The Georgia Voice Vol. 5, Issue 4 by Georgia Voice

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

IN THIS ISSUE OF GA VOICE

04.25.14

THE GEORGIA VOICE

PO Box 77401 | Atlanta, GA 30357 404-815-6941 | www.thegavoice.com

Deputy Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com

NEWS

5 Southerners on New Ground fight immigrant deportations

Art Director: Mike Ritter mritter@thegavoice.com

10 NEWS BRIEFS: Tax talk, May Day protest, poor LGBT health data

Special Thanks: Bo Shell Marketing Director Common Ground Real Estate

CONTRIBUTORS

12 Meet plantiffs in Ga. class-action marriage lawsuit

Adam Carpenter, Melissa Carter Jim Farmer, Vandy Beth Glenn, Shannon Hames, Ryan Lee, Tina Tian, Steve Warren

14 GOP candidate for US Senate favors same-sex marriage 15 Ga. Stonewall Democrates announce endorsements

BUSINESS

Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Managing Partner: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com

12 | MEET ONE OF THE COUPLES BEHIND LAMBDA LEGAL'S GROUNDBREAKING GA. MARRIAGE SUIT

Sales Manager: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

21 Singer, ‘Drag Race’ judge and soon-to-be author Michelle Visage dishes with Topher Payne 21 FOOD: Go authentic on Cinco de Mayor

Sales Executive: Anne Clarke aclarke@thegavoice.com

24 THEATER: Broadway babe Megan Hilty chats up her upcoming Atlanta performance

Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group

25 CATCHING UP: LGBT activist Cathy Woolard

National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

26 CALENDAR 29 MILESTONES: The wedding of Jeff Cleghorn and David Ruiz

FINE PRINT

All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the 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 the 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 the Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the 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 the Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. The 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 the 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 the Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.

Join us online: facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice

COLUMNISTS

30 THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID: Melissa Carter is having a baby 21 | TOPHER PAYNE INTERVIEWS 'DRAG RACE' JUDGE MICHELLE VISAGE

31 SOMETIMES ‘Y’: Ryan Lee on trans language and PrEP

OUTSPOKEN FRIENDS & FOES IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“You can’t write Evan Wolfson, Andrew Sullivan & Mary Bonauto out of the marriage equality mvmnt—but Jo Becker tried.” —— Dan Savage on Twitter, later calling it a “bullshit ‘history’ of marriage equality movement.” Savage is one of many LGBT activists criticizing New York Times’ reporter Jo Becker’s new book, “Forcing the Spring,” about the Proposition 8 case. (Politico, April 17)

Publicity photo

“Many people have contributed to the success the movement has experienced. I have the upmost respect for all the people who contributed to that success. My book was not meant to be a beginning-to-end-history of the movement. It’s about a particular group of people at 18 | IN MEMORIAM: MIKE RITTER an extraordinary moment in time, and I hope that people will be moved by their stories.” — Jo Becker, responding to criticism of “Forcing the Spring.” (Politico, April 17)

NEWS

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Southerners on New Ground leads effort to halt massive deportations Undocumented LGBT people face being ‘lost in the system’ By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com The immigration issue has topped national news for months, going on years, people of color are are about to become the majority in the U.S. and there are untold amounts of undocumented LGBT people facing a variety of injustices, according to an Atlanta nonprofit. “We need to have a heavy, deep and real conversation about how many people think they’ll be able to fight that with regressive policies,” says Paulina Helm-Hernandez, co-executive director of Southerners on New Ground. SONG identifies as a queer liberation group that works primarily with rural LGBT southerners on issues such as poverty and racism in addition to immigration. The group takes a multiracial approach to helping solve these issues. The entire immigration conversation radically shifted after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The federal government was given historic and sweeping levels of control in the name of national security. While President George W. Bush was responsible for setting up the framework, there’s one man whom SONG and other organizations are pointing a finger at for being responsible for record numbers of deportations. “President Obama has come in and really dug that deeper, which is why we’ve singled him out as a target,” Helm-Hernandez says. “The reality is, he hasn’t just enforced the law, he’s made it so much more aggressive and it has so much more bite than when Bush was in office.” As a result, SONG recently announced that two undocumented members of the organization have joined the Not 1 More Deportation Campaign’s Blue Ribbon Commission. The commission performed an independent review and on April 10 issued a parallel report to the president’s order to the Department of Human Services to make deportation policies more humane.

LOST IN THE DETENTION CENTER ABYSS Of those in the LGBT community who actually pay attention to the immigration issue, most look at it solely based on the conversation around bi-national couples, i.e. when one person is a citizen and their partner isn’t. The issue is how to make it possible for the citizen to sponsor their partner so they too can become a citizen. “I think that’s important, but that’s not the

Southerners on New Ground, an LGBT nonprofit working to empower rural southerners, has held several rallies in Atlanta to bring awareness to the issue of LGBT undocumented immigrants facing deportation under strict U.S. laws. (Photo by Angela Hill)

core center of the conversation,” Helm-Hernandez says. “It’s about the safety and dignity and self-determination of all LGBT people internationally.” Specifically, the rapid increase in anti-gay laws around the world is jeopardizing the safety of LGBT people in countries like Russia, Uganda, Ukraine, Kenya and Nigeria. This has led to a massive migration movement to the U.S., but activists say that U.S. immigration policies are making it tougher for them to seek asylum and escape the violence. Cecelia Saenz Becerra is a 28-year-old selfidentified queer undocumented immigrant who lives in East Atlanta and is one of the two SONG members on the Not 1 More Deportation Campaign’s Blue Ribbon Commission. Born in Mexico City, Becerra came to the U.S. with her mother when she was four. Her father was a legal resident, and her siblings are U.S. citizens as well since they were born in Phoenix. She moved to Atlanta for work. “That was a hard decision for me to leave my family,” Becerra tells GA Voice. “There can’t be enough words to explain how it feels to have folks in your family, like my mom, to be living in a different city than me.” The issue with undocumented immigrants

like Becerra and her mother is they constantly live in fear of being picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They then are transferred to detention centers like the one located in downtown Atlanta at Peachtree Street and Memorial Drive. “It’s very painful to see folks be deported and be lost in the system and trying to find them,” Becerra says. “You’re maybe hoping they’re still here [in the U.S.] and you’re hoping they didn’t go through some expedited deportation process.” The detention centers are a major focus for groups like SONG. “The untold story is the amount of LGBT people in detention and deportation and what our people are experiencing inside there,” Helm-Hernandez says. Those specifically facing the most harassment and violence inside the centers are trans women of color. “If you’re trans, where are they going to place you?” Becerra says. “It’s similar to prisons, there’s no sensitivity to it. It’s very traumatic and brings up other traumas that LGBT folks have had in terms of coming out to their families and others—violence, threats to their lives.” Helm-Hernandez concurs, saying, “Trans women of color are placed immediately in solitary confinement, supposedly for their

own protection, but they often have no legal recourse to get out of solitary. So oftentimes they spend months in solitary confinement by themselves.” Another immigration issue specifically harmful to the LGBT community is that undocumented immigrants have to lay low in order not to get picked up, so the voices of untold numbers of undocumented LGBT voices are silenced. “I often feel held back in terms of my political activities because if I get arrested, I might not be able to stay here or it might mean that I could get dinged points on my residency,” Becerra says. “I always have to pause and think about how far I’m going to go and how much I’m going to do. For those of us that are not documented, it means it’s not just on you but on your family.” For now, SONG and the Not 1 More Deportation Campaign await President Obama’s response to their recommendations, growing more frustrated every day by the contradictions of a president getting lauded for his advances for LGBT equality. “Except if you’re undocumented. Except if you’re an immigrant,” says Helm-Hernandez. “Then you have no control over your life.”

GA VOICE

NEWS

04.25.14

NEWSIN BRIEF

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Tax talk, May Day protest, poor LGBT health data GEORGIA EQUALITY DELIVERS PETITION DEMANDING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE TAX EQUALITY

Georgia Equality’s Why Marriage Matters Georgia Campaign delivered more than 1,000 signatures on Tax Day, April 15, to the Georgia Department of Revenue demanding samesex legally married couples be treated equally when it comes to filing taxes. “We just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you! 1,341 of you signed the Tax Day petition to the Georgia Department of Revenue in opposition to their discriminatory policies requiring legally married same-sex couples in Georgia to lie on their tax returns,” Georgia Equality says in a statement. “As part of our Why Marriage Matters Georgia Campaign, our initial goal was to present 1,000 signatures and because of you we exceeded that goal. In the coming weeks and months Georgia Equality will continue this grassroots public education campaign to build support for and ultimately win the freedom to marry in Georgia.” In October, the Georgia Department of Revenue issued guidelines for same-sex couples filing state tax returns in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling striking down a major portion of the Defense of Marriage Act. The state Department of Revenue’s guidelines stated: • Georgia income tax law does not directly provide that the same filing status be used for Georgia purposes as is used for federal purposes, but it does provide that Federal Adjusted Gross Income be used as the starting point in computing Georgia taxable income. • The Department has traditionally required taxpayers to use the same filing status for both Georgia and federal income tax purposes since Federal Adjusted Gross Income is computed based on a person’s federal filing status. However, the Georgia constitution, which limits marriage to relationships between a man and a woman, supersedes Georgia income tax law. • Therefore, persons in a same-sex marriage who can now file a federal return using married filing jointly or married filing separately status must continue to file Georgia returns using the single filing status or, if qualified, head of household filing status. And that’s where the lie comes in—forcing married couples to file as single people on their Georgia returns.

