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GEORGIA NEWS
First openly gay candidate qualifies for Athens mayoral race Business owner Richie Knight faces off against two county commissioners for office
However, we must only be doing what we are legally bound to do, and should never go out of our way to deport Athenians with minor infractions, those who are stopped for traffic violations and nonviolent offenders,” he said. Knight also supports modeling Athens-Clarke County’s anti-discrimination ordinance after Atlanta’s Human Relations Committee. “This committee should be tasked with hearing and investigating complaints of discrimination and make recommendations on how to resolve such complaints,” he said. “From racial profiling to religious discrimination, there is no place for hate in the city of Athens. We are open for business. We are not a city open for discrimination.”
By DALLAS ANNE DUNCAN This March, business owner Richie Knight became the first openly gay candidate to qualify for office in Athens-Clarke County. “This was a surreal moment for me. It was incredible to be a part of making history in Athens,” he told Georgia Voice. “Having my partner, friends and grandmother by my side, I completed the formalities and I’m an official candidate for mayor of the fifth-largest city in Georgia.” Knight is one of three candidates vying to win the May 22 mayoral election. He’s running against Kelly Girtz and Harry Sims, both of whom hold positions on the county commission. On the issues Sims and Girtz, who did not respond to interview requests, have been characterized as conservative and progressive, respectively, with Knight falling in the middle. “Local government should be inclusive and not allow national political rhetoric to get in the way of making our community a better place,” Knight told Georgia Voice. “I’m an independent and have looked at each issue individually to develop a strategy best-suited for that issue.” Sims is Clarke County’s longest-serving commissioner, and is also a deacon at East Friendship Baptist Church. Though his website does not list specific platform points, he’s made a few while out-and-about campaigning. According to the independent Flagpole Magazine, Sims made a case for expanding services into the rural areas of Clarke County, saying that “you cannot and should not have a future plotted by those who barely appreciate where [you] live and could hardly find it on a map.” According to his website, when it comes to supporting any policies, Sims has five criteria he looks at: ensuring the county has adequate funds for it; evaluating possible pros and cons;
Openly gay candidate Richie Knight will be on the Athens-Clarke County mayoral ballot on May 22. He’s running against county commissioners Kelly Girtz and Harry Sims. (Photo courtesy Knight Campaign)
determining how many citizens will reap its benefits; looking at the wider reach of the policy; and ensuring the policy or decision is part of an overall strategy and not reactionary. Knight said he spent the past 400 days meeting with major employers, special interest groups, churches and as many voters as he could to hear their input on issues. “All of those conversations helped me realize even more that [what] we are doing now is not working. Status quo and our current local government structure are failing the people of Athens,” he said. “From day one, I have had my eyes locked on the future of Athens and developing a vision that will create a community where every citizen can thrive.” Knight originally planned to steer his mayoral platform away from social issues, but recently he began making clear statements about his stances. He told Georgia Voice he supports adopting a parallel ordinance that imposes a maximum $75 fine for possession
of up to one ounce of marijuana, and said he would like to see a tax freeze for senior citizens ages 65 and older who face income restrictions. Girtz’s platform also supports a fine option for low-level drug possession. Other major points on Girtz’s platform include expanding infrastructure and greenspace in downtown Athens to support new and developing business, and finding new ways to make Athens an area attractive to homebuyers, university graduates and larger firms. Knight’s platform also supports investing in business districts and affordable housing, developing partnerships for workforce education and focusing on smart downtown development. As the son of a Cuban immigrant, Knight also has strong beliefs on law enforcement officials working with undocumented immigrants in the community. “I would never encourage another official to disobey the law or his legal obligation.
Progressing forward “Athens is a city controlled by ‘conservative Democrats,’ although the actual citizens are very progressive,” said Antwon Stephens, an openly gay former mayoral candidate. “I sought to change that by creating a unity platform that addresses issues important to all sides, while promoting progressive, conservative ideas that were both progressive and fiscally responsible.” Stephens and Knight both made early entrances into the mayoral race, though Stephens did not make qualifying due to health complications. “Falling ill with complications from cystic fibrosis caused me to withdraw from the race and endorse my opponent, Commissioner Kelly Girtz, who has the nearest views to those I hold,” Stephens said. His fundraising dollars will partially go toward Girtz’s campaign. Stephens said if Girtz wins, the rest of the money will be donated to political organizations, nonprofits and political candidates with similar views. Should Knight or Sims be the next mayor, Stephens said funds will carry over into the next election cycle. As of Feb. 7, Stephens raised $102,396 for his campaign, far more than the other candidates. Girtz brought in $25,184 by that date, and Knight raised $20,498. According to the most recent available data for Sims, his campaign reported $3,900 in contributions as of Jan. 30.
4 News March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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GEORGIA NEWS
Anti-LGBTQ adoption bill unlikely to pass as legislative session nears end Other religious exemptions bill fails as a last-ditch effort on hate crimes waits on a vote By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Editor’s Note: Georgia Voice went to press on March 27 as Day 39 of the legislative session was wrapping up. The information below is accurate as of press time and does not reflect any actions taken on bills on the final day of the session on March 29. This year’s legislative session wasn’t without its twists and turns. It appears the LGBTQ community will escape unscathed from the passage of any religious exemptions bills, and there is still hope for hate crimes legislation to pass. What happened to that anti-LGBTQ adoption bill? All eyes were on House Bill 159 as this year’s legislative session started. The bill was an overhaul of Georgia’s adoption laws that would have likely passed in 2017 if an anti-LGBTQ provision weren’t added to it in the final days of the session. Gov. Nathan Deal and House Speaker David Ralston made it clear in-between sessions that passing the bill without the provision was a priority, and they got their wish on Jan. 10 when a Senate committee stripped the anti-LGBTQ language and it later passed in both chambers on the way to becoming law. However, as January turned to February, state Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick) — who attached the anti-LGBTQ language to HB 159 — introduced the controversial provision as its own bill. Senate Bill 375 would “allow a child-placing agency to decline or accept a referral … and decline to perform services not referred under a contract … based on the child-placing agency’s sincerely held religious beliefs.” The bill adds that the state would be prohibited from “discriminating against or causing any adverse
A rally against the anti-LGBTQ adoption bill took place on March 1 at Central Presbyterian Church. (File photo)
action” against an agency that refused to perform services based on its religious beliefs. SB 375 passed out of committee and passed in the Senate on Feb. 23, but has languished in the House ever since. The chances of the bill passing on its own are highly unlikely, as state House Judiciary Chairman Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) has made it clear he won’t bring the bill up for a hearing or a vote. But the language of SB 375 could be attached to another bill and brought before the House before the gavel falls on Sine Die. The eyes of the LGBTQ community and the state’s business interests will be on that House session until it ends. Other religious exemptions bills Georgia’s conservative leadership, led in part by state Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), has been pushing for a religious exemptions bill for years, most notably when House Bill 757 made it to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk. The governor vetoed the bill, and in 2017 neither chamber made religious exemptions a priority. Despite that, Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone) introduced Senate Bill 233, which intends to incorporate religious exemptions language into state law by reference. “He offered a clean, state version of the
federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I have certainly continued to advocate for the passage of that bill,” McKoon told Georgia Voice before this year’s session began. However, with clear orders from Deal and Ralston to leave such bills alone, it never got a hint of consideration this year and will likely fall by the wayside. A path through on hate crimes? The effort to get Georgia to join the 45 other states in the U.S. with a hate crimes law on the books started off quickly this year, with three separate such bills being introduced in the early days of the session. The most promising of these appeared to be the one introduced by state Rep. Meagan Hanson (R-Buckhead), which was filed one day after a splashy press conference at the Capitol that saw Hanson backed by Rep. Willard, crucial law enforcement groups and numerous other stakeholders. However, neither Hanson’s bill or the other two managed to get a hearing or make it past Crossover Day, leaving the effort looking bleak. But then, on March 8, the language from Hanson’s bill was attached to Senate Bill 373 — a bill that would create a new judgeship in Cobb County — which passed in the
House Judiciary Civil Committee and headed to the full House for a vote, where passage would leave it one signature from law. There was criticism of the committee for failing to include “gender identity” to bring transgender people into the fold — typically the most likely population to be victims of a hate crime. However, legal experts reviewed the case law and told Georgia Voice that the addition of “actual or perceived” gender to the bill would cover the trans community. But as of press time, the bill has still not come up for a vote. PrEP, comprehensive non-discrimination bills fail One of the greatest criticisms of religious exemptions legislation is that at the federal level, there are civil rights protections — but not at the state level in Georgia. Two bills were introduced this year, one each in the House and Senate, to address this issue but none gained any traction. And a bill introduced by queer state Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta) that would launch a three-year statewide pilot program to distribute free pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis — or PrEP — to men and women at high risk for infection never made it out of the House.
