do for HRC, I can’t ever repay them for because they saved me at one point. … It’s not just me having the influence. I’m just one person. We as a group, we are the influence; we are the change. I don’t see myself being the absolute conduit. I’m just there to help, and that’s what satisfies me.”
March 13, 2020 Community Spotlight 15
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers:
Toni-Michelle Williams Cristina Wiliams-Fontanez Toni-Michelle knows what she wants and has a plan on how to get there. At least, that’s the impression she gave as she confidently walked into the SNaPCo (Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative) offices in Eastpoint. The headquarters is currently under renovation, but the minute she opened the doors and saw the progress that had been made, she couldn’t hide the joy that lit up her face. This space is a relatively new acquisition to the organization, which had previously shared office space with the Racial Justice Action Center next door, but the Executive Director is excited since her plans will require a lot of room. The Atlanta native proudly refers to herself as a “Grady baby,” and she’s here to stay. She is a fierce champion for local business, especially in her neighborhood of Eastpoint. “It’s always been my dream to be here and to have an impact on my city … and when I found my passion for activism and advocacy, this is where I wanted to do it.” Even when she was younger and had dreams of being a drag entertainer, she had only ever envisioned herself entertaining here in Atlanta. She puts her money where her mouth is as well, frequenting local Eastpoint establishments and becoming well-known in the community. “The Kupcakery, all the Eastpoint shops … I’m going to run for mayor one day, or city council here in Eastpoint and I’m shooting for the city of Eastpoint to invest in … a restorative justice center.” She admits this is all part of her 10 year plan, but given her drive and determination, don’t be surprised if you hear the name Mayor Toni-Michelle Williams on the news or in the paper someday soon. But, her dream of making an impact on this city has already become a reality. Most recently, SNaPCo partnered with Women on the Rise, a nonprofit specializing in the plight of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, to help close the Atlanta City
“My offering has truly been around developing leaders in Atlanta. Black, trans, queer folk, young folk, sex workers; really creating opportunities for them to practice being in their bodies, being ‘leaderful’, and offering opportunities for them to do that.” – Toni-Michelle Williams Detention center. The center had been around since the 1950s and was used as a facility to imprison people who had commited low-level offences like traffic violations. A task force was created last year to try and figure out what would be done with the detention center once it closed, and Toni-Michelle was chosen to be appointed to it. When asked where she gets inspiration herself, she names quite a few social justice advocates, like writer and feminist poet, Audre Lord and black transgender editor and writer, Raquel Willis. And she added giddily, “I love Whitney Houston! And I love Tina Turner and Beyoncé. I love Lady Gaga and I’m really inspired by folks, regular folks … who are just breathing and committing to loving each other and evolving everyday.” Then she takes another beat, smiles and almost screams, “I’m most inspired by black babies and their joy!” It’s clear that Toni-Michelle is trusting in the future generations to help create a better world, and she is going to do everything in her power to help guide and shape them. One of the legacies she hopes to leave behind is the next generation of trans-rights movers and shakers. “My offering has truly been around developing leaders in Atlanta. Black, trans,
16 Community Spotlight March 13, 2020
queer folk, young folk, sex workers; really creating opportunities for them to practice being in their bodies, being ‘leaderful’, and offering opportunities for them to do that.” The work done within these walls is important, and that point is driven home simply by taking a look up and noticing the poster hung up on the wall highlighting a group of trans black women who were murdered in Atlanta in 2015. The poster, which appeared to be for the #SayHerNameATL campaign, is a sobering reminder of what Toni-Michelle fights toward everyday. “When I’m able to support a black trans woman, to build her out and to bring her to safety or co-create safety with her, whatever that looks like to him or them, it’s not even about being proud as [it is] having satisfaction and I’m satisfied with the … role that I’m in to be able to move and
