Bishop OC Allen, Jim Farmer, Cynthia Salinas-Cappellano, Julius James, Bill Malcolm, Vanessa Payne, Melissa Scott, Adalei Stevens
Production
Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com
Sales
Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor dtaylor@thegavoice.com
Sales Executive: Jim Brams jbrams@thegavoice.com
Sales Executive & Photographer: Russell Bowen-Youngblood russ@alphabetsoupmarketing.com
Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti
Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group
National Advertising: Rivendell Media • 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com
Publisher Emeritus: Chris Cash 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 24-issue mailed subscription for $149 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 twice a month by Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $149 per year for 24 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.
Welcome to Atlanta Black Pride Weekend x Global Black Pride 2024!
Bishop OC Allen, Julius James, and Melissa Scott Founders, Atlanta Black Pride Weekend
It is with immense pride and joy that we, the founders of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend, welcome you to this momentous occasion. As we embark on another year of celebrating love, legacy, and the power of our community, we are thrilled to share this special moment with you.
This year holds particular significance as we have the distinct honor of hosting Global Black Pride for the first time right here in Atlanta. This milestone not only highlights Atlanta’s role as a beacon of inclusivity, resilience, and cultural celebration but also emphasizes the city’s commitment to elevating the Black LGBTQ community on a global scale.
Global Black Pride is dedicated to celebrating and advocating for the Black LGBTQ community worldwide. With a mission to create spaces that uplift and empower individuals through cultural, educational, and social programs, Global Black Pride resonates deeply with our values here in
Atlanta. By partnering with Global Black Pride, we are uniting our efforts to amplify the voices and experiences of Black LGBTQ people everywhere.
Celebrating Atlanta Black Pride Weekend is about more than just joy and festivity; it is about honoring our unique identities, shared histories, and the rich culture that defines us. It is a powerful recognition of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our journey and a commitment to continuing the fight for equality and justice for all Black LGBTQ individuals. Atlanta Black Pride Weekend serves as a reminder of our resilience and offers a space where we can unapologetically express our true selves while celebrating the beauty of our diversity.
We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs for their unwavering support and partnership, which has been instrumental in making this week a reality. Their dedication to our cause underscores the importance of collaboration in building a city where every voice is heard, every story is shared, and every person is celebrated.
As we come together to celebrate our identities, history, and future, we invite you to fully immerse yourself in the experiences that lie ahead. This week is a testament to our collective strength and the vibrant tapestry that makes our community so unique. From cultural events and educational programs to social gatherings and advocacy efforts, the activities of this week are designed to inspire, uplift, and empower.
This gathering is not just a celebration; it is a powerful declaration of who we are and what we stand for. It is an opportunity to connect with one another, share our stories, and build lasting bonds that will carry us forward. In coming together, we create a force that transcends boundaries and challenges the status quo, reminding the world that the Black LGBTQ community is vibrant, resilient, and unstoppable.
We are grateful to have you with us on this incredible journey. Together with our partners, we will continue to shine a light on the beauty of our diversity and the strength of our unity. As we celebrate, let us remember the significance of our gathering and the impact of our collective efforts.
Pure Heat Festival PHOTO VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:
dofetilide
rifampin
any other medicines to treat HIV-1
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.
Have any other health problems.
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.
If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
*Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023.
SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY
Listen to REAL STORIES being told by REAL VOICES. No matter where life takes you, Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.
Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.
BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.
*This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.
Staff reports
Read these stories and more online at thegavoice.com
GLAAD: Anti-LGBTQ Disinformation Impacting Support for Equality
New research from GLAAD shows that while “a supermajority” of Americans support LGBTQ equal rights, but the far right’s attack on the community is having an impact as rates of support have declined slightly.
According to GLAAD’s annual Accelerating Acceptance Study, 95 percent of non-LGBTQ Americans believe schools should be safe and accepting for all youth; 93 percent say people should be accepted for who they are, and 70 percent of Gen Z reports discrimination based on their gender identity.
The report also shows that 80 percent of Americans support LGBTQ equal rights, but that is down from a record high of 84 percent one year ago. And all LGBTQ adults report increased negative mental health impact, fear for their safety, and online and real-world harassment.
The study found that accurate media coverage leads to higher acceptance and comfortability among non-LGBTQ people and increased motivation for non-LGBTQ people to speak up for all LGBTQ people. According to the report, accurate news coverage leads to greater readiness to voice support for LGBTQ people, with non-LGBTQ Americans who see LGBTQ in media being 1.3 times more motivated to support LGBTQ Americans. Non-LGBTQ adults who see LGBTQ people in media are 30 percent more familiar with LGBTQ people and 35 percent more comfortable interacting with LGBTQ people in various scenarios.
Trump and Vance Trade Falsehoods about Harris and Walz
Donald Trump has virtually—or all but virtually, if you factor in the conversation with Elon Musk on X—stopped campaigning for president. Or so it seems. Vice President Kamala Harris has been traveling from city to city in
the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada to large and enthusiastic crowds. Crowds so large—15,000 each in Detroit, Las Vegas, and Phoenix—Trump has insisted videos of the events are AI-generated.
While Harris has been filling stadiums, Trump has only gone to one rally, in Montana, ostensibly to stump for the GOP Senate candidate, but mostly to call Harris, “dumb,” “low IQ,” “lacking mental capacity” and a “b*tch.”
