Georgia Voice 07/21/23, Vol. 14 Issue 9

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Cover photo by Shutterstock.com/Javier Brosch

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PROUD CAT PERSON

Katie Burkholder

As a child, the only pets I had were fish and hamsters until I was 12 years old, when my mom found a pregnant stray cat. The cat, Boots, ended up running away, but we had two new grey kitties: Puffypants and Mittens.

These cats changed my life. On the first night we brought Puffypants to my dad’s house after taking him away from Boots and the rest of the litter at my mom’s, he slept on the pillow next to me (and left a poop there for me to find in the morning, which I thought was hilarious). While I had loved all the fish and hamsters, Puffypants and Mittens were my sister’s and my best friends. We carried them around in little purses, we wrote songs about them, we held them and hugged them and lay on them like Pillow Pets. Twelve years later, both are still alive, and I feel so seriously like they are as much my family as my sister and parents.

My love for Puffypants and Mittens extended beyond them and transformed me into a certified cat person. While I love dogs — both my roommate and partner have dogs that I sincerely deem to be my niece and stepdaughter — the warmth and affection I feel toward all cats is unmatched by any other creature.

Cats are infamously for being standoffish and bitchy. While I recognize that all animals are different, as the owner of the most affectionate cats in the world, I sincerely believe that cats are loving and affectionate, only when they are given love. But because of their reputation, I see people treat cats like background characters. They’re often ignored, especially in homes that also have dogs.

I recently visited some friends for a wedding who had two dogs and a cat. The cat, they warned, was grumpy and mean. Their two dogs were fun and affectionate and adorable, but I was determined to befriend the cat. I approached her sitting on top of her cat tree and let her sniff my hands. Like they said, she was very touch averse; I tried to pet her and she pulled away and swatted at my hand. I didn’t immediately walk away, though. I stayed and kept letting her sniff my hands.

The next day, I walked into the living room to see her in the middle of the room. She walked up to me, rubbed up on my leg, and walked away. That was the extent of her affection, but that small act of connection was enough to make my heart swell.

Because of my dedication to making every cat like me, I’ve often overstepped a cat’s boundaries by trying to be too playful or touchy. I have been swatted at and scratched. Every time, the owner apologizes for how the cat behaves. I always tell them

the same thing: it’s just being a cat, I’m the one who overstepped.

“Cats are master of the concept of consent,” an oft circulated social media post reads. “If you don’t like cats because they’ll scratch the hell out of your skin or bite you because you try to pet them outside of their level of comfort, you need to learn the lesson they’re teaching you.”

I love cats because they demand my love; if I don’t give it, I don’t get purrs, cuddles, and leg rubs. Their love and connection are conditional; not only do you need to love and not ignore them, you also need to respect them. They have boundaries, just like people do (and, like people, all cats are different; Mittens, like most cats, freaks out when you try to rub her belly, but Puffypants loves it).

So, the next time you meet a new kitty, I hope you try your best to love on it — and don’t hold it against the entire species when you inevitably get scratched.

PHOTO BY PEXELS.COM/ QUANG NGUYEN VINH

Positive Impact Health Centers Awarded Recognition for Patient-Centered HIV Care

Positive Impact Health Centers has been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. The agency is the only AIDS service organization in Georgia to receive this recognition.

For over 30 years, Positive Impact Health Centers has been invested in the health of the metro Atlanta community. The agency has always understood a person’s wellbeing includes a comprehensive approach and individualized plans to help them thrive. The agency’s clinical team works alongside teams of behavioral health providers, recovery professionals, pharmacists, social workers and community advocates to care for each patient in an affirming and supportive environment.

“For decades, Positive Impact Health Centers has led the way in patient-centered HIV care in Atlanta. We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts and honored to receive this NCQA recognition. The staff implement new programs and processes every day to reduce barriers to care as part of our goal of bringing 15,000 out of care patients into care. We are especially grateful to Jordan Chappell, PIHC’s Operations Manager, for leading and overseeing this process,” Larry Lehman, CEO, President, Positive Impact Health Centers.

Majority of Registered Voters Oppose Refusing Service to LGBTQ People

Results of a new poll conducted by the D.C.based Data for Progress released last week showed that 65 percent of voters believe businesses should not be allowed to turn away customers who are of a particular race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation because of the business owner’s personal beliefs.

The polling came after the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority ruled in favor of

Lori Smith, the Colorado-based graphic artist who did not want to make wedding websites for same-sex couples despite Colorado’s nondiscrimination law barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

“The First Amendment envisions the United States as a rich and complex place where all persons are free to think and speak as they wish, not as the government demands,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the majority 6-3 decision along ideological lines in 303 Creative v. Elenis

The liberal justices, however, called the majority’s finding of a free speech exemption to nondiscrimination rules “unprecedented,” warning it would blow a hole through these laws and pave the way for anti-LGBTQ discrimination by businesses.

The Data for Progress poll included a majority of voters across age, race/ethnicity, and gender, and a plurality of Republicans (48 percent.)

“303 Creative was a purely hypothetical case. When voters are given similar hypotheticals, they consistently land on the side of nondiscrimination, rejecting the idea that business owners should be able to refuse services to a member of a protected class based on personal beliefs,” said Rob Todaro, communications director at Data for Progress. “While the precedent set by this decision is alarmingly gray, the harms

of discrimination are abundantly clear. LGBTQ+ people deserve full and equal access to public accommodations without fear of being treated differently for who they are or who they love.”

