voice
georgia VOL.10 • ISSUE 12
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
EDITORIAL
“Republican Lawmaker Blames Mass Shootings on LGBTQ Advocates” Tara Coyt: “She doesn’t have the good sense God gave babies. Unlike her, some of us from Ohio are educated, informed, intelligent, and compassionate human beings.”
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
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EDITORIAL
Editor: Patrick Colson-Price pcolson-price@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Conswella Bennett, Cliff Bostock, Camryn Burke, Melissa Carter, Mariah Cooper, Dallas Duncan, Aidan Ivory Edwards, Jim Farmer, Luke Gardner, O’Brian Gunn Elizabeth Hazzard, Ryan Lee, Rose Pelham, Dionne Walker
Peter Ent: “The blatant ignorance and lack of empathy is beyond me. I truly feel sorry for any of this woman’s friends and family.”
PRODUCTION
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FINE PRINT
All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address, and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.
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PRESIDENT TRUMP
GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKICOMMONS
A Letter to Those Who Still Support “45” Patrick Colson-Price Being in front of a news camera for almost a decade has taught me to keep my thoughts to myself, especially when it comes to politics. I’m not sure if anyone else did this or still does this, but I would read a political article or meme that would get me fired up, and begin to create a post via Facebook or Twitter. Halfway through writing it, I would shake my head with regret all before deleting what I had just written. I was always afraid to speak up when I saw injustice happening before my very eyes because of fear that I’d lose my job or piss off news viewers. Not just politics, but controversial issues in general. Even my sexuality was off-limits in the news world. News directors were always afraid of unwanted attention. They told me, “Why can’t you be a reporter that happens to be gay and not a gay man that happens to be a reporter?” That really pissed me off. I was hiding who I was, staying silent on issues that directly affected me. I had to portray this “hetero” lifestyle to appease the rightwing viewers so they’d keep watching the
station. I was miserable. The moment I walked out of my last news station was the moment I said, “No more.” I wouldn’t be silent and wouldn’t apologize for my political and moral beliefs. Frankly, my beef with Trump supporters isn’t political; it’s all moral. I can respect someone’s political views for a stronger economy, foreign trade, and more. I cannot stand by while innocent people are being gunned down by white nationalist Trump supporters, while trans women are being murdered across the country, while LGBTQ folks are enduring hate crime after hate crime, while immigrants are being detained and put into cages at the border, while black men are being killed by police at an alarming rate, and while women are being shamed and ridiculed for choosing what’s best for THEIR bodies. All of this while the white men in congress and white men across this country sit back and enjoy their white privilege. Look, I know I’m white … a white redneck from South Carolina, but what defines me is how I act and treat other human beings around me. I’m thankful my mom and step-dad raised me with a belief that all people are created equal and no one CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
Marianne Williamson Criticized for Views on Spiritually Healing AIDS Carlos H Oliveira: “How come a nut case like that can even be a candidate? ... Ohhh never mind” Jeanne Niemczyk: “She is about as competent as Trump to be president! Meh!” Trump Says End to HIV Epidemic Coming Soon Chris Tilley-Clark: “But cut funding for the research and drug assistance. He is lying as usual.” Carlos H Oliveira: “By now, medication and treatment should all be free to everyone. Talk is cheap.” Donald Trump Says He’s “Concerned” with Rise of Hate Groups Jennell Jaquay’s: “Reminder: what he would consider a hate group and what constitutes an actual hate group are likely two completely different things. He HIRES people from actual hate groups and puts them in charge of expanding the power of those groups over the people they hate.” Brandon Macy: “He’s concerned there aren’t enough of them to ensure his reelection or, worse, he’s running out of ways to distance himself from them or distract the electorate from focusing on that part of what passes for a personality.” Sheryl Feenan: “He meant RESPONSIBLE … not concerned. Want to be featured in Your Voice Matters? Leave a comment to a story via social media or on our website, or email editor@thegavoice.com with the subject line “Your Voice Matters.” August 16, 2019 Editorial 3
NEWS
Suspects in Murder of Trey Peters in Custody Staff Reports All three suspects involved in connection with the hate-motivated murder of DeKalb County gay man Ronald “Trey” Peters, are now in police custody, according to the AJC. DeKalb County police have arrested Shaleeya Moore, the second suspect in the hate crime. She is currently in the DeKalb jail facing murder and armed robbery charges. The first suspect, Joshua Cortez Ellis, was arrested last month originally on unrelated charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault. He now faces a murder charge. A third person of interest was arrested last week in connection to Peter’s murder. Tyreese Johnson, 19, was arrested on July 31 on charges of felony murder and armed robbery. He joins Shaleeya Moore and Joshua Ellis, who were previously arrested in connection with the hate crime. Johnson is accused of being the gunman who fatally shot Peters, 28, on June 4. Peters was approached by two men who demanded he
give them his backpack. When he refused, the driver told him to “give him the f***ing bag, f*g,” then got out of the car and started firing. Peters was fatally shot twice. Bystanders told police that the pair reportedly drove away from the scene in a maroon car driven by a third person. “Unfortunately, this deadly attack is not a rare or isolated event. Rather, this is the latest in a long string of hate-motivated incidents,” said Allison Padilla-Goodman of the AntiDefamation League. “Our hearts go out to the family of Ronald Peters. We are praying for his family and his partner, Titus Davis. It is time to show all Georgians and the nation that we take people’s identities seriously and protect them. We will not allow bias and bigotry to reign free, and we believe that everyone should be who they are without fear of violence.” While police have labeled the crime as “hatemotivated,” Georgia does not have any laws in place that worsen the consequences of a hate crime.
Top: Murder victim Ronald “Trey” Peters. Above from left: Suspects: Tyreese Johnson, Shaleeya Moore, and Joshua Ellis.
Transgender Woman Murdered in South Carolina Staff Reports Transgender woman Denali Berries Stuckey was murdered in South Carolina, making her the 12th trans person killed in the country since the beginning of 2019. The body of 29-year-old Stuckey was found shot to death on the side of the road in North Charleston on July 20, according to ABC News. Her death was ruled a homicide by the coroner’s office. A suspect or motive have not yet been identified, but police are investigating into whether the murder was a hate crime. DENALI BERRIES STUCKEY PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
4 News August 16, 2019
The Alliance for Full Acceptance, along
with the local transgender community, held a vigil for Stuckey the following Monday outside of a local LGBTQ center known as the Equality Hub. “I am heartbroken and outraged by the news of yet another murder of one of our transgender community members,” Alliance for Full Acceptance Executive Director Chase Glenn said in a statement. “Denali is the third known black trans woman to have been murdered in South Carolina since 2018.” “While the greater community may be either unaware or disinterested in this news,” Glenn continued, “it is important to understand the epidemic of violence against trans women of color and the crisis pint at
which we are now and have been for years.” Many mourned Stuckey online, including some of the democratic presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris. “Denali Berries Stuckey is at least the 12th Black trans women killed this year. We cannot ignore this violence,” said Harris in her Twitter post. “Transgender people deserve to live openly without fear.” Stuckey’s family held a private funeral for her on July 27. Stuckey is survived by her mother, father, grandmother, godfather, and “a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many loving friends.” TheGeorgiaVoice.com
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NEWS
LGBTQ Arts Organizations Come Together Businesses to Form Atlanta Queer Arts Alliance
community,” Jim Farmer, the festival director of Out on Film, said. “For an elected official and member of the local LGBTQ community to exclude us – especially during a Stonewall Month when many of us held multiple events – is sad. It may seem like a harmless omission, but it is a noticeable slight- and it sends us a message. We all hope that the creation of this new group will bolster the work we do as well as the importance of arts culture in our society.”