6 News March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
NEWS BRIEFS UGA football employee arrested over hidden shower cam A hidden shower camera has led to the arrest of the University of Georgia football team’s equipment manager. The alleged perpetrator is Kevin Purvis, age 37 of Ocilla, who has worked with UGA Athletics since 2006. According to Sports Illustrated, Purvis was previously employed as the head of football equipment at Valdosta State. The arrest warrants were announced on March 23, and Purvis turned himself into the police shortly afterward. Sources state that Purvis has been charged with four felonies and one misdemeanor. Three of the felonies are for unlawful surveillance, and one related to possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. The Associated Press reported that the misdemeanor was for possession of marijuana. He was released the following day on an $8,500 bond. According to Georgia spokesperson Claude Folton, Purvis’ employment had been terminated. The observation equipment was discovered approximately a month ago in the shower subsection of Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. Legal authorities were subsequently alerted to its presence. Anecdotal reports state that Purvis’ vehicle was searched shortly thereafter. During the illegal surveillance, at least one individual was reportedly captured showering on camera. Folton said no student-athletes had been victimized. The Dawg Nation report described Purvis as a “key member” and “particularly helpful to Smart,” who was involved with the football team “every day.” CBS News reported that Purvis’ primary duties were “ordering and accounting for the Bulldogs’ football equipment and assisting in equipment efforts on game days.” HRC releases annual Healthcare Equality Index The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) on March 27 released the 11th edition of its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which scores healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in this year’s survey, committing to LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. Of facilities surveyed, 418 earned a top score of 100, and received HRC’s coveted “Leader in www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall in Athens, Georgia. (Photo via Facebook)
LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” designation. In addition, the HRC Foundation proactively researched key policies at more than 900 non-participating hospitals across the nation. However, Georgia was one of eight states or territories not to have a single facility receive an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation. Three Georgia facilities — Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital in Tucker and VA Carl Vinson Medical Center in Dublin — were named “Top Performers” for scoring between 80 and 95 points on the index. “While the 2018 HEI shows a growing commitment across the nation to equitable and inclusive health care, it also illustrates work left to be done,” said Tari Hanneman, director of the HRC Foundation’s Health Equality Project and author of the HEI in a news release. “And that work has never been more urgent, given the all-out assaults on the LGBTQ community from the highest levels of government.” Gay Atlanta nightlife veterans buy Midtown Tavern While still smarting from the closings of Jungle and Burkhart’s, Atlanta can appreciate a dose of good news on the LGBTQ nightlife front. Former Jungle owner Richard Cherskov has partnered with popular nightlife event creator Keith Young to buy Midtown Tavern, a bar and restaurant on Piedmont Avenue.
Project Q Atlanta reported that the pair closed on the purchase of the business on March 26 and will run Midtown Tavern through an operating agreement with its former owner until they secure a liquor license. The deal included a long-term lease on the nearly 5,500-square-foot property at the corner of Piedmont and Linden avenues near Central Park and Publix. “To be able to announce a new gay space with a team of people that have experience in making these spaces work, I am beyond excited,” Cherskov told Project Q. Young added, “We are very excited. We are doing everything we can to keep Atlanta nightlife fresh and make sure it continues to prosper.” The pair plan to expand the venue’s food and entertainment offerings to add drag shows and Sunday brunch. Plus, Midtown Tavern will be the new home of The Other Show, the weekly drag troupe that performed at Jungle for five years until the club’s closure last November. “We are so excited to come back and work with Richard and all of the rest of the staff returning from our previous venture with them,” Edie Cheezburger, the host and creator of The Other Show, told Project Q. “The space is phenomenal. I can’t wait for everybody to see it. It is the perfect cabaret setting for the show.” The Other Show will debut at Midtown Tavern on April 13. March 30, 2018 News 7
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Reliving the best Friday ever BY PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com PO Box 77401 • Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941; F: 404-963-6365
EDITORIAL
Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Ashleigh Atwell, Cliff Bostock, Melissa Carter, Dallas A. Duncan, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Just Toby, Ryan Lee, Robbie Medwed, Jason Rhode, Matt Schafer, Dionne N. Walker, Simon Williamson
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Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com
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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.
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8 Editorial March 30, 2018
“Then it happened. The moderator signaled that they had the decision and that their expert was reviewing it. I fired off a group text to my friends that the decision was in. And the verdict was … 5 to 4 love!” June 26, 2015 was a Friday that would turn out to be the best end-of-the-week I’ve ever experienced. It was, of course, the day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned samesex marriage bans nationwide and made marriage equality the law of the land. As the deputy editor of Georgia Voice at the time, I spent the week or two leading up to that checking in on the Supreme Court’s decision days, when they would release batches of opinions. Day by day this went until that sunny Friday morning, when there was a strong feeling the decision would be announced. The same court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act on the exact same date two years prior, and when the court struck down sodomy laws in the Lawrence v. Texas case in 2003, they did so on … you guessed it, June 26. Back to 2015, I had a draft of a story ready to publish, and at the risk of jinxing it, the draft read as if the bans would fall. SCOTUSblog had a live chat session going which they would update as soon as decisions were released, and they kept being released, one after the other, drawing out the suspense to what was by far the most eagerly awaited case. Then it happened. The moderator signaled that they had the decision and that their expert was reviewing it. I fired off a group text to my friends that the decision was in. And the verdict was … 5 to 4 love! I published the story then picked my phone back up to type in a quick “WE WON!!!” to my friends, then got back to work. Reaction came in fast and from all over country and the globe. Just eight minutes after the announcement, President Obama reacted on Twitter: “Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins.” The White House changed its Twitter profile pic to a rainbow version of the people’s house, and later that night did the same to the actual house, lighting up the front
of the building with rainbow spotlights. From there it was rally time, so I headed to the Center for Civil and Human Rights for the first official celebration, then to the intersection of 10th and Piedmont for the real party. People marched around the crosswalks in-between lights waving rainbow, equality and American flags as people in cars honked their horns. I finally took myself off the clock at some point that night and took in the scene with a goofy, delirious smile on my face. I’ll never forget those moments from that day, and as spring continues on and we approach the third(!) anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, we present to you this year’s Wedding Issue. We’ve picked four amazing couples to profile that we really think you’ll like. They talk about all the ins and outs of their big day and we provide photos to help tell their stories. We’ve got some heartwarming proposal stories from you, the readers. There’s a few handy wedding budget hacks for you to check out and an expert look at the hottest rings of the season. And for the first time in our Wedding Issue, we have a story about divorce. Odd to include in this issue, of all issues? Some may think so, but we want to provide the expert info you need just in case you or a friend or loved one needs it. Enjoy, and let us know what you think on social media and at editor@thegavoice.com!
FEEDBACK Re: “Athens bookstore forced to remove LGBTQ book from private school event,” March 14 “Just makes people want to read the book more. Sales will soar!” -Ronda Karelitz via Facebook “Avid is one of my favorite bookstores. This simply confirms the comfortable, inclusive atmosphere that draws me back time after time.” -Denise Wright via Facebook “Indeed it does make me want to buy and read the book and share the post to support uncensored publications for all.” -Claudia Burgess via Facebook “I have no interest in banning books, but if it’s content they want to claim then he can start with the Bible. Even as a Christian myself, I won’t let anyone pretend it’s not filled with murder, rape and the death of children. Song of Solomon alone reads like a porno. The love shared between David and Jonathan; Ruth and Naomi (who told one another the original ‘Til death do we part’); Daniel and Ashpenaz; and the Centurion and his servant looked far more same-sex attraction than it ever would hetero. But for people like the one that complained, this isn’t really about morals, it’s about control.” -Jay Bugg via Facebook Re: “Ryan Lee: Longer, blessed days,” March 22 “I agree with you completely! I think it is a ridiculous practice. I’m an immigrant, and after moving to this country as a teenager, I found it very surprising. Initially, I bought into the practice, but over the years, I’ve started to step away from it entirely. One more thing that we could do without: ‘keep you in my thoughts and prayers.’ It is such a reflexive statement having no meanings for the individuals who are supposed to receive it. It changes nothing except for the utterer — he may feel better about himself. But, is that the point?” -Reginald Corey via www.thegeorgiavoice.com Want to be featured in Feedback? Leave a comment to a story via social media or on our website, or email editor@thegavoice.com with the subject line “Feedback.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com
OUT IN THE WILD
By Simon Williamson
Our existence is a partisan issue Simon Williamson lives with his husband in heteronormatively-assimilative fashion in Athens, after a year of surviving rural Georgia.
One of the things we look at regularly in munity up. Here in Georgia, the Republicanpolitical science is why people are partisan dominated Legislature thinks we are unfit to — that is, why do they declare themselves be parents. The recent federal ban on transa Democrat or a Republican, and then vote gender troops by the Republican president is for that party? The surprising answer is that a straight declaration that transgender people it has very little to do with policy. In actual are not welcome in governing institutions — fact, scholars of political psychology have especially in a job so terribly paid that it is shown that, in many cases, human traits that more akin to a patriotic vocation. Many Reapply to groups apply in the exact same way publican states have passed laws to keep transwhen it comes to parties. Which is why some gender people at home under the guise of of our heterosexual friends can be Republi- bathroom safety, because there is pretty much cans but still believe in our rights to live as no more dangerous place for a transwoman members of society. than an all-male restroom. What they forget, of course, is that govThe flipside is that Democrats have erning does not work like that. Republicans screwed us around to a far lesser degree in rein government pass and enforce policies de- cent years. In state government and city counAF_ATL_Ad_GeorgiaVoice_HalfPageHor_10x5_Male_FINALOUTLINES_Print.pdf 2 9/26/2017 5:32:53 PM signed to absolutely fuck the LGBTQ com- cils around the nation, Democrats have put
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“That waiting is a penance foisted on us through no fault of our own. While we wait for our full spectrum of rights, many of our friends and family will lose their jobs, or become homeless, or will die at the hands of bigots.” LGBT rights on the front of the agenda. Here in Georgia, it is the blue counties where local governments have moved on the pittance they are permitted by state lawmakers. Nationwide it was a Democratic administration that ridded us of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and state governments that pushed for civil rights reform that allowed our community to marry who we wanted, and you know, were able to see them on their deathbeds in hospital. In total, however, it means that our entire existence is pretty much a partisan issue. That is great if you live in Atlanta and your mayor is prepared to fire the transphobic fire chief. It also means that at some point, a Democrat will win and we can enjoy some semblance of assuredness that we are valued members of
society. But that waiting is a penance foisted on us through no fault of our own. While we wait for our full spectrum of rights, many of our friends and family will lose their jobs, or become homeless, or will die at the hands of bigots. Some of us will be heckled and be unable to do anything about it. While we waited for Obergefell vs Hodges, many people who would have been married became single because their partner died. We waited and waited and waited because public opinion was taking its slow trip toward us. That wait is grotesquely unfair. It exists because our rights are partisan. Our Republican friends who love us but still vote for the Pences and Cruzes and Rubios of this world are ensuring we wait even longer.
