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EDITORIAL
Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com
Photo via dancathy.com
The Georgia Voice
OUTSPOKEN IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com
NEWS Election reshapes Ga. General Assembly gay caucus. Page 4
“I think we a judgment o re inviting God’s n shake our fi our nation when we st at him an know bette r than you a d say, ‘We s constitutes a marriage.’ to what ” — Dan Cathy , president of noting that Atlanta-bas ed Ch his opposing sa company is “guilty as ch ick-fil-A, me-sex mar arged” in ri ag by Baptist Pr ess on July e. (Comments publishe d 16)
Contributors: Melissa Carter, Brent Corcoran, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Ryan Lee
BUSINESS
Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com
BOARD OF ADVISERS
Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm, Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of the Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to the Georgia Voice, 1904 Monroe Drive, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30324. The Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of the Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.
08.03.12
Gay ATL City Council member takes on Chick-fil-A. Page 6 Valdosta mayor shuns gay Pride proclamation. Page 6
PET ISSUE Bear? Twink? Lesbian mama? Find your purr-fect pet. Page 8 Adoptable pets ready for LGBT parents. Page 10 Products to pamper your pet. Page 13
“Companies are a bellwether of what is in the mainstream. When you have some of the mainstays of corporate leadership stand up, that’s important. It sends a powerful message about where our society is right now.”
Our readers’ cutest pet photos. Page 15
A&E Baton Bob marches to beat of own drummer. Page 17 Theater: Del Shores returns, ‘Addams Family.’ Page 19
— Marc Solomon, campaign manager for Freedom to Marry, on the need for companies to take a stand in favor of marriage equality for same-sex couples. (Associated Press, July 27)
Food: Robert’s Gay supper club vs. Chick-fil-A. Page 21 Photos: Joining Hearts, Backpack in the Park, Marietta Pride. Page 23
“We need help from straight people. To be very frank, we need help from wealthy straight people who care about us and who want to help us win. … I suspect you support marriage equality. I beg you not to sit on the sidelines and hope the vote goes our way.” — Letter from early Amazon.com employee Jennifer Cast to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, asking Bezos to donate to Washington United for Marriage, which is fighting a November ballot initiative that would turn back same-sex marriage in the state. Bezos responded by donating $2.5 million. (International Business Times, July 30)
“ We are proud to be recognized as a leader in LGBT inclusion efforts, but there is still a long way to go to achieve full equality. Legalize Love is our call to decriminalize homosexuality and eliminate homophobia around the world.” — Press statement from Google.com on its “Legalize Love” campaign that launched last month.
COMMUNITY Rainbow Days aims to turn Six Flags gay. Page 25 Personality Spotlight: Poet Dustin Brookshire. Page 26 Sports Spotlight: Softball leagues get ready for fall. Page 26
“We do not believe the proposed constitutional amendment [to ban gay marriage] is in the best interests of our employees or our state economy. We value diversity. We value inclusion.” — Ken Charles, General Mills vice president for global diversity and inclusion, explaining why the Minnesota-based company is taking a stand against a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 14)
CALENDAR Pages 28-29
COLUMNISTS That’s What She Said: Don’t spoil the Olympics for Melissa Carter. Page 30 Domestically Disturbed: Topher Payne’s open letter to Bristol Palin. Page 32 facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice
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Election reshapes gay caucus in Ga. legislature Three out of four gay Gold Dome incumbents win; lesbian prevails in Fulton County State Court race
By GA Voice Staff Three out of four openly gay incumbents in the Georgia General Assembly proved victorious in the July 31 primary, while gay challengers in contested races were less successful. A lesbian attorney also won a seat on the Fulton County State Court in the July 31 vote. Rep. Karla Drenner, Georgia’s first openly gay state legislator, was unopposed for reelection in House District 86. Rep. Simone Bell, the first openly lesbian African-American state legislator in the nation, came out on top in the Democratic primary for State House District 58. With 95.83 percent of precincts reporting, Bell had 58.84 percent of the vote, compared to 41.16 percent for Rep. Ralph Long, according to unofficial results from the Fulton County election office. The two Democratic incumbents faced off in the July 31 primary after Republican redistricting drew them into the same district. The winner will face Republican challenger Earl Cooper in November. “I am proud of my team and the hard work we put into our campaign to continue serving our friends and neighbors in District 58,” Bell said the morning after the election. “This is only the beginning. We have a lot of great work ahead and I’m looking forward to the journey.” Long conceded the race at about midnight with a posting on Facebook. “I gave it my best,” Long wrote. “Congratulations, Rep. Simone Bell.” Rep. Keisha Waites, a lesbian who won office in a special election in February, handily won her bid for her first full term in House District 60 against three challengers, taking more than 66 percent of the vote. “It was a great and hard fought victory. I attribute it to building a broad and diverse coalition of support. I am humbled by the voters. They spoke and spoke loudly,” Waites said Wednesday. “I look forward to returning to the capital and finishing the work we started.” There was no Republican candidate, so the Democratic primary essentially decided the race. But in House District 57, Rep. Rashad Taylor, who came out as gay last year while serving in the General Assembly, lost his reelection bid to Rep. Pat Gardner, a Democratic incumbent with a history of supporting LGBT rights. As with Bell and Long, the two were drawn into the same district by Republicans during redistricting. No Republican candidate ran, so
Above: State Rep. Simone Bell (far right) and her supporters met at Manuel’s Tavern on July 31 to watch election results that concluded with victory for the lesbian incumbent. (Photo by Dyana Bagby) Right: Gay political advocate Ken Britt gathered with supporters on election night at 5 Seasons Westside. (Photo by Dyana Bagby) Far right: Jane Morrison (left), who won a nonpartisan race for Fulton County State Court, watched election results at her law office with supporters, including her partner, Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner. (Photo by Ryan Watkins)
Gardner will be unopposed in November. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Gardner had 62.77 percent of the vote, to 37.23 for Taylor. “I’m disappointed I didn’t win. Campaigns are tough. Pat and I will I think always be friends,” Taylor said. “This was an unfortunate part of redistricting and I think the Republicans would have been happy either way it went.” On Tuesday night, Gardner described the race as “exhausting but one of the most exhilarating races I’ve ever run.” She also described having to run against Taylor, a fellow Democratic incumbent, as “awful.” “Running against a friend is the worst thing that could have happened to us,” Gardner said. “But that’s what the Republicans wanted — and got.”
Tough night for gay challengers
Two openly gay men lost their bids for seats in the General Assembly. In his bid for House District 56, gay political advocate Ken Britt was endorsed by Georgia Equality, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
He faced off with former state representative “Able” Mable Thomas, who had supported LGBT rights in the past and was seeking a return to the Gold Dome. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Britt had 35.28 percent of the vote, compared to 64.72 percent for Thomas. Britt was the executive director of the law firm Alston & Bird for nearly 30 years before taking early retirement. He is a longtime veteran of Atlanta’s LGBT scene, serving on such boards as AID Atlanta, Georgia Equality and also as co-chair of the national Human Rights Campaign. As results tricked in Tuesday night, Britt said he would continue to work on behalf of the LGBT community regardless of the outcome of the race. “This would never have happened without the support of the LGBT community,” he said. “I’m proud to be the gay godfather,” he added, referencing the nickname some of bestowed on him due to his years of work on gay issues. Britt conceded the race in an email statement the next morning. “We did not achieve the hoped-for result in yesterday’s election,” Britt said, “but I would like to thank every person and organization
who gave this campaign the incredible strength and momentum it had.” William Phelps, a gay veteran, faced an uphill battle in his attempt to unseat Rep. Margaret Kaiser in House District 59, especially after LGBT political groups endorsed Kaiser, who has been an ally on gay rights issues. With 96 percent of precincts reporting, Kaiser had 81.92 percent of the vote. Two other openly gay hopefuls — state House District 101 candidate Tim Swiney in Gwinnett County and Senate District 47 candidate Tim Riley in Athens — were unopposed in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary but face Republican opposition in November.
