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voice
georgia VOL.11 • ISSUE 1
EDITORIAL
YOUR VOICE MATTERS Mayor Bottoms Limits Occupancy of Public Gathering Spaces to 50 People Penn Collins: “Better to err on the side of caution (for those lacking souls or empathy: do it for those over 60+ or those with underlying conditions) ... I would rather we all laugh about this months from now than have a sky rocketing death toll due to some pathetic infected schmuck leaving quarantine for a beer because ‘they can’t be told what to do.’”
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, 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
Georgia Republican Files Anti-Trans Bill Jacob Pharr: “Keep in mind ... This is an elected official who can be voted out of office if you don’t like what she’s doing.”
PRODUCTION
Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com
ONLINE
Digital Content Senior Staffer: Katie Burkholder kburkholder@thegavoice.com
Jeff Fedder: “Barf. Go onto her Facebook page and comment!”
BUSINESS
Principal/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
Publisher Emeritus: Chris Cash
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 24-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 twice a month by Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 24 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
4 Editorial March 27, 2020
The Corona Way of Life Patrick Colson-Price I never imagined I’d see businesses left and right closed down due to sickness. It sounds like a major blizzard but without the cold and snow. As talks of Coronavirus spread around the country before the infection did, it seemed like it would stop before it even began, but then confirmed cases began popping up everywhere. I expected people to panic, hence buying up all the food and supplies they possibly could. But when local restaurants started closing their doors and the gym even shut down, I admit I kind of started freaking out. Even local bars and clubs suspended service which took the chance away from blowing off some steam on the dancefloor. I mean, what are we supposed to do? This social distancing can only help so much until we start getting stir crazy. The other night, my husband and I decided to go out for dinner and chose a restaurant we haven’t been to near our apartment. When we arrived, the restaurant was open but quiet. On the doors, a sign
posted saying no dine-in service but take-out available. We were disappointed but expected it was due to this outbreak. Down the road, another bar was open and serving food. It wasn’t crowded, so we felt a little safer. I’ve not ventured out too much except for small errands like groceries or medication. I really haven’t seen the effects of COVID-19 full-force like empty parking lots or interstates, so it still seems surreal. As I receive emails with COVID-19 in almost every subject line, I’m realizing this is becoming a way of life, and I wonder if it will ever end. I’ve heard some reports that this could go into July and August or could even last until the 2020 presidential elections. Can we really survive that long on six feet of distance between us? If that’s the case, we could be on the verge of a global economic meltdown and social disturbance as our social behaviors will almost certainly change for good. Will we know how to socialize after weeks away from one another? What about picking up the pieces of this global pandemic? I hope there’s an answer that can help everyone in all areas of their life pick up the pieces as quickly as those pieces got scattered.
Headline: Pete Buttigieg Hosts ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Kim Johnson: “I thought it was great. He was pretty funny and laughed a lot at himself.” Peter Ent: “He was terrific and I really think the guests looked forward to being interviewed by someone different who is a different kind of celebrity.” LGB Teens More Likely to Experience Sexual and Physical Abuse, Research Finds Newt French: “That was my experience when I came out in the seventies. Even today there are people (usually men) who believe I am loose and promiscuous because I am transgender.” RuPaul’s DragCon Cancelled Due to Coronavirus Worries Eric L. Watts: “May 1-3 is 7 and 1/2 weeks from now. I think this cancellation is a bit premature. Perhaps the event was having other problems and Corona gave them a convenient excuse to cancel. I’m sure it has absolutely nothing to do with RuPaul’s TV series being canceled.” 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
NEWS
The Coronavirus in Fulton County Katie Burkholder At the time of writing, of the 800 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of Georgia, 152 have been in Fulton County, making Fulton the most infected county in the state. Prompted by these numbers, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom signed an executive order on March 19 limiting restaurants to take out service only and closing “all bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, and private social clubs.” To help restaurants and other businesses stay afloat, Mayor Bottoms also signed two subsequent executive orders: one suspending the towing and booting of vehicles in the city’s right of way for the next sixty days, and another instituting a temporary moratorium on residential evictions and filings over the next sixty days. The University System of Georgia (USG) and Fulton County Schools have also reacted to the pandemic with closures. All universities and colleges within the USG, including Georgia State and Georgia Tech, have moved to online learning for the remainder of the spring semester, advising students living on campus to not return for their belongings. Fulton Country Schools were also closed on March 10 after a teacher tested positive for COVID-19, and Superintendent Mike Looney said schools will likely not re-open until after spring break, which starts April 6. Other Closings and Cancellations • Alliance Theatre has suspended performances for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season. • Atlanta Botanical Garden will be closed through March 30. • Atlanta Film Festival, originally scheduled to begin April 30, has been postponed. • Atlanta Food and Wine Festival has been postponed. • Atlanta Freedom Bands will be postponing the “Music from Seven Continents” concert on March 28. 6 News March 27, 2020
• Atlanta Leather Pride is canceled. • Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has been postponed. • Bloody Mary Festival has been postponed to July 26. • Most March and several April shows at Center Stage have been canceled or postponed. • Charis Books & More is closed indefinitely, but online shopping is still available. • City Winery is closed indefinitely, but you can order wines for free pickup through their online shop (citywinery.com/atlanta) • All shows at the Fox Theatre have been postponed until at least March 28. • All events from GA Boy Productions are canceled until at least April. Peach Party is still scheduled for June 12-15. • Georgia Aquarium is closed through at least the end of the month. • The High Museum is closed indefinitely. • Hotlanta Softball League will be postponing the season until further notice. • Hotlanta Volleyball Association canceled league play for March 17 and
open play on March 20. • Pajama Bowl with HRC Atlanta is canceled. • Jerusalem House’s 30th Anniversary Luncheon on March 26 is canceled. • All March events at The Masquerade have been postponed or canceled. • National Center for Civil and Human Rights is closed temporarily. • The Other Show is on hiatus until further notice. • Out Front Theatre Company has canceled “warplay,” which was running through March 28. A recorded version of the performance will be released. • Pride Kickball Atlanta’s spring season is delayed until April. • Shaky Knees music festival has been postponed until October 16-18. Shaky Boots has been canceled. • Southern Fried Queer Pride’s Queer Threads Thrift Shop for April. The T4Tean trans and non-binary social is still on for March 31. • The Transgender Day of Visibility event at City Hall has been canceled.
How to Help To protect yourself from getting sick, the CDC suggests washing your hands often, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily, distancing yourself from others, and quarantining if you are showing symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In the meantime, support local restaurants by ordering take out and donate to organizations who are providing support and care to those threatened by the pandemic, like Direct Relief, Feeding America, Open Hand Atlanta, and World Central Kitchen. If you are self-quarantining and in need of free, virtual entertainment, you can find opera, dance, and theatre performances through Marquee TV (they are currently offering a free 30-day trial, and then subscriptions cost $8.99/month); a free virtual show streamed every night at 7:30pm through the Metropolitan Opera website; and intimate Living Room Concerts from big Broadway names through BroadwayWorld.com. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
NEWS
Congressional Candidate Says
LGBTQ Community Sexualizes Children Zoe Seiler A congressional candidate has recently taken to Twitter to post her thoughts on the LGBTQ community which included comparing the LGBTQ community to pedophiles. Angela Stanton-King announced earlier this month that she is running as a Republican to unseat incumbent Rep. John Lewis, who represents Georgia’s fifth Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Stanton-King in recent posts has taken to Twitter to voice her opinions.