March 30, 2018 Editorial 9
ASK THE DOCTOR By RACHNA GADHOK, MD
“Your doctor is taking a number of factors into account, such as which type of cholesterol is high and the calculated risk for a heart attack and/or stroke over the next 10 years.” Ask The Doctor is a monthly health column where the experts at AbsoluteCARE answer your pressing medical questions. Have a question you want answered? Email it to askthedoctor@thegavoice.com!
High cholesterol doesn’t always require medication Q: My cholesterol is high, but my doctor says I do not need to take any medicine. Is that OK? A: Yes, it is possible that a medical provider may suggest not taking a medication for your high cholesterol. Your doctor is taking a number of factors into account, such as which type of cholesterol is high and the calculated risk for a heart attack and/or stroke over the next 10 years. Let’s look at the two types of cholesterol which are commonly tested: n HDL or high-density lipoprotein — which is “good” cholesterol. A higher level of HDL is actually associated with some protection against heart disease and stroke. n LDL or low-density lipoprotein — the “bad” cholesterol. An elevated LDL level is associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. So, if your HDL was high, but LDL was normal, then your doctor may not suggest a cholesterol-lowering medicine. In addition, doctors calculate the risk of having a heart attack based on guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Cardiology Association to further determine the need for a statin (medication which lowers cholesterol). If your risk is low, then you may not need to take any medication. As always, a healthy lifestyle, including
regular exercise, a high-fiber diet and avoiding tobacco, will go a long way. Q: I had muscle pain while taking a statin, but it seems like many people are on one. Should I try it again? A: If you are at high risk for a heart attack or stroke, have chronic conditions (such as diabetes, kidney disease, etc.), or have already suffered from a heart attack or stroke, then you should consider a trial of another statin drug. Your doctor may recommend trying a lower dose of a different statin and, if tolerated, increasing the dose. Statins have proven to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. Having said that, if you have muscle pain while on a statin, your provider should rule out any other factors which may be contributing to the pain. Other medications can increase muscle pain, including some antibiotics (called macrolide), antifungals (azoles) and a class of blood pressure-lowering medications (amlodipine). Low-thyroid hormones and low Vitamin D levels can also worsen muscle pain. However, if the statins caused kidney damage or severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), then it is better to avoid taking them and stay on a heart-healthy diet and get exercise per your doctor’s recommendation.
10 Community March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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How did you pop the question? Georgia Voice readers reveal the heartwarming proposal stories that will make you go ‘awww’ By STAFF REPORTS We asked readers to send in their proposal stories and you obliged! Some were in Atlanta, some were on vacation, some were on the couch, some were bilingual and all were unforgettable. “Our college friend group is spread out all over the U.S., so every year we choose a new city in which to celebrate New Year’s Eve. We decided to host [it] at our place last year because we were fresh to Atlanta and had just purchased our first home. I proposed to Spencer while we were surrounded by close friends and on the precipice of an exciting new chapter of our lives. The day after was our five-year anniversary.” -Tamer Barsbay on his proposal to Spencer Michael Watts (Midtown) “We met online and from the first moment we met … we knew we would get married! In fact, I even told Leslie the first night, ‘I will marry you one day!’ Two months later, we all went to Boston for my Ph.D. hooding and graduation ceremonies. My best friend orchestrated all of us to sit outside on the dock (we were staying on a houseboat). Next thing I know Leslie got on one knee with a piece of blue ribbon with anchors on it and proposed! How she got the ribbon is the real story!” -Heather Cooper on Leslie Cooper’s proposal to her (Bethlehem, GA) “We had been dating for three-and-a-half years when Jay had to go to D.C. to attend a conference. Having lived there for 10 years before [moving] back to Atlanta, I told him I’d love to tag along. Both of us being history buffs, I convinced him to take a midnight monument walk with me on the National Mall. I coaxed him around back of the Lincoln Memorial telling him I wanted to show
There are many ways to pop the question as Georgia Voice readers showed when we asked you to tell us your proposal stories. (Stock photo)
him my favorite place in the city. He asked me why this spot was special. I got down on one knee, said this is why and proposed.” -Jared Degnan on his proposal to Jacob Davis (Midtown) “I had been looking at rings and I thought I had found the one! Everybody was telling me that I should make a big deal about it (have a flash mob, record it, etc.) but I wanted to do it while we were — being us — on the couch watching TV. One night he asked what was going on. He said I’d been acting weird. He thought there was someone else. I thought I was being slick. I said, ‘We’ll talk about it soon.’ He replied ‘Yeah! Right now!’ His face was as red as a stop sign. So I sat down, went through my phone and asked ‘Which of these rings do you like the best?’
He went from red to ghost white then asked if I was asking him to marry me. I smiled and said ‘Yes’ and the he said ‘Of course!’ It wasn’t the exact way I wanted to do it, but it was close enough and it worked out because we got to look at rings together. I didn’t think he would want diamonds, but the next morning he said that he did.” -Timothy Drew-Walters on his proposal to Jonathan Drew-Walters (Atlanta) “My fiancé is Colombian and is fluent in Spanish. On our first date, I thought I would ‘woo’ her by telling her I spoke a little Spanish myself. However, the only words I really knew were your basic ‘hola,’ ‘adios’ and for some odd reason ‘yo tengo dos gatos y un perro’ which means, ‘I have two cats and one dog.’ She thought it was hysterical and it has
since become our little first date joke. The day I proposed, close to three years later, I took her back to the exact same spot where we first met. We reminisced about the past few years, our first date, my little ‘two cats, one dog’ liner, etc. She laughed and asked whatever happened to me learning Spanish. I told her I knew I hadn’t gotten very far but I’d been teaching myself a little and asked if she wanted to hear it. She looked surprised and said of course. That’s when I stood up, turned to her, knelt, popped out the ring and said ‘te quieres casar conmigo y ser mi esposa,’ which means ‘do you want to marry me and be my wife.’ The tears and shock overwhelmed her so much that she screamed out “Si! Si!” And now we’re planning our wedding.” -Jennifer Karlebach on her proposal to Vivian Guzman (Grant Park)
14 Engagement Proposals March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
YOUR WEDDING DAY
Planning a wedding for the price of an iPhone X Numerous LGBTQ-friendly vendors to make the big day fabulous without breaking the bank By EMILY ROCHOTTE for Equally Wed Apple released their latest iPhone a few months ago and while we’re all for them using the hype of the announcement to support marriage equality in Australia, we are not about the price. The iPhone X features a 5.8inch Super Retina screen, a one million to one contrast ratio, Face ID, water resistance ... and a starting price tag of $999. If you love the latest technology, you might be planning to get one, but if you’re planning a wedding you might want to think twice before shelling out those big bucks. That $999 can cross several items off your wedding budget list. Don’t believe us? Here’s just some of what you can get for the price of that iPhone. BOUQUET If you are opting to walk down the aisle carrying a bouquet, investing in a seasonal, fresh flower bouquet won’t break the bank. This bouquet from The Bouqs Co. (top right) is the perfect size for carrying down the aisle. All flowers are ethically sourced, and it won’t even cost you a tenth of an iPhone X, ringing in at only $70. Now think of how many table centerpieces you could get along with it! PRE-WEDDING PRIMPING Hair, makeup, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and more are all treatments that marriers might indulge in on or before the big day. Each of those to-do list items can be checked off, by a professional, for less than the price of an iPhone X. In fact, your whole wedding party might be able to get hair and makeup done with you for that price. According to The Knot’s 2016 Real Weddings Study, the national average for hair and makeup combined is $219. UNDERGARMENTS Underwear, bras, garters, socks, lingerie, shapewear, whatever you choose to wear under
Clockwise from bottom left: Boxers from TomboyX, custom-designed table numbers from Eliza Gwendalyn, officiant at a wedding, Azazie wedding dress, The Bouqs Co. bouquet and a wedding party with the bride. (Photos courtesy Equally Wed)
your wedding day look, you can get it for a reasonable price, like these boxers from TomboyX (bottom left) that are just $31 and can be worn for more than just your wedding day. ATTIRE Rent a stylish tuxedo with costs averaging in the $200 range, or a bit more if you are going for a designer style. Renting can save you money but buying doesn’t have to set you back either. Buy a dress (and try it on at home) from wedding and formal wear company Azazie. Every dress is made to order and under $500. This gorgeous Azazie wedding dress (top row center) is under $200!