Jazzie and Sonny Jones-Smith are urging Georgia same-sex couples to ask for marriage licenses on May 1 as part of a statewide protest. (Photo by Diva Blue Photography)

GAY, BI HEALTH RISKS NOT WELL-DOCUMENTED DUE TO POOR STATE DATA

GA. LESBIAN COUPLE CALLS FOR ‘MAY DAY’ MARRIAGE PROTEST

Jazzie and Sonny Jones-Smith of Stockbridge, Ga., are urging the approximate 21,000 same-sex couples in Georgia to go to their county clerk’s office on May 1 and demand a marriage license. All couples will be declined because same-sex marriage is illegal in this state—and that’s the point they want to make. Inspired by the recent Southerners for the Freedom to Marry press conference with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Freedom to Marry’s founder Evan Wolfson, the couple is asking all same-sex couples across the state to take part in the May Day ceremony. Sonny and Jazzie Jones-Smith are board members of In the Life Atlanta, the nonprofit organization that coordinates Black Gay Pride each year. They are also online radio personalities for LouddmouthRadio.com. “Historically #MayDay” has been used as a distress signal in voice procedures in radio communication, which was only a befitting title for these same gender loving radio personalities,” states a press release from the couple. The couple recently legally married in Washington, D.C. “Sonny and Jazzie invites same sex and LGBTQ couples, organizations, media, friends and family that are allies in support of marriage equality in Georgia to take part in the May 1 initiative to invoke change by stepping up and let their voices be heard,” they state in the press release.

A recent report by the Boston-based Fenway Institute has found important health-related risks within the LGB community that are not well-documented, well-known or addressed by prevention and treatment programs. Only 27 states have, on their own initiative, begun asking questions about sexual orientation and/or same-sex sexual behavior, according to the Fenway report. Georgia is among them. Many studies have shown that gay men have a higher risk of HIV infection and that LGBT youth are at higher risk of being bullied and considering suicide. But the new policy brief from Fenway found that the LGB community has a higher rate of tobacco use than the general public, that lesbians have an increased risk of being overweight and that LGB elders have an increased risk of disability. The Fenway report is based on data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through an annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) in all 50 states, reaching 506,000 people. CDC provides the core questionnaire for each state to administer, asking questions about such health-related matters as diet, physical activity, smoking, immunization and sleep. CDC does not include a question about a survey participant’s sexual orientation on the core questionnaire or on a list of additional optional questions states can add if they choose. Because sexual orientation information is not collected in all 50 states, says the Fenway report, “it is impossible to compare their health behaviors to those of other groups.” “Without this information, states may miss the opportunity to develop programs, policies and services to address local health disparities,” states the report. The Fenway report urges all states “to include, at a minimum, a sexual identity measure, and, whenever possible, to also include a sexual behavior measure.” Due to the “nuanc-

es and complexity of measuring gender identity, and the unique and understudied health disparities transgender people face,” said the Fenway report, “a comprehensive assessment of these issues” requires another report. Some of the specific findings of Fenway’s analysis of the data collected by the 27 states that do ask questions about sexual identity and/or same-sex sexual behavior include: • Lesbians and bisexual women are less likely than heterosexual women to obtain mammograms and Pap tests • Gay men have higher rates of alcohol and drug use • LGB people have higher rates of tobacco use and are more likely to lack health insurance • LGB older adults have increased risk of disability, excessive drinking, and smoking • 18 percent of doctors in California are “sometimes” or “often” uncomfortable treating gay patients • 9.4 percent of men who identified themselves as “straight” in New York City had sex with another man during the past year. • 76 percent of self-identified lesbian sexually active adolescents reported having had sex with a male Of the 27 states which have asked people about their sexual orientation, some have asked the question in only one year; some every year. The 27 states include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. The report urges all 50 states to begin asking about sexual orientation. “Collecting sexual orientation data at the state level,” says the report, “can propel the federal initiative forward and enhance states’ ability to document and work toward eliminating health disparities...” — Lisa Keen

www.theGAVoice.com

04.25.14

GA VOICE

June 11-15 keywestpride.org

KEY T S E W

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We should have those

rights as parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meet an Atlanta couple that is part of a class-action suit demanding the right to legally marry in home state of Georgia by Patrick Saunders, psaunders@thegavoice.com

NEWS

www.theGAVoice.com

pril 10 was not your usual Thursday at Fulton County Probate Court. At one point during the day, Midtown couple Shane Thomas and Michael Bishop strolled in and applied for a marriage license. “Everyone there was friendly, but they still said no,” Bishop tells GA Voice. In 2004, Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage as well as the recognition of same-sex unions from other states. But since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year striking down a major portion of the Defense of Marriage Act in the renowned Windsor case, judge after judge after judge in states across the country are ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. With that marriage license denial to Bishop and Thomas this month, in coordination with the actions of two other samesex couples and one widowed lesbian, a chain reaction started which led to the April 22 filing of a massive class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Northern Georgia. The plaintiffs will enter this fight with the backing of Lambda Legal and the law firms of Bryan Cave and White & Case. If successful, the suit will bring a right to LGBT Georgians that seemed unthinkable just a short time ago—the right to legally marry, with access to the exact same state and federal benefits that straight couples have had since such benefits began. GA Voice was granted exclusive access to Shane Thomas and Michael Bishop’s story ahead of the filing of the lawsuit.

‘I WANT TO GET OUT OF HERE’

Thomas, 44, and Bishop, 50, were both born and raised in the South—Shane in a small town in Alabama and Michael in Jacksonville, Fla. Shane endured relentless bullying growing up but Michael was able to avoid that abuse. They treaded their own paths to figuring out their sexualities, with Shane briefly being engaged before calling it off and Michael marrying for a time before realizing his identity as well and divorcing. Thomas came out in his early 20s and Bishop in his early 30s. Bishop had moved to Atlanta by that time. Thomas was still back in Birmingham. Both were raised Southern Baptist, and appropriately enough, two men of the cloth unwittingly helped bring the two together. It was 2004 and Rev. Gene Robinson was at the center of a national controversy because he was about to become the first openly gay bishop in a major Christian denomination. To address the controversy, the minister at Thomas’ church wrote a letter to the congregation equating gay people to alcoholics, trying to make the point that they should be accepted despite their flaws. “That was one of the points where I thought, you know, I don’t want to just stay in this town, I don’t want to be tolerated—I want to get out of here. That’s why I started

coming to Atlanta,” he says. Soon after, he met Michael at a mutual friend’s birthday party. They hit it off immediately and went on their first date a couple of weeks later—Aug. 5, 2006 to be exact. “Like a lot of gay people we count that as our anniversary,” since they are unmarried, Bishop says. By date number four, they were already talking about whether they wanted children. “That was something that we both wanted to do,” Thomas says. “It was important to me to have that conversation.” Jump to eight years later and they remain together, ready to embark on a whole new journey as two of the faces at the center of the biggest case in LGBT Georgia history. But it’s two smaller faces that are leading Thomas and Bishop to step out in such a public way.

AND A FAMILY EMERGES

Thomas, 4, and his little sister Mariella, 3, commandeer the playroom, as Dori urges Nemo to “just keep swimming” on the TV above them. The two are pint-sized infusers of joy, inducing smiles and laughter from all who come into their orbit. It makes one wonder how their lives were forever altered when Thomas (aka “Daddy” to Thomas and Mariella) and Bishop (aka “Big Daddy”) came into their lives. People told the couple that adoption was a rough process and not to get their hopes up, and while they admit it took a long time to happen, they had a better go of it than was first advertised. It helped that both birth mothers wanted gay men to have their babies. The two were born in Texas, and Thomas and Bishop were there for both of the kids’ births, which Bishop calls “an amazing blessing and a life-changing event.” While the two talked about getting married in another state where same-sex marriage is legal, they ultimately decided against doing so. “We have the utmost respect for people that do that,” Bishop says, “But at the same time, this is where we live, this is our state, this is our home, this is where our family is. It’s important to us to have the integrity of having our marriage recognized where we live.”