Harris’s blitz of swing states has added to enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket and bolstered her polling. Where a month ago, Trump led President Joe Biden in every swing state, Harris now leads.
Trump’s vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, has been picking up the slack for Trump’s lack of campaign energy, stalking Harris in several cities—even crossing her path on the tarmac. Vance also toured the Sunday shows August 11, appearing on ABC, CBS, and CNN, touting the Trump campaign’s plans for 2025, which include rolling back women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, and rounding up one million undocumented immigrants as a “start” to deporting 20 million overall.
Some of Vance’s most stunning statements came in an interview on ABC’s “This Week” with ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent, Jon Karl. In what became an increasingly contentious interview, Karl asked Vance about his promise to be honest with American voters.
Karl then said Trump had claimed at his Montana rally that Kamala Harris’s vicepresidential pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, “signed a law letting the state kidnap children to change their gender.” Karl said the accusation “isn’t true, it’s not even remotely true” and called it “crazy.”
Vance disagreed. Instead, he falsely claimed that Walz supports the government taking children away from their parents if the parents don’t consent to gender transition treatments.
Walz has not signed any legislation allowing the state to remove children from their parent’s custody if they don’t consent to gender transition treatment. On August 8, the Washington Post reported, “In March 2023, Walz issued an executive order protecting trans patients’ ability to receive medical care that helps them live according to their gender identity. The order also shields patients, parents and providers from punishment by other states for seeking and delivering such care. The next month, he signed legislation enshrining similar protections that supporters said would establish Minnesota as a ‘trans refuge.’”
That law protects transgender patients, parents, and health-care providers from out-of-state laws that would punish them for receiving care. Walz has been attacked by Minnesota Republicans for his support for those protections which do not involve taking children from their parents.
On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Vance accused Harris of being “anti-family” in response to questions about his previous description of the Democratic Party as being run by “childless cat ladies,” including Harris and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Harris is the stepmother to two children, and Buttigieg is raising adopted twins with his husband Chasten.
Buttigieg appeared on CNN following the Vance interview and said Vance’s comments were part of a “politics of disparagement and destruction and insult” that were fundamental to Trump’s presidency.
Eddie’s Attic
Supreme Court Blocks Biden Rule to Protect Students from Discrimination
Katie Burkholder
The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked a new rule from the Biden administration intended to protect students from discrimination based on gender identity.
The new federal rule, issued by the Biden administration in April and went into effect on August 1, expanded the parameters of Title IX, a 1972 law that bars sex discrimination in schools receiving funding from the federal government. The rule sought to include gender identity into the language preventing discrimination “on the basis of sex.”
“For more than 50 years, Title IX has promised an equal opportunity to learn and thrive in our nation's schools free from sex discrimination,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said when the rule was announced in April. “These final regulations build on the legacy of Title IX by clarifying that all our nation’s students can access schools that are safe, welcoming, and respect their rights.”
Ten Republican-led states challenged the rule, suing to block it from taking effect in their jurisdictions. The Supreme Court issued a court order on August 16 rejecting a request by the White House to be allowed to partially lift lower court injunctions that
had blocked the rule as the litigation moved forward. The lower court decisions had prevented the Department of Education from enforcing the rule in Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Idaho, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Cincinnatibased 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals both denied requests to partially enforce the
rule, prompting the administration to seek intervention from the Supreme Court.
The decision to reject the request was made by a vote of 5-4 and left unsigned, as is common for emergency petitions.
“Importantly,” the unsigned order said, “all members of the court today accept that the plaintiffs were entitled to preliminary
injunctive relief as to three provisions of the rule, including the central provision that newly defines sex discrimination to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the liberal wing and Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, issued a partial dissent arguing the court should have allowed undisputed parts of the new rule to go into effect.
While Jonathan Skrmetti, the attorney general of Tennessee, said the outcome was “a win for student privacy, free speech, and the rule of law,” LGBTQ advocates believe the decision blocks the implementation of necessary protections for young people.
“It is disappointing that the Supreme Court has allowed far-right forces to stop the implementation of critical civil rights protections for youth,” Cathryn Oakley, the senior director of legal policy for the Human Rights Campaign, said.
The court is expected to make a decision regarding trans youth next term, which begins in October, with a case involving the constitutionality of a law in Tennessee banning certain gender-affirming medical treatments for minors.
The U.S. Supreme Court PHOTO VIA THE COLLECTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
Global Black Pride Brings New Spin to Atlanta Black Pride Weekend
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (ABPW) returns to the city over Labor Day weekend for its 26th year, but this time with a historic twist: APBW will be partnering with Global Black Pride (GBP) to be the first American host city of the international celebration.
Founded in the middle of the pandemic, GBP was created by Nigerian American Micheal Ighodaro to build up the infrastructure needed for Black Pride organizations around the world. The first event, which was held virtually in 2020, attracted 11 million people from across the globe.
This year marks the second in-person GBP celebration after being held in Toronto, Canada, in 2022.
“We are just so thrilled to be in Atlanta,” Ighodaro told Georgia Voice. “There’s nothing like Atlanta, you can’t compare it to anything. We have an experience we’ve created, and we’ve work so hard to showcase what Atlanta is and what American is to others but also to bring people together from around the world who normally would never have experienced Pride before.”