Similarly, 64 percent of voters say the right of individuals to be served by businesses, regardless of their race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, is more important than the right of business owners to refuse service based on their conscience or religious beliefs (30 percent.)

The poll also asked voters about various hypothetical scenarios, and whether or not they think business owners should be able to refuse services for certain events based on their personal beliefs:

• Same-sex marriages: 42 percent agree, 52 percent disagree

• Interfaith marriages: 29 percent agree, 62 percent disagree

• Interracial marriages: 26 percent agree, 67 percent disagree

• A baby shower for an unwed mother: 24 percent agree, 68 percent disagree

The belief that business owners should be able to refuse services in these scenarios is driven by Republican voters, with more than 1 in 3 agreeing in each case.

The majority of registered voters oppose refusing service to LGBTQ people.

PHOTO BYA SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ KEVIN BIDWELL

One in Five Companies Backed Out of Pride for Fear of Backlash

Katie Burkholder

Scandal surrounded Bud Light and Target last month as the two multimillion-dollar companies withdrew their Pride support after experiencing backlash. While Target moved Pride merchandise to the back of some of its stores after employees were harassed, Bud Light turned its back on trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney after being boycotted for featuring her in a marketing campaign.

“For months now, I’ve been scared to leave my house,” Mulvaney said in a video responding to the situation. “I have been ridiculed in public. I’ve been followed. And I have felt a loneliness that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. And I’m not telling you this because I want your pity. I am telling you this because, if this is my experience from a very privileged perspective, know that it is much, much worse for other trans people. For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse, in my opinion, than not hiring a trans person at all, because it gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want.”

Amid these large-scale backlashes, it appears that other companies have followed suit, according to a survey from ResumeBuilder. com. Almost one in five companies minimized their Pride participation this year, despite the consequences of participation actually being more positive than negative.

Of the 1,000 surveyed participants, fewer than two in ten participated in Pride Month. While only five percent reported that their companies participated in Pride last year, but not this year, 18 percent said their companies scaled back their Pride Month plans over fear

of backlash. This scaling back included not providing employee learning opportunities around inclusion (25 percent), not changing their logo to rainbow colors (22 percent), and not creating Pride-themed products or marketing campaigns (21 percent).

These numbers align with a report from NBC News, which found that nearly 22 percent of U.S. Pride organizers surveyed by InterPride said their corporate sponsorships declined.

Those who chose not to participate at all this year attributed the decision to “too much work” (71 percent), “leadership change” (49 percent), and/or not seeing “any benefits” (28 percent).

“We think the issue got way too controversial

with some of the behavior at Pride events, especially after this year,” one respondent even wrote. “We decided if we celebrated again, it would cause a big distraction that we don’t need.”

These fears of backlash may seem to be warranted, as 62 percent of respondents who participated in Pride said they experienced some kind of negative consequences, like receiving negative feedback from employees (29 percent), receiving negative feedback from customers (26 percent), and decreased revenue (20 percent). However, the positive consequences outweighed the negative on all counts: 54 percent said the company received positive feedback from customers, 51 percent received positive feedback from employees, and 37 percent experienced increased revenue.

“We were aware of the potential for backlash, as companies like Target and Budweiser have faced criticism for their Pride Month campaigns,” Garrett Yamasaki, the founder of pet company WeLoveDoodles, said. “However, we felt it essential to stand up for our beliefs. [We’re] a company that values diversity and inclusion, and we wanted to use our platform to support the LGBTQ community. To address potential concerns, we ensured our campaign was more than just a marketing ploy. We worked closely with LGBTQ organizations to ensure our messaging was respectful and inclusive. We also committed to supporting the LGBTQ community beyond Pride Month, through ongoing donations and initiatives.”

The future may be looking bright for corporate Pride; 45 percent of respondents said they are “highly” (21 percent) or “somewhat likely” (24 percent) to participate in Pride next year. Of the four percent of companies that celebrated this year, but not last year, 92 percent believe they are likely to celebrate again next year.

“Almost one in five companies minimized their Pride participation this year, despite the consequences of participation actually being more positive than negative.”

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ SVET FOTO

DRAG QUEEN FUNDRAISER

PROJECT CHIMPS TO HOST

A lifetime kept in captivity; tests and lab coats and clipboards and four concrete walls — a reality that research animals live across the country, whether it be for makeup, clinical drugs, or anything in between. Products and medicines need to be tested before they reach the shelves, and eventually people’s homes; even with the most advanced computers and codes, predicting how a biological organism will react to a new substance is nearly impossible — living beings, usually with body chemistry similar to our own, must be used instead. However, especially in the past few decades, the ethicality of animal testing has been called into question.

For animals like chimpanzees, of which there are only a few thousand in the US and that share much DNA and evolutionary history with us, pushback against invasive tests rose as animal rights advocacy groups pointed to chimps’ high intelligence, emotional behaviors, and distinctive and unique personalities.

These arguments, coupled with the decreased need for chimpanzees in lab testing, led to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) declaring an eventual end to invasive chimp research in the early 2010s, with a formal end to invasive chimp research on September 14, 2015. At that time, the relatively small population of US chimps were categorized as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, meaning that any labs wishing to continue research with the chimps would be

required to file a permit and prove an urgent need to use chimps. Taking their needs into consideration and the optics of a decision to file for a permit in a time of strong opposition to the research, most labs stopped testing.

The problem? Chimps had nowhere to go. Research chimps, due to their rearing in a lab environment, cannot safely be introduced to the wild. Captive chimps also live long lives; without the dangers and stressors of the wild and with their shelter and food needs met, the primates can live up to 50 years. Thus, the creation of long-term facilities — sanctuaries — to care for the hundreds of suddenly retired chimps became necessary. And that care is what Project Chimps, founded in 2014 in partnership with the Louisiana-based New Iberia Research Center, seeks to provide.