Eric Paulk COURTESY PHOTO
NBC News reported that one tweet said, “Gay means Men having sex with men. If you wouldn’t want your 12 yr old daughter advertising that she enjoys sex with men/boys why your 12 yr old son?,” Stanton-King wrote in one tweet, alongside a picture of Zaya, former NBA star Dwyane Wade’s transgender daughter. “This is confusion, pedophilia, and sexual exploitation wrapped up in acceptance.” Tweets from the weekend of March 7 were deleted, and she issued an apology in a series of three tweets. She apologized for the way some posts may have offended the LGBTQ community. She said her concern is protecting children. “I will reconsider my delivery in how I address this issue,” she wrote on March 13. “And I will be mindful to consider the feelings of others moving forward, and I hope you will forgive me.” Other posts include a tweet from Feb. 28 in which she shared a video of a child watching a drag queen perform. “When you see Pedophilia being normalized under the guise of #LGBTQ call it out!! If this was a female stripper she would be arrested. But because it’s a man dressed as a woman it’s all good #POLITICS,” StantonKing wrote. 8 News March 27, 2020
Angela Stanton-King PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
She has also criticized former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg after a nine year old boy joined him on stage to ask Buttigieg to help him tell the world he’s gay, CBS News reported. Her views of the LGBTQ community also go back to 2012. “If its ok 2 be gay, then it should be ok 2 lie, steal & kil, as the Bible clearly speaks against it all! No Sin is greater than the other,” she wrote on May 6, 2012. Stanton-King said the tweets come from concerns of protecting children and their innocence. “Our children’s innocence is being stolen, and we have to do something about it. There is a war going on for the hearts and minds of
Georgia’s children, and we have to stand up against the sexualization of our culture and of our schools,” she said in an email. “The early introduction of sex, the perversion of sexuality, and the rampant evil of sexual abuse have had devastating effects on the identity and development of our young people,” she added. Eric Paulk, deputy director of Georgia Equality, said that her comments aren’t reflective of the Congressional district and are ill-informed. “While Georgia Equality does not endorse in federal races, the fact remains that Ms. King-Stanton’s views are not reflective of the diversity of District 5 and are not in line with how Georgians perceive LGBTQ communities,” he said.
“Three-fourths of Georgians believe that LGBTQ communities should be protected against discrimination, suggesting that folks like Ms KingStanton are fringe extremist whose view neither represent District 5 nor the majority of Georgians.” – Eric Paulk, deputy director of Georgia Equality “Three-fourths of Georgians believe that LGBTQ communities should be protected against discrimination, suggesting that folks like Ms King-Stanton are fringe extremists whose views neither represent District 5 nor the majority of Georgians,” Paulk added. Additionally, he said that the comments almost certainly contribute to hate crime violence directed at LGBTQ communities, especially among communities of black transgender women. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
CELEBRITY CLOSE-UP!
Celebrity Brief (PEACH STATE PRIDE!)
Some of the best LGBTQ and allied public figures Atlanta has to offer share their thoughts on identity, politics, and community.
“It’s about protecting communities, the LGBTQ community, from being able to be fired, or denied access to housing, denied access to services. It’s about fighting back not only locally but nationally and letting the state of Georgia be a voice not of discrimination but of defense. It’s about making sure that discrimination of any kind, that from the beginning, the governor is the face of what will not happen in the state of Georgia.” – Former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams on running for governor of Georgia in 2018 (Georgia Voice).
“I ran for office because I represent the rainbow of voices that too often went unheard in our state Capitol. We need to trust black women. Our America is unapologetically ready to stand together.” – Out Georgia state Rep. Park Cannon on why she ran for the Georgia House of Representatives (Democratic National Convention).
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
“I’m a gay, Christian, Korean man sitting in the intersection of faith, sexual orientation and ethnicity. I feel that being myself, I have the opportunity to build bridges between communities that haven’t seen eye to eye – or may have necessarily been aware of one another.” – Out state Rep. Sam Park on being the first gay male state legislator in Georgia (NBC News). (PHOTOS VIA FACEBOOK; FILE PHOTO)
“Pride means so much to so many of us, and to have the opportunity to share my live performance during Pride has always been a dream. Celebrating Pride in NYC is a rite of passage for a queer person. I am grateful for the community it creates, and I can’t wait to party with everyone.” – Atlanta local and Grammynominated artist Janelle Monae on headlining New York City Pride (New York Post)
March 27, 2020 Celebrity Close-Up! 9
ANNIVERSARY EDITORIAL
We Must Take Care of Our Own Chris Cash
This was supposed to be a celebratory piece about the 10th anniversary of Georgia Voice. I started writing it a few weeks ago. Then I laid it aside, assuring myself I had plenty of time to make that deadline. You can guess what happened. The world – mine and yours – changed so much in two weeks that what I had intended to say now sounds trite and irresponsible. Rah-rah stuff about how far we have come, how the paper’s mission is to deliver important news, etc, etc. I deleted it. Today, as I write this, it is March 17th. I have CNN on awaiting the next press conference about COVID-19 from an administration that has failed all of its citizens with a slow, dishonest, and fractured response to the worst pandemic we have ever witnessed. We are left to fend for ourselves it seems; it sure does feel that way. If, by chance, our government officials acknowledge today the seriousness of the situation and take steps to stem the tide, it will likely be too little too late to avoid a deep crisis. And it feels all too familiar. As LGBTQ people, we have always been forced to fight for every scrap of protection and support that we now have. From the firing of “homosexuals” in government during the 1950s to the height of the AIDS epidemic to the ousting of LGBTQ military members, the US government has functioned as much more than a roadblock to us – it has been an active player in placing us in harm’s way. How did we respond to that threat? We fought back, and we took care of our own because we had no choice. In Atlanta, in response to the life and death matter of the AIDS crisis, numerous organizations were established in the ’80s to sustain our community. The list is long but here are a few: Project Open Hand: to deliver healthy meals to sick patients AID Atlanta: to provide testing, medical and support services ACT-UP Atlanta: civil disobedience to demand
testing and services from the government Southern Voice: LGBTQ media to keep our community informed National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) Atlanta: to raise awareness to stem the spread of HIV and fight AIDSrelated discrimination There were heroes among us, some still with us and some gone, and their names deserve to be remembered. They offered everything from money to art to direct action. Here are ten: John Kappers Michael Edwards Jeff Graham Cathy Woolard Franklin Abbott Duncan Teague Deanna Collins John Howell Ray Kluka Rebecca Ranson We also banded together. Lesbians took care of their gay brothers – willingly and selflessly.
10 Anniversary Editorial March 27, 2020
Drag queens donated the money raised from their shows to local organizations. PFLAG parents and friends made sure everybody’s kid was taken care of, especially when that kid had been shunned by their own family. We suffered and cried together; we were a community. Not a perfect community, there were mistakes and missteps made, but we were beautiful in our courage and determination to take care of our own. The crisis abated, the worst of the numbers declined, but not until the mid-late ’90s and not without consistent push on the government and health organizations by those who had the most to lose. And, unfortunately, HIV continues to kill and has claimed more than 650,000 lives in the US since it emerged. That number is about the same as US lives lost to The Great Flu of 1918. And now we have COVID-19 – the biggest threat most of us will face in our lifetime. It’s time, today, to band together again – to take care of our own. Only this time “our
own” means everyone – not just the LGBTQ community. Our umbrella must cover all of our family, all of our friends and our neighbors be they gay, straight, old or young. How do we do that? Start with yourself. Stay home if you can. If you must go out, only go for necessities and keep your distance. Stay in touch with those you know who might be too sick to fend for themselves. Go to the store for them. Take them to the doctor, making sure you keep them and yourself as safe as possible. It is now March 18. The number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 continued to grow overnight at an alarming speed. By the time you read this it will be worse. The time is now. None to waste. TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN. Chris Cash is the co-founder and Publisher Emeritus of Georgia Voice; she is also the founder of Southern Voice and the grandmother of two. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT
From Past to Present
A Decade of Georgia Voice
A
Patrick Colson-Price As we celebrate a decade of bringing a voice to the Atlanta LGBTQ community, we think it’s important to highlight some of the notable moments over the past ten years. From politics to entertainment, we’ve been there every step of the way covering what matters the most: your voice!