Atlantans can expect a new and expanded Black Pride weekend this year; instead of kicking off on Thursday, the festivities begin on Tuesday with the Human Rights and Health Conference, which will bring “activists from around the world… policymakers, and advocacy organizations [together] to engage and learn but also share their perspectives,” according to Ighodaro. Another new addition will be the Global Black Village, which will bring non-profits and businesses together to create a space affirming of Black LGBTQ people, and a political roundtable, representing the significance of the election
year to both ABPW and GBP.
“This year is a significant year in the U.S. given the election, and so for us, bringing Global Black Pride to Atlanta was not just about Atlanta but also about making sure folks from around the world can share their perspective with Americans so they know how important it is and how the elections affect [non-Americans’] daily lives as well,”
Ighodaro said. “We want to make sure people know that and take it into consideration
when they make their decision about who they’re going to vote for.”
“I have to boldly and outwardly say it’s very important that we elect our Democratic Representative, and that’s Kamala Harris,” Melissa Scott, managing partner of ABPW, told Georgia Voice. “That’s very, very important, I don’t even want to sit on the fence on that.”
The Pure Heat Community Festival, a long-
time favorite of Black Pride-goers, will also serve as an opportunity for organizing and community-building around activism for the Black queer community. The festival, which has also been expanded into two days, will include an LGBTQ youth festival providing youth-specific resources and a safe space for queer and allied young people, as well as opportunities for people to get connected with other resources they need.
“You can come to that park needing shelter, needing food, needing education, and you can walk away with all of it — or at least the outlet to get access to those things,” Scott said.
Amidst the community outreach and political education, the weekend will still be a party. The entertainment stage will be headlined on Saturday by award-winning singer and actor Billy Porter and Nigerian singer and songwriter Yemi Alade (who makes history as the first African act to headline a Pride celebration). Singer Jessica Betts will be granted the Trailblazer Award by her wife, Niecy Nash, on Sunday after performing at the Powerher Woman’s Empowerment Brunch (another new addition this year) on Saturday.
Other performers taking the festival stage on Saturday include Omawumi, Jus Jahlisa, Parrisse Price, Chanie Xile, Damez, Sevndeep, Steezo TM, and Mista Strange. Other award honorees will include Rashad Burgess, Lisa Cunningham, Funky Dineva, Judge Pierce Hand Seitz, Derek Ford, Devin Barrington, Adrienne Gates, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Earl D. Fowlkes.
Global Black Pride Atlanta will be held from August 27 – September 2. To find a full calendar of events, head to pages 12 and 13 or visit atlantaprideweekend.com.
Katie Burkholder
Singer Jessica Betts will be granted the Trailblazer Award by her wife, Niecy Nash. PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM
Global Black Pride Weekend Lineup
Over Labor Day Weekend, Atlanta’s Black Pride weekend – the biggest Black Pride celebration in the country – is getting a global spin: Atlanta is the host city of Global Black Pride 2024, the first American city to host the event. A collaborative effort between Atlanta Black Pride Weekend, RockStars Production, The City of Atlanta Mayors division of LGBTQIA Affairs, and the Global Black Pride Organization, Global Black Pride, the weekend provides a platform to celebrate the LGBTQ community while highlighting diversity and Black LGBTQ excellence across the globe. From community events and parties to educational opportunities and cultural initiatives, the weekend is packed full of activities for everyone.
Culture and Community
Global Village
August 27-30
Georgia World Congress Center
Before the weekend’s activities, Global Black Pride invites delegates and the public to witness how collective action and cultural expression foster empowerment and solidarity. This free event features a curated program from individuals and groups working across health, human rights, and cultural interests. Programming includes art exhibits, film screenings, live performances, marketplace booths, and NGO booths!
The Global Village kicks off on August 27 with an opening reception at 6pm, then continues from August 28 and 29 from 9am to 8pm, and closes on August 30 from 7am to 1pm. Learn more at globalblackpride.org/ global-black-village-presented-by-viiv.
Black Pride Movie Night
August 28, 6pm
Out Front Theatre Company
Celebrate Black Pride with this screening of “Beyond the Aggressives”! Get ready for a fun and empowering evening surrounded by friends and allies. Let's come together to honor and celebrate our diverse community. With a panel following the screening, this evening will be filled with community and love. Suggested $5 donation will benefit snap4freedom!
Powerher Woman’s Empowerment Brunch
August 31, 11am-2pm
Starling Hotel
Men’s Empowerment Brunch
August 31, 11:30am-2:30pm
Starling Hotel
Global Black Pride Festival
August 31, noon-6pm
Piedmont Park
Yemi Alade, Billy Porter, and Omawumi
headline this incredible festival, which will include a diverse lineup of other performances, inspiring talks, community stalls, and interactive workshops!
We Rock Pride Brunch
August 31, 1-4pm
Truth Midtown
Poetry Slam R&B Brunch
September 1, noon-3pm
Starling Hotel
Hosted By Grammy-nominated icon Queen Sheba, enjoy a delicious brunch buffet with live poets and a live R&B band! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
Pure Heat Community Festival
September 1, noon-8pm
Piedmont Park
Jessica Betts and Niecy Nash-Betts will make appearances at Atlanta’s iconic Pure Heat festival!