shift resources to have that as a possibility [for] me and my folks.” And as for the future campaigns SNaPCo will undertake, Toni-Michelle states that next is all about mobilizing sex workers. “I’m really excited about shifting narratives and cultures and the culture around sex in Atlanta … how folks are having sex, who’s having sex, how sex impacts all of us, how harm reduction creates better public health.” She’s hoping to end the stigma around sex workers in the city who are being criminalized for, how she puts it, just surviving. “I am proudest when I am able to look back, literally, like turn around and see or even look forward or around and see my people in their full dignity and resilience and their fight for themselves and each other and that moment has happened in each campaign.” TheGeorgiaVoice.com
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Purim Off Ponce
SOJOURN’s 2020 fundraiser event (Photos by Jean Bartlett)
18 Community Photos March 13, 2020
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March 13, 2020 Ads 19
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We’re Circling the Wagons and Rounding Up the Artists
© Kathy Odom, Country Fried, 12” x 20” oil on linen
Jackson Hole artists Kathryn Mapes Turner, Amy Ringholz, September Vhay, Kathy Wipfler and Amy Lay
Enjoy a taste of both the Old West and the New West. It’s a Food Festival and Art Celebration like you’ve never experienced. We’re circling the wagons on the museum grounds and rounding up the country’s top chuck wagon cooks, Western singers, storytellers, actors ... and this year’s featured artists, The Jackson Hole 5: Important Painters from The West, our latest contemporary art exhibit. So, gather friends and family, and join us for a true taste of the American West – only at The Booth.
17th Annual Southeastern Chuck Wagon Gathering Saturday, March 28th l 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Visit boothmuseum.org for events, times and to purchase advance tickets
Recently Awarded the #1 Best Art Museum in the U.S.
BoothMuseum.org | Cartersville, GA
ARTS SPOTLIGHT
aTVfest Impresses for Eighth Year
Jim Farmer
Atlanta’s only festival specifically celebrating television, SCAD aTVfest – staged by SCAD Atlanta – did itself proud with its eighth annual event Feb. 27-29. Over three days new episodes of series were screened and performers galore attended. LGBTQ artists and shows were very much part of the programming. Eric McCormack of “Will and Grace” received the Impact Award at this year’s event, while out actor BD Wong appeared to talk about his role on the new “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” and gender-nonconforming performer Alex Newell, formerly of “Glee” fame, appeared along with the cast of NBC’s new “Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist.” The show’s ensemble, including Newell, was awarded the Rising Star Cast Award. aTVfest also screened the first episode of NBC’s new drama “Council of Dads,” which features some LGBT characters. Out SCAD student Corey Graves is a production assistant in the show, which films in Savannah.
Left: “Sex in the City” actress Kim Cattrall takes home the Icon Award at SCAD aTVfest in Atlanta. Above: Starz’s lesbian-themed series “Vida” held its world premiere at aTVfest. Actors Chelsea Rendon and Ser Anzoategui pose for a photo at the event. (Photos by Getty Images)
“Sex in the City” actress Kim Cattrall took home the Icon Award. She will be seen later this spring in the new Fox comedy-drama “Filthy Rich,” in which she plays Margaret, whose husband unexpectedly passes away, leaving her to take care of their Christian television network business. The show is directed by out director Tate Taylor of “The Help” fame. For Cattrall, Margaret is different than any of the characters she has played and she savored the opportunity. “I am not from a religious background,” she says. “I was not raised in any denomination. My mother wanted us to decide what we wanted to do with our lives with religion – that was our choice when we got old enough. I went to Sunday school and that was about it. I was very curious about it and I thought it would be an interesting device to get in Margaret’s head and see what she was thinking.” The third season of Starz’s lesbian-themed 22 Arts Spotlight March 13, 2020
that gets in the way. This season Eddy has a secret that she is wrestling with and carrying. She also gets a love interest.”
series “Vida” held its world premiere at aTVfest this year and most of the primary cast were present to talk about the impact of the show and their characters. “Mari is a young woke activist from the neighborhood – all about her community – dealing with the machismo of her family,” says Chelsea Rendon. “She is at the age of around 21 when she is growing and finding herself. From season one to this season she has changed so much. It’s cool to see her grow from
fighting for her neighborhood to fighting for immigration. That’s been beautiful to see, especially with all this going on now.”