Project Chimps is the newest of 11 U.S. chimpanzee sanctuaries. With two sanctuaries in Florida and one in South Carolina, Project Chimps is the sole sanctuary in Georgia. Its facilities lie on 250 acres of forested land just north of Blue Ridge in richly forested hills. Six acres of that land has been developed into a large, open-air home for its 96 chimps called the Peachtree habitat.

Sanctuaries like Project Chimps, in contrast to zoos, do not breed animals; rather, they focus on taking care of retired animals and bringing in new ones, like the 500 chimps across the country still not relocated out of labs. Sanctuaries also often have far fewer visitors, sometimes disallowing visitors

altogether. Although Project Chimps is not fully open to the public, there are a variety of tours for interested Homo sapiens wishing to get a closer look at their closely related cousins. There are free tours, one- to two-hour tours for youth groups of 10–40 children under the age of 18 (with the suggestion of bringing items from the Project Chimps wish list), as well as longer tours available for schools and field trips for $10–$15 per student. For those looking to support the Project in other ways, private tours are available, as are visits to the Project grounds. Hiking trails surround the Peachtree habitat and are open from dawn until dusk; other attractions, like special events and honeybee tours, are also offered. As a sanctuary focused on sustainability, with an emphasis on a large population of chimps and extensive outdoor freedom, food for the chimps is also grown through its Project Harvest using land on the sanctuary’s acreage.

Caring for almost 100 chimps full time with the additional goal of taking in the remaining 120 chimps at the Research Center through an 8-acre habitat expansion is an expensive endeavor, which is why events like Project Chimp’s upcoming charity drag and entertainment event, Bananarama II, is

so important — not just for raising funds, but for raising awareness for the Project’s existence in a state where most people would think chimps wouldn’t reside.

To be held August 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lionheart Theatre in Norcross, Bananarama II — the first Bananarama since the inaugural event pre-COVID-19 in September 2019 — will be hosted by drag queens Ruby Redd and Jolene Goodall (a play on the universally-beloved primate advocate, Jane Goodall) and will feature performances by other queens like Gunza Blazin and Berlinda Wall, musicians, singers, and comedians. General admission tickets are $30 and available to anyone 16+ years old, with a VIP option available for $96.69 and an “Attend in Spirit” support option for $20 for those who cannot make the inperson event.

While drag queens and chimpanzees may be an unconventional combination, the leaders of Project Chimps hope that support for Bananarama II may draw in more connections, volunteers, staff, and funding that can be used to continue supporting its role as a forever home for chimps for decades to come.

Hunter Buchheit

Project Chimps is the newest of 11 U.S. chimpanzee sanctuaries.

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

Lifeline Animal Project

CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO HELP SAVE ANIMALS

Lifeline Animal Project is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that works to end the euthanasia of healthy animals. Lifeline manages the DeKalb and Fulton County animal shelters and is the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia.

“This is a big shift in animal services,” said Chief Marketing Officer Heather Friedman. “A long time ago dog catchers were there to round up dogs and bring them to the shelter. The mentality has since shifted to focus on keeping animals and people together.”

Founded in 2002, the organization kicked things off by creating an online database of animals up for adoption in local shelters and launched metro Atlanta’s largest trapneuter-return cat program, named Catlanta. Since then, the organization has opened a rehabilitation facility for homeless dogs, multiple spay and neuter clinics, a cat adoption center, and the Lifeline Community Animal Center, which opened in 2019 to ease the burden of the local shelters. The center offers several services, including a fully functional vet clinic, an adoption area, and lots of roaming room for the dogs to play.

Since Lifeline began managing the Fulton and DeKalb shelters in 2013, workers and volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve conditions and reduce the number of animals being euthanized. Both shelters now operate at no-kill levels, meaning that over 90 percent of the animals that come in are saved. A shelter is considered a no-kill shelter at 90 percent because some animals are too sick or traumatized to live healthy lives. In

“The issue currently facing Lifeline is that more animals are coming in than are being adopted. About 20 to 40 animals come in every day, with the average length of stay at the DeKalb shelter being around 86 days.”

these cases, euthanizing the animals is the kindest thing to do.

“This is some of the hardest work I’ve ever seen,” Friedman said. “When [team members] have to let an animal go, it’s done with such anguish. They did paw prints to honor the dogs they had to lose. It’s not about a number; it’s about looking every animal in the eyes and trying to do what’s best for them.”

Lifeline also runs a foster program, operates two veterinary clinics, and provides various services to pet owners in need. Services include helping families who may be struggling to pay for pet food or surgeries, or who may need assistance making their homes or yards more dog-friendly.

Beyond this, every spring and fall Lifeline offers free vet care to people in Fulton and DeKalb counties by setting up events in public parks. Hundreds of people show up with their pets to get free vaccines, microchips, and vouchers for free spaying

and neutering. The overall goal is to keep pets safe, healthy, and out of shelters.

All of these services have made a huge positive impact on local animals in need, but lately, things are getting more complicated for Lifeline workers and volunteers.

The issue currently facing Lifeline is that more animals are coming in than are being adopted. About 20 to 40 animals come in every day, with the average length of stay at the DeKalb shelter being around 86 days. This number has increased as adoptions have dropped by about 30 percent. In June, the Fulton shelter had 192 dogs adopted, but 210 dogs came in, putting them at a deficit. During a recent adoption day event, 160 dogs were adopted, but 190 were brought in.

