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GEORGIA NEWS
Mayor Bottoms
Has Our Back! New LGBTQ Advisory Board Announced Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com How serious about LGBTQ issues is newly minted Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms? Serious enough to have her office give us a call on a Friday afternoon to let us know that she’s about to introduce her incredibly diverse LGBTQ Advisory Board. According to the mayor, these are the folks who “will help shape the city’s policies and engagements with Atlanta’s LGBTQ communities, and serve as a bridge between City Hall and LGBTQ residents.” Let’s meet her appointments — they might even be folks you know! Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, Founder, Vision Church Atlanta Kia Barnes, Community Organizer Emily Halden Brown, Atlanta Coalition for LGBTQ Youth (ACFLY) State Representative Park Cannon, GA House District 58 Richard Cherskov, Former Owner, Jungle Atlanta Gabrielle Claiborne, Co-Founder, Transformation Journeys Worldwide Paul Conroy, Founder, Out Front Theatre Tori Cooper, Prevention Specialist, Positive Impact Health Centers Lisa Cunningham, CEO, Atlanta Film Partners www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Jamie Fergerson, Executive Director, Atlanta Pride Jeff Graham, Executive Director, Georgia Equality Colton Griffin, LGBT Caucus Chair, Democratic Party of Georgia Roshelle Darlene Hudson, MSW, Co-Founder, Annual Rustin/Lorde Breakfast Rabbi Joshua Lesser, Founder, Southern Jewish Resource Network (SOJOURN) Ivette Lopez, Board of Directors, Latino LinQ Tracee McDaniel, Executive Director, Juxtaposed Center for Transformation Josh McNair, Community Activist Rev. Dr. Joshua M. Noblitt, Saint Mark United Methodist Church Matt Parkey, Board Chairman, AID Atlanta Philip Rafshoon, Former Owner, OutWrite Book Store & Coffeehouse Kirk Rich, Principal, Avison Young Ryan Roemerman, Founding Executive Director, LGBT Institute Jonathan Russell, Senior Director of Development, Woodruff Health Sciences Center Brigid Scarbrough, National Board of Governors, Human Rights Campaign Melissa Scott, Owner, Soul Bar At Pals Lounge Fred Smith, Law Professor, Emory University Pam Stewart, Board of Directors, GLAAD Feroza Syed, Transgender Activist
Alex Wan, Former Atlanta City Council Member, District 6 Craig Washington, Prevention Programs Manager, AID Atlanta Miss Lawrence, Actor, Star (FOX) Kelly Wentworth, Atlanta President, Muslims for Progressive Values In an exclusive with Georgia Voice, Mayor Bottoms’ team expressed that these are people she’s known personally and professionally over the years. Additionally, a good portion of the LGBTQ Board came in the form of recommendations from senior staffers like Robin Shahar, who’s been a mayoral LGBTQ advisor since 2013, having worked under former Mayor Kasim Reed; Rashad Taylor, a current political consultant and former member of the Georgia House of Representatives; Malik Brown, whose brilliant and exhaustive list of accomplishments the mayor’s letter expounded upon May 7; and Reese McCranie, a former advisor on LGBTQ issues under former Mayor Kasim Reed. And what are their current priorities? According to the mayor’s office: n Reducing the LGBTQ homeless youth population in Atlanta n Working to combat the rising rate of new HIV infections in Atlanta n Developing programming to support jobreadiness among LGBTQ youth n Working to attract and host more LGBTQ
conferences and events in Atlanta Georgia Voice also spoke to Press Secretary Michael Smith, who had this to say: “Mayor Bottoms is a fifth-generation Atlantan, so she understands the important role our community has played in pushing the city forward. The formation of the LGBTQ Advisory Board is further testament that we have an unwavering advocate and ally in the Mayor’s Office. Addressing the community at large, Mayor Bottoms states: “During my campaign, I spoke at length of my commitment to the LGBTQ community. As Mayor, my recognition of that importance has been put into action, as I have made the formation of the LGBTQ Advisory Board and the hiring of a full-time LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator a priority. I am proud to welcome our first fulltime employee dedicated solely to liaising with our LGBTQ constituents, and I am equally proud to welcome such a distinguished group of community advocates and leaders to the City’s LGBTQ Advisory Board.” So let this be some amazing news as we head into summer: We have a progressive leader in a high position who cares about the needs of our community — not too many big cities can claim that. We at Georgia Voice welcome the new advisory board and thank Mayor Bottoms for her commitment to the LGBTQ community. May 11, 2018 News 3
Louis Levenson for Fulton County Chief Magistrate: Why now?
I
n my career as a lawyer, the infamous case called Bowers v. Hardwick, came to me in the strangest way, and during an era that was severely discriminatory for Atlanta gays. It literally dropped in my lap.
I served for many years as legal counsel to the Atlanta Gay Center when it was on Ponce de Leon. Many members of the group needed help after being arrested for solicitation of sodomy when sodomy was illegal. Strangely, only gay men were being prosecuted. No one doubted me when, as a defense lawyer, I told many juries sitting in judgment over these defendants that every heteterosexual in the backseat of a car or couple behind the bleachers at football games do what these gay men are charged with. But 35 years ago, police in Atlanta did not see it that way: They were routinely singling out gay men for these offenses and prosecuting them with a vengeance. Other than representing them when they were charged — and winning almost all of those cases — there was little I could do to curtail this police action. But then, one very special case came to light after a young man, Michael Hardwick, stepped into to my office. He’d been charged with sodomy — consensual sodomy between himself and another adult in his own bedroom, in his own house. This was the start of a historical case that undoubtedly changed the mindsets of many around our state and in our country. Michael was walking home early one morning after leaving his bartending job at The Cove, a bar off Monroe Drive. (The bar and Michael himself are long since gone.) The only trouble was, Michael was carrying an open bottle of beer. He was spotted by police and though he was neither drunk, nor causing any disturbance to anyone, he was doing the unthinkable — leaving a gay bar while in sight of an APD officer. Michael was ticketed and given a court date for the open bottle. The court date was the very next morning, only hours away, and Michael unfortunately slept through his appointment. The officer who charged Michael appeared in court the next morning and, seeing as how Michael wasn’t present, filed for and was granted an immediate arrest warrant. Hours later, Michael appeared in court, unaware of the
arrest warrant against him. He was allowed to pay the small fine associated with the charge, and was free to go. Later that evening, at home in bed with his partner, there’s a knock on the door. It’s an officer there to make good on the arrest warrant. He was let in by a roommate, who walked the officer to Michael’s bedroom door, which was slightly ajar. Inside, the officer saw Michael and his partner engaged in sexual activity. At this point, Michael is under a new nightmare: Instead of a failure-to-appear warrant, he is arrested for the crime of sodomy in his own home. The officer would later claim he was unaware that Michael had paid the fine, but as he was let in by the roommate, he had permission to be within the premises where a “crime” was taking place. I remember being absolutely astonished when Michael — a fair, quiet, and unassuming young man — went over the details of the case in my office. I was astonished that anyone would want to prosecute such a case. Still, this was Atlanta in the early 1980s, and the scene was a far different one than we know today. From this point, the case took many legal turns, which are not particularly relevant to the legal saga here, but in the end, Michael and I were successful in getting the Fulton County DA’s office not to prosecute
the felony criminal case against Michael. However, Michael was wronged and he wanted the case to be a sword drawn on the unfair laws of the day. Therefore, we moved the case on through the Federal Courts to declare Georgia’s sodomy statute unconstitutional. It made it to the United States Supreme Court (Bowers v. Hardwick) in which 5 of the 9 Supreme Court Justices found Georgia’s sodomy statute was constitutional. We lost, but in many ways, the fight was a win. It was an honorable fight for a great man and a just cause which started a movement throughout the country to make sodomy between consenting adults of all genders to be lawful. Eventually, based on Michael Hardwick’s efforts, Georgia changed the law and abolished criminal penalties for sodomy. I could not have been prouder of Michael Hardwick and the excellent team of great lawyers helping us on this historic venture, with particular thanks to my good friend and exemplary lawyer, John Sweet. I hope to continue bringing the love of law and distrust of injustice to bear on my role as Chief Magistrate of Fulton County if I am elected on May 22. Please vote.