Rendon feels the show has broken numerous barriers. “It’s a show about brown people written by brown people,” she says. “You have a queer female showrunner and almost all the department heads are female or people of color or LGBTQ. The vibe on the set has been beautiful. It’s great that Starz has given us this opportunity.”
Ser Anzoategui says the character of Eddy has some new layers this season. And perhaps some happiness. “Eddy wants to bring everyone together, but the character has gone through such heartbreak,” Anzoategui says. “The audience wants to see her succeed and find love but there is always something
Anzoategui concurs. “For LGBTQIA people, it’s important to have a masculine of center female be one of the main characters. That usually does not happen. It’s slowly starting to. The community has been stigmatized. If you are gay or lesbian anything in the spectrum, you can face being discarded.” TheGeorgiaVoice.com
VOICES OF NOTE PRESENTS
JIM FARMER ACTING OUT
“Miss Saigon” COURTESY PHOTO
Musical and Drama Hits Atlanta Scene One is a musical that has seduced audiences since its debut. The other is a fairly new drama that is just starting to make its way around the country. Both “Miss Saigon” and “Warplay” are getting local productions and seem bound to attract LGBTQ audiences. As of last year, “Miss Saigon” is Broadway’s thirteenth longest-running show. When it opened on Broadway in 1991 it ran through 2001. It’s based, of course, on the opera “Madame Butterfly,” set in 1970s Saigon and telling the story of a relationship between a United States Marine and a young girl from South Vietnam.
MARCH 20 @ 8PM Virginia HigHlands CHurCH
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AWCHORUS.ORG 24 Columnist March 13, 2020
Besides being one of the show’s Vietnamese language consultants, Matthew Overberg is part of the ensemble of the touring version, hitting the ATL next week. He has been with the musical since August 2018 and is onstage for what he calls about 60 percent of the time. He also appeared in “The King and I” in Australia for a year but he says “Miss Saigon” is the heaviest ensemble piece he’s been part of. He feels there are several reasons audiences have such an affinity for the musical. “The appeal is the score,” he says. “We don’t get scores like this anymore for musicals. It’s grand and epic and too expensive to do these days. It’s a spectacle. People love the
“warplay” DIANE HAYMES PHOTOGRAPHY
technical aspects and the great love story. It is also applicable to today’s society with refugees and war and people’s love for their country. A lot of its themes are applicable.” The actor is gay and if he had the choice, he’d gravitate to work that is more LGBTQ themed. As an Asian gay male, though, he realizes – sadly – that his choices can be limited. He’s hardly complaining, though. He did get to appear in a recent revival of “Cabaret” which he referred to as a “sexy, scandalous show –with a leading man who is a bit androgynous.” The new drama “Warplay” – which just opened at Out Front Theatre Company - is penned by JC Lee, a playwright who has also written for HBO’s “Looking” and “Girls” and ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder.” “Warplay” is directed by Justin Kalin, the company’s associate artistic director, and is only in its third full production. The play is a retelling of the myth of Achilles, a Trojan War hero, and his close friendship with Patroclus. Kalin was somewhat familiar
with the story and got to re-approach it and re-learn it here from the playwright’s eyes. “It takes a lot of the elements of the original story and re-contextualizes them in a modern way,” he says. The two-character are young men on the brink of adulthood, navigating their relationship and their expectations. “It’s a modern meditation on masculinity,” says Kalin. “It examines what was the archetype of it in ancient Greece; what were the pillars? How do all of these things persist today? These men were great heroes from long ago but have we made any changes to the archetype of masculinity over the past few millennia? There are a lot of plays that deal with homosexuality and romance and masculinity but we have not come across a lot of shows that explicitly look at the junction point between masculinity and same-sex relationships – and the friction it creates. We place masculinity on this pedestal – it’s so above everything else - but it robs men of the ability to be intimate with each other.”
