The Georgia Voice - 5/10/13 Vol.4, Issue 5 by Georgia Voice

05.10.13

THE GEORGIA VOICE

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

EDITORIAL

Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com

IN THIS ISSUE

SUMMER TRAVEL

4 | Florida bound for Pensacola, Gay Days in Orlando. 6 | LGBT getaways: Pride fests, cruises and more. 8 | Affordable and casual: Gay campgrounds in Ga. 9 | Staycations: Plenty to do this season right here at home.

FEATURED STORY

Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

NEWS

Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Melissa Carter, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Ryan Lee

BUSINESS

Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com

Sales Executive: Anne Clarke The Clarke Agency aclarke@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm, Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen

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.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

OUTSPOKEN

Ralph Alwang/Photo via Awiderbridge.org Clinton Foundation

Sales Manager: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com

15 | 'QUEER MIGRATION' AT THE ATLANTA CYCLORAMA

FRIENDS & FOES IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay. … If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

COLUMNISTS

26 | THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID: Melissa Carter sees red. 27 | DOMESTICALLY DISTURBED: Topher Payne explains why he’s still here.

— NBA veteran Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards, coming out in the May 6 issue of Sports Illustrated. Collins becomes the first gay athlete in major U.S. men’s professional sports to come out during his career. (Sports Illustrated, released online April 29) Photo via martinanavratilova.com

Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

10 | U.S. Rep. David Scott is third Ga. congressman for gay marriage. 10 | Gay Atlanta dad, Rep. John Lewis fight anti-LGBT bias in adoptions. 11 | HRC Atlanta Dinner draws hundreds to support national cause. 12 | ‘Shock’ in Atlanta as HIV vaccine trial halted. 13 | BRIEFS: Ga. governor won’t say ‘homophobia,’ two more states pass marriage equality.

Official portrait

“I think America should be proud that this is just one more step in this ongoing recognition that we treat everybody fairly, and everybody’s part of a family, and we judge people on the basis of their character and their performance, and not their sexual orientation.” — President Obama, explaining why he is “very proud” of Jason Collins. Obama called Collins the day he came out. (CNN, April 30)

“Now that Jason Collins has come out, he is the proverbial ‘game-changer.’ One of the last bastions of homophobia has been challenged. How many LGBT kids, once closeted, are now more likely to pursue a team sport and won’t be scared away by a straight culture?” — Tennis star Martina Navratilova, who came out as a lesbian in 1981, in a first-person essay reacting to Jason Collins’ announcement. (Sports Illustrated, April 29) rights in France (Right Wing Watch, April 17)

Photo via ESPN

“If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin ... that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ.” — ESPN NBA commentator Chris Broussard, commenting on Jason Collins during the network show “Outside the Lines.” (ESPN, April 29)

“We regret that a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today’s news. ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement.” — ESPN, apologizing for Chris Broussard’s commentary. Broussard has also issued a statement clarifying that his personal views will prevent him from reporting on the NBA and he believes Collins “displayed bravery.” (ESPN, April 29)

4 PENSACOLA MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MAY 23-27 Sexacola Beach www.sexacolabeach.com

Thursday: Bikini & Board Shorts Foam Party with comedy show, DJ Tina V Friday: Sexacola Glow Party with Maria Gabriella Band, Drag King competition, DJ Tina V Saturday: Slippery ‘n Wet Beach Party with Ying Yang Twins, DJ Liz Owen Sunday: White Party w/ performances by Lindsey Hinkle and God-des & She

Pensacola Unleashed www.pensacolaunleashed.com

Thursday: Superfunk Fantasy, 17th Floor Friday: Kristy Lee, 17th Floor Saturday: Brandi Carlile, Derrick Barry (as Britney Spears/Lady Gaga) Sunday: Indigo Girls, Kristy Lee, Hussy Hicks

Memorial Weekend

www.memorialweekendpensacola.com Friday-Sunday: Splash Beach Fest, Park East Saturday: Wave Beach Party with DJ Roland Belmares

es Belmar Roland Girls Indigo

Lehman Manny

Emerald City

www.emeraldcitypensacola.com Thursday: Foreplay with DJ Dewight Barkley Friday: Beach Bingo and Strip Down with DJ Dewight Barkley Saturday: Sweat with DJ Jay-R Sunday: Friction blacklight underwear party with DJ Dewight Barkley Monday: Climax with DJ Jay-R

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“Endless Summer,” the iconic 1966 surf movie, followed two surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave. The premise? With enough time and money, you could travel to warm waters across the globe, creating an “Endless Summer” of surfing. The same could be said of gay vacations. With enough time off, and an unlimited or at least creative budget, LGBT travelers can find queer-specific vacations for every day of the summer season. From massive LGBT celebrations around the country to friendly gay campgrounds right here in Georgia, you’ll find plenty of options to plan your summer vacation — or even to vacation all summer.

FLORIDA BOUND By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN dbagby@thegavoice.com

Thousands of LGBT Georgians flock to Florida this month, joining crowds from around the country at Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola and Gay Days in Orlando. The two celebrations began as small, informal gatherings and now draw throngs for days of events put on by multiple party promoters, for both men and women. Many vacationers — and some performers — string the two events together, hitting both for consecutive weekends of partying. The gay gathering in Pensacola began as friends hanging out on the beach over Memorial Day Weekend. Over the years, it has grown to feature elaborately decorated shade tents lining the seashore as tens of thousands of barely-clad gay men and lesbians cruise, swim and sunbathe. In the heyday of circuit party culture, most evening events were geared toward men, with massive parties at venues ranging from the beach to the Pensacola Civic Center. While the beach party continues, this year featuring DJ Roland Belmares, events targeting women have increased exponentially, with the weekend now offering options for gay girls and boys. Recognizing how many local women flock to Pensacola, My Sister’s Room, Atlanta’s only lesbian bar, began hosting events at the beach four years ago. The Sexacola Beach series of events features everything from pole dancers and foam parties to singersongwriters and drag kings. Musical performers for this year’s Sexacola include the Maria Gabriella Band, Lindsey Hinkle and God-des & She. Events are held at Capt’n Fun’s Beach Club. Also targeting lesbian music fans is Pensacola Unleashed, a music festival organized by singer-songwriter Kristy Lee, who is well known to Atlanta fans. The idea began ten years ago when Lee brought her guitar to Pensacola and ended up playing an unadvertised show for 800 fans. Her music festival drew 8,500 last year. This year, she has assembled a who’s who of popular queer musicians, including Brandi Carlile, beloved Atlanta duo Indigo Girls, and Lee herself, for shows at Flounder’s Chowder House. For the boys, Pensacola gay bar Emerald City hosts events throughout the long weekend, featuring DJs and themes like “Sweat” and “Friction” (a blacklight underwear party). But the main event for men (and some women) will be the annual Wave Beach Party on Saturday night with DJ Roland Belmares. Outside of the beach and organized nightlife events, LGBT revelers will pack Pensacola Beach restaurants and shops throughout the weekend, as local merchants put up

GAY DAYS IN ORLANDO MAY 28 - JUNE 3

Theme park days Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

Animal Kingdom Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Epcot

Gay Days Orlando

www.gaydays.com | Daily pool parties Tuesday: Kickoff party Wednesday: Pool parties, DJs Thursday: Taste of Gay Days Friday: Red Dress Party with the Orlando Sisters Saturday: Comedy with Judy Tenuta, Pool Party w/ ChiChi LaRue Sunday: Pool parties

Parliament House

www.parliamenthouse.com Friday: Deborah Cox Saturday: Belinda Carlisle Sunday: Kat DeLuna and Erasure’s Andy Bell

Girls in Wonderland

LGBT attendees wear red for Gay Days at Walt Disney World, which takes place June 1 this year. (Photo by Jericl Cat / CC 2.0)

rainbow flags and welcome the crowd that has come to represent an important part of holiday revenue.

GAY DAYS AT DISNEY

The weekend after Pensacola, LGBT travelers head to Orlando for Gay Days, another celebration that began simply but has grown to one of the biggest gay events in the country outside of Pride celebrations. DJ Roland Belmares is hitting both Florida events, and many Georgia travelers will too. Like Pensacola, Gay Days started small. Organizers say the first gathering was in 1991, consisting of just 3,000 people who went to Walt Disney World on the first Saturday in June — wearing red to stand out from the crowd. That tradition continues, drawing an estimated 50,000 last year. Overall, some 150,000 gay revelers packed Orlando for the long weekend of events that now includes LGBT gathering at multiple theme parks and a full schedule of entertainment events from several, sometimes competing, party promoters.

For years, the gathering drew controversy along with the crowds. The Southern Baptist Convention cited Gay Days among its reasons for boycotting Disney (which does not officially sponsor the gay event) and right-wing preacher Pat Robertson suggested gay acceptance in Orlando could put the central Florida city in danger of hurricanes “and possibly a meteor.” Divine retribution failed to follow, however, and Gay Days continues to grow. From girls to guys, from bears to twinks, the weekend offers something for virtually every stripe in the rainbow. In addition to daytime events at the theme parks, LGBT parties like Riptide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon keep attendees partying late into the night. Celebrities scheduled to appear at Gay Days events include Judy Tenuta, Deborah Cox, Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go’s, Erasure’s Andy Bell (who headlined Atlanta Pride last year) and Bev McClellan of “The Voice.” Top DJs set to spin at various events include Belmares, ChiChi LaRue, Power Infiniti, Joe Gauthreaux, Danny Tenaglia, Rosabel, Manny Lehman and Twisted Dee.

www.girlsinwonderland.com Thursday: Traffic Jam kickoff party Friday: Wet Pool Party: DJs Lisa Pittman, Pat Pat Climax at Bongos Saturday: Wet Pool Party: Drum from “Real L Word”, Fortune Feimster, Boogie Wonderland w/ Spikey Dikey, Bev McClellan Sunday: Pool party, Indie Rock with Bev McClellan

One Mighty Weekend www.onemightyweekend.com

REUNION POOL PARTIES, BUENA VISTA PALACE Friday: DJs Mike Cruz, Power Infiniti Saturday: DJs Roland Belmares, Eddie Martinez Sunday: DJs Phil B, Dani Toro MAGIC JOURNEYS AT ARABIAN NIGHTS Friday: DJ Danny Tenaglia Saturday: DJs Gustavo Scorpio and Joe Gauthreaux Sunday: Rosabel

One Magical Weekend

www.onemagicalweekend.com Friday: Riptide at Typhoon Lagoon w/ DJ Manny Lehman Saturday: WE party , Epcot World Showplace with DJs Twisted Dee, Manuel de Diego Sunday: Retro-T at Epcot

6 | GA VOICE

05.10.13

Summer

SUMMER TRAVEL

www.theGAVoice.com

getaways Ready to get out of Atlanta? Whether you prefer beach or mountains, cruising or camping, check out these big LGBT events to get you on the road this summer.

