03/15/19, Vol. 10 Issue 1

voice

georgia VOL.10 • ISSUE 1

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

PO Box 77401 • Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941; F: 404-963-6365

EDITORIAL

Editor: Patrick Colson-Price pcolson-price@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Conswella Bennett, Cliff Bostock, Camryn Burke, Melissa Carter, Aidan Ivory Edwards, Jim Farmer, Morgan Fletcher, Luke Gardner, Elizabeth Hazzard, Ryan Lee, Allison Radomski, Jamie Roberts, Dionne Walker, Craig Washington

PRODUCTION

Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com

ONLINE

Digital Content Senior Staffer: Katie Burkholder kburkholder@thegavoice.com

BUSINESS

Managing Partner/Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

SALES

Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor dtaylor@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Jim Brams jbrams@thegavoice.com Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

FINE PRINT

All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request.

A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices.

The editorial positions of Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Georgia Voice and its staff.

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

Join us online: facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice instagram.com/thegeorgiavoice youtube.com/user/GAVoice

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Change is Going to Come Patrick Colson-Price

stories to give our readers their news fix.

There’s something special about change.

From the physical to emotional, the process of transforming your life really shows just how capable humans are of positive growth.

For the past decade, I’ve been the employee who’s been told what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and why I should do it. I began to accept my career would always come with that complicated dynamic. I never imagined coming to the Georgia Voice and having my own voice. It was an opportunity to finally take years of ideas and unappreciated motivation to help change the newspaper for the better.

When I accepted the job here at the Voice, I quickly began pondering how I could take my experience as a TV journalist and grow our audience even more. Newspapers are dying, but it doesn’t mean they’ll ever disappear.

Instead, as a print journalist, we must adapt to the growth and evolution of media. From Facebook to Instagram, it’s where people receive their news. We’re evolving our reach and beginning to incorporate video stories on social media and our website. The truth is, many will be more inclined to watch a video than read a news story. It’s effortless to watch and listen rather than read and process. Video is a critical part of my overall goal in changing the Voice for the better.

Coming from a news background, I felt the need to keep news-driven stories a focal point in the newspaper. As much as we all hate hardcore news in our lives now that political controversies seem to fill our newsfeeds, I realize a bi-weekly newspaper still needs to give readers a chance to catch up on top stories as it relates to the LGBTQ community in Atlanta. Since taking over as editor, we lead with several top local news

As each future issue of the Voice rolls around, we now incorporate a preview video which highlights several of the top stories readers will find in that current issue. Why is this significant? Providing our readers a preview of what they can expect will drive them to pick up a copy and give them something to look forward to. From reality TV shows to news broadcasts, giving insight into what people can expect is the quickest way to grow our viewership.

The past three months have been unbelievably humbling. Not only have we seen change in our newspaper, but I’ve seen a change in me. The roll I stepped into gave me the opportunity to create a vision I’ve always had of what an LGBTQ newspaper should be.

Each story I’ve composed or assigned to one of our freelance writers has been carefully thought out. I think, “What would I want to read if I picked up the Georgia Voice and what stories would impact me as an Atlanta resident?” Unlike my previous roles as a TV reporter, my opinion seems to finally matter.

My team trusts me and they believe in the vision I have for this paper, and they’ve helped transform my vision into reality since I came aboard.

It says a lot about having people around you who believe in you and your talent. For nearly a decade, I never felt like I evolved as a reporter because the people surrounding me weren’t truly there to support but to direct and control.

I questioned why I never felt I had changed, but now I have the answer: putting yourself in a position for change requires you to surround yourself with those who believe you can change. When you find that place of support and encouragement, change can be limitless.

The Evolution of the Georgia Voice Logo VERSION 1: (2010-2015) The first logo for the newspaper was created by the paper’s first designer, Bo Shell, and was utilized until the publication’s redesign in March 2015. This logo also established the paper’s color scheme of black, red, and white.

VERSION 2: (2015-2019) The second era for the newspaper brought in a redesign and a new logo which maintained the original color scheme but added the tagline for the paper “The Premier Media Source for LGBT Georgia (later adding the “Q” early in 2018) and the paper’s web address. This version was a collaboration between Chris Cash and art director Rob Boeger. The publication received a new look from head to toe and helped further establish an identity for the newspaper.

VERSION 3: (Present) Designed by Rob Boeger, the third iteration of the paper’s logo evolved more into a masthead to allow for more freedom of design on the paper’s covers. Still retaining the red and black, this version also gives even more emphasis to the word “voice” — a reflection of what the paper is all about — the writers’ voice.

March 15, 2019 Editorial 3

NEWS

Lost-n-Found Youth COURTESY PHOTO

Lost-n-Found Youth Gifted with Grant Katie Burkholder Atlanta-based nonprofit Lost-n-Found Youth (LNFY) has received a $25,000 grant from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in partnership with Macy’s for its “PROMISE for HIP” program. LNFY is the only organization in metro Atlanta specifically focused on supporting homeless LGBTQ youth. The nonprofit works to end homelessness among LGBTQ youth through a 24/7 crisis hotline, drop-in youth center, and shelter.

LNFY’s PROMISE for HIP program – which stands for Peers Reaching Out and Modeling Intervention Strategies for High-Impact Prevention – is a community-level HIV/STD prevention intervention relying on stories from role models and peer advocates to influence LGBTQ youth to reduce behaviors that put them at risk for HIV and engage 4 News March 15, 2019

more with the HIV continuum of care.

The program also provides a safe space for homeless LGBTQ youth to receive testing and treatment for HIV. According to a study done by Emory University, metro Atlanta has the fourthhighest HIV rate among the U.S.’s major cities, with some Atlanta zip codes even having HIV rates 6 to 8 times higher than the national average. These high rates can be accredited to symptoms of homelessness, like lack of insurance and access to adequate healthcare, but are heightened even further by minority stress and stigma surrounding sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

“Lost-n-Found Youth is a powerful part of a collective effort to achieve an AIDSfree world, a world Elizabeth Taylor is still helping to realize through ETAF,” Catherine

Brown, the Executive Director of ETAF, said in a statement. “ETAF and Macy’s are honored to support LNFY with these funds to continue our aligned goals of health equity and zero discrimination for all people living with or at risk for HIV and AIDS.” Forty-five organizations were awarded grants this year, LNFY being the only Georgian nonprofit to do so.

ETAF, established by actress Elizabeth Taylor in 1991 to fulfill her passion for fighting against HIV/AIDS, funds programming that provides direct care and support to people affected by HIV and AIDS. Taylor and Macy’s have a long history of partnering in the fight against HIV/AIDS; Taylor was Founding Chair of Macy’s Passport, a fashion show and gala which began in the 80s to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS. “It’s bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of

ignorance,” the actress and activist said.

The grant from ETAF and Macy’s will not only help fund LNFY’s PROMISE for HIP program but will also support LNFY’s community outreach and education around preventing HIV. Through the contribution from Macy’s and ETAF, along with philanthropic contributions from Gilead and United Methodist Global Health, LNFY will have the ability to provide HIV and STI screening to more than 600 homeless LGBTQ youth this year while also linking 100 percent of HIV-positive homeless LGBTQ youth to treatment and care.

“We are humbled and grateful by the generosity of The Elizabeth Taylor Foundation and Macy’s,” said LNFY board chair Robert Ross, “and feel privileged to work in partnership with them around this worthy cause.”

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

PRIDE is ageless Learn more at aarp.org/pride

WE MAKE PRIDE A YEAR-ROUND CELEBRATION Like anyone else, people in the LGBT community want to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. AARP is committed to creating a new vision for aging—one complete with diverse stories and innovative ways for everyone to pursue their passions—equally, openly and proudly.

facebook.com/aarpgeorgia @AARPGA

NEWS

Tomi Lahren Draws Small Crowds, Criticism Luke Gardner Tomi Lahren spoke at a conference in Atlanta on Feb. 23, and the outcome was far from what she expected.

“Tomi Lahren is racist!” yelled attendee and Atlanta local, Jerome Trammel, while standing up and leaving the event. “She’s a racist white bitch. Racist white bitch — that’s what she is. Period!” Trammel attended the conference with the goal of causing a disruption.

“There were several speakers before Tomi, and people were there for the conference, not for Tomi,” Trammel said. “When Tomi came out, some left and some stayed. I did plan to go to her event and do something but I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do. When I did stand up, some of the audience clapped and cheered — there weren’t many, probably around 10 or so.”

Trammel recorded himself calling out Lahren and posted the 12-second clip to Twitter, where it immediately went viral. “I’ve received thousands of messages,” Trammel said. “In every thousand comments or so there is maybe one negative one. I gained around 20 thousand Instagram followers in the past two weeks or so.”

The video even got remixed into a song after Trammel’s followers and people who saw the video kept tagging popular remix artist DJ Suede on the viral post. Eventually, Trammel reached out to the viral meme DJ who agreed that Trammel’s callout was remix worthy. The result is quite the bop.