MORE INFO “Miss Saigon” March 17 - 22 Fox Theatre courtesy of Broadway Across America “Warplay” March 12 - 28 Out Front Theatre Company
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ARTS AT A GLANCE MARCH 13-26 FRIDAY, MARCH 13
recently been released from prison. When Oshoosi’s charismatic former cellmate Elegba arrives, the two brothers find themselves on a collision course with fate in this unflinching and tender exploration of the complex bonds of brotherhood. From Tarell Alvin McCraney – the Academy Award-winning writer of “Moonlight,” “The Brothers Size” weaves together poetry, music and mythology to magnify the struggle for freedom and the need to belong somewhere. 8pm through April 11 Actor’s Express
A poetic and raw re-imagining of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, “warplay” requires us to reexamine our assumptions about heroism and love. The journey of the two is a meditation on male intimacy, destiny, and how the constant shadow of war may warp us all. 8pm, through March 28 Out Front Theatre Company
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Join the Atlanta Gender Variations group for parents supporting parents of transgender children, with a separate group for trans teens and allies meeting at the same time. Meetings take place every second Saturday of the month. 2 – 4pm Spiritual Living Center Atlanta Minnie Bruce Pratt, the acclaimed lesbian poet, writer, and anti-racist and anti-imperialist activist will visit Charis Books and More to give a prepared talk, “Queer Socialism, Sexuality and Gender,” co-sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of the Workers World Party. She is the widow of the author/ activist Leslie Feinberg. $5 suggested donation. 7:30 – 9pm
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets today. 2:30 – 4pm Spiritual Living Center
MONDAY, MARCH 16
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. 6:30 – 8pm Charis Books and More Wussy Mag + Out On Film and Plaza Atlanta present “Queers on Film” – a monthly series of LGBTQ+ arthouse and independent classics. Tonight is a screening of the 2015 groundbreaking film, “Tangerine.” The film follows a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
FRIDAY MARCH 20 – SATURDAY MARCH 21
Through song and story the Atlanta Women’s Chorus’ “She Rises” celebrates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, along with a focus on human rights for all. March 20 at 8pm, Virginia Highlands Church and March 21. 4pm at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
The winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” is based on the play by Frank Wedekind, and follows the unforgettable journey of a group of students in late 19th century Germany as they move from adolescence into adulthood. The landmark musical written by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that has been exhilarating audiences across the nation since it first premiered in 2007. Exploring the beautiful and often painful woes of growing up, “Spring Awakening” in the beautiful and eerie woods of Serenbe Playhouse will be raw and gut wrenchingly poignant. 8pm, through April 12 (Photo via Facebook) her. The film was shot with three iPhone 5S smartphones. The event features a post-film discussion with Jim Farmer from Out On Film. 7:30pm Plaza Atlanta
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
Come meet your neighbors at Red’s Beer Garden in Benteen Park for a St. Patrick’s Day community social. Spend the evening hanging out with your neighbors and making new friends socializing. 6 – 8 pm
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Local director T. Cooper premieres the new “I Am Samantha,” a series of short films with a cast of 27 trans actors. 7pm Plaza Theatre
THURSDAY, MARCH 19 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Atlanta’s LGBT+ convention for sci-fi, pop culture, multimedia and gaming, Outlantacom is this weekend. Marriott Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
The Out Georgia Business Alliance Business Builder Networking Lunch is hosted by Chip Ivie on the third Thursday of each month. Open floor seating limited to 14 respondents. Please email Chip Ivie to RSVP at chip@aisforatlanta.com. 11:45am Henry’s Midtown Tavern In the sweltering heat of the Louisiana Bayou, Ogun Size tenuously reunites with his brother Oshoosi, who has
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
Get “On Your Feet!” today. From humble beginnings in Havana to international superstardom, Gloria and Emilio Estefan changed the music industry forever. Experience the true story of two people whose belief in their art and determination created a new crossover genre of music. This Broadway sensation is a dance party that features all of your favorite songs including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Conga,” “Turn the Beat Around” and more. 2:30pm, through April 12 Aurora Theatre
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
Out Front Theatre Company and Out On Film present the film “Song Lang” as part of their Stage to Screen series. Set in 1980s Saigon, well before the U.S. embargo on Vietnam was lifted in 1994, “Song Lang” depicts a gritty underworld whose only source of brightness comes from the gorgeous stage productions of a local opera troupe. A hunky, brooding debt collector forms an unlikely friendship with the charismatic lead actor of the struggling company, and their friendship, to their surprise, awakens feelings in both men. 7:15pm
March 13, 2020 Arts at a Glance 25
CLIFF BOSTOCK EATING MY WORDS
A trio of tacos with refried black beans and rice @ Lazy Llama Cantina. PHOTOS BY CLIFF BOSTOCK
The Lazy Llama: Tacos, Tequila and TV applaud the kitchen’s chunky guacamole. It’s not grotesquely blended and over-seasoned like most guac in Atlanta. The main flavor beside the avocado is lemon.