TABLE NUMBERS If your wedding is going to have assigned seating, table numbers are a must to help guests identify their place. Custom-designed table numbers can start for as low as $10/ number, like these from Eliza Gwendalyn (left middle), and are created just for you based on your style and wedding theme. Can you say the same about your iPhone? OFFICIANT What’s a wedding ceremony if there’s no one to officiate it? Hire this critical component of your wedding day for anywhere between $100 and $800 based on experience
and style. No matter the cost, it’s still less than the price of an iPhone X and unfortunately, Siri still doesn’t have the power to officiate your wedding, yet. Looking for an equality-minded wedding officiant? Check out Equally Wed’s equality-minded vendors. Equally Wed is an international online wedding magazine, book and education resource for LGBTQ couples and equalityminded wedding professionals. They focus on wedding planning, real weddings and engagements, marriage equality news and spotlight gay-friendly equality-minded wedding vendors. See more at www.equallywed.com.
16 Your Wedding Day March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
YOUR WEDDING DAY
Jennifer & Franchesca Oct. 21, 2017
I
magine it: Girl kisses girl at a New Year’s Eve party, a whirlwind romance follows and they exchange vows in a spectacular ceremony three years later, riding off into the sunset secure in a near-perfect love that began, quite by chance, when the two locked eyes one night. It may sound like fiction but it’s real life for newlyweds Jennifer and Franchesca O’Connell. The Alpharetta pair recently marked their union with not one but two ceremonies — including a 110-person Atlanta celebration complete with a glamorous couture gown, provocative florals and a reception fit for a Cajun queen. The gorgeous decor — described as steampunk with touches of Alexander McQueen — matched the personalities of this playful, upbeat couple. And to think, it all started with a random meeting — or did it? “I was definitely trying to trap her,” Franchesca, 30, jokingly told Georgia Voice recently, wife Jennifer, 36, giggling at her side. In fact the pair had crossed paths before that fateful New Year’s Eve, but didn’t quite hit it off. “It was my best friend’s wedding. I was a bridesmaid,” said Franchesca, who noticed Jennifer when she was talking to an ex. Through the casual encounter, the pair learned they both lived in Alpharetta and shared some of the same social circle and activities. Neither was looking for love. Yet when they reconnected at the New Year’s party, something sparked. They kissed, and two weeks later, they were inseparable. “It just kind of happened,” Jennifer, a medical business owner, said of the lucky meeting. “It was too good to pass up.” And so, armed with a stunning five- karat halo-style ring, Jennifer proposed in August 2016, and the couple began planning for their eccentric ceremony. Just a few months later, however, plans were thrown into a lurch by, of all things, politics. That November saw the surprising election of Republican Donald Trump, who threatened to reverse LGBTQ legislation across the country.
Vendors: Aerial Performers: Liquid Sky
Attire:
Hugo Boss (Jennifer) and Ian Stewart purchased at La Raine’s Bridal (Franchesca)
Cake:
It’s a Sweet Life and Publix
Catering:
Boudreaux’s Cafe Acadiana
Dessert Cart: Cult Carts
Flowers and Decor: Bowman and Clark
Hair and Makeup:
Arlene Cisneros, Sarah Townsend and Salon D’Allure
Photographer:
Chelsea Patricia Photography
Ring:
Royal Design of Buckhead
Venue:
Ambient + Studio
Wedding Planner:
Kristi at Coco Red Events
Suddenly, the couple’s glamorous October affair was up in the air. The women made a tough decision to hold a rooftop ceremony at Ventana’s downtown in February 2017. “We weren’t certain that he wouldn’t put a hold on issuing marriage licenses to gay couples,” Jennifer said. “We wanted to make it legal just in case something happened before October.” That modest ceremony lacked a full guest list and even custom vows, Franchesca said. But the hairstylist and makeup artist more than made up for it on Oct. 21 when she walked down the aisle in a form-fitting satin gown, complete with crystal details and ivory tulle flourishes. Jennifer was striking in a deep pink Hugo Boss suit, an edgy choice that perfectly complemented their blackclad wedding party.
Jennifer and Franchesca O’Connell held a small ceremony last February before having a more extravagant affair in October at Ambient + Studio in the West End. (Photos by Chelsea Patricia Photography)
Franchesca said she envisioned lots of black with gold accents, dark burgundies and mauve. Her reception hall would include bell jars and found items, arrangements of rich mosses and berries and even acrobatic performers. “I had a really strong vision of what I wanted,” Franchesca said. “I’m kind of all or nothing. I wanted it to be all the way — go big!”
A season later, the two have settled into married life and are preparing to become foster parents. To those still looking for a soul mate, they said, don’t throw in the towel just yet. “Look where you weren’t expecting,” Franchesca said. “Stay true to who you are and what you want and that right person will come along.” —Dionne N. Walker
18 Your Wedding Day March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
YOUR WEDDING DAY
Robert & John
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June 24, 2017
he Figueras-Cieslak courtship was truly a 21st-century phenomenon: love on-site and then love at first sight. “We are a success story from Grindr,” Robert Figueras explained, “depending on your definition of success for Grindr.” John Figueras and the then-Robert Cieslak met on the social networking app and spent a couple of weeks chatting before they got together. Robert is a stock plan administrator for Global Payments Inc., a financial tech company on the S&P 500 index. John also came from the world of finance: he works as a personal banker at Wells Fargo. Both men knew a good investment when they saw it. “Once we met,” Robert said, “we both had the same goals and objectives.” It was a whirlwind romance. They met in January, and by February the proposal had arrived. Robert knew John: “I didn’t expect him to say no.” Robert made his proposal plan over a short period. He said he initially hadn’t been “sure where or when to propose.” Eventually, he devised a weekend getaway for the two of them. The jaunt was clothed in secrecy. “I didn’t tell him where we were going,” Robert said, “but we had our bags packed.” He had a limo pick them up, and in the blink of an eye, the car had whisked the couple away to the boutique W Hotel in Atlanta. They went to brunch in the Westin. The couple ate at the Sun Dial restaurant — Atlanta’s famous 360-degree dining experience. It was a fitting spot to keep the long view in mind, and Robert did. At that point, he said, John was still expecting the weekend getaway. “We had a great brunch — we were at one of the observatories looking out, and that’s when I proposed to him,” Robert said. But the highest point was still to come. The pair returned to the W, where Robert had “arranged security to come pick us up.” At the right moment, a man knocked on their door, and simply told them “Your ride is here.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Vendors
River to Sea Preserve handled all wedding details, with the exception of transportation, which was provided by Presley Limousines.
“John had no idea,” Robert said. They went up to the rooftop. There, just as Robert had planned, a helicopter was waiting. The pair took a spin around Atlanta, just to celebrate. They capped the night with a champagne toast. They became Robert and John Figueras (of Sandy Springs) on June 24, 2017, on a beach in St. Augustine, Florida. The event was handled by River To Sea Preserve. The nuptials were concluded on an offwhite beach before a landscape of scenic rock formations. Their path was strewn with red rose petals, and the pair said their vows before a simple wooden arbor draped with light blue fabric and sunflowers. The grooms went coatless, in white dress shirts, and each wore a sunflower boutonniere on the left side. They had 12 to 15 guests, mostly family and friends. Robert described the event as “very casual, very intimate — and very special.” —Jason Rhode
Robert and John Figueras married on the beach in St. Augustine, Florida, last summer. (Photos courtesy Robert and John Figueras)
March 30, 2018 Your Wedding Day 19
YOUR WEDDING DAY
Jennifer & Kathryn
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Oct. 22, 2017
he first Christmas that Jennifer Behm met Kathryn Smith’s parents, Smith knew she’d found a keeper. The two met in April 2010 at the since-closed Marietta gay bar LeBuzz and hit it off immediately. They began dating and have been together ever since, but until 2015, marriage wasn’t a serious consideration. “Several of our friends were taking the plunge, but I didn’t want to be pressured in getting married for the sake of getting married,” Behm said. “Our first date anniversary is April 10, which is when I wanted to originally propose, but I re-thought the whole idea when she said she wanted to have a [masters of business administration] graduation party.” After Behm praised the resilience of her soon-to-be-fiance, their friends and family flipped over posters to help her ask for Smith’s hand in marriage. “One of the first things I did was to tell our parents of my plan because I knew it would be a difficult pill for all of them to swallow. Two very traditional southern families with gay daughters who want to get married, but oh wait — they are also two different races. They weren’t easy conversations, but it was the right thing to do, no matter the outcome,” Behm said. Behm proposed in May 2016, and the two tied the knot last October. “Before the wedding we took dance lessons to prepare for the first dance,” Smith said. “The most memorable moment for me was when we did our ‘special move’ and I leaned back and smiled for the camera. The audience loved it and it made for a great photo.” However, it was during their vows that Smith’s emotions almost got the best of her. “I just remember feeling overwhelmed with love and emotion and getting a little choked up,” she said. “[Behm] pulled me back by saying, ‘Keep it together, Smith.’” Smith had her own surprises for her spouse on their wedding day. She presented Behm with a bag full of self-care items and a card expressing her feelings, which was one of Behm’s top memories. It wasn’t just joyful tears that filled their
Vendors: Attire:
DHgate (Behm) and Lane Bryant (Smith)
Cakes and Cupcakes:
Confection Perfection in Marietta
Centerpieces:
It’s All About the Centerpiece
Day-Of Coordinator: Dale Jacoby
Hair:
Stewart Garrett and Jaye Corley
Lighting:
Showtime Atlanta, Inc.