Katie Burkholder Six LGBTQ performing arts organizations in Atlanta have come together to form the Atlanta Queer Arts Alliance (AQAA) after a snub from an Atlanta City Council council member. Voices of Note, OurSong, the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chorus, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Freedom Bands, Out Front Theatre Company, Atlanta’s LGBTQ theater company, and Out On Film have joined forces to promote awareness and visibility of LGBTQ arts in the community through AQAA. The group came to fruition after Atlanta
The AQAA held their first meeting in July to increase efforts to enhance their own and each other’s work, to promote the value of cultural experiences and find additional ways to collaborate with each other and create spaces for LGBTQ artists. City Council’s Councilman Antonio Brown recognized 25 LGBTQ people and organizations from Atlanta as Game Changers but failed to include any LGBTQ
performing arts organizations. “The arts play a significant role in the Atlanta economy and the Atlanta LGBTQ
Moving forward, the AQAA will create opportunities to come together by hosting joint events and fundraisers.
EDITORIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 should be treated like scum. But for those who hide behind their religious morals and preach that Jesus would have done this and that for the “white man,” but support hateful rhetoric by the president against all minorities, you’re weak, afraid, and incompetent at seeing the truth. You’re being played by conservative politicians who are being fed money from organizations aimed at making your life harder. The one percent is what these politicians care about, not you! But you feed into their agenda and believe democrats are what’s so horrible about this country. You are what’s not great about this country. You are the swamp that needs to be drained. You are the reason people think it’s ok to go into a church, mall, club, concert, bar, or school and end lives with one pull of the trigger. Because you don’t speak up to this atrocity in the Oval Office, these racially motivated shootings will continue to happen because your president speaks it into existence. Don’t preach to democrats 6 News August 16, 2019
“To those politicians across the country and here in the state of Georgia who fail to stand up against Trump and the NRA, enjoy every penny you get from this greedy organization. Blood money is bad money. There’s no other way to put it. You may have come into office with good intentions, but you’re now being given hush money for an organization that doesn’t care if another gunman kills 10 or 20 people.” and liberals about family values and raising good kids when you support a president who grabs women by the pussy, says he could shoot someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and not lose any supporters, blame mass shootings on video games and call white nationalists “very good people.” To those politicians across the country and here in the state of Georgia who fail to stand up against Trump and the NRA, enjoy every penny you get from this greedy organization. Blood money is bad money. There’s no other way to put it. You may have come into office with good intentions,
but you’re now being given hush money for an organization that doesn’t care if another gunman kills 10 or 20 people. They’re using you, they’re using every Republican supporter like puppets to advance their agenda while our mass shooting numbers continue to rise. What will it take for politicians to stand up and say enough is enough? Here’s what: the death of the wife of a Republican politician or the child of a Republican politician due to gun violence. Still, will they choose greed over precious life? Will they cry and beg to their fellow
lawmakers to pass gun laws to prevent another shooting from happening? My guess is no. These Republican politicians who still have yet to pass sweeping gun reform laws lost their souls the minute they decided the murdering of innocent children at Sandy Hook Elementary was ok. Nothing was done then, so why do we think these NRA puppets will do something now? This goes for Trump supporters as well. We will remember who stood up and put on the “Make America Great Again” hats, calling themselves deplorables. We’ll remember who cried innocence for a president that’s covered in guilt. We’ll remember who supported the harsh treatment of immigrants and the violence against black men. We’ll remember who was in Charlottesville for a KKK rally that ultimately ended one woman’s life. After Trump is long gone, your support for his sadistic, hateful behavior and speech will ALWAYS linger. Forget apologies and forget blaming your support on your “hopes” you had for this country. You will always be that person who stood by while your country was made worse again. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
ASK THE DOCTOR
Getting Your Vaccine for Flu Season As the new school year approaches, I know me and my family should probably get a flu shot, but I hate needles and I’ve heard people get sick after getting the shot. What are my alternatives and how much does it typically cost? This is a great question, particularly in light of the fact that we are quickly heading into flu season. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can be quite serious and result in hospitalizations and even death, especially in the very young and those over 65 years old, as well as people with chronic health conditions. There are two main influenza viruses (A and B), but there are many sub-types. It is these sub-types that are determined to be circulating in any given year, and then these make up the flu vaccine for that year.
TheGeorgiaVoice.com
Sometimes, there is a good match with the flu virus that causes the disease that year and sometimes the match is not as perfect.
doctor’s office, and there are medicines that can be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and prevent complications.
Influenza spreads by tiny droplets that are produced when infected patients cough, sneeze or talk. These generally land on the noninfected person. Less often, the influenza virus can be spread from contaminated surfaces.
As mentioned, Georgia is one of the states experiencing a significant flu outbreak. There were 56 hospitalizations from flu in the first week of 2018. There have been 307 flurelated hospitalizations since the flu season started, with 62 percent of those in people over 50 years old. There have been five deaths attributed to influenza thus far this season.
The infected person is contagious beginning a day before signs and symptoms appear to up to five to seven days after. Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and joint aches, headaches and fatigue. These symptoms are much worse than the common cold or winter viruses that people mistake for the flu. Complications like pneumonia can occur and often result in hospitalization and in a worst-case scenario, death. Influenza can be diagnosed with a swab at your
Flu vaccines are all injectable. There was previously a nasal mist live virus vaccine, but it is no longer recommended. A shot is practically painless as the needle is tiny and the amount of vaccine administered is small. Flu shots cannot give you the flu. There is no live virus in the vaccine. However, there can be minor side effects or pain at the injection site, low grade fever and achiness that is usually short-lived.