Trammel said he was surprised to have received such little negative backlash, but 6 News March 15, 2019

PHOTOS VIA FACEBOOK

Above: Jerome Trammel Left: Tomi Lahren

admitted to wishing he could have done one thing differently. “It wasn’t my intention to call her a bitch,” Trammel said. “I consider myself a feminist.

I didn’t intend it to come out so I will take backlash for that.”

About two weeks before the event, a campaign circulated on social media urging users to sign themselves and a guest up for the free event with no intention of actually going. Trammel participated in that campaign, which he said was started online

by Beyonce’s, Nicki Minaj’s and Cardi B’s fan bases, and spread through the social media organizing of black women.

Realizing he could use his already cultivated social media brand to promote the cause, Trammel shared the link to the event on his social media, urging his followers to RSVP. “People were telling me it was sold out the

same day,” Trammel said. “I thought ‘oh man’’.

Thinking that the plan might not have prevailed, Trammel realized the only way to know for sure was to actually use his ticket to enter the event. “I decided to go and take pictures of the empty seats,” Trammel said. “It won’t do us any good if we don’t know if the plan works.” Upon arriving at the entrance of the event, Trammel’s name wasn’t on the list — despite having RSVP’d online — and he said he only barely managed to get in after showing his RSVP email ticket and pleading with the staff, pretending to be a huge Lahren fan.

“Because I asked my followers to RSVP and not show, I’m pretty sure her team or someone hosting removed my name,” Trammel said. In another post containing photos Trammel took at the event, one can clearly see how empty the room is. Trammel said his estimate was that around 200 of the 700 sold-out ticket holders came.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

NEWS

Atlanta Black Pride Rebrands Labor Day Festivities Patrick Colson-Price Atlanta Black Pride has officially launched “Reclaiming Atlanta Black Pride”, a 2019 campaign to rebrand the Labor Day weekend event and help educate, empower, and celebrate the black LGBTQ community.

“When we say reclaiming Atlanta Black Pride, we mean reclaiming the fact that we are about education, we are about empowering our community and we are about celebrating.

That’s what this weekend is truly about,” said Amber Brown, co-chair for Atlanta Black Pride and one of the leaders of the new campaign.

“We’ve gotten to the point where the focus is on the parties and the nightlife. That’s not what Atlanta Black Pride was founded for.”

As a key initiative of the campaign, Atlanta Black Pride says they plan to bring back events like an interfaith service, opening ceremony, the popular SpeakFire erotic poetry presentation, the Literary Cafe, Black Pride Film Festival, and the Concert in the Park. In partnership with Real Bois Talk, Inc, Atlanta Black Pride will host the Second Annual LGBTQ Greeks in the Park event at Candler Park during the holiday weekend.

— Amber Brown, co-chair for Atlanta Black Pride

“We’ve gotten to the point where the focus is on the parties and the nightlife. That’s not what Atlanta Black Pride was founded for,” said Brown. “Yes, that is a part of it but if you’re going to go to the club and be promiscuous, come to my workshop before so I can help you understand how to protect yourself...and also how to be a healthy person.”

Last year’s Atlanta Black Pride Festival brought in around 20,000 people. That’s compared to the hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the city at various other events. One of those events, happening at Piedmont Park, has caused some confusion among some visitors, though.

“We must separate ourselves from all of the events on Labor Day weekend including the events happening in Piedmont Park,” said Rickie Smith, President of In The Life Atlanta. “Traditionally, because of the Atlanta Pride Committee being in the park during Atlanta Pride in October, people associate the events on Labor Day weekend 8 News March 15, 2019

from other cities, I want to know what’s going on in their community, I want to hear the state of black gay America, I want to know what to know what’s happening in the medical field, I want to talk to politicians, I want them to hear our voice,” said Brown.

COURTESY PHOTO

From left: Amber Brown, co-chair for Atlanta Black Pride and Rickie Smith, President of In The Life Atlanta.

in the park with Atlanta Black Pride. That is the Pure Heat Community Festival which a weekend event, nothing to do with Atlanta Black Pride.”

This year, as part of the campaign, Smith and Brown are taking Atlanta Black Pride back to its roots. To separate themselves from other events, they’ve chosen Candler Park in East Atlanta, a park with family appeal which will help them focus on the traditional

foundations of the 23-year-old event.

From HIV education and care to the political climate throughout the black LGBTQ community, each topic will flourish at some point during the weekend event. But Brown said the most important part about the weekend is being together as a community in whatever capacity.

“I want to network; I want to see friends

Not only does Atlanta Black Pride bring locals together, but it also draws from rural counties across the Southeast and the Country. One group Brown has been focused on is youth.

“If I don’t talk to my youth, I won’t know what they want. I have to go and connect with them. That is what our throughout-the-year programming is all about, getting the word out about what Atlanta Black Pride has to offer,” she said. “This is the time to bring it all back because the community is truly asking for it.”

In addition to new extensive programming, the campaign – which launched in February – has a new logo and social media presence that Brown and Smith hope will bring in more visitors to Atlanta Black Pride 2019.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

The Super Bowl LIII Business Connect program, the National Football League and the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee would like to thank the 200+ local diverse vendors that participated in the Business Connect program in Atlanta. Your professionalism, work ethic and specialized skill sets helped us to produce an amazing Super Bowl experience for all fans.

We hope that your experience working with us has been exciting and helped to elevate your special event production capabilities.

Best wishes for a successful future,

Your Business Connect Team

NEWS

PALS: Healing Animal Bodies, Human Minds Luke Gardner “I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of a pet in the lives of some of my friends who have dealt with illnesses and other issues, so I know we are doing good work by keeping pets in loving homes,” said Buck Cooke, Executive Director of PALS, a local charity helping elderly people and people living with illness to afford services and care for their pets.

Pets Are Loving Support was founded in 1990 by veterinarian Dr. Susan Wynn and educator Dr. Margaret Schulte. While volunteering at Open Hand Atlanta, then called Project Open Hand, the two heard another volunteer share a touching story.

“An Open Hand client with HIV/AIDS who lived alone with his best friend, his cat … was sharing his one meal each day with his cat and was foregoing some of his medications to pay for veterinarian care for his pet,” Cooke said.

“Wynn and Schulte were touched that this man was risking his health to care for his best friend, his cat, and realized something needed to be done to assist this man and others in similar situations. They knew the value of the human-animal bond and felt it was important for the overall health of people living with HIV/AIDS, so they began collecting food and founded Pets Are Loving Support.”

PALS helps people with chronic illnesses pay for their pets’ vaccines, food, flea control and access to other life-saving veterinarian services. PALS also helps clients who lose their pets to find new ones through local rescue organizations or shelters.

“In an average year, PALS services around 110 clients, which translates to approximately 150 animals since clients can have up to two animals in our program,” Cooke said.

“While we do not ask our clients about their sexual orientation, we estimate that about 10 News March 15, 2019

“I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of a pet in the lives of some of my friends who have dealt with illnesses and other issues, so I know we are doing good work by keeping pets in loving homes.”

— Buck Cooke, Executive Director of PALS

half of our clients identify as LGBTQ.” PALS also offers public vaccination clinics, where clients pay a small copay, and the public pays $170 for a full veterinary exam.

Every month, PALS has a drag bingo fundraiser open to the public at Lips, and every month the theme changes. “We aren’t sure who had the idea for drag bingo as a fundraiser, but it began on January 23, 1997,” Cooke said. “Bubba D. Licious was the host and the theme for the evening was ‘Gone With the Wind.’ Each month, Bubba and a collection of kooky queens pull numbers and entertain our bingo players.

Many of our guests will dress in accordance with our theme. The monthly bingo nights are an excellent fundraiser for PALS and increase community awareness of our organization and mission.”

Damon Zahn, also known by her drag name Charmaine Sinclair Dupree, has been a client of PALS for years and now passionately advocates for the organization. Zahn first used

COURTESY PHOTOS

Pets in the home of PALS’s clients and clients’ pets at PALS monthly shot clinics.

PALS “in the early days,” about 15 to 20 years ago when the organization helped Zahn take care of his cat. In the last six years, however, PALS has helped Zahn with his new friend – a black and white Chihuahua named Lola.

“They’ve given me the opportunity to have my dog taken care of, and as a result of them helping me, I now am a female impersonator,” Zahn said.

Zahn uses his drag platform to raise money for PALS by hosting PALS bingo. He’s raised over $6,000 in two PALS Manly Miss America Pageants, and raised over $4,000 in the past three years by walking in the

Pride parade all while collecting donations.

For the past three Octobers, Duville has raised money for PALS by making it The Hideaway’s charity of the month.

“The hosts, Ruby Red, and Calico Duville, they gave me the opportunity to do that normally the hideaway and birdcage bingo picks the charity [of the month] but this time they allowed me to,” Duville said. “It’s really rewarding to give back to them.”

Those interested in volunteering can visit palsatlanta.org/volunteer. To apply for PALS services visit palsatlanta.org/what-is-pals or call PALS at 404-876-7257.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

NEWS

Get to Know PALS New Executive Director Staff Reports From his reign over Atlanta Pride to heading an organization focused on bringing pets and their owners closer together, Buck Cooke is ready to make PALS a household name and get the Atlanta LGBTQ community more involved!