Hoochie Daddies Live Reunion Taping
September 1, 6:30-10pm
Out Front Theatre Company
Get ready for the live taping of the season two reunion of the #1 show on Tubi, “Hoochie Daddies.” Get up close and personal with the cast and winner, Tie Jack, hosted by Wootie Woo and Kia "Comedy"
Education and Activism
Human Rights and Health Conference
August 27-29
Georgia World Congress Center
This conference is a pivotal gathering dedicated to advocating for the rights of Black LGBTQ people worldwide. The summit will address the challenges faced by the Black LGBTQ community, celebrate the community’s achievements, and suggest strategies for a more equitable and inclusive future. The event will include interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and networking opportunities. Register at globalblackpride. org/event/global-black-pride-human-rightsand-health-conference/2024-08-27.
Global Black Trans Rally
August 31, 10am
Georgia World Congress Center Email info@globalblackpride.com for more details.
Global Black Pride Freedom March
September 1, 9am-noon
Stand in solidarity, amplify Black queer voices, and continue the relentless pursuit of justice for all Black LGBTQ worldwide
Katie Burkholder
Barnes! Tickets via Eventbrite.
Omawumi performs at the Global Black Pride Festival this year. PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
by marching alongside members of the community, including this year’s Grand Marshals! Register your march group at info@ globalblackpride.org.
Parties and Nightlife
Shoot Your Shot Live
August 28, 8pm-midnight
Truth Midtown
Hosted by dating coach Lamont White!
The Annual Naked Hustle
All Girl Day Party
August 30, 3-9pm
Magic City
Embrace the vibrant energy of Atlanta's legendary strip club, where the beats are hot, the drinks are cold, and the vibes are unmatched. Naked Hustle brings you an unforgettable afternoon of music, dancing, and entertainment! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
Influencers Award Dinner
August 30, 7pm
Starling Hotel
This semi-formal event celebrates Black excellence with a four-course meal, a cocktail hour, live entertainment, an awards ceremony, and an after-party! Purchase tickets at atlantablackprideldr.com/influencer-dinner.
Ron Pullman
August 30, 8pm
Atlanta Eagle $10 cover.
Black Pride Kick Off Party
August 30, 9pm
My Sister’s Room
Dance to R&B upstairs with DJ Candy Raine and Showtime and hip-hop downstairs with BossBritt and DJExel!
Kinky Carnival
August 30, 9pm-2am
Atlanta Eagle Gear is encouraged!
Mega Ladies Lounge:
Charged Up
August 30, 10pm-3am
Josephine Lounge
Join DJ Loaf for an electrifying evening filled with empowerment, celebration, and unforgettable vibes. Don't miss out on this epic gathering of strong, vibrant women! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
Leonce
August 31, 8pm Atlanta Eagle $10 cover.
Grown Folks in the City
August 31, 9pm-2am
Casa Almenara
Step into Casa Almenara for an unforgettable evening that combines elegance with the spirit of Pride. Revel in an atmosphere of inclusion, celebration, and excitement designed for the grown folks! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
Annual WetHER
Block Party
August 31, 3-8:30pm
Midtown Beach Club
Get ready to make a splash at the Annual WetHER pool party! Get wet, wild, and embrace the pure essence of Pride. Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
HER Big Bang
August 31, 10pm-3am
Westside Cultural Arts Center
Get ready for the ultimate Pure EnHERgy experience at HER Big Bang! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
AfterShock Goliath
September 1, 10pm-3am
Highness
Experience the power and energy of the Sunday Night Goliath Party, a night of epic proportions as we celebrate community, diversity, and pure pride! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
Phoenix Le Grand
September 1, 11pm
Atlanta Eagle $10 cover.
Annual Booze Cruise
September 2, noon
Starling Hotel
Hop on a party bus and head to Margaritaville for an all-inclusive day of fun, music, a Caribbean buffet, open bar, and celebration! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend. com/female-events.
Drip Day Party and BBQ
September 2, 4-9pm
Truth Midtown
Close out the weekend with this epic day party! Make sure to come from 4-6 for free BBQ! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/ female-events.
Annual All White Party
September 2, 10pm-2am
Revel Atlanta
It’s the grand finale of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend in style at the Monday Night Final Annual All White Party! Celebrate unity, love, and community in your freshest whites to close out the weekend with a bang! Tickets at atlantaprideweekend.com/female-events.
DJ Phoenix Le Grand spins September 1 at the Atlanta Eagle. PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM
This election year is already marked by a lot of noise and very little agreement. However, there is one thing we know for
Voters 50 Plus Decide Elections
Vanessa Payne, AARP Georgia State Director
This election year is already marked by a lot of noise and very little agreement. However, there is one thing we know for sure: voters 50-plus decide elections. In fact, they are the majority of voters in every election, and candidates who don’t recognize the power of these voters are unlikely to win.
Here’s how we know this to be true: for all 50 states and all 435 congressional districts, AARP analyzed data for the 2020 elections to show exactly who was deciding elections. More specifically, in Georgia, 51 percent of the electorate in 2020 was age 50-plus. In 2020, 55 percent of Georgia’s voters 50plus were women, 27 percent were African American, and 33 percent were from rural areas of the state.