If you pursue education in journalism and psychology, as I did, you are cursed with a double dose of curiosity. You annoy a lot of people by asking a lot of questions. For example, during two visits to the new Lazy Llama Cantina at the corner of Piedmont and Monroe, I’ve asked at least five staff members to explain the name. Where did it come from? Nobody knew. “How can you apply for work somewhere and not ask the origin of such a goofy name?” I asked one server. “I just go with it,” they said. “I don’t get it,” I said. “Just go with it,” they said. Okay, I’m going with it. Lazy Llama replaces the popular Hobnob, mainly a burger joint, that Sean Yeremyand opened about 10 years ago. It spawned two other thriving locations and another is opening in Atlantic Station. So Yeremyand decided to try out this new Tex-Mex concept at the original. I was surprised, given the amount of nearby competition: Little Rey, La Hacienda, Taqueria del Sol, and – yes! – the equally weirdly-named FROGS at Midtown Promenade. Like it, Lazy Llama promotes itself as a party place with a huge menu of tequilas, but also gives you sports on 20 TV screens, at least 12 framed portraits of llamas, and a brief thoughtful menu of tacos and quesadillas.
A plate of churros with caramel sauce.
I lunched alone at Lazy Llama twice during its second week of operation. The menu, developed by consulting chef Jeffrey Gardner, includes eight tacos and, thanks to the use of corn tortillas, all are gluten-free. I ordered the carne asada, the carnitas, and the al pastor. The best was the al pastor – juicy, roasted pork with pineapple chunks and a tomatilloavocado salsa. The carnitas, pieces of roasted pork, were served under a different green-chili sauce. Unfortunately the meat was way too dry, an effect not remedied by the super-dense (but highly flavorful) sauce. The carne asada – steak – was coated with an addictive, smoky red chili sauce with grilled onions. Be aware there is no salsa bar here. That means the kitchen is in control of how ingredients are proportioned.
On my second visit, I ordered a quesadilla. It was huge – plenty for two normal people. Four types are offered – cheese, shrimp, steak, and mushrooms with charred corn. I chose the latter. It was served with guac, pico de gallo, and sour cream, plus a bowl of spicy refried beans and rice. The thing was wonderful. Besides the sliced button mushrooms and corn, there were red and green peppers, all browned but still slightly crunchy, yet kind of creamy. I devoured all four fat charred slices. Then I realized I didn’t taste any cheese. I called the restaurant and was assured that cheese was in my quesadilla. I don’t drink, so I can’t blame the tequila. I believe them. The light use of cheese explains the background flavor and texture. Speaking of texture, I also
I’ve tried one dessert at the restaurant – the churros. I have spent a lot of time in Spain eating churros and my favorites have always been slightly crisp with a creamy interior – sort of like a well-done glazed donut from Krispy Kreme. Lazy Llama’s churros are crunchy throughout, so you’ll have to borrow the creaminess from the chocolate and caramel sauces served with them. Lazy Llama’s menu includes salads, the usual chips and salsa, and a few “entrees” like fajitas and enchiladas. I should warn you that prices may seem a bit high until you see the portions. Share. Cliff Bostock is a longtime Atlanta restaurant critic and former psychotherapist turned life coach; cliffbostock@gmail.com.