FLORIDA BOUND See story, Pages 4-5

Head south for these LGBT summer traditions. More Florida events listed under other specific categories. Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola May 23-27 in Pensacola, Fla. Gay Days in Orlando May 28-June 3, Gay Day at Magic Kingdom: June 1

PRIDE ON PARADE Atlanta Pride is in October, so you can check out summer Prides in other cities. DC Black Pride May 24-26 in Washington, DC Features R&B star Brandy www.dcblackpride.org Capital Pride May 29-June 9; parade June 8 in Washington, D.C. www.capitalpride.org Sao Paulo Pride May 30 – June 3 in Sao Paulo, Brazil World’s largest gay Pride parade www.gaypridebrazil.org Central Alabama Pride June 2-9; night parade June 8, festival June 9 Birmingham, Ala. www.centralalabamapride.org Key West Pride June 5-9 in Key West, Fla. www.keywestpride.org

Augusta Pride June 21-22; festival and parade June 22 Augusta, Ga. www.prideaugusta.org St. Pete Pride Street Festival & Promenade June 29 in St. Petersburg, Fla. www.stpetepride.com

Since Atlanta Pride isn’t until October, you can travel this summer to other Pride celebrations. The world’s largest Pride parade takes place each year in Sau Paulo, Brazil, this year on June 2. (Photo Agencia Brazil, CC 3.0)

New York City Pride June 28-30 in New York City, NY www.nycpride.org

All LGBT French Riverboat Cruise Aug. 4-13, Adults only Kelli & Gregg’s Adventures www.rfamilyvacations.com

San Francisco Pride June 29-30 in San Francisco, Calif. www.sfpride.org Savannah Pride Sept. 14 in Savannah, Ga. www.savpride.com

CRUISE CONTROL

All aboard for gay and lesbian summer cruises. Short & Sweet Bahamas Cruise June 28 – July 1, by lesbian travel company Sweet www.discoversweet.com The Broadway Cruise Sailing from NYC to Bermuda July 7-14 www.thebroadwaycruise.com Ireland & Scotland British Isles Cruise July 18-25, by lesbian travel company Olivia www.olivia.com Summer Alaska Cruise July 21-28, by gay & lesbian RSVP Vacations www.rsvpvacations.com

Nashville Pride Festival June 15 in Nashville, Tenn. www.nashvillepride.org

Danube Cruises July 22 – Aug. 2; July 29-Aug. 9 By gay & lesbian RSVP Vacations www.rsvpvacations.com

South Carolina Black Pride June 19-23 in Columbia, S.C. www.southcarolinablackpride.com

Provence to Burgundy Riverboat Cruise July 30-Aug. 6, by lesbian travel company Olivia www.olivia.com

Venice to Rome Cruise Aug. 24-Sept. 3, by gay Atlantis Events www.atlantisevents.com Amsterdam to Barcelona Cruise Sept. 5-15, by gay Atlantis Events www.atlantisevents.com

GIRL POWER

Beyond cruises, more events for women, or, womyn National Women’s Music Festival July 4-7 in Middleton, Wisc. www.wiaonline.org

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort Aug. 18-23 in Sanger, Calif. By LGBT kid-friendly R Family Vacations www.rfamilyvacations.com Family Equality ‘Family Week’ Aug. 3-10 in Provincetown, Mass. www.familyequality.org

OTHER LGBT OPTIONS Go back to summer camp here in Georgia, get decadent in New Orleans, don your leather in San Francisco, and more... TransCampOUT July 17-21 at Long Fork Retreat, Walton, West Va. For “all people outside the binary gender spectrum and their supporters” www.transcampout.org

Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival Aug. 6-11 in Oceana County, Mich. www.michfest.com

Gay & Lesbian Adults Camp Women: Aug. 15-19, Men: Aug. 22-26 A full summer camp experience, including group cabins, color wars and more, held in North Georgia. www.glaclgbt.com

Key West Womenfest Sept. 3-8 in Key West, Fla. www.womenfest.com

Southern Decadence Aug. 22-Sept. 2 in New Orleans, La. www.southerndecadence.net

For kids with gay parents, and their families and friends

Splash Days Aug. 30-Sept. 2 in Austin, Tex. Circuit event features DJs Gring, Seth Cooper and Roland Belmares www.splashdays.com

LGBT Family Camp at Club Getaway June 24-28 in Kent, Conn. By LGBT kid-friendly R Family Vacations www.rfamilyvacations.com

Folsom Street Fair Sept. 29 in San Francisco, Calif. “The grand daddy of all leather events” www.folsomstreetevents.org

FAMILY VACATIONS

Every day is flag day.

With our live-and-let-live philosophy and official One Human Family point of view, Key West takes The Florida Keys’ come-as-you-are attitude to a whole new place. And with annual events like Key West Pride, you can celebrate your true colors 365 days a year. fla-keys.com/gaykeywest 1.888.524.4915 IS KEY W EST

Island House Award-winning clothing-optional resort for men. Luxurious rooms. Poolside café and bar. Gym, sauna, steamroom, Jacuzzis. Poolside massage pavilion. 800-890-6284 or 305-294-6284 islandhousekeywest.com

New Orleans House The only all male guesthouse on Duval Street. Part of the Bourbon Street Pub Complex. Stay where you play! 888-293-9893 or 305-293-9800 neworleanshousekw.com

BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS

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Pearl’s Key West Historic inn with restaurant, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, WiFi, gym, poolside bar and grill. Find Your Place in Paradise. 800-749-6696 or 305-292-1450 pearlskeywest.com

8 | GA VOICE

Camp camp

SUMMER TRAVEL

05.10.13

www.theGAVoice.com

LGBT campgrounds offer affordable vacation options throughout Ga. By Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com You don’t have to wait for special events to enjoy a weekend of LGBT community, and you don’t have to stay in Atlanta to find it. Georgia is home to a variety of LGBT campgrounds, whether you prefer the North Georgia mountains or the forests of South Georgia. If you want an organized throwback to childhood summer camp, also held here in Georgia, check out the two Gay & Lesbian Adults Camp sessions listed on page 6.

FOX MOUNTAIN CAMP & ARTIST RETREAT 350 Black Ankle Way, Cherry Log, GA 30522 www.foxmtncamp.com

Fox Mountain is a private, 18-acre “womenfocused” campground located near the Toccoa River with women-only and mixed-gender camping areas. Women campers are allowed one male guest. Some camping gear is available for rent; other amenities include a music stage, showers and ﬂush toilets. Every third weekend, the campground hosts a female musician in concert.

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ROY’S HIDEAWAY 268 Catfish Lane, Collins, GA 30421 www.royshideaway.com

An hour from Savannah or two hours from Macon, Roy’s Hideaway features six lakes, cabins, wi-ﬁ, a saltwater pool, a café, laundry, showers and restrooms. Tent camping and longterm RV hook-ups also available. Upcoming events include the Memorial Day Glamorous & Trashy Weekend with Kristina Foxx.

IN THE WOODS CAMPGROUND 142 Casey Court, Canon, GA 30520 www.inthewoodscamp.com

In the Woods is a gay, members-only, clothing-optional campground that is mostly men, although women are welcome. Amenities include a clubhouse, pool, hot tub, tent camping, cabins, RV sites, a bunkhouse with private rooms and the Bearacks “shared living experience.”

OZ CAMPGROUND 50 Highway 230, Unadilla, GA 31091 www.ozcampground.com

Oz Campground sits on 150 acres located just 8 miles off Interstate 75. Amenities include a 4,000-square foot bar and dance club, pool, hot

Oz Campground features a variety of cabins for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the work of tent camping. (Photo via Facebook)

tub, general store, wi-ﬁ at the pool, cabins, RV sites and tent camping. Guests must be 18 and members. Clothing is optional in many areas. Special events are scheduled for men and women. Upcoming events include Memorial Day Homecoming Weekend, Wide World of Sports (June 7-9), and Oz MusicFest (June 14-17), featuring lesbian duo Halcyon.

RIVER’S EDGE 2311 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose, GA 30634 www.camptheriversedge.com

River’s Edge is a private, adults-only, clothing-optional campground focused on men, although women are welcome. Amenities include a pool, workout room, clubhouse, shower facilities, tent campsites, RV sites, and cabins of various sizes. Upcoming events include Bear Mayhem (May 10-12).

SWIFTWATERS WOMANSPACE 830 Swiftwaters Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 www.swiftwaters.com

For more than 30 years, Swiftwaters has offered camping for women who enjoy rustic camaraderie on the Etowah River. Amenities include a meadow, outhouses, shower, plus two cabins and a bed-and-breakfast room available for women who prefer not to camp in tents.