Lesbian judge on Fulton State Court
Attorney Jane Morrison proved successful Tuesday in her bid for a seat on the Fulton County State Court, which would make her one of the first openly gay judges in Georgia and the Southeast. With 99.43 percent of precincts reporting, Morrison had 60.86 percent of the vote, while Melynee Leftridge had 38.87 percent. Please see ELECTION, continued on Page 6
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Mixed results for Gay Atlanta City Councilmember opposes Chick-fil-A expansion gay candidates in July 31 primary ELECTION, continued from Page 4 “I just really appreciate the broad support from all communities,” Morrison said Tuesday night after declaring victory in the race. The two were competing for the seat left open when Judge Brenda Cole retired after serving 14 years on the bench. State court handles misdemeanor criminal cases such as DUI and civil cases including contract cases and personal injury cases. Morrison’s partner is Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner. “It’s harder to be the candidate’s spouse than the candidate. When you’re the candidate, you just keep on going. When you’re the candidate’s spouse, you have no control over what’s going on,” Morrison said. “Joan has been wonderful throughout.” Morrison moved to Atlanta nearly two decades ago and has practiced in Georgia for 18 years. She was one of the founders of the Stonewall Bar Association. In 1997, Lambda Legal, an LGBT non-profit legal organization, opened a Southern Regional Office with Morrison as its first regional director. Morrison has her own civil practice where she works full-time, but she is also a part-time solicitor for the cities of Sandy Springs and Johns Creek. She’s also served as a judge on a part time basis for Atlanta Municipal Court as well as a part-time Fulton Magistrate judge.
Gay candidates in local races outside Atlanta At least two gay candidates were on the ballot Tuesday in local races in Georgia cities outside the metro Atlanta. In Rome, gay Democratic Party leader Gary D. Harrell was unopposed in the primary for the Post 2 seat on the Floyd County Commission. Based on Tuesday’s results, he will face Republican incumbent Commissioner Garry Fricks in the November election. In Columbus, Jeremy Hobbs, who is openly gay and HIV positive, hoped to parlay his experience as an advocate on civic and HIV issues into a seat on the Columbus City Council. Hobbs managed a respectable showing against incumbent Red McDaniel, who is 80 and has served on the Columbus City Council for 36 years. Hobbs took about 42 percent of the vote, compared to 58 percent for McDaniel, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. — Laura Douglas-Brown, Dyana Bagby and Ryan Watkins contributed.
Alex Wan, the only openly gay member of the Atlanta City Council, said he would oppose the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain’s efforts to expand in the city limits due to its anti-gay positions. “Of course, as a proud member of the LGBT community, I am incredibly disappointed in [Chick-fil-A president] Dan Cathy’s position opposing marriage equality,” Wan said. “And regardless of the fact that Chick-fil-A is based in Atlanta, that position is, to me, completely incompatible with the values of the City of Atlanta, ‘the city too busy to hate,’ and the key role we played in the civil rights movement,” he said. “As the city council’s only openly gay member, I support boycotting patronizing the chain and would oppose their efforts to expand further within the city limits,” Wan added. “If Mr. Cathy and his company view me, my partner and my community as second class citizens, then obviously it would follow that our money and patronage wouldn’t be good enough for them either.” Chick-fil-A has been caught in a whirlwind of bad publicity following Dan Cathy’s statement that his company is “guilty as charged” for opposing same-sex marriage. LGBT activists are calling for boycotts of the fast-food chain and are planning a “samesex kiss day” at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country on Aug. 3. The kiss-in followed the Aug. 1 Chick-fil-A “buy-cott” headed up by right-wing talk show host Mike Huckabee.
Atlanta City Councilmember Alex Wan calls Chick-Fil-A’s stand against gay marriage ‘completely incompatible with the values of the city of Atlanta.’ (File photo)
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno also oppose the chain’s efforts to build more stores in their cities. Philadelphia City Councilmember Jim Kenney has chimed in with his distaste for Chickfil-A’s discriminatory stance, saying in a letter to Dan Cathy, “So please — take a hike and take your intolerance with you. There is no place for this type of hate in our great City of
Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.” Jim Henson’s company discontinued a toy deal it recently launched with Chick-fil-A because of the company’s opposition to same-sex marriage. Reese McCranie, spokesperson for Mayor Reed, said the mayor had no comment at this time. — Dyana Bagby
Valdosta mayor shuns LGBT South Georgia Pride Day proclamation Valdosta Mayor John Gayle has refused to sign a proclamation naming Sept. 15 as South Georgia Pride Day because he doesn’t believe in gay marriage or the LGBT “lifestyle,” according to a local activist and Pride organizer. “He said he had strong personal convictions and beliefs and doesn’t approve of my lifestyle or gay marriage,” said Raynae Williams, a lesbian and assistant executive director of South Georgia Pride. Gayle did not return a call from GA Voice seeking comment but told a local TV station he could not sign the proclamation due to religious beliefs. Valdosta is located approximately 230 miles south of Atlanta. Williams said she told Gayle the proclamation states nothing about gay marriage and rather focuses on being against bullying and hate crimes. It affirms that Valdosta is a welcoming city to all people, including LGBT residents. “I told him his personal beliefs shouldn’t be part of governing and he said that is what is wrong with government nowadays and he wasn’t having any part of it,” Williams said. “So I asked him, ‘Do you discriminate against the LGBT citizens living here?’ And he
said, ‘If that’s how you interpret it, then yes,’” Williams added. Despite the mayor refusing to sign the proclamation, there will be a South Georgia Pride on Sept. 15, Williams said. South Georgia Pride started as Valdosta Diversity Pride at Valdosta State University in 2008 through the school’s gay-straight alliance. The event became an official nonprofit named South Georgia Pride in 2009, and organizers moved the event to John W. Saunders Park in 2010. Williams said she understands discrimination against LGBT people occurs all the time within government and elsewhere. She just was not familiar with seeing it face-to-face with a man who, she said, didn’t even want to shake her hand. “I know these types of things are at the discretion of the mayor, but I never realized an official would be so blatant. He’s supposed to represent all of the city,” she said. In response to the mayor’s decision to not sign the proclamation, South Georgia Pride has started a change.org petition urging the mayor to sign the proclamation against “discrimination and hate.” — Dyana Bagby
South Georgia Pride participants will celebrate this year, but without a proclamation from the mayor endorsing the event. (by Chris Seely)
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August 3, 2012
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Pet Issue
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YOUR PURR-FECT PET From twinks to bears to the lesbian cat lady, advice to find your new furry family member LGBT folks are known for our close relationships with our pets. Maybe its because they provide the unconditional acceptance we may not always get elsewhere. Maybe its because many of us don’t have human children to dote over. Maybe its simply because we have lots of love to give. We consulted real sources on pet breeds and behavior to suggest the best pets for a variety of familiar faces in our LGBT community. Owner:
Text by Bo Shell. Illustrations by Mike Ritter.