NATIVE CONTENT
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
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EDITORIAL
Editor: Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Jason Rhode jrhode@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Ashleigh Atwell, Cliff Bostock, Melissa Carter, J. Matthew Cobb, Dallas A. Duncan, Jim Farmer, Ryan Lee, Jamie Roberts, Dionne N. Walker, Craig Washington, Simon Williamson
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FINE PRINT
All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address, and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice. com or mail to the address above.
Good Morrow, Atlanta Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com I’m pretty sure this is all a dream. Picture it: Macon, 1997. A goofy teenager strolls down the famed Cherry Street in a busier corner of downtown. She stops at a newspaper stand outside one of the few places ballsy enough to fly a rainbow flag out front — Colors on Cherry, a lesbian-owned tattoo parlor. Just before her is a fresh stack of newspapers, a delight for someone who reads voraciously. Southern Voice. That’d be me, too nervous about the foot traffic to pick it up. After being kicked out of high school for fighting bullies back, carting around a “gay newspaper” seemed an invitation to even more trouble. Still, I couldn’t avoid it. I came back later that day and grabbed a copy, taking it home to read it in safety. It was there that I realized an entire world going on just above my head, in the big city from whence this paper came. Atlanta. (Was that where I belonged?)
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6 Editorial May 11, 2018
Southern Voice was the predecessor to the paper you’re holding now. Roots run deep, especially
in this community. Good. “SoVo” introduced me to the notion that there were other social outcasts out there making real moves. Instead of defending themselves in locker-laden hallways, however, they were losing their voices in congressional halls debating their legitimacy as equal citizens; there were other outcasts rolling up their sleeves not to avoid getting caught up in their clothing during an unwanted brawl, but to avoid getting them dirty as they slogged through all the paperwork it took to demonstrate the right way; there were other outcasts lacing their boots tighter not to avoid them coming off as they ran from homophobic classmates, but to gain better footing as they proudly walked the walk of social and political momentum with rainbow flags flying proudly from their fists. That’s where my energy was going, I decided. Those were my people. And so I went, learning the ropes of activism from my elders who took me to rallies and meetups with like-minded folks who needed their voices heard. It was through those fearless advocates that I learned how important it was to get out there and show my face to — and not run from — the world as a citizen and member of this community. And year by year, we helped shape a newer, more progressive
vision for our movement. Through that work, we summoned fairer legislation into being. Not perfect, per se … but a little more fair. Believe me when I say there’s not a snowball’s chance in a Southern summer that we’re even close to being through. With our team of writers sending their dispatches into the world, you can rest assured we’re giving rise to even more progress in the years to come. Just like many thousands out there, the teenage version of me realized her true genesis of self thanks to the folks with the gumption to start an LGBTQ publication during my teenhood. If you could see how much sweat — decades worth! — it took to make possible what you’re holding in your hands, you’d feel the same sense of pride that I do. And to think: They brought that pugnacious young woman, all grown up and chilled out in her 30s, aboard as its editor. (I’m still pinching myself, truth be told.) This issue is my maiden voyage with this vanguard of Georgia LGBTQ journalism, but I’ve been here for awhile. None of the brilliant minds behind this publication knew my name back in 1997, but I’ve been here all along. Roots run deep in this community. Good. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.
What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).
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Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).
Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you
What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.
What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.
Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE
8 Ads May 11, 2018
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SUMMER TRAVEL
No Passport? No Problema! HURRICANES CAN’T STYMIE THE BEAUTY OF PUERTO RICO Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com Puerto Rico buckled down as best as it could, but Hurricane Maria pounded the mainland (and its gorgeous satellite islands) into water-logged, mudslide-addled submission. The lights went out, people went missing, clean water became scarce, and energy was nowhere to be found, forcing the island into an indefinite power-down mode. In some parts, the devastation maintains its grip. The thing about the people of Puerto Rico, though: They take care of business. Bit by bit, the pieces are being put back together, but with a good heave-ho in the form of a tourism boom, we can provide some muchneeded support and get that gorgeous destination back into shape. LET’S BOOK The round-trip ticket was $300, and I practically broke my keyboard furiously booking the flight. It was July — a tourist low-tide, which is something I love. The fewer folks milling about as I try and clear the cache of my headspace, the better. Additionally, if I get a chance to escape the swampy Southern weather, I bail like my hair’s on fire. Because it practically is, am I right? With a pillow as my carry-on, I slept like a baby until the wheels touched down in balmy San Juan, the capital of PR. I hired a taxi into Old San Juan, a vibrant and happening district that juxtaposes then and now like none other — on your right, Castillo San Cristóbal; on your left, Burger King. (Gee. Thanks for the cultural coloration, BK.) Still, the call of seabirds and the thrum of street musicians nipped at my giddy feet as I made my way to a charming hotel built in the early 1900s. Was it beautiful and super-sanitary? Absolutely. Was it cheap? It’s me — of course it was www.thegeorgiavoice.com
TIPS
The busiest travel time on the island will be in winter months, when cold-weather escapees flock to sunnier pastures. Or, in this case, beaches. The ferry to Culebra can fill up fast in the high-tourism months. Get there at least an hour early to secure a ticket. Puerto Ricans drive aggressively, which is great if you’re into that kind of thing. Personally, I loved it, but if you scare easily behind the wheel, you might want to hire cabs for your trips around the mainland.
cheap! (About $60 per night for an amazing room with a balcony and uber-stylish furnishings. It was called Da’ House Hotel, if you’re interested.) But I wasn’t to stay on the mainland for long; I yearned for the virtual solitude I’d read about in travel mags. EAT, DRINK, BE FERRIED I rented a car and drove to the coastal town of Fajardo, where I parked and boarded a ferry for less than $3. My destination: the sleepy isle of Culebra. An hour or so later, I stepped off the boat and into the town of Dewey, where locals in trucks, vans, and taxis let me haggle for the most affordable ride out to Playa Flamenco. Ten bucks later, I’m standing in a small office and forking over $6 a night to set up a tent under some palm trees by the beach. The temperature? About 80°. The wind? Steady and calm. The water? Like something out of a dream. Azure, mild waves, clear as crystal. I made friends with the vendors who set up shop in little cabins and pavilions for a few hours, then head back home to Dewey once their workday is over. These are the folks who’ve pretty much retired in paradise, but make a few extra bucks by renting out tents
and beach supplies to tourists. They also truck in grilling equipment and sell some damn-fine eats. It’s amazing to be free of grocery shopping and keeping up with food items while you’re on vacation. Ditto just renting a tent for $10 a night and sleeping on a soft beach. I’m admittedly not a fan of the thalassophobia that haunts me when people mention beaches. (Among many things water-related, it’s the fear of what lurks below, in the darker depths.) That’s all me — if I can’t see the bottom of whatever I’m swimming in, I’m in a full-fledged panic. Getting into the waters of Culebra and swimming farther than I ever have, however, gave me no issues. For a few more bucks, I rented some cheap snorkeling gear from one of the vendors, and floated above an underwater paradise of coral, schools of incredibly tame and welcoming fish, and a really curious puffer with super-fat lips that eyed me sassily from its sandcastle perch. That’s a thing — google it.