THE HUNTING CLUB 210 Rabbit Run, Ailey, GA 30410 www.huntingclubrv.com

Located seven miles from Vidalia, Ga., The Hunting Club is billed as a “private GLBT gated community” for RVs and tent camping. The site features an 11-acre ﬁshing pond with kayaks and paddle boating, clubhouse, indoor and outdoor showers, plus a small pool.

Summer staycations

www.theGAVoice.com

SUMMER TRAVEL

From festivals to tourist attractions, plenty to do here at home this season

Lanier World: Nothing says “summer” quite like a trip to the water park. Lanier World at Lake Lanier Islands in Buford opens with regular hours in late May and will be open throughout the week during the mid-summer months. Friday nights include family-friendly movies in the wavepool on a 200 foot screen. www.lakelanierislands.com Stone Mountain Park: ‘Johnny’ himself, Charlie Daniels, will bring the Devil down to Georgia Sunday, May 26, with a concert at Stone Mountain Park to commemorate Memorial Day Weekend. The park will host a weekend of special events, including special laser light and ﬁreworks shows. www.stonemountainpark.com

Hotlanta Softball’s Big Peach tournament is Atlanta’s biggest LGBT event over Memorial Day Weekend, drawing teams from around the country. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

for a second year Saturday, July 13. This year’s festival beneﬁts the Atlanta Community Food bank. Last year, the festival raised just over $40,000 to help feed some of Atlanta’s poorest families. www.atlantastreetfoodfestival.com

a beneﬁt for the aquarium’s education efforts, will be held in the Oceans Ballroom and will move to the aquarium’s parking deck roof for the Centennial Olympic Park ﬁreworks show. www.georgiaaquarium.org

Dragon*Con: Let your inner-Khaleesi ﬂy at one of Atlanta’s largest annual events. Sci-ﬁ, fantasy, and geeks of all kind descend downtown Aug. 30 – Sept. 2. Panels, parades and parties make Dragon*Con weekend a unique Atlanta experience. www.dragoncon.org

OUTDOOR OPTIONS

FOOD AND FESTIVALS

MMM... BEER AND WINE)

Decatur Arts Festival: The Decatur Arts Festival returns to the square May 25-26 with an artists market, book signings, silent auction, food vendors, a performance stage and much more. www.decaturartsfestival.com

Martinis & IMAX: The Fernbank Museum of Natural History opens the bar on Friday nights throughout the summer with its Martinis & IMAX series. This Memorial Day weekend kicks off with The Nick Longo Band and the ﬁlm “Everest.” www.fernbankmuseum.org

Several large festivals are coming to the metro area this summer. From Memorial Day Weekend’s Atlanta Jazz Festival to the summerending Dragon*Con, Atlanta will again welcome huge crowds this summer.

Atlanta Jazz Festival: Held each year over Memorial Day Weekend in Piedmont Park, theAtlanta Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz events in the country and always brings massive crowds. This year, some 30 artists will take the main stage, including Meshell Ndegeocello, who is bisexual; Lemonade Jones, Gabbie McGee and others. www.atlantafestivals.com Atlanta Street Food Festival: The Atlanta Street Food Festival returns to Piedmont Park

GA VOICE | 9

Center for Puppetry Arts, Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the High Museum of Art all host special events in the coming months.

By RYAN WATKINS rwatkins@thegavoice.com The ofﬁcial summer travel season kicks off Memorial Day Weekend, and while the calendar is packed with LGBT options for those ready to hit the road, there are plenty of local events, festivals and attractions that just might suit your fancy – and your wallet – here in Georgia. To start the “staycation” season, check out the holiday weekend’s biggest local LGBT event, the Big Peach Softball Tournament, set for May 24-26 at the West Metro Atlanta Softball Complex. Three divisions, featuring teams from across the country, will battle it out on the diamond for the chance to be crowned Big Peach champion. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news for LGBT Memorial Day events. MondoHomo, the queer arts festival which has traditionally been held over the four-day holiday, is canceled for 2013, according to event organizers. But don’t let that get you down: There are still plenty of events happening around town, along with year-round attractions that welcome locals and tourists alike.

05.10.13

Let’s face it. If you can do it while entertaining a cocktail or three, it’s probably a lot of fun. Several Georgia breweries, like Terrapin in Athens and Sweetwater in Atlanta, organize summer events, tours and samplings.

Zoo Atlanta: This Memorial Day Weekend, Zoo Atlanta hosts Brew in the Zoo. Tickets include unlimited beer and wine sampling, a live music concert and up-close encounters with many of the zoo’s animals. This year’s event will help fund the zoo’s primate collection. www.zooatlanta.org Georgia Aquarium: The Georgia Aquarium will host Red, White & Brew on July 4. The party,

Georgia is home to 11 national parks and 65 state and historical parks. From marshes to waterfalls, beaches to mountains, there’s something for everyone, including even stubborn ITP’ers.

Atlanta Botanical Garden: Located in the middle of Midtown, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts “Imaginary Worlds” through October. The exhibit features 19 living sculptures ranging from a unicorn to a pair of cobras. Other events, like Cocktails in the Garden and Concerts in the Garden, are scheduled throughout the summer. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org Shoot the Hooch: Whether you’re looking for a short pleasure cruise or an all-day trek, several local companies can get you on Chattahoochee River adventures by raft, tube or kayak. Chattahoochee Outﬁtters, an all-in-one shop located in Roswell, offers six different launch points on the river to accommodate any schedule and will be open seven days a week throughout May. www.shootthehooch.com

FAMILY FUN

There is no shortage of family-friendly events this summer, no matter how you deﬁne family. The Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta,

Georgia Renaissance Festival: Hear ye! Hear ye! The Georgia Renaissance Festival kicked off its 28th year mid-April. The annual event, held through early June, is just south of Atlanta in Fairburn and offers a full day’s worth of merry entertainment. www.garenfest.com

SPORTING EVENTS

Atlanta, once dubbed “the most miserable sports city in America” by Forbes magazine, has seen a revival in recent years among its professional teams. The Falcons are ﬂying high on the wings of Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Braves are looking to turn the page on a few recent disappointing seasons. Atlanta Braves: The Braves began the season without longtime third baseman Chipper Jones in the lineup, but 2013 is already off to a promising start even lacking the former perennial all-star. With new additions like BJ Upton joining returning stars Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward, the Braves hope to break a post-season dry spell and get back to their winning ways. Games are held at Turner Field throughout the summer. http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com Atlanta Falcons: Everyone’s favorite “dirty birds” return to action against heated division rivals New Orleans Sept. 8, but summer training camp and pre-season football gets underway this summer. Fans can catch open practices for free at the team’s Flowery Branch beginning in July. www.atlantafalcons.com/ Atlanta Bucks Rugby Football Club: The gay boys in purple will celebrate their 10th anniversary July 19-21 with three-days packed full of rugby-themed events, including a Friday evening banquet, an exhibition match and anniversary brunch. http://on.fb.me/141fRPw

10 | GA VOICE

NEWS

05.10.13

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Local couple gets U.S. Rep. David Scott on record in favor of gay marriage Democrat is third Ga. congressman to support marriage equality By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com Rob Anglin and his partner, Jens Palsgaard, pulled together charts, polls and even a Power Point presentation as they prepared to meet with U.S. Rep. David Scott at his office in Smyrna, Ga., to discuss his position on same-sex marriage. “We wanted to get as much stuff put together as possible,” Anglin said. “We were told we would only have 20 to 30 minutes.” Turns out the couple, who began dating last July and got engaged in November, didn’t need any of their prepared materials to talk to Scott, a Democrat who represents Georgia’s 13th congressional district, which includes parts of Cobb, Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton and Henry counties. He is serving his sixth term. Anglin and Palsgaard, who live in Lithia Springs, said when they walked into Scott’s office April 30, he asked them why they were there. When they told him they wanted to know his position on marriage equality, Anglin said Scott told them he “has always supported marriage equality” and there was no need for them to get out their prepared materials. The GA Voice reached out to Rep. Scott’s office repeatedly for comment for this story but did not receive any response. While impressed and glad for Scott’s support, the answer surprised Anglin and Palsgaard.

Anglin said they decided to ask for a meeting with Scott after they looked through materials about Georgia’s representatives in Congress on the Human Rights Campaign’s website and noted Scott did not have an ofﬁcial position listed. They did know he voted in 2004 and 2006 in support of a federal constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. “We noticed we had ﬁve Democrats from Georgia, two who supported same-sex marriage, two who opposed and David Scott, who had not taken a position,” Anglin said. The two supporters are Reps. John Lewis and Hank Johnson; those opposed are Reps. Sanford Bishop and John Barrow. Anglin said Scott told them he voted against same-sex marriage because he believed he was voting the way his constituents would want him to vote. He also told them he attended gay former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank’s wedding last summer. They pushed and asked him if he would sign on as a co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act if it was reintroduced — legislation that would repeal the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act and require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages. Anglin said Scott said he would consider it. Anglin and Palsgaard also asked Scott about supporting other LGBT equality bills, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. A spokesperson told them via email Scott would consider these requests as well.

‘DOES HE REALLY MEAN IT?”

While thrilled that Scott said he supports marriage equality, Aglin said he and Palsgaard wondered if the congressman was only telling them something to get them out of his ofﬁce.