Young urban professional Pet Name: Beamer
Breed: Chihuahua • Size: 6 lbs. or less
Sources: animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html www.akc.org, www.dogtrainingbasics.com
Owners:
Owner:
Established, rich gays
Single lesbian cat lady
Breed: Great Dane • Size: 100 - 180 lbs.
Breed: Sphynx • Size: 8 - 12 lbs.
Pet Name: Arthur
Elegance and power define our owners and their giant pet in the case of this affluent gay couple. Great Danes aren’t as suited to live outside as some other large breeds, but our couple has space to spare in the city mansion they call home. Great Danes are fairly easy to train and are generally low maintenance despite needing daily exercise. Our two dads’ biggest pet problem? Keeping their Great Dane out of their California King so they can have some alone time. According to the American Kennel Club, theses “gentle giants” were used for hunting boar, but now make wonderful companions and estate guard dogs.
Pet Name: Abigail
This cat-collecting spinster is ready to take her borderline hoarding to the next level: a cat that is part child. That’s how the French breed standard describes the almosthairless Sphynx. They’re lively, always underfoot and not nearly as independent as the cats our owner collected from beneath the deck outside My Sister’s Room. Her Sphynx plays wells with others and is very smart, but needs a lot of attention and grooming, despite having a face only a mother could love.
Our apartment-dwelling and oh-so-busy young gay professional needs a small, low-maintenance city dog that could occasionally fit in an oversized designer tote. His Chihuahua is a little shy around other dogs, but he’s the perfect conversation starter at the local dog park, where fellow dog lovers are on hand to compliment his slight frame—and his owner. The chihuahua is generally devoted to a single owner, truly making him ever-present for an owner with those in-and-out boyfriends that punctuate our professional’s mid-to-late 20s. Owner:
Hip lesbian grad student Pet Name: Audre
Breed: Russian Blue Cat • Size: 8-15 lbs. or less Quiet, smart, independent and little need for grooming describe our liberated young lesbian owner and her precious cat. The feline is affectionate and playful with her owner, but notably aloof when strangers come around. Thanks to the shape of their mouths, Russian Blue cats have a constant smile on their faces and even better, are known to be sensitive to human emotions: exactly what our budding feminist warrior needs.
Pet Issue
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August 3, 2012
GA Voice
Owners:
Owners:
Owners:
Bear couple
Twink
Lesbians with kids
Breed: Basset Hound • Size: 40-50 lbs.
Breed: Silky Terrier • Size: 8-11 lbs.
Breed: German Pinscher • Size: 25-35 lbs.
These big boys don’t need another beast in their midst. They’ve opted for a more diminutive puppy, a Basset Hound. Like their owners, their dog is live-and-let live with little need for extreme activity or playfulness. His coat needs minimal care, but its face may need regular cleaning. And then there’s that adorable drool. Like its daddies, the Basset House will find and follow a scent like a gay bear would follow a hot breakfast buffet, then returns to its stubborn, slow-moving disposition.
Like this high-maintenance owner, his pet is a little light in the loafers. It’s energetic, easy to train and friendly. The breed is great for any living situation, but they do not like to be ignored. Regular brushing ensures the perfect coat and playtime helps quell their sometimes aggressive or stubborn energy. Oh, and it barks a lot, but according to the AKC, their “true terrier” personalities and “joyful temperament” make them ideal companions.
This isn’t our family’s first day at the dog rodeo, but they need a new four-legged friend that works well with children, is relatively low-maintenance and easy to train. German Pinchers are devoted to their owners, keeping watchful eye on their activities and protecting them when needed. Our two moms keep active, so the German Pinscher’s daily exercise requirement is easy to satisfy, as is the dog’s need for outdoor space: There’s plenty of yard in Tucker.
Pet Name: Scruff
Pet Name: Paris
Pet Name: Rosie
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Find your new furry friend
Meet four pets who could join your family Each of these adorable pets is available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta, one of the oldest and very few no-kill animal shelters in Georgia. All adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, on flea/tick and heartworm preventative and current on all age-appropriate vaccinations. The shelter is open seven days a week. Visit in person or online to learn more about how you can adopt these or other pets. (Photos by Ruby Photo) PAWS Atlanta 5287 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA 30035 770-593-1155, www.pawsatlanta.org
SKYE BEAGLE/HOUND
Age: 1 year, 5 months | Sex: Female Adoption fee: $175 Skye is ready to get out of the shelter and into a good home. She has so many dreams, hopes, and desires and is looking forward to starting her new life. She would do best in a home with an adventurous family that likes to romp and explore.
CRUMPET DOMESTIC MED. HAIR/MIX
Age: 9 months | Sex: Female Adoption fee: $100 Crumpet is looking for a home where she can explore. She is an independent kitty with cat-titude who values her personal space. Crumpet spent her youth in a foster home, so she bonds easily with people. She likes to have her humans all to herself and would do best in a home without small children or others pets.
KANGA HOUND/MIX
Age: 4 years, 1 month | Sex: Female Adoption fee: $175 Kanga is the life of any party. She is active and intelligent with a vibrant spirit. She loves meeting new friends and bonds well with people. She is looking for a loving family that will take the time to engage her in play and learning. She loves people and other dogs, but she does not like cats. Kanga needs a feline-free home.
ROMBUS
DOMESTIC MED. HAIR/MIX
Age: 3 months | Sex: Male Adoption fee: $100 Rombus came to PAWS Atlanta with two of his brothers. He is a sweet and curious young boy who loves the company of people and other cats. Rombus likes to romp, play and have adventures. He would do great in a home with children.
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Pet Issue
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Products that pamper Looking for something special to show that Fido or Fluffy is more than just a pet, more like a furry friend or family member? Check out these products that go from practical to pampering.
OllyDog Accessories Visiting friends? Like to take your pooch to the office? Going on an adventure? With OllyDog’s travel bowl, treat bag and pick up bag, you can do it all in style. $10.99 - $17.95 at Pet Set
Jonathan Adler Collection If your dog needs to look as good as you do, gay design guru Jonathan Adler has answered your prayers. $12 - $18 at Heliotrope
Cats Attack! Primitives by Kathy
If your cat is going to tear apart the awesome stuff in your house, let it be this post by Luckies of London. $40 at Heliotrope
Remind yourself that you love your cat, even as it calculates your ultimate demise. $20 at Heliotrope Heliotrope: www.heliotropehome.com • The Pet Set: www.thepetset.com
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What is Out on Film?
Out on Film is Atlanta’s own LGBT film festival. We’re in our 25th season. Out on Film was created in 1987 to inform, entertain, educate and enrich the regional LGBT community. What films will be shown? Out on Film selects a variety of films for our LGBT audiences, including comedies, dramas, romances and documentaries, plus multi-racial and multicultural films. Where is the event? Most films are shown at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta GA 30308. Other venues will be announced. How do I buy tickets? Tickets can be purchased at www.outonfilm.org, the Landmark theater, and online at the Landmark’s website. Visit www.outonfilm.org for more information. Are there other activities? Yes. Out on Film schedules opening and closing night parties plus events before and after select films, including Q&As with filmmakers. How can I learn more? Visit www.outonfilm.org.