What does it mean being the new executive director for PALS? It’s a huge honor. PALS has had a great reputation in the community and is a respected organization, so to be selected by the board to serve in this role means a great deal. I don’t have a pet but I love animals, so to raise money to help our clients keep their pets and care for them is very satisfying.

What do you hope to accomplish in the new position?

One of my areas of focus is fundraising, of course, since that is part and parcel of working for any nonprofit organization. Another crucial area for me is organizational sustainability.

For many LGBTQ organizations and HIV/ AIDS service organizations, their founding was based around fighting for rights or dealing with a health crisis in the community and at a time when a huge section of the community was decimated by an illness that was, at the time, almost a death sentence.

These organizations didn’t get to do a lot of strategic planning or building of infrastructure because their founders and members were literally scrambling to keep the mission of the organization moving forward and trying to find people to help keep things afloat.

As a result, many LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS organizations struggle with succession planning, onboarding of new members and leaders, creating a pipeline of involvement within the organization, and other basic issues of organizational sustainability. I am excited to bring my experience in this area to PALS. Creating operational documents and checklists and evaluations might not be as sexy as planning a fundraiser with entertainment TheGeorgiaVoice.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Buck Cooke, executive director for PALS

and yummy food, but it’s critical to the survival of an organization. I want to make sure PALS is here to help people living with critical illnesses, people with disabilities, and the elderly care for their pets.

How has the community welcomed and embraced the changes you’ve brought to PALS? Since I’ve only been with the organization for a few weeks, I’m still getting my feet wet, but we’re hard at work planning the second annual Fur Ball Masquerade, our large fundraiser on November 1 at the Fox Theater. Making sure that the event is wellplanned and executed is a priority for our dedicated board members, and it’s a big priority for me as well.

We also are growing our client base, hosting our monthly, themed Drag Queen Bingo Nights at Lips and our monthly low-cost veterinarian clinics at our office. We’re looking for new volunteers to help us with all of those events, food delivery, and other functions, so I hope people would like to get involved.

March 15, 2019 News 11

NEWS

ATL’s LGBTQ Women of Color Stand Together Dionne N. Walker Atlanta is home to many things, including a large community of black LGBTQ women.

But when it comes to consistent outlets for those women to network and build bridges outside of a nightclub atmosphere, many say the options are limited. It’s something New Jersey transplant Lakisha Goss said she noticed immediately.

“There was a lot of parties to go to, but there wasn’t anything where there was community building or networking,” said Goss, who channeled her frustration into forming a local chapter of African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change, a New York-based group with branches across the country.

The social group, a mouthful that members call “Aloosh” for short, is known around the country for hosting monthly talks on topics like black lesbian identity, mental health and parenting while gay, drawing a small but committed following in the process. The Atlanta chapter began the first of its talks in February.

Organizers hope bringing it to Atlanta — arguably the hub of black LGBTQ life in America — will create a safe space for women while helping revive a group that’s provided a surrogate family for black LGBTQ women across the country for decades. The chapter is still finding its footing in Atlanta, building buzz on social media and on a recent weeknight, hosting a combination wine tasting and vision board party.

About a dozen women weathered the driving rain and low temperatures for the Brookhaven event last month. Decked in casual sweaters and work dresses, the largely 30-something group giggled their way through woodsy red blends, before brainstorming on the life goals they wanted to reflect on their vision boards. Goss believes attendance will grow as more women look for ways to connect.

“Many people also don’t know that there’s 12 News March 15, 2019

“There was a lot of parties to go to, but there wasn’t anything where there was community building or networking.”

— Lakisha Goss

more to this life than the club,” Goss said.

AALUSC’s history stretches back to 1974, an era when homophobic sentiment ran strong and being an out lesbian — let alone a lesbian of color — was risky. It often meant being abandoned by one’s own relatives, the impetus for the group’s founding. “People were being cut off from their families,” Goss said. “Many times they needed shelter, they needed meals, they needed just a sense of family.”

Salsa Soul Sisters formed in New York City to create a surrogate family for women. The group eventually split into two factions – the Latina-centric Buenas Amigas, and AALUSC, according to Wikipedia. Over the years, the collective hosted workshops and seminars, created a babysitting cooperative and even published quarterly magazines and a newsletter, according to the site.

But by 2015, the landscape had changed.

For one, the original founding members were aging and dying, Goss explained. At the same time, the virulent homophobia that led to the group’s creation was largely a vestige of the past. “They were going to disband,” Goss said. “But then some of the younger members said no, we still need this. It may not be in the same capacity as before, but it’s still needed.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change

At the time, Goss was living in New Jersey and was active with the storied group. When she relocated to Atlanta last May however, she was surprised that nothing united local lesbians of color in a similar way. “I felt like I didn’t know what was going on where to even find the community,” said Goss, who began asking women on Facebook what they felt was missing from the scene. “The common thing that everyone said was unity.”

The Atlanta chapter’s 2019 events are still shaping up, but so far, Goss and her six-person board plan have planned discussion brunches, volunteer events, and even a Meetup group.

While themes will vary, the general idea is to broaden black LGBTQ offerings. “Groups focus more on the club scene activities and we want to focus more on your right to vote, LGBT rights in Georgia, having monthly discussions about Christianity - just open up the doors,” said board co-chair Lisa Harris.

The group will also partner with other organizations, including LGBTQ sororities.

Creating solidarity among black women, she explained, is a critical focus for 2019.

“Everybody else has their voice,” she said.

“We need our own for black women because we’re all we’ve got.”

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

Maria

De Buenos Aires Astor Piazzolla MUSIC Horacio Ferrer Texts

Mar 28 - ApR 7, 2019 Le Maison Rouge @ Paris on Ponce

atlantaopera.org 404-881-8885

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

March 15, 2019 Ads 13

VOICES

“Here We Go Again”:

The Endless Cycle of Queerbaiting in Pop Culture Camryn Burke Ever watched a show where there are two characters of the same sex whose bond seems to suggest a romantic relationship, but it’s never confirmed? We all have! Everyone who watches TV is familiar with this trend, but I hadn’t actually learned it had a name until recently: queerbaiting.

In the real world, this word defines when an individual tries to use someone in the LGBTQ community’s sexuality to denounce their character and invoke homophobia. In the pop culture world, as I mentioned before, queerbaiting is when a work of fiction suggests a romantic relationship between two of its characters, but never actually confirms this relationship. From Stiles and Derek in “Teen Wolf” to Ariana Grande’s “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” music video, we’ve seen our fair share of queerbaiting in pop culture over the years.

But somehow it seems more popular now than ever, especially in entertainment marketed to young adults, and one has to wonder why? Why has this trend not faded out of pop culture yet?

It’s hard to find the most definitive reason why queerbaiting is being practiced. Everyone seems to have a different reason for why they think TV and film do it – if they even really believe it’s happening at all – but there are two reasons that come up repetitively in the conversation.

One commonly heard reason is that writers queerbait because it seems sexually taboo or edgy. Upon hearing this, it sounds strange but if you think about it, it makes sense. The LGBTQ community is not at all a taboo thing, and should not be treated as such, but same-sex relationships are constantly being oversexualized, especially relationships 14 Voices March 15, 2019

between women. TV and film writers might be using queerbait for the sex appeal of it all.

The most obvious example of this can be seen between Betty and Veronica from CW’s hit show “Riverdale.” In the first episode of the show, the girls are told to be more “edgy” during cheerleading tryouts, and Veronica decides kissing Betty would be edgy enough to get the duo on the squad. This, of course, does not get them on the squad, but it definitely established a precedent for the relationship between Betty and Veronica for the rest of the series. Although they both have boyfriends, the two girls have a relationship that feels very sexually charged and are placed in a lot of sexual situations with each other.

There’s even an ad for the show where the two girls are laying in bed together in their cheerleading practice gear, speaking in sultry voices about watching the premiere episode of a new season of “Riverdale.”

The problem with this is it hypersexualizes an already hypersexualized community, and makes their affinity with each other seem more trendy than actual relationships. No one’s relationship should be treated trivially solely because of the sex of their partners, and sexy queerbaiting shouldn’t be the goto method of marketing your show.

The second reason commonly heard to explain the practice of queerbaiting is to draw in fans who are members of the LGBTQ community. Writers lure people into watching their new show by giving its fans the idea that flirting between the two male best friends could develop into something more.

There are cases where the writers actually do give the fans what they wanted, such as “Legend of Korra” when Korra and Asami are established as a couple in the very final episode of the season.

PUBLICITY PHOTOS

Clockwise from top: Betty and Veronica kiss in “Riverdale,” Stiles and Scott in “Teen Wolf,” and Alex and Maggie in “Supergirl.”