Photo Booth:
Far Out Galaxy
Photographers:
Lisa Saunders and Terri Lynn Holland
Rings:
Kay Jewelers
Venue:
King Plow Event Gallery
Wine:
Serenity Cellars in Cleveland
perfect day. There were plenty of comedic moments, too. “My dad’s toast stole the show,” Behm said. “My dad gave his toast after [Smith’s] dad gave his. He said that he couldn’t follow such wonderful words, but he would give us the best toast that he could. Then he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an actual piece of toast. The joke was totally on us and everyone absolutely loved it.” She said the most important advice she has for upcoming brides and grooms is to enjoy themselves, because the day will fly by. “Make your wedding what you want it to be and be clear on what you want,” Behm said. “The two of you aren’t going to agree on everything, so be prepared to listen to what is important to your partner because in the end, you both want the same thing.” — Dallas Anne Duncan
Jennifer Behm and Kathryn Smith were so excited to finally be married, they did their farewell run through friends and family twice. (Courtesy photo)
22 Your Wedding Day March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
YOUR WEDDING DAY
Kelvin and Earl
I
Oct. 14, 2017
t happened at Blake’s on the Park in the summer of 2011. Former Army Captain Kelvin Knuckles walked into the Midtown hotspot with a group of friends. An IT Project Manager in his day-to-day life, Knuckles saw a “drop-dead gorgeous guy” standing next to the bar. Knuckles had started life in Shreveport. Earl Adams, the gentleman at the bar, didn’t know that. Here’s what Adams did know: Brooklyn, entrepreneurship, photography, restaurants and real estate. Adams admired Knuckles’ gumption. A phone number passed between them. Knuckles suggested supper in Buckhead. The main dish at dinner turned out to be how much both men disliked the restaurant. They had other things in common, too. Atlanta Pride 2011 saw them begin their casual courtship. It was a propitious holiday for love: when Knuckles and Adams got married six years later, it was during Atlanta Pride 2017 — Oct. 14, to be specific, at the Founder’s Hall in Roswell. The historic landmark on Canton Street was built in the 1870s by the town’s first veterinarian, and is a highly-desired location for every kind of celebration. The Knuckles-Adams ceremony was officiated by Minister Steven Sawyer. The couple wore charcoal suits with white roses in their lapels. They said their vows under the sky, in front of the trim gazebo in the Hall’s private courtyard. The couple, who reside in Smyrna, joked for years about getting married. As their love bloomed, the topic turned serious. “Before Obergefell v. Hodges,” Knuckles said, “we thought about moving away from Georgia.” When the Supreme Court declared marriage equality in all states, the deal was sealed. Georgia it was. “After we announced our engagement, we were overwhelmed with love and support from family, friends and co-workers,” he said. The wedding weekend was chock-full of activities. The groomsmen meet-and-greet came first (the couple informed Georgia Voice that “Kelvin was late”). After the groomsmen www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Vendors Attire:
Savvi Formal Wear
Cake:
Sweet Caroline’s Cakes
Catering:
Talk of the Town
DJ:
DJ Reese
Florist:
Stylish Stems
Photographer: Johnny Kornegay
Wedding Planner: Fallon Carter
Venue:
Roswell Founder’s Hall
rendezvoused, the rehearsal followed (“Kelvin was late again”). Then the rehearsal dinner, the wedding, reception and post-reception. The matrimonial adventure was topped off by Pride. According to Knuckles, “We had to take a day or two to recover.” —Jason Rhode
Kelvin Knuckles and Earl Adams married last fall at Founder’s Hall in Roswell after a six-year courtship. (Photos by Johnny Kornegay)
March 30, 2018 Your Wedding Day 23
DIVORCE
When ‘I do’ turns into ‘I don’t’ Gay Atlanta attorney talks the ins and outs of divorce By JASON RHODE Three years after the Supreme Court declared that #lovewins, it’s time to talk about divorce. Considering how unlikely nationwide gay marriage once seemed, the LGBTQ community (understandably) prefers to focus on the pleasant possibilities of matrimony. But statistically, some of those couples will break up. In a post-Obergefell world, gay marriage is the law of the land. And where there’s marriage, divorce sometimes follows. The legal separation of wedded LGTBQ couples is a social phenomenon that deserves consideration. To quote a 2013 New York Magazine feature on LGBTQ-couple divorce, “gay couples are at the start of a divorce boom. One reason is obvious: More couples are eligible. According to a report by UCLA’s Williams Institute, nearly 50,000 of the approximately 640,000 gay couples in the U.S. in 2011 were married.” The marriage rate between LGBTQ couples is on its way to achieving parity with different-sex pairings. As the New York story points out, while the first wave of gay marriage proved more durable than straight marriages (1 percent in LGBTQ couples, 2 percent for different-sex couples), that run is unlikely to last forever: “Most lawyers I spoke to assume that the gap will soon vanish, once the backlog of long-term and presumably more stable gay couples have married, leaving the field to the young and impulsive.” This is unexplored territory. However, there’s a silver lining. As unpleasant as divorce can be in any era, prior to Obergefell, LGTBQ-couple separation was uniquely hellish. In the Defense of Marriage Act era, state differences on gay marriage meant navigating a legal underworld of conflicting rules about pensions, inheritance and ownership questions. To navigate the world of post-Oberge-
The first wave of gay marriages proved more durable than those involving straight couples, but that run is unlikely to last forever. (Stock photo)
“We’ve gone from informal to hyper-formal and it has taken gay people some time to acclimate to this new suite of rights and obligations.” —Family law attorney Dennis Collard on the formality of the divorce process fell divorce, Georgia Voice spoke to Dennis G. Collard, a gay attorney and founder of Collard Shockley LLC, an Atlanta firm that serves the family law needs of the LGBTQ community.
Collard referred to the difficulty of the pre-Obergefell era. Back then, separation was done without the assistance of the courts, “because legally there was not a ‘marriage’ to dissolve.” Although divorce is always dif-
ficult, Collard continued, “Full access to the courts is a huge leap forward in the romantic and economic lives of gay people.” CONTINUES ON PAGE 25
24 Divorce March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
DIVORCE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
allies who would be very happy to help,” he said.
ARE THERE UNIQUE PITFALLS? “LGBTQ couples may be surprised by the formality of the divorce process,” Collard said. Before 2015, “unless the couple were the parents of children, there was no intervention by a family court judge — no alimony and no division of retirement accounts or other property.” Post-Obergefell, LGBTQ couples stand on new ground. “We’ve gone from informal to hyper-formal and it has taken gay people some time to acclimate to this new suite of rights and obligations,” he said. “Before Obergefell, couples who had gone out of state to get married were not considered married in Georgia.” “With Obergefell,” Collard continued, “couples who had already separated after their out-of-state marriage suddenly found themselves needing a formal divorce. It caught a lot of couples off guard.”
PARTING THOUGHTS Collard said that “break-ups have become a lot more formal, and many couples had not planned for the division of property or alimony that comes with divorce.
So, there’s been a certain adjustment period that is still in progress.” Reflecting on the post-Obergefell world, Collard noted that, “With marriage equality immediately came gay people getting divorced. It was like watching our community spread its legal wings. Many gay people,
though hopeful, did not expect marriage equality to happen when it did. It was a huge step on a large continuum of rights.” “Now,” Collard said, “the fight continues, for protections against discrimination in healthcare, housing, employment and many other areas.”
DO’S AND DON’TS Regarding do’s, Collard had this advice: “The LGBTQ community has its own customs, traditions and sensibilities. And for centuries those did not include marriage equality.” The attorney also urged LGTBQ couples to keep an open mind, and have patience with the members of the court, “as they continue to get to know us.” Collard said that he had “found that the courts have been very welcoming to my clients. Regardless of the politics of the issue, I think that most judges were very happy to see this expansion of civil rights. We’ve been making our own rules around long-term relationships for so long, we need to be patient in this transition into marriage and divorce equality. Tell your whole story.” Regarding don’ts, Collard urged separating LGTBQ couples to not “be afraid to take advantage of every right that Obergefell grants you. As a citizen who is married in a nation with full marriage (and divorce) equality, don’t be timid about telling your attorney that you want a division of property, and potentially alimony, just like any other divorcing couple.” He said that couples shouldn’t be afraid to seek out a gay family law attorney, if that would make them more comfortable. “But keep in mind, we have many straight www.thegeorgiavoice.com
March 30, 2018 Divorce 25
ENGAGEMENT JEWELRY
Rings from, left to right, Read Wilson, Alp The Jeweler and Chris Ploof. (Photos courtesy Worthmore Jewelers)
The ring’s the thing The hottest wedding band picks for 2018 Compiled by DALLAS ANNE DUNCAN Country songstress Tammy Wynette once crooned that only love can make a golden wedding ring — but in 2018, it’s not just gold that couples can find in their wedding rings. Rose gold returns as a metallic trend this year, especially in feminine rings, and masculine and gender-neutral rings feature deeper colors. For couples looking to find the perfect bands to place on each others’ fingers during the wedding ceremony, Harris Botnick of Worthmore Jewelers offered up a few ideas. READ WILSON $1,895 to $4,995 These gender-neutral rings come in a number of widths and inlay options. This particular ring (above left) is made from old-world, hand-engraved titanium that is
heated to achieve a bluish undertone. Twenty-four-karat yellow gold, shown here, or silver is then laid out and hammered in place. ALP THE JEWELER $889 For trendy, feminine partners, this Alp The Jeweler piece (above center) is a top choice from Worthmore. Botnick said Alp’s Turkish heritage influences all of his designs, including this 18-karat piece that uses an age-old technique called graulation. It’s also available in yellow and white gold. CHRIS PLOOF $998 to $5,979 Metalsmith Chris Ploof will bring his wares to the Midtown location of Worthmore on April 14, and the Decatur store on April 15. Ploof used the Japanese art of Mokume Gane, which produces a distinctive layered pattern similar to wood grain, to achieve the effects in this collection. For this particular ring (above right), he also added part of the Gibeon meteorite — which fell in prehistoric times in Namibia — into the pattern.