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thLGBT
Atlanta’s
Annual
AT TEN YEARS OLD, WE BOTH LOOK GREAT–OF COURSE,
ONE OF US RECENTLY HAD “WORK” DONE!* – Reggie
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
Film Festival
Celebrating Pride at the Movies October 4 - 11, 2012 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema For the complete movie schedule and more, visit:
www.outonfilm.org
STOP BY & SEE OUR NEWLY RENOVATED FACILITY
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CELEBRATING OUR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 404-873-5400 • MIDTOWN ATLANTA, AMSTERDAM WALK, 501 AMSTERDAM AVE, ATLANTA, GA 30306
Pet Issue
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GA Voice
PHOTOS More reader photos at www.theGAVoice.com
Readers’ pictures of purr-fection! Elvis
Chloe
Cole and Bailey
Angel
Gentry and Weston
Serge
Muffin
GusGus Ginger
Truman
Dusty
The Golden Girls
Apollo
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A&E
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THEATER by Jim Farmer
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Del Shores gets ‘Naked’ Newly single playwright brings one-man show to Atlanta
If there is a silver lining to Del Shores’ recent break-up with husband Jason Dottley, it’s that it has brought Shores back on the road – with a whole new array of material. The playwright behind “Sordid Lives” returns Aug. 17 to Onstage Atlanta with his new “Naked. Sordid. Reality.” The news that Shores and Dottley were divorcing after 10 years together came as a shock to the performer, although some in the LGBT community had questioned Dottley’s motives. “It was abrupt and it was planned,” says Shores. “I didn’t see it coming. I was devastated. It’s been hard, but I knew I needed to get back on the road, to hear the energy and laughter.” Shores says there is no possibility he will ever be friends with Dottley again and in the new show he talks about adjusting to life as a single man and whether “we ever wish exes well.” His current tour is the longest of his career, with more than 40 cities, and Shores calls his recent gig in Las Vegas his largest audience ever. His fans love him because he is candid and tells it like it is.
Shores and Perez Hilton had a notorious feud a few years back, prompted by pictures Hilton posted on his blog of Dustin Lance Black and his partner having sex and by Hilton calling Black Eyed Peas singer Will.I.Am a “faggot.” When Shores complained about Hilton online, his words spread through the Internet. “That was the first time I learned I could go viral,” Shores says. He says the two have seen each other at functions and “averted eyes.” Shores also talks about his family members in the performance and promises to read letters he has written to his “haters.” For some reason, he has wound up getting messages from actor Kirk Cameron, who has been vocal about his opposition to gay marriage. “He keeps emailing me,” says Shores. Other subjects include his love of reality TV, especially “Hoarders,” which he watches to feel good about himself, and his new movie “Blues for Willadean,” based on his play “The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife” and shot in Atlanta. Shores unabashedly loves coming to Atlanta
Del Shores’ ‘Naked. Sordid. Reality.’ Aug. 17, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Onstage Atlanta 2597 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 www.onstageatlanta.com ‘The Addams Family’ Aug. 14 - 19 at the Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308 www.foxtheatre.org and says he always feels home. “I always feel loved when I come here,” he admits. “Now that I’m single, I can partake more.”
‘Addams Family’ in the ATL
Openly gay actor Brian Justice Crum is featured in the touring version of “The Addams Family,” bowing in the ATL on Aug. 14. It’s, of course, based on the long running TV series of the same name, with characters such as Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester and Thing. Crum plays the role of Lucas Beineke, who falls for daughter Wednesday. Their relationship changes him for the better. “Lucas goes from being afraid of his parents to standing up to them and embracing life and what he wants to do,” says Crum. The musical has been given something of a
Del Shores, the playwright behind ‘Sordid Lives,’ brings his new show ‘Naked. Sordid. Reality.’ to Atlanta for one night only on Aug. 17. (Publicity photo)
facelift since its less than glowing Broadway showing last year, with some songs added and others dropped. Crum had seen the movie versions of “The Addams Family” but went back and watched some of the television series as well to get a sense of the tone. He feels that the members of “The Addams Family” are the ultimate outsiders, something LGBT audiences can relate to. “It’s about embracing that which is different in all of us,” he says.
They’re coming to Atlanta. There goes the neighborhood.
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#6: Eat less chikin Food Porners vs. Atlanta’s signature chicken chain
Robert looked around and cringed. Even if you ignored the homophobic remarks of Chick-fil-A’s president, Dan Cathy, you were left with the garish ambiance of a restaurant that should be serving its gruesome food to serial killers in hell. Robert had a history of social activism and decided to convene an emergency lunch at Chick-fil-A for members of the Food Porn Supper Club. He also had no illusions. When he was in his mid-20s he got involved in the short-lived protest group, Queer Nation. In the South, the national group concentrated on the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain’s policy of firing gay employees. Besides holding demonstrations outside Cracker Barrels, Queer Nation advocated boycotting the restaurants. Boycotts, Robert learned then, are seldom effective when the issue is homosexuality. They usually give the religious right incentive to patronize the boycotted business and compensate for any loss of income. The same was likely to happen with Chickfil-A, even 22 years later with much broader support outside the gay community. Moreover, Robert believed Dan Cathy had every right to put his chicken empire behind “traditional marriage.” He thought the effort to ban the restaurant’s expansion into some communities was over the top. But he also believed the absurdity and cruelty of Cathy’s language should be protested. Soon, a surprising number of Food Porners came into the restaurant. Most had followed Robert’s suggestion. They toted red-and-white take-out boxes from Popeyes. Janet, Robert’s lesbian friend of many years, hurried up to him. “Isn’t this likely to turn out the police?” she asked. “Quite possibly…and hopefully the media, too. I sent emails to some reporters,” Robert said. “I really don’t want to go to jail,” Janet said. “In fact, I don’t want to be interviewed on camera. My hair…” “Well, aren’t you the chicken-shit lipstick lesbian,” Robert chided. Soon, at least 30 Food Porners were sitting at tables around the restaurant. The protestors invited regular customers to take seats at their tables. Most declined but a few accepted. The manager of the restaurant came out to the dining room. “Y’all cain’t be taking space up in here without buying something,” he said. “I don’t want to call the police.” The crowd applauded and opened their boxes from Popeyes. Robert really did love the super-fattening fried chicken from there. Suddenly, there was commotion. A television
Recommended Popeyes • www.popeyes.com Good choices: Spicy fried chicken, red beans and rice, cole slaw. Shockingly good biscuits. reporter was outside. Robert went outside. The reporter was interviewing a mother toting a child. “What do you think about this?” “Actually, I think it’s kind of funny,” the woman replied. “And ballsy.” “So you’re not afraid that if gay people have full rights to marry, society will fall apart? Maybe your son might be seduced into the homosexual lifestyle, lose his faith in God, and marry a man himself?” the reporter asked. “Are you aware Barack Obama supports gay marriage?” The customer hesitated a moment. “Are you a total idiot?” she asked the reporter and walked away. “So,” the reporter said, turning to Robert, “I understand that you organized this protest. What in the world do you think this will gain?” “I hope it will show people that when you make homophobic, judgmental statements, you are hurting people whose only agenda is to love with the same freedom straight people have.” The reporter looked away, bored. “Thanks,” she mumbled. Her eyes lit up on seeing a man in overalls getting in a pickup with a “Jesus loves Romney” bumper sticker. Inside, the manager was pleading. “Please take your Popeyes somewhere else. You are trespassing.” The Food Porn peeps were lined up now, ordering small soft drinks. A siren sounded. The police had arrived. “Ah, the good old days,” Robert said to Janet, who had spent the last five minutes in the restroom primping. “Who’s in charge here?” the cop barked as he walked into the restaurant, waving at the manager. Everyone turned toward Robert. Food Porn is a fictional series by longtime Atlanta food critic Cliff Bostock. Set in real Atlanta restaurants, it chronicles the adventures of Robert, a gay man in search of a husband — or at least a good meal.