MORE INFO Lazy Llama Cantina 1551 Piedmont Ave. 404-968-2288 LazyLlamaCantina.com
26 Columnist March 13, 2020 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
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Join the Atlanta Chargers as they host a beer bust and Lip Sync Drag Battle. Six queens will compete against one another for the crown. The winner will be determined by the queen with the most tips in each round. The reigning Queen Eden Cakes will be there to pass the crown to the new queen. The event is hosted by Miss Trixie Van-Lear with special guest Bianca Buckwild. Enjoy beer specials – all you can drink, Jell-o shots and raffle prizes. 5pm – 9pm Midtown Moon
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Get Lucky is the Sunday Funday St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at TEN Atlanta tonight.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 AID Atlanta returns for the third annual “Even More Twisted Broadway.” The Ladies of Lips Atlanta welcome celebrity servers to the kitchen and to host. Compete to see which server sells the most seats and raffle tickets, as you enjoy a delicious four-course dinner, Broadway music, and the Twisted Raffle. 6:30 – 10pm Lips Atlanta
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
Pull to the bumper, baby – It’s time for more drag. Come out to AMEN, a drag show and competition. Dotte Comm, JayBella Banks, Molly Rimswell, and Taylor Alxndr host and perform Downtown’s best drag show. Contestants for March are Gunner Down Day, Hera Kane, Malachi, Ruby Iman Starr, Saraya Sis and February’s winner Pynk S. Dime. 11pm Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Mother Nature is calling you to the dance floor. Winter is wrapping up and it’s time for BLOOM, a queer dance party, featuring DJ sets by Divoli S’vere, Zaida, & a live performance by Montre. 10 pm – 2am. The Mammal Gallery
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Spend a festive night at the Clash of
EVENT SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Spend a festive night at the Clash of the Neon Titans Foam Party with DJ Ed Wood. 9pm BJ Roosters (Photo via Facebook) the Neon Titans Foam Party with DJ Ed Wood. 9pm BJ Roosters
MONDAY, MARCH 23
Enjoy a festive night of drag at The Stars of the Century 2.0. 11:15pm Heretic Atlanta
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
Bring your friends to Multi-play Game Night. 9pm – 2am Atlanta Eagle
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Get your vocal cords ready – Thad Stevens hosts Karaoke Night at My Sister’s Room.
UPCOMING SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Come celebrate the arrival of spring in ancient Roman festival style to honor Flora, the goddess of flowers and the season of Springs. Announcements coming soon for DJ lineup. Powered by Saturnalia Productions. 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta
28 Nightlife at a Glance March 13, 2020 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
GET YOUR
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2161 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30324
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MELISSA CARTER THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
Son’s First Death Experience It would be nice if there existed a manual that explained when to share different pieces of information or knowledge with your children. That way you would know at what age different topics were appropriate to talk about like sex, politics or finances. However, such a manual does not exist, and for Mr. Carter, the topic of death and heaven came at age five. I was in my late 20s and working at 99X when I went to the Atlanta Humane Society and adopted a very young Siamese-mix. In fact, a woman there informed me I was only a few minutes ahead of her in grabbing that sweet little girl. I gave the cat the name Akima, after Drew Barrymore’s character in the animated movie Titian A.E., and she shared 20 years with me. In that time I got sick, got well, was broke, found professional success, had two serious relationships, and became a mother. She was my friend not just a pet, and I am sad to report she passed away last week. 30 Columnist March 13, 2020
When I told Mr. Carter his head popped back in shock. Mind you we had already had the conversation of heaven, and that God decides the time when people and animals return there. I felt the need to begin that discussion at least a month or two ago since both Akima and my mother, Millie Pete, were elderly and I knew anything could happen at any time. So when he seemed shocked that Akima left first, I was almost regretful I said it so pragmatically. After an afternoon of weeping, he calmed enough to change his initial questions of how and why to the fact his heart hurt but he was happy she was a kitten again. During his mourning I explained the little kid or kitten inside us all gets to come back out to play when we reach heaven, and that we are only sad because we miss our loved ones – not because something bad actually happened to them. I had Akima cremated and was given her paw print in clay along with the poem, “Rainbow Bridge.” Upon receiving her remains, I decided to give the paw print and poem to Mr. Carter and tell him Akima sent it to him from heaven. If you haven’t