GIVE IT A REST The gentle clicking of palm fronds woke me slowly while the whoosh of the sea goaded me to unzip my tent and come see the new day. I peeked out gingerly, as a child might tear off a corner of Christmas wrap, and watched a tropical bird peck at the leftover snapper I brought back to camp. There was sunrise, there was breeze, there was no one else around. Literally, I was stretching outside my tent, gawking at the loneliness of the pristine, crescent-shaped beach. Sitting on the shore, I noticed my skin felt silkier after I ran it through the white sand. I watched the sun come up alone and breathed what may as well have been the breath of another planet. Cache cleared. All told, I’m not even sure if that trip cost me $500 — airfare, lodging, food … it all happened upon me cheaply. And does something like that help a local economy get back on its feet? You bet your bottom dollar it does. May 11, 2018 Summer Travel 9
SUMMER TRAVEL
Bougie? Try Bourgeois ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA, HIGH-DOLLAR FASHION, CELEBRITY RUN-INS, AND CIGARETTES RULE THE DAY Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com I broke eye contact with the denim-coated gentleman who was walking faster than normal people walk. Staring would be rude, but he caught me by surprise. “That was Gael García Bernal,” I laughwhispered to my wife outside a quiet eatery in a dimly lit alleyway. (The French love a dimly lit alleyway for dining.) I was in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival, so I figured some of the more famous attendees would find their way into the old, uneven streets of the beachside town. I gestured with a crust of bread after he was well out of earshot and she spun in her seat. “Oh, wow. He’s really short,” she said softly, then dove back into her John Dory. She isn’t much for celebrity, but she loves a grilled catch. 10 Summer Travel May 11, 2018
We were at the Bistro Les Canailles which (and I hope I’m not assuming too much) was filled with gay waitstaff. Thing is, you don’t get too acquainted with the staff in France. Unlike what we’re used to in America, they’re not big on tableside conversation. Suddenly, they’re there taking your drink order, 10 minutes later they’re back with your drinks (I’m not kidding), and in another 15 or so, they’re back to get your food order. And it’s not just that one bistro, or the fact that we’re Americans — the French have an incredibly laid-back style when it comes to dinner. It’s not at all weird for dinner to start at 8pm and finish up around 11pm. They take their time and savor the food, the conversation, and the finality of another day spent near a beautiful coast. Oh, and cigarettes — they savor the bloody hell out of some Marlboros. But that’s the
secret to how the French stay so thin! Breakfast? Hot tea and a cigarette followed by a brisk walk. Lunch? Four green beans and a cigarette followed by brisker walking. Dinner? Light bites, seven gallons of red wine, 43 packs of cigarettes, and a brisk — albeit sideways — walk home. Culturally, it’s a departure, which is exactly what you want when you travel, right? It does take a bit of getting used so, but that’s part of the excitement. The cars
are impossibly tiny and they park on the sidewalks; there are 5,000 scooters buzzing by you every second; fruit is growing on trees around the city free for anyone who wants a quick snack. What’s neat is how much it looks like New Orleans — a much cooler, older, more “real” New Orleans, of course. The architecture is stunning. Low buildings with rococo balconies let leanbodied women walk out of their bedrooms CONTINUES ON PAGE 11 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
TIPS
in revealing attire to welcome the morning and seemingly pay no mind as young men (and maybe a gay editor) take quick, cheekreddening glances. The people of Cannes are absolutely gorgeous. Everyone’s so fit, so tan, so moisturized, so stylish. But then: “Why do people get mad when I smile at them?” I asked my Airbnb host, Pierre, who couldn’t possibly have a more French name. His initial confusion turned to laughter. He forgot that “Americans love to smile so much!” and that it’s considered strange to the French. People think you’re either “cuckoo” or a “scammer” if you’re just smiling at random. Bizarre! I didn’t even realize it was an American trait to give a polite head-nod at someone you’re passing on the (tiny) sidewalk. And heaven forbid you look into a stroller and smile at a kid, honey: The death glare from both the mother and the kid will send chills down your spine. What’s more, I asked if I could pet someone’s dog before I realized I was being a complete jerkwad for speaking to a stranger, and the “oui” was … reluctant, to say the least. The ensuing snarl from the dog as I slowly squatted in front of it was all the “gtfo” I needed. So be careful of
Get some euros! The small shops aren’t down with credit cards, for some reason. If you’re staying for awhile and you’d like groceries or some beer/wine/etc., to bring back to your pad, you’re going to need cash. Ditto for public bathrooms: You’ll need some coin to open the door.
that, if you’re planning a trip to France. What’s perhaps most interesting is that, against the advisement of my host to stay away from the Muslim neighborhoods, I found the nicer representatives of Cannes in those “dangerous!” places. When I smiled, they actually smiled back. They said hello when I put my selections of their fruits and meats on their counters and wanted to know where I was from. Needless to say, I did all my shopping in the “scary” parts of Cannes. Let’s talk about the beach. Do you own a yacht? Because this is the place to show it off. The waters of the French Riviera are where the rich come to flash their goods,
from helicopters to Bugattis. I was there on assignment, so imagine my tomboy self in a Red Hot Chili Peppers tee and ripped jeans fully accepting (after two days) that I did not pack right for this trip. At least I spoke French. Well, perhaps at most I spoke French. Otherwise, I was that broke girl on Billionaire Beach eating trail mix and wondering where a free public bathroom was. The beach itself, though, was rocky and rough on the feet. Not many folks were swimming so much as just wading and splashing around a bit. I don’t think it’s really “that” kind of beach unless you have a boat to take you out into the depths. But the French Riviera is really pretty to look at as you eat or want a romantic backdrop during your stay.
It’s so humid! Be prepared for weather in celsius, of course, but then add some more celsius because the air is thick with heat that has you sweating the minute you get out of a cold shower. Honestly, it’s worse than Atlanta. No free refills + tiny glasses = I’m still thirsty. I’m not sure what the deal with that is, but you’ll learn how to preserve the hell out of the thimble of Diet Coke you get as you eat. It’s complete garbage that leaving a tip in France is considered “rude.” Yes, there’s a service compris (gratuity added) to the bill, but to say it’s just bad manners is ridiculous. The little extra you can leave is called a pourboire and it’s just something you do if you consider the service exemplary. No one is going to berate you for not leaving a tip, nor will they think you’re an evil American for leaving something extra.