However, more often than not, fans are left high and dry with these scenarios. Producers will tease and hint at a relationship between a same-sex pair to appeal to their LGBTQ audience, but they won’t actually give their queer audience the satisfaction of an actual romance. Their goal is to avoid potentially losing fans who aren’t interested in seeing something like that play out. Maybe they’ll even have some gay background characters who are basically characterized by their sexuality, but they won’t make a fanfavorite character a member of the LGBTQ community out of fear of it driving off parts of its audience. Shows like “Supergirl,” “Teen Wolf,” and “Once Upon a Time” are some great examples of this more inclusive mediascape. All of these shows have same-sex characters that have crazy amounts of sexual tension between them, but we never get to see that tension released. Queerbaiting is used so that they can draw in an LGBTQ audience without potentially pushing away anyone else

who might oppose their bold moves.

Not only is this cowardly, but it’s wrong.

“Love Simon,” “Queer Eye,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Moonlight,” and “Pose” were (and continue to be) huge hits for a reason. People want to see diversity in the things they watch. We like seeing a world that looks similar to our own, with different races, cultures, and sexualities. By practicing queerbaiting, you’re driving members of your audience away, both LGBTQ and plenty of people who aren’t queer that still like seeing those kinds of relationships.

The cycle of queerbait culture has gone on for long enough. It won’t help someone get viewers if it’s not going to ultimately become something more. The cycle might not end anytime soon, but in this day and age, there’s plenty of diverse entertainment to search through, and more will arrive in the years to come.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

Congratulations to the Georgia Voice on

NINE YEARS!

BUCKHEAD

2161 Piedmont Rd Atlanta 30324

TOWERWINESPIRITS.COM

DORAVILLE

5877 Buford Hwy Doraville 30340

A letter to our LGBTQ As United Methodist pastors and church leaders in North Georgia, we write to acknowledge the harm done last week by the global gathering of the United Methodist Church known as General Conference. We grieve the actions of this General Conference, which tightened restrictions on the ordination of gay clergy and maintained prohibitions on our clergy performing same-sex weddings. We say to our LGBTQ siblings: you are beloved children of God, and you are beloved by us.

This action of the General Conference does not reflect our own hopes and dreams for the United Methodist Church.

More importantly, we believe that it does not reflect the hopes and dreams of God. It is notable that 70% of the General Conference delegates from the United States voted in favor of a more inclusive church. And yet, as a diverse and global church, we find ourselves in a situation where the denomination has perpetuated exclusion.

Too often, our silence as clergy has done harm. We commit to advocating and working for the full inclusion of all people in God’s church. And we humbly ask for your prayers and forgiveness.

We believe that God is not yet finished working within the United Methodist Church. We hope that you can join us in this work, but we understand if you cannot. And we commit to working alongside God, as we weep alongside you.

With fervent prayer, The Rev. Dalton T. Rushing The Rev. Stacey Jean Rushing The Rev. Leslie Lyons Watkins The Rev. Susan Allen Grady The Rev. Cassie Noland Rapko The Rev. Dr. Joseph McBrayer The Rev. Dr. Tara Paul The Rev. Elaine Puckett The Rev. Nanci Hicks The Rev. Dave Allen Grady The Rev. Jenny Phillips The Rev. Dana Ezell The Rev. Dr. Susan Martin Taylor The Rev. Max O. Vincent The Rev. Kristin Heiden The Rev. Dr. Adam M. Roberts The Rev. Owen Skinner The Rev. Dr. David E Benson The Rev. Dr. Katy Hinman The Rev. Carolyn Poling The Rev. Timothy Lloyd The Rev. Sharon Hennigan Waters The Rev. Eric Lee The Rev. Blair Tolbert The Rev. Dr. P. Alice Rogers The Rev. Donn Ann Weber The Rev. Ashley Jenkins The Rev. Jonathan Brown The Rev. Don Thrasher The Rev. Theresa Coleman Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson The Rev. Dr. Jessica E. Terrell The Rev. Matthew Nelson The Rev. Carrie Finegan The Rev. Will Zant

The Rev. Dr. Mark LaRocca-Pitts The Rev. Lee Fullerton The Rev. Emily Bagwell The Rev. Alvin Lingenfelter The Rev. Jasmine Rose Smothers The Rev. Kathy Brockman The Rev. Susan Pinson The Rev. Jennifer Hansen The Rev. Millie L. Kim The Rev. Rob Bruce The Rev. Andy Woodworth The Rev. Patrick Faulhaber The Rev. Steve Fazenbaker The Rev. Joy Rikard Brown The Rev. Meg Morrison The Rev. Josh Amerson The Rev. Beth Dickinson The Rev. Martha Lyle Dye The Rev. Jenna Kennedy The Rev. Dr. Dana A. Everhart The Rev. Mary Gene Lee The Rev. Justin R. Combs The Rev. Dr. Glenn Ethridge The Rev. Laura Rappold The Rev. Dr. Sondra R. Jones The Rev. Dr. Nora Colmenares The Rev. Dr. Donald Goodwin The Rev. Dr. Richard Puckett The Rev. Dr. Cyndi McDonald The Rev. Anjie Peek Woodworth The Rev. Hal Jones The Rev. Lisa Garvin The Rev. Kevin Crawford The Rev. Joya Abrams The Rev. John Heinz

The Rev. Jimmy Moor The Rev. Jack Amick The Rev. Susan Amick The Rev. Erik Mays The Rev. Dr. Don E. Saliers The Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas The Rev. Brian Smith The Rev. Melinda Campbell Jones The Rev. Dr. Lynn Pace The Rev. AnnaKate Rawles The Rev. Abby Norman The Rev. Lurline Fowler The Rev. Dr. John M. Brown, Jr. The Rev. Sara Webb Phillips The Rev. Dr. L. Edward Phillips The Rev. Julie Schendel The Rev. Dr. David Bevel Jones The Rev. Lindsay Geist The Rev. Taylor Driskill Pafford The Rev. Allen Johnson The Rev. Brenna Lakeson The Rev. Dr. Jordan Thrasher The Rev. Sonia Brum The Rev. Karen Kagiyama The Rev. Beverly Wilkerson Casstevens The Rev. Dr. G. Thomas Martin, IV The Rev. Helen Stegall The Rev. Vicki H. Smith The Rev. Debby Fox The Rev. Steven Chad Hill The Rev. Dr. David Ahearn The Rev. C.G. Walden The Rev. Dr. Gerald D. Lord The Rev. Sharon Edgar The Rev. Khalif A. Smith, Sr.

The Rev. Ron Preuss The Rev. Brian Funderburke The Rev. Joe Watson The Rev. Dr. Joshua M. Noblitt The Rev. Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts The Rev. Dr. Ellen Shepard The Rev. Dr. John A. Simmons The Rev. Pamela Cobb McCurdy The Rev. Robert Almand Lanford, Jr. The Rev. Katie Strals The Rev. Dr. Terry E. Walton The Rev. Nancy A. Johnson The Rev. Kathleen Deegan-Neal The Rev. Brian A. Tillman The Rev. JoAn Kinrade The Rev. Dr. Anika A. Jones The Rev. Elizabeth Pollard The Rev. Jane Newman Brooks The Rev. Elaine Wilder The Rev. Thomas Hall The Rev. Dr. James Cantrell The Rev. Dr. William L. Minnix The Rev. Dr. Royeese Stowe The Rev. Dr. Phil Schroeder The Rev. Dr. Charley Reeb The Rev. Blair Setnor The Rev. Lori Osborn The Rev. Brittany Sanders The Rev. John F. Dallas The Rev. Dr. Melissa D. Sexton The Rev. Dr. Rex Kaney The Rev. Amber Lea Gray The Rev. Anne Hansen The Rev. Dr. Vance P. Ross The Rev. Dr. Michael D. Stinson

The Rev. Scott Parrish The Rev. Elwood H. Spackman The Rev. Bridgette Young Ross The Rev. Dr. John Mattox The Rev. Cynthia Jackson The Rev. S. Kathleen (Katie) Mattox The Rev. Wesley Stephens The Rev. Dr. R. Brandon Harris The Rev. Marita Harrell The Rev. Allyson Lawrence The Rev. Mary Ruth Davidson The Rev. Kathy Barba Pierce The Rev. Dr. Kyle R. Tau The Rev. Wayne I. Williams The Rev. Walter R. Jones The Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert The Rev. Jack Gilbert The Rev. John Cromartie Jr. The Rev. Tyler Jackson The Rev. Lisa Caine The Rev. Steven Lyle The Rev. Ted Keen The Rev. John C. Merk The Rev. Laurie Moeller The Rev. Cindy Conner The Rev. Dr. Jerome Sahabandhu The Rev. Dr. Thomas Elliott, Jr. The Rev. Dr. Deborah S. Holloway The Rev. Joy T. Melton The Rev. Martina M. Bober The Rev. Dr. Richard C. “Rick” Long The Rev. Ellynda Price Lipsey The Rev. Russell Pierce The Rev. Catherine Boothe Olson The Rev. Dr. Arun W. Jones