The vaccine is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and all commercial payers, usually with no copay. For those with no insurance, a flu vaccine can cost $20-$25. So, no matter how good or bad the match is for the current flu, the vaccine will help to keep you from getting sick with the flu, and if you do get sick, it will decrease the risk of complications. Please remember, in some years up to 100,000 people nationwide are hospitalized with influenza and as many as 10,000 people die. Protect yourself and those you love – get a flu shot! Joel Rosenstock, MD, MPH Chief Medical Officer AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy
August 16, 2019 Ask the Doctor 7
BACK TO SCHOOL
Locker Talk: Social Pressures Still Linger in 2019 Aidan Ivory Edwards Peer pressure is a constant battle that will never cease to exist. We face it as children, teenagers, and even as adults. As children, we all have a friend that dares us to jump from a high elevation. As teenagers, we all have a friend of a friend who wants us to sample whatever they are smoking. And as adults, we glance over at our peers wanting to match or exceed their criteria. We compete for annual salaries, square footage in homes, thin waistlines, or to be invited to the same places. There is a natural urge towards fitting in, even when it is detrimental to our health. Those who go against the grain can face backlash from those that we revere, whether that may be an individual or an entire social circle. If we defy these pressures, it forces us to find another group of friends – one where we aren’t filled with the anxieties to live up to someone who we aren’t. Or, they may understand – and take it as a lesson that you are not interested in what they have offered. This situation is a rare case. The obstacle of peer pressure is most 8 Back to School August 16, 2019
apparent during our teenage years – notably that eighth-grade transition into high school and on. As developing adults, we are trying to figure out what kind of person we are going to be. It’s natural having difficulty grasping who you are so you morph until you feel the pieces fit even if they don’t. Self-acceptance can take an entire lifetime. Peer pressures, especially today, can guide the shape-shifting that we experience. The throttling of social media platforms has amplified modern-day tensions. It has introduced an even darker side of peer pressure. It’s a world that you can paint yourself in, showing off your lavish trips, your photoshopped photos, and how many friends you have. It’s easy to outright lie about how exciting your day to day life is. Some of us buy into it. It’s a painful stage in life, especially for the LGBTQ community. If you need some insight on what it is to be a teenage girl, watch Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade. This pressure is critical to discuss amongst the youth. However, the LGBTQ youth are more vulnerable due to their struggle with identity and the stressful environment
of societal judgment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the LGBTQ community are more likely to have substance abuse issues than their heterosexual counterpart. This alarming fact further suggests that there needs to be support for handling peer pressure in this community. Low self-esteems are a reoccurring issue in the LGBTQ community due to external factors. People can be cruel, but children can be ruthless. Clinical child psychologist Dr. Kenneth Shore shares that “children with low selfesteem are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure, and might lose their perspective about right and wrong.” Dr. Shore states that we should take the steps to “promote the child’s self-esteem, avoid overreacting to their words, choose our battles carefully, help them develop good decision-making skills, and to get to know their friends.” As adults, we are more selfaware of peer pressure’s semblance, even if we still give into them. It’s our responsibility to address peer pressure to those who are in the fragile years of their life. We can steer them in the right direction, teaching them
from our own experiences, mistakes, and successes. Dr. Shore goes on to say that “your child might tell you things that make your jaw drop. If you overreact, you will discourage them from talking with you about those issues again. At the same time, use those teachable moments to introduce some cautions without moralizing or lecturing.” Being reprimanded for a decision may be a central catalyst for a child to participate in an even more precipitous act. Peer pressure varies from community to community. It isn’t as simple as saying no. There is critical thinking involved, an action, a consequence, and a lesson learned in the best-case scenario. When there isn’t any support from home, it makes us all the more susceptible to the persuasive language, and behavior. These decisions can play a role in our future. Some steps can be taken to avoid coercion. Dr. Kenneth Shore believes that we should “take a stand on high-risk peer behavior. Not sweating the small stuff will enable you to be more effective when you challenge them on the larger issues.” Trust is of the essence. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
FOR A NIGHT OUT AT THE BALLPARK. Fireworks Every Friday Night
/TICKETS
BACK TO SCHOOL
Finance 101: Cultivate It or Cut It? Deciding Which Financial Habits To Leave and Which To Take for College O’Brian Gunn No matter if you’re staying local, crossing state lines to go to college, or if you decide to live with your parents or move into a dorm, starting college signals a massive shift in your life. While deciding on classes and which degree program is the best fit, you’re in a great position to decide which of your financial habits you should trash and which you should nurture. Doing so sets you up for financial success for years to come, rather than a series of unnecessary (and avoidable) financial hard knocks. Cut It: Using This Month’s Paychecks To Pay Last Month’s Bills Just because your credit card payment or rent is due at the beginning of the month doesn’t mean you should use the first month’s paycheck for those bills. Instead, factor in upcoming bills with this month’s paychecks, which is easier when the payment amount is the same each month. It can help to split bill amounts into the number of checks you receive in a month. For instance, if you get paid biweekly, save up half the total amount of your bills with one check and the rest on the second check. If you feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck, this tip can break that cycle. Cultivate It: Save First, Spend Later If you don’t already, devote a specific percentage of your income to an emergency savings account (preferably an interestbearing one), putting that money back first before you spend a dime on yourself. Knowing you have money put back for a medical emergency, car trouble or any other 10 Back to School August 16, 2019
unexpected expense brings peace of mind to your day-to-day life. Cut It: Having More Money Going Out Than Coming In It’s always best to earn more than you spend. Always. If every penny you make is going to bill collectors, you can very easily and very quickly feel like you’re running on a treadmill, only you aren’t even enjoying the health benefits. There’s great satisfaction in watching the money grow in your account rather than drain out every time bills are due. Cultivate It: Separate Bill Money From Spending Money It’s best to have more than just a checking and savings account; you should also have additional accounts for your bills and spending money. Keeping both in the same account makes it easy to accidentally spend bill money on eating out, coffee or anything else you indulge in. If you can’t set it up so that your bill payments are linked to your bill account, set up a recurring monthly reminder (or two) to transfer money from your bill account to your checking account. Cut It: Not Using Loyalty Programs or Discount Cards If there’s a coffee shop, grocery store or restaurant you frequent, ask about a loyalty program or discount card. Grocery stores commonly have a discount card and an online app you can combine to save a lot of money. Get into the habit of checking the app for weekly specials before grocery runs. Taking this one step further, you can also use cashback and receipt-scanning apps for actual cash or gift cards. As for loyalty programs, you can earn points every time you visit a restaurant or store. Even if your favorite college hang-out doesn’t have one now, the owner may be willing to look into one if customers show enough interest. Also, don’t be ashamed to ask about student discounts at local businesses.
Cultivate It: Buying Used (or Renting) Some items simply aren’t worth buying brand-new. For college students, that includes textbooks, cars, books, dishware, (some) electronics, and furniture. Consider e-books or used textbooks. Before buying a book, check its availability at the campus and public library. With a certified pre-owned car, the previous owner absorbs most of the depreciation. Check online for used dishware and furniture, and consider refurbished electronics before buying them brand-new.
Cut It: Being Afraid of Investing It’s easier than ever to start investing, even with as little as $5. Check out investment apps like Wealthsimple, Stash and Robinhood. Investing is a great way to start saving for retirement and diversifying your savings. Plus, the younger you start, the better. Don’t start college life with a failing grade you didn’t know you had. Life doesn’t stop teaching you about proper financial health, so make sure you never stop learning. TheGeorgiaVoice.com
BACK TO SCHOOL
Transitioning into a New School Year “It was kind of a roller coaster. At first, my friends were receptive and accepting. Then there was a point where I was bullied by an old friend. It caused other problems. It was an up and downtime at my old school. I still hadn’t fully come out yet, so it was a personal struggle of mine.”
Patrick Colson-Price While many students prepare for new classes, choose their polished outfits, and look forward to reconnecting with old friends, students like Leonardo “Leo” Hinnant have another challenge that takes transitioning into a new school year to a whole new level. He’s a trans man starting his 10th-grade year at the Dekalb School of the Arts in Decatur, but for the past two years, he’s been adjusting to a new life as a teen. From hormone therapy to his school’s cooperation in calling him by his identified gender, Leo and his mother, Stephanie, have had their struggles that would discourage any student and parent. Through it all, Leo’s still excelling in school, taking on extra-curricular activities, and leading his school’s GSA organization to higher heights in acceptance and diversity. We sat down with the two to talk about those struggles and triumphs throughout this journey! Georgia Voice: When did you come out as trans? Leo: “I came out as trans the summer before 8th grade. I came out right after I left 7th grade. It was early June of 2017.” Did you plan to transition when you went on summer break? Leo: “I kind of started exploring and doing gender expansion stuff before the summer. In the middle of April, I started talking to my friends at school. I told them I don’t think that I’m a girl so if you could call me this and use these pronouns for me. I started to realize this was what I want and this is how I actually feel.” Was it difficult socially to make this transition at such a young age? Leo: “It was kind of a roller coaster. At first, my friends were receptive and accepting. Then there was a point where I was bullied by an old friend. It caused other problems. It was an up and down roller coaster at my old school. I still hadn’t fully come out yet, so it was a personal struggle of mine.” 12 Back to School August 16, 2019
—Leo Hinnant
sure what this is. This could be an evolution for kids at this age because it wasn’t trans a first, it was non-binary. My whole thing this entire time has been that I’m your parent, I love you, I’m here to support you, what do you need from me, how can I help you, and I love you for who you are.”