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September 2009 The Atlanta Police Department’s Red Dog Unit raids the Atlanta Eagle, an action later deemed unconstitutional. The city later settled with patrons of the bar for $1 million and promised to change procedures. October 2009 Atlanta Pride returns to Piedmont Park and is held for the first time in October. The Trans March becomes a part of the fest. November 2009 Southern Voice shuts down after the collapse of parent company Window Media. The team behind Southern Voice soon formed Georgia Voice in its place.
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January 2010 Simone Bell becomes first openly lesbian African-American woman to be elected to the Georgia General Assembly. June 2011 House member Rashad Taylor comes out, becoming the first male, openly gay member of the Georgia House of Representatives. January 2012 Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse closes down. April 2014 A pair of anti-LGBTQ so-called “religious freedom” bills failed to pass in the state legislature. April 2014 Lambda Legal files a lawsuit on behalf of nine plaintiffs challenging Georgia’s same-sex marriage ban. CONTINUES ON PAGE 13 12 Anniversary Spotlight March 27, 2020
A: Atlanta Eagle owners Robert Kelley (left) and Richard Ramey, shown here outside of court on March 11, 2010. B: The sign out front of the Southern Voice offices in 2009. C: Simone Bell becomes first openly lesbian African-American woman to be elected to the Georgia General Assembly. D: House member Rashad Taylor comes out, becoming the first male, openly gay member of the Georgia House of Representatives. E: Owner Philip Rafshoon and partner Robert Gaul dismantle the disco ball at Outwrite Bookscore & Coffeehouse, which closed and declared bankruptcy on Jan. 26, 2011. (File photos)
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT
A Decade of Georgia Voice CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 January 2015 Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fires Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran after Cochran published an anti-LGBTQ book. Cochran later filed suit against the city and became the face of so-called “religious freedom” bills. March 2015 Georgia Voice unveils new logo after five years of covering the Atlanta LGBTQ community.
A
April 2015 Senate Bill 129, an anti-LGBT so-called “religious freedom” bill authored by state Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), fails to pass before the end of the legislative session. June 2015 Georgia celebrates as the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down same-sex marriage bans nationwide. The state of Georgia followed the law and marriages proceeded across the state, and Atlanta’s LGBTQ community congregated at the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue to celebrate well into the night.
B
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March 2016 Gov. Nathan Deal vetoes House Bill 757, a controversial anti-LGBTQ so-called “religious freedom” bill that passed both chambers of the legislature and caused a national backlash. August 2016 Beloved drag performer Diamond Lil passes away at age 80. February 2018 The Senate passes SB 375, which calls for allowing private adoption agencies receiving state funds to deny adoptions for certain couples or individual parents based on sincerely held religious beliefs. It does not make it through the house.
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May 2018 Soon after taking office, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appoints an LGBTQ advisory board to help shape the city’s policies and engagements with Atlanta’s LGBTQ communities, and serve as a bridge between City Hall and LGBTQ residents. March 2019 After nearly a decade of covering the LGBTQ community, Georgia Voice updates its logo and layout for print and online versions. May 2019 Atlanta’s favorite gay male strip club Swinging Richards has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after five dancers sued for unpaid wages.
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
A: Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fires Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran after Cochran published an anti-LGBTQ book B: Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) in 2015. C: Gov. Nathan Deal vetoes House Bill 757. D: U.S. Supreme Court strikes down same-sex marriage bans nationwide. E: drag performer Diamond Lil. F: Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appoints an LGBTQ advisory board (File photos)
March 27, 2020 Anniversary Spotlight 13
ANNIVERSARY FEATURE
Ten Years of Georgia Voice By the Numbers
253
Total issues
12,337
Articles posted online at thegavoice.com
18
Awards and nominations received by Georgia Voice and writers
0
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The publication date of Georgia Voice’s first issue
7 A w ar
Total editions of Destination Gay Atlanta
6,000
Copies printed of our first issue
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2
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14 Anniversary Feature March 27, 2020
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
HAPPY
10
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GEORGIA
ANNIVERSARY EQUALITY
GEORGIA VOICE’S
BEST OF ATLANTA: ALL-STAR WINNERS AFTER HOURS: FLEX SPAS A Best Of winner both in 2017 and 2018, Flex once again makes it to the top of our list. If you are looking for a place to relax your weary bones (or not relax, up to you), it looks like Flex gets top marks from the after-hours set in Atlanta. Though there have been multiple name changes and close calls for this “gay men’s social club”, this legendary site has been open for business for over forty years boasting a myriad of facilities like saunas, jacuzzis, a gym, room rentals, and even events ranging from Easter Sunday BBQs to Thanksgiving buffets that keep patrons coming back for more. “I’m proud. We’ve got great customer service, and we work with the community, so people tend to frequent places that are not just out for profit,” Chris Menche, GM of Flex mused. If you’re not a member, you might want to think about joining as it looks like Flex’s future is going to be pretty bright. “By next year I want to expand. We’ve needed an update for 30 years. It’s time to change.” Menche is looking to introduce new technologies to keep up with times and change the overall impression of his industry. “We are trying to move away from the negative stigma attached to the bathhouse into a more socially accepted business.” The establishment has seen its share of shaky periods in Atlanta’s gay history and is still considered an important part of the culture as customers continue to visit this after-hours hot spot. BAR: ATLANTA EAGLE This popular watering hole has won everything from Best Dance Floor and Best Niche Bar to Best Place To Meet Men, and why not? It seems like there’s something for everyone at the Atlanta Eagle. First opening its doors in 1985, the bar has survived many different 16 Best of Atlanta March 27, 2020
Marco Penna gave some quick words about how their business has grown. “We’ve progressively been getting better. Our goal was to get everybody back in this bar.” And they’ve done just that, by hosting weekly charity drag shows and events that historically bring out over 10,000 patrons. What’s next? Penna says that they are planning a big party to celebrate their upcoming second anniversary of their grand opening.
Clockwise from above left: Midtown Moon, Atlanta Eagle, and Chef Deborah VanTrece. (Photos via Facebook)
incarnations, and 33 years later, we have today’s Atlanta Eagle, located right in the middle of everything on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Owner Richard Ramey stepped in to take over in 1997 and ever since has strived to keep up the bar’s legacy and longevity. “There [are] very few places that you can go and be your true self and not be judged for it,” Ramey says. Before taking over, Ramey was a frequent customer, and the thing that kept him coming back was how welcome he felt. “When I became the owner, I wanted to make sure that inclusion and that feeling I had had for so many years … I wanted to make sure that was always there.” This venue has traditionally been known as a leather bar (they even have a leather shop!), but according to online reviews, they are very welcoming to everyone and are popular for their approachable atmosphere and clientele, plus the drinks are cheap. New to the Eagle? Ramey suggests visiting on
Earning its second win in the Best Bar category, we’re sure it will be hard to eclipse Midtown Moon’s future success. a Saturday so you can get the full experience. BAR: MIDTOWN MOON This relatively new bar opened its doors in 2018, and since then has quickly gained prominence as a go-to spot for socializing and unwinding. This venue hosts Drag brunches on Sundays and is a frequent performance venue for the Armorettes. Owners Chris McDonald and Marco Penna purchased the disgraced Burkhart’s in April of 2018 and re-launched it as Midtown Moon about a month later. Since then, the bar has seen a rise in popularity which could be attributed to their superior hospitality management skills or the all-you-can-eat buffet every Sunday with bottomless mimosas! Or maybe it’s the atmosphere as one reviewer pointed out, they have the “best patio in Midtown.”