The Rev. Jan McCoy The Rev. Margaret Freeman The Rev. Geoffrey Grubbs The Rev. Carol Scroggs The Rev. Dan Dixon The Rev. George P. Lanier The Rev. Dr. Teresa Angle-Young The Rev. Dr. Karen D. Scheib The Rev. Gary W. Lawrence The Rev. Karla Otroszko Daniel The Rev. Christopher Blake Trent The Rev. Stephen L. Soulen The Rev. Frank Windom The Rev. Mark Westmoreland The Rev. Steve Napier The Rev. Rebecca Holmes The Rev. Susan Gary Landry The Rev. Paige Pritchard The Rev. John Pinson The Rev. John McRae Turlington The Rev. Dr. Douglas R. Gilreath The Rev. Jeff Rogers The Rev. Dr. Bernice Williams Kirkland The Rev. Valerie Loner The Rev. William L. Lloyd The Rev. Dr. F. Stuart Gulley The Rev. Dr. Anne Burkholder The Rev. Sam D. Halverson The Rev. Dr. Willis H. Moore The Rev. Dr. Joel M. LeMon The Rev. Diana H. P. Roberts The Rev. Roger A. Vest The Rev. Dr. Tonya Lawrence Miles The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Brown The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Lobello Edwards

siblings and their allies: The Rev. Dr. Karen M. Lyons The Rev. Mike Potter The Rev. Robert Lawrence The Rev. Jenny Anderson The Rev. Dr. Skip Johnson The Rev. Dr. Theophilus J. Stanford The Rev. Dr. Moses Woodruff, Jr. The Rev. Angela Gilreath-Rivers The Rev. Olu Brown The Rev. Melanie Stanley-Soulen

The Rev. Susan Pendleton The Rev. Yvette D. Massey The Rev. Leslee Samuelson The Rev. Garrett Wallace The Rev. Charles E. Jackson The Rev. Henry Bush, Jr. The Rev. Warren L. Harbert The Rev. Lynne Smith The Rev. Beth Brown Shugart The Rev. Dr. Mike Long

The Rev. Dr. Jody Alderman The Rev. Lawrence C. Adams The Rev. Dr. Rob Weber The Rev. Dr. Theodore R. Weber The Rev. Dr. Susan Anne Bennett The Rev. Michael Martin The Rev. John Patton The Rev. Louis Miller The Rev. Dr. Judy Chung The Rev. Liza T. Marler

The Rev. Ronald J. Greer The Rev. Richard D. Winn, Sr. The Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Lartey The Rev. Jack Couch The Rev. Dr. Larry Bauman The Rev. Carolyn A. Stephens The Rev. Dr. A. Elaine Crawford The Rev. Deborah Williams The Rev. Tim Emmett The Rev. Dr. Amy Morgan

The Rev. Harden Hopper The Rev. C. Wayne Smith The Rev. Andy C. Peabody The Rev. Dr. John Marshall Bruner The Rev. Martha Aenchbacher The Rev. Tom Camp The Rev. Bill Roane The Rev. CeCe Nickolich The Rev. Mike Nickolich The Rev. Dr. B. Wiley Stephens

The Rev. Allison Rhodes The Rev. Brent Huckaby The Rev. E. Gail Thompson The Rev. April McGlothin-Eller The Rev. Vince McGlothin-Eller Paid for by the United Methodist Clergy Listed Above

A&E

Billy Porter

PUBLICITY PHOTO BY RON CADIZ/ SONY ENTERTAINMENT

“Pose” actor hopes to create dialogue on LGBTQ issues Patrick Colson-Price He’s captivated audiences around the world, most recently in FX’s “Pose,” now green-lighted for a second season, but the road for Billy Porter has been a long one. From Broadway to the big screen, Porter has used his voice as an out gay actor to transform the way we’re entertained.

He’s now ready to create even more buzz with his one-of-a-kind outlook on just why shows like “Pose” are creating an outlet for so many in and out of the LGBTQ community. We caught up with the actor and learned it’s more than just the Oscar’s tuxedo gown that has the world talking!

We’ve got to start out with the transformative show, “Pose,” Season One. What kind of impact do you think this has already had on the LGBTQ community and in particular, the trans community?

“What I’m hoping is the visibility sparks a conversation, a conversation that’s based on understanding, not discrimination. I’m seeing the effects of not just people being interested in the shows but also interested in all of us showing up, having conversations and having dialogue, and changing the world as we are. We have to change the world on who we are, how to love us, how to treat us, and how to respect us. It is creating a space where trans people are at the front. It’s not an afterthought. It’s told by the people who actually witnessed it.”

One-on-One with

Billy Porter 18 A&E March 15, 2019

Your character on “Pose” has HIV and the diagnosis really affects him on so many levels but he continues to push forward in living his life. During this time, the AIDS epidemic was at its height. How do you think the ballroom scene allowed those battling the disease to stay strong and keep pushing forward?

“The theme of the show and the theme of the culture is choosing life anyways. We are performing people and what makes ‘Pose’ so special, is that it’s about a group of people choosing life in the face of the darkest of CONTINUES ON PAGE 19 TheGeorgiaVoice.com

A&E

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 adversity. That’s where it brought us. That’s what we did. That’s why we’re still here.”

Shows like “Pose” are now in mainstream media. Are you surprised that you’re now witnessing LGBTQ culture for the world to see?

“I never thought I’d live to see the day. These stories are being told. Not only is it good for the world, but it’s good for me as an actor.

I’ve been waiting for these stories to be told so I can work.”

Were you ever afraid that you couldn’t break into mainstream media because of your sexuality?

“I was never afraid, I was pissed. I’m not fearful at all, ever. I was pissed because I was shut out. I’m the godfather in a mainstream television show about the ballroom culture.

Never in a million years! I spent so much of TheGeorgiaVoice.com

Billy Porter strikes a “Pose.”

PUBLICITY PHOTO

my life trying to be the straight doctor in drama because that’s what they wanted.”

Have you ever been to Atlanta? What do you like most about the city? What have your experiences been like here?

“I love Atlanta. I was just there making a movie with Tiffany Haddish and Salma Hayek. I love the spirit, I love that it’s so chocolate, and people are so nice. It’s southern hospitality down there. We went to restaurants but I didn’t get to a club. I got to Swinging Richards with Tiffany. Yes, child, we went to Swinging Richards and had a good time!”

to call our fears out when they’re wrong.”

Ok, everyone is talking about your 2019 Oscars Red Carpet look! Did you plan to wear something as bold as this tuxedo gown? How did this look come about?

What do you think is so important about LGBTQ media sources like the Georgia Voice, PinkNews or the Advocate? And why do you think they’re important for the voices in our community?

“I got a call about two weeks before the Oscars. I knew I wanted to wear a ballgown, but I knew it was going to be difficult to get that done. I’m trying to find a mainstream designer to make a man a ballgown, I was skeptical that would ever happen. I went to Christian Siriano’s show and I knew he would do something like that. I went to his show and then to his party, and then I got him on the dance floor. I told him I was doing the Oscars, I want to wear a ballgown. He told me, “Done, call the office on Monday,” and he came through!”

“We have to keep talking, we have to keep showing up. It’s our duty to keep speaking out, it’s our duty to speak power, it’s our duty

I think the world has their opinion on who might be your biggest fan. Everyone

got a glimpse of Glenn Close and her reaction to you at the Oscars. What did you think about her reaction?

“She was one of the people I interviewed and she’s also an acquaintance from Broadway, so I’ve known her for several years. Her surprise was in seeing me at all because that wasn’t a place she’d thought she’d see me. Then it registered that I’m interviewing people so there’s a surprise in that. And then she takes a look at my outfit and she registers that!”

What’s the biggest piece of advice for those who watch shows like “Pose” and see your boldness as an actor and activist, who are struggling with their identities?

“It’s about you, it’s not about the people around you. Your authenticity and your truth will attract the folks and things around you. If everybody else can’t accept that, they’re axed. They don’t serve you. It’s hard, it’s a hard thing, it’s hard for us. You got to let them go.”

March 15, 2019 A&E 19

ACTING OUT VOICES OF NOTE PRESENTS

“I Am My Own Wife” Hits Nature's the Atlanta Theatre Stage

Voice

Jim Farmer Out Front Theatre Company makes history this week with its production of Doug Wright’s award-winning play “I Am My Own Wife.” It stars Peter Smith, the first trans performer to ever tackle the central role.

The one-person show deals with Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life German trans woman who owned a museum and was committed to living an authentic life – and also managed to survive the Nazi era and the East German Communist regime as well. One performer takes us through von Mahlsdorf’s entire life and all the characters that were part of it. In all, there are 35 roles.

Smith, a New York-based actor, saw the original production on Broadway and relishes the opportunity, although it’s not an easy task. “The challenge is the same work as any other play, just multiplied by 35. The only difference is that my time in the rehearsal process isn’t multiplied by 35,” Smith said.

MARCH 23 SAT

1 pm

SAT

6 pm

TICKETS AND MORE AT:

AWCHORUS.ORG 20 Columnists March 15, 2019

He finds that a lot of people don’t know the fascinating story of von Mahlsdorf. “Her story isn’t really known. It’s nuanced. The way she navigated her life and survived – she did what she felt she had to do,” he said. “For people in the US, this play is their entry to her. I am so excited about doing this because I want to tell people about her.”