So, what are the priorities of voters over 50? They want candidates to address the issues that matter most to them and their families,
including challenges like caring for their loved ones and protecting their hard-earned contributions to Social Security.
Caregiving
According to AARP research, more than 48 million Americans are family caregivers –that's one in five voters. AARP is mobilizing this significant slice of the electorate to fight for commonsense solutions that will save caregivers time and money and get them more support.
Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system, helping with everything from buying groceries and managing medications to bathing and dressing. They often put their own finances and jobs at risk to care for loved ones. America’s family caregivers provide more than $600 billion in unpaid care each year, saving taxpayers billions by keeping loved ones at home instead of in Medicaid-funded nursing homes. Georgia’s 1,260,000 unpaid family caregivers contribute more than 1.18
million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at approximately $16.3 billion.
A recent AARP survey shows that most voters – 70 percent – say they are more likely to support a candidate who backs proposals that support family caregivers, such as tax credits, paid family leave, and respite services. An overwhelming 75 percent of voters over 50 say it is important for Congress to help older Americans live independently in their homes instead of in nursing homes.
Social Security
Voters aged 50 and over also are focused on the sustainability of our country’s Social Security system. If Congress doesn’t act in the next 10 years to protect and save this program – which is vital to American workers of all ages – it could be cut by 20 percent, an average of $4,000 a year. A cut like that could be devastating to retirees who paid in and earned their Social Security through a lifetime of hard work.
Voting Information
Voters aged 50 and over know they can count on AARP for nonpartisan information about when, where, and how to vote, and the candidates’ positions on their policy priorities. We don’t tell our members or anyone else who to vote for, but we are committed to making sure all voters have the information they need to make their voices heard in the 2024 elections.
Here in Georgia, 2.5 million voters over 50 have long been the deciders in elections. Candidates who want to get elected should pay close attention to these voters and the issues they care about. This isn’t their first time to vote, nor their last.
AARP is standing with Georgia voters by providing reliable election information they need to make their voice heard in November.
Find out how to register, details on mailin voting and polling places, plus all the key voting deadlines for Georgia at aarp. org/gavotes.
sure: voters 50-plus decide elections. PHOTO COURTESY OF AARP
We're in Your Corner
People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do.
AARP offers information on when, where and how to vote, and local resources and tools to help you achieve your goals and stay connected. Find us at aarp.org/gavotes.
Innovation, Strength, and Love: A Glimpse into the 2024 Translife Awards
As anticipation builds ahead of the fourth annual Translife Awards, Dewayne Queen, the visionary founder and chairman of the event, reflects on the incredible journey of honoring pioneers for their impactful and pivotal work in the Atlanta transgender community.
Queen’s commitment to recognizing the achievements of the trans and non-binary communities culminates in this year’s theme, which he describes in three words: innovation, strength, and love.
“The theme for this year really captures the essence of what we aim to celebrate,” Queen told Georgia Voice. “Innovation because we’re recognizing new and groundbreaking contributions to our community. Strength because it takes incredible fortitude to be a trailblazer in a challenging environment. And love, because at the heart of everything we do is a profound sense of care and respect for our community.”
With a clear and profound sense of purpose, Queen is steering this year’s awards to new heights. In an exclusive interview with Georgia Voice, he shared his thoughts on the significance of the event, the impact of the Atlanta Black Pride partnership, and the future of the Winters Lane Foundation.
“This is a space for all. I really want our local community to know that they are welcomed and that they should attend to see that the trans community is not a monolith,” Queen said of the award ceremony, which will be held on August 31. “They are so vast in so many areas. This is why they deserve to be celebrated. When they fight for justice and equality, they not only fight for the trans community, but they fight for all of the letters of the LGBTQ community.”
This year’s Translife Awards will continue its tradition of honoring remarkable individuals
that have made significant contributions to the trans and non-binary communities. The awards will recognize both pioneers and allies who have dedicated their efforts to advancing community advocacy and equality.
Among the honorees this year is Dr. Lulu, a cisgender mother of a trans child who has made substantial strides in educating families about raising trans children. Dr. Lulu’s work has garnered national attention, including conversations with Oprah Winfrey, and make her a fitting recipient of the Pioneer of the Year award.
The Translife Awards will also honor and celebrate Gabrielle Claiborne, who will be the first recipient of the DeeDee Chamblee Lifetime Achievement Award. Claiborne’s extensive work in bridging gaps within the trans community and advocating for change exemplifies the spirit of the award, which was renamed in honor of the late DeeDee Chamblee, a significant figure in both the trans and HIV/AIDS advocacy communities.
As the awards approach, Queen emphasizes the importance of community involvement.
With upcoming elections and legislative battles affecting queer and trans rights, Queen’s vision extends beyond celebration to active advocacy.
“This year, we are making a concerted effort to engage our community in the electoral process,” Queen said. “At the awards, we’ll have voter registration and status checks onsite, thanks to our partners like GTEP and Representative Park Cannon. We want to ensure that everyone is not only registered but also aware of their voting status and any issues that need to be addressed before the elections.”
Starting in 2025, the Translife Awards will partner with the Winters Lane Foundation and extend annual programming to professional and educational assistance through the inaugural “Passage” and “Knowledge” programs. In support of this new endeavor, the Translife Awards hopes to raise $10,000, with funds going directly to the planning, execution, and managing of these crucial service-based programs for the transgender community.