CHEF: DEBORAH VANTRECE Chef Deborah VanTrece’s unique take on southern soul food must be the secret that keeps our voters coming back for more! To date, she’s won countless awards, appeared on television, and opened multiple restaurants. The Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours is the third restaurant that VanTrece has opened, and it is located off of Huff Road in Atlanta. VanTrece, who’s been a resident of Atlanta for over thirty years, is considered an expert in Southern cooking, and the self-proclaimed culinary artist also feels very strongly about her love for connecting with people around food. In a 2016 Georgia Voice interview, VanTrece CONTINUES ON PAGE 17 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
GEORGIA VOICE’S BEST OF ATLANTA: ALL-STAR WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 quipped, “I felt my food was worthy of the same attention as other cuisines.” In another Georgia Voice story, Lorraine Lane, VanTrece’s wife, and beverage director mused, “[VanTrece] just always enjoyed preparing foods that make people feel good. There’s nothing really simple about Deborah’s food, but it’s definitely good.” After hearing about her win, the chef herself shared, “I am overjoyed by this acknowledgment! It is an honor to be recognized by my community.” Where will VanTrece’s passion take her next? She told Georgia Voice back in 2016, “I’d like the opportunity to cook on great scales. Maybe do the Oscars.” We tip our hat to the chef and wish her many more accolades in the future. ENTERTAINERS: THE ARMORETTES 1979 was the year the Walkman was released, Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister, and the Armorettes began performing their “campy” drag shows, to the delight of the Atlanta public! “Our mission is to raise money for multiple charities through our drag performances, and we always strive to put on the best show possible,” stated Armorettes Chair Ally Yankadic. These Best Of veterans most recently won the award for “Best Drag Show” in 2017 and 2018. It seems like you all can’t get enough of this group’s charitable antics, but who can blame you since one can be entertained while helping raise donations for people with HIV and HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, The Armorettes have raised over $2.3 million from the donations of the audience members and event attendees. It’s the best kind of win-win. Yankadic added, “It’s amazing to think how many people have been Armorettes over the years and to look at the great work that they continue to do even after leaving the group.” As far as what’s in store for the future, Ally stated, “We want to continue entertaining each week and get to our next milestone of TheGeorgiaVoice.com
were like, ‘Hey, how about we pass out some cups of water or something?’” Saint Mark began hosting support groups and doing Meals On Wheels-style outreach for those affected by AIDS. Their second year of being water-bearers, their positive presence grew. Above left: The Armorettes. Above right: Justin Ziegler. (Photos via Twitter)
$2.4 million, hopefully later this year!” Be sure to catch the Armorettes at Midtown Moon every Sunday or at their monthly Saturday show at Heretic. BUSINESS PERSON: JUSTIN ZIEGLER This Atlanta real estate guru is a constant winner on our Best Of lists and for good reason. Not only is he successful at work, but he also uses his spare time to help change people’s lives for the better. His business supports GLAAD, the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and Atlanta Pride. “It’s such an honor to be recognized for excellence within my community, and I am so proud to run a company where we can all work and live authentic and genuine lives,” Justin said of his most recent win. Common Ground Real Estate was established in 2011 as a subsidiary of PalmerHouse Properties, and Ziegler was uniquely primed to lead the new venture toward becoming an important fixture in the Decatur community and around the greater Atlanta area. He must be doing a fantastic job since they have an average five-star review on Google. So, what’s in the works for
the burgeoning real estate tycoon? He’s getting cozy with his partner and turning the tables as he pursues homeownership himself. “My partner and I are under contract on a mid-century modern home that we will also be renovating, and there are definitely some big steps forward we will be making together in our relationship.” CHURCH: SAINT MARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH When Atlanta Pride was more a march than parade, it traversed down Peachtree, between a “very conservative Southern Baptist church” and Saint Mark United Methodist Church. One of the churches treated marchers with hatred and disdain, putting protestors out front and even letting out early on Pride Sunday specifically “so gays wouldn’t defile their property.” “Our church, a smaller, more intimate congregation, saw that happen a few years in a row,” said Josh Noblitt, associate pastor and minister of social justice and pastoral care for Saint Mark. “Some of the members
“They had little signs that said, ‘Everybody’s welcome in Saint Mark’ that were in direct contrast to the signs across the street that said, ‘You’re sinners,’” Noblitt said. “Those two things over a couple of years really changed the demographic of our congregation.” Today, Noblitt said the church considers Pride Sunday “to be one of our Holy Days just like Christmas and Easter because it is part of who we are as a congregation now.” Saint Mark’s new pastor, Rev. Dana Everhart, told Georgia Voice he’s proud of the church and all it’s done to carry the banner for the LGBTQ community. “I pledge we will continue to do so and help other churches and their congregations to move into that same loving ministry of support in the days and months to come,” he said. NON-PROFIT: LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH Next year, Lost-n-Found Youth will celebrate a decade of helping thousands of LGBTQ youth in Atlanta who face homelessness and financial uncertainty. CONTINUES ON PAGE 18 March 27, 2020 Best of Atlanta 17
GEORGIA VOICE’S BEST OF ATLANTA: ALL-STAR WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 In the beginning, it was headed by Rick Westbrook and a group of friends who responded to the emerging need for housing and job security. “The problem was getting worse, and there were no organizations that were specifically or even in an intentional way [addressing this],” said Nasheeda Muhammad, co-executive director. “We started as a group of concerned people offering rooms in their homes for kids who didn’t have anywhere to go.”
Though the Pool Party remains the largest fundraising event for Joining Hearts, the organization also hosts Love on the Rocks, Change of Seasons, and the Wish List Party, at which beneficiaries are presented with their donations for the year.
Lost-n-Found is known for its thrift shop, which evolved in a similarly organic fashion over the years as community members donated items to help youth in their first homes. “Rather than letting it sit and collect dust, we can use it to raise money for the mission,” Muhammad said.
Above left: Atlanta Pride. Above right: Activist Jeff Graham. (Photos via Facebook)
Today, an estimated 900 to 1,500 LGBTQ youth are homeless on Atlanta’s streets, and Muhammad is determined to end the problem.
of the work we do and feel gratitude to the people who came before me,” she said. “We have a focus of celebration, of safe space and creating community, and a focus of remembering history and bringing visibility to the work that still needs to be done.”
“It’s an amazing feeling, getting to see these youth go, in a six-month period, from desperate and destitute to ‘Hey, I’m moving into my new apartment. Can I go into the thrift store and get some new furniture?’” she said. “To know that the community is not only able to see our work in action, but the community is recognizing us for that, not just for their votes for Georgia Voice, but the continued support of the thrift store and donations … it feels really good.”
Atlanta Pride’s origins go back to 1970 when a group of Atlantans gathered to commemorate the Stonewall uprising. The next year, they held a march down Peachtree Street, which evolved to become part of today’s parade route. Though the Pride parade and festival is its largest and most well-known event, Atlanta Pride is active throughout the year with other opportunities.
LGBTQ EVENT: ATLANTA PRIDE Jamie Fergerson, executive director of Atlanta Pride, has a pivotal moment that stands out from her first parade. “When you round the corner at 10th and Peachtree and you’re in the middle of the parade, and you see the full force of our community, as well as the full force of the protestors … I can’t help but feel the gravity 18 Best of Atlanta March 27, 2020
“My favorite is our community grants program. We also give out micro-grants to organizations in the community to do their work,” Fergerson said. Fergerson said the recognition over the years by Georgia Voice readers is wonderful for the organization, but it’s truly recognition for Atlanta Pride’s volunteers. “We’re still almost an all-volunteer organization,”
they said. “I see that as recognition of the importance of our work and our community: to build community; to build the space that we share with each other.” HIV/AIDS EVENT: JOINING HEARTS Going on 33 years ago, a group of LGBTQ Atlantans planned a poolside potluck to benefit a friend in the community who was living with AIDS. “They had lost their job; they were going to lose their home,” said David Elsea, director of communications for Joining Hearts. “Over time it just grew into this thing that like, ‘Hey, there’s more people that this affects that need help in various ways. So every year, the party grew and more people started supporting and donating.” Eventually, the organizers chose to formalize their group as Joining Hearts, and the Pool Party became the signature event for its mission to support several local LGBTQ organizations. More than $1 million were raised thus far for AID Atlanta, Lost-nFound Youth, Jerusalem House, Hope ATL and Project Open Hand.