Atlanta metro area, do you think you would’ve transitioned the way you did? Leo: “I think I would’ve been a lot more hesitant. I don’t think I would’ve felt comfortable doing it. I don’t think I could’ve gone to a public school in an area like that before I fully transitioned. If you’re not fully transitioned, there can be slip-ups and it’s hard to live in a school system where the administration and county aren’t receptive of who you are. I probably would live my life as a female not because I wanted to but for my safety.”
Were you worried about bullying at all? Stephanie: “A part of me was but the school he goes to is an arts school and we’re in Decatur, so it’s more progressive. I was not as worried as I would’ve been if he was going to a school outside the perimeter.”
Was it easy to work with the school district to help make Leo’s transition easier? Were they open and accepting? Stephanie: “They were not in some ways and were in others. Let’s just say I had a meeting with the principal in April of his 8th-grade
STEPHANIE AND LEO HINNANT COURTESY PHOTO
Did it make it easier going back into a new school year after transitioning? Leo: “The interesting thing is the current school 8th grade through 12th grade, so I was going to my old school from my 1st up to my 7th-grade year. Over the summer, I came out fully to myself and my parents. I also started socially transitioning. When I entered my 8th-grade year, I was living fully as a male.” For you to see this transition happen, what were your thoughts when he came out as trans? Where you nervous for this transition? Stephanie: “I just wanted to, as a parent, be
If you would’ve lived outside of the
CONTINUES ON PAGE 13 TheGeorgiaVoice.com
BACK TO SCHOOL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 year and I just heard back in April of his 9th-grade year that he can use the bathroom that aligns with his gender. There were other things that I met with the principal for which she was not receptive at first or her default was, “I have to talk to the county.” The thing about his school is that the faculty and students are very accepting, they have a huge GSA population that actively meets. It wasn’t the school or the kids, it was the administration that was lacking.” What are some words of advice and encouragement for parents who may be following in your footsteps? Stephanie: “There is strength in numbers. If you have someone else going through the same situation or you attend PFLAG meetings or other ways to get support, it can help you through it. You are your child’s biggest advocate. You have to know your rights and their rights. Continue to convey that to the administration or to anybody who will listen. For me too, it’s not just for Leo but for those who come after them that deserves that same respect. It makes me sad that there were kids before Leo that didn’t get that same respect.” What can you tell students like yourself going through a transition at such a young age? What can they do to be true to themselves and stay strong? Leo: “I would say, just try to find as many resources as you can because even though I came out, attended every GSA meeting at school and am now GSA co-president, you still need support through individuals. Find teachers or faculty that you can talk to because you’re not going to get anywhere if you’re struggling by yourself. You have a base on how to come out to people and have the opportunity to explore how you feel. Find people you can trust, and lean on them.” How do you plan to create a more diverse and accepting environment through your experience in transitioning? Leo: “My school has had almost a complete administration reboot. Our principal retired and others in the administration left. As GSA co-president talking to the new administration and asking them questions about how they feel about LGBTQ rights TheGeorgiaVoice.com
LEO AND STEPHANIE HINNANT COURTESY PHOTO
“There is strength in numbers. If you have someone else going through the same situation or you attend PFLAG meetings or other ways to get support, it can help you through it. You are your child’s biggest advocate. You have to know your rights and their rights.” —Stephanie Hinnant and what are their stances, how are they going to protect and serve LGBTQ students just as much as everybody else? I’m not fully done transitioning, so it’s going to be extremely impactful and hard on the school
year. There’s probably going to be changes that have to be made until that transition is fully done. I feel like if I’m not fully done transitioning, everybody else isn’t fully done adjusting and changing in my transition.” August 16, 2019 Back to School 13
BACK TO SCHOOL
Back to the Grind LGBTQ parents share tips for getting school year-ready Dallas Anne Duncan Philip Angel couldn’t wait for his first day of kindergarten. The 5-year-old son of Betts Powell-Angel and Jeremy Angel started school on Aug. 1, but had been looking forward to it for months.
ROWENNA AND VANN FLANAGIN
PHILIP ANGEL
COURTESY PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
lunches easier to prepare for. “They did a lot of fun things for the kids beforehand over the summer, like a day camp to kind of break the ice for the kids and then on the first day he just walked right in,” Powell-Angel said. This month was the first time Powell-Angel and Angel were getting into the schoolyear grind, but it hasn’t been too much of a learning curve. Nothing Short of Routine “About a week prior to starting, we started making sure that they ate dinner early, 6 o’clock, and were bathed and in bed by 8 o’clock, so that they would be in that routine already,” PowellAngel said. “We were letting ‘em stay up, watch movies, eat popsicles late at night. If we’re going to do this they’re going to need their sleep.” For a morning routine, Betts-Angel said Philip and younger brother Christopher are up by 7 and the kitchen becomes the hub of all pre-school day activities. “Definitely if you get the clothes out the night before, bring them downstairs. I think once they come from the bedroom area, once you have them in your kitchen, I think that’s where the heart of the house is. You can do it all in one fell swoop in the morning. And we have a spray water bottle and a brush in the kitchen always ready so they can have their hair brushed,” he said. Betts-Angel also advised having groceries ready to go at the beginning of the week, which makes at-home breakfasts and packed 14 Back to School August 16, 2019
Stephen Flanagin and his husband Michael Dawson, who live in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, are proponents of morning routines as well. Their children attend Sarah Smith Elementary. “It seems like summer is so short,” Flanagin said. “Our kids went to sleepaway camp for a month during the summer, and at sleepaway camp they have to get up at 6:50am.” He said in the four weeks since his kids got back, they’ve been able to sleep in a few days, but for the most part kept that same early wake-up schedule. “There really wasn’t a whole lot of ‘off the routine’ time for us,” Flanagin said. “Our daughter, Little Miss Type A, she gets up at 5am, she straightens her hair, she does her exercises, she makes a cup of coffee for us.” He added Rowenna, who’s in fifth grade this year, likes to be the first person at school — and the person to surprise staff with baked goods and gifts. Their son Vann usually wakes up on time, though not quite as early, but if there’s ever any difficulty, Flanagin said they have several virtual assistants placed strategically throughout the house that will play a wakeup song from camp. Put it on the Calendar When the kids were younger, Flanagin said he and his husband would sign them up for
activities that were most convenient for them as parents. But now they’re interested in different activities, so scheduling requires more of a focus. “There were a couple weeks where my son went to soccer camp and my daughter was at a theater camp, and they had different drop-off times and different pick-up times and I felt like I was in the car the whole day,” he said. Flanagin and his husband are looking for after-school help, primarily to assist with transportation. As a real estate agent, he has a more flexible schedule, but husband Michael Dawson is an OB-GYN with more rigid commitments. Flanagin said if he knows the kids have an activity, and Dawson is oncall or at work, he can add the activity to his calendar as an appointment so he won’t double-book himself. Betts-Angel is a stay-at-home dad, which he said does make scheduling enrichment and after-school activities more seamless. “One thing that is important to us is our faith and we’re members of the First United Methodist Church of Marietta, and one awesome thing is Philip is in the children’s choir. There’s actually a church bus on Wednesday afternoon … and again, because everything is centrally located, there is a bus that goes to West Side Elementary and a few other schools, picks up the children and brings them to the church for choir. So all I have to do is pick him up,” he said. Scheduling is also important when it comes to avoiding guilt for missing an event, or