One of the main causes of pet homelessness and displacement is the lack of affordable pet-friendly housing. Many people can’t afford houses and instead rent apartments, and several apartment complexes have breed restrictions. This is likely why the most common animals brought into local shelters are larger dogs and restricted breeds.

“Animals are not defined by breed but by the humans that raise them,” Friedman said.

Community members can help by fostering cats and dogs and volunteering to spend

time with shelter animals. Lifeline offers foster programs from as short as a day to a period of weeks. Volunteers can also sign up to walk dogs or even take an animal home for a day just to give them a break from the crowded, noisy shelters.

“If you find a lost pet, wait 48 hours before taking them to the shelter,” Friedman said. “Sixty-three percent of dogs people find are a mile from home, [so it’s more effective] to ask neighbors and take a picture to post on Facebook and Nextdoor, instead of immediately taking the animal miles away to the nearest shelter. We recommend pet owners use microchips and collars and tags with ID. Also, Petco has facial recognition software called Petco Love Lost that will compare pictures of your pets to animals in local shelters.”

Lifeline also encourages people to adopt from shelters instead of breeders, who are intentionally creating more animals for profit at a time when overcrowding is already an issue. Instead of focusing on a specific breed, Friedman suggests people adopt dogs based on personality. Lifeline can help match pet parents with animals based on energy levels, personality, medical needs, and other factors to create the perfect pet relationship.

To learn more about Lifeline’s services and how to help local animals, visit lifelineanimal.org.

Luke Gardner

Pets like Giacomo (seen here), are available for adoption at lifelineanimal.org. COURTESY PHOTO

Five Tips and Tricks for Keeping Pets Safe from the Summer Heat

Sukainah Abid-Kons

This summer has been one of record-breaking temperatures worldwide, and it’s likely that 2023 will be the hottest year on record. With heightened temperatures come heightened risks of heat-related illnesses and injuries, including heatstroke, sunburn, and even burns from touching surfaces exposed to direct sunlight. Humans aren’t the only ones at risk of these issues this summer; your pets can also be negatively impacted by the heat. Read our tips below for how to keep your pet cool and safe during the dog days of summer.

1. Limit exercise and outdoor time during the day. Being out in high temperatures is just as exhausting for your pet as it is for you. Take your pet out when necessary, but try to limit walks and outside time to the tail ends of the day, when the heat won’t be as intense.

2. Never leave your pets in a parked car. In a matter of minutes, your car’s internal temperature can rise dangerously high, as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Try to plan any outings and trips so that there is someone who is able to stay with your pet, be it outside in the shade or in your air-conditioned car.

3. Avoid walking your pet on paved surfaces during the day. Asphalt and pavement can get extremely hot during the day, sometimes even hot enough to cook an egg on! Walking on these hot surfaces can cause your pet pain and discomfort, but also result in serious injuries such as burns to their paws. A quick trick to determine if the surface is too hot is to put your hand on it. If it becomes too hot to continue after 5–10 seconds, it’s definitely too hot for your pet to walk on for extended periods of time. Not to worry: there are

several ways to keep your furry friend’s paws safe in the summer. Make sure your pets have a grassy area to stroll on if possible or take them for walks in the early morning and the evenings as the sun is rising and setting and temperatures are lower. You could even invest in a pair of booties to cover your pet’s paws, which will protect them like shoes protect our feet. You can find a pair for less than 15 dollars on Amazon!

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keeping your pet hydrated is one of the most important steps in keeping them cool. Especially

since they can’t sweat, having water in their system is how their bodies will regulate their temperature when it’s too hot outside. Make sure your pet always has water available at home, especially before and after walks, and if you’re going out with your pet, bring along a water bottle and bowl that you can pull out periodically for them to use. You can also add ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl so that their water is cool when they drink it.

5. Groom regularly. Keeping your pet groomed, especially by brushing excess hair out or taking them for haircuts, can reduce

the amount of weight your pet is carrying and help keep it cooler. There’s a reason many pets shed a lot in the summer; walking around in the heat with an extra coat of fur on leads them to get hot faster. Make sure you establish a regular grooming schedule for your pet and consider going for shorter haircuts than you would in the winter if you take your pet to a groomer.

Of course, you know your pet better than anyone else. Even by following safety tips, there is still always the risk of heat-related illness or injury for your pet. Look out for signs of overheating or heatstroke — like panting, restlessness, drooling, red gums or tongue, increased heart rate, and vomiting or diarrhea — and if your pet seems to be exhibiting symptoms, make sure to consult with your vet.

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ JAVIER BROSCH

“With heightened temperatures come heightened risks of heat-related illnesses and injuries, including heatstroke, sunburn, and even burns from touching surfaces exposed to direct sunlight.”

OUR PETS ARE OUR PALS

Stevens

The pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health services and destigmatizing mental health care. While services like Telehealth, a virtual care and counseling service, allowed people to access mental health services, the American health care system struggles to meet the needs of its constituents.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder have increased since the start of the pandemic. By early 2021, approximately four in ten adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, decreasing to three in ten adults as the pandemic continued. Substance use and drug overdoses “sharply increased during the pandemic — largely due to fentanyl — and after a brief period of decline, suicide deaths are once again on the rise,” the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reported earlier this year.

Where the health care system fails to support the mental health needs of Americans, we have our pets. In a letter to the president in 1855, Chief Si’ahl of the Duwamish Tribe wrote, “What is man without beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beast also happens to man. All things are connected.”