After meeting with local activists Jens Palsgaard and Rob Anglin, U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) has come out publicly in support of same-sex marriage. (File photos)

“It was so simple. He said, ‘I support it.’ We didn’t have to open our computer at all to show him the numbers and research. We did nothing to convince him, which made it a whole lot easier for us,” Anglin said. “But we thought, ‘Is he being up front with us?’ He had opposed [same-sex marriage] in past. We wondered, ‘Does he really mean it?’” With those concerns, they emailed Joe Jervis of the popular LGBT blog Joe.My.God. and also HRC describing their meeting with Scott. Jervis emailed for a response from Scott’s ofﬁce and received a one-sentence response, “Congressman Scott fully supports marriage equality.” Anglin and Palsgaard are not strangers to

marriage equality activism. In January, they were one of ﬁve couples who marched with supporters to the DeKalb Count Probate Court in downtown Decatur to ask for a marriage license, knowing they would be denied because Georgia does not recognize same-sex marriages. “We both consider ourselves activists,” Anglin said. “As voters living in his district, we would want to know what he thought on an issue so important to us, especially since he had not made his view public. “And now that he has come out and says it is OK, it makes it easier for the next person and the next person. And that’s how laws get changed and equality is ensured for all people,” he said.

U.S. Rep. John Lewis leads ﬁght to ban anti-LGBT bias in adoption services By CHRIS JOHNSON U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are leading a group of lawmakers in the House and Senate preparing to introduce legislation that would prohibit anti-LGBT bias in adoption and foster care services. The legislation, known as the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, would restrict federal funds for public child welfare agencies if they have laws or practices allowing for discrimination in adoption on the basis of marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill, which was discussed in a May 7 press conference on Capitol Hill but had not been formally introduced at press time, would also prohibit discrimination against LGBT children seeking families.

No state laws protect LGBT families seeking to adopt in more than 30 states, including Georgia. Six states — California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Oregon — explicitly ban discrimination in adoption based on sexual orientation. “I’ve fought too long and too hard against discrimination of every kind not to serve as a champion for this bill,” Lewis said. “Foster children are innocent bystanders when troubled families crash and burn. The foster care system does it best to rescue these little babies from the ﬂames of abuse — neglect, drug addiction, domestic violence and some of society’s worst problems.” According to Gillibrand’s ofﬁce, an estimated 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system nationwide, and more than 104,000 children are currently waiting to be adopted.

GAY ATLANTA DAD SPEAKS OUT

During the news conference, a number of gay people and their children spoke out about the importance that adoption has meant for their families Philip McAdoo, a gay Atlanta resident and graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, talked about the experience that he and his partner, Sean Cavanaugh, had after the two-year process that led them to adopt their son Zaden, who’s now seven years old. “When we started talking about family, he said, ‘Oh, I know what’s important in a family,’” McAdoo said. “We were like, ‘What’s that?’ He said, ‘Where there’s love.’ There was never a question that there were two dads; he always wanted to know who was going to play football with him.” More @ www.thegavoice.com

U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), center, speaks at a May 7 press conference supporting a bill to ban LGBT bias in adoption and foster services. Atlanta gay dad Philip McAdoo and his son, Zaden, are on the far left and also spoke at the conference. (Photo by Michael Key / Washington Blade)

NEWS

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05.10.13

GA VOICE | 11

Atlanta HRC Gala Dinner brings out stars for national ﬁght Organizers call event ‘one of the best ever’ By RYAN WATKINS rwatkins@thegavoice.com The Human Rights Campaign hosted its annual gala dinner in Atlanta on May 4 to raise funds for the country’s largest national LGBT advocacy organization. The dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Atlanta, kicked off with a performance from Serenbe Playhouse’s production of “Hair.” The mood from the beginning was joyous as recent victories, including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and state victories across the country, made the annual dinner more of a celebration than it had been in previous years. Speakers for the event included HRC President Chad Grifﬁn and “Glee” actor Jonathan Groff, who introduced co-star Matthew Morrison, recipient of this year’s Ally for Equality Award. “Let me just start by promising to you, from this day forward I will do everything in my power to live up to this award,” Morrison told the crowd at the sold-out dinner. “In my life and in my work, it is almost impossible for me to understand why all Americans are not allies for equality. Don’t tell me there’s an award somewhere for ‘allies for unfairness’ or ‘champions of bigotry,’” Morrison said. Julie Wood, a member of Atlanta’s HRC Steering Committee, praised the dinner’s volunteers and called the dinner one of the best in recent memory. “It was a resounding success,” Wood said. “We’re thrilled with how everything went, from the opening entertainment from the playhouse to Matthew Morrison to our local award winners.” The dinner, Wood said, had one of the largest audiences in recent memory. Some 1,200 people packed the Hyatt Regency Ballroom. Fundraising totals were not calculated by GA Voice print deadline, but all of HRC Atlanta’s fundraising goals were met, Wood said. Last year’s dinner raised approximately $400,000. “The Rhode Island marriage coming in right before our dinner really helped set the positive mood,” Wood added. “There is a positive mood that contributed to making it a positive feeling event when we haven’t been doing as well politically.”

For more photos from this event, visit ‘Glee’ star Matthew Morrison

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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed

Rev. Josh Noblitt with Atlanta City Councilmember Alex Wan

Community Service award winner Michael Shutt

Niki Harris Two days before the event, Rhode Island became the 10th state to approve marriage equality. The dinner, a fundraiser for the national effort, is also a chance for activists to be honored for their local work. Joining Hearts, which raises funds for housing for people with HIV and is best known for its summer pool party, received the Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award. The Leon Allen & Winston Johnson Community Service Award went to Michael Shutt, director of Emory University’s Ofﬁce of LGBT Life. Niki Harris, an 18-year veteran background singer and dancer for Madonna, closed out the dinner. Photos by Ryan Watkins

Rep. John Lewis and Glen Paul Freedman

Avian Watson and Ebonee Woodruff

12 | GA VOICE

NEWS

05.10.13

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‘Shock and disbelief’ after HIV vaccine trial halted

Atlanta’s Life Forward study discontinued after new HIV infections arise By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com Nearly 200 metro Atlanta gay men participated in the national HIV vaccine trial named HVTN-505, known locally as Life Forward, before it was stopped last month after an oversight committee saw in preliminary results that people were being infected despite being vaccinated. For Dr. Mark Mulligan, principal investigator of the Life Forward vaccine trial at Emory’s Hope Clinic, the news came as a huge disappointment. “I was like, ‘Oh, wow.’ I felt a sort of shock and disbelief and disappointment. And there was some emotion,” he said. Mulligan was notified in an email April 23 and given roughly 48 hours to call the participants before the news was released to the public. He was on rotation at Emory Hospital, visiting patients, some of whom were HIV positive. It was difficult, he said, seeing these patients who were coping with the disease and knowing a once-promising vaccine was proven ineffective. The first priority was notifying all of the Hope Clinic’s volunteers. “We called every one of them. We owed that to them,” Mulligan said. Human trials began in 2009. The trial was being conducted in 19 cities, including Atlanta, and had more than 2,500 volunteers. All participants had to be HIV negative, sexually active and circumcised. John Jeffrey, one of the Atlanta participants, had been enrolled in the study for one year and three months. When he received a call from the Hope Clinic, he was disappointed like others. “I felt encouraged to be part of this program … and while a part of me is still disappointed, I feel good that researchers learned other things by the data collected,” Jeffrey said. “I want more of these studies out there and keep this at the forefront.”

71 HIV INFECTIONS OCCURED

The HIV vaccine trial was funded with $77 million from the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In March, the trial had just ﬁnished enrolling the necessary 2,504 men who have sex with men and transgender people who have sex with men. Just weeks later the trial was called off. On April 22, members of the oversight committee examined information gathered from 1,250 volunteers who received the vaccine and

Above: Dr. Mark Mulligan, principal investigator of the HVTN505 vaccine trial, locally named Life Forward, said he was very disappointed to learn the vaccine was not effective, but said he and others would continue to work to find a way to stop HIV. (Photo by Emory University) Right: The Hope Clinic of Emory University advertised widely seeking volunteers for the Life Forward HIV vaccine trial. The trial began in 2009 but was discontinued last month after preliminary results showed the vaccine was not stopping HIV infections.

1,244 volunteers who received the placebo. All had been in the trial at least 28 weeks. What they found was discouraging. “Overall in the study from the day of enrollment through the month 24 study visit, a total of 41 cases of HIV infection occurred in the volunteers who received the investigational vaccine regimen and 30 cases of HIV infection occurred among the placebo vaccine recipients,” according to NIAID. This vaccine was designed to impact the immune system so that it could ﬁght off the virus and/or reduce the viral load of someone with HIV. Three early shots within the ﬁrst eight weeks were injected into volunteers and were intended to “prime the immune system.” Sixteen weeks later, volunteers were injected with a booster shot that delivered genetic material that made molecules produced by HIV — by doing so, researchers hoped for an immune response against the virus. The vaccine did not cause HIV infections.

‘IT GAVE US THE TRUTH’

The vaccine had shown protection in monkeys and there was hope it would work in humans, Mulligan said. And, like past attempts, it didn’t work. “We don’t know how to protect humans,” he said. “But the trial did what it was supposed to do. It gave us the truth,” he added. “It said this is not good enough. We have to do better.” Currently, all the volunteers are now ﬁnding out if they received the placebo or the vaccine. All will be followed for ﬁve years, Mulli-

gan explained. Those who received the placebo are eligible to participate in future HIV vaccine trials. And there are many future HIV vaccine trials in the works. The Hope Clinic is currently enrolling in an early phase of a HIV vaccine trial named HVTN 092. So far, two people are enrolled. An additional HIV vaccine study should open up this summer, Mulligan added, and other HIV vaccine trials are in planning and development. The Hope Clinic also has several ongoing and planned clinical trials of vaccines and treatments for inﬂuenza, HPV, TB, smallpox and anthrax. While disappointed, Mulligan said as a scientist this comes as part of the job and it just means more work needs to be done. “This is not a dead end. I’ve always put forward that when a door closes … some windows are going to open to something better. We are going to learn a lot,” he said. “And in a way, we are going to be more successful. We are not giving up. We will continue until we have a vaccine.”