26 Engagement Jewelry March 30, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
we do church... differently.
We do Love!
Join us for Easter. Join us for Good. 9:00 a.m. – Worship
10:00 a.m. – Christian Growth Classes 11:15 a.m. – Worship 781 Peachtree Street NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Phone: 404.873.2636 | Fax: 404.873.2639 stmarkumc.org
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ATL Collective covered Sade’s ‘Love Deluxe’ at Venkman’s in February. (Photo courtesy ATL Collective)
N ME
of the Times
Atlanta’s finest musicians suit up for a tribute to Prince’s groundbreaking double LP By J. MATTHEW COBB
It’s 2016, April 14. Two shows, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., are in the works. Thousands of fans gathered at the historic Fox Theatre to hear their Afro-wearing messiah serenade them down in a very intimate setting with only a microphone, a piano and some colorful projected images in tow. They had no idea it would be their last glimpse at the music legend. The world hadn’t expected it either. “It’s so surreal,” the Grammy-nominated R&B singer Dionne Farris (“I Know,” www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Arrested Development’s “Tennessee”) told Georgia Voice. Seven days after his Atlanta gigs, Prince, 57, would take his last breath, forcing the world to turn to his vast, versatile catalog for instant relief. Farris, who had the distinguished pleasure of being the inspiration for one of Prince’s recorded works (“Dionne” on “The Truth”), regrets not being in the number at the Fox that night. “My heart hurts because I didn’t make it to that show thinking, ‘there will be more time,’ but tomorrow is not promised to any of us,” she said. The following year marked the 30th anniversary of Prince’s highly-acclaimed doubleLP masterpiece “Sign o’ the Times.” At the time of its release, Prince was breaking away from his then-troubled band The Revolution and venturing deeper into other styles,
exploring rock, blues, gospel, jazz-funk fusion and even elements of hip-hop. Except for a handful of newly crafted tracks like the Sheena Easton-featured “U Got the Look,” most of the material was culled from aborted album projects, including a proposed lofty triple-LP (“Dream Factory”) and “Camille,” a daring female alter ego that bore something equivalent to a drag persona. In today’s terms, Prince’s music — particularly during his triumphant glory years — was piled up with sexual fluidity, where he uncorked layers of sexual ambition through his risqué lyrics, skimpy clothes and wild stage antics. And with “Sign o’ the Times” bearing songs like the lesbian-worshipping “If I Were Your Girlfriend” and the title track, which highlighted the AIDS crisis for the first time in recorded music history, a gay icon was born. After successfully covering Prince’s “Pur-
ple Rain” at the Sound Table, Space 2 back in 2013, the ATL Collective, an organization responsible for hosting retelling concerts for legacy artists and albums, will once again give a tribute to the Purple One on March 31 at the Buckhead Theatre with a “Sign ‘o the Times” celebration. In the past, they’ve honored folk and rock music heroes like John Prine, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, but have steadily trotted into territories of R&B and hip-hop, most recently honoring A Tribe Called Quest in 2017. As the second anniversary of Prince’s passing approaches, they’ve turned their attention back toward Prince. ATL COLLECTIVE IS NO TRIBUTE BAND “When we decided to expand our palette and feature more experimental albums and artists, the first person we thought of was CONTINUES ON PAGE 30
March 30, 2018 A&E 29
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Prince because, I mean, I can’t honestly think of a single person who doesn’t enjoy listening to his music,” says Rhiannon Klee, partner and program director for ATL Collective, by phone. “I can’t think of a single R&B artist or soul musician or any rock musician that wasn’t influenced by Prince on some level.” For “Sign o’ the Times,” they’ve rounded up a musical cluster of talented Atlanta-based musicians in addition to Farris, including the Black Bettys, GURUFISH’s Jimmy St. James, Kipper Jones, Rahbi Raw, Chelsea Shag and many others who will faithfully honor Prince’s 1987 opus using ATL Collective’s seal of excellence. “This is a cast of 14 people, so organizing rehearsal has been crazy,” said Khari Cabral Simmons, the event’s chosen curator. “Once we got it all worked out between these schedules, it was wonderful. The energy has been great, and everyone is so committed to giving a great performance for all of the fans coming to the show.” Simmons, longtime bassist for India.Arie, is quite fond of Prince’s discography. He knows most fans are hip to recall the classic Prince era — anything between “Controversy” and “Parade” — but the diversity on “Sign o’ the Times” was totally game-changing. “I remember when I was 14, traveling with my father and my Sony Walkman,” he recalled. “I had just purchased the cassette. With the funky title track flowing into the elated rock ‘n roll energy of ‘Play in the Sunshine,’ which then suddenly takes a sharp turn into the funky-ass ‘Housequake,’ I knew I was in for a serious treat with this one.” Farris wholeheartedly agreed. “I graduated the year it came out,” she said. “It was a coming-of-age album for me. The whole record is pure Prince perfection.” Simmons, along with spoken word artist Adán Bean, will sing the praises of the 16-track collection while using their wealth of Purple knowledge to curate the event, transporting the audience to a place of higher learning. It’s what sets ATL Collective apart from tribute bands. “Our concept is very different, and there’s a big storytelling component that we need,” said Klee. “If someone is going to curate the show, we need them to take great care of that kind of concept. After working with Khari a couple of times on some shows over the past few years, I saw that he really cares for the Collective; he loves working with us.” ‘THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS THING FOR US’ All the songs from the album are slated 30 A&E March 30, 2018
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Dionne Farris is part of the lineup for the March 31 ATL Collective show at Buckhead Theatre. (Courtesy photo)
Details
ATL Collective Relives Prince’s “Sign O’ The Times” Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m. Buckhead Theatre Tickets: $25-$28 Ticketmaster.com to be performed with different artists approaching them using their own unique interpretation. And ATL Collective promises excellence and integrity across the board. “We don’t allow lyric sheets or iPads up on stage, where they are looking up the lyrics — none of that,” Klee warned. “This is a very serious thing for us. This isn’t a karaoke bar or a karaoke event.” Farris and Simmons are tightlipped on who’s performing what and any other surprises, but all in all, the Purple One is expected to “reign” the whole night. “I am excited about all the songs that night, really,” Simmons added. “Though, I must say, we are planning a treat or two during the performance of ‘It’s Gonna Be a Beautiful Night.’ We are going to be sending up a lot of love to the spirit of Prince during that time.” Sounds like a good sign of a beautiful time. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
ACTING OUT
By JIM FARMER
Gay Holocaust survivor at center of new opera Working with composer Jake Heggie on the operas “Three Decembers” and “Dead Man Walking” had been such a satisfying experience for Atlanta Opera’s artistic director Tomer Zvulun that he was always looking to do so again. The two are now collaborating on the world premiere of the gay-themed “Out of Darkness: Two Remain,” presented by the Atlanta Opera at Theatrical Outfit next week. The new work, dealing with real life Holocaust survivors haunted by ghosts of the past, is divided into two acts. In the first, Krystyna Zywulska talks to a journalist about her days in captivity, and in the second, Gad Beck receives a visit from his male lover, Manfred Lewin. Zvulun has known about this project a long time. “Jake told me five years ago he was working on a piece about the Holocaust and stories of survival and resilience, dealing with the gay community and the Jewish community,” he said. “My interest was piqued. When I read the libretto by Gene Scheer and heard the music, I became obsessed with the piece.” In the opera, Gad Beck is an 80-something gay Jewish man who cannot sleep at night. “He remembers his love, a 19-year-old beautiful boy, who was executed during the Holocaust,” said Zvulun. “He was part of 100,000 LGBT folks who were incarcerated and forced to wear a pink triangle. A lot of them were killed because of who they were and who they loved.” As an Israeli man, Zvulun — who is directing the production as part of his Discoveries series — grew up hearing stories about the Holocaust, but was not familiar with how the gay community was persecuted during the time. Heggie, who is gay, has been working on the project since 2006, when he was commissioned by a group in Seattle called Music of Remembrance, whose artistic director had always wanted to do a piece about the persecution of gays in the Holocaust. “I didn’t know much about it,” he said. “I took it on thinking there was a wealth of information to work with and I found that www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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It’s taken 12 years for ‘Out of Darkness: Two Remain’ to get its world premiere, which happens April 5 at Theatrical Outfit. (Photo courtesy Atlanta Opera)
Details
“Out of Darkness: Two Remain” April 5 – 15 Atlanta Opera The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s 84 Luckie St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 www.atlantaopera.org
there wasn’t a wealth of material. Even after people were liberated after the camps and the war was over, it was illegal to be gay in Germany until 1969. People went underground or fled. It was only much later that people were able to tell their stories.” As part of his research, he was inspired by the documentary “Paragraph 175.” Scheer and Heggie worked together to tell the stories, eventually coming up with three of them. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we create a full evening opera, since these are two stories of survival?’ We can all connect with what it means to survive difficult circumstances but it’s hard to imagine what it’s like to survive when there is a gun at your head,” Heggie said. “That became what is now premiering in Atlanta. We did our first workshop performance a couple of years ago.” Heggie admits other opera houses have shown interest in the work, but his sole focus for now is getting it ready for its Atlanta gig.