As Queen puts it, “This is a time for us to come together, celebrate our achievements,
and look forward to the future. Let’s make this year’s awards a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite in support of each other.”
The 2024 Translife Awards will be hosted by Tiffany Starr at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights on Saturday, August 31 at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased for $50 at thetranslifeawards.com until August 31. The ticket includes admission, a plated dinner, and drinks at the event.
Adalei Stevens
The recipients of the 2023 Translife Awards. PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Meet Your Grand Marshals for Global Black Pride 2024
Ahead of Global Black Pride in Atlanta this Labor Day weekend, the organization has announced this year’s Grand Marshals, Black LGBTQ people from around the world who are working to envision a world where Black LGBTQ folks can thrive without systemic barriers.
This year’s Global Black Pride Grand Marshals are:
Bishop O.C. Allen III – A renowned religious leader and advocate known for his seminal work in both religious and social justice spheres, Bishop Allen’s participation in this year’s Atlanta Black Pride celebrations underscores his unwavering commitment to the queer community and broader social equity.
His career spans several impactful roles, including serving on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) under President Obama and as Southeastern Chair of the DNC-LGBT Advisory Board. As the founder and presiding Bishop of the United Progressive Pentecostal Fellowship of Churches, he leads a network of faithbased organizations across the U.S. and Latin America. His leadership extends to The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta and The Vision Community Foundation, Inc., which supports thousands annually through initiatives like the “Community In Action” program and local shelters.
A dynamic orator and visionary, Bishop Allen is also noted for his advocacy in socioeconomic and health issues, including HIV/AIDS prevention and breast cancer awareness. His influence is evident in his various honors, including being named LGBT Business Champion of the Year by
the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a Grand Marshal, Bishop Allen brings a legacy of revolution, compassion, and advocacy, highlighting his dedication to empowering marginalized communities.
Hope Giselle-Godsey – A Miami native and formidable advocate for trans and Black communities, Giselle’s impactful work as an activist and facilitator began at Alabama State University, where she was instrumental in establishing the school’s first LGBTQ organization. As the first openly trans woman to earn a BFA and master’s in fine arts from ASU, Giselle not only broke barriers but also set a precedent for future generations.
Her role as Grand Marshal for the 2024 Global Black Pride is an attestation to her dedication and influence in the fight for equality and representation. Giselle’s contemporary social perspectives on trans and Black identities have significantly influenced public discourse,
emphasizing the importance of visibility, intersectionality, and inclusion.
In addition to her formative work in academia, Giselle is the founder of AllowMe, a nonprofit organization committed to amplifying disempowered voices. Her advocacy extends through collaborations with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Freedom for All Americans, and LGBT University. Through these efforts, Giselle strives to create a more equitable society where every individual’s voice is heard and valued. Her ongoing work marks her as a vital force in the realm of social justice and activism.
Clare Byarugaba – An esteemed LGBTQ activist and feminist from Uganda, Clare has made monumental strides in advocating for LGBTQ rights amid immense challenges. With a background in International Business from Makerere University Business School and experience as Budget Officer in Uganda’s
Parliament, Clare transitioned from traditional roles to become a pioneering voice for LGBTI rights.
Her activism began in earnest in 2011, leading the fight against Uganda’s harsh Anti-Homosexuality Bill through her role with the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CSCHRCL). Notably, Clare was instrumental in organizing Uganda’s first gay pride event in 2012, a significant milestone in a region where such expressions of identity face severe risks.
In her current role with Chapter Four Uganda, Clare continues to champion LGBTI rights. She founded PFLAG-Uganda to bridge gaps between queer individuals and their families. She also co-founded the Uganda Kuchus Aquatic Team (UKAT) to use sports as a platform for advocacy. Her leadership in the Convening for Equality reflects her ongoing battle against repressive legislation in Uganda.
Clare’s accolades include the 2011 U.S. State Department Human Rights Defender Award and the 2023 Human Rights Tulip. Her role as Grand Marshal at Global Black Pride celebrates her resilience and impact, honoring her as a beacon of hope and courage for disenfranchised groups worldwide.
Kimahli Powell – As a distinguished leader in international non-governmental organizations whose work made significant contributions to global advocacy and community building in the last twenty years, Powell’s academic foundation in Political Science from the University of Ottawa and a Doctor of Laws from the University of Victoria support him as he works in international development,
Adalei Stevens
Clockwise from top left: Bishop OC Allen, Kelley Robinson, Hope Giselle-Godsey, Clare Byarugaba, Chris Muriithi, and Kimahli Powell. PHOTOS VIA INSTAGRAM
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
law and policy, HIV/AIDS advocacy, and support for internally displaced persons. His resume includes pivotal roles at Dignitas International, where he bolstered communitybased health systems in Malawi, and the HIV Legal Network, where he played a crucial role in challenging Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law and developing a robust legal advocacy framework.
Under his leadership at Rainbow Railroad, the organization has expanded its reach to support thousands of individuals facing persecution and has executed successful crisis intervention in regions like Chechnya, Egypt, Uganda, Afghanistan, and Ukraine and forged historic partnerships with the Canadian government, U.S. government, and the UN Refugee Agency.