“Some people think we’re party planners, but no, your money’s actually going to a cause. … We are, at the end of the day, 100 percent about the community and supporting others in everything that we do. We raise funds to give funds away,” Elsea said. “For people to say, ‘Hey, I see what you’re doing and this is great,’ it feels good to know that we are making a difference.” ACTIVIST: JEFF GRAHAM While still a fresh-faced college kid in the mid ’80s, Jeff Graham was already on a mission to fight for equal rights, leading the charge on issues related to LGBTQ and AIDS. Now, he’s the Executive Director of Georgia Equality where he’s using his platform to influence change right here in Atlanta. Graham has won many accolades for his activism, including being listed in Atlanta Magazine’s 55 Most Powerful People in The City list, and has served as Grand Marshal of the Pride Parade multiple times. “It’s nice after all these years to [still be] relevant and effective because that’s what means the most to me,” Graham remarked when we reached out to him about his most recent Best of Atlanta win. Over the course of a quick conversation, we uncovered a moment that has CONTINUES ON PAGE 19 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
GEORGIA VOICE’S BEST OF ATLANTA: ALL-STAR WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 stayed with Graham as one of his proudest. Back in 2016, he and his organization were able to put together the Georgia Unity Against Discrimination campagin, which utlized an unprecedented amount of teamwork and mobilization with members within the Atlanta LGBTQ community, faith leaders, and the business community to get the governor to veto the controversial “religious freedom” legislation. “That’s what, most recently, I really am very, very proud of.” With all of his years of experience, it’s a wonder he hasn’t lost his drive, but Graham continues to be vocal and essential in leading efforts against inequality and injustice for the LGBTQ community in Atlanta and beyond. ACTIVIST: LINDA ELLIS Linda Ellis is a longtime advocate for the Atlanta LGBTQ community’s health and wellness. Over her career, she’s been involved with numerous organizations that helped to promote LGBTQ initiatives. “I think we can legitimately call homophobia a health hazard,” Ellis remarked at a fundraiser back in 2012. She’s even had the privilege of visiting the White House, recognized for her efforts in promoting health in the LGBTQ community by Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative in 2012. The organization she’s donated most of her time to is The Phillip Rush Center. She had been Executive Director since 2008, but stepped down last year after 17 years at the post. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have worked alongside me to increase Atlanta’s LGBTQ community’s access to health and social services,” Ellis stated in her resignation announcement letter.
Above left: Actor’s Express’ “The Brothers Size.” Above right: Activist Linda Ellis. (Photos via Facebook)
home was a church basement on Clairmont Road, then the Inman Park location that now houses Dad’s Garage. In 1994, the theater company settled in King Plow Arts Center.
to Piedmont BARK, it doesn’t always have to be. Piedmont BARK (located on Amsterdam Avenue in Midtown) is the most loved and trusted dog destination in Atlanta.
The theater aims to express “contemporary human experiences,” and is noted for its willingness to direct works that include themes of sexuality, coming of age, and the LGBTQ experience. Actor’s Express became known as the LGBTQ-inclusive place to see provocative and edgy works, including the musical “Spring Awakening” and nudity-embracing “Equus” – which was noted on Broadway and in London when actor Daniel Radcliffe played the title role.
Welcoming four-legged friends of all breeds and ages since the Fall of 2002, this organization has been rated Best of Atlanta’s Dog Daycare (2017-2019), Best of Atlanta’s Dog Supply (2018-2019) and Best of Atlanta’s Dog Grooming (2015, 2018-2019).
“Angels in America,” a powerful seven-hourlong show about the AIDS crisis, hit the AE stage in 2018, and the most recent season began last September with the comedy “Skintight” and thriller “Downstairs.”
Though she’s won this award many times in the past, and she’s chosen not to comment this year, we’re sure her future endeavors will be met with even more accolades and recognition.
Actor’s Express is also a theater career launchpad. In addition to shows, it hosts classes and has an annual intern program for aspiring actors, directors, and stage managers.
THEATER: ACTOR’S EXPRESS Nonprofit theater Actor’s Express started making a name for itself in 1988. Its first
PET BOARDING/SUPPLIES: PIEDMONT BARK Life with fur babies can be ruff … but thanks
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For nearly two decades, Piedmont BARK has been an amazing facility for canine companions to socialize for a few hours, play all day, or even stay overnight. William Campbell, owner and founder of Piedmont BARK, came up with the idea for this Doggy Disneyland based on his own situation at home. “What made me interested in the concept of doggy daycare, which was pretty nonexistent in 2002, was my worry that if I began working in a corporate setting I would have to leave my dalmatian Sebastian home alone,” Campbell says. “I wanted to create a unique doggy playground that could meet the needs of Midtown pet owners like myself where all dogs would be comfortable to come into.”
Today (nearly two decades later) this thriving facility serves as a second home for thousands of pups of various breeds, ages, and sizes between two buildings. Piedmont BARK boasts six spacious, fresh air-cooled and heated indoor play areas, more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exercise and play areas and private/secured clean kennels for sleeping and eating. Additional amenities include a walk-in doit-yourself full-service dog wash, a large simulated indoor park-like setting with trees/ park benches/river rock/stack-stone walls and columns, plenty of natural and artificial light, and a large colorful mural wall featuring a scene from Atlanta’s own Piedmont Park. Most importantly, Piedmont BARK is fully staffed with an experienced team dedicated to the welfare and well-being of your canine family member. Mary M. of Dunwoody proudly utilizes the services at Piedmont BARK each time she flies out of town. “My dog Milo loves it here! Just when I feel guilty about leaving town and leaving him for a few days, I remember he actually loves having a little stay-cation. Everyone takes such great care of my baby while I’m gone.” “Animals have always been our children in the LGBTQ community,” Campbell expresses. “So when they’re in our care, they’re our extended family.” There have been rumors of Piedmont BARK CONTINUES ON PAGE 20 March 27, 2020 Best of Atlanta 19
GEORGIA VOICE’S BEST OF ATLANTA: ALL-STAR WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 expanding in the near future, with a daycareonly facility. “The community, specifically the gay community, has supported my business since day one,” Campbell says. In the meantime, Campbell shows his gratitude by reinvesting at least $10,000 annually to local charitable causes. RESTAURANT: CAMPAGNOLO & HENRY’S MIDTOWN TAVERN Its name means ‘peasant’ in Italian, but this charming eatery falls nothing short of rich … with its wealth of bucolic bites, its abundance of Old World beverages, and its seemingly never-ending wine selection. Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar (quaintly situated in the 10th and Piedmont area) opened its doors to the Midtown Atlanta community in 2012 and has repeatedly been voted Best Romantic Restaurant and Best Italian Restaurant for nearly a dozen years. Owner Maureen Kalmanson proclaims, “The focus is on rustic, Italian cuisine where everyone is treated like family.” Also owned by Kalmanson is Henry’s Midtown Tavern, a Mediterraneaninfused Italian establishment that is also home to one of Midtown’s most flourishing patios.
a counter service dessert, sandwich, and coffee cafe. This neighborhood hangout (which is one of the newest additions to the Metrotainment roster) is a perfect place to enjoy quality food in a cozy atmosphere. Above left: Henry’s Midtown Tavern (Photo via Facebook). Above right: Boy Next Door Menswear’s new owner Bill Garner (l) and store manager Rocky Carroll. (File photo)
to construct Midtown’s biggest deck as a gathering place to dine, drink, and socialize. Much of the materials used at Henry’s (named after owner Maureen Kalmanson’s dog) were extracted from the building’s renovation and, believe it or not, from tobacco barns in North Georgia and North Carolina. Mingled with recycled industrial pipe lighting, this venue is worth venturing out to for food and drinks no matter what the occasion (oh and did we mention they do brunch BIG here).