While researchers debate exactly how our relationships with our pets affect mental health, the results of a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association indicate people attribute their positive mental state and wellness to their pets. The majority of participants reported their pets help reduce stress and anxiety, provide unconditional love and support, offer companionship, provide a calming presence, and are true friends.

According to the 2023–2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 66 percent of U.S. households — 86.9 million — own a pet. The average annual cost of one pet ranges from $300 to $2,000. While millions of Americans can afford the cost of pet care, there are many in need of a furry companion who cannot afford one.

In 1990, Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinarian, and Dr. Margaret Schulte, an educator, were inspired to act, when at the height of the AIDS crisis they learned people living with HIV/AIDS were sharing food from Meals on Wheels with their pets. Concerned for the health of both person and pet, Dr. Wynn and Dr. Schulte set out to provide free pet food and low-cost

services for Atlantan pet owners in need.

Dr. Wynn and Dr. Schulte founded Pets Are Loving Support, Inc. (PALS), an Atlanta-based organization that provides free and low-cost pet care supplies to metro Atlanta pet owners who make less than $30,000 per year, people living with critical illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, the disabled, and people aged 65 years and older. PALS’ offerings range from free pet food and low-cost annual immunizations, vaccinations, and heartworm testing, to heartworm and flea/tick preventatives to qualifying persons. They also provide “public vaccinations,” where nonmembers can schedule appointments to vaccinate dogs and cats that are older than 12 months.

PALS relies on a team of dedicated volunteers, including veterinarians and vet techs, and they are always looking for more volunteers. “It’s donating money, food, and time that makes a difference,” said Board Chair Ann Vitale in an interview with Georgia Voice.

While the organization’s main goal is to reduce the financial burden of being a pet owner, Executive Director Katherine Cummings spoke about the difference pets can make for people who may not be able to leave their homes.

“We have clients that count on their pets for companionship, especially if they’re not able to be out and about much,” she said. “That pet is a source of entertainment, maybe a little bit of exercise or physical activity, and just companionship.”

In addition to providing free and low-cost pet care and supplies, PALS is active in Atlanta’s LGBTQ community. PALS hosts monthly Drag Bingo at LIPS Drag Queen Show Palace on the second Tuesday of the month, where hostesses Budda D and Erica Lee call bingo, put on a show with special guest performances, hand out cash prizes, and raise money for PALS.

On August 12, WUSSY is hosting a screening of “The Parent Trap” (1998) at the Plaza Theatre with VIP guest: actress Elaine Hendrix. Tickets for the film can be purchased here. Tickets to the Elaine Hendrix VIP Meet & Greet can be purchased here. All proceeds from the event will benefit PALS.

To stay updated on PALS’ future events, like its nationwide pet photo contest at the end of the summer, follow on Instagram: @ palsatlanta, or check the events page on the website: palsatlanta.org/events.

Adalei

PALS, an Atlanta-based organization that provides free and low-cost pet care supplies to metro Atlanta pet owners who make less than $30,000 per year, people living with critical illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, the disabled, and people aged 65 years and older. PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ SIRTRAVELALOT

LESBIAN-OWNED DOGGY DAYCARE CULTIVATES COMMUNITY

Courtney DeDi strives to provide a home away from home for her staff, clients, and guests at her upscale doggy day care and boarding facility, Club DiOGi. In a newly renovated 10,000-square-foot space, DeDi boasts a strong staff with a mission to provide high-quality care for the furry clientele of Club DiOGi.

Before 2020, DeDi was in the dog walking and pet sitting business for over a decade. In an interview with Georgia Voice, DeDi said the pandemic highlighted the need for change.

“While I loved the dog walking and pet sitting side of the business, DiOGi Pet Services, for 12 years, the pandemic changed the employment landscape,” she said. “… Shifting my focus to the day care relieved stress in countless ways.”

Club DiOGi’s sense of community expands beyond just the dogs that come in every day.

“I love dogs, AND I love people; that has been how Club DiOGi has grown and continues to thrive,” DeDi said. As a member of the LGBTQ community herself, DeDi works hard to create a supportive environment for everyone who comes through Club DiOGi. The Club regularly hosts parent appreciation nights and other members-only events, including a Pride Party to celebrate Atlanta Pride in October.

The Club’s staff, of course, is a dog-loving bunch. The trainers practice the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) training method, which prioritizes positive reinforcement to address basic training needs

and behavior issues like fear, aggression, and reactivity. Club DiOGi also employs an array of safety measures and methods to ensure the pups are returning to their owners well-cared for and well-trained.

Club DiOGi asks owners to keep a regular day care schedule so the playroom “Rufferees” can build personal relationships with each pup, work on social skills based on individual needs, and build friendships with their peers. The Club also offers indoor and outdoor play areas, individual zen suites for overnight guests, aromatherapy, and classical music to reduce stress and keep the dogs comfortable.

Community is invaluable, DeDi says, owing

her success to the support of local business owner groups and chambers of commerce. A 2017 graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, DeDi said, “that program changed the trajectory of my life in business. I have a cohort of 10,000 and other small business owners to reach out to.” Finding the proper support and resources with other like-minded individuals made all the difference for DeDi.

The National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) estimated in a 2016 snapshot that LGBTQ-owned businesses contribute over a trillion dollars to the U.S. economy. The report found that lesbianowned businesses make up almost 30 percent of all LGBTQ+-owned businesses in the U.S.

Club DiOGi continues to grow as it now offers confidence-building “Ruff Mudder

Sessions.” DeDi credits her client-turnedbest friend, Lynda Rowan, with the idea.