‘PEOPLE MAKE JUSTICE’

While marriage in another state was a non-starter for the couple, that didn’t stop them from considering a much bolder step. Over the last year or so, young Thomas and Mariella reached “a more stable stage” as Bishop puts it, and he and Thomas started focusing on what else they could do to strengthen their relationship and protect the family. “As our children go to school and they both realize that other kids’ parents can be married, but their parents can’t, they’re going to start asking questions about that,” Thomas says. There were also practical aspects to consider. When the family travels, they have to bring the adoption papers with them. “They don’t exactly look like us so if you’re driving through south Georgia and

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you get pulled over by somebody who doesn’t like the way you look, there’s no telling how they might interpret that,” Thomas says. “So we have to be cautious about where we stop or get gas. We think about all of that stuff.” “It led us to the conclusion that it was time to start doing something and stepping out on the issue,” Bishop adds. But it’s a long way from wanting marriage rights in Georgia to agreeing to let the world into your life in order to obtain those rights. They are private people. They have no history of LGBT activism and are not regulars on Atlanta’s gay benefit circuit. But as always, it came back to Thomas and Mariella. “When you hold that baby in your arms and you realize you’re a parent and that you have to protect that child, it really comes down to what we feel like are equal rights for us as parents,” Thomas says. “And we should have those rights as parents.” Bishop cites a famous Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote to explain: “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” “Well, people make justice, and people make change,” he says. “And we’re in a position as two people who have a vital interest in this cause to make a change. So we saw an opportunity to step forward and be a part of that and it’s something that we’re proud to do.”

as of Atlanta, the other plaintiffs are: • Christopher Inniss and Shelton Stroman of Snellville, together for 13 years and owners of Snellville Pet Resort. They adopted a child who is now in third grade. Because the fathers have different last names, there is often confusion with teachers as well as physicians. When Stroman tried to legally change his last name, he was “berated” in court by the judge for wanting to share the last name of another man, the lawsuit states. • Lesbian couple Rayshawn Chandler and Avery Chandler of Jonesboro, both of whom are officers with the Atlanta Police Department. Avery is a member of the U.S. Army reserve who will deploy to Kuwait in July. The two legally married in Connecticut on June 26, 2013, and they are planning to have children, according to the suit. • Jennifer Sisson, 34, whose wife, Pamela Drenner, 49, died after a long battle with ovarian cancer on March 1. The couple legally married in New York on Feb. 14, 2013. When Sisson and her 18-year-old son went to make funeral arrangements in Georgia, they were told, under Georgia law, Sisson could only choose Drenner’s marital status as “never married,” “widowed,” or “divorced.” The death certificate eventually read “never married,” causing tremendous pain to Sissons, according the lawsuit.

‘IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY’

• Deborah Aderhold, State Registrar and Director of Vital Records. She is being sued for denying an amendment be made to Drenner’s death certificate recognizing her as legally married in another state. • Brook Davidson, Clerk of Gwinnett County Probate Court. • Judge Pinkie Toomer, judge of Fulton County Probate Court. Toomer was asked by Jane Morrison in 2013 to swear her in as Fulton County State Court Judge. Morrison was the first openly gay person elected as a Fulton County State Court Judge. • Davidson and Toomer are sued in their capacity for denying marriage licenses to the gay plaintiffs seeking them, therefore denying them their constitutional rights, the suit states.

In five separate decisions in federal courts on gay marriage since a major portion of the Defense of Marriage Act was struck down last June, the judges have handed down five victories for marriage equality. This eases Shane and Michael’s minds rather than adds pressure to continue the streak, but they acknowledge that anything can happen in the South. “I don’t think anybody knows what will happen here,” Thomas says. But they marvel at the change in attitudes on LGBT issues that they’ve witnessed since they were younger. “I think we have a duty to be optimistic and to act on our optimism,” Bishop says. “We’re confident.” Optimism is a common trait in the Thomas-Bishop household. “Every day when our kids wake up, one of the first things we say to them without fail is, ‘It’s a beautiful day,’” Bishop says. Thomas carries the memories of his early days on the playground back in Alabama with him to this day, but in a constructive way. “We don’t want to ever see our children be bullied,” he says. “To put a stamp of legitimacy on our relationship and our family will help make that go away.” “We want them to wake up every day and say, “‘It’s a beautiful day.’” And with that, Georgia’s LGBT community is one step closer to a very beautiful day in the near future.

THE PLANTIFFS

Besides Michael Bishop and Shane Thom-

THE DEFENDANTS

THE TAKEAWAY

“Upon information and belief, there are thousands of Georgia residents in same-sex couples who would marry if Georgia law permitted them to do so or who lawfully married same-sex spouses in other jurisdictions or would do so if Georgia recognized those marriages. The State’s marriage bans, and Defendants’ enforcement of them, prevent those couples from marrying or having their lawful marriage in another jurisdiction rec-

DETAILS

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Ga. Republican Senate hopeful stands out from crowded field with support of same-sex marriage Art Gardner vying to replace Saxby Chambliss By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com Art Gardner is in a tough, crowded race for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat to replace outgoing Saxby Chambliss. But one thing that clearly separates him from the pack is vocal support of same-sex marriage. “I’ve always been a Republican. I voted for Gerald Ford over Jimmy Carter. But at the same time, I don’t agree with the views the party’s candidates have taken in recent years, in particular over this issue,” Gardner said in a recent interview. The GOP Senate race in Georgia is a key one because Republicans need to retain all of their current seats and pick up six more to become the Senate majority. Georgia is one state Democrats are watching closely in hopes of winning, thereby keeping control of their current Senate majority. No clear front-runner is polling in the Republican senate race that includes: • Karen Handel, former Secretary of State who also ran for governor in 2010 and in this race has the backing of Tea Party darling Sarah Palin. Handel also has a mixed history with supporting gay people when running for early office before not supporting them at all in any way as she seeks higher office. • U.S. Rep. Paul Broun of Athens, who in 2009 introduced a federal constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and also says evolution is “lies from the pit of hell.” • U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey of Marietta, who defended U.S. Rep. Todd Akins’ (R-Miss.) comments that a woman’s body shuts down when she is raped and therefore prevents her from getting pregnant by saying he was “partly right.” He also of course supports the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act and thinks children become confused about their genders unless taught at a very young age only girls can like certain things and only boys can like certain things. •Conservative activist Derrick Grayson, who champions himself as the “only constitutional conservative” in the race. • Anti-gay U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston of Savannah who also does not support same-sex marriage based on religious beliefs. • David Perdue, former CEO of Dollar General and cousin of former Gov. Sonny Perdue, and a believer in the “sanctity of marriage.”

GARDNER: GOP ONLY WAY TO STOP ‘HOUSE OF CARDS’ COLLAPSE

Gardner said he did not jump in the race to challenge his fellow Republicans on social issues. But he knew he would have to answer cer-

Art Gardner, one of seven candidates vying for Saxby Chambliss’ seat in the U.S. Senate, is the only GOP candidate who supports same-sex marriage. (Courtesy photo)

tain questions as a candidate, including those on same-sex marriage and reproductive rights. “I got in the race to try to fix the budget problem,” he said. “But you’ve got to look inside yourself and how you are going to answer certain questions. I’m pro-choice and in favor of gay marriage. This is where my conscience is. I knew I had to own up to that. It hasn’t made me a lot of friends,” he acknowledged. As a patent attorney, Gardner says he supports same-sex marriage because he believes the constitution does not allow for discrimination against a certain group of people. Gardner says he speaks on his stances at every speech and debate and that the GOP leadership has not put up any roadblocks to his campaign’s message. “The party itself has been very welcoming to me. A lot of people are saying this is a dialogue we need to be having.” There are those in the Republican Party who don’t want anything to do with Gardner, he also said. “There are individuals who violently disagree with me. They get in my grill after I’m done talking and cite biblical passages. Several times when I’ve been speaking people have gotten up up and walked out. I’m undeterred,” he said. “This is part of the package. I didn’t get in this race to crusade for social issues but I’m not going to hide from what I think is right.” Gardner also said he believes the path the country is on now will quickly lead to destruction and total socialism and fascism. “The way I see it, the only thing standing between the destruction of the policies being pushed by the left edge toward socialism and fascism is the Republican Party,” he said. Gardner said he is also concerned about the number of people living off government assistance.

“When too many people are living off the government and not working, then the [system] will fall apart and will stop working, too.” he said. The Republican Party is the only way to stop the government from “collapsing like a house of cards” Gardner said. “For party to be effective and to protect the party we have to win elections … and we can’t win by appealing to a narrower and narrower base of voters,” he said. “We’re pushing away minorities, women and Millennials. If you turn off that 25-yearold… some are Republican, but most don’t understand why you are focusing on samesex marriage or women’s rights and not focusing on the budget, on defense, on the NSA creeping into our phone bills. We can’t afford to turn off young people,” Gardner said. Gardner also notes that the likely Democratic nominee, Michelle Nunn, hasn’t stated clearly her position on same-sex marriage. In an interview with the Atlanta JournalConstitution, Nunn said she personally favors same-sex marriage but that it is a state’s right issue. “I challenge her to say what her position really is. Where does she stand on this. I’m sure she’s campaigning and requesting funding from the gay community and doing so without saying what her stance really is. I’m doing the opposite. “And she’s going to take money and votes from [the gay community] and leave them at the altar,” he added.