feeling as though parents aren’t spending enough quality time with their kids. “They have a selective memory. They don’t remember all the 75 things you went to, just the one you didn’t,” Flanagin said. “If I know they’ve been at [an activity] all day I don’t wanna, we wouldn’t do a date night when they’ve been gone. If they’ve been with a babysitter all day I don’t want to have a babysitter that night too.” Quality time and quality environment are two reasons Angel looked specifically to live in the West Side school district. “I was at Dobbins [Air Force Base] and if I deployed, I wanted Betts to have a community to take care of the children on the spot,” he told Georgia Voice. “I grew up in private school most of my life, and Betts as well, but I think this community — especially the public school — seems to be more representative of the cross-section of American culture. It’s not just being sons of gay dads, just sons of dads. That’s what we wanted.” He’s excited Philip loves school so much, but he and Betts-Angel advise parents to make every moment count before kindergarten. “On Facebook, you get your three-year memories and you’ll say, ‘What I wouldn’t give for him to be crawling around one more time,’” Angel said. “Now when he goes off to school, they don’t look back and say goodbye. They just go. I was reading in ‘The New Yorker’ one day that that’s a pretty good sign of well-balanced kids — they keep going.” TheGeorgiaVoice.com
BACK TO SCHOOL
Dress to Impress, Not to Embarrass Katie Burkholder Dress code: one of the most fickle and annoying parts of middle and high school, especially if you’re a girl. While it’s understandable to want to express yourself and look your best by breaking dress code, at the end of the day getting in trouble because you wanted to wear shorts may not be worth it. Here are our do’s and don’ts when it comes to dress code and dressing the way you want to within the parameters your school allows. DO: Read your school’s dress code/code of conduct While there are some universal truths when it comes to dress code, they vary from school to school. Make sure you know the explicit rules your school has on what you wear so you know both your freedoms and limitations. DON’T: Wear a hat or head garment Hats, bandanas, hoods, and similar headgear TheGeorgiaVoice.com
are pretty universally banned in schools because they can be a distraction to other students and make it easier for students to mask their face so a teacher doesn’t know if they’re paying attention. If you find yourself reaching for a hat to remedy a bad hair day, try clips, a headband, or styling products like gel. If you have a particularly stylish hat you want to show off to your fellow classmates, find out if your school has a hat day for spirit week and if not, talk to your student government about starting one. DON’T: Fear wearing your religious headdress because of dress code According to the Anti-Defamation League, public schools are permitted to accommodate the religious clothing and attire needs of students. This means that yarmulkes, turbans, hijabs, and similar religious garb do not fall under the hat prohibition in schools. If you’re not cited or punished for your religious garb, you may want to seek legal action to change your school’s policy.
DO: Be respectful with your clothing Obviously, clothing with slurs, crude images, and/or references to illegal activity like drinking, doing drugs, or participating in a gang, are strictly prohibited in all schools. Stay respectful of those around you by avoiding controversial and offensive t-shirts.
DON’T: Be afraid to practice your Freedom of Speech While controversial and offensive articles of clothing are generally prohibited, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear anything that someone might find controversial or offensive – political merchandise, a rainbow flag, or something in protest, for example. As long as it’s not hateful or illegal, your Freedom of Speech should protect you from being punished for expressing your opinions through your outfits. DO: Bring layers if you’re unsure your outfit fits dress code Not sure if your shorts are too short, your
shoulders too exposed, or your t-shirt too controversial? Bring a jacket or pair of pants to change into to avoid an infraction. This can also help protect yourself from particularly chilly classrooms – win win! DON’T: Accept bullshit dress codes If you think your school’s dress code is unfair in some way, don’t just roll over and take it. This applies to bans on “inappropriate” (code: Black) hairstyles, ridiculously restrictive short and sleeve lengths for female students, or religious attire. If you feel like you can’t comfortably be yourself because your school’s dress code threatens that, fight it by filing a complaint with school administration, talking to a trustworthy teacher, organizing a protest, or moving a petition around your school. Just because you, as a student, are subject to your school’s rules doesn’t mean you can be unfairly targeted by them. You do have a voice – use it to make the change you wish to see. August 16, 2019 Back to School 15
PREVIEW
Dragon Con Brings Fantasy to Life in the ATL Jim Farmer Even in a period as packed as Labor Day weekend, with Atlanta Black Pride and the Decatur Book Festival, Dragon Con – America’s largest annual convention for fans of science fiction, fantasy and horror, comics and art, games and computers, animation, science, music, television and films – has always brought in the masses. This year’s version looks to continue the tradition. Known for its LGBTQ inclusiveness, Dragon Con – now in its 33rd year – has a schedule this year high in LGBTQ representation. George Takei, who will be in town for an individual panel as well as a “Star Trek” panel, is one of the highest-profile guests. Also coming in is Colton Hayes on behalf of his show “Arrow.” Both men are gay. Other big names include William Shatner, also of “Star Trek” fame, David Tennant of “Doctor Who” and many cast members from the TV series “Cobra Kai.” Tony Gowell came aboard as a volunteer 19 years ago but now he is a full-time staffer with Dragon Con. The openly gay Gowell is the director of convention office relations and his responsibilities include day to day administration as well as moderating Q and A with A-list talent. One of his favorite memories was an improvised one. “We had a guest – Kevin McNally, who was a pirate from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies, and he happened to be married to Phyllis Logan from ‘Downton Abbey.’ He was booked as the guest and she was his plus one. He introduced me to her and we were able to sneak her onto a fan panel in celebration of ‘Downton Abbey.’ She did a Q and A for an hour with fans. You would have thought we took them all to church.” While there are lots of different types of genre conventions around the country, Dragon Con is a homegrown and fan-owned convention, not a sponsor-bought one. That makes a difference. “When money is involved from companies they tend to want 16 Preview August 16, 2019
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DRAGON CON
to drive the train a little bit,” he says. “We are careful in how it’s cultivated so that it becomes a hands-on experience for the fans.” He expects more than 85,000 of those fans and 700 celebrities over five days. Gowell feels the event has always been known for its welcoming environment. “They invited me to be a part of the show way back in 2001,” he recalls. “One of the guests that I remember seeing wrote gay erotic fiction and another was Glenn Shadix, who did the voice of the Mayor of Halloween Town in ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ He was an openly gay actor. There were already elements that would attract a gay boy like me. From my perspective, it has always been that way here for the LGBTQ community.”
The Spectrum Party is one of Dragon Con’s most crowded events and a draw for LGBTQ participants. “It’s a beautiful celebratory party, built by Lee Cox, who is openly gay,” Gowell says.
connectivity. That’s what has made us last.”
This year’s event will be at the Hyatt Regency on the evening of August 31. An annual popular element is the annual Dragon Con parade, which is free and brings in thousands of spectators. The parade has over 3,000 participants and kicks off at 10am on August 31.
Gowell’s advice for getting the most out of the event is to download the app, have a sense of the schedule and not overwhelm oneself and cram too much in.
The typical Dragon Con attendee is “super eager to come home and be with the people who know what it’s like to be a fan,” says Gowell. “Some of them may be outsiders and they can connect with someone like themselves and have a sense of family and
He acknowledges that lots of friendships have been made at Dragon Con and even some relationships, including two of his friends.
MORE INFO Dragon Con August 29 – September 2 Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton & Towers, Atlanta Sheraton hotels, Atlanta Westin Peachtree Plaza, and Buildings 1 and 2 of the AmericasMart
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ACTING OUT
“A Southern Fairytale” Highlights Actors Struggle for Acceptance Jim Farmer
TY AUTRY IN “A SOUTHERN FAIRYTALE”
After a triumphant staging in the spring at Out Front Theatre Company, former Atlantan Ty Autry returns his highly personal “A Southern Fairytale” to town next week. The show details his own experience growing up in the Deep South as a gay Christian and his relationship with God and his family.