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SUMMER TRAVEL
New England: A Maine-Stay
Jamie Roberts As spring heats up and you’re figuring out what to do when the Southern soup of heat and humidity descends upon us, you may be tempted to head somewhere well north of here. My humble suggestion? Check out Camden, Maine, the cutest, most charming town you could imagine on that rocky northern coast, where, as their motto states, “the mountains meet the sea.” Situated in the midcoast of Maine on the southern side of Penobscot Bay, there’s a year-round population, in addition to the summer crowds, that supports the many restaurants and shops in operation. The area is also favored by artists who enjoy the clean air and stunning natural vistas. Once there, you’ll find gorgeous views, scrumptious food and beverage, and friendly townsfolk who live to give you an unforgettable experience in the tourist season. HISTORY TIME The town itself was officially founded in 1791 and named after Lord Chancellor of England, 1st Earl, Lord Camden, Charles Pratt. Since its very origins, all the way to the early 1960s, the town was known for its shipyards, building schooners, and later, in 14 Summer Travel May 11, 2018
World War II, minesweepers, troop transports, salvage tugs, and other vessels. Other industries that complemented shipbuilding also arose, including a famous anchor foundry, The Camden Anchor Works. These days, the town, as well as the surrounding area, is still known for the lobstermen and fishermen who return their catch to the picturesque harbor in Camden, where they can be tasted in one of the local restaurants in the old town, known as the High Street Historic District, full of 19th-century commercial buildings, shops, and homes.
can enjoy camping, picnicking, and hiking along the shore.
If you like spending time outdoors and enjoy mind-boggling spectacles of nature, you absolutely must visit Camden Hills State Park. Go just north of town on legendary US Route 1 and you’ll see the entrance that includes a series of hills that rise over 1000 feet, allowing visitors to take in the entirety of Penobscot Bay and its islands on a clear day, as well as a view of the town of Camden and its harbor far below. The view is so moving, it inspired famed poet Edna St. Vincent Millay to pen the ode “Renascence.” Accessible by vehicle, as well as a network of trails that offer multiple views of the bay, the park is open year-round for those who enjoy traversing the winter snows by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. The park extends down to the coast where you
If nautical marvels whet your whistle, you won’t want to miss the Great Schooner Race the first week of July, where North America’s largest annual gathering of tall ships convenes to race, beginning in Camden harbor. In fact, all through the summer you can view lots of different kinds of sailboats, schooners, and yachts sailing in and out of Camden harbor. If you’re looking to get out and explore the harbor and the surrounding Penobscot Bay and its many islands, there are day trips as well as multi-day excursions launching almost daily. In addition, there are several ferries in the area that can take you to some of the larger, inhabited islands in Penobscot Bay. Several local kayak outfitters and professionally guided kayak trips up
and down the coast provide access to local wildlife including seals, dolphins, puffins, and osprey. For great seafood dining, try The Waterfront Restaurant. Located right on Camden harbor, the food is bought fresh from local growers and fishermen, and you can eat the clam chow-dah and rock the fresh lob-stah. If you’re looking for a local watering hole which happens to have authentic Scottish, Irish, and English food, try the Drouthy Bear, a Scottish-themed bar with over 70 single-malt scotches and whiskies from around the world. Once you’re stuffed to the gills (sorry, fishes!) and looking for something to read while lazing on a local beach or a bench overlooking the harbor, check out the Owl and the Turtle Bookshop Café, just a couple blocks from the harbor, a local fixture since 1970. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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SUMMER TRAVEL
HIV & THC: A Love Story
THE MILE-HIGH CITY CAN BE MORE THAN JUST A RECREATIONAL TRIP — IT CAN UP YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com “Every single day used to be such a struggle,” Eddie Ryan* says with an eyeroll. His large, expressive hands pretend to shake imaginary medicine bottles. “This pill for high blood pressure, that pill for nausea, this pill for anxiety, this pill for enzymes, three other pills for reasons I forget — it was endless and a constant reminder that my life had become a nightmare virtually overnight.” Make no mistake, though: Eddie still takes daily medication. The biggest difference is: “I can ditch the ones that alleviate nausea and anxiety.” There’s that eyeroll again. “I’ll be honest with you: They weren’t even working that well.” He leans forward and opens a small, wooden box resting on his kitchen table. “I’ll tell you what does, though,” he says with a smile. The 53-year-old realtor and reluctant silver fox — “That makes me feel old, people calling me that!” — produces a baggie of something called Jeff Sesh-ons. I can’t help but laugh. “You like that?” he grins. Purchased legally in his new hometown of Denver, the small ziptop bag is labeled with a Colorado-approved/ mandated sticker. The verbiage indicates this particular strain of cannabis is a sativa, meaning the high produced is a more upbeat, energetic sort, as opposed to strains associated with relaxation and downtime, called indicas. As it’s morning and Eddie has errands — “not work!” he’s sure to add — he packs a glass bowl full of the pungent herb and gingerly lights it, taking in a small puff and inhaling deeply. He closes his eyes in exhale, goofy and exaggerated. “Mmmm. Delicious. Legal.” When the Alpharetta-born jokester received his HIV diagnosed in 2009, he went into an inescapable panic mode. “There was a dark cloud hanging over everything I did, especially if it was something fun.” He takes another puff after I ask for an example. “If I was out on the lake with friends, I’d have
16 Summer Travel May 11, 2018
a laugh at something and immediately stop myself. I’d think, ‘You have HIV and you’re going to die soon, you dumb son of a bitch — what’s there to laugh at?’” He fidgets with his lighter while shaking his head. “‘But it wasn’t true, the whole ‘dying soon’ part. [My diagnosis] made it impossible to enjoy my life, even if was psychological.” He admits to never suffering from anxiety before his diagnosis, that it “really put things into a whole new perspective.” “I’ve always been the type of guy who studied hard, trained hard, thought positively,” he says. “The panic and depression got the better of me; I became someone else entirely — someone none of my friends or family recognized. I literally couldn’t have a good laugh or be happy about anything, and that’s so unlike me.” That is, until a friend suggested he try pot. It was within the first few hits that he discovered the positive effects that cannabis had on his psyche and, later, physical symptoms of his condition. So far, similar reports from HIV-positive partakers are anecdotal, but in 2017, researchers at the University of Florida received a $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to explore the health effects of HIVpositive cannabis users. The study aims to find conclusive evidence on marijuana’s influence on pain, the body, chronic inflammation, viral suppression, stress, and sleep. The study will take place over the next five years, following 400 HIV-positive volunteers living in Florida. As for Eddie, he swears he’s living proof that the physical effects are real. He pats his belly, but I don’t understand his point. (Munchies?) I ask him if he’d come home, should Georgia legalize marijuana for — at the very least — medicinal use. His eyelids are puffy and he smiles slowly, infectiously. “Everybody would laugh at how fat I’ve gotten!” he says. “What wasting? I’ve been able to eat like a pig and keep it all down!” (Ahh. Wasting syndrome. Cannabis, of course, causes hunger and is