Smith, who’s also a comedian, is indebted to Out Front for giving him the opportunity to be the first trans performer in a professional production of the drama – and their passion in producing it. His trust in director Graham Miller has allowed him to feel comfortable exploring the role.

At Serenbe Playhouse, openly gay Brian Clowdus is about to open a production of the

PUBLICITY PHOTOS

Peter Smith, (inset) is the first trans performer to ever tackle the central role in “I Am My Own Wife.”

musical “Shenandoah,” the story of one family’s hardship living in the Shenandoah Valley during the American Civil War. This production has some star value behind it – “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks headlines the cast as Charlie Anderson. Hicks’ agent had been pitching ideas for roles for TV, film and some theater the past few years and this one felt right.

is difficult to talk about,” he says. “You don’t see a lot of plays or musicals produced about it.

This musical is something that people are afraid to touch. Logistically it’s a hard show to cast as well because not only do you have the Anderson family you have this huge ensemble, which is hard to produce. But I am never afraid. I like to talk about things that are difficult.”

“There was something about Brian’s visionary ideas and the storyline and the music, and the setting, that fit,” Hicks said, describing the role as perfect for him. “Charlie is a pretty complex individual and I think what is beautiful is you are able to see all the sides of him. He is a funloving, happy-go-lucky musician and father figure who uses those attributes to quell being able to hold a family together in one of the most difficult time periods in U.S. history.”

For his part, Clowdus was looking for someone with a “singer feel” and a homespun flavor to boot. Hicks fit both.

Hicks admits that he’s having to learn the full ropes of acting but he is having a good time and hopes this leads to more theater gigs.

The musical also features Rachel Potter of “The X Factor.” Besides recognizable names, “Shenandoah” also features Clowdus’ own patented touches, with an outdoor setting and musicians playing instruments.

“Shenandoah” is not a production that is staged regularly and Clowdus has his thoughts on why. “I think the Civil War is something that

SHOWING TIMES “I Am My Own Wife” Out Front Theatre Company Through March 30 “Shenandoah” Serenbe Playhouse Through April 7

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

CAROL BURNETT AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER AND REFLECTION WHERE THE AUDIENCE ASKS THE QUESTIONS

MARCH 25 7:30 PM

BOX OFFICE 800.745.3000

ACTING OUT

LGBTQ Outcasts and Icons on the Big Screen Jim Farmer Two gay-themed films open in the ATL this week, one a quiet, absorbing drama about how a friendship changes perhaps forever over the course of an evening and the other an enthralling narrative feature about an LGBTQ icon.

A coming of age story with a twist that debuted at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, “Giant Little Ones” explores the relationship between Franky (Josh Wiggins) and Ballas (Darren Mann), who are 17-year-old best friends who find their lives changed after a discreet sexual encounter after a birthday celebration. It was important for director and writer Keith Behrman to keep a sense of ambiguity about the exact events of the night. “That was always really important to me. That’s the main point of the film – you don’t have to define yourself.

I wanted to embrace the ambiguity,” he says.

The crux of the film is how Franky reacts to those around him – and Ballas – when he unexpectedly becomes an outcast. “There’s a lot of familiarity and affection between them,” says Behrman. “When this incident happens it takes them both by surprise.

They struggle in their own way with what happens. Ultimately it’s a story of love and friendship and identity.”

The characters are not based on anyone the director knew, although he admits he shaped “Giant Little Ones” on his own frustrations on how men are supposed to behave and the

22 Columnists March 15, 2019

“Giant Little Ones” PUBLICITY PHOTO

binary definitions imposed on people.

make sure the film properly honored its subject.

Maria Bello stars as Franky’s mother and Kyle McLachlan appears as Franky’s gay father, with whom he has a tricky relationship. Franky also has a trans friend and a gay teammate. Besides wanting to give the audience the space to make their own conclusions, director Behrman also wanted to make sure all of his characters were well-rounded and not stereotypes.

“As we researched him, it always seemed like there was a skew toward him – it had to be portrayed that he was a deviant person. We uncovered there was a real human behind the name. It was important that we moved the story from a one-note portrayal to who he really was. He was a son, a brother, a lover, an icon for artists and gay artists.”

Directed by Ondi Timoner, “Mapplethorpe” looks at the life of noted and groundbreaking photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, played here by Matt Smith of “Doctor Who” and “The Crown.” One of its producers is openly gay Nate Dushku, who worked on the film with his sister Eliza. It’s been a long time bringing the feature to life, over a decade, and Dushku wanted to

The film charts Mapplethorpe’s friendship with Patty Smith as well as the ‘80s when the artist explored his sexuality but also developed AIDS and passed away at a relatively young age.

In his short time as a photographer, Dushku says he kept on working. “He sped up and never slowed down. I fell in love with him

in some way. There are people who dress like him or like to have sex like him and I don’t see them as bad people at all.”

The film wouldn’t work with Smith’s wartsand-all portrayal of the title character – and Dushku praises the actor for being a consummate pro and not being afraid of the darker aspects of the character.

SHOWING TIMES “Giant Little Ones” Opens March 15 at the UA Tara Various showtimes “Mapplethorpe” Opens March 15 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema Various showtimes

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

d ir e cte d by

music al d ir e ctio n by

cho r e o gr aphy by

JUST IN A NDE RSON

A NN-CAROL PE NCE

R ICAR D O A PONT E

Photo (L-R): Kenny Tran, Sean Doherty, Marcello Audino & Daniel Wisniewski | Photo by: Chris Bartelski

Finally, gay men who love and revere classic Broadway can finally see themselves at the center of a great old-fashioned new musical.

MEN WITH MONEY is romantic romp full of dreams, schemes and lavish musical numbers set in the golden age mecca of Manhattan in the 1950’s, with a twist.

It’s an alternative gleaming, fabulous and mighty Big Apple.

And two of our leading men are looking for husbands, oh my!

TUE–SAT 8:00PM | SAT & SUN 2:30PM | TICKETS FROM $30

auroratheatre.com | 6 7 8 . 2 2 6 . 6 2 2 2 | # ATMe n Wit h M o n e y SPONSORED BY

KRISTEN & JORDAN

SILTON

STEPHEN MICHAEL

BROWN

EATING MY WORDS

Food for the Soul Cliff Bostock

How much do I hate the Food Network? Let me put it this way: The only time I’ve ever watched it more than a few minutes is when my mother was dying. She kept the TV in her room at a nursing home tuned to it 24/7.

My mother was a foodie and believe me, even Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in a fancy version of death’s waiting room are horrific enough to drive people on the verge of dementia to foodless fantasy eating.

On Friday, February 15, the Food Network aired an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” that included a visit to Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours in West Midtown.

The unstoppably obnoxious Guy Fieri hosts the show, and as much as I’d irrationally like to avoid anything he recommends, I knew it was time once again to sample owner/chef Deborah VanTrece’s cooking. I’ve long liked the Kansas City native’s soul food, which she “twists” with international influences inspired by years of travel for work and family.

She’s also a graduate of the Atlanta Art Institute’s culinary program. I used to eat regularly at her initial restaurant and catering operation, Edible Art, in East Atlanta Village, which opened in 1998. In 2014, she opened the fancier Twisted Soul in Decatur, which only lasted a year. She opened this latest venture in 2016 in the space vacated

by Bone Lick BBQ. VanTrece, an out African-American lesbian, has garnered a lot of media attention. I find this especially inspiring because part of the reason I detest so much food TV is its obvious perpetuation of stereotypes. I would have loved to see VanTrece bang Guy Fieri’s head with the cast iron skillet in which she makes her beloved fried chicken. But, bless her heart, she was as nice as could be.

About that chicken: It’s juicy with a mild salt-and-pepper sting and a fairly thin crust, served with macaroni made with three kinds of cheese. On the side is a ridiculously

COURTESY PHOTOS

Clockwise from above left: Owner/chef Deborah VanTrece of Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, Jack Daniels honey pecan wings, A rack of lamb roasted with a cocoa crust, fried chicken with macaroni and cheese and collards.

brilliant roll made of collards encasing a flavorful mix of greens. A shot glass of pot liquor and a garnish of sweet potato-apple chutney complete the dish. If you want to reduce poultry calories, you can order a version of chicken and dumplings. VanTrece serves half a roasted chicken in a mushroom broth with “flat noodle dumplings” and whole-roasted carrots. There are lots of other classic dishes prepared in more exotic ways such as hoisin oxtails, cornflake-crusted black grouper with chermoula sauce, and seafood lasagna with a gumbo sauce. I am sorry to say that my own dish, the menus second-most-expensive ($34), was not a success. It was a rack of lamb roasted with a “cocoa crust,” served over thick goat-cheese grits with a super-thick cherry demi-glace.

Unfortunately, the cocoa eclipsed the lamb’s flavor almost entirely. The demi-glace was

tepid and coagulated. Our server said it was a new dish.