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05.10.13

NEWSIN BRIEF

Photo by Dyana Bagby

Boo for Gov. Deal, kudos to Rhode Island

GA VOICE | 13

GA. GOVERNOR CHANGES DAY AGAINST ‘HOMOPHOBIA’ TO ‘MISTREATMENT’

Ga. Gov. Nathan Deal has done it again. For the second time in as many years, Deal’s ofﬁce issued a proclamation requested by organizers of the International Day Against Homophobia — but only after sanitizing it into “Mistreatment Awareness Day” and removing any reference to LGBT rights. The renamed event is sadly ironic, Georgia organizer Betty Couvertier observed last year. “They couldn’t even use the word homophobia,” Couvertier, who asked for the proclamation, said then. “This [proclamation] is a documentation of homophobia.” Organizers launched a Change.org petition to get Deal to issue a proclamation honoring the real observance, but at press time May 7, he hadn’t obliged. Meanwhile, plans for Atlanta’s International Day Against Homophobia start with and culminate with an evening event with speakers and performers May 17 (See schedule, page 22). More @ www.thegavoice.com

HELP FIGHT HIV STIGMA AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN GAY, BI MEN

The Georgia Department of Public Health seeks applicants for a new community advisory committee that will develop a campaign aimed at lessening HIV stigma. The group’s main focus will be African-American gay and bisexual men. The committee will meet six times, for one hour each, monthly from June to November. The ﬁrst meeting is June 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Jason’s Deli on 10th Street in Midtown. The deadline for applying is May 22; members will be notiﬁed by May 31. For more information, contact Nina Pagadala at the Georgia Department of Public Health: nipagadala@dhr.state.ga.us

ATLANTA PRIDE PARTY AT GA. AQUARIUM DRAWS PETA PROTEST... AGAIN

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is once again rallying gay celebrities to denounce Atlanta Pride’s annual kick-off party at the Georgia Aquarium. Last year, it was actor Jane Lynch; this year, it’s fashion guru Tim Gunn of “Project Runway.” In a letter to Pride on behalf of PETA, Gunn claims that “loud music and normal party

As different as North and South: Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (top), an Independent, signed a marriage equality law the same day it was passed by the state House. Meanwhile, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican, will not even use the word ‘homophobia’ in a proclamation for a day dedicated to eradicating it. (Official photos)

raucousness” are “deeply disturbing and unnerving” to marine life including the aquarium’s beluga whales. Atlanta Pride Executive Director Buck Cooke responded with his own letter stating that the party will remain and calling out PETA for targeting Pride over the hundreds of other events at the aquarium. This year’s party is set for Friday, Oct. 11. More @ www.thegavoice.com

RHODE ISLAND, DELAWARE APPROVE MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Rhode Island and Delaware this month become the tenth and eleventh states to approve marriage for same-sex couples. On May 2, the Rhode Island House voted 56-15 in favor of the law, which Gov. Lincoln Chafee then signed the same evening in a public ceremony on the capitol steps. Lawmakers burst into song after the vote, singing a verse of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Same-sex marriage will begin Aug. 1. The Delaware Senate approved a marriage equality bill May 7, after moving debate that included Sen. Karen Peterson, a Democrat from Dover, coming out on the ﬂoor during debate. Gov. Jack Markell signed the measure shortly after it passed. More @ www.thegavoice.com

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14 | GA VOICE

05.10.13

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A&E

John Q is, from left, Wesley Chenault, Joey Orr and Andy Ditzler. (Photo by Sandy Hooper)

John Q Collective uses Cyclorama as metaphor for LGBT migration By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com Located in the northeastern corner of Georgia, Resaca is a small town with a current population less than 1,000. In that rural town in May 1864, the Battle of Resaca was fought — the ﬁrst of many in the Civil War campaign that led to the Battle of Atlanta. Union troops defeated Confederates in a bloody clash that led to the surrender of Atlanta to Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, who later ordered the city burned. The Battle of Atlanta, fought on July 22, 1864, is still alive today at one of Atlanta’s famous tourist spots, the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum located in Grant Park next to Zoo Atlanta. The massive oil painting — the canvas is 42 feet tall, 358 feet in circumference and weighs more than 10,000 pounds — draws people fascinated with history as well as art. Resaca, with its crucial tie to Civil War history, also has a crucial tie to queer history. Crawford Barton, who became famous for his photographs of the “golden age of gay awakening” in San Francisco, was

DETAILS

www.johnq.org

John Q Presents The Campaign for Atlanta: an Essay on Queer Migration May 17-18, $8 6:30 p.m. reception both nights 7 p.m. both nights (no late seating) Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum www.johnq.org www.atlantacyclorama.org

born in Resaca in 1943 and raised on a farm. He lived in Atlanta before moving to San Francisco in the late 1960s, part of a queer migration out west as people sought to ﬁnd themselves and others like them. Barton became well-known in San Francisco for photographs that captured gay life as the Castro changed from a middle-class neighborhood to a renowned gayborhood.

IN SEARCH OF QUEER IDENTITY

It is the story of queer migration into urban areas that Atlanta’s John Q “idea collective” seeks to tell by sharing Barton’s story. Made up of Joey Orr, Andy Ditzler and Wesley Chenault, John Q will hold two events at the Atlanta Cyclorama on May 17-18 titled “The Campaign for Atlanta: An Essay on Queer Migration.” But the event won’t be an essay in the traditional sense of words written on a page. Instead this essay will attempt to explain what they have learned through hours of research by utilizing an interesting and historic apparatus.

in 2009 presented historical queer sites by having attendees visit and experience the space for themselves, was thrilled to visit a museum preserving queer history. While there, the John Q members were encouraged to learn about Crawford Barton because of his photographs. It was then they found out he was from Resaca, Ga.

Crawford Barton, who took iconic photos of gay life in San Francisco in the 1960s and 1970s, was born in Resaca, Ga., the city where the Battle of Atlanta started. (Courtesy of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society) The idea of queer migration interested John Q as they thought of how many people move to larger cities to live as openly LGBT people. “Atlanta has been a destination for queer migration for the state and the Southeast like San Francisco and New York has been for the nation,” says Orr. This queer migration would lead people to believe that LGBT people only lived in large cities. But what if the history of these queer migrants was brought back “kicking and screaming,” as Chenault has described, to their original homes, including rural cities — how does that impact our queer memory and history? John Q struck up a working relationship and friendship with the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco. The GLBT Historical Society opened a museum in 2011, the only stand-alone venue in the country of its kind. John Q, whose Memory Flash project

‘MEMORY RATHER THAN HISTORY’

With that knowledge, John Q members knew they had a project that could bring together this famous queer photographer and the Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta. “The whole Atlanta Campaign becomes a metaphor for queer migration … and also how migration, whether military or queer, is represented visually,” Ditzler says. Orr recalls looking through Barton’s archived materials and finding boxes of 8 mm films with notes scribbled on them, most likely in Barton’s handwriting. “One of them had ‘Resaca’ written on it, another had ‘Resaca graveyard.’ This is a guy famous for photographing the Castro,” Orr says. “We had to go all the way to San Francisco to find out about him,” Ditzler says. When people think of queer history, they think of the Castro or Stonewall, Orr says. But how does a neighborhood or city become the Castro? “We were thinking of the Cyclorama and troops entering into the city and how this is a metaphor for queer migration,” Orr says. “We’ve always said we are interested in memory rather than history.”

16 | GA VOICE

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05.10.13

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

GA VOICE | 17

On Stage

THEATER BY JIM FARMER

Reading rainbow

“Lady Lay” Through May 19 at 7 Stages www.7stages.org Lesbian director Heidi S. Howard directs this drama about a woman breaking free from a dead-end job and making a new life for herself.

‘The Book Club Play’ includes gay man struggling with identity

A gay character is part of the ensemble of the new “The Book Club Play,” opening next week at Horizon Theatre. Save for a young woman who is in her ‘20s, the characters here are all pushing 40 and dealing with that challenge. At the heart of the comedy is Ana (Wendy Melkonian), a control freak of sorts who is a features writer for a newspaper and a passionate founder of her book club. The other two founders are her husband, Rob (Bryan Brendle), who is more into the social aspects of the club than the reading, and their historian friend Will (John Benzinger). Others in the club are Ana’s friend Jen (Maria Rodriguez-Sager), Ana’s young protégé Lily (Danielle Deadwyler) and Alex (Dan Triandiﬂou), a comparative literature professor who challenges the group with a notion that to be part of culture, they need to embrace the Beyonce along with the Bach. Their book club meetings are being made into a documentary by a Danish ﬁlmmaker and suddenly nothing is outside the range of the camera lens — and how the characters interact and behave changes as well. Directed by Jeff Adler, Horizon’s co-artistic director, “The Book Club Play” has a character who is gay – Will. He has not dealt with it yet, however. The character is reading “The Davinci Code” and comes to a realization that if he dies, his secret will go with him. “He comes to an awakening,” says Adler. According to the director, Will is in something of a romantic triangle with Rob in Ana’s mind. “They have all known each other from col-

05.10.13

“The 39 Steps” Through May 19 at the Academy Theatre www.onstageatlanta.com Gay actor Charlie Miller is part of the ensemble of this comedy/mystery spoof, Onstage’s first show since leaving its former home. “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” May 14 – 19 at The Buckhead Theatre www.thebuckheadtheatre.com A wicked parody of “50 Shades of Grey.”

‘The Book Club Play’ is a comedy about friends whose gatherings go awry in the presence of a documentary film crew. (Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus)

lege,” says Adler. “They used to date before she married Rob and she thinks he still has feelings for her.” Lily, being younger and hipper, has already made the observation early on about Will but no one else in the book club agrees. When Ana ﬁnds out the truth, she has to adapt. The show is written by Karen Zacarias, who has a history with Horizon. “We did her play ‘Legacy of Light,’” says Adler. “We are enamored of her as a writer. What we like about this one is that it’s very smart. It’s well written and ﬁts our mission.”