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Taqueria del Sol co-owner’s cookbook getting national attention My favorite lunch spot is Taqueria del Sol on Cheshire Bridge Road (2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-321-1118, www.taqueriadelsol.com). I’ve been going there since the early ’90s, when it first opened as Sundown Café. Chef/co-owner Eddie Hernandez brought a break-through cuisine to the city: a hybrid of classic Mexican, Tex-Mex and, most originally, southern cooking. The dish that earned him immediate national attention was his turnip greens, which he cooks Mexican-style in chicken stock with tomatoes and chilies instead of the ham-hock-infused broth my mother and generations of other Southern women used. Now, those turnip greens have lent their name to a cookbook, “Turnip Greens & Tortillas,” authored by Hernandez and Susan Puckett, former food editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The book will be released on April 10 and has already caught national attention, including an endorsement from legendary French chef Jacques Pépin, whose cover blurb says it all: “Eddie Hernandez cooks my type of food — honest, thrifty, and full of flavor — using fresh, inexpensive and ordinary ingredients.” The 320-page book is mainly recipes, of course, but it also tells Hernandez’s surprising story. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, he learned to cook from his grandmother and, when he turned 15, he bought a car and opened a torta stand. But his main passion in his teens was music. He started a band, Fascinación, with friends and they moved to Houston when he was 17, hoping to land a recording contract. That didn’t happen, but Hernandez spent the next decade banging drums and holding day jobs in factories and restaurants. Then, in 1987, he moved to Atlanta and got a waiter’s job at El Azteca, south of the city in Mcdonough, owned by Mike Klank. He soon became chef, and his oddball blend of southern and Mexican cuisines attracted foodies (including me) from all over the city. Then Klank and Hernandez opened their first restaurant on Cheshire
‘Turnip Greens & Tortillas’ is mainly recipes by Taqueria del Sol chef-co-owner Eddie Hernandez, but it also tells his surprising story. (Photo by Cliff Bostock)
Bridge. Now, there are five Taqueria del Sol locations, including one in Athens. If by some bizarre chance you have never visited Taqueria del Sol, let me explain a few things. The main menu is tacos and enchiladas. Every week, there are three specials — a taco, a blue plate entree and, evenings, there is also a seafood plate. Lines are typically long at all locations, but move quickly. Here’s a tip: You can often avoid the line by going directly to the bar where parties of one or two are welcome. Tip decently, for god’s sake. If you’re feeling adventurous, get the cookbook. The great majority of the recipes are easy to follow, thanks in great part to Susan Puckett’s skills. It’s also a chance to read an inspiring story. Did I mention Hernandez was mayor of a small Mexican town for a while? The man is kind and gifted in ways few are. Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or cliffbostock@gmail.com. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
B
Best Bets: Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for March 30-April 12
BETS T ES
A T N TLA A Q T B LG T
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EVEN
SUNDAY, APRIL 1
Come out and join in a day of fun with the Armorettes at the Original Easter Drag Race. Organizers will have some of your favorite games: Tops & Bottoms, Musical Chairs, Snap Your Weiner, Gang Bang, Easter Egg Hunt and Drag Race, as well as the annual Easter Bonnet Contest. 2 – 10 p.m., Oscars Atlanta, 1510 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/events/423893001381695 (File photo)
FRIDAY, MARCH 30
Second Self Beer Company presents: Hot Spot! Expect lots of people, jelly beans and fun spring beers, 5 p.m. – 3 a.m., Noni’s, 357 Edgewood Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/ events/2107234196188661 When Love Takes Over presents “Deeper and Deeper” sponsored by Deep Eddy Vodka and The Deep End. Come grab Deep Eddy’s decadent frozen drinks or taste some of the best tacos in town. This fun social gathering is an open invite so feel free to invite a friend, 6 – 9 p.m., 621 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.facebook.com/ events/153198712027102
SATURDAY, MARCH 31
Field Day is a grown-up version of the most awesome school games from your childhood, with three-legged races, hula-
34 Best Bets March 30, 2018
hoops, tug-of-war, dizzy lizzy and plenty of other fun games throughout the day. This event benefits Action Cycling Atlanta, an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit, dedicated to ending HIV/AIDS. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Emory SAAC (Student Activity & Academic Center) - Recreation Field, 1946 Starvine Way, Decatur, GA 30033, www.facebook.com/ events/1806968316267363 Atlanta’s outrageously savory and oftsalacious annual event, BaconFest, is back for its 18th annual event. All proceeds benefit Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, 1 – 6 p.m., 569 Ezzard St. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/ events/208683503013746 At Spring Time Storytime, Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker will share some of her favorite stories about spring and the change of seasons. Following storytime,
children will enjoy a special spring-themed craft project, 3 – 4 p.m. Ponce de Leon Branch Library, 980 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook. com/events/152808328847302 Didn’t get to enjoy your first prom? Want a re-do? Want to experience prom in an affirming space while listening to amazing live music and seeing great drag performances? Then come out to the Alliance For Sexual and Gender Diversity’s Queer Prom tonight. Midway through the prom will be a pop-up drag show and a live music performance by Jay Americana, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., The Mammal Gallery, 91 Broad St. S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/2048253348728412 Celebrate the Deep South second anniversary on Easter Weekend with Honcho. Acts include George d’ Adhemar,
Aaron Clark and Clark Price with an opening set by Vicki Powell, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., The Music Room, 327 Edgewood Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/ events/342578112812693 Do you remember the old variety shows like “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Muppet Show” or “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour”? Did you always dream of being in the audience and being a part of the show? Atlanta’s all-LGBTQIA+-identifying comedy group, Queeriety, has just the show for you – Girls Just Want to Have Fun. This month’s show will be jam-packed with improvisation, live sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, puppetry and drag performances, complete with all the campy costume changes and set designs you want to see in a fabulous, over-the-top
CONTINUES ON PAGE 35 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
TUESDAY, APRIL 3
Australian alt-pop group Cub Sport will be coming to Eddie’s Attic tonight in support of their sophomore album, “Bats.” This deeply personal collection of songs chronicles lead singer Tim Nelson’s journey of coming out as gay and admitting his love for fellow band member Sam (Bolan) Netterfield. The two are now happily engaged. 7 p.m., 515-B North McDonough St., Decatur, GA, 30030, www.eddiesattic.com (Photo via Facebook)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 variety show. It also celebrates Women’s History Month. The special guest is Ian Aber, 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., The Village Theatre, 349 Decatur St. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/ events/744627025742764
SUNDAY, APRIL 1
Join Cowtippers and Ruby Redd today for the one-year anniversary show of the Cowtippers Heifer Review. This heifer-sized show will include all the dancing divas and campy queens showcased the past year. Wear your Easter best in hopes for prizes and giveaways. Easter Brunch starts at 11 a.m. and Smirnoff Easter cocktails flow at 12:30 p.m., 1600 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/ events/176119469681230
MONDAY, APRIL 2
Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies,
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. 7 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets today from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1605 Interstate 85/Frontage Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.uuca.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 3
Make your lunch break a networking opportunity and connect with business professionals, small business owners and community sponsors to expand your circle of influence and grow your business at Connecting Atlanta, a networking lunch by Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals (MAAP). Join MAAP at Egg Harbor Café the first Tuesday of every month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a networking lunch. The event is limited to 20 participants. Please pre-register by
emailing harborlunch@maapatl.org, 1820 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.maapatl.org/event-calendar
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
The adorable, gay-themed, filmed-in-Atlanta “Love Simon” is still in area theaters – check it out tonight.