known to alleviate nausea, hence the belly pats.) He admits that he’s only kidding about not coming home. He puts his pipe and baggie back in the box, then stands to stretch. “This stuff has worked wonders for muscle cramping, too.” But back to Georgia. “We’ll see,” he shrugs. Then he shakes his head after a moment, as though what I’ve just asked is ridiculous. He doesn’t see Georgia legalizing cannabis anytime soon. He says he knows what could change that. “Politicians should come out here and see with their own eyes how extraordinary the industry is. Shove the article you’re writing into the hands of every politician you see and tell them to get their asses out here!” He’s animated now. “The revenue generated is something conservatives could get into! The money could go toward infrastructure and education and ease up the taxpayer burden!” He points out his window at what I assume is his way of showing me a newly paved highway. He’s now gesturing at his kitchen table, his living room, his ceiling, his existence. “The boost in lifequality for people like me is something that would make lots of liberals happy, too. It’s a no-brainer! So many people could benefit from this and I just don’t get why everyone who could literally use this stuff to save their lives doesn’t have universal access to it!” I understand his passion completely. Marijuana policy in America is (if you’ll pardon my interjection) rather embarrassing. We bond over this until he’s quietened down. It’s not that he was fightin’ mad or anything — just venting. At any rate, he pulls his shirt up a bit, and pats what he feels is a gut while flashing a toothy grin. “I’m fat and happy here. That’s more than a lot of people who walk my path can say.” The shirt goes back down. “I just really wish more people could be able to say that, you know?” I know. *name changed for reasons of privacy www.thegeorgiavoice.com
SUMMER TRAVEL
Between State Lines LGBTQ-FRIENDLY AND LGBTQ-OWNED INNS ABOUND ACROSS THE PEACH STATE Dallas Anne Duncan Sometimes the thought of planning for, financing, and packing for a far-away trip can be daunting — and that’s assuming the boss lets you have time off. That’s where staycations come in: Whether it’s a weekend digital detox or a longer stay closer to home, Georgia is rife with locally owned places to escape. STAYCATIONS IN THE CITY The metro Atlanta area may be a tourism draw in and of itself, but there are quite a few places ATL-iens can hide away from the hustle and bustle of city life, without actually leaving the city. Decatur Alpaca Cottage is one of these. It’s nestled just off Lavista Road, minutes from Northlake Mall, but visitors barely notice — they’re too busy enjoying peace and relaxation with Marykay Mentver’s alpacas and chickens. “I call it our little legacy farm,” Marykay says. “I got our first chickens about 10 or 11 years ago. Chickens are apparently the gateway animal for alpacas.” Guests can coordinate experiences with Marykay, who identifies as lesbian, and customize their stay with alpaca visits and gardening tutorials. Visitors can purchase eggs grown on the farm and cook them in the cottage kitchen. She describes the cottage’s aesthetic as “organic luxury,” complete with blankets made from alpaca fiber. Another option for a city staycation is The Inn at Serenbe, part of the Serenbe community in Chattahoochee Hills. Its founders fell in love with the century-old farmhouse during a weekend outing, and later moved in full time. The www.thegeorgiavoice.com
farmhouse quickly became a favorite visiting spot for friends and family, and the owners decided to open it as a traditional bed and breakfast in 1994. “Included with your stay is a complimentary breakfast with our new executive chef, Ryan Mull,” says Stevie Seay, regional public relations coordinator for Serenbe. “There’s complimentary tea time in the afternoon where you can get scones, homemade chips, and biscuits.” That’s just for starters — additional amenities include a pool, an in-ground trampoline, regular classes like goat yoga and access to Serenbe’s animal village of goats, pigs, llamas, chickens, and rabbits. And if there’s no room at the inn, Serenbe offers cottages and community spaces. DECATUR ALPACA COTTAGE Rates start at $135 per night. Sleeps up to five guests. DecaturAlpacaCottage.com
THE INN AT SERENBE Rates start at $275 for the inn and cottages, $435 and up for townhomes. SerenbeInn.com
BLUE RIDGE CAST AWAY Twenty years ago, the Oyster family began making bamboo fly rods. They were one of the first to offer classes, sharing the highly guarded secrets of this craft with the public. “Before we knew it, people were coming from all over the world to make bamboo fly rods in our basement,” Shannon Oyster, owner of Oyster Cast & Blast, tells Georgia Voice. “About a decade ago, we decided to
move to the mountains and we thought, ‘All these people need somewhere to stay.’” They settled in downtown Blue Ridge, voted one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the state, and turned their building into a workshop and inn. Between classes, locals started inquiring about staying, and the Oysters opened their rooms and calendar up. “I set it up for the sportsmen, very clean and simple and chic, but it’s small. It’s very sweet, just exactly what I would want if I was traveling,” Shannon says. Visitors have the opportunity to watch the Oysters and their crew at work, building world-renowned bamboo fly rods, all while enjoying the charisma of this mountain town. OYSTER CAST & BLAST
Rates start at $89; the entire inn is available starting at $275. Fly rod classes start at $1,760. Students receive a discounted room rate. Sleeps up to nine guests. OysterBamboo.com
WORTH THE HIKE Len Foote Hike Inn got its start when the Georgia State Park System wanted to open a backcountry lodge. The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club stepped in, created a separate nonprofit, and developed a staycation well worth the five-mile hike it takes to get there. “Everything is inclusive,” Executive Director Eric Graves says. “All you need to hike up is a change of clothes and a toothbrush.” The inn is situated just outside Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, and prides itself on sustainability and conservation. “Whether it’s [Appalachian Trail]-related or blackbird ecology or birding, we do some type of environmental program each evening and we strongly encourage guests to disconnect for a few minutes and enjoy the people you’re with,” Eric says. LEN FOOTE HIKE INN
Rates start at $180 for two adults. Hike-Inn.com
May 11, 2018 Summer Travel 17
A&E
Outlantacon/Gaylaxicon celebrates geek, gay culture Jason Rhode jrhode@thegavoice.com A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away ... Wait. That’s not right. Let’s try: Coming soon to a most familiar solar system ... Perfect. Lightsabers and photon guns at the ready, folks: Outlantacon and Gaylaxicon are joining forces in Atlanta next week. Outlantacon is a Queer Geek-centered, Atlanta-based event. The festival features gaming, costuming, shows, fashion 18 A&E MAY 11, 2018
shows, and discussions. The event’s been running for ten years, but their focus on fandom and nerd culture — with a care for the LGBTQ community — is going strong. And there’s an added feature: This year, Outlantacon will host Gaylaxicon, a national gaming-geek group which travels from Con to Con every year.
In the next ten years, the Con stayed mostly in New England, before venturing out to Troy, Michigan in 1998. The event then toured Virginia, California, Canada, and Maryland, with 2007 and 2011 stops in Atlanta.
GAYLAXICON Gaylaxicon hasn’t been seen for two years — not since October 2016 in Minneapolis. A recurring convention, Gaylaxicon first began in 1988. The initial get-together happened in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The founding happened at the behest of the Gaylactic Network, a famous nonprofit LGBTQ sci-fi fandom group. A New England-based subsection of that group, the Gaylaxian Science Fiction Society, headed the Con.
Gaylaxicon is also known for creating the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards. The Con features a number of panels, including dances, receptions, films, celebs, cosplay contests — and that’s not counting the Gaylactic “Jeopardy!” and the Chocolate Symposium, both of which are convention standards.
Now they’re back.