AURORA’S ALL-FEMALE ‘LARK EDEN’

The current comedy drama “Lark Eden,” now playing at Aurora Theatre, is something of a coup. It involves an all-female team – with a female director, actresses and design and production crew. That is a major appeal for Melissa Foulger, the lesbian director at the helm of the show. “It hasn’t been that much different in terms of the work,” she admits. “But a show

DETAILS “The Book Club Play” May 17 – June 23 at Horizon Theatre 1083 Austin Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307 www.horizontheatre.com “Lark Eden” Through May 26 at Aurora Theatre 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 www.auroratheatre.com

like this gives women opportunities in the arts they have been lacking.” According to Aurora, 80 percent of Broadway shows are directed by men and two out of three acting gigs are by men as well. In the U.S., it is also estimated that three quarters of plays are written by men. As written by Natalie Symons, “Lark Eden” is a Southern comedy about a ﬁctional Georgia town known as Lark Eden. Three women — Thelma (Minka Wiltz), Mary (Rachel Garner) and Emily (Naima Carter Russell) — remain friends for more than eight decades, originally living near each other but moving away. Although their lives change over the years, they stay in touch. Beyond the all-female team, the story beck-

“Brer Rabbit & Friends” Through May 26 at the Center for Puppetry Arts www.puppet.org Gay director Spencer G. Stephens helms a version of this popular family fare.

UPCOMING

“Seminar” May 15 – June 16 at Actor’s Express www.actorsexpress.com Gay director Freddie Ashley helms this tale of four writers getting more than they bargained for during a writing class lead by a world-class author oned to Foulger as well. “To me, it’s about lifelong friendships that we make and how they change,” she says. “These friendships have their ups and downs.” Foulger, though, didn’t want this to come across as being a “chick ﬂick” kind of production. Instead, she wanted to make the story universal. Although there is no LGBT content in the production, Foulger feels that it touches essential truths. “For the people in your life, maintaining these kinds of relationships is just as important as the romantic ones,” she says.

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FOOD PORN BY CLIFF BOSTOCK

A place at the table Lee lifted the pitcher of margaritas over his head with both hands and shouted, “Feliz Cinco de Mayo!” He was slightly drunk. The server at Mezcalito’s Cocina, a new Mexican restaurant in Grant Park, didn’t blink as she swept the pitcher out of his wobbling hands and returned it to the table. Robert, only a little less inebriated, was singing “Besame Mucho,” which mariachi bands often perform tableside, repeating the lyrics until diners tip them enough to go away. Lee pushed two $5 bills in Robert’s shirt, dragqueen-style, to silence him. The two were dining alone. As the weeks passed, their infatuation had turned into love. Both men, almost 50, had been single over a decade — two conditions that make new love at once intoxicating and nauseating. “When you fall in love, your Alzheimer’s gets a head start,” Robert said. As the two dug into their entrees, a man approached the table, scowling. Behind him, another man tried to pull him back by what looked like a rumpled tuxedo jacket, which he wore over a striped polo shirt. “I’m Paul,” the scowling man said, addressing Lee, who extended his arm to shake hands. The gesture was ignored. “Happy Cinco de Mayo,” Robert said. “Nice tux. Having fun?” “I was until I recognized this one,” Paul said, looking at Lee. “Do you know what yesterday was?” “Quatro de Mayo!” Lee blurted, laughing. “That’s right,” Paul said. “And that means it was the annual Human Rights Campaign dinner. Were you there?” He didn’t wait for a reply. “Of course you weren’t. You were on Cheshire Bridge with your cult of freaks, making this city’s gay people look like perverts whose main interest in life is crawling from one ﬁlthy place to another. Just like the drag queens at Pride, you get all the media’s attention while normal, decent people like me and my partner are ignored. You….” Lee cut him off. “Ah, so you’re still wearing your tuxedo jacket from last night. That’s not exactly normal.” Paul’s partner burst out laughing and stepped forward, introducing himself as Peter. “We weren’t expecting it to be so cool. He left his jacket in the car last night. We had a few cocktails earlier and he put it on before we came in.” He turned to Paul. “It’s true, you look like you could perform in this man’s show.” Paul stepped back, wobbling, and plopped into a chair at the table. Before he could move, the server shuttled his plate before him. “Please, join us,” Lee said, reaching to tug at

Photo bia mezcalitoscantina.com

Mexican food and gay diversity on the menu

MEZCALITO’S CANTINA

DETAILS

RECOMMENDED DINING

Mezcalito’s Cocina 304 Oakland Avenue, Atlanta, GA, 30312 678-705-700 | www.mezcalitoscantina.com This restaurant refers to its cuisine as “tweaked Mexican.” It is indeed a fusion with entrees like fried chicken in mole and shrimp and grits.

Paul’s tux. “It’s only fitting.” “So, Peter and Paul,” Robert said. “We all have...” He inserted a dramatic pause. “A place at the table.” Lee rolled his eyes. Paul looked confused. Robert explained that the phrase was the title of a controversial 1994 book by Bruce Bawer that argued that gay people wouldn’t be accepted by mainstream America until they behaved and looked more mainstream.” “That’s true,” Paul snapped. “Problem is,” Lee retorted, “ole Bruce moved to Amsterdam. You know why? The leather scene. No lie.” “Alright,” Robert interrupted. “You’re at least 20 years younger than us. We’re more open about our sex lives but there’s a bit of hypocrisy on our side too. Have you noticed, for example, that in all the huffing and puffing about Cheshire Bridge that neither side has mentioned the most notorious spots in the area – Club Eros and Manifest, outright sex clubs?” He was on a classroom-style rant. “Oh sure, they are 50 yards off the road, down Faulkner Road. But it’s a perfect metaphor. As long as they aren’t seen, they’re not heard about. This, like so many other things, is not about behavior. It’s about behavior that’s seen.” “Alright…alright, point made,” Lee said. “Let’s eat.” The two younger men looked at one another and shrugged. “Whatever,” they said in unison, laughing. “We’ve been to Eros.”

Food Porn is a fictional series by longtime Atlanta food critic Cliff Bostock. Set in real Atlanta restaurants, it chronicles the adventures of Robert, a gay man in search of a husband — or at least a good meal. Read the whole series online at www.theGAVoice.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Show tunes, soap operas, songwriters and circuit parties

Album cover

A&E IN BRIEF Fresh from collecting the Ally for Equality Award at Atlanta’s HRC Dinner on May 4, “Glee” star Matthew Morrison is set to release an album of show tunes June 4. Titled “Where it All Began,” the album features classics such as “Singin’ In the Rain,” “Luck Be a Lady” and “Send in the Clowns.” You can also hear the album on television as Morrison’s PBS special, “Matthew Morrison: Where It All Began Live From the Bushnell,” debuts June 1.

FOR GAY FOLKS WHO MISS THEIR SOAPS

Courtesy photo

‘GLEE’ STAR SINGS SHOW TUNES

Fans missing the campy drama of daytime television can now get their “soap” ﬁx online. New online-only versions of beloved ABC soap operas “All My Children” (cancelled in September 2011) and “One Life to Live” (cancelled in January 2012) debuted April 29. New 30-minute episodes come out every weekday, thanks to Prospect Park’s The Online Network, and can be streamed online via Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes. You can also search for them on Facebook.

Atlanta singer-songwriter Lucas Mire, who is gay, celebrates the release of his new CD, “Following the Landslide,” May 25 at 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. The 11 tracks feature Miré’s introspective acoustic style, with guest performers including Edie Carey, Girlyman, Lucy Wainwright Roche, and the GA Voice’s own Bo Shell, who sings on “Rings.” Take a listen at www.lucasmire.com; tickets to the show available at www.eddiesattic.com

LUCAS MIRÉ

Photo by Dyana Bagby

‘FOLLOWING THE LANDSLIDE’ WITH LUCAS MIRÉ

‘PEACH PARTY’ BRINGS TOP DJS

Atlanta’s gay bars and party producers bring top DJ talent year-round, but rarely will you ﬁnd as many packed into one weekend as with the Peach Party, set for June 14-16. DJs include Twisted Dee, Corey David, Tony Moran, Russ Rich, Paulo, Manny Lehman, David Knapp, Martin Fry and Alyson Calagna. Events are scheduled for the Heretic, Piedmont Park, Jungle, Xion and Las Margaritas. More information and passes available at www.PeachPartyATL.com.

‘THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA’ STRIKES AGAIN

Lauren Weisberger, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Devil Wears Prada,”

LAUREN WEISBERGER comes to Atlanta next month to read and sign her sequel, “Revenge Wears Prada.” It’s set eight years after Andy Sachs quit her job working for Miranda Priestly, but the Devil herself is far from out of her life. Weisberger reads June 12 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta; tickets at www.atlantajcc.org.