“Adventure is not reserved for big dogs only,” DeDi said of the program, which seeks to empower both little dogs and their owners to explore the natural world through enrichment and confidence-building equipment at Club DiOGi.

DeDi knows the power of community and she uses it to provide for her furry friends. Each fall, Club DiOGi runs a collection drive for unopened pet food and new toys to give to a local dog rescue. Donations can be dropped off between September 15 and November 15 at Club DiOGi at 2080 Cheshire Bridge Road.

You can join the club or learn more at clubdiogi.com.

Mars Stone and Adalei Stevens

Courtney DeDi (inset) strives to provide a home away from home for her staff, clients, and guests at her upscale doggy day care and boarding facility, Club DiOGi. COURTESY PHOTOS

“While I loved the dog walking and pet sitting side of the business, DiOGi Pet Services, for 12 years, the pandemic changed the employment landscape. Shifting my focus to the day care relieved stress in countless ways.”

—Courtney DeDi, owner of Club DiOGi

The Furry Friends of Georgia Voice

READERS SHARE THEIR ADORABLE FUR BABIES

Benson

Owner: Dallas

Benson is a five-year-old boxer heeler mix and was adopted from The Pregnant Dog Rescue. He has been my best friend since he was 10 weeks old. At four months old, he discovered his two favorite pastimes: he went on his first camping trip and caught his first frisbee. At seven months old, he went through his initiation as a road warrior and made a cross country trip to California and back. On this trip he got to see the Grand Canyon and experience snow for the first time. He has deep soulful eyes and now his ears are lopsided after an ear injury. He's still adorable, and it only adds to his charm. His cuddle level is expert and quite frequently he likes to be the little spoon. He's never met anyone he didn't love and due to his chill nature, he has won over multiple people that were afraid of dogs. He is my ride or die, my soulmate, and the most amazing creature I have ever known.

Katya

Owner: Kevin

My name is Katya. I’m a Siberian metallic who lives in Tucker with my two amazing dads. I’m their first pet together. They de-

bated for over a decade whether to adopt a cat because they both have allergies. My breed is excellent for that, and I have proven to be zero-impact. But of course that's the case, because I am perfect in every way. My dads think I’m a Russian spy and they always joke about that, but it’s just because I’m very smart. (I was just helping one of my dads tonight replace a switch in a lamp. It was funny because I really did know which wire to cut, but not because I work for the KGB. I just read a lot and am very curious about things.) I have a baby brother. Sigh. He’s annoying AF and it’s taken me some time to build up a tolerance for him. But our dads teach us the importance of tolerance and acceptance of others, and I try to practice that with Kolya. And let me just say that everyone in this house has a name that starts with K? I think that’s precious, but whatever.

Kolya

Owner: Kevin

My name is Kolya (short for Nicolai). I’m a 10-month-old Siberian color point (hence my Russian name) who is really living his best life here in Tucker. In case anyone asks about me not being a rescue, my dads have allergies, and I am very low impact. They de-

bated for over a decade whether to adopt, but I’m really glad they did. I love my dads, and I love my life. When I’m not working full time sleeping in laps, I’m sleeping on the fireplace hearth. In my spare time I enjoy napping, siestas, and freaking my dads out by running up and down the stairs like a football player in the middle of the night. But let’s just cut to the chase. I’m a stud. I mean, look at my bedroom eyes. I’m really the Matt Bomer of the cat kingdom. I mean, I’m not gay, but figured you'd get a kick out of that.

Daisy

Owner: Sydney

Daisy was wandering the streets of Athens when the Adoption Coordinator for Athens Canine Rescue found her. They took her in, patched her up, and she found her forever

home in Atlanta in July 2022. Her life’s passion is to sniff, but she also loves to snooze, snuggle, and snack.

She’s also a big fan of riding in the car with the wind in her big hound ears. Her choice mode of communication is via squeak, but she’s a world-class howler as well. One thing's for sure, she’s one very loved pup.

Tony Hawk

Owner: Jake

Tony is an eight-year-old corgi sporting one dairy-cow-brown eye, one icy blue eye, a blackberry nose, satellite dish ears, a chicken nugget tail, and a fierce attitude. Her culinary tastes include popcorn, rice, and cookies from Dog City Bakery. This summer you can find her laying with two paws cooling in the AC & two paws catching some rays on the balcony.

Benson Katya

Kolya

Daisy

Tony Hawk

Fashions

Katie Burkholder

A. Ethical Pet Rainy Days Slicker

Protect your pooch from the elements with this classic yellow raincoat! $22.99, The Pet Set; 2480 Briarcliff Road #3; thepetset.com

B. Mirage Pet Products Flower Leather Collar

Flower power! Your pet will look groovy in this colorful and fun floral collar. $22.99, The Pet Set

C. I Bite Bigots Hoodie

Looking for an adorable way to keep your pup warm while making a statement about inclusivity and acceptance? This sweatshirts sends a powerful message of support and protection for the LGBTQ community — bonus points: you can also buy the matching shirt! $34.99, TJCatShop on Etsy

D. Bow Tie Dog Collar

These pet bow ties — or should we say bowwow ties? — are handmade in San Francisco by Butch Basix, an LGBTQ-owned business. While the popular bow ties are currently sold out, you can sign up to be notified when they’re back in stock on their website. $39.99, Butch Basix; butchbasix.com

E. Pride Rainbow Heart Bandana

If you’re taking your furry friend to Pride this year, look no further for the perfect bandana!