MORE INFO Art Gardner www.gardnersenate.com

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04.25.14

Stonewall Dems make endorsements in May 20 primary Gay candidate Kyle Williams gets nod over Elena Parent in race to replace Jason Carter By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com The Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsed Kyle Williams in the heated race to fill Jason Carter’s seat as the former president’s grandson vies to become the state’s next governor. If Williams wins, he would become the first openly gay man to serve in the state Senate. Williams, who faces former state representative Elena Parent in the May 20 Democratic primary, has been positioning himself as more progressive than Parent. The LGBT Georgia Stonewall Democrats said in a statement that Williams’ progressive stances led the group to throw its support behind him. Read detailed interviews with both candidates by clicking here. District 42 covers Decatur, Avondale Estates and portions of DeKalb County including neighborhoods from Buford Highway to DeKalb Avenue such as North Druid Hills, Morningside, Druid Hills, East Lake, Kirkwood and Edgewood. “District 42 has a reputation for supporting progressive causes, and it requires a state senator who knows the district and its unique neighborhoods well. Kyle has deep connections to the district, and has been a visible and active presence locally pushing a variety of progressive causes, including LGBT rights. We believe the moment has met the candidate and that Kyle’s leadership and activism will serve the voters of District 42 well in the state senate. He is a tenacious advocate who works well with others and these traits will make him an effective senator and voice for a new generation of progressive Georgians,” states the press release. Since he started campaign in December, Williams raised more than $150,000, according to disclosure reports. He has more than $104,000 cash on hand, according to the latest disclosure reports filed in March. Parent raised nearly $170,000 after declaring her candidacy in January and has about $140,000 cash on hand, according to her March disclosure report. Parent, as a former state representative, has picked up endorsements from such Democratic power players as Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, Gov. Roy Barnes, state Sen. Nan Orrock, and state Rep. Karla Drenner and organizations including the Sierra Club. Drenner, the first openly gay person elected to the General Assembly, said she was backing Parent because they worked together when Parent was a state representative. Drenner also said the sexual orientation of a candidate was not a reason to

The Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsed gay candidate Kyle Williams in the May 20 Democratic primary over Elena Parent. Other endorsements from the LGBT political group include incumbents state Reps. Simone Bell, Karla Drenner and Keisha Waites and Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner. (File photos)

support that candidate. Williams has picked up endorsements from political heavyweights including former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, former state Senator Jimmy Paulk, Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall, former Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd, DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, Decatur City Mayor Jim Baskett, Decatur Mayor Pro Temp Kecia Cunningham as well as Georgia Equality and the national Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Williams told GA Voice if elected he would propose legislation to repeal Georgia’s constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Parent defeated gay-friendly GOP incumbent Jill Chambers in 2010 with the backing of the Stonewall Democrats when she was elected to the state House of Representatives. The Democratic winner of the May 20 primary will face GOP candidate Greg Williams in the November general election. Williams is a blogger and identifies himself as “a selfappointed commentator on politics, economics, sports and entertainment.”

OTHER STONEWALL DEMOCRAT ENDORSEMENTS • Tim Hur for State Representative District 105 • Harold Jones for State Senate District 22 • John Eaves for Fulton County Commission chair • David Wilkerson for State Representative District 33 • Stacey Evans for State Representative District 40 • Sheila Jones for State Representative District 53 • Pat Gardner for State Representative District 57 • Simone Bell for State Representative District 58 • Margaret Kaiser for State Representative District 59 • Keisha Waites for State Representative District 60 • Karla Drenner for State Representative District 85 • Michele Henson for State Representative District 86 • Billy Mitchell for State Representative District 88 • Dee Dawkins-Haigler for State Rep. District 91 • Dar’shun Kendrick for State Rep. District 96 • Pam Dickerson for State Representative District 113 • Spencer Frye for State Representative District 118 • Curt Thompson for State Senate District 5 • Nan Orrock for State Senate District 36 • Horacena Tate for State Senate District 38 • Vincent Fort for State Senate District 39 • Gail Davenport for State Senate District 44 • Joan Garner, Fulton County Commission District 4

GA VOICE

'BRING BACK

MY GIRLS'

RuPaul's bestie and 'Drag Show' judge Michelle Visage dishes on finding her inner diva and stretching beyond comfort zones by Topher Payne Michelle Visage is a master of reinvention. She burst onto the music scene in the late ‘80s as a platinum blonde with a serious set of pipes in the trio Seduction. Their single “Two to Make it Right” hit No. 2 on the U.S. charts, and led to a tour with Milli Vanilli (a prophetic first encounter with performers lip-synching for their lives). In the late ’90s, she was the redheaded sidekick on VH1’s “The RuPaul Show,” a gone-too-soon late night chat fest which showcased Visage’s razorsharp wit, and her easy chemistry with longtime best friend RuPaul. But it is the most recent incarnation, the raven-haired Michelle Visage, which has truly captured the zeitgeist. Seated at the right hand of Ru, Visage throws truth bombs at the runway as a judge on LOGO’s hit series, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Topher Payne: Okay, so I was just on your Twitter, doing a little research. And because you posted the Honey Maid video, I had to watch it again. Now I’m all aflutter. Michelle Visage: Isn’t it beautiful? It’s so well-done, and the message is fabulous… but of course then my conspiracy theories immediately kick in, so I don’t know. What do you mean? Well aren’t they owned by Proctor & Gamble or someone like that? I honestly have no idea. See? I don’t either, and I feel like we need to check. I hope they aren’t. It’s great to have that support, but before I get too excited I try to follow up, find out where it’s coming from and why. Because it’s so fashionable for a business to get on board with gay rights right now, and you want to check whether it’s just lip service. It’s like when you drop 20 pounds and suddenly different guys are hitting on you at the bar. Exactly, Topher! The ones who loved

you when you weren’t popular, those are your people. Or the whole thing could be authentic and I’m just overly suspicious. Unless I’m not. You have to be careful, not thinking too much, but making sure you’re thinking enough, you know what I mean? Anyway, it’s still a great message. And I like Honey Maid, I really hope they’re not evil. I used to buy them for my kids, dip ‘em in milk before they had teeth. We go way back, me and those graham crackers. You and Santino base all of your critiques exclusively on runway and challenges … That’s how Ru wants it, that’s how we want it. We’re uncorrupted. I don’t get to know them until after it’s over. You don’t see the workroom and lounge footage until it airs? Right. And I wish some of these angry people on Twitter would keep that in mind. We’re judging the performer, not the person. That queen could be walking wounded and kicking, or, you know, on the front lines with vets digging out their own kidney with a spoon and doing a transplant with their bare hands, but I don’t know anything about all that! I just know her makeup needs work! And even if I did know her whole story, the makeup still needs work, you know? Yes, I’m tough, and I’m specific. These kids are at the top of their game. I’m critiquing pros here. And you try to push them out of their comfort zones. I try to. There’s usually a fight, and I get that. All of these kids are comfortable with what they’re good at. Everybody, everywhere, is comfortable with what they’re good at. But you can’t let that be enough. You’ll never know what you’re capable of. That’s why Ru sets up all these challenges— each one refines a specific skill. And oh my god, I wish you could see these performers the moment they break out of their comfort zone. I see it on their faces! They light up!

It’s my favorite part of the show. You and RuPaul have worked on so many different projects over the years. What’s the secret to maintaining a friendship while you’re working together? That’s… hm. That’s a really good question. Because nine times out of 10, it’s the kiss of death, isn’t it? The rule is never work with a friend, never live together, never loan ‘em money. I mean, all the best friends I’ve lived with, I don’t talk to anymore. But with Ru, it works. Drag Race, and the VH1 show before that — my god, that show was ahead of its time. You’re making your debut as an author this fall. That’s a big leap. Oh god. It’s definitely out of my comfort zone calling myself an author, but it’s really just telling stories and giving advice, which I’m probably a little too comfortable doing. I fell into this role of mother figure doing morning radio for 17 years, listening, giving advice—I give much better than I take, but that’s true for most people. But, look. Life changes without warning, suddenly the rules are different, and you’ve got to find your inner diva and rise above it. ... It took me a while to find mine—my self-love was more like self-loathe. I wanted to write something to help other people find theirs, and Chronicle Books is making it possible. I’m calling it “Even Divas Need Day Jobs.” Who helped you find your inner diva? You know something? I did. My mom helped. Ru helped. But other people can just

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ judge Michelle Visage doesn’t hold back when critiquing makeup or style. It’s all about pushing queens outside their comfort zone, she says. (Publicity photo)

point the way. You’ve got to make it on your own, with humor, with confidence. With love. You have to find the people who will sustain you. For me, truly, that’s the gay community. I know that I was put on this earth to hold hands, talk the talk, and walk the walk alongside the gay community. Those are the people in my life who have always been there, have always supported me. Loyalty, it’s everything. And you repay loyalty with loyalty.