PUBLICITY PHOTO
The 26-year-old first started writing “Fairytale” in 2018 and the play had its first workshop in New York later that year. Autry began submitting it to a few festivals afterward, including one in Dublin, Ireland that accepted it. “That got me into the groove of thinking I could produce it into a full-fledged show and take it places,” he said. He’s still making changes to it, however. “It’s very powerful and complex,” he says. “It’s based on my personal history but I don’t want it to be just about me. I have added a bit of fiction to it because I want the show to eventually be able to be told by other actors instead of just me.” The central character here is called Alex Belmont. Autry has a lot of amazing memories of his years growing up but much of it was admittedly hard. He came out when he was 15 and was caught by his parents when he was romantically attracted to a colleague. Upset, they decided to pull him from school. “I went back into the closet and was going to a therapist for anger management issues and being queer,” he recalls. “It was a form of conversion therapy, although my parents and I disagree on whether it conversion therapy. It was about changing my behavior toward other men.” Sometime later he was caught again and the school he was attending kicked him out and his church excommunicated him at the age of 16. “The church was telling me I was 18 Columnists August 16, 2019
not allowed to be a Christian anymore,” he recalls. “I almost had a nervous breakdown – it was pretty terrifying. I went back into the closet.”
shot. He wrote, directed and choreographed a variety show and booked some acting gigs. “Once I had a paycheck in my hand, I was hooked,” he said.
When he was caught a third time, he was defiant and realized he would not be retreating. “I was 17 with my dad and therapist and youth pastor and at the last therapy session it was more of an intervention, with questions like ‘Do you have a demon inside you?’ I said to myself, ‘This is my truth.’ I was tired of people telling me how to live my life. I remember this light of clarity saying I don’t have to put up with this anymore.”
One of his most prominent roles was in Out Front’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” two years ago. He considered that one of his first headlining roles after various musicals where he was part of the ensemble and some supporting roles here and there. Autry relocated to New York two weeks after that engagement. The catalyst for that was an offer from Atlantic Acting School for a six-week acting class. “I thought I would try New York for two years. Even if I hated it, I will try it for that period.” Last summer, though, he received an offer to stay in the Big Apple and teach as part of the Atlantic Acting School faculty.
The actor-playwright grew up in Thomasville, GA then moved to Statesboro and finally to Camilla. His next stop was Atlanta to attend Georgia Tech in 2011. In his senior year, he decided he was going to jump ship and become a performer. Autry was doing a show in Alpharetta and his acting coach suggested that if he was passionate about the profession, he should give it a
SHOWING TIMES “A Southern Fairytale” August 24 Out Front Theatre Company
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EATING MY WORDS
Taste Buds on Fire Cliff Bostock
My friend Frank had to get up from the table and power-walk his way to the restroom during a recent meal at Gu’s Kitchen. The cause wasn’t what you’re thinking. His mouth was on fire. His sinuses were gushing. He needed to blow his nose ferociously. Within a few minutes, he was back at the table whimpering but wolfing down the spicy food from China’s Sichuan Province. Meanwhile, our friend Ryan suffered more stoically. “It’s really hot,” he said multiple times. “It’s really not,” I said multiple times. I’ve whined for decades about friends whose tolerance of spicy-hot cuisine is low, but in this case, I was surprised. Gu’s intentionally lowers the classic spice level. I was anxious to dine there because it recently debuted a menu of 20-plus specials. To understand the importance of that, you need to know the restaurant’s history. Gu’s Kitchen succeeds an earlier incarnation as Gu’s Bistro, which closed in 2015 after only a few years in business. Then, the Gu family opened the very tame Gu’s Dumplings at Krog Street Market. In all honesty, I’ve found the fare there disappointing and over-priced. So, when Gu’s Kitchen opened in November, I was happy, expecting a reprise of the original, complex menu. It turned out, I learned, to stress mainly noodles, dumplings, and stirfried concoctions, so I lost my urgency. Then came the specials that re-stimulated the enthusiasm of me and many other foodies. Gu’s, which seats only about 40, requires you to order at a counter. I think this system works fine at restaurants with an abbreviated menu. When you add 20 hand-written specials without much detail to a board above the counter and require customers to wait in line, people are going to feel pressured. Like us, you’ll probably end up mainly perusing the paper menus with the better-described dishes. I’m not saying the person taking our order wasn’t fully educated about the specials menu, which is indeed a reprisal of the original menu. I did notice some of my old favorites, TheGeorgiaVoice.com
GU’S KITCHEN
PHOTOS BY CLIFF BOSTOCK
including cumin lamb, smoked pork belly, and crispy beef, but I was stupidly anxious to try a dish that a friend had ordered years ago. I remembered that it was commonly served in Chinese-American restaurants but is Sichuan in origin and amazingly tasty when authentic. By process of elimination, I decided it must have been Kung Pao chicken. I ordered it. We also ordered the restaurant’s famous Chengdu Cold Noodles, Spicy Crispy Fish, and Spicy Dried Eggplant. Despite the names, the only dish that earned more than one pepper on the menu was the eggplant and it didn’t come close to the heat of the noodles, which was the dish that caused Frank to frantically blow his nose. Don’t let him influence you. Gu’s noodles are sublime. Their heat derives from a bath in chili oil
and a sweet sauce. They are served on a small rack, scattered with toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, bean sprouts, and scallions. The muddy-flavored Kung Pao chicken was a huge disappointment. It certainly had no detectable heat. The peanuts and minced chicken made chopsticks useless without rice, which we had failed to order (we got some). The best dish on the table was the big chunks of white fish stir-fried in a coating of flour and cornmeal. It was like eating huge hushpuppies with a surprise in the center. Served over a bed of garlic, ginger, and peppers, the pieces were lightly washed in mild chili and sesame oils. The most munchable dish was the batterfried sticks of eggplant with much the same spices as the fish. Understand that the peppers in these dishes include dried chilies and the
famous numbing peppers, which clearly weren’t so numbing. There are other full-menu Sichuan restaurants in town, like the deservedly named Masterpiece, but Gu’s is great for a quick meal. Please try the Sichuan fried chicken po’boy and let me know. Cliff Bostock is a longtime Atlanta restaurant critic and former psychotherapist turned life coach; cliffbostock@gmail.com.