$2.47, Pet Supermarket; 1554 Piedmont Ave. NE #403; petsupermarket.com

F. Lazy Daisy Dress

Deck out your pawfect pooch in this adorable pink dress this summer and you’ll have the most fashionable pup on the block!

$14.99, Pet Supermarket

G. Gladiator Sandals

These sandals are perfect for summer — protecting your dog’s paws from the hot pavement or sand or irritating seasonal allergies while still letting the feet breathe. $29.99, All Dog Boots; alldogboots.com

Actor’s Express Re-visits “Hedwig,” Mitchell Anderson Remounts One-man Show

Jim Farmer

Over the years, Actor’s Express has staged scores of LGBTQ productions, but one that has been especially popular for them is the landmark “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Mounted in 2002 and 2008, the musical is now getting a third production as part of the company’s 35th anniversary season.

According to Freddie Ashley, the company’s artistic director, he always thought he’d circle back around to “Hedwig” at some point.

“I feel like the character has become something of an old friend in a way and it’s also a show that is always ready for new exploration,” he said. “Right now, given how conversations about gender and gender expression have evolved, it seemed like a great opportunity to revisit the character in a more contemporary context and see what else there is to unpack, given where we are culturally.”

With lyrics by Stephen Trask and a book by John Cameron Mitchell, who also played the lead role of the titular rock singer seeking love and stardom as former lover Tommy Gnosis has become a sensation, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” debuted off-Broadway in 1998 and the film version came out in 2001. Neil Patrick Harris played the title character when the musical finally landed on Broadway in 2014.

Two performers will play the lead role here: Christina Leidel, seen in the company’s “Lizzie,” and Niko Carleo, featured in Express’ “Heathers” and “Urinetown.” Isa Martinez also stars as Yitzhak. The production is directed by Quinn Xavier Hernandez.

Ashley loved the idea of having rotating Hedwigs.

“One thing that we talked about looking at is unpacking the show differently with two performers of different gender expressions and genders, playing the character in tandem and what that might unlock about the experience of the show and how we encounter the character,” he said.

Carleo came around late to “Hedwig.”

“I only in the last year or so began recognizing as gender queer and the second I started working on the show I allowed myself to listen to the show and experience it,” Carleo said. “It has a bizarre timeless quality to it.”

Leidel remembers when “Hedwig” came out, not knowing exactly how to look at it. But now he has deep admiration.

“With my own experience of being on the asexuality spectrum it resonates a lot with me

in terms of the expectations and categories we try to put ourselves and each other in,” Leidel said. “You are supposed to want this and feel this, or otherwise, what are you? So, I have also come to resonate with the character more as time goes by. And this is the only production, to my knowledge, that has done it this way with splitting Hedwigs equally.”

Like Ashley, Leidel sees the value of having dual Hedwigs.

“It’s been so cool to have that rehearsal process where we can constantly keep observing each other, learning and being inspired by each other,” Leidel said. “In each of our performances, I think the other Hedwig shows up in certain ways.”

For Bucky Motter, this production is a homecoming. Motter played Yitzhak in the former Actor’s Express versions and this time

is the musical director, bringing in a wealth of experience.

The musical has become legendary since its bow, especially in the LGBTQ community. According to Ashley, the show is iconic because queer audiences, wherever they land in the spectrum, project many of their own experiences and questions about identity onto Hedwig, and Hedwig becomes this also mythic character.

“I sometimes compare the character of Hedwig to Santa Claus in the way that it’s always there,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who is putting on the suit. The character is what we are ultimately drawn to. Because gender identity is at the heart of the show, Hedwig has become a particular touchstone for the trans community and genderqueer people. The representation has evolved and through it all the show has remained front and center and beloved.”

In 2021, Mitchell Anderson, as he turned 60, staged his one-man show/cabaret “You Better Call Your Mother.” He has brought it back with two performances at Out Front Theatre Company. Known for his Atlanta restaurant, MetroFresh, Anderson was also one of the first celebrities to come out. In the show, he tells stories about his life and career, including his gay character in “Party of Five,” and his own coming-out experience to the world. He also mixes in some great musical numbers. Directed by Courtenay Collins, “You Better Call Your Mother” is well worth checking out.

MORE INFO

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” runs through August 19 at Actor’s Express

“You Better Call Your Mother” runs at Out Front Theatre Company July 29–30

“Hedwig” actors, Christina Leidel (l) and Niko Carleo PUBLICITY PHOTOS

Get the family caregiving support you need.

No matter where you are in the journey of caring for a family member or a loved one, having a solid plan to guide you and your loved one will make the process easier.

The LGBTQ Community Caregiving Guide is a FREE caregiving resource guide that provides straightforward information, steps to make a plan, forming a team and caring for yourself, and checklists that help guide family conversations.

Katie Burkholder

Queer Bait

July 21

Mary’s

Gay pop videos with DJ Headmaster. $5 cover.

The Eagle Cabaret Presents House of Love

July 21, 9pm

The Eagle

Every Friday, hosted by Myah Ross Monroe.

Hot Mess Dance Party

July 21, 10pm

The Basement

For pop lovers, this is the only night out in Atlanta where you’ll hear a mix expertly curated by DJ Kimber of the biggest and latest pop and dance music, from Lady Gaga to Lil Nas X. Tickets at basementatl.com.

NonsenseAtl’s 15th Anniv. Spectacular

July 22, 9pm

The Basement

NonsenseAtl is celebrating 15 years of dancing and joy with six DJs, drag performances, puppetry, games, cake, and more! Tickets at basementatl.com.