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Eating my words BY CLIFF BOSTOCK

Go authentic for Cinco de Mayo Atlanta home to many eateries catering to more than Tex-Mex Cinco de Mayo, coming up soon, is a lot like Christmas and New Year’s. It doesn’t really mean much, but it’s a great excuse to swill margaritas and eat faux Mexican food until you can barely crawl to the crowded restroom. Actually you may not get to the restroom. In the way Salvation Army bell ringers and carolers entrap Christmas shoppers, Cinco de Mayo mariachi bands encircle restaurant tables and won’t leave until you buy your freedom to pee with a big tip. In other words, Cinco de Mayo is a big kitschy American party that celebrates consumerism. Go ahead and Google its history if you want to learn more, but trust me, the day is almost completely ignored in Mexico. Still, Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity for you to get a little adventurous. Atlanta is full of Mexican restaurants. I’m using that term very loosely, because what most people call Mexican is actually Tex-Mex. Believe it or not, you don’t find Frito Pie, fajitas, and mega doses of cumin in Mexico. Southwestern cuisine is similarly derivative of Mexico’s cooking and a lot more interesting than most Tex-Mex, because it plays with chile peppers in more sophisticated ways. The following restaurants may or may not offer Cinco de Mayo specials, but they’re good choices when you want to explore the different varieties of America’s favorite “ethnic” cuisine. ROSA MEXICANO: It’s almost embarrassing to say so, but this import from New York offers something that has never gone over well in our city—gourmet Mexican food. The reason is that what most of us call Mexican is cheap street food like tacos and enchiladas. Rosa Mexicano’s menu includes some of those, but also dishes like Veracruz-style, pan-roasted mahi-mahi; and a braised ancho-marinated pork shank served with chipotle-creamed spinach and a red-bean chili with chorizo. You should always keep an eye out for their special menus—like a recent one for Passover, featuring barbecued brisket wrapped in a banana leaf with dried fruit. One suggestion— the guacamole, made tableside, is fantastic, but no, it’s not worth $14.(245 18th St., 404-347-4090, www.rosamexicano.com) EL REY DEL TACO: This taqueria is many foodies’ favorite. Although the huge menu has some Tex-Mex influence (like fajitas), it is mainly pure Mexican, serving everything from seafood “cocteles” and tacos al pastor to gigantic plates of grilled meats and seafood with house-made tortillas. There’s one dish I discourage ordering—the chile relleno. I have no idea why, but they just don’t do it well. Be warned, too, that the kitchen doesn’t hold back on the occasional blast of hot peppers, so if you’re one of the city’s many pussy-palated people, be careful! (5288 Buford Hwy., 770-9860032, www.taqueriaelreydeltaco.com)

This Cinco de Mayo, enjoy more ‘mex’ and less ‘tex’ with Agave’s Red Chile Posole. (Photo via Facebook)

NUEVO LAREDO CANTINA: Chance Evans opened this pioneering restaurant more than 20 years ago, when it was still hard to find anything besides bad Tex-Mex in Atlanta. It’s deservedly made every “best of” list in the city at one time or another, but classifying the food here is a little difficult. It’s kinda Tex-Mex but a lot more Mex than Tex. Whatever. I always order the same dish here: the chicken mole, among the city’s best. The brisket barbacoa is another favorite and I never start a meal without an order of the grilled whole scallions with lime. The place is a lot of fun, decorated with kitschy art that comes alive when your eyes are drenched with tequila during an oftenlong wait for a table. (1495 Chattahoochee Ave., 404-352-9009, www.nuevolaredocantina.com) AGAVE RESTAURANT: Jack Sobel wasn’t the first to bring good Southwestern cooking to Atlanta back in 2000 but he’s outlasted most everyone else. The mandatory starter is a bowl of green chile stew. Sobel makes it with renowned Hatch chiles from New Mexico, stewed with beef tips, potatoes, onions, and corn. It’s perfect comfort food with a usually mild sting. Entrees are creative riffs. Consider a fat slice of meatloaf made from veal, chorizo pork and Hatch chiles, served with spiced-up collards and mac and cheese. There’s also seafood, including scallops grilled and sautéed in a spicy tequila-lime cream sauce. (242 Boulevard, 404588-0006, www.agaverestaurant.com) There are many more choices. Among the city’s most popular food trucks, for example, is YUMBII , which fills tortillas with Korean barbecue. To find a truck, log onto their website, www.yumbii.com. HOLY TACO (www.holytaco.com) in East Atlanta Village serves HipMex fusion, like a beef belly sandwich with turnips, manchego, and arbol aioli. Try tacos filled with buttermilk-fried chicken hearts, skirt steak, brisket or goat—all mixed with other surprising ingredients.

Cliff Bostock holds a PhD in depth psychology, conducts workshops, and offers life coaching to individuals. www.CliffBostock.com.

04.25.14

GA VOICE | 23

GA VOICE | 24

04.25.14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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THEATER BY JIM FARMER

‘Smash’ star Megan Hilty hits Atlanta stage May 10 Actress, singer also known for roles in Broadway hits ‘Wicked,’ ‘9 to 5’ She was well-known and respected as a Broadway stage actress and TV performer already, but the moment Megan Hilty appeared on NBC’s “Smash” as Ivy, crooning the Grammy Award-nominated “Let Me Be Your Star” alongside co-star Katharine McPhee, she became a legitimate star herself. The show lasted one season, from 20122013, but during that time Hilty sang many of her original songs, including “Let Me Be Your Star.” Her debut solo album, “It Happens All the Time,” was released last year and last month she announced she and her husband, musician Brian Gallagher, are expecting their first child. So expect a lot of excitement when Hilty hits the stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on May 10. This performance marks her first official gig here. She visited Atlanta several years ago for a private event, but has not performed publicly in the city. As part of touring, she zips in and out of cities and doesn’t get a chance to see much, but she did get to tour the Georgia Aquarium when she was here before, and she remembers it vividly. Before she began working on “Smash,” she drew attention for the role of Doralee Rhodes in Broadway’s “9 to 5: The Musical.” The musical wasn’t a major hit, but her performance was celebrated. It was an exciting project for her—and meeting Dolly Parton, who originated the role and helped produce the show and the music, was a particular thrill. “At first it was terrifying, doing this role that Dolly Parton had made iconic,” says Hilty. “She’s an incredible woman. It’s truly an honor to get to work with her.” Her Broadway debut in 2003 was also impressive. She took over from Kristen Chenoweth as Glinda in the popular and critically-acclaimed “Wicked.” Yet “Smash” gave her more exposure than she’d ever had. “It came up in pilot season like any other show and it seemed like something right up my alley,” Hilty says. The drama, about a Broadway-bound musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe, ran for two seasons and had an abundance of guest stars, including Bernadette Peters, who played Hilty’s character’s mother. Working with Peters was an-

Broadway actress and TV star Megan Hilty comes to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on May 10. (Publicity photo)

DETAILS Megan Hilty in concert May 10, 8 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 www.cobbenergycentre.com

UPCOMING “Maurice Hines Is Tappin’ Thru Life” Alliance Theatre through May 4 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 www.alliancetheatre.org “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” April 24 - May 11 at F abrefaction Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 www.fabrefaction.org

other special moment for the actress. Last fall Hilty was in the cast of the shortlived NBC sitcom “Sean Saves the World” with Sean Hayes. While in town Hilty will also be appearing at the Alliance Theatre’s “A Tony Evening” event after her concert. Rita Wilson, who was booked for the evening, had to cancel, so Hilty is doing double duty that night. She’s also doing a master class for students while in town, so her trip to Atlanta will be loaded. Her repertoire for the Atlanta gig will “run the gamut.” “I think it’s eclectic,” she says. “I do some numbers from ‘Smash’ as well as some Broadway numbers and some old standards. I actually cover Bob Dylan too.” The performer is certainly aware that she has a number of LGBT fans because of her support of LGBT issues and rights. Filmwise, she will be heard in a few weeks as the China Princess in the animated “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return,” which stars Lea Michele as Dorothy, and seen next year in the new Warren Beatty film about Howard Hughes. Now that Hilty is doing stage, TV and film, she doesn’t have a particular favorite. “I like working,” she laughs, adding that secure jobs are never a given, but stage work still holds a special meaning.