August 3, 2012
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4TH ANNUAL
2012 PRIDE RIDE Arabia Mountain Trail starts at Stonecrest Mall
August 25, 2012
ASSEMBLY BEGINS AT 7:30 A.M. | RIDE BEGINS AT 8:30 A.M. | $20.00 ADVANCE REGISTRATION
$25.00 ON-SITE REGISTRATION | SIGN UP ONLINE AT WWW.ATLANTAPRIDE.ORG
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PHOTOS by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography and Dyana Bagby
Joining Hearts
The 25th annual Joining Hearts party sold out the Piedmont Park pool on July 21 to raise funds for housing for people impacted by HIV. (Photos by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography)
Marietta Rainbow Festival
Backpack in the Park For the Kid in All of Us hosted its annual Backpack in the Park at Piedmont Park on July 28, collecting hundreds of bags and back-to-school supplies for children in need. DJ Vicki Powell provided the beats for the “Summer Camp” themed event that benefited 13 local organizations.
The third annual Marietta Rainbow Fest on July 28 had LeBuzz packed to the hilt for its “Circus” event that included family programming during the day and plenty of drag in the evening. Proceeds benefitted Lost-n-Found, an emergency shelter for homeless LGBT youth.
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HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA
H
L G A OT IV
M HA
ARC
H I G H
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NYC ON FILM SATURDAY NIGHTS IN AUGUST
Enjoy classic films set on the streets of New York City. Visit the Picturing New York exhibition by day and take in an Archival Gotham film by night.
TICKETS: HIGH.ORG OR 404-733-5000 $7, general admission; $6, Museum members, students with I.D., and seniors; FREE, Patron-level members. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are in the Rich Theatre.
TAXI DRIVER AUG.
11
FREE OUTDOOR SCREENING BEGINS AT SUNSET
FOOD & DRINKS FOR PURCHASE. USA, 1976, 114 minutes. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Screenplay by Paul Schrader. With Robert De Niro, Jodi Foster, and Cybill Shepherd.
TAXI DRIVER
ON THE WATERFRONT, 8 P.M. AUG.
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USA, 1954, 108 minutes. Directed by Elia Kazan. Screenplay by Budd Schulberg. With Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, and Karl Malden.
ON THE WATERFRONT
THE PROJECTIONIST, 8 P.M. AUG.
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USA, 1970, 88 minutes. Directed by Harry Hurwitz. With Chuck McCann, Ina Balin, and Rodney Dangerfield.
Taxi Driver was preserved by The Museum of Modern Art with support from Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment. On the Waterfront was preserved by The Museum of Modern Art with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment and The Film Foundation.
THE PROJECTIONIST
Community
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COMMUNITY LOCAL LIFE
August 3, 2012
GA Voice
25
Join the discussion. Be part of the GA Voice community on Facebook and Twitter. facebook.com/theGAVoice twitter.com/theGAvoice
Rainbow Days thrills with coasters, entertainment at Six Flags LGBT event returns with expanded weekend lineup By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com A summertime trip to the amusement park is as American as apple pie. Rainbow Days at Six Flags Over Georgia returns for a third year with an expanded lineup of events, including a day in the theme park on Aug. 25, complete with a concert featuring ‘80s pop star Tiffany and raunchy gay rapper Cazwell, followed by a Sunday picnic in Piedmont Park. Carmen Smith, founder of Rainbow Days, hopes to create an event similar to “Gay Days at Disney” for Atlanta. “I wanted to bring something different to the city,” Smith says. “We need our own day out in the park.” Smith hopes to draw in some 5,000 people from around the region to Six Flags for a “gay day of fun.” The 2010 event drew just 200, while last year’s Rainbow Days saw some 2,000, according to organizers. Tickets to the event are $49.95 and include parking, park rides, a supper buffet and live stage entertainment. Buying everything that’s included in the ticket separately, Smith says, would cost nearly three times as much. “We have a really nice ticket package, and the entertainment is included in that. That’s an unheard of price we’re offering. We’re surprised they’re selling as early as they are,” she says. Rainbow Days is an unofficial event, meaning the park will be open to general admission attendees, as well as LGBT visitors, on Aug. 25. The first gay-themed day at Six Flags
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Rainbow Days at Six Flags over Georgia Aug. 25, 10 a.m – midnight (Park entrance closes at 11 p.m.) 275 Riverside Parkway Southwest Austell, Ga. 30168 www.rainbowdaysatsixflags.com Over Georgia was Pearl Day, which shutdown amidst controversy after 2009 organizers were unable to contribute promised donations to three Atlanta beneficiaries of the event: Atlanta Pride, CHRIS Kids and Pets Are Loving Support. Organizers blamed low attendance, while some in the community blamed poor planning. Led by different organizers, Rainbow Days stepped in to fill the gap in 2010 as an unofficial gathering of LGBT patrons, and leaders made clear the event wasn’t meant to be a replacement for the defunct Pearl Days. “We’re funding everything out of our pockets,” Smith says. “This year, we have major sponsors that are helping out some. It’s expensive to do it, but once people start participating, it’ll become a nice event for the city.” Sponsors of the event include the Gayborhood App, Coca-Cola, Living Social, Bacardi, Absolut and Pegasus Residential. Ticket sales for this year’s event are already ahead of the previous two years, Smith says. Headlining the music stage this year will be ‘80s teen pop star Tiffany. The “I Think We’re Alone Now” singer is an ardent supporter of gay rights and has performed at various pride events across the country, including Atlanta’s Pride festival in 2008. Gay rapper Cazwell is also scheduled to per-
1980s pop star Tiffany and gay rapper Cazwell will perform Aug. 25 for LGBT fans at this year’s Rainbow Days at Six Flags Over Georgia. (Publicity photos)
form. Cazwell hails from New York City and is known for his “Ice Cream Truck” and YouTube smash hit “I Seen Beyoncé at Burger King.” “The boys at Blake’s love him,” Smith says. “They know all his lyrics. He’s very popular.”
sales, she says. “We know that if you invest in something, you can reap the benefits and share the profits,” Smith adds.
Giving back
Blake’s on the Park will kick off the weekend with a pre-party bash on Aug. 24. Attendees will head to the park the following day, and several after-party events are planned for that evening, including official parties at LeBuzz, Jungle and My Sister’s Room. The weekend wraps up Sunday, Aug. 26, with a picnic lunch in Piedmont Park, Smith says. Hotdogs, hamburgers and other grilled treats will be available for free to those who purchase tickets to the Six Flags event.