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GA VOICE | 21

BEST BETS CALENDAR

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Photo via Facebook

Event spotlight

05.10.13-05.23.13

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bout Tell us aBT event your LGays to submit your LGBT

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FRIDAY, MAY 10

Photo by Gabriella Nissen

22 | GA VOICE

A third of a million people are expected to attend the Sweet Auburn Spring Fest this weekend, www.sweetauburn.com Lesbian social networking group Fourth Tuesday hosts its monthly Happy Hour. 6 – 9 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ fourthtuesdayatlanta/

SATURDAY, MAY 11 Carioca Productions presents DJ Giangi Cappai at Jungle. Doors open at 10 p.m., www.cariocaproductions.com

“Inhabited” is a gallery exhibition featuring Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) professor Carl Linstrum, SCAD professor Larry Jens Anderson and newcomer Ashley L. Schick, 7 – 10 p.m., Kai Lin Art, www.kailinart.com Local writer Terra Elan McVoy will be on hand to discuss her new book “Criminal” at 7 p.m. at Little Shop of Stories, www.littleblogofstories.com

Photo via Facebook

Rabbi Joshua Lesser leads the Prayers for Equality: Our Aspirations and Actualizations Shabbat Dinner, celebrating the congregation receiving an official copy of the landmark 2003 Massachusetts court decision allowing same-sex marriage. 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Bet Haverim, www.congregationbethaverim.org

SATURDAY, MAY 11

As part of the Atlanta Ballet’s “Love Stories” performance, the company is sponsoring NiteOUT at the Ballet, with special discounts for tonight’s evening performance. The program features the White Swan pas de deux from choreographer Matthew Bourne’s revolutionary “Swan Lake,” dubbed the “gay Swan Lake” for its all-male performance. 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Ballet, www.atlantaballet.com

The Smashing Pumpkins take the stage at 8 p.m. at Chastain Park, www.livenation.com

SUNDAY, MAY 12 FRIDAY, MAY 17

Photo by Bo Shell

At press time, Gov. Nathan Deal’s office was still unwilling to issue a proclamation calling it anything other than “Mistreatment Awareness Day” (see story, Page 13), but Atlanta actually has several days of events planned for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. For more details, visit www.atlantahomophobiaday.blogspot.com • May 12: Church Service at 10:30 a.m. at the Church without Walls in Candler Park, with a potluck picnic • May 14: “Alternative Perspectives” radio show at WRFG 89.3FM, from 7 – 8 p.m. • May 16: LGBT Archive presentation of previous proclamations from the Atlanta City Council to the LGBT Historical Archives from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Village Church; includes the Georgia LGBT Ally Awards • May 17: IDAHO gathering at First Christian Church of Decatur from 5 – 10 p.m., 601 West Ponce de Leon, includes speakers, entertainers and candlelight vigil.

Traxx Banjee Girls Fridays heat up starting at 8 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com Presented by Eyedrum, a foursome of musicians – Tatsuya Nakatani, Michel Doneda, Victor Pons and Bradley Bailey – perform at 8 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation, www.firstexistentialist.org Leather reigns as the Panther L/L group celebrates its 25th anniversary with a full slate of activities beginning tonight from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, www.pantherll.org Win a copy of Barbra Streisand’s “The Guilt Trip” at Blake’s tonight as part of the “Charlie’s Angels Show.” 10 p.m. at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com DJ Martin Fry spins at the Heretic; dance floor opens at 10 p.m. www.hereticatlanta.com

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Gay Atlanta artist Philip Bonneau has rescheduled his 101 Dalmatians Photo Shoot, using real models, for today from 11 a.m – 1 p.m. at Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30306.

SOMETHING GAY EVERY DAY!

Bookmark www.thegavoice.com to get your daily dose of local LGBT events. A whole day of free music is on tap at Crescendo: Old Fourth Ward Music Unfest, 12:30 p.m. – 3 a.m., www.O4WBA.com The Spring Break Parking Lot Party 2013 is a benefit by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for Positive Impact’s MISTER, with DJ Joey, from 1 – 8 p.m. at Joe’s on Juniper, www.joesonjuniper.com A who’s who of Atlanta innovators in the culinary, performance and visual arts fields compete in “Wonderglo: The Race,” sponsored by WonderRoot and gloATL, with a three course meal and DJ Vicki Powell, 7 – 11 p.m. at the W Midtown Atlanta, www.wonderglo.org Popped Art, an art show featuring new work by Patrick Hanson, is a benefit for Joining Hearts, 7 – 11 p.m. at Cherrylion Studios, www.CherryLion.com

The Dekalb Choral Guild celebrates its 35th anniversary with the annual Gala at Glenridge Hall Sandy Springs, featuring live and silent auctions, a jazz pianist, beer and wine tastings and more. www.dekalbchoralguild.org Crowns are up for grabs at the Georgia All American Goddess Competition Pageant at 8 p.m. at Le Buzz, www.thenewlebuzz.com The “Now That’s What I Call Drag” competition begins at 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com The Atlanta Eagle hosts it annual Clipper Party, with massages and boot services as well, all for charity, 10 – 11 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

CALENDAR

You’ll still be out for Saturday night, but it will technically be Sunday morning at Singapore’s Big Kid spins at 3 a.m. at private club Xion. www.cariocaproductions.com The inimitable Armorettes spice up Sunday night, 6 – 8 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com Country superstar Tim McGraw appears at 7 p.m. at Aaron’s Ampitheathre at Lakewood, www.lakewoodampitheatre.org

GA VOICE | 23

Event spotlight Publicity photo

SUNDAY, MAY 12

05.10.13

Publicity photo by Pieter M. Van Hattem

www.theGAVoice.com

Regina Simms hosts the New Faces Talent Contest at 9 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com DJ Rick and DJ Maestro spin at 7 p.m. on Sundays at Mixx, www.mixxatlanta.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16

MONDAY, MAY 13

Angelica D’Paige hosts Blue Monday Karaoke at 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturdays are Three Legged Cowboy country nights at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

The Decatur Women’s League continues its spring softball season, with games at various times on Friday nights at Kelley C. Cofer Park, www.decaturwomensports.com

In advance of its 10th anniversary celebration, Meak Productions offers a mixer and press conference on its future plans, 5 – 9 p.m. at 200 Office, www.meakproductions.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Perrine’s Wine Shop hosts a benefit for Georgia Benefits Counsel, an organization that protects LGBT couples with legal documentation. $25 will let you try six different wines. 6 p.m., Perrine’s Wine Shop, www.perrineswine.com Sheri Joseph reads from and signs copies of her book “Where You Can Find Me” at 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com Phoenix and Nicole Paige Brooks host Dragamaniacs, an open mic drag talent show, at 10 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16

AEN Gives Back, a program of the gay Atlanta Executive Network, presents a Non-Profit Showcase at 6:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, www.aen.org Local author Tiffanie LaSawn joins the Cliterari Open No Mic Third Thursday event at 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com Get those Levis clean for the Wanted: Atl’s Sexiest Jeans Contest as part of Three-Legged Cowboy night at 10:30 p.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Lost-n-found Youth hosts a Capital Campaign Party to share plans for the future, with free cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 5 – 7 p.m. at Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

The Breeders perform at 8 p.m. at the Variety Playhouse, www.variety-playhouse.com

The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – AGLCC – hosts is Fourth Friday (Third Friday this month) networking gathering from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Barrelhouse, www.Atlantagaychamber.org “The Campaign for Atlanta: An Essay on Queer Migration,” a performative essay by “idea collective” John Q, will be held from 7 – 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Cyclorama, www.atlantacyclorama.org The Southern Bears meet for coffee and dinner at 7 p.m. at the Atlantic Station California Pizza Kitchen, www.southernbears.org The acclaimed documentary “The Last Mountain” screens as part of the Third Friday Film Series at 7 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation, www.firstexistentialist.org DJ Sean Mac spins at the Heretic; dance floor opens at 10 p.m. www.hereticatlanta.com Edie Cheezburger presents The Other Show on Fridays. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleclubatlanta.com Shavonna B. Brooks hosts Extravaganza at 11 p.m. Saturday nights at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Dodgeball: A Tournament for a Cause benefits For the Kids in All of Us. 12 – 4 p.m. at the Decatur Rec Center, www.forthekid.org

The Atlanta Rollergirls host a home double bout beginning at 5 p.m. at the Yaarab Shrine Center, www.atlantarollergirls.com Out vocalist Guyton Maurice is joined by pianist David Reeb for a night of music at 7 p.m. at Café Vena in Vinings, 3300 Cobb Parkway, Suite 104, Atlanta, GA 30339

CC 3.0/ Marple Bridge Photography

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

SAGE Atlanta, a group for LGBT elders, hosts at Lesbian 50+ potluck and social from 6-8 p.m. at the Rush Center, www.sageatl.org Join comedian Anjelah Johnson, known for creating MAD TV’s Bon Qui Qui and her viral video “Nail Salon,” for a night of stand-up at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, www.cobbenergycentre.org DJ Eddie Diaz dips down from New York to spin for from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com Bedlam presents its lastest theme party, GenderBlenderSpender, where guests are encouraged to dress like the opposite gender. DJ Shane V spins. 10:30 p.m. at Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

SUNDAY, MAY 19

The gay Hotlanta Softball League turns out to play every Sunday with games at various times. www.hotlantasoftball.org AARP/Medicare options are the topics of SAGE Atlanta’s Sage Sunday Seminar, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the Rush Center, www.sageatl.org The Pet Cotillion event, a benefit for P.A.L.S. Atlanta, kicks off at 2 p.m. at Piedmont Bark, www.palsatlanta.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

SATURDAY, MAY 18 Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Grouplove, Yeasayer, the Electric Sons and more are part of the entertainment of this year’s Party in the Park, 2 p.m. at Centennial Olympic Park, www.partyintheparkatlanta.com

Photo via Facebook

TUESDAY, MAY 14

The locally made lesbian film “Studzmen” has its premiere followed by an after party, 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m., Midtown Art Cinema, www.facebook.com/StudZmen

SATURDAY, MAY 18 Backstage at Mixx presents female illusionist Randy Roberts, known for dead-on impersonations of Cher, Bette Middler and more. 7 p.m. at Mixx, www.mixxatlanta.com

24 | GA VOICE

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CALENDAR

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BEST BETS

Publicity photo

MONDAY, MAY 20

Sara Bareilles, who’s just released ‘Brave,’ a single from her upcoming album (due out July 16), performs at 8 p.m. at Variety Playhouse, www.varietyplayhouse.com