Grayson R., a resident of the Virginia Highlands, is quite enamored with Campagnolo. “It’s totally a fun atmosphere with amazing service and great food. When we’re looking for something to remind us of home, we go to Campagnolo.”
“The outdoor area is fantastic,” Stephanie Y. of Marietta boasts. “I love to visit this place for a refreshing drink and a nice bowl of gouda mac & cheese. Doesn’t get any better than that!”
This establishment, with its intimate interior and warm bar, is a hot spot seven nights a week (with live music on Fridays and Saturdays) and an extremely popular meeting place for brunch on the weekends. Henry’s Midtown Tavern (located on bustling 10th street in Midtown) made its artful appearance to Atlanta in 2013 and has since been recognized as Atlanta’s Best Patio (20152016) and Atlanta’s Best Brunch (2018).
Henry’s Midtown Tavern, also acknowledged today as a great gastropub, boasts a colorful menu of burgers, wings, tacos, steak, and salmon … along with some to-die-for cocktails.
The tree-lined corner of 10th Street and Juniper was the inspiration for the owner 20 Best of Atlanta March 27, 2020
RESTAURANT: METROTAINMENT CAFES Comedian Robin Williams fondly remembers his mother saying, “the world is a wonderful place, rainbows, and unicorns.” Thanks to one food service company in Atlanta, the world can appear as just that.
Metrotainment Cafes has been around since 1991 but may be more recognized today by its cluster of individual eateries including: Einstein’s, Joe’s on Juniper, Hudson Grille, Sugar Shack, and Metrotainment Bakery. Einstein’s (located on Juniper and just a few feet away from Piedmont Park) was one of the first of the Metrotainment venues to open its doors. Einstein’s has been a popular place for nearly three decades, serving up southern fare and creative drinks … along with what they call their “infamous bloody mary bar.” Joe’s on Juniper has (according to the Metrotainment clan themselves) Atlanta’s best patio, most attractive waitstaff, and best bar food all in one place. They’ve also got some terrific trivia in fact, as Creative Loafing, Fenuxe, and Southern Voice all selected Joe’s for Atlanta’s Best Trivia. Hudson Grille is the largest of operations under the Metrotainment umbrella, boasting six locations across Atlanta with a seventh slated to open soon in Little 5 Points. This jumpin’ joint is preferred by ATLiens not only for their gameday classics, but also for their healthy, local, and gluten-free options not found at any other sports bar (can you say cauliflower buffalo wings?). Sugar Shack (located in the Brookhaven Station shopping center on Peachtree) is
Metrotainment Bakery in West Midtown has been dishing out baked goods and sweet treats to the Atlanta metro area via its cafes since 1997, and was touted as Best of Atlanta’s Bakeries in 2019 as well as 2020. This sweet spot is well-known for its confections (such as that bold and beautiful rainbow cake!) California native Philip E. raves about his visit to this sweet shop. “I dropped by Metrotainment one weekend while visiting family in Atlanta and liked it so much I flew home with an entire rainbow cake to bring home to my family because they needed to get in on all the goodness.” CLOTHING: BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR When it comes to pool parties or intimate gatherings in the bedroom, one extravagant emporium in Midtown is hardly the new kid on the block. Nestled on Piedmont near Monroe (just past the entrance to the Botanical Garden) lies Boy Next Door Menswear, a unique landmark, fully stocked with appealing apparel and undergarments. Established in 1980, this boy-strous boutique specializes in on-trend casual wear, unique partywear, and is a year-round destination for men’s swimwear. The store proudly displays apparel from some of the most globally revered fashion designers like Diesel, Andrew Christian, Nasty Pig, and CONTINUES ON PAGE 21 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
GEORGIA VOICE’S BEST OF ATLANTA: ALL-STAR WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 2EROS … so it’s no wonder Boy Next Door has been chosen as Best of Atlanta’s Clothing Stores for multiple years (2012, 2017-2019). Boy Next Door came under new ownership in 2017, when Peach state native, Bill Garner, a loyal customer since the store opened, pounced on the opportunity to purchase this staple of gay Atlanta fashion along with Store Manager/Buyer, Rocky Carroll and men’s fashion importer, Kathy Hawkins. Rocky continues to revolutionize the store by assuring that Atlanta is availed of the world’s best fashion from independent designers who are focused on the boutique experience. Rocky stated, “It is important that the brands we select have a reputation for quality and responsible manufacturing. We also want to assure the best buying experience for anyone who enters our doors.” Bill is ecstatic to now to have Rocky and his staff leading the store into the future of fashion, technology and keeping pace with the evolving demands of the LGBTQ and changing midtown community. Assistant Community Director and Morningside resident Cameron F. loves Boy Next Door. “There’s always something fun to find there, along with great underwear. I’m always looking for that next ‘Say something!’ pair of underwear, and this store never disappoints!” GIFT SHOP: BRUSHSTROKES PLEASURES For the sixth year in a row, one Midtown novelty shop remains a masterpiece among the LGBTQ community: Brushstrokes. This adult bookstore and gift shop (residing in the Ansley Square Shopping Center) has been serving up gag gifts and sexually charged paraphernalia since 1989 and was selected again in 2020 as Best of Atlanta’s Adult Gift Store. “We began this store in a tiny hallway space on Highland Avenue with greeting cards, T-shirts and a tanning bed,” co-owner Mark Jackson admits. Since then, “We have expanded and moved it three times, and now occupy 4,500 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
Above left: Brushstroke’s Pleasures (Photo via Facebook). Above right: Barking Leather. (Courtesy photo)
square feet of retail space in two stores.” Today Brushstrokes carries a myriad of merchandise including apparel, lingerie, adult DVDs, magazines, greeting cards, sex toys, and erotica. The store’s owners have recognized the growth of our LGBTQ community and have continued to evolve and cater to its ardent clientele. Jaysen M., a bartender at one of Buckhead’s most popular establishments, has frequented Brushstrokes for several years. “Not only do they have sexy underwear and toys, but they’ve also got this fantastic assortment of items that can bring the bedroom vibe from 0 to 20 in the blink of an eye,” Jaysen says. Brushstrokes continues to give back to local organizations (such as Jerusalem House and P.A.L.S.) to express their gratitude for our LGBTQ community. LIQUOR: TOWER BEER, WINE & SPIRITS For three years in a row, one alcohol emporium continues to stand taller than others across the City-of-71-Peachtree-Streets: Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits (also recognized as the “Best of Atlanta” by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, INsite Magazine, FENUXE Magazine, and Creative Loafing). Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits (originally
Tower Package Store) opened its doors many moons ago in 1948, when brothers Irwin and Michael Greenbaum set out to make a big splash in the beverage industry on the heels of the prohibition repeal of 1938.
Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits is widely known today as a reliable source for its bountiful selections of wine, scotch, and whiskey, as well as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Hispanic beverages. LEATHER: BARKING LEATHER When it comes to the Best of Atlanta’s Adult Novelty Stores, one shop, in particular, is more bark than bite (or is it?!).
During that era, the State of Georgia set all product pricing, and stores were required to sell their items at the exact same price, so Irwin resolved to distinguish their shop through superior customer service.
Barking Leather, which originally opened its doors off Cheshire Bridge Road more than six years ago, set up its new shop just feet from Brushstrokes Pleasures and other LGBTQ-owned businesses in the Ansley neighborhood in September of 2019.
Brother Michael concurred with the strategy. “Our goal is always superior service and for success, this must be provided at every level; on the sales floor of our store, with the cashier, and even in the parking lot,” Greenbaum says.
Owner Ray Stewart strategically planned the move of his store just in time for Pride weekend last year, because he knew the new store would be an “easier location, [with] easier access, [and] a lot more parking.”
When the “one price” law changed in 1967, Tower became a “discount” liquor and beverage store. The discount pricing was so successful that the number of stores multiplied briskly, and Tower became a household name across the Peach State.