As a board member for ILGA, former Chair of the Dignity Network, and current member of the Foundation for Black Communities and Refugee Council USA, Powell’s impact
extends across multiple spheres. His regular media appearances on CNN, MSCNBC, CBC, BBC, and 60 Minutes further amplify his advocacy work. Powell’s role as Grand Marshal is a celebration of his tireless efforts to advance human rights and support nongovernmental advocacy.
Chris Muriithi – CEO and founder of Bold Network Africa, Muriithi is a trailblazer in LGBTQ advocacy and storytelling. Before fully dedicating themselves to activism, Muriithi built a notable career as a journalist, working with local media houses in Kenya and contributing to the BBC’s youth program, where they were nominated for an Emmy Award. Their transition from journalism to activism was driven by a deep, personal commitment to support the queer population in Africa.
In 2020, Muriithi founded Bold Network Africa to challenge stereotypes and provide a platform for authentic queer narratives. Their impactful projects include the “Human Enough” docuseries and podcast, which offer
a platform for queer African individuals to share their stories and access mental health support. The podcast, in particular, has reached over 1,000 listeners, providing crucial advocacy and fostering dialogues on discrimination and resilience.
Muriithi’s work is a testament to their courage and dedication, aiming to inspire acceptance and drive legislative change across Africa. Their role as Grand Marshal at this year’s Atlanta Black Pride celebrates their significant contributions to fostering understanding and solidarity within the LGBTQ community.
Kelley Robinson – Robinson is the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and stands out as a formidable leader and advocate for LGBTQ rights. As the first Black, queer woman to lead HRC, Robinson has brought unprecedented energy and vision to the organization, which is the largest civil rights group in the United States.
With over 15 years of experience, Robinson
has championed numerous initiatives for LGBTQ, racial, and gender equity. She guided HRC to declare a national State of Emergency in response to the surge in antiLGBTQ legislation, mobilizing a network of over 3 million members and supporters to combat discrimination and advocate for inclusive policies. Her strategic efforts have achieved significant victories, including countering anti-trans rhetoric and securing wins for “Equality Voters” in key elections.
Robinson’s tenure also saw the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act and the defeat of anti-LGBTQ+ amendments in Congress. Beyond policy, she has highlighted LGBTQ culture, co-hosting the Las Vegas Equality Ball and speaking out on critical issues like the attacks on trans youth. Named to the 2024 TIME100, Robinson continues to shape the discourse in LGBTQ+rights through her influential media presence and roles as a Senior Fellow at the Ketting Foundation and former Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
The History of Black Pride in Atlanta and Beyond
The best events come from grassroots organizing, quite literally, in this case for Atlanta Black Pride (ABP). Starting in the ’80s, young, Black queer friend groups would hold picnics during Labor Day Weekend to celebrate “their unique experience in Atlanta’s LGBT community.” Every year, the picnics grew with new friends and partners across Atlanta’s parks and backyards, until it evolved into the annual Atlanta Black Pride, Inc. founded by their sponsor In the Life Atlanta (ITLA). The intent was to “formalize, smaller disparate events” under one banner. Now, Black queer folks come to Atlanta Black Pride every Labor Day Weekend from around the world to celebrate its legacy spanning more than four decades. The event now includes a variety of programming, from educational forums about STI testing and awareness, to erotic poetry nights, film screenings, block parties, and fashion shows – all designed to celebrate the richness of Black queer culture and community.
ITLA grew under Reverend Duncan Teague, a former Atlanta Pride board member, who knew a Black Pride could offer something more holistic. Teague himself spoke about his 1984 experience attending a pop-up picnic to Atlanta Magazine: “They were so beautiful… “I had never seen an outdoor event during the daylight in somebody’s backyard with this many Black gay men — it was astounding.”
The annual event was an answer to the Pride celebrations of the ’80s and ’90s that were not encompassing Atlanta's Black queer community. Often, they were protests and
celebrations organized largely by and for white gay men formed around privileged, upper-middle-class issues: marriage access, adoption debates, movie screenings, and parade and bar permits, for example. Black queer Pride focuses on issues central to the Black queer Experience: mental health awareness, proper healthcare access, and racism and intersectionality.
“The need for Atlanta Black Pride was born out of necessity, at the time we did not and was not invited to have a seat at the Atlanta Pride’s table,” Terrence Stewart, the CEO of one of Atlanta’s Black Pride organizations, told David Magazine in 2020. “Over the last five years that has changed, we often collaborate on several initiatives throughout the year.”
Make no mistake: there is no competition between the two.
“There is a very real need for spaces that are exclusively for LGBTQ or same-gender-loving Black people,” Atlanta Pride’s former executive director told NBC News in 2017. “There is a real need for people to have that space, because many queer communities are really a microcosm of the communities they frequent.”
Global Black Pride
This year, ABP is partnering with Global Black Pride in Atlanta.
“Atlanta is the Black mecca of the world already, GBP founder Micheal Ighodaro told Georgia Voice. “There's a lot of history and a lot of movement about what it means to be Black, LGBTQ [person] celebrat[ing] Pride. So, we thought it was important to
go back to the roots. [We know] the cultural relevance of what Atlanta is and what Georgia is, in general — and the South as well — to Black LGBTQIA people. We also know the significance of having a city that already has the largest Black pride in the world, so it made perfect sense for us to come to Atlanta.”