CON YOU DIG IT? Georgia Voice spoke to Outlantacon Chair Candace Weslosky. Candace says that Outlantacon was similar to other geek
events. The Con shared “the same love for a genre but our panels focus, highlight, and celebrate the LGBTQ component of it.” That included “characters, storylines, directors, writers, and the importance of visibility.” By taking the once-taboo into the mainstream, Candace says, the Con helped to create equality. “I hope we are able to celebrate our community as much as it deserves,” she tells Georgia Voice. “I hope we have an amazing turnout and continue to grow into a midsize convention that is the ‘must do’ of your geek year.” So should LGBTQ people who have no interest in geek culture attend? Should geeks unfamiliar with LGBTQ culture stop in? Candace is emphatic about the CONTINUES ON PAGE 19
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wrangling “big, wild groups.”
Con’s welcoming nature: “Absolutely! We have something for everyone at Outlantacon in our community.”
“I hurried to the convention, hosted an amazing show, and I never left,” Candace says. She began as an attendee, became a guest, landed a position known as ‘game show track director,’ and eventually advanced to become the unofficial ‘ambassador of fun’ which, as she says, “was great because I always have an amazing time at the convention and now I [am] helping others do it, too.”
“Creators risk their lives to create content,” Candace says. “[Outlantacon] serves as a platform for them to do so.” She says the Con will have a fashion and drag show, an auction in which proceeds will benefit Lost-n-Found Youth, and an activism-culture track. “We have game shows where you can laugh along with friends of any age and have a good time,” she says. “We have room-party battles to host the best-themed parties.” Moreover, ally-ship is welcomed. “We have an amazing game room [for non-LGBTQ geeks] where you can find board games, tabletop RPGS, Magic tournaments, and card games. We have an all-night Werewolf celebration [on Friday night] … and an amazing art show featuring multiple platforms and artists from around the country.” For Candace, Outlantacon felt like home. She’d felt that way since she entered the Con scene years ago. “I received a call from my best friend, Java Green,” Candace explains, “who was volunteering at the convention, [and] he explained to me that they had an event — project cosplay — happening that evening and the host, a local drag queen, had an emergency and had to cancel.” As it so happened, they needed someone to run the interactive spoof of “Project Runway.” The powers that be knew Candace was a community emcee, and used to improvwww.thegeorgiavoice.com
Candace says the geek community has always been awesome, and that “they have been the most open to acceptance and change [compared to] most other groups over the last 20 years.” It was all about celebrating similarities: The world progressed “by understanding there are more things that bring us together than push us apart, and by realiz[ing] that we only get a short time in this crazy world, so it should be spent speaking good and not spewing hate.” What’s next for LGBTQ-geek culture in Atlanta? According to Candace, “The future is bright for Outlantacon and I am ready to create more content, more guests, and a hotel filled with hundreds of my favorite folks!” Statistics show that the convention has strong retention numbers — attendees return at a positive rate: An estimated 150–250 people attend per year, with hopes for 300–500 in 2018. Should the growth and health of Outlantacon continue — this year, and every year — the LGBTQ geek community shows every likelihood that, as ancient wisdom tells us, they will live long and prosper. OUTLANTACON/GAYLAXICON May 11–13 Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel
Start your journey by contacting
AtlantaEvents@CityWinery.com or call 404-WINERY1 May 11, 2018 A&E 19
ACTING OUT
Onstage: “Hamilton” and “Candide” Jim Farmer It’s bound to be the biggest theatrical event of the year — Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” finally hits the area shortly, courtesy of Broadway Across Atlanta. Before they joined the national tour and criss-crossed the US, two of its ensemble members — Jennifer Geller and Jeffery Duffy — called Atlanta home. The show, a musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton, won a record number of Tony Awards and has become a cultural phenomenon. Jeffery has been with the musical for more than a year now and calls it a history lesson wrapped in a contemporary hip-hop show. “It’s really fast — the pace at which the words are given to the audience come rapidly,” he says. “It’s spoon fed. You’re on this joy ride packed with information and empathy for these characters.” Jennifer has her own take on why the musical has become so successful. “Beside the historical facts of it, there are so many relatable things,” she says. “It’s about making your way to America, moving up the ladder, love, infidelity, friendships, making enemies. The music is stunning, different than anything else. It’s also visually stunning — the first time I saw it I was in shock. I think it’s the best show ever. We do eight shows a week and it never gets old.” According to Jennifer, the production has a lot of LGBTQ people involved in it, on stage and backstage. During her run, she also found out about the rumored affair between Alexander Hamilton and soldier John Laurens. “There’s a fun fact that I learned — Hamilton, it is speculated, was in love with [John] and they had feelings for each other. He had written letters to John that are pretty descriptive.” The two are looking forward to the Atlanta run and getting to play in front of family and friends. Most of Jeffery’s family is still here.
Details
“Hamilton” Fox Theatre May 22–June 10 “Candide” Now through May 20 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Ironically, he has never performed here in his career. “This is a pretty exciting moment for me,” he admits. As part of their “on-the-road season” as their new digs get renovated, the Alliance Theatre is collaborating with its neighbor, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, for an imaginative take on the classic “Candide.” One of the stars is out actor Christopher Sieber, who worked with the Alliance on the lesbianthemed “The Prom.” He plays two characters: the Narrator and Dr. Pangloss, a philosopher. The musical is unlike anything he’s been part of. “It’s a huge operetta,” he says. “We are marrying the symphonic world, the theatrical world — which is me — and the opera world. We all work differently and have to learn each other’s language. It’s going to be a wall of song. I can’t wait to hear it all.” Almost 200 people will be on the stage, singing and acting and playing instruments. The show even finds a way to use puppets, Christopher says, and re-unites him with Atlantan Terry Burrell, who starred with him in a Broadway version of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
20 A&E May 11, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
EATING MY WORDS
Golden Eagle: Cocktails, Retrospection, and Small Plates Cliff Bostock The older you get, the more you feel like you’re occupying a cultural ‘twilight zone.’ Encountering glossy reproductions of bygone pop culture, for example, evokes weirdly stinging nostalgia. You think you smell weed, but it’s just the odor of your brain cells burning away. Thus, while dining at Golden Eagle Diner’s Club, I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my retro-decorated grave when a young woman next to me ordered a neon Blue Hawaiian cocktail with a parasol and some fruit impaled on a colorful toothpick. I flashed back to watching my parents swill such drinks at crypto-Hawaiian restaurants in the early 1960s. (My parents are dead.) In the background, James Brown’s grunts and groans filled the dim, gold-lit room, played on a big reel-to-reel tape player literally sitting
in a cabinet aglow like a campy ark of the covenant. A restaurant employee walked by in a “mod” suit that would do Ziggy proud, on his way to the spectacularly symmetrical u-shaped bar overseen by a gargoyle in the form of a gigantic, taxidermied moose head. Owned by the same people who operate Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall, the Golden Eagle is a better cocktail lounge than restaurant. (I don’t drink, but my companions enthusiastically swilled away.) The food section of the menu is one page of a booklet, featuring mainly small, shareable dishes served with obnoxiously tiny plates that aren’t changed often enough. We started with a Japanese pancake, an okonomiyaki, piled with bonito flakes (dried fish), and a variety of shaved vegetables. Frankly, I couldn’t correlate many of the actual ingredients to the menu’s description, which included a normally spicy sauce that, if there, had lost its sizzle. The same occurred with a trio of delicious oysters topped with bread
crumbs, a tiny dollop of lump crab, lots of sea salt, and a completely undetectable “jalapeno butter.” I can never resist burrata, a mozzarella cheese with a firm exterior and a soft, creamy interior. Alas, the Eagle’s, served with a few fresh fig slices and green peas, was cold and crumbly. The least appealing dish on our table was a springtime risotto with the oddest flavor ever — miso, according to the online menu. Second best was an entrée-sized leg and thigh of crispy duck confit with grilled Brussel sprouts, cippolini onions, and black cherries soaked in a classic gastrique. The best dish on the table was the “fisherman’s stew.” Although unfortunately
small, ours included mussels surrounding a large hunk of crispy pork belly. The resulting broth, though shallow, was amazing and the kitchen was cruel in not providing bread to sop its few tablespoons. Overall, I’m strongly recommending the place for its ambiance and cocktails, praised by everyone, but I can’t say the food is worth much attention. Golden Eagle is open evenings only, but it is fronted by an, um, grain-bowl taqueria, Muchacho. It’s open 7am–4pm daily and it’s la bomba for real. Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or cliffbostock@gmail.com.