Voted Best Adult Novelty Store two years in a row, Barking Leather specializes in a slew of seductive adult leather clothing and accessories including their own line of pants, kilts, uniform shirts, uniform pants, bar vests, long sleeve shirts, sleeveless shirts, and t-shirts. Since much of their merchandise is actually handmade, patrons can order custom-fitted pieces.
Brent E., an active military instructor and avid visitor of Atlanta, divulges that Tower is always a pit stop upon arriving in town (and before heading back to his home in Birmingham). “It’s nice to drop in at Tower because I can count on finding what I’m looking for … from European vodka to local whiskey to the newest craft beers of for the season,” Brent says. “Oh, and their customer service is fast and furious. You are in and outta there quickly!”
Mall Retail Store Manager Tony G. highly recommends this boutique. “They’ll make custom pieces for anyone, and they’re always very helpful,” he says. “Their stuff is definitely top-notch construction and a great value.” Barking Leather also hoards a horde of novelty items such as floggers, whips, nipple play, cock rings, restraints, and much more. March 27, 2020 Best of Atlanta 21
JIM FARMER ACTING OUT
Atlanta Plays Halt to COVID-19 Fears It was gearing up to be a grand season of theater in the ATL until – it wasn’t. Concern over the COVID-19 virus has forced all metro Atlanta theater companies to close temporarily and put a hold on their shows, many of which were mid-run. Most theaters shut down on their own, but a mandate by Atlanta’s Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms last week made it official that theaters and performing venues had to close.
“Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience” PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Some of those productions include Out Front Theatre Company’s gay-themed “warplay,” Actor’s Express’ “The Brother Size” – written by Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney – and Theatrical Outfit’s “Indecent.” All three companies had already opened their respective shows. Affected, too, was Aurora Theatre’s “On Your Feet!,” a musical detailing the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and 7 Stages’ upcoming queer-themed “Collective Rage: A Play In 5 Betties.” Serenbe Playhouse, too, decided not to stage its version of the gaythemed “Spring Awakening.” Almost every Atlanta company was affected. Broadway in Atlanta had to pull its musical “Miss Saigon” while Onstage Atlanta had to cancel its version of “Disaster! The Musical” and postpone its “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.” The Alliance Theatre announced that it was scrapping all performances for the spring. The shows that were affected are “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience,” “In My Granny’s Garden,” “53% Of ’ and “Sweat” as well as the Festival of New Works. The virus has forced other performing companies to shutter plans as well. Atlanta Opera had to cancel the closing weekend performances of its acclaimed “Porgy and Bess.” What happens to the rest of the season remains to be seen. Some shows are sadly gone and not likely to come back while others could return for a later date. Ann-Carol Pence, Aurora’s associate producer and co-founder, is hopeful 22 Acting Out March 27, 2020
“On Your Feet!” will come back. “We left our set up for it hoping to return just where we left off,” she says. “We’d love to see it back up and running in May.” So far, Broadway in Atlanta has not canceled its upcoming run of the smash “Hamilton,” scheduled to open March 31. Its Atlanta run – through May 2 – is one of the company’s longest. Shows scheduled for late April, early May, and beyond are – for the time being – still planned. Atlanta Opera, for instance, is still hopeful of staging “Madama Butterfly” in May while Serenbe is gearing up for the comedy drama “Steel Magnolias’ and the musical “Kinky Boots.” Out Front is hopeful that it can still stage its version of the classic “The Boys in the Band,” set for a late April opening. If those dates do not work, the company has some flexibility about mounting the production another time. In the interim, some companies have taken to streaming their product. Out Front has filmed “warplay” and is offering it on its website through March 29, says Paul Conroy,
the company’s artistic director. Conroy saw the news about what was going on and reached out to the playwright for permission. He was lucky, he says, that none of the actors in “warplay” were Equity. “We got permissions and were able to film and stream it,” he says. “We are also looking at the possibility of putting some past shows online as well.” The Alliance’s “Naked Mole Rat” is also available for streaming through March 29 and its version of “In My Granny’s Garden” will be available soon.
MORE INFO “Warplay” http://outfronttheatre.com/event/warplay/ Streaming through March 29 “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience” https://alliancetheatre.org/ production/2019-20/naked-mole-rat-getsdressed-the-rock-experience Streaming through March 29 “In My Granny’s Garden” Coming soon https://alliancetheatre.org/ production/2019-20/my-grannys-garden
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ARTS SPOTLIGHT
Hamilton Play Returns Amid Global Pandemic
Jim Farmer
When “Hamilton” made its Atlanta debut at the Fox Theatre a few years ago, it became one of the greatest touring show successes in local history, selling out every performance. But its planned return has been overshadowed by the Coronavirus pandemic affecting all plays worldwide. Still, it’s impact on its audience has been overwhelming to say the least. Out actor Paul Oakley Stovall, who stars at George Washington in the Tony Award-winning musical, has been part of the show for 20 months now. He auditioned six times over the years for it before nailing the role. He trained at the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University in Chicago where his focus was plays. “They didn’t have a musical theater department,” he recalls. “My goal was to a serious August Wilson type actor.” After he graduated his acting career was going well and he rode along with a show to New York.
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It wasn’t a success, however, and he found himself in New York with his Midwestern sensibilities not syncing up, working in retrial. His life went a different direction after he volunteered for a political event. “My life was completely changed. I wound up working for President Obama for seven years.” Stovall worked a year as a press lead for Obama and then for six years as an advance staff lead and media logistics coordinator for First Lady Michelle Obama. He didn’t see himself coming back to acting, but a plum role in “Hamilton” altered that mindset.
Playing an iconic figure has its challenges. “Everyone knows George Washington when they come to see the show. Some may feel it’s an anchor they can lean in on. It’s pressure but an honor. I feel like the best I can do is be myself and look for similarities. All you can do as an actor is look for things that match up and go from there.”
The first time he saw the show himself, Stovall was working with Bernie Sanders. “He was seeing it, and I was off to the side with the Secret Service,” he says. “I felt like I was bearing witness to something new, but the show will fly past you are if you are not focused.” He has his own opinion as to why the show has become such a blockbuster. “What (creator) LinManuel Miranda has done is create something very traditional that is at the core of American reality. You have your conflicting hero, you have your father figure – think ‘Star Wars’ or ‘The Wizard of Oz’ – and three companions who travel along with them, one or two of them who may perish. You have his adversary, his enemy. The structure of the story has a romantic side but it hits at the core right back to Greek mythology. It is dressed up in modern language and period costumes so people can relate to it. The music is very modern but there are traditional musical theater ballads. There is something for everyone. We all see ourselves on stage and when you
accomplish that you have a show that can go on for a while.” Yet Stovall is also aware that the musical has legions of LGBTQ followers. He feels LGBTQ audiences can relate to the central character. “There’s the outcast who has to find his way against all odds. We very much relate to that. We have to make it through society with our own resources, with our own band of community. We find our tribe.” Stovall is also a playwright and as an actor has appeared in such films as Robert Altman’s “The Company” and John Cameron Mitchell’s “Shortbus.”
MORE INFO “Hamilton” Fox Theatre courtesy of Broadway Across America Times: To Be Determined, original times: March 31 – May 2
March 27, 2020 Arts Spotlight 23
CLIFF BOSTOCK EATING MY WORDS
Epidemic Eating Spend, tip, donate, volunteer, and don’t panic
America is not a country known around the world for having a big heart. Thus, a public health crisis of the magnitude we’re seeing right now stands to devastate the lives of people who, in any other prosperous economy, could confidently rely on a social safety net. At this writing, the US Senate is debating a bill that would temporarily help Americans, but is being rightly opposed by Democrats because the bill will once again offer socialism to corporations and the rich while the rest of us depend on the kindness of strangers.