www.theGAVoice.com

ity the poor person who underestimates Cathy Woolard due to her diminutive stature. Her bloodline courses with political engagement and acts of service, and she has more than continued that legacy. She’s “The Opener,” the first openly gay elected official in Georgia history, who paved the way for people including Karla Drenner, Simone Bell and Alex Wan to steamroll through the lavender ceiling and make their voices heard throughout the state Capitol and Atlanta City Council. The former Atlanta City Councilmember made history in 1997 when she began her first term on the Atlanta council, and then became the first woman to serve as president of the council in 2002. She also was the first openly gay person in Georgia to run for Congress in 2004, but lost to Cynthia McKinney. She’s also “The Closer,” the go-to person candidates bring in to do money pitches at their events, mixing jokes about locking the doors with serious remarks that resonate, causing wallets to open and races to stay alive. These days you’ll find her passionately lobbying for Georgia Equality and Planned Parenthood. Woolard, 56, invited GA Voice into the Glenwood Park home she shares with her partner of 26 years, Karen Geney, to talk coming out in the South, the court case that launched her career in activism, the issue the LGBT community isn’t talking about and her political future.

ty 0

GAVO: At what point in your life did you start forming an interest in politics? Wollard: From a pretty young age. On my dad’s side of the family, my grandfather was the mayor of Sylvester, Ga., and my greatgrandmother was appointed by Teddy Roosevelt to be postmistress in Sylvester. And my dad was in the Air Force. So public affairs alhort-ways mattered. So I was interested in interorld”national politics probably first and then got involved in gay stuff out of self-interest later. pearning”When did you come out? o was I started coming out in high school, but HiltyI didn’t fully come out until college. I got reo do-ally involved after the Hardwick decision in own,1986 [which outlawed same-sex sexual activity in Georgia] and got involved in the March “runon Washington and a local organization here and became a delegate to the march commitsometee. That was the springboard for me getting road-active. And I came out to my parents because I tuallywas going to be interviewed on TV and needed ainlyto make that not be a surprise [laughs]. So who ns be-knows when I would have come out had I not hts. had that imperative? few mat-What about your parents? which They weren’t too excited about it. My dad nexthas become such a gay rights advocate I have aboutto like, keep him in the bottle, like “Stop, Dad.” But they’re southern, it’s just not talked about andand they were sort of hoping that I wasn’t goorite.ing to talk about it. Apparently they knew. I of at se-course struggled with it so I was like, “If you’d workknown all of these years could you have not told me?” [laughs]. But all’s good.

COMMUNITY

Political groundbreaker Cathy Woolard keeps fighting for equality by Patrick Saunders, psaunders@thegavoice.com

04.25.14

GA VOICE

So in those days, not only were they speaking face-to-face with someone that’s a gay lobbyist or activist, but also speaking to the first gay person that they’ve ever knowingly spoken to. Yeah, you know mostly people were pretty decent about it. Howell Heflin, who was the senator from Alabama for a hundred years, I met with him one time up in D.C. His aide was an older African-American guy who did a lot of civil rights liaison stuff. We ended up talking about women’s basketball. He was into that, and I guess he thought that was where the mother load of lesbians were. But that was the thread. He was very cordial and I found myself in one of those offices where I would not have thought I would have as much fun as I did. This last legislative session was pretty intense with the religious freedom bills flying around. You were down there at the Capitol lobbying for Georgia Equality. What were your impressions? The pattern that has been emerging over the years is that there’s a good bit of restraint in the beginning of the session as they try to pass the budget and some of the critical things in the governor’s package and there tends to come a day sometime in February usually where all hell breaks loose and all the social issues come out. And that’s what happened that particular week, they all came out on a Wednesday with hearings scheduled on a Thursday and there was very little notice. So we mobilized people, people took hold of that, got involved and got things going and it was great having people show up because about the only way you can stop things in this legislature is making things public.

Cathy Woolard says the way straight politicians talk about LGBT issues has changed ‘100 percent’ in the past several years. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

So Hardwick was where you veered off the path from international politics to LGBT issues? Absolutely. When it was decided, I was just shocked. I thought the Supreme Court would have made a better decision than that, and I had a bunch of friends who weren’t politically involved and I kind of bitched about it quite a bit, until one of them finally said, “Well why don’t you just do something about it?” And, it was kind of like one of those buckets of water and I was like, “Yeah, maybe I should.” I got involved and that kind of fed the beast, so I stayed involved. What’s the biggest difference between the way that straight politicians used to speak to you about LGBT issues then, and how they talk to you about them now? It’s 100 percent different. Most [legislative] offices had never had a meeting with anybody gay. They didn’t know who to assign us to. Also we didn’t have the level of political gerrymandering that we currently have. There were actually moderates in both par-

ties, so you could change someone’s opinion over time. Now, there’s usually a person in every legislative office that handles LGBT issues whether they’re for it or against it. But at least every single office has an opinion. We were still trying to discern what that opinion was at that point in time. Now, it’s very partisan and it’s very clear about where those dividing lines are. Another thing I would say about the difference in my conversations between then and now is that many, many legislators have gay relatives that are out and that makes the conversation really different, it becomes very personal. Sometimes they still won’t support the issue for a variety of political reasons but I’ve had more than a handful of legislators out their children or nieces or nephews or brothers to me in the course of a conversation, so it becomes a really different conversation at that point. And we’ve been having a lot of those kinds of conversations.

Everyone’s talking about marriage and religious freedom and employment protection. What’s the one issue that the LGBT community should be paying more attention to but isn’t? I think HIV is something our community needs to talk about. We’re number one in new transmissions in the country here in Atlanta and the statistics around HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in metro Atlanta are off the charts. As a community we’re kind of acting like we’re done, like we have a handle on it and we don’t. New transmissions, especially among young black men, are really, really scary. When I was getting involved in the late 80s, a whole cohort of young men died. My peer group of men disappeared in about two years’ time. The contributions they made getting our community ready to do the incredible things we’ve been doing, these guys were on the forefront of being out when nobody was. And I’d hate to see us repeat that, because we don’t have to. It’s not easy to talk about those things, especially if you’re the LGBT community and everybody’s all freaked out about us anyway, but man, in Georgia we are in the worst of the worst. So what’s next? Any thoughts on running for office again? Yeah I think about it a lot, every time there’s an election. So I’ll keep thinking about it. I’m just sort of biding my time. That’s all I can say about it right now.

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04.25.14

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04.25.14-05.08.14

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FRIDAY, APRIL 25

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GA VOICE

MetroFresh is donating proceeds from today’s sales to AID Atlanta, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., www.metrofreshatl.com The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce sponsors its Fourth Friday event at The Joint from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., www.atlantagaychamber.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 DJ superstars Chus and Ceballos bring their beats to Opera nightclub. This is a Chris Coleman Enterprises LLC event, with proceeds benefiting AID Atlanta, 10 p.m., www.operanightclub.com

ATTA’s rescheduled spring mixer is tonight at the Athletic Club Northeast, with a free pro clinic from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and the mixer from 6:30 – 10 p.m., with food and beer. $5 for ATTA members, $10 nonmembers, www.atta.org Come enjoy Dinner With the Bears tonight with members of the Southern Bears at 7 p.m. at the Greater Good Barbecue, www.greatergoodbbq.com

Photo by Tiffany Clarke

Topher Payne’s “Lakebottom Prime” opens tonight at 8 p.m. at Onstage Atlanta, www.onstageatlanta.com Swank, a ladies monthly social mixer with DJ Prism and no cover, cranks up tonight from 9 p.m. – 2:30 a.m., 10th & Piedmont, www.communitashospitality. com/10th-and-piedmont/

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

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It’s Family/Media Day for M.PoWeR Productions’ dance production “A True Loves Tale,” with LGBT performers in the cast. 8 p.m. at The Horizon School, 1900 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.onyxkeesha.com

Edie Cheezburger and her usual assortment of special guests present “The Other Show” drag event weekly at Jungle, 9:30 p.m., www.jungleatl.com Fire Gear Night with DJ Christopher Kind doubles with Panther L/L Bar Night, 10 p.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 – SUNDAY APRIL 27

The Inman Park Festival is this weekend. Atlanta’s largest street market offers more than 250 booths of antiques and handcrafted wares. A juried arts and crafts show includes more than 150 fine artists working in sculpture, paintings and photography, www. inmanparkfestival.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 SATURDAY, APRIL 26 The Beloved Community dialogue on marriage equality is moderated by Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner with panelists Robin Shahar, Mayor Kasim Reed’s LGBT liaison; Dr. Susan Barrett; Branden Mattox; and Conrad Honicker. Hosted by Friends School of Atlanta. 6 p.m. at Friends School of Atlanta, www.friendsschoolatlanta.org

Meet the Democratic candidates running for statewide offices with chances to ask questions. Free and open to all. Co-sponsored by the Democratic Party of Georgia’s LGBT Caucus, Fulton County Democrats, the Young Democrats of Atlanta and the Democratic Women’s Council. 10:30 a.m. — 1 p.m., Democratic Party of Georgia Headquarters, 763 Trabert Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.georgiadems.org Pre-Mother’s Day indie pop-up craft fair featuring new artists from 11 a.m. — 5 p.m., Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, MAY 6

The one and only Lady Gaga visits Philips Arena, www.philipsarena.com

SOMETHING GAY EVERY DAY!