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May 11, 2018 A&E 21
BEST BETS Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for May 11-24 SUNDAY, MAY 13
Museum of Design Atlanta’s original exhibition, Designing Playful Cities
MAY 11–MAY 12
Atlanta Ballet will close the season on a high note with their “Bach to Broadway” event this weekend. Part of the program is George Balanchine’s spirited “Who Cares,” set to 13 Gershwin classics. Complementing Balanchine’s vibrant work, San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson’s “7 for Eight” evokes the Balanchine style with fluid, dramatic choreography that intertwines eight dancers with the sumptuous melodies of seven Bach movements. The program also includes a world premiere by Mariinsky Theatre’s Maxim Petrov, who is making his North American choreographic debut. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 8pm on May 11–13 (2pm on May 12)
MAY 11
Like great drag? Don’t miss Doraku in Drag tonight in Buckhead, 11pm–2am at Doraku Sushi.
22 Best Bets May 11, 2018
MAY 11–20
An inventive new take on “Candide” involves both the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, with out actor Christopher Sieber in the cast as well. Alliance Theatre 8pm
SATURDAY, MAY 12
As a group exhibit, MELT – a Queer Photo Show, will be featuring some of Atlanta’s underground talent whose varying styles and techniques are uniquely individual but tied together in a large dialogue of queer art and expression. Similarly, these photographers highlight the boldness, tenderness, and power of the ever-morphing queer experience. Showcasing fluidity and presentation, the 11 photographers pinpoint elements of evolution in the queer experience. MELT aims to explore the transmutability of embodiment, persona, and identity. New
works include artists Pierre Pastel, Maggy Swain, Jon Dean, Savana Ogburn, LaRue Calliet, Mo Castillo, Patrick DiRito, Jody Fausett, Austin Frantz, Cameron Lee, Jesse Pratt Lopez, and an audio/visual installation by Johnnie Ray Kornegay. Facet Gallery See Facet’s Facebook for details 7–10pm “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.” — written by Alice Birch — finds theatrical exhilaration in a puckish, yet deadly serious meditation on how language molds our experience of sex and gender. It has a way of making you question everything you say when it comes to discussing women and their relationships with men, one another, and a world in a state of unending upheaval. 7 Stages May 12–13 8pm
Out artist Sonia Leigh plays with special guests Molly Stevens and Daphne Willis. Eddie’s Attic 8pm
SUNDAY, MAY 13
The acclaimed, lesbian-themed “Disobedience,” starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, continues its run at the Midtown Art Cinema. Showtimes vary. Museum of Design Atlanta’s original exhibition, Designing Playful Cities, takes visitors through interactive installations that present a strong case for designing play into urban environments. This exhibition ends May 13. 12–6pm Join Sister Louisa’s Church of the
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BEST BETS
FRIDAY, MAY 18
“Anything” — starring Matt Bomer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium for fellowship and spirituals on the patio for its eight-year anniversary. In honor of Mother’s Day, disco tracks for moms will be on tap. The DJs will be Chelsea Starr, Brian Rojas, and Vicki Powell. See their Facebook for more details. 7–11:45pm
MONDAY, MAY 14
Meet candidate for governor Stacey Evans at a Happy Hour in her honor tonight. 1161 Hess Drive, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 6–7:30pm
TUESDAY, MAY 15
The riotous Bianca Del Rio returns in “From Russia With Hate.” A sequel to the 2016 film “Hurricane Bianca,” the film gets a local premiere courtesy of Out On Film and Out Front Theatre Company. 7:30pm
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents AGLCC University, proposed by Coca-Cola Company. One Coca-Cola Plaza, 310 North Ave. AtlantaGayChamber.org 6–8pm
THURSDAY, MAY 17
In continuing its personal and
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professional growth series, Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals is diving into a discussion of passion versus our purpose facilitated by Wellness Practitioner Sharon Elise. The event will feature open networking and light bites. WeWork Colony Square 6–8pm
FRIDAY, MAY 18
The film “Anything” stars John Carroll Lynch, and Matt Bomer as a transgender character. Showtimes vary. Plaza Atlanta Theater
SATURDAY, MAY 19– SUNDAY, MAY 20
It’s a Del Shores weekend. Out Front Theatre Company closes its production of Shores’ “Sordid Lives” Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. Out Front teams with Out On Film for a screening of “A Very Sordid Wedding” Saturday at 3pm, and Shores closes the weekend with his acclaimed new show “Six Characters in Search of a Play” at 7pm on Sunday.
SATURDAY, MAY 19
Don’t miss the fifth annual Atlanta Pride Family Fun Day, with painting, kids‘ yoga, games, and food for all ages. Glenlake Park 11am–1pm
CONTINUES ON PAGE 24 May 11, 2018 Best Bets 23
BEST BETS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Deep South welcomes Jasmine Infiniti to The Music Room. Infiniti’s DJ roots began in Oakland and she is known for blending dark and sometimes ambient techno and industrial sounds with break beats and tracks creating a unique soundscape glimpsing into the future. The opening sets are by Robert Ansley and Beyond. The Music Room 10pm–3am
Do you want to read books by amazing Black women writers? Do you want to discuss works from a Black feminist perspective in a feminist bookstore? Then the Black Feminist Book Club is for you. Charis Circle board chair Susana Morris will be the facilitator of this group. This month’s book is the poignant “The Mothers” by Brit Bennett. Charis Books and More 7–9pm
SATURDAY, MAY 19 Deep South welcomes Jasmine Infiniti to The Music Room
SATURDAY, MAY 26
SUNDAY, MAY 20
The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets up to discuss best practices. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta 2:30–4pm
MONDAY, MAY 21
Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources, and activism around social issues. Charis Books and More 7–8:30pm Bingo Night at My Sister’s Room has all sorts of games, food, and drink specials. Bonus: Brent Star hosts!