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24 Eating My Words March 27, 2020
Among those suffering most in Atlanta are members of Atlanta’s huge hospitality industry. It is utterly crushing to watch all the city’s restaurants and bars close, leaving their mainly hourly staffs without income. Pardon my stereotyping, but I think we all know gay people are a huge part of this industry. There are two things we can all do to help. One is patronizing restaurants that remain open for takeout, delivery, and curb pickup. The other is to support industry employees directly through donations. It appears that most restaurants are offering takeout options. There are several websites keeping track of availability, but things are changing so rapidly from day to day, you can’t be certain without calling a restaurant to confirm. Also, be aware that takeout menus often don’t include the full menu. Still, the best websites I’ve found for up-todate listings are atlanta.eater.com and atldish. com. Check out #AtlRestaurantsUnite.com on Instagram and Twitter. The following are a few places I especially recommend for some diversity: the new Buena Vida and Sol for Spanish-style small plates (buenavidatapas.com), the brand-new and wonderfully quirky Little Bear in Summerhill (littlebearatl.com), Southern Belle and Georgia Boy (southernbelleatl.com), the Malaysian Food Terminal in West Midtown and Chamblee (foodterminal.com), the cheap
and homey Eats (eatsonponce.net), Jen Chan’s Chinese and Southern cooking (jenchans. com), BoccaLupo for the best Italian-American in town (boccalupoatl.com), VietVana for stellar Vietnamese in Decatur (vietvana. com), the very Southern-twisted Twisted Soul (twistedsoulcookhouseandpours), and the broadly obsessive Popeyes on Boulevard (popeyes.com). I am authorizing restaurant employees to stab the tires of people who use a drive-through but don’t tip. Also, be aware that a lot of food does not carry well. Sitting in a box can quickly steam food into an unpleasant state. Feel free to ask any restaurant you contact how they handle this. (You might want to stick to cold dishes or meals frozen ahead.) Many places also offer alcoholic beverages to go now. Please drink. A lot. If a restaurant beyond the city limits allows inside dining, do not! Seriously, don’t be an idiot. There are many ways to help unemployed restaurant workers and owners. You can buy gift cards from many restaurants. You can donate food or cash to Meals in Heels, which is distributing free meals 4-7 p.m. Fridays outside Felix’s (404-249-7899) in Ansley Square. AtlDish, mentioned above, maintains a list of GoFundMe requests and gift-card offers. Families may find help through Children of Restaurant Employees, which has been around since 2004 (coregives.org). Staplehouse, the luxury restaurant that was created to support the Giving Kitchen, has announced plans at this writing to provide 50 free meals daily to unemployed workers (staplehouse.com). The Giving Kitchen was created several years ago specifically to provide financial assistance to restaurant people in crisis. With a proven track record, it is a good choice for general donations (thegivingkitchen.org). Every penny you donate, spend, or tip will help. Last Saturday I walked to Grant Central Pizza in Grant Park, knocked on their windows, ordered two slices, and wandered over to the park to graze with my hand sanitizer – two hours before dinner. This is a great time to eat without restraint. Your gluttony benefits others. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
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MELISSA CARTER THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
Don’t Care How, I Want It Now! Veruca Salt sang that line right before she plummeted down the “bad egg” chute in the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” As I reflect on our current situation, I realize that the coronavirus crisis that surrounds us now is also a great opportunity to slow down our pace and realize just how much we’ve had in common with that bratty young girl.
SCREENGRAB PHOTO
I’m a proud part of Generation X, a seemingly forgotten wedge between Boomers and Millennials. Prior to us all is the Greatest Generation, termed as such because of all that group experienced from the Great Depression to World War 2. Despite the fact that Xer’s grew up with the threat of a Russian nuclear attack, faced AIDS as we were first exploring our sexuality, experienced 9/11 while getting a foothold into our careers, and now a pandemic as we settle into our middle years, the lessons from previous struggles haven’t quite tattooed themselves fully onto our decisions.
don’t get them at that pace our patience is so razor thin we lose our tempers.
For instance, my parents were part of that great generation and never fell victim to credit card debt or living outside of their means. That’s because they experienced rationing things for half their lives, and kept the habit of sacrificing just enough to keep them clothed and fed for the rest of their lives. My mother, Millie Pete, is almost 91-years-old and still financially takes care of herself without any help from her children. I know that has everything to do with those lean times.
This is an opportunity to remind ourselves of patience, that we must do our part for the greater good – whatever that pace needs to be. Turn off the news that makes you panic, appreciate the extra time you get to have with loved ones, and find joy in the fact you don’t have to worry about comfort. If our small but mighty generation is to be considered great, it’s in what we do with the lessons we learn from this. Yes, we will get beyond the virus and it is my hope that we’ll be a better people for it. If not, then much like Miss Salt we’ll slip back onto a downward cycle that will only lead to the garbage bin.
My generation has had the privilege of technology, a technology with an evergrowing sophistication that comes at lightning speed. We have the comforts our parents and grandparents could only dream of, but for us the result is greed. Despite all we are able to achieve we want things even faster, and if we 26 Columnist March 27, 2020
VERUCA SALT
You can’t grow stronger without struggle, something to resist you as you attempt to move forward. We understand that concept at the gym but not with our habits. I see people complain about social distancing and our isolation, yet all we have been asked to do is stay home. With our TV’s, dishwasher, laundry, toilets, showers, pets, and family. I use Instacart to have my groceries delivered, so I am not without food. What in the hell are you complaining about?
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’
Was Andrew Gillum Closeted or Conspired Against? A set of inexplicable toes may wind up saving Andrew Gillum’s marriage and political career. The Democrat who almost became Florida’s governor in 2018 was naked and comatose on the floor of a Miami hotel in what were essentially crime scene photos chronicling the death of Gillum’s hopes for national office; but the images seem to contradict the narrative of the police report from the March 12 incident. I was agnostic toward Gillum’s potential as a progressive leader, but was saddened and disappointing to read headlines announcing his presence at the overdose of a man who was using crystal meth. Men and meth in a hotel room instinctively caused many people to assume Gillum, who is married to a woman and the father of three young children, was closeted and attending a drugfilled gay sex party. Those gut-feelings couldn’t help but feel confirmed when, within an hour of the incident becoming news, folks learned Gillum’s companion who took too many drugs is a beefcake male escort named Travis Dyson. It seems clear that Gillum struggles with deep secrets and I don’t rule out same-sex attraction being one catalyst of his inner turmoil, but I’m reluctant to seeing him as a crystal meth user for several reasons. Superficially, I don’t want to envision such a promising and attractive man participating in the flaccid and fruitless sex of the parTyn-play scene (though crystal meth cares not how cute or charismatic someone is). More rationally, I would hate to be presumed of using – or suffering the consequences of – every drug that someone possessed or partook in while in my company, and having friends and family members who use cocaine, heroin and crack has always left me faintly concerned about how easily a police report can misconstrue a scene and its characters. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
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Miami Beach police were contacted by Aldo Mejias, a 56-year-old unlicensed doctor who provided his credit card details to Dyson to secure the hotel room. Dyson reportedly greeted Mejias upon his arrival to the party, and immediately after he opened the door Dyson collapsed on the bed and had trouble breathing. Mejias said he saw Gillum in the bathroom vomiting, and after failed attempts to stabilize Dyson or keep him conscious, Mejias called 911. The unredacted sections of the police report do not mention it, but photos released by The Daily Mail suggest Dyson and Gillum were naked when Mejias arrived.
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If Gillum was still conscious when Dyson was blacking out, whose bare foot is showing in the picture of Gillum lifeless on the hotel floor? Did the nude escort sober up enough to take a photo of Gillum once Gillum passed out? Surely Mejias did not arrive at the scene he described and decide to get undressed. Gillum’s future may be bleak due to actual circumstances or people’s interpretation of his surroundings, but the photo that many people believe is a death knell to Gillum’s political ambitions breathes life into the idea that things aren’t what they seemed. What at first read like a derailed drug orgy now looks like a calculated effort to exploit whatever unrelated secrets Gillum may harbor. March 27, 2020 Columnist 27