The Decatur Arts Festival takes to the Decatur Square on Saturday and Sunday for two days of art, music, theater, children’s activities and more. Musical performances include Shawn Mullins on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and Delta Moon on Sunday at 4 p.m. www.decaturartsfestival.com The Atlanta Jazz Festival brings music, vendors and more to Piedmont Park from Saturday to Monday, including a performance at 7 p.m. Saturday by Meshell Ndegeocello, who is bi and known for her politically charged lyrics. www.atlantafestivals.com

FRIDAY, MAY 24

MONDAY, MAY 20

Michael Feinstein performs at 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, www.aso.org

Feminists Buttonz and SJ lead the T&F Transitionz: A Project for the Feminist Outlawz at 7 p.m. at Charis, www.charibooksandmore.com

Jen Foster performs at 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, www.eddiesattic.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Raging Burrito oin Decatur donates 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds to Charis Circle, 5 – 10 p.m., Raging Burrito, www.ragingburrito.com

Bwb appears with Chrisette Michele, who played Black Gay Pride in 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at Chastain, www.livenation.com

Tuesdays, unwind with a sing-along with pianist David Reeb at 8 p.m. at Mixx, www.mixxatlanta.com

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Every Tuesday, sing out at Mary-oke starting at 9 p.m. at Mary’s, www.marysatlanta.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

Ian Aber hosts the ABear Comedy show featuring LGBT and straight comics. 8 p.m. at Jungle, www.facebook.com/iaber

THURSDAY, MAY 23

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly meeting, with different events and guests each week, 11 a.m. at the Philip Rush Center, www.sageatl.org The kickoff party for the Big Peach Hotlanta tournament is tonight, with DJ Joey S and a $10 beer bust, 6 – 9 p.m. at F.R.O.G.S, www.frogsmidtown.com

Photo via Facebook

THURSDAY, MAY 23FRIDAY, MAY 24

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Hosted by the gay Hotlanta Softball League, the Big Peach tournament brings dozens of teams from around the country to compete in three divisions, with plenty of social events as well. www.hslbigpeach.com

Publicity photo

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Photo by Dyana Bagby

Some 2.7 miles of Peachtree Street closes down for Atlanta Streets Alive, with no gasoline or engines allowed and human powered means of transportation encouraged, for a city street experience. Organized by Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the event is from 2 – 6 p.m., www.atlantastreetsalive.com

GA Boy Productions presents a tea dance with DJ Dan de Leon from 7 p.m. – midnight at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

GA VOICE | 25

UPCOMING EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

PFLAG Atlanta hosts its Sunday meeting for parents, families and friends of LGBT people. 2:30 – 5 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, www.pflagatl.org

05.10.13

Gay singer-songwriter Lucas Miré celebrates his CD release concert at 7 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, www.eddiesattic.com

SUNDAY, MAY 26

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” all-start sensation Raven rocks the joint for a two night appearance, 11 p.m. tonight and Friday, May 24, at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com Feminist Women’s Health Center presents Telling Our Stories from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Center on Cliff Valley Way, www.feministcenter.org Enjoy Country Music Night from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m at Woofs, www.woofsatlanta.com

Ladies at Play hosts a Memorial Day Weekend party at AJA beginning at 10 p.m., www.ladiesatplay.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

Feed your inner feminist! Dine out for Charis Circle from 5 – 10 p.m. at Wahoo Decatur, www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Author and former Atlanta resident Yolo Akili reads from his new inspirational book “Dear Universe” at 7 p.m. at Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Gay humorist David Sedaris reads from his new book of essays, “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” at 6 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Edgewood, located at 1217 Caroline St., www.davidsedarisbooks.com

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26 | GA VOICE

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COLUMNISTS

www.theGAVoice.com

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID Red light

Please stop me if I decide to change my hair color again

I got a chance to hang out with my best friend over the weekend. We’ve known each other for 20 years now and were chatting it up like two elder lesbians rocking on some front porch, when the topic of her attraction to redheads came up. That’s because during our conversation some lovely redheaded ladies walked passed, which sparked stories of a variety of gingers in her life. It was quite clear from the smile on her face when she talked about them that she has a type. I was also reminded of the disastrous time I brieﬂy became a redhead. First let me assure you I am a natural blonde, even though I have a little help. My dishwater color is enhanced to a lovely shade of honey periodically by my hairdresser, who for years suggested I try going red. He said that it would be quite easy for a blonde to become a redhead, and he thought it would look good on me. I resisted his request every time, until one day when I was in a “why not” mood and allowed him to experiment on my head. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had only lightened my hair, but had never changed my hair color. Even as a teenager in the ‘80s I remained a blonde, unless you count the one or two strips of hair that were occasionally sprayed a ﬂuorescent pink or blue. I pictured a strawberry blonde that might make me look smarter, or even more alluring. But when he swiveled my chair around and I looked at my auburn doppelganger staring back at me, I knew immediately it was a mistake. I looked 20 years older and more like a disciplinarian than a seductress, and all I wanted to do was put on a hat. The biggest test would be when I saw my girlfriend, Katie Jo. Normally I would have consulted with her on such an important decision as changing my hair, but being in the dangerous position of indifference at a

Melissa Carter is also a writer for Huffington Post. She broke ground as the first out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter

hair salon as I was that day, it forced me into the awkward moment of asking for forgiveness rather than permission. I warned her of what I did before she got home that night, but her efforts to mask the disappointment from her face when she saw me are to be commended. When you change your hair the worst thing people can do is not say anything about it. My friends and co-workers did not mention it, I attended an event where no one acknowledged the change, and even Katie tried not to bring it up. If I had gone along with everyone’s reaction I too might have forgotten I did anything. But the ﬁnal straw came when I noticed Katie seemed unable to look me in the eye or initiate adult playtime, so by the end of the week I was back in my hairdresser’s chair to return to my semi-natural color. I guess I have singer Cheryl Cole to thank for this uncomfortable experience. According to Marie Claire, sales of red hair dye increased 22 percent at one super market chain in 2009 when Cole changed her hair to red. This was about the same time my bad decision was made, and I wonder if there are statistics on how many of these new redheads went back to being a blonde or brunette. Not everyone can pull off being a redhead. I wouldn’t have even turned my best friend’s head in a bar when I tried it. Salons should incorporate a voting system, like you see on reality television, that would allow the general public to vote on whether you should proceed before you are able to have your hair permanently altered. That certainly would have helped my love life that week —and my pocketbook.

COLUMNISTS

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Domestically DISTURBED

I’m still here It gets better, right here at home

Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book “Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a SemiFabulous Life.” Find out more at www.topherpayne.com

My husband Preppy is the big boss in Georgia for a well-known clothing line — I’ll protect his anonymity by not mentioning which one. Let’s just say Sarah Jessica Parker really likes their khakis. Because Preppy represents the brand wherever he travels, it’s of great importance that he stay current, wearing whatever is on display in stores. If something is inadvertently ripped or stained, he must replace it with a duplicate. This is beyond my comprehension. My job does not require well-maintained clothes. I’m a writer. My job literally does not require clothes. If I took the notion, I could do my job entirely nude. I don’t, of course, because I do not enjoy being naked for extended periods of time unless I’m engaged in an activity which explicitly requires it — like showering, or some but not all sexual acts. I fall into the 99 percent of the human population who look better wearing some sort of garment. As for the rarified minority who look better naked, you needn’t wonder if you’re among their ranks. There are modeling scouts and porn producers on constant lookout for those people. If one of these representatives has not approached you, it’s safe to say you’re not in the club, and you should probably cover yourself. But back to my husband’s clothes. The constant influx of new cardigans, t-shirts, and trousers eventually outgrew the bedroom closet, then the extra dresser, and finally the laundry room. A new plan emerged. Measurements were gathered. Trips to IKEA were made. Now his underused home office has been transformed into a dressing room. Because he’s worked for the company for 10 years, virtually his entire wardrobe is the same brand. It looks like a men’s boutique that only sells clothing in one size. Not a very solid business model, but it’s visually quite appealing. Our friends are jealous of Preppy’s dressing room. Hell, I envy the damn thing, and I buy most of my clothing at Plato’s Closet and Value Village. You could set fire to half my wardrobe

and only do a hundred dollars’ worth of damage: I have no need of a dedicated space. And yet I covet the luxury and all it implies. Joan Crawford had a dressing room. Debbie Reynolds has a dressing room. A dressing room says, “I have an image to uphold. In order to meet the world’s expectations, I require square footage.” I find it compelling that I am married to a man who can defensibly make this assertion. I got an email recently from a reader who reminded me of a column I wrote, in which I stated that Preppy and I were on a two-year plan to leave Atlanta and move on to the next adventure. The column was written in March 2011, which I could scarcely believe. Where exactly does the time go? The reader asked whether we were still on track with plans to depart. I’d completely forgotten we’d intended to do so, because I don’t read my old columns and tend to forget things that happen in the real world. Does the fact that our feet have only sunk deeper into Georgia clay in the last two years mean that I’m a liar, a failure, or a lying failure? Should we have thrown caution to the wind and run off in search of something better? I put a great deal of thought into this, and reached a definitive conclusion. Maybe. There might be something better out there, some new locale which would have sent our lives in unimagined directions. There may still be such a destination; only time will tell. But in the last two years, without making any grand declarations, we decided to take on the challenges directly in front of us — I got better at my job, Preppy got better at his, and we became better for each other. That kept us plenty busy. I created the best work of my life in the last two years. The dog learned both “sit” and “lie down.” Preppy became the sort of VIP who requires a dressing room. Whether there’s something better elsewhere is not what enthralls us these days. We’re too busy finding out how much better things can get right where we are.

05.10.13

GA VOICE | 27