Come celebrate with TRANScending Barriers, who is celebrating its one year anniversary. Piedmont Park 1–5pm
My Sister’s Room 9pm–11pm
Fox Theatre May 22–June 10
TUESDAY, MAY 22
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23
Stacey Abrams or Stacey Evans? Today is Election Day to determine who the Georgia governor competitors will be this fall, among other races. Find a polling place near you and vote! It’s likely to be the theater event of the year – the Tony-winning sensation “Hamilton” finally opens in the ATL courtesy of Broadway in Atlanta.
SUNDAY, MAY 27
Jam out at Jukebox Wednesdays at Oscars Atlanta. 8pm
THURSDAY, MAY 24
SAGE Atlanta’s bi-monthly meetings are still held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Drop in! Phillip Rush Center Annex 10:30am–1pm
Need a relaxing day? Come get some sun, fresh air, and community at Frolic, a queer picnic put on by Southern Fried Queer Pride. Field games, music, popsicles, and water will be at the event. Inman Park 2–6pm Share your opinion on what an LGBTQ+ community center should look like at a Community Townhall discussing a new LGBTQ community center. Phillip Rush Center 5–8pm
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www.thegeorgiavoice.com
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
Millie’s Eyes
& the Windows of the Soul Melissa Carter Millie Pete is going blind. My 82-yearold mother was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012, and the condition is quickly taking away her vision via damage to her retina. As an artist, this has posed a serious challenge to her lifestyle, since the result of the condition is the inability to see detail or recognize faces. As the daughter of this artist, I’ve come to realize these past few weeks that through her art, I’ve learned my most important life lessons. SHADOWS My mother taught me never to use black when shading paintings. Instead, you use complementary colors to show depth to an object. As a child, I saw shadows as dark places to avoid, but Millie Pete allowed me to see that they’re never as black as they seem; that shadows actually help enhance the world around you. BEGIN SMALL When starting any drawing, you begin with small strokes that, over time, make a bigger picture. In life, we tend to look toward people with established relationships or careers as role models, yet we forget how long it took them to reach that point in their lives. Knowing the small steps we take are not wasted and contribute to larger success can allow us to relax enough to enjoy each of those moments. WORK WITH OILS My mother’s favorite medium was oil paint. Since oil paints take weeks and sometimes months to dry, Millie Pete was able to change elements within the painting over the course of many days before it was complete. This allowed her the opportunity to put her brush down and walk away for a time in order to get a fresh perspective upon her return to the canvas. It taught me that I should never attempt to do anything perfect the first time, and a fresh eye always makes a
situation better. WHEN FINISHED WITH ONE PROJECT, BEGIN ANOTHER My mother’s home, as well as my own, is filled with paintings Millie Pete created. Her life was not dedicated to just one piece; instead she always wanted to try new scenes, new mediums, or new canvas sizes. This taught me that life is not one journey, but many. The only constant in life is you, and you should always be ready to complete one experience and set off to own another. KEEP GOING Perhaps the biggest life lesson I’ve learned through my mother’s art is that it doesn’t stop, despite the fact that she’s now lost her vision. In a corner of my mother’s home stands a brand-new painting of a man’s silhouette. She explained to me it’s the image she now sees when looking at my brother. My mother’s determination to
continue to live life, and express it in art, shows that no matter the obstacle, you keep moving forward. No one wants to see their parents grow old. It’s as if their grey hairs, wrinkles, and slow pace are constant reminders that the safety of our childhood is really over. I know my mother is afraid of her weakening body, but she still has something familiar to lean on — art. Art has been her best friend and closest confidant throughout her life. In its ear is where she whispers her deepest fears and darkest thoughts and in return, it has taught her about life’s never-ending beauty. And by being the daughter of this beautiful artist, I can make sure these lessons I’ve learned from her live on as long as her art. One of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta, Melissa’s worked for B98.5 and Q100. Catch her daily on theProgressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Tweet her! @MelissaCarter
26 Columnists May 11, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
SOMETIMES ‘Y’
Can We Trust Abrams? Ryan Lee If nothing else (and sadly, there is little else), Georgia Democrats have a keen eye for identifying candidates with “clickable” potential. The narrative of the 2014 election cycle was the next generation of two of Georgia’s vaunted political families restoring Democrats to power — in the last year, the party has pivoted from the white suburban wunderkind in Jon Ossoff to the #blackgirlmagic of Stacey Abrams, the hashtag pulled from a March 16, 2018 post on StaceyAbrams.com. But monetizing the internet has been one of the biggest challenges of our era, and Georgia Democrats thus far have been unable to turn “influencer”-driven candidates into election winners. At some point, they might consider holding bonafide primaries rather than show elections meant to build the online brand of the party’s preferred candidates. Georgia Equality again played its part in the establishment’s charade by endorsing Abrams over the other eight candidates running for the state’s highest office (only one of them a Democrat) without hosting any forum to get a would-be governor on record supporting LGBTQ issues, releasing any candidate scorecards, or even laying out the rationale for the LGBTQ nonprofit’s selection. In announcing its endorsement, Georgia Equality called Abrams “exceptionally strong on LGBTQ issues,” with only the vaguest outline to verify the claim. It also noted, “Since beginning her career in public service as an attorney with the City of Atlanta, Stacey Abrams has worked hard to make sure that LGBTQ people are treated equally,” which is strange because anyone familiar with Abrams’ tenure as a deputy city attorney might describe her as getting off to a rough start on LGBTQ equality. Abrams worked in the city’s law department when then-Mayor Shirley Franklin was mulling over whether to enforce the city’s Human Relations Ordinance against a prestigious golf club that had denied spousal benefits to committed gay and lesbian couples. The first of two options Franklin weighed, which was www.thegeorgiavoice.com
supported by LGBTQ activists and the club members who were discriminated against, was to sanction the club; the club would inevitably sue the city and expose the weakness of the Human Relations Ordinance, but a court opinion then could be used to draft a non-discrimination ordinance that was legally sound. The other option, advocated by the city’s lawyers and executed by Franklin, was to do nothing — to let the golf club go unpunished so the city (and its LGBTQ-beloved mayor) would not suffer an embarrassing defeat in court. As a result, in 2018, there are still no protections for LGBTQ Atlantans in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and the city’s Human Relations Ordinance remains legally feeble. Queerly, Georgia Equality counts this among the reasons LGBTQ Georgians should vote for Stacey Abrams, but I’m skeptical that progress in our movement can be brought to this state by someone who couldn’t fight for basic anti-discrimination protections in a city like Atlanta. The Human Relations Ordinance fiasco, Abrams’s belated advocacy of removing confederate monuments from Stone Mountain, and her capitulation to Republicans as House minority leader leave me wondering whether LGBTQ Georgians, and progressives in general, can trust that her policies and dealmaking will match the trailblazing liberalism being marketed on social media. I’m also skeptical that the Democratic horde so sure Hillary Clinton would turn Georgia purple (and that Ossoff would “flip the 6th”) can use the same playbook to get its current avatar into the governor’s mansion. I cannot sign onto the impending Abrams coronation, and will instead vote for Stacey Evans in this month’s Democratic primary. The Georgia Voice reached out to the Abrams campaign for an interview. The newspaper would like to extend an opportunity for the Abrams campaign (and Georgia Equality) to respond to either refute or clarify all or portions of the piece, which is comprised of Mr. Lee’s perceptions and opinions and are not representations of 1) a news item and 2) the views of our newspaper staff. May 11, 2018 Columnists 27
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