Beneficiaries of this year’s Rainbow Days will be The Health Initiative, MEGA Family Project and Pets Are Loving Support. “There were not any beneficiaries the previous two years, mainly because we were funding everything out of our pockets,” Smith says. “We’ll definitely be giving back to the community this year. You have to give back.” Each year, three new beneficiaries will be selected to receive a portion of event ticket
Weekend of events
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Community
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Dustin Brookshire: From rape to poetry By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Dustin Brookshire credits Anne Sexton for his love of poetry and the ability to express himself through words. That love has grown to help create the poems in his new chapbook, “To the One Who Raped Me.” The book is currently available through preorder with a launch party for the book set for Aug. 7 at the Phillip Rush Center. Brookshire, 29, spoke with GA Voice about the chapbook, its haunting title and why $1 from each book sold goes to the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center. Tell us about the new chapbook you have coming out and why it is benefiting the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center. My chapbook, “To The One Who Raped Me,” is currently in the pre-order phase from the fantastic Sibling Rivalry Press. The poems in the collection come from a period where I was trying to come to terms with the fact that I had been raped. I felt embarrassed, even though I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong and shouldn’t be embarrassed. Embarrassment won out and kept me from talking about the rape. What I discovered was I could write about the rape in my poems — after all, one of the big rules in poetry is never to assume the speaker in the poem is the writer. Working with the rape in the context of poetry helped me get to where I could talk about it to others.
Plan for the unexpected when you’re healthy.
SPOTLIGHT MORE INFO ‘To the One Who Raped Me’ chapbook launch Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center Book info: http://bit.ly/Nqzqez www.dustinbrookshire.com
All too often people see rape as a female problem when it is actually a human problem. The [DRCC] offers support groups for LGBTQ survivors, teens, women, and individual counseling sessions. I wanted to do something good through poetry, and raising funds via my chapbook seemed like a good way to do it. Do you mind sharing more about being raped? What happened? This is what is comfortable for me to share: It happened in 2006. I was 23. It happened in my apartment. The rapist was an ex-boyfriend, and I didn’t press charges. I didn’t talk about it for almost six months — instead I transferred part of my pain into poems. I wish I had spoken to someone sooner.
Raped by an ex-boyfriend, Dustin Brookshire found he could address his feelings first through his poetry. (Photo by Jeffrey Lofgreen)
Why poetry? Anne Sexton and “Her Kind.” “Her Kind” is the first poem I remember falling in love with. I read it as part of an assignment in my senior AP Lit course, and I kept reading it over and over. It spoke to me with lines like “I have gone out, a possessed witch, / haunting the black air, braver at night;” and “A woman like that is misunderstood. / I have been her kind.” …[T]hat’s what poetry is for me and more. It’s a way to find forgiveness. It’s a way to a light on a secret hiding in the dark. It’s a way to rejoice. To read more of our interview with Dustin Brookshire, visit www.thegavoice.com.
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PERSONALITY
Softball leagues kick off fall registration
Three gay-inclusive Atlanta-area softball leagues will soon kick off their fall seasons and all are currently pre-registering players. The Decatur Women’s Sports League will play on two fields on Fridays this fall due to league expansion. Twelve teams will each compete at two different fields, Blackburn Park and Kelly Cofer Park, Friday evenings from Sept. 3 through Oct. 26. Teams will be selected based on skill level and distance from the two playing fields. Coaches from the DWSL will be on-hand at Savage Pizza (115 Laredo Drive, Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002) for registration Friday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. To register, visit www.decaturwomensports.com The Southern Softpaw League will hold registration events for its fall league Aug.
MORE INFO Decatur Women’s Sports League Softball season: Sept. 3 – Oct. 26 Blackburn Park & Kelly Cofer Park www.decaturwomensports.com Hotlanta Softball Sept. 9 – Oct. 7 Piedmont Park Active Oval fields www.hotlantasoftball.org Southern Softpaw League Games begin Sept. 15 Southside Softball Complex www.southernsoftpaw.com
5 at Woof’s from 4-7 p.m. and Aug. 18 at F.R.O.G.S. Cantina from 1-3 p.m. The league benefits local animal nonprofits and charities. Three separate divisions, “Super Competitive,” “Competitive Fun” and “Just Fun” aim to see all players enjoy the season. Games will be played on Saturdays at
Gay softball leagues offer a fun way to exercise and be outdoors this fall. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
the Southside Softball Complex in Atlanta beginning Sept. 15. Registration is $30. To register, visit www.southernsoftpaw.com. The Hotlanta Softball League plays Sundays in Piedmont Park during the fall with games being played Sept. 9, 16, 30 and Oct. 7. The season will break Sept. 23 for Music Midtown. Registration is $35 and includes your team assignment and jersey. All skill levels are encouraged to play. League officials are quick to point out the casual nature of the fall league, compared to the more competitive spring season. To register, visit www.hotlantasoftball.org. — Ryan Watkins
August 3, 2012
Calendar
BEST BETS 08.03 - 08.16 Publicity photo
SPOTLIGHT
Saturday, Aug. 4 Superstar DJ and one-time Kim Zolciak alleged love interest Tracy Young mans the turntables on a night that will surely show why Jungle won GA Voice’s 2012 “Best Dance Floor” honor. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Today is the National Same Sex Kiss Day protest at Chick-fil-A. Grab your partner and be present for this love-in of sorts, showing Chick-fil-A the faces their overlords are discriminating against. Gather at your local Chick-fil-A at 8 p.m. Don’t forget pictures and video! http://on.fb.me/Mc3hnF The first Friday of the month means the Atlanta Bucks gay rugby team will gather for a $10 beer and wings bust fundraiser. Stay late for DJ Lydia Prim. 8 p.m. bust, 10 p.m. dance at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
Bubba D. brings Bingo to Blake’s at 7 p.m. Then Kitty LeClaw’s Meow Mix gets catty at 11 p.m. Both at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Photo by Dyana Bagby
There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.
The Decatur Women’s Sports League hosts a fall softball signup night with a coaches meeting to vote on field locations and team placements. 6:30 p.m. at Savage Pizza, 115 Laredo Drive, Avondale Estates, GA 30002, http://on.fb.me/HqOyaH, www.decaturwomensports.com
Enjoy Femmistry Fridays with Traxx Girls, 10 p.m. at Encore, 2520 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.traxxgirls.com
The Southeast Black and Blue Weekend promises three days of BDSM and leather/ levi enthusiasts talking shop. Friday sees a meet and greet with the brothers and sisters of Panther L/L with jell-o shooters, BDSM demos and some “very hot bootblacking.” Saturday means the annual contests for Southeast LeatherSIR, Leatherboy, Community Bootblack and Mr. Rubber. Sunday brings a men-only play party hosted by Atlanta Dominion. All events except the play party at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.southeastlsb.com. Play party info: www.atlantadominion.com
ADD YOUR EVENT
Friday, Aug 3.