Bookmark www.thegavoice.com to get your daily dose of local LGBT events. Georgia author Christopher D. Coleman celebrates the release of his new book “No Longer Confined” at two separate events: A book-signing 11:30 a.m. — 3 p.m. at Einstein’s and a release party from 7 p.m. — 11 p.m. at Joe’s on Juniper, www.einsteinsatlanta.com, www.joesonjuniper.com Your $15 cover at the second annual Ready for Hope Patio Bear-B-Q raises money for the Atlanta AIDS Walk. 2 — 6 p.m. at Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Sweet Tea: Spring Splashback, a queer variety show, returns with host Taylor Alxndr. The Hangar, 8 p.m. — 12:30 a.m., http://tinyurl.com/pekjjyw

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

The Big Gay Anniversary Beer Bust benefits Joining Hearts, Joe’s on Juniper. 1 – 5 p.m., www.joesonjuniper.com

Greg Lawson/Ginger Vitis’ 50th birthday roast and show to raise funds for Lost-n-Found Youth. 6 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, www.mixxatlanta.com

Canines & Cocktails: Join Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and the Lions Clubs, whose members founded Leader Dogs for the Blind, for a fundraising event, 3 – 7 p.m. on the big deck of Henry’s Midtown, www.henrysatl.com

The Men of David contest is a benefit for AID Atlanta. 8 p.m. VIP reception. 9 p.m show. Hosted by Ruby Redd with DJ David Knapp and special guest Lady Bunny at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

Sugarbaker 5.0 is a birthday party for Jimmy Sugarbaker as well as fundraiser for Lost-n-Found Youth and the Armorettes. 4 — 8 p.m., Amsterdam, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

BEST BETS

My Sister’s Room hosts Sunset Soiree, a benefit for Georgia Equality, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. emceed by Ricky Simone with music by DJ Tina V, www.mysistersroom.com Lateasha Shante Shuntel, Nicole Paige Brooks, Shawna Brooks and more divas host Cell Block Sunday at 8 p.m. at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

04.25.14

GA VOICE

Photo by Adam Bouska

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$2 well drinks are on tap all day and night at Sunday Funday at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309

MONDAY, APRIL 28

Monday Night Trivia, emceed by Wild Cherry Sucret, offers chances to win up to $250 in cash and prizes, 11 p.m. at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

Free dance lessons are on the menu on Two-Step Tuesdays. 8 – 11 p.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

Loosen up and settle in for some exercise with yoga at the MISTER Center, 5:30 p.m., www.mistercenter.org Bring an empty stomach to Taco, Tequila and Beer Night at Amsterdam Atlanta, with $5 tacos, 6 – 11 p.m., www.amsterdamatlanta.com Join Charis and GA WAND for a special presentation in honor of “Earth Month” by Ellen Griffith-Spears, author of “Baptized in PCBs Race, Pollution, and Justice in an All-American Town.” This is a Charis Circle Urban Sustainability and Wellness Event. The suggested donation is $5. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com

THURSDAY, MAY 1

SAGE Atlanta’s general membership meeting features a guest speaker and other programming, 11 a.m – 12:30 p.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org Green Day’s Broadway sensation “American Idiot” makes it Atlanta debut at the Fox Theatre, running through May 4, 7:30 p.m., www.foxtheatre.org Campus Pride presents Hero Night for LGBTQ Youth & Safe Spaces with a screening of the film “The Rugby Player,” featuring Alice Hoagland, mother of 9/11 hero Mark Bingham. The event, free with donations encouraged, is in partnership with Atlanta Pride, The StandUP Foundation, Atlanta Pocket Rocket Guide and the Atlanta Bucks Rugby team, 7:30 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org Decadence: A Night of Drinking and Debauchery is every Thursday starting at 10 p.m., hosted by Adam Bland and Ashley Mitchell with beats by DJ Daryl Cox. A wet underwear contest begins at 11 p.m, with a cash prize and dancers aplenty, TEN Atlanta, www.tenatlanta.com

FRIDAY, MAY 2 — SUNDAY, MAY 4

Parker Ranch women only weekend includes hiking, dining, boat cruise, discussion and watching of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. To register, visit www.meetup.com/GoRabun/events/160190202/

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

Recording artist Christina Perri comes to the Buckhead Theatre, 7 p.m., www.thebuckheadtheatre.com

FRIDAY, MAY 2

Festive Friday is a street festival celebration on Zonolite Road from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free cocktails, wine and beer are provided, as is live music. For more information, contact Gerlinda Grimes at ggrimes@ tuckermott.com Traxx Girls night at My Sister’s Room offers drink specials, great music and lots of beautiful women, 10 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com The M4M Hardbody Revue, hosted by Envy Van Michaels, is a competition for men with a $100 cash prize weekly, LeBUZZ, www.thenewlebuzz.com

SATURDAY, MAY 3

Atlanta Gender Variations: Parents of gender variant/trans children support group meets in Atlanta from 2 – 4 p.m. today, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org HRC Atlanta hosts its annual Gala Dinner, with a silent auction and special guests, 5 p.m., Hyatt Regency Atlanta, www.atlantaregency.hyatt.com. More information available at www.hrcatlanta.org The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and The Atlanta Eagle bring a night of fun and frolic the first Saturday night of the month with Jockstrap Sister Twister. 9 – 11 p.m., Atlanta Eagle. www.atlantaeagle.com

SUNDAY, MAY 4

Circuit legend Susan Morabito returns to Atlanta for an extended morning of fun. 3 a.m., Xion Atlanta, www.xionatlanta.com Lips Atlanta is the home for Gospel Brunch, with the Sisters of Sequin, hosted by Bubba D. Licious, with a brunch special and $5 show cover, with brunch at 12:30 p.m. and entertainment at 1:30 p.m., www.lipsatl.com

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4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327 Chastain Park

On Park Dr near Amphitheatre

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BEST BETS

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BEST BETS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

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GA VOICE

SkateBoyz ATL hosts its montly Atlanta Bicycle Ride beginning at 3 p.m. at the main entrance of Piedmont Park, across the street from Skate Escape Bike Shop. Call 404-940-4399 for more info.

May 10 Spencer Day

the

Join the Atlanta PBR Talons from 4 - 8 p.m. at The Hideaway and celebrate Extra Innings Cinco de Mayo style! The night features a $10 Beer Bust, Talons Gourmet Jell-O Shots, Raffle, and DJ Robert Ansley mixing it up on the turn tables, www.atlantahideaway.com

June 7 The Second City

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Jazz @ 781, a series sponsored by St. Mark United Methodist Church, runs through June 8, Sundays at 6:30 p.m., www.stmarkumc.org

MONDAY, MAY 5

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PFLAG-Atlanta meets tonight, 7 – 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Lynne Huffer discusses her most recent book, “Are the Lips a Grave? A Queer Feminist on the Ethics of Sex,” exploring the messy space where queers and feminists both disagree and converge. This is a Charis Circle Founding the Future of Feminism Event and the suggested donation is $5. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com The infamous, ubiquitous Ruby Redd hosts Birdcage Bingo at 8 p.m. at Atlanta Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com Woofs Atlanta’s Trivia begins at 8 p.m., www.woofsatlanta.com Traxx Atlanta presents Primetime Wednesdays with hip hop all night, $3 martinis and $5 well drinks, Sutra Lounge, 1136 Crescent Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309

UPCOMING SATURDAY, MAY 10

Who’s that running down the street in purple? It’s the Purple Dress Run, benefiting Atlanta Bucks and Lost-n-Found Youth, with a kick off at 1 p.m. at Mixx and ending with a cookout at the Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantabucksrugby.org Atlanta Pride hosts its Pride Ride, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Alexander Lake Pavillion, 5089 Flat Bridge Road Southwest, Stockbridge, GA 30281 Broadway and “Smash” star Megan Hilty comes to the Cobb Energy Centre, 8 p.m., www.cobbenergycentre.com

SATURDAY, MAY 3 SUNDAY, MAY 4

Las Margaritas hosts an all-weekend Cinco De Mayo party/celebration, with giveaways, live entertainment, models, DJs and a Mariachi band, www.lasmargaritasmidtown.com

THURSDAY, MAY 8

SAGE Atlanta hosts its popular Cards and Social Hour, 10 – 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org Lost-n-Found Youth hosts a Volunteer Training session tonight from 7 – 9 p.m., Lost-n-Found Youth Center, 2585 Chantilly Drive NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30324, www.lost-n-found-youth.org Songwriters In-the-Round with Hannah Thomas, Wyatt Espalin and Emily Kate Boyd, 8 p.m., Red Clay Theatre, www.eddieowenpresents.com It’s Ladies Night at Friends on Ponce with host Regina, 10 p.m., www.friendsonponce.com

MONDAY, MAY 12

It’s the official gay ticket of the year! Cher un-retires and comes to Philips Arena, with Cyndi Lauper as her opening act, www.philipsarena.com

THURSDAY, MAY 15

Out artists Tegan and Sara perform at Buckhead Theatre, with special guests Lucius and The Courtneys, 8 p.m., www.thebuckheadtheatre.com

SUNDAY, MAY 18

The Health Initiative’s Garden Party returns, 4 – 7 p.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

Recording artist Morrissey visits Atlanta as part of his new U.S. tour, with special guest songwriter and keyboardist Kristeen Young, 8 p.m., Cobb Energy Centre, www.cobbenergycentre.com

www.theGAVoice.com

MILESTONES GA Voice invites readers to submit major life moments The GA Voice, above all else, is a community newspaper that seeks to inform readers with information they need and want to know about the community and world we live in. We also want to celebrate and commemorate major events in your lives. If you have an announcement you want to share with our community, e-mail editor@thegavoice.com. Our first submission is a happy one — a wedding announcement. And we hope to get many more in the weeks, months and years to come.