Jaida Essence Hall

July 22, 10:30pm

My Sister’s Room

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Jaida Essence Hall performs, along with Drew Friday, Michael Robinson, Molly Rimswell, Orchid, and Queen Essence Hall. The meet and greet starts at 9pm! Tickets at wussymag.com.

Karaoke Night

July 23, 7:30pm

The T

Trivia Tuesdays

July 25, 8:30pm

The Hideaway

With host DeWayne Morgan. No cover.

Trivia

July 26, 8pm

Woofs

Maryoke

July 26, 9pm

Mary’s

Queerbait

July 28

Mary’s

Gay pop videos with DJ Headmaster. $5 cover.

Jessica Wild at Future

July 28, 8pm

Future Atlanta

From “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season two and “All Stars” season 8, Jessica Wild takes the stage with the cast members of Fantasy Girls and Disco Dollz. Hosted by Brigitte Bidet and Destiny Brooks. Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

The Eagle Cabaret Presents House of Love

July 28, 9pm

The Eagle

Every Friday, hosted by Myah Ross Monroe.

XION

July 29, 3am

Future Atlanta

Isis Muretech is back at XION for Joining Hearts weekend! Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

Bey Day – All Beyonce Dance Party

July 29, 10pm

The Basement

Get ready for the fiercest, flawless-est, most bootylicious part in Atlanta! Tickets at basementatl.com.

Underground Circuit

July 29, 10pm

The Masquerade

Featuring Alex Acosta and a performance by Phoenix for Joining Hearts weekend. Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

XION

July 30, 3am

Future Atlanta

Joe Gauthreaux is back at XION for Joining Hearts weekend! Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

Sunday Tea

July 30, 7pm

Future Atlanta

DJ Cesar Hernandz is back for Joining Hearts Sunday Tea! Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

Karaoke Night

July 30, 7:30pm

The T

Joining Hearts Closing Party

July 31, midnight

Future Atlanta

Jerac is back to close our Joining Hearts weekend! Tickets at future-atlanta.com.

Trivia Tuesdays

August 1, 8:30pm

The Hideaway

With host DeWayne Morgan. No cover.

Trivia

August 2, 8pm

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

XION

July 30, 3am

Future Atlanta

Joe Gauthreaux is back at XION for Joining Hearts weekend! Tickets at future-atlanta. com. (Photo via Facebook)

Woofs Maryoke

August 2, 9pm

Mary’s

The Riddle of Yukio Mishima

Maria Helena Dolan

Read the full column online at thegavoice.com.

How to explain Yukio Mishima and his brand of literate right-wing fanaticism?

Born into an old Samurai family in 1925 in Tokyo, the boy was essentially kidnapped by his paternal grandmother. She kept him isolated in her apartments, forbade him to go out into the sun, and only permitted him to play occasionally with female cousins and their dolls.

He was clapped back to his father’s side at age 12. Concerned that his mother had sissified the boy, Daddy did things such as holding Mishima up to the side of speeding trains.

Mishima attended the most prestigious boy’s school in Japan, still writing in secret. When the War in the Pacific (WWII) was announced, he burned to fight for the Empire and die for the Emperor. But he was so scrawny that even when virtually anyone was being drafted, he was unable to lift the 100-pound bag of rice that proved your worthiness. Instead, he worked in a plant manufacturing Kamikaze aircraft.

Emperor Hirohito’s radio broadcast surrendering to allied forces in 1945 made Mishima vow to protect Japanese culture and the Emperor. He would first create a serviceable body, and began wildly rigorous training, including weights, karate, and Kendo (the Way of the Sword)

Mishima published a novel in 1950, Confessions of a Mask. Steeped in patriotic historiography and homoeroticism, it blazed across Japanese best seller lists and onto many European ones as well. Disciplined and prolific, he churned out well over 20,000 pages of popular fiction, high literature, essays, dozens of traditional Noh plays, as well as writing, directing and starring in a feature length movie, all within a 20-year span.

In 1968, he recruited right-wing college students into the Tatenokai (Shield Society).

It was a private army of about 100 men, formed from Mishima’s deeply unsettled alarm over the direction of the country. With left-wing protests nationwide, he feared a replication of the violent 1960 riots that brought down a conservative government and repudiated traditionalist cultural elements. Tatenokai’s stated purpose was to assist the army in the event of a communist revolution. And as “an experiment in purity.”

On November 25, 1970, Mishima and four Tatenokai, including his lover Masakatsu Morita, seized control of the Force’s headquarters and attempted to rally the soldiers to stage a coup d’état and restore Imperial rule. Everyone was stunned when Mishima’s men seized and threatened to kill the general unless all base personnel were immediately summoned to hear the author speak.

Mishima strutted out onto a large balcony and addressed 2,000 military staff on the parade ground below. Some 24 years earlier, this had been the venue for the International Military Tribunal where dozens of highranking Japanese officers and politicians were tried for war crimes.

Mishima shouted that this was their home and the only place where they could breathe in today’s Japan, which wallowed in consumerist hypocrisy, forgetting the fundamentals of the nation, and that the crowd must join him in re-establishing the Emperor’s political supremacy. He was heckled and booed. He retired to the general’s office and began his meticulously prepared seppuku.

Plunging a short sword into his abdomen and then agonizingly pulling it across his stomach, his lover Morita Masakatsu then attempted to behead him, thus ending the torment and providing a seal for the act. Too unskilled, the decapitation was made by another. Masakatsu then performed his seppuku, and was likewise decapitated. The two men’s heads, already beautifully made up, were set side by side.

Mishima’s final act was a political protest –but also death as art.