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
The Atlanta Opera hosts the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s gay-themed opera “Out of Darkness: Two Remain” tonight at Theatrical Outfit at 7:30 p.m., with performances through April 15, The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.atlantaopera.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 6
The beloved “Stomp” returns to town tonight for a two-night gig at the Fox Theatre, 8 p.m. tonight and 2 and 8 p.m. April 7, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, APRIL 1
Didn’t get your sweet tooth satisfied on Valentine’s Day? Then get your fix today as Jamie Williams and Sean Karta of Beyond Productions bring you Atlanta’s newest and sweetest Tea Dance, SUGAR. DJ Russ Rich of San Francisco is the special guest. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Jerusalem House, , 5 – 10 p.m., Loca Luna, 550 Amsterdam Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30306., www.facebook.com/ events/153048688731478 (Photo via Facebook)
March 30, 2018 Best Bets 35
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SATURDAY, APRIL 7
Join the 3rd Annual Food Truck festival in Old Fourth Ward Park today. Food trucks from all over the Southeast will be present as well as local bands to enjoy while you’re grazing on the creations from amazing chefs and enjoying fresh cocktails and local beer from one of the six bars. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Atlanta Beltline at historic Old Fourth Ward Skate Park, www.facebook.com/events/926733807491761 Out Front Theatre and Living Room are teaming up to present readings of three powerful plays dealing with HIV/AIDS. Today at 2 p.m. is a reading of “Safe Sex,” 999 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.outfronttheatre.com Thaw out from Winter with Abetterbuzz at Woofs and raise money for Lost-nFound Youth today. Drink up at the beer bust and fill your belly with food, get new t-shirts, tanks and hats and enter raffles for fantastic, furry prizes. 6 – 10 p.m., 2425 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/ events/410746746022059
SUNDAY, APRIL 8
The streets of Atlanta will spring to life today as a 4.4-mile stretch of street from Downtown to Lake Claire is opened to people on foot and bike, and closed to motorized traffic (except for intersections where cars will be free to cross). Organized by the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, this is the first Atlanta Streets Alive of the year. Join as organizers introduce a brand new
route in uncharted territory for open streets via Dekalb Avenue and Decatur Street. This new route will connect 11 Atlanta neighborhoods which include: Downtown, Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Inman Park, Little Five Points, Reynoldstown, Candler Park, Edgewood, Lake Claire and Kirkwood. Grab your friends and family and get ready to activate the streets with human-powered amusement, 2 – 6 p.m., www.facebook.com/ events/856497387844451
MONDAY, APRIL 9
Play Texas Hold ‘Em tonight at Friends on Ponce, 8:30 p.m., 736 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.friendsonponce-atl.com
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
WUSSY returns with its monthly campy feature — the 1996 classic “The Birdcage.” All ages are welcome and prizes are awarded for the best looks. 7 – 10 p.m., Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook.com/ events/172307373570899 Get ready to sing along to “Dancing Queen,” “Voulez Vous” and more as Aurora Theatre continues its run of “Mamma Mia!” through April 22, 8 p.m., 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville, GA, 30046, www.auroratheatre.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 12
SAGE Atlanta’s bi-monthly meetings occur from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the
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PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
TUESDAY, APRIL 10
Museum of Design Atlanta’s original exhibition, Designing Playful Cities, takes visitors through interactive installations that present a strong case for designing play into urban environments. This exhibition is on view through May 13, 12 – 6 p.m., 1315 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.museumofdesign.org (Photo by Museum of Design Atlanta/Robin Dupuis)
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PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT CONTACT: SALES@THEGAVOICE.COM 36 Best Bets March 30, 2018
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 13 – SUNDAY, APRIL 15
Atlanta Leather Pride – Southeast, Black and Blue Events and the Atlanta Eagle are proud to present Atlanta Leather Pride 2018 this weekend with all sorts of contests, cocktails, demos and debauchery, 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.facebook.com/events/185154375419468 (File photo)
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events/147670472527483
second and fourth Thursday of each month, Phillip Rush Center Annex, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.rushcenteratl.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 13
Join Fiona Zedde tonight at Charis for the debut of “Insatiable Appetites,” the fourth installment in her “How Sweet it is Series” (think “Sex and the City” with lesbians). These hot Miami gals play hard and love harder, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be queer, wild and free. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
UPCOMING FRIDAY, APRIL 13 – SUNDAY, APRIL 15
The 82th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival welcomes spring back into the ATL this weekend, with Shawn Mullins performing Saturday night at 9 p.m., Piedmont Park, with the festival opening at noon on Friday, www.facebook.com/
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
The Atlanta Film Festival kicks off tonight with the racial drama “Blindspotting,” with Pink Peach LGBTQ films in the lineup as well, 7 p.m., Plaza Atlanta, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook.com/ events/622379114775575
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
The all-women band Antigone Rising plays Eddie’s Attic tonight, 8:30 p.m., 515-B North McDonough St., Decatur, GA, 30030, www.eddiesattic.com
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBTQ EVENT Submit your LGBTQ event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com
March 30, 2018 Best Bets 37
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There comes a time in all our lives when things begin to get consistently complicated. I always assumed that time hit around puberty and the introduction of unrequited love, but have since realized it emerges during a child’s first introduction to sports. My son is now three years old, and in Atlanta that means Mr. Carter can play in more developed organized sporting activities. He did participate in soccer at age two, but that small league was only about learning how to run and kick a ball without falling, and no actual games were involved. He began playing soccer again last month, but this time his more developed body can participate in some practice drills with a competition to follow. It was that first game against an opposing team that made him question all he had ever been taught before. It also forced his other mother, Katie Jo, and I to think on our feet so he could intellectually and emotionally make it through the game. In toddler soccer practice, every child has a ball to work with. You learn how to ignore the instinct to use your hands to handle the ball, and how to effectively kick the ball so that it moves at some distance down the field. You also learn to understand that the goal is the, well, goal and you kick the ball into the one the coach and all the parents keep pointing to. I didn’t think to explain to him the concept of one ball during competition, and apparently neither did anyone else because that simple change in the structure of play was the catalyst of a very public protest in the middle of the field. Mr. Carter did what he was told during the game and followed his fellow athletes down the field as the biggest kid on his team kept scoring goals. But then he got the ball and began to kick it at a steady pace, only to find another kid run in front of him and take it as his own. I could tell that frustrated my son, but the blood only began to simmer until it happened again and another goal was scored by someone else with his ball.
“It’s funny how the things that confuse or hurt us the most, no matter what age you are, come back to a violation of that same concept … sharing.” That’s when he stopped in the middle of the field as everyone else gathered around the winning goal and screamed, “That…is… not…very…nice!” Sharing. All he has ever known is sharing. He gets constantly reminded of it in my home, Katie’s house, his grandmothers’ houses, with his aunt, uncles and cousins. His school makes sure he shares whatever comes into his possession. Yet on the soccer field, somehow all of a sudden, it is no longer OK to share, and he’s the one who is getting scolded for protesting this simple rule that until now had been cardinal law. It’s funny how the things that confuse or hurt us the most, no matter what age you are, come back to a violation of that same concept … sharing. Sharing of love, of property or of peace. But we adapt, and soon Mr. Carter will too. However, I can’t help but think how nice it would be to stand still and simply scream my son’s words of protest, reminding everyone to stop for a minute and think about what game we’re playing and if we all understand the rules. Melissa Carter is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and has been heard over the years on B98.5 and Q100 and can currently be heard daily on the Progressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
SOMETIMES ‘Y’ By RYAN LEE
‘Love, Simon’ review: middling, masterpiece Ever since Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist cuddled on big screens across America, Hollywood has spoiled gay audiences to the point it’s tempting to forget generations of mistreatment, from the padlocks the industry put on the closets of leading actors, to the dearth of authentic gay themes and complex characters in mainstream films. For many gay men, “Brokeback Mountain” was as spiritual as it was artistic, its affirmation of the same-sex experience amplified by its critical success. A few years later, with LGBT Americans wounded and distraught by the recent passage of Proposition 8 in California, “Milk” was almost a big-screen séance, with Sean Penn channeling our fallen hero so convincingly that he would sweep the awards season as best actor. The brilliance of “Moonlight” matched those earlier films, as did the devotion of its audience, who finally saw their emotions and existence reflected in mainstream art. It was likewise honored, and there was never any arguing the manifest claim a story about black gay love had for best picture of the year. Regardless of these accomplishments, it still takes a movement for gay-themed stories to make it from art houses and the internet to multiplexes and mainstream audiences. Such momentum is building around “Love, Simon.” It was indeed a delightful story that navigated the gay imagination like a bubbly tour guide for straight visitors. Gay teens search for love while simultaneously trying to find “self,” and the film treated some of these unique-yetuniversal obstacles with queer caprice. “Love, Simon” is a much-appreciated modernization of the coming-out process, breaking from the societal and artistic narrative of a tormented, suicidal outcast that didn’t match the experience of plenty of gay adolescents, and will likely resonate even less with future generations of early-adjusted LGBT youth. Yet, it also revealed how popularity doesn’t protect a young gay person from angst as they try to understand themwww.thegeorgiavoice.com
“‘Love, Simon’ was a wonderful artistic statement that brought me close to tears during several scenes; but, it was not always a good movie.” selves, and wonder whether their truth will poison the life they know and mostly love. For all of these reasons, along with the overall lovability of the cast, “Love, Simon” was a wonderful artistic statement that brought me close to tears during several scenes; but, it was not always a good movie. “I thought the writers nailed it during all of the poignant scenes, and the nuances of our anxiety,” I said to a friend afterward. “But some of those everyday, in-between scenes — the banter was lazy and the acting was —” “But that’s the thing I love about it,” said my friend who loved everything about “Love, Simon,” and is planning repeat viewings. “It has that ‘basicness’ that all other romantic comedies have — those moments of cheap dialogue and shit that would never happen.” It is possible for something to be both middling and a masterpiece, and “Love, Simon” is groundbreaking among teenage rom-coms, and potentially in mainstreaming LGBT-themed cinema. It extends the string of movies toward which gay audiences have felt a profound emotional connection, even if each scene and sentence weren’t as meticulous as in the earlier films. We’ve gotten used to movies that accurately spotlight gay stories receiving accolades, and “Love, Simon” is powerful enough for us to expect it to be recognized and rewarded. But it’s enough for me to have a gay love story snuggle up beside “Sixteen Candles” as movies that weren’t Oscar contenders, but simply coming-of-age classics. Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer. March 30, 2018 Columnists 39
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