Appetizers we sampled included fried green tomatoes and chicken wings. The “Jack Daniels Honey Pecan Wings” were crispy, gooey, and sweet. The slightly sour tomatoes were garnished with goat cheese and a crawfish remoulade – maybe the table’s favorite dish. Alas, we were too full to sample the dessert menus “Baptist pound cake with a caramel-bacon glaze and sweet milk soup” or the “lemon chess crème Brulee and lavender sugar.” Nor did we sample the “pours” – the cocktail program developed by Lorraine Lane, VanTrece’s spouse. They get a lot of raves.

The restaurant’s service is seriously the best I’ve encountered in a long time. The room is predictably noisy. We sat at a table

against a wall with a nearly blinding light.

You might want to specifically ask not to be seated there. Also, be advised the restaurant has joined the new trend of serving brunch instead of lunch most weekdays. Check the website for details. Make a reservation and meanwhile improve your life: Stop watching the Food Network until you’re dying.

Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or CliffBostock@gmail.com.

MORE INFO Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours 1133 Huff Road Atlanta, GA 30318 404-350-5500 TwistedSoulCookhouseAndPours.com

24 Columnists March 15, 2019 TheGeorgiaVoice.com

650 NORTH AVENUE NE, SUITE 201, ATLANTA, GA 30308 PONCE CITY MARKET | CITYWINERY.COM | 404.WINERY1

Urban Wine Country HOST YOUR WEDDING IN

Start your journey by contacting

AtlantaEvents@CityWinery.com or call 404-WINERY1 TheGeorgiaVoice.com

March 15, 2019 Ads 25

BEST BETS Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for March 15-28 FRIDAY, MARCH 15

featuring Atlanta’s very own DJ Neon the Glowgobear. On the dance floor, there’s no stop, only go! No cover!

10pm – 3am Atlanta Eagle

Join Young Democrats from across the country at a Welcome Reception featuring Rep. Lucy McBath, for the YDA National Committee Meeting and YDG Convention.

7 – 9pm Switchyards Downtown Club

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets tonight at the Atlanta International School.

2:30 – 4pm

The acclaimed gay-themed film “Giant Little Ones,” about two teenage boys who have been best friends since they were small kids, and how one night changes everything. Opens today with various showtimes.

UA Tara Cinemas

Grab your friends and check out the Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union game!

7pm – 10pm Woofs on Piedmont

The G8YTIES ’80s dance party returns with special guest DJ Eric who will play his extensive collection of your favorite ’80s songs with music videos to accompany them.

10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta

MONDAY, MARCH 18

T-Time Atlanta Trans Youth holds their weekly meeting tonight.

7pm St. Annes Episcopal Church

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Join Out On Film, AID Atlanta, Atlanta Pride and Out Front Theatre Company for AIDS Now, AIDS Then. Two to three films will be screened including “Buddies,” the first feature film to deal with HIV/AIDS, and 2017’s “Paris 05:59: Theo and Hugo,” tracing how HIV/AIDS has been portrayed in film since the ‘80s — and how its portrayal has evolved. The event is free and will feature a panel discussion after the films.

Noon – 6pm Out Front Theatre Company Now in its ninth year, pb&j gallery presents Body&Soul. With all you’ve come to expect from this sensual and erotic event, this exhibition celebrates the nude male form at its most compelling. This year, in addition to photography, are drawings

by Alexander Clark. Photographers Bob Burkhardt, Trevor Green and Derrick Lejermon exhibit their latest work. Come early as this show promises to deliver a near-capacity crowd. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served, with free admission and parking.

7 – 10pm PB&J Gallery Out artist Michelle Malone’s new record, “Slings and Arrows” is upbeat, defiant,

26 Best Bets March 15, 2019

EVENT SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Also opening today is Ondi Timoner’s “Mapplethorpe,” starring Matt Smith as the ground-breaking gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, Various Showtimes.

Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and jubilant, flush with the raw energy, emotion, and slide guitar that’s always been a part of her signature sound all while nudging her deeper into some personal new territory. These songs speak to desire and disappointment, optimism and awareness, all with a driving and fiery conviction. It was recorded live in the studio to capture Malone at her best. Michelle describes “Slings And Arrows” as a “Georgia record,” due to the fact that the musicians, studios, and even those responsible for the visual art are all Georgians. She performs it and more tonight.

7 and 9:15pm Eddie’s Attic In her all-new show “Gender Fluids,” Miss Richfield 1981 will attempt to find non-binary answers to our increasingly complex world. With all new music, new videos, new costumes, and a healthy heap of help from the audience, this show

promises to celebrate all the genders - both old & new.

7 – 8:15pm Plaza Atlanta Theater The longest running camp drag show in the ATL, and it’s all for charity! Join your friends for the Armorettes Drag Show!

Proceeds benefit Armorettes PWHA Fund.

No cover!

8pm – 10pm Heretic Atlanta Come find your pot of gold and celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at the Green Party! Superstar producer and DJ, Joe Gauthreaux, will take you on a journey to the golden world of circuit music!

10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta Get ready for another great Saint Patty’s day celebration with the Stoplight Party

In recognition of Black History Month and its 2019 theme Black Migrations, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host the photographic exhibition Homecoming: The Windows and Mirrors of Black Portraiture, featuring selected images from AARL’s archival collection. Homecoming: The Windows and Mirrors of Black Portraiture is a visualized metaphorical extension of the term migration that emphasizes the use of portrait photography of and by Black people to construct and inhabit new social realities.

Running through May 19

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

Catch the world premiere musical “Men With Money,” about three bachelors in New York — two of them gay and looking for love — running through April 7.

8pm Aurora Theatre

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Make your voice heard and stand up for LGBTQ equality in Georgia at Lobby Day at the State Capitol today. This event will provide free training on how to educate state legislators on issues and policies that

CONTINUES ON PAGE 27 TheGeorgiaVoice.com

BEST BETS enriches the historical record of racialized sexual minorities in the South and brings to light the realities of the region’s thriving black lesbian communities. Charis will sell books.

This event is free and open to the public.

3 – 4:30pm

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 affect LGBTQ Georgians. Following the training, attendees will stand united under the Gold Dome to put training into action.

Attendees will have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with their representative in the House and Senate Training and a light breakfast are provided to all attendees.

To RSVP: https://secure.everyaction.com/ MUsJ3GbXQkWyOzhjgYTwJg2

MONDAY, MARCH 25

It’s Bingo with a twist! At Indictment Bingo!, instead of calling out numbers, organizers be shouting things like “Hamberders with extra cheese!” and “Giuliani turns out to be double agent for Dems!

6:30 – 8:30pm Manuel’s Tavern

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Mix and mingle with LGBTQ+ business professionals, allies, non-profit leaders, and more at the March Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) Fourth Friday Networking Event tonight.

5:30 – 7:30pm Azul Arc Vicki Powell and Deep South proudly present The Black Madonna! DJ’s Ash Lauryn and Vicki Powell will bring you the beats all night long. Tickets available online.

10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Following up on Gays For Plays sold-out theatre night at Out Front Theatre Company’s “Porcelain,” tonight the group gathers for Out Front’s “I am My Own Wife.” The Pulitzer and Tony Award show is based on a true story, inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, and tells the fascinating tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life German trans woman who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime. In addition to the show, Out Front will be announcing the lineup for its 2019-2020 season tonight.

7:30 – 10pm The Sprung! event features Aquaria of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Other guests include Edie Bellini, Hydrangea Heath, Iv Fischer, Molly Rimswell, Taylor Alxndr, Thin Mint, and Video Tronic, with music

by DJ Esmé (La Choloteca) and a photo booth by Jamie Hopper. The lewk is Slutty-Spring-Nymph, Fragonard’s Floral Fuckb0i, PopPrincess, Clad in Pastels, and Bacchanalian Bottom.

10pm – 3am Deep End

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

EVENT SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Updated for the Trump era, Topher Payne’s comedy/drama “Angry Fags” is an uncompromising Oscar Wilde-meets-Fight Club fantasia about how good ideas go bad, the destructiveness of toxic masculinity, and how no one is really afraid of gay guys. The success of the 2013 original prompted a renewed interest in a sociopolitical world that seemed wildly absurd at the time but may now be closer to reality than we could have ever imagined.

8pm, through April 14 7 Stages The Guards of the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence would like to invite you to their monthly jockstrap twister. This month, proceeds will go to Outlantacon, Atlanta’s LGBTQ convention for sci-fi, pop-culture, multimedia, and gaming! Suggested donation of $5 to play all night with a live auction for a weekend getaway to Fort Lauderdale.

8pm – 10pm Atlanta Eagle

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

With a Tony-winning score by William Finn, “Falsettos” is a landmark musical about how we love, live and grow. When Marvin leaves his wife Trina for a guy named Whizzer, they all determine to salvage something from the resulting fallout to form a new kind of family. Throw in a lovesick psychiatrist, a precocious 13-year-old and two lesbians from next door and you get the story of a modern family learning to navigate the stress of family dinners, the

pressure of planning the perfect bar mitzvah and the heartbreak of saying goodbye.

2pm, through April 28 Actor’s Express The Auburn Avenue Research Library will host Dr. E. Patrick Johnson, the Carolos Montezuma Professor of Performance Studies and African American studies at Northwestern University, who will discuss his latest publication, “Black.