MORE INFO Gu’s Kitchen 4897 Buford Highway 470-299-2388 GusKitchen.com
August 16, 2019 Columnists 19
BEST BETS Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for August 16-29 Friday, August 16
Monday, August 19
The Big Queer Sizzle III is an annual fundraiser for Charis Circle featuring a night of performances by local queer artists. Join in for a dance, poetry, porn, songs, and lyrics featuring the likes of hostess Kathleen Delaney Adams, Collin Kelley, Connie Tuttle, Sid Robinson, Norwood LeVough, Franklin Abbott, Xt Venus Valentine, Adriana Chiknas, Al Schlong, Katie Farris and more. 7:30 – 10pm Charis Books and More Out of Box is proud to kick off its Beta Test Series with a developmental production of Topher Payne’s “Entertaining Lesbians.” All Rowena Tuttle wants is a place in polite society. But as a cisgender heterosexual white woman, no one finds her interesting anymore. If she wants to gain admission for her daughter into the uber-exclusive School for Young People, she’s going to require a more compelling personal narrative and a more diverse group of friends. Aided with significant hesitation by her husband and her personal assistant, Rowena sets her sights on Atlanta’s most powerful lesbian couple, determined to forge a friendship. But just before the lesbians arrive, Rowena’s past catches up with her. 8pm, through August 17
Saturday, August 17
Project RED Paint presents its 2nd annual Splash Party event. The afternoon will feature a variety of water games, round table discussions, entertainment, food, and cool drinks. The event is free but organizers will be accepting donations which can consist of monetary donations, bags of ice, drinks, utensils, and food. 3 – 8pm South Bend Park My Sisters Room presents Her HRC, a night of cabaret. 6pm It’s a trio not be missed! Michelle Malone joins forces with fellow musicians DeDe Vogt and Caroline Aiken for a rousing set, including some of Malone’s classic blues songs 7pm Eddie’s Attic
20 Columnists August 16, 2019
WUSSY MAG + Out On Film and Plaza Atlanta present “Queers on Film,” a new monthly series of LGBTQ arthouse and independent classics at the Plaza Theatre. Tonight’s screening is the 1982 Julie Andrews classic “Victor/Victoria,” featuring great performances, the unforgettable number “Le Jazz Hot” and a post-film discussion. Singa-long with the film, shady dames. 7pm
Tuesday, August 20
Looking for some exciting hoop action? The Chicago Sky take on the Atlanta Dream tonight. 7pm State Farm Arena
Wednesday, August 21
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Friday, August 16
Want to get “Into the Groove?” Join in tonight to celebrate Madonna’s 61st birthday (on her actual birthday) with the Confession on a Dance Floor live concert viewing party followed by a tribute to all of Madonna’s music (played in chronological order of release). The Madonna Dance Party will feature DJ Mike Pope. 10pm – 3am. Heretic Atlanta (Photo via Facebook) Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe attends the Macon Film Festival – running through tomorrow – for a 10th anniversary screening of the film “Precious.” 7 – 10pm Grand Opera House Let the sunshine in! It was one of the company’s biggest hits ever and now the musical “Hair” is back. 8pm, through August 18 Serenbe Playhouse It’s the Glamorous one-year anniversary, Bold and Gold party, with DJ/ producer Yinon Yahel from Tel Aviv! DJ Neon the Glogobear will set the tone of the night on Atlanta’s best dance floor! Tickets available at bbproductions.
ticketleap.com. 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta
Sunday, August 18
DJ Alex Acosta returns to Xion to serve up intense after-hours beats until the sun rises! 3am – 7am BJ Roosters The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children opens its doors today, 2:30 – 4pm Atlanta International School East Tiger Events hosts its Annalyze event tonight, with no cover. 5 – 9pm My Sister’s Room
If you are looking, hiring or just want to extend your network in the Health and Wellness industry, join MAAP tonight for its first-ever health and wellness-focused Mix & Mingle. Take a break from the work week, have a good laugh and make the connection that will move your career forward while enjoying a complimentary chair-massage, wine, and artwork by local artisans. RSVP now at https:// maap082119.eventbrite.com. 6 – 8pm Art of Touch Massage
Thursday, August 22
Do you want to read books by amazing Black women writers? Do you want to discuss works from a Black feminist perspective(s)? Do you want to do all of this in an awesome gem of a feminist bookstore? Then the Black Feminist Book Club is for you. Charis Circle board chair Susana Morris is the facilitator of this group. This spring and summer Black Feminist contemporary memoirs are on tap and tonight it’s “Ordinary Light” by Tracy K. Smith. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center literary event and the suggested donation is $5. 7 – 9pm Charis Books and More The Auburn Avenue Research Library, in collaboration with 90.1 WABE, will host Guns & Black Southern Life, a
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BEST BETS Wednesday, August 28
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Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. It’s also gay as heck, with a line-up this year that includes George Takei, Colton Haynes of “Arrow” and many more performers.
groundbreaking new reporting collaboration focused on a single issue: the role of guns in American life. Hosted by WABE reporter Lisa Hagen and Dr. Regina Bradley, Kennesaw State University Assistant Professor of English and African Diaspora Studies, the conversation will consider a range of topics including Southern history, self-defense, identity, violence, safety, and survival. The discussion is in coordination with the Guns & America reporting collaborative. Panelists will include representatives from the National African American Gun Association, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and the featured guest, professor and award-winning author Kiese Laymon. 7pm Join TEN Atlanta tonight for its Sexy Swimsuit contest. 10pm
Friday, August 23
Help Atlanta Pride raise money at its Paint With Pride event tonight, with painting, drinks and raffle prizes. 7pm Sips N Strokes Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Spring Awakening” is a provocative exploration of the journey from adolescence to adulthood told through an electrifying contemporary musical with a pop/rock score. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play of the same name, it follows the interweaving lives of a group of German teenagers as they navigate issues of sexuality, morality, and adulthood. Although set in late-19th century Germany, the angst, emotion, desire, and romance still ring true today. 8pm, through August 24 Onstage Atlanta The G8YTIES ’80s Dance Party: EUROTRASH edition brings you your favorite ’80s dance classics with a ripple of New Wave music. Inspired by the punk rock movement in the UK. and later in the US. Come join us as Dj Mike Pope will be spinning all your favorite dance songs and new wave hits of the ’80s from artist including Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Club, Duran Duran, New Order, Billy Idol, Blondie, Missing
Thursday, August 29
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Saturday, August 24
E.N.L. Productions presents DJ/Producer, Isis Muretech from Guadalajara an aspiring and talented Dj that has become famous for her unique style of music in the club scene. Currently, she is one of the most demanded women in the business. She’ll bring her unique sounds to the ATL for a night of intense music and dancing! 10pm – 3am. Heretic Atlanta (Photo via Facebook) Persons, Flock of Seagulls, Erasure and more. $10 cover all night long. 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta
Saturday, August 24 Big hair, high heels, and a lot of duct tape are part of the fun as part of Glitz & Glam, hosted by the legendary Mr. Charlie Brown. 6:30 and 9pm Lips Atlanta Based on true events, “A Southern Fairytale” artfully illuminates the challenges facing a young, gay Christian growing up in the Deep South. Written and performed by Ty Autry, the show explores the trauma of rejection by those we love through the character of Alex Belmont. 8pm Out Front Theatre Company Get ready to crank the energy up to full blast as Beyond Productions brings you Atlanta’s newest circuit party, Circuit Breaker, featuring International DJ/Producer Jack Chang all the way from London. Tickets
available on event Facebook page. 10pm - 3am Believe Music Hall DJ Daniel Weaver presents Submission – Reload! Will you submit? Domination and resistance come back to the Atlanta Eagle!. Are you a Sir or Boy? Bring it on! 10pm – 3am
Sunday, August 25
Still up and ready for more partying? Get your late-night dance on at Xion with Twisted Dee Martello. 3am
Monday, August 26
Atlanta Black Pride officially kicks off tonight with a week-long series of parties, events, panels and more at various venues.