read “Rainbow Bridge,” it’s a gut-wrenching explanation of the meadow where animals go in heaven when they die, and that they’ll perk up and run to you when they see it’s your turn to enter heaven. Mr. Carter was excited Akima wrote him but was not satisfied with the poem. “You mean when I go to heaven I stay forever?” he asked. When I confirmed that he continued, “I don’t want to stay in heaven forever. And I don’t want her to either.” We proceeded to respond to Akima, asking her to come back. He added to the letter that she needed to look like she did when she was a kitten so he would recognize her. I have such a picture on my phone for when this search begins. We all handle things in our own way, and for my son, his first death was very hard to take. It’s never easy no matter how many deaths you go through, but I hope Akima’s is the only return trip he expects to take place. One of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta, Melissa’s worked for B98.5 and Q100. Catch her daily on theProgressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Tweet her! @MelissaCarter TheGeorgiaVoice.com
RYAN LEE SOMETIMES ‘Y’
Mattachine’s Wet Dream Supporters of Pete Buttigieg were often indignant toward liberal perceptions that he was “the wrong type of gay,” without many recognizing his candidacy was the wet dream of one of the first sets of Americans to suggest there was a right type of homosexual. Until the final act of his failed presidential campaign, Mayor Pete waged revenge for respectability. One of the more enduring legacies of the Annual Reminder – a picket for gay and lesbian employment rights staged at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall every Fourth of July from 1965-69 – was the dress code, and the misguided belief that our wardrobe was the key to winning sympathy for our cause. Lesbian members of the Daughters of Bilitis were costumed in dresses while the gay men of the Mattachine Society and Janus Society were decked in white button-downs, ties and other apparel intended to project the radical conformity of homosexual Americans. As heroic as these early gestures on behalf of gay and lesbian dignity were, attention and allies would not arrive for our movement until queer folks started setting shit on fire. The New York chapter of the Mattachine Society had been making inroads with the city’s new mayoral administration when the Stonewall Riots erupted in 1969, and some Mattachine leaders initially feared the uprising would dampen any budding tolerance for homosexual rights. The organization’s establishmentarian tendencies were immortalized on a plywood sign erected in a broken-out window of the Stonewall Inn in between queer clashes with police: “We homosexuals plead with our people to please help maintain peaceful and quiet conduct on the streets of the Village – Mattachine.” The final Annual Reminder was held a few days after the Stonewall Riots, and the once revolutionary Mattachine Society soon became a historic footnote on the futility of playing nice. LGBTQ criticism of Buttigieg was regularly TheGeorgiaVoice.com
MATTACHINE SOCIETY
PHOTO VIA WIKICOMMONS
dismissed as millennial wokeness run amok, but tension over the public image of queer folks has been a part of our movement since the streets of the Village were still smoldering. It’s deliciously ironic for someone other than a drag queen, leather daddy or sassy sissy to be accused of reflecting poorly on our community. Historian David Carter divides the queer patrons being arrested at Stonewall into two camps: those willing to endure police mistreatment in order to protect their middle-class existence, and those so marginalized their humanity was all that was at stake. The late stages of Buttigieg’s campaign felt like a defense of the Stonewall customers who were reluctant to rise up against a system that endowed them with Ivy League educations and Rhodes scholarships and the rarified dream of going from small-town mayor to president of these United States. Explicitly rejecting the revolutionary politics that made it possible for him to run for president as a married gay man turned a credible, inspiring campaign into a farce. It’s unclear if the most historic vestige of Buttigieg’s first presidential bid will be his sexual orientation, or the unification that started with the suspension of his campaign and ended with most Democrats’ fifth-favorite candidate emerging as the presumptive nominee. History has been ambivalent toward the Mattachine Society’s mindset and tactics, but those trailblazers received a bit of redemption via a modern presidential campaign almost singularly committed to proving gay people are not a threat to the American way. March 13, 2020 Columnist 31