Queer. Southern. Women, An Oral History.” Drawn from the life narratives of more than 70 African American queer women who were born, raised and continue to reside in the American South, this book powerfully reveals the way these women experience and express racial, sexual, gender and class identities – all linked by a place where such identities have generally placed them on the margins of society. Using methods of oral history and performance ethnography, Dr. Johnson’s work vividly

Snow in July, comets falling from the sky, the world is thrown into chaos as Cupid rips off her wings and gives up on Love. But her old flame Saint Valentine has a plan to bring her spirits back up; and it involves the relationship between two men, Alejandro and Benny.

Moving from outer space to Hackensack NJ, “I Wanna Fuck like Romeo and Juliet” – written by Andrew Rincon – is a queer love story of epic proportions that investigates God and mortals, realism and fantasy and the shame and joy within queer love of color.

The event is free.

8 – 10pm Out Front Theatre Company

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 Join the karaoke party tonight.

9pm My Sister’s Room

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Charis Books and More and The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History welcomes Damon Young, the cofounder of VerySmartbrothas.com, and one of the most read writers on race and culture at work today, to celebrate his first collection of essays, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker,” a provocative and humorous memoir-inessays that explores the ever-shifting definitions of what it means to be Black (and male) in America. Damon will be in conversation with Atlanta writer and Morehouse College journalism professor David Dennis Jr., The reading begins

CONTINUES ON PAGE 28 March 15, 2019 Best Bets 27

BEST BETS

EVENT SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performs tonight!

8pm Cobb Energy Centre

STORAGE SPECIALS •Free Truck Rental with Move-In •12 Month Price Guarantee •24-Hour Access •Heated & Cooled Units •Security System •Clean, Well-Lit Facility •Loading Dock 726 Ponce de Leon PL NE Atlanta, GA, 30306

404-913-8977

We sell boxes & packing supplies!

1 Month Free First Month Free

New Customers. Select Units. Expires 6/30/2019

28 Best Bets March 15, 2019

Out Front Theatre Company

at 7pm and is free and open to the public but if you want to attend the pre-party receptions at 6 pm with Damon Young, you must reserve space and buy a copy of the book. Go to our website for the link to reserve your space.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

The divine Kelly Clarkson rocks the Infinite Energy Centre tonight with her “Meaning of Life” tour.

8pm

The Atlanta Film Festival kicks off tonight with its usual share of LGBTQ films, running through April 14.

Plaza Theater

UPCOMING

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

25% Off

Boxes & Packing Supplies www.morningstarstorage.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Offer Never Expires.

The Human Rights Campaign invites you to a Sunday Funday for LGBTQ Equality to celebrate recent victories and look toward the year ahead. Guests will enjoy music, unlimited drinks, hors d’oeuvres and more. 100% of the proceeds will benefit HRC’s mission toward full equality. Be sure to bring a credit card!

2 – 5pm

Out On Film and Atlanta Pride began their “50 Years of Stonewall” film series tonight at 7pm tonight with “La Cage Aux Folles.”

Rush Center Annex

Join the Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals (MAAP) for the “It’s Friday – Mix, Mingle & Network” event this month at the brand new My Sister’s Room.

This is your chance to leave the work-week behind & connect with other like-minded professionals over drinks, laughter, and good professional conversation. Help speed up your check-in process; RSVP now at https://maap040519.eventbrite.com/.

6 – 8pm

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

Taking a Tumble Melissa Carter

770-321-3433

snappyservices.com Snappy Makes Homes Happy!

$75 OFF

ANY SERVICE CALL, NEW & EXISTING CUSTOMERS

•Heating •Attic Insulation •Cooling •Plumbing •Electrical •Energy Audits

I’ve worked in radio for the majority of my life, much of that sharing my notso-proud moments on air in front of the entire city of Atlanta. However, I have never truly embarrassed myself in front of colleagues the way I did at Chateau Elan a couple weeks ago.

My company held a weekend getaway there as a way of saying thank you for the efforts of 2018. There weren’t many planned activities for the guests, allowing us all to roam the grounds, spa, and golf course as we pleased with only an organized dinner and dance held that Saturday night. There was also an open bar that evening.

When I made it out to dance, so did several of my colleagues I had spent the weekend with thus far. Having our rapport fully engaged and a few cocktails well underway, we were showing our best moves and having a great time. Then the DJ began to play music with a more African-themed percussion, which inspires you to dance a little lower and really get those thighs into play. And here’s where the problem began.

I haven’t worked out consistently since my son was born. Prior to his birth, I had been in decent shape, especially right after my transplant. I realized I hadn’t really pushed my legs in years until I tried taking it low, stepping hard with the beat along the way.

Yes, I had been drinking. Yes, I was dancing close to the edge of the now-full dance floor. But I can honestly tell you those two things became a convenient excuse rather than what really happened, which is I’m out of shape.

I was making eye contact with a colleague and took one of those hard steps when I felt my thigh betray me and give up all efforts in a matter of seconds. My other leg was nowhere near in a position to save me, and I knew I was going down. Did I mention this

30 Columnists March 15, 2019

was a formal event? My mind immediately went to two places: where am I going to land and how can I make sure my dress doesn’t move in a way that I’m embarrassed even further? So, instinctively I tried to push myself back with whatever muscle capacity that leg had left and landed flat on my ass.

The seemingly slow-motion look of horror on the nearby women’s faces as I began to fall is branded into my memory. Once I landed I took a quick mental check of my bone structure and internal organs and I found I was ok. Then I simply continued to dance sitting down, realizing there was nothing else I could do to ease the tension of the moment. That’s when a woman I was dancing with plopped down next to me and mimicked my floor moves.

I and my dress would like to thank the horde of people who ran behind me to lift me back up onto the floor, people I didn’t see nor recognize at the time. I am also thankful I work at a private company whose people dismissed my actions as alcohol-induced rather than racing onto social media to report the plunge.

And I would also like to thank the exercise equipment I am about to abuse to make sure this never happens again.

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

SOMETIMES ‘Y’

Methodist Madness Ryan Lee There is a superficiality to American spirituality that makes me doubt the average Methodist could explain what differentiates his or her denomination from Lutheranism, Presbyterianism or even Catholicism. Lent, the closest thing Christians have to a ritual sacrifice, has become culturally akin to the keto diet, with believers from every branch fortifying their relationship with God by giving up PornHub or processed sugars for 40 days.

Upwards of 90 percent of my family and friends consider themselves Christian, although I couldn’t tell you which denomination any of them belong to since most are not flamboyantly pious, and I’ve adopted a love-the-worshiperignore-the-worship attitude toward my folks’ relationship with God. I don’t mind whatever their afterlife preferences are, so long as they don’t flaunt them or try to recruit me.

Reading about the general conference of the United Methodist Church recently affirming its opposition to same-sex marriage and gay or lesbian clergy was as dispiriting as getting uninvited to a party where a bunch of accountants celebrate the fiscal new year.

Until they replaced their grape juice with wine, I hadn’t really planned on coming, anyway (full disclosure: I’m ignorant of whether Methodists take communion, and they’re not worth Googling … though still worthy in God’s eye).

Yet, there are thousands of LGBTQ Americans whose understanding of themselves, this world and whatever salvation awaits when they return to dust has been shaped by Methodist gospel and grandmothers, by UMC choirs and summer bible camps. However much I advise them to worship the god within themselves, and despite my droll regard for most matters of faith, I appreciate how a person’s religion can bring calmness and clarity to their spinning, disorientating universe.

Having thousands-of-years-old rules proclaiming you ungodly is a different kind of trauma than your brothers and TheGeorgiaVoice.com

sisters in Christ, the people who pray and pass out spaghetti dinners beside you, the people who you thought knew you as something more than an abomination, reminding you that you remain apart from God’s plan. I am saddened for LGBT Methodists who feel wounded anew.

The sense that we’re in that transitional period where historically anti-LGBTQ scripture will soon be reinterpreted as era-specific or allegorical a la passages about slavery and genocide, ought to be some type balm for those who are hurting. More than 250 UMC pastors and church leaders purchased advertising space swearing an oath to fight for the full inclusion of LGBTQ Methodists, and I’ve seen clips of the general conference’s actions being denounced from pulpits in Alabama and southwest Atlanta.

“What happened [at the general conference] will not affect how it is we do mission and ministry here at Cascade United Methodist Church,” preached the Rev. Kevin Muriel, senior pastor at the mostly black congregation in Atlanta. “If you are straight, we love you; if you are gay, we love you; if you are questioning, we love you, too; if you are skinny, we love you; if you are trying to get skinny, we love you, too.”

There is a risk, and in some cases even a temptation, for progressives to treat something like Pastor Muriel’s loving outreach the same as the anti-LGBTQ vitriol we’re long used to hearing from the ministers, perhaps because his list did not enumerate lesbian and transgender worshipers or fat-shamed people who don’t want to lose weight. May the god within you not want to be the type who shames the earnest when they are naked.

March 15, 2019 Columnists 31