Wassup ‘N ATL hosts their upscale First Friday party with DJs Trouble and Angel X with MC Wild Thang on the mic. 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.wassupnatl.com
Friday, Aug. 10 Sunday, Aug. 12
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Angelica D’Paige is your hostess for the Fab Five drag show. 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s Pub, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
Saturday, Aug. 4
East Side Pride splashes down with a “Groovy Beach Party” with a cookout, music and beach blanket bingo. Get wet at the Kenilworth Circle Lake in Stone Mountain, which includes a floating dock, a pavilion and kayaks are welcome. Burgers and hot dogs provided but partiers are asked to bring a dish and/or beverages (adult beverages are A-OK). Noon-5 p.m., Kenilworth Circle, Stone Mountain. http://on.fb.me/OrbmaP The MEGA Family Project hosts an end-of-summer pool party with snacks and drinks for guests who are asked to bring a dessert or fruit and throw in $25 toward expenses. Everyone is welcome, kids or not. 3 - 5:30 p.m. For location details (a private residence), contact Kathy Kelly, kathy@megafamilyproject.org or 404-808-3350, www.megafamilyproject.org
Saturday, Aug. 11
Expect a big crowd as famed DJ, producer and remixer Chris Cox mans the turntables at Heretic. Reduced cover before 11 p.m. 10 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com, www.facebook.com/hereticatlanta
Publicity photo
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< MORE LGBT EVENTS: Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules, sports, worship services and community organization meetings. www.thegavoice.com/calendar
Fenuxe Magazine hosts its 2012 Best of Atlanta Fire Party, where winners announced in their July 26 publication mix and mingle with friends and fans. 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. at the old Fox Sports Grill in Atlantic Station, 261 19th St., Atlanta, GA 30363, www.fenuxe.com The Court of Kings performs for the ladies at My Sister’s Room with Q100’s DJ Rapko on the beats. 10 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
Sunday, Aug. 5
Support the Assault Hotlanta Softball Team in their quest to represent Atlanta in the 2012 Gay Softball World Series in Minneapolis, Minn. $10 bottomless beer cups with shots and prizes. 3 - 7 p.m. at F.R.O.G.S. 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, http:// on.fb.me/LSleuJ
Camp drag divas Armorettes take over Burkhart’s. Remember tips are donated to their nonprofit fund for AIDS-related organizations. 8 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com Regina Simms hosts “New Faces” at Friends on Ponce, a talent contest starring Aqualencia Litre and July’s winner, Dynisty St’james, serving as special guest. Sign up at friends@friendsonponce-atl. com. 9 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.friendsonponce-atl.com
Monday, Aug. 6
“T&F Transitionz: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz” is a forum to discuss gender and facilitate dialogue and activism around social issues. 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Calendar
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Mary’s annual Madonnarama returns with videos, remixes, mash-ups and live performances from the vault of DJ Diablo Rojo. 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com, http://on.fb.me/HTQVSN
Author, artist and former restaurant owner Jody McFerren celebrates the completion of his “Back In St. Olaf” coffee table and cookbook based on the stories of “Golden Girls” Rose Nylund’s one-of-a-kind imagination. Illustrations from the book will be exhibits for auction or purchase with proceeds donated to AID Atlanta and the Atlanta Queer Literary Fest. 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/BackInStOlaf
Thursday, Aug. 9
SAGE Atlanta, a service organization committed to LGBT elders, hosts its weekly meeting for cards, socializing and a lecture on the history of LGBTs in the workplace with Princeton University professor Margot Canaday. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org
Friday, Aug. 10
The ladies at Fourth Tuesday come together every month on the second Friday for lesbian social networking. 6 - 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.thehealthinitiative.com Famed Atlanta street performer Baton Bob performs his one-man show “Baton Bob’s Myrtle Hat Tour,” based on characters created around his mother’s intricate church hat collection. 7:30 p.m. at Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 Gay singer/songwriter Juan Cezar and bandmate John Miklaucic, otherwise known at Frisky Monkey, play their signature pop-synth flashback material for the crowds at Smith’s Olde Bar. 10 p.m. in the Atlanta Room at Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/MB4Axe, www.friskymonkeymusic.com
Saturday, Aug. 18 Photo by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography
Hoted by Jasmine Antoinette and Kitty Love, the Miss Marietta Mess Pageant is for the craziest camp queens Atlanta has to offer. 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. at Le Buzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, http:// on.fb.me/OgW71Y
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Friday, Aug. 17
Tuesday, Aug. 7
It’s Disco Night for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org
GA Voice
UPCOMING
PFLAG Atlanta hosts the monthly First Monday support meeting. 7:30 - 9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, slightly beyond 1587 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pflagatl.org
Wednesday, Aug. 8
August 3, 2012
Thursday, Aug. 16
Now a tradition in the drag fundraising season, the Atlanta Cotillion hosts their annual silent auction and cabaret featuring the, “ladies” of this year’s debutante class raising funds for AID Atlanta. 6 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.atlantacotillion.com
Saturday, Aug. 11
Charis Books and More hosts a day-long back to school sale, offering 10 percent off to all customers and an additional 10 percent off for teachers and students of all ages. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at Charis Book & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Vicki Powell and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition present a special edition of the monthly Sunday Service at Sister Louisa’s. Ride your bike to the rain-or-shine patio party and you will be rewarded. Special guest DJ Black Dominoes, too. 7 - 11:45 p.m. at Sister Louisa’s Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, http://on.fb.me/NRnVuY
Ladies at Play black lesbian nightlife group hosts a “House Day Party” with DJ Salah. Leos get in free, but there’s a $100 VIP section that admits 15 with bottle service available. 6 - 10 p.m. at Aurum, 915 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.ladiesatplay.com, www.facebook.com/ladiesatplayfanpage
Writing With Intent is open to writers of fiction and creative non-fiction; group offers motivational exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
The party people at Bedlam present “Sud the Fuck Up!” a black light foam party with DJ Shane V. 9 p.m. - 3:30 a.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30338, http://on.fb.me/MPl5pz 2012 GA Voice Best Musician Amber Taylor and the Sexual Side Effects, play an intimate show with Side by Side and Verge of Bliss. 9 p.m. at the Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, http://on.fb. me/NvlsVk, www.thedrunkenunicorn.com
Sunday, Aug. 12
Drag kings Spikey Van Dykey and the After Midnights put on a girl’s-night-out show at a Got Leche event at Atlanta’s primarily gay latino club. 10 p.m. at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/N90TxJ
The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Fifth Ivory team up for a fundraising beer bust for the chorus’s Pride Parade plans. $10 gets a bottomless cup of beer and members will be selling jell-o shots and raffle tickets. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Fifth Ivory, 794 Juniper Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/MbsOSC
MASH ATTACKS! is a night of mash-up dance floor mayhem by DJs Robin Skouteris and Pat Scott. 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com, http://on.fb.me/QtCGso
The Evolution Project presents the Youth Ballroom Awards with categories from thug realness to transman realness. $20. 6 p.m. - Midnight at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street., Atlanta, GA 30308, http:// on.fb.me/Mv3ySS
Monday, Aug. 13
Wednesday, Aug. 15
It’s that time of the month again, as Lost-n-Found mounts their Big Gay Game Show benefit featuring vintage TV game shows and local gay celebs. 7:30 10:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.biggaygameshow.org Atlanta’s only gay sports bar hosts an all-topics trivia night with bar tabs up for grabs. 8 - 11:30 p.m. at Woofs, 2425 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.woofsatlanta.com
Thursday, Aug. 16
SAGE Atlanta, a service organization committed to LGBT elders, hosts its weekly meeting for cards, socializing and discussion about the group’s involvement at Atlanta Pride and annual Creating Change Conference. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org The Peachtree City PFLAG support group meets every third Thursday. 7 - 9 p.m. at the Parish Hall, 316 N. Peachtree Pkwy Peachtree City, GA 30269, www.pflagatlanta.com
Voted the 2012 GA Voice “Best New Restaurant,” the Fifth Ivory hosts a five-course brunch to benefit Lost-n-Found. 12:15 - 2 p.m. at the Fifth Ivory, 794 Juniper Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/N8rzgR DJ Manny Lehman brings house down with a special performance by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Phoenix. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Saturday, Aug. 18 Sunday, Aug. 19