MILESTONES

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GA VOICE

David Ruiz and Jeff Cleghorn David Ruiz and Jeff Cleghorn will celebrate their marriage during an April 26 evening gala at the Buckhead home of Mr. Bruce Cohen. David and Jeff were married on Nov. 8, 2013 in San Diego, Calif., after becoming engaged several months prior during a visit to San Francisco. The couple will recite their marriage vows in front of family and friends gathered from Mexico and across the United States, following a cocktail reception featuring pianist Robert Stickland. Singer-songwriter Katharine Cole will perform, followed by dinner and dancing through the night. In lieu of gifts, David and Jeff’s guests are contributing to the “Why Marriage Matters Georgia” campaign, seeking to bring marriage equality to Georgia. David is the son of Julio Ruiz Solana and Paula Lavariega Ortiz. He studies landscape architecture, and completed the majority of his degree requirements at National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. He plans to pursue a career in landscape design.David is a native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Jeff is the son of Melvin Cleghorn (deceased) and Jenell Bullard Cleghorn. Jeff is an Atlanta family law attorney and shareholder with Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC.

Jeff Cleghorn and David Ruiz were married in San Diego on Nov. 8, 2013. They are holding an April 26 gala in Atlanta with friends and family where they will recite their marriage vows. (Photo by KIM + PHIL Photography)

Prior to becoming an attorney, Jeff served almost 12 years as an active duty Army military intelligence officer, rising to the rank of major. Jeff received his law degree from the George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., and his undergraduate degree from

the University of North Georgia, in Dahlonega. Jeff is a native of Griffin, Ga. Following a honeymoon in New Orleans attending the Jazz Festival, David and Jeff will reside in their Ansley Park home, along with their four-legged children, George, Scruffy, and Chuck.

GA VOICE | 30

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COLUMNISTS

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THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID We’re having a baby, y’all After six years of trying, Katie Jo and I are expecting an October baby Katie Jo and I are having a baby. It’s taken me six years to be able to write that sentence, and it still doesn’t seem real. But I am honored and humbled to say our child is due to arrive on October 7. This process began in 2008 with our decision to freeze my eggs. However, after waiting a few years our first attempt to get pregnant was not successful. Because of the disappointment, and the fact we had shared that entire journey with so many people, Katie and I chose to keep any further progress private. We knew we didn’t want to lose the surrogate we had so carefully chosen, plus I was already in my 40’s and couldn’t afford putting it off before we attempted another pregnancy. So, we immediately did it again. In October Katie underwent hormone treatment to retrieve her eggs, in November I went through the same procedure, and in December Katie repeated the process. Let me just say that two women who live together, giving themselves daily shots of hormones in their stomachs, does not make for a happy household. Add to that the fact we were doing all this through the entire holiday season, you can see why it was the darkest period in our 8-year relationship. But for our intellectual knowledge of what we were physically doing to ourselves and why, I’m not sure we would have stayed together. But the hormones subsided, we began to like each other again, and the effort produced a total of three viable embryos, two from Katie and one from me. We transferred them all to our carrier in January. Knowing it was our final in vitro fertilization (IVF) effort, and that we had done all that we could do to have a biological child, we came to terms with the finality of it all and understood powers greater than us would

Melissa Carter is one of the Morning Show hosts on B98.5. In addition, she is a writer for the Huffington Post. She is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and one of the few in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter

yield whatever result was meant to be. That’s harder than it sounds, but we knew we were in a privileged position to be able to even try, so to complain about the results would be disrespectful. We were big girls, and would handle whatever came as a team. During the crippling Atlanta snow I was holed up in a Midtown hotel so I could make it to work. It was there on my phone, as I ooVoo’d with Katie, our carrier, and her OBGYN that I learned she was pregnant with twins. There were initial concerns about one of the fraternal twins being smaller than the other, but there was nothing to do but wait and see if it would catch up. It did for a moment, but during the seventh week its heart stopped and it was gone. People have already approached us with sentences that begin, “Just you wait,” which is usually followed by the information that our lives will no longer be our own or that our finances will be drained. For those who undergo IVF like us, those events happen long before a baby is born. If there even is a baby. But our motto has remained the same: “As of today, I am a mother of a healthy 16 week old.” Tomorrow will take care of itself. Through all these decisions, the trips to the clinic, the hormones, the embryos, the sleepless nights, the nerves, the tears, the hugs, the hands held, and the loss of a twin, this little one has already defied the odds and is fighting the good fight to be part of this world. And Katie and I are here, with tears in our eyes and trembling hands, ready to welcome him or her into our family. Editor’s note: Katie Jo is not Carter’s girlfriend’s actual name because she is not ready to come out publicly. According to a story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that could soon change.

COLUMNISTS

www.theGAVoice.com

SOMETIMES'Y' A divided rainbow

Infighting over RuPaul and PrEP leads to infamous circular firing squad—but can we learn from our debates?

GA VOICE

and phrases. As a non-trans person (and leftist), I defer to those who are affected to determine what language makes them comfortable. The thought of any trans person feeling marginalized or disrespected by my word choice is enough to prompt tact, and I’ve been disappointed by how many gay men have insisted that transgender individuals need to develop thicker skin or a sense of humor. Easy for those fudge-packers to say, even if it violates the sensitivity they have demanded of others for the last half century. Fags are in a civil war of their own, divided by their position on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a safer sex strategy that involves HIV-negative gay men taking a daily dose of the drug Truvada to reduce the likelihood of infection. A growing chorus is calling for longtime activist Michael Weinstein to be terminated as president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation due to his opposition to PrEP, which included Weinstein telling USA Today that Truvada is nothing more than “a party drug.” I’m among the many (and possibly majority) of gay men who are encouraged by PrEP’s early 90 percent success rate in preventing the transmission of HIV, and believe it is a vital alternative for gay men who, as a demographic, don’t use condoms as habitually as they once did. However, there is a freneticism to the PrEP rally—a desperate urging to celebrate PrEP as the literal and figurative magic pill—that makes me worry about reasoned dissent going unconsidered. Skepticism has been a vital tool for gay men throughout the AIDS epidemic, and I am skeptical of any suggestion we are better off in the fight against HIV/AIDS without a warrior like Michael Weinstein. It would have been nice to savor the gamechanging times we live in before we turned our attitudes on each other; but there has always been dissension and division within the LGBT movement, and that’s gotten us to a pretty good place thus far.

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Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer.

A bittersweet result of the progress we’ve seen on LGBT rights is that our most passionate arguments may increasingly be amongst ourselves rather than against hostile outsiders. There remain many debates to be had with those who oppose LGBT equality, but the wave of acceptance we’ve been riding is starting to drown out not only rabid anti-gay sentiment, but also the casual disapproval of homosexuality that many have felt comfortable expressing. Focus on the Family, which for decades has been one of the most aggressive opponents of LGBT rights, is now led by a man who recently told ABC News, “I can be kind to you and disagree with you. That’s hard in this culture, but it’s something we have to re-learn.” So whom will we argue with once our enemies are no longer worth arguing? Fear not, for progressives have an enduring gift for discovering reasons to argue: new wrongs to correct, new structures to dismantle, new consciousness to evangelize. And arguments among comrades and allies can be just as fierce and sanctimonious as conflicts between staunch rivals, as a couple of recent calls for blood prove. Whether he is considered a cross-dresser, drag queen or transgender, RuPaul has been the public face of gender non-conformity since the early ‘90s. Yet, as this population makes hard-earned gains in cultural visibility and political consideration, RuPaul has been identified by some as Public Enemy No. 1 to transgender progress. The indefatigable “Drag Race” host has been maligned on social media for his cavalier use of terms like “She-Male” and “Tranny,” which an increasing number of transgender individuals find offensive. However, demands for RuPaul to be fired have been criticized by other transgender activists, notably Calpernia Addams, who blasted “the language cops” for “censoring” RuPaul and others who don’t adhere to the list of certified non-offensive terms

04.25.14

Allen Shpigel, AWMA®, CRPC®, CLTC Financial Advisor Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor® An Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services® practice

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Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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