Tuesday, August 27
Join Tony for Happy Hour and stick around for Dragnificent, Atlanta’s drag competition produced by local drag queen, Phoenix. The event is hosted by Celeste Holmes. 9pm Heretic Atlanta
Elevating Voices will be staging the finale of the LGBT stage play “Love Sex and Marriage” this weekend. “Love Sex and Marriage” follows superstar, Darrin – who the ladies love and the guys want to be. Little does everyone know, Darrin is a closeted gay man, signed to a homophobic music label. When Darrin meets a guy at one of his concert, matters spiral out of control. 7pm, through September 1 7 Stages
UPCOMING Friday, August 30
The Atlanta Team Tennis Association (ATTA) kicks off its annual Peach International Tennis Tournament today, hosting players from across the country at various venues. The Decatur Book Festival opens tonight and runs with Sunday with a large slate of LGBTQ writers and representation. The 8pm keynote panel is Effecting Change in a Changing World: Latinx Writers on Immigration, 8pm at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Other events will take place in the Decatur Square
Saturday, August 31
Decatur Book Festival in partnership with Poetry Atlanta and Java Speaks presents the Local Poets Stage today. Poetry Atlanta was created by Atlanta Review editor Dan Veach to help promote poetry and spoken word in Atlanta. The non-profit organization hosts open mics, readings, workshops, and events around the city. Java Speaks Open Mic is a weekly series celebrating 18 years. The open mic originated at Java Monkey Coffee House,
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BEST BETS
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Saturday, August 31
Out On Film joins forces with the Decatur Book Festival for a free screening of the highly acclaimed film “TransMilitary,” which chronicles the lives of four individuals (Senior Airman Logan Ireland, Corporal Laila Villanueva, Captain Jennifer Peace, and First Lieutenant El Cook) defending their country’s freedom while fighting for their own. They put their careers and their families’ livelihoods on the line by coming out as transgender to top brass officials in the Pentagon in hopes of attaining the equal right to serve. The screening will be followed by a discussion with community members, including Atlanta’s Monica Helms. 7pm Decatur Public Library Auditorium (Publicity photo)
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Atlanta Eagle
destroyed in a fire November 2018, Java Speaks continues at Ammazza Decatur. 10am – 6pm
Sunday, September 1
The Children of the ’90s house music event is today, celebrating music from the famed decade, with a terrific line-up of DJs. Noon – 8pm Piedmont Park at the large pavilion by the pool Bear Invasion returns to Atlanta for Labor Day Weekend with DJ Eric James. NO COVER ALL NIGHT LONG!! 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta The Atlanta Eagle welcomes BEARBUST Party! Since 1990 BEARBUST has been held at the Parliament House Orlando, it’s the largest gathering of Bears and their admirers in Florida! Tonight, they bring the bears to Atlanta! Come dance the night away with DJ Moose, Resident Eagle DJ and BEARBUST DJ. 10pm – 3am
DJ Ed Wood returns to Xion for a morning of sweaty dancing and mingling! 3am – 7am BJ Roosters Labor Day Sunday Heretic will be OPEN AND POURING for all night long!! The amazing ALEXANDER will spin the beats for an unforgettable night! Get here early for a night you won’t forget! 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta
Monday, September 2
Atlanta Premier Events presents its signature LGBT celebration: the 10th anniversary reunion and return of Rainbow Days at Six Flags over Georgia, in partnership with Meak Productions, Inc., Atlanta Black Pride, Inc and other partners. The event will feature the closing pool party of Atlanta Black Pride (at 6pm) and featuring a dazzling set of DJs and a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. 10:30am – 8:30pm
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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
No Soap, No Bathing … No Bueno Melissa Carter I don’t smell! That was part of the headline I saw from The Guardian for a story that introduced me to people who chose to no longer shower or bathe. You read that correctly; these people have decided to live a life without soap and water and claim that there are no negative consequences to their actions or lack of action. In college, I was a little sister to Sigma Phi Epsilon otherwise known as Sig Ep, and when the fraternity would have a big party at their house some of the brothers would warn that Thom “had on his cologne.” It was a reminder to us that the naturalist never wore deodorant and now that the room was getting hot and sweaty, Thom’s “cologne” would be apparent. It’s been nearly 30 years since I attended those parties and still remember those experiences. At least Thom bathed. It was enough that he never purchased deodorant, and even though he was consistent in that practice he still had body odor when he got sweaty. According to the Guardian article, some people haven’t bathed in 20 years and claim that their body has adjusted and no ill smell is permeating the world around them. I imagine Pig-Pen from Peanuts walking down the street, unaware of the coughs and nose-holding his dust cloud inspires. So what do they do when they get dirty? Just rub things off with their hands. That’s right, one woman who hasn’t bathed for 9 years told the newspaper that she just scrubs her skin with her hands if there’s any dirt or grime. The idea is to heal the body’s skin microbiome. You’ve likely heard of the gut microbiome, which is why there are so many probiotic products on the market. The participants in the article say the skin’s microbiome has been disturbed by our 26 Columnists August 16, 2019
obsession with clean hygiene, and doing away with such products will help replenish the body’s skin to its apparent-original state. It’s worth noting that there has not been any scientific energy into this idea and that studies don’t yet back up these practices to improve skin microbiomes. I’m fascinated by this idea of going backwards. Paleo diet, replenish our biomes, yet nothing else in our lives is as it used to be. We sit in air-conditioned buildings, drive where we need to go, and go to the grocery store for our bounty instead of killing prey and picking fruit. It’s as if we’re nitpicking what we like about the past without understanding our evolution from it. My mother didn’t have television as a child and had no problem with us watching it as much as we liked. “You try living without it,” she would argue to critics. I’m sure there is far more that goes into our bodies being completely balanced, without the offensive smells that come forth from it. Until that is completely understood I respect other’s routines but am happy to leave my soap and shampoo in the shower. To my future girlfriends, you’re welcome. One of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta, Melissa’s worked for B98.5 and Q100. Catch her daily on theProgressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Tweet her! @MelissaCarter TheGeorgiaVoice.com
SOMETIMES ‘Y’
Maricón in the Mediterranean Ryan Lee I went on a cruise around Italy, Greece, and Croatia last week, and was the only gay passenger aboard the ship (officially). There was supposed to be a cocktail mixer for LGBTQ cruisers one evening, but no one was there when I arrived and so I ordered a drink and listened to one barback tease another about being a maricón.
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“Well I’m here to find the other maricóns,” I said in jest. “I was beginning to think I was the only one on this boat!”
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Paranoia flashed across the staff members’ faces as they realized a gay passenger had overheard them bandying a gay slur. However, I had no desire to spend my vacation trying to get an overworked employee reprimanded or fired over an exchange that only three people heard and which hurt none of us. “You don’t have to worry about me telling your bosses, but you should probably think two or three times before using that word where an LGBTQ gathering is supposed to be taking place,” I said. It was enough for me to have startled them with the disclosure of my sexual orientation, to have expanded their perception of what a maricón could look like, and to have called them out when I could have just as easily walked away with another Long Island Iced Tea. I didn’t need any managerial backup for the employees to feel the force of my faggotry. The 30 family members and friends who were aboard the cruise got a generous dose of Big Gay Ryan, too, thanks to days worth of daisy dukes, booty-hugging bathing suits and semi-suggestive humor. “Has anybody else had fun with the bidet yet?” I asked our group a few hours after we checked into an Italian hotel at the end of our cruise. “I’ve used it four times already, and three were before I took my first shit!” It’s heartwarming listening to a roomful of heterosexuals burst into laughter after TheGeorgiaVoice.com
OFF
ANY SERVICE CALL, NEW & EXISTING CUSTOMERS hearing their gay family member make butt jokes. It’s just as affirming knowing there are spouses, children, and friends who have become part of our family since I left home, and the only Ryan they know offers an expression of homosexuality that is starkly apart from most they may have experienced.
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One of the highlights of my trip was a drunken, late-night conversation with the husband of a dear childhood friend (side note: the vast majority of conversations on a cruise are drunken, including one with a said friend a few nights earlier that had me bawling 160-proof tears). Her husband complimented and appreciated me for not being a stereotype, and I shared how desperate I am to not be separated from the gay men that much of society finds distasteful. “Those men make this world so much easier for me,” I said, thinking of the ones who are called maricón instead of overhearing it. “I can meet someone and go months or however long I want without them knowing I’m gay, but then a significant part of who I am and who my people are will be invisible unless I claim it myself.” August 16, 2019 Columnists 27