The Piedmont Park Summer Art & Crafts Festival, a part of the gay owned and operated Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces festivals, offers local arts and crafts from up to 200 artists. Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Piedmont Park, 11071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.piedmontparkartsfestival.com
Wednesday, Aug. 22
Jungle continues their monthly Fantasy Girls featuring local queens Phoenix, Nicole Paige Brooks, Alissah Brooks, Savannah Leigh, Envy Van Michaels and this month features special guests Gigi Monroe and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” trouble-maker Willam Belli. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com “Waiting for the Stork” is a group discussion of information, ideas and support to those going through IVF, adoption, surrogacy or donor insemination. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.megafamilyproject.org Tonight’s Cliterati Open No-Mic features hosts Karen G. and Theresa Davis with special guest Vanessa Huang, a poet, cultural worker, musician and activist from Oakland, Calif. 7:30 - 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com Atlantic Station’s Movies in Central Park offers a free, outdoor screening of “The Blind Side.” Film starts at sundown in Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.atlanticstation.com, http://bit.ly/HQxNjT
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GA Voice
August 3, 2012
Columnists
www.theGAVoice.com
THAT’S WHAT
SHE SAID Spoiler alert
Will social media ruin our Olympic moments? I love the Olympics. As long as I can remember, the Olympics have been a mustwatch event for me and my family, and gave momentary inspiration that I too could be an Olympic athlete. The London Games, however, offer a different challenge than in years passed. I still think I could find a random sport in which to achieve Olympic stardom, but as a spectator I have to decide if I want to find out results ahead of time, or wait until the American television coverage. I find I am choosing the latter. The London Olympics are considered the first real-time Games, according to Mashable. com. NBC is hosting 3,500 hours of live coverage on nine TV channels, plus online streaming, compared to the 2,200 live hours provided from Beijing in 2008, and the 400 hours shown from Vancouver two years ago. Add that to the fact close to 107 million people today own smartphones as compared to about 19 million in 2008. Tablets were scarce during the Beijing and Vancouver Olympics, and now they’re owned by nearly 55 million people worldwide. A number of apps created by Olympic committees and media organizations provide timely updates and information. And not only has NBC partnered with Twitter and Facebook, but athletes and sports fans across the globe are updating statuses and sharing media. But this real time connection with the Olympics can also mean a disconnect from the oldfashioned family gatherings during Olympics of old. It’s not like Katie and I gather around the iPad to watch competition live. To the contrary, we do our best to avoid the tablets and laptops so as not to spoil the ending, giving ourselves the opportunity to cheer together for the countries we want to win on television. The stress began the day of the Opening Ceremonies. As the new afternoon anchor on
Melissa Carter is also a writer for Huffington Post. She broke ground as the first out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter
All News 106.7, I talk to an ABC reporter live in London each day. There is a delicate tone to our conversations, since the field reporter knows all the results and tries to be careful not to spoil it for our audience. Such was the case that Friday, and Tom Rivers was the ABC rep who was careful not to give any details of the Opening Ceremonies he had already seen. But at the top of the next hour when we aired a recap from ABC, another reporter started rattling off details of the show without warning. I closed my ears and made noises to the amusement of my co-anchor, Greg, so the entire Opening Ceremony wouldn’t be ruined for me. And what about social media? I currently have accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, Formspring, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, and Pinterest, and have been less active on all of them this past week to avoid any chance of seeing a headline or image too soon. At least on 11 Alive they have an alarm sound during their newscast to alert you that an Olympic spoiler is coming up. Online, I may need to search for something random, but if I dare go to the Google page there is always some Olympic headline letting me know what I won’t be surprised by just hours later. The beauty of the Olympics is creating excitement for sports most don’t give any consideration to any other time. I have pumped my fist at an archery shot and gotten sweaty palms during an intense table tennis match already. Maybe the compromise for the rest of the Olympics is to only invest in the Canoe Slalom, Handball, and Judo events. Then I can return online without fear the world is out to get me and spoil my Olympic experience.
Columnists
www.theGAVoice.com
DOMESTICALLY
DISTURBED
Hey, Bristol the Pistol
An open letter to Bristol Palin Dear Bristol Palin, I heard the news this week about your return to “Dancing with the Stars,” for their special All-Stars edition. I’m sure it’s exciting for you to be going back to the ballroom. Last time you were on the show, there were more than a few jokes at your expense, mostly in the vein of questioning exactly what you’d done to gain “celebrity” status. We’re funny like that in this country — elevating private citizens (meaning people who did not specifically seek a career in the public eye) to celebrity status, following and debating their every move, and then bemoaning how much attention everyone is giving them. The Kardashians have built an empire on this cultural quirk. You and I both come from towns roughly the same size. Your hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, and my hometown of Kosciusko, Miss., both had about 7,000 people in it during our respective formative years. I went out into the world at 17, and made a lot of mistakes while few people were watching. I am grateful for that. You, at the same age, found out you were pregnant, and were promptly thrust onto the national stage by the 2008 campaign. The commentary regarding you, and your unborn child, was uncalled for. I say all of this so that you understand: I do not hate you. I genuinely believe you have tried to make the best of a bewildering twist of fate. If your mother hadn’t gotten that phone call from John McCain, you likely would have continued your education while quietly raising your son. You would have grown into an independent woman with a career and a life that isn’t dissected incessantly by strangers. But since 2008, you’ve made the choice not to quietly fade into private life, which would have been possible if you wanted, as nobody bothers Al Gore’s daughters or John Kerry’s kids these days. You’re a bestselling author, and you’ve had your own TV show. You’re not questionably famous, you’re justifiably famous. And that’s where opportunity lies. I want you to think about your son, and picture the man he’s going to become. No doubt your dream for him is that he’ll be honorable, honest, and loving. There is nothing in this life
Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book “Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life.” Find out more at topherpayne.com
that could diminish your devotion to him. What you would do if he came to you in 13 years and told you he is gay? Would you love him less? Would you feel that he was undeserving of a happy, full life? I understand and respect that your religious convictions lead you to have a very specific view of what a “real” family is, but there are people out there who feel the same way about you and Tripp. They don’t believe the two of you are a “real” family because you’re not married to Levi Johnston and living in Alaska. I would never wish that for you. I know that a mother and child can form a very tight family unit. I respect your family unit. All I’m asking is for you to give my family unit — my husband and me — the same respectful consideration. The conservative movement needs a voice that is willing to stand up and differentiate between the civil right and the religious rite in the marriage debate. You can explain that your house of worship does not recognize certain marriages in accordance with their beliefs (as Catholics do with divorce.) But as a young Republican conservative, you do not support Big Government interfering in the private lives of American citizens, imposing one set of values on the populace as a whole. You believe people should have the right to choose what is best for their lives, just as you were afforded the choice to become a single mother. You are more than just Todd and Sarah Palin’s daughter now. You have your own voice, and your own place in the world. If your parents want to pose with bags of Chick-fil-A, that’s their right. But we’re part of the next generation of American voices, and I respectfully ask you to consider the platform you’ve been given, and do your part to create a nation driven by understanding, acceptance, and kindness. I’m asking you to make a better future for your son, because you don’t know how he’ll turn out, and you should really be prepared.
August 3, 2012
GA Voice
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