GBP was founded in 2020 in response to discrimination against Black Queer individuals in white gay spaces. The idea was a global, marathon Pride event that would pass the baton every three hours from South America to Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean before culminating in the US.
Issues Black Pride Can Amplify: Violence Against Black Trans Women
The way Pride looks changes for each community. The need for Pride as an advocacy tool is stronger than ever, especially for Black trans folks. Black trans women are significantly more likely to experience violence at the hands of a police officer, intimate partner, or perpetrator than their white counterparts. Just this August, Houston native Vanity Williams, an Air Force veteran in nursing school, was the 25th reported trans person to be the victim of a violent killing this year. Williams dreamed of owning a med spa and was described as someone “who made a safe space for everybody.”
Similarly, Atlanta’s own Shannon Boswell was the
20th reported homicide of a trans woman back in July. Tori Cooper, Human Rights Campaign Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, is reported as saying, “Shannon lived her life out loud. Her death is a tragedy for her friends and family and the Atlanta community. And those who knew her, loved her. Too often trans women like Shannon are killed by people that we know. If we can't trust people that we know, then who can we trust?” Although these cases are being actively pursued by police, there still has been no information released on potential suspects.
At the same time, a growing number of anti-trans bills are being passed nationwide, from children’s sports to drag shows. Just last year, the Human Rights Campaign announced a state of emergency as the number of anti-LGBTQ bills presented to Congress grew by over 500 — eighty of which were signed into law. The importance of Pride as a protest and visibility event is paramount now more than ever.
This year, to honor the legacy of Black trans activist Marsha P. Johnson, GBP will be hosting a Global Black Pride March on September 1, that will end at festival grounds in Piedmont Park. The march — not a parade — is intended to remind participants of Pride's roots as a protest to the events of the Stonewall Riots.
You can find Atlanta Black Pride x Global Black Pride events from August 26September 2 at atlantaprideweekend.com.
Cynthia Salinas-Cappellano
Reverend Duncan Teague PHOTO COURTESY OF LGBTQ RELIGIOUS ARCHIVES NETWORK
CULTURE
Your Fall Weekend in Historic Boston
Historic Boston makes for a perfect weekend. The city is so walkable (and has such great public transit), you will have sore legs. The historic city is home to more than five universities, so it feels like being in a college town on steroids.
Massachusetts is a civil rights and gay rights pioneer. Massachusetts celebrates 20 years of legal gay marriage, Governor Maura Healey was the first elected lesbian Governor in the nation, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is the city’s first Chinese mayor.
Although Boston has just a few bars, fabulous Provincetown is just a ferry ride away with its lively nightlife scene.
Luckily, the Club Café Bistro and Video Bar is always hopping and has several events every night of the week. It also has not one but two cabarets, great dining, dancing, drag brunches, and more. It was founded in 1983 as a video bar and is still going strong!
What to Do
Learn about the history of this city by taking a Boston by Foot Walking Tour. I took the history walk (aka Heart of the Freedom Trail Walk) which met in front of Faneuil Hall by the statute of Samuel Adams. A guide tells you the history of Boston and
how our country came to be thanks to the independent and freedom-minded people that galvanized all the colonies to rebel against the British and form the U.S. You will learn the correct version of history, too; did you know that only five people were shot in the “Boston Massacre”?
Nearby Faneuil Hall is the Old State House, the oldest surviving government building of the old British Colonies which was built in 1713. It also served as the birthplace of the independent government of Massachusetts.
Make your first stop the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. You will find it at 700 Boylston Street. It’s more of a museum that’s used as library. Don’t miss the murals, especially those on the third floor. The murals surrounding staircase hall are the only mural work outside of France done by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, a French painter who was considered one of the greatest muralists of the 19th century.
Other must-visits are Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, which are two great parks in the middle of the city. Then follow the 2.5-mile self-guided Freedom Trail with 17 revolutionary landmarks.
Take the Green Line subway out to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum near Northeastern University. This quirky museum has a plant-filled courtyard and
more. Enjoy the Raquib Shaw: Ballads of East and West. Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts, and of course, Fenway Park.
Where to Eat
I had dinner at the Boston Chops Urban Steakhouse Downtown which was great. If you don’t like steaks, try the salmon. You can even sit in an old bank vault!
Don’t miss the fast-casual Eataly in the Prudential Center. Filled with Italian specialties, it also offers fast casual dining featuring everything Italian. You can’t beat their pizza, but they also have salads and more. Take home some gourmet pasta sauce or Italian cheese and wine.
The food hall behind Faneuil Hall (Liberty Market) has every type of Boston specialty dish you could imagine. I had a fresh carrot
juice and salad while others enjoyed lobster bisque in a bread bowl. The seafood in Boston is fresh and local – indeed, it was one of the city’s first industries that supplied cod to Europe back in the day.
Boston Nightlife
I loved the Club Café Bistro and Video Bar. Located in the Back Bay neighborhood at 209 Columbus Avenue, this was a fun multipurpose bar. They had two cabaret shows the Saturday night I was there. Plus they serve food, so dining is an option. There is something going on every night, including drag brunches, karaoke, and more. Founded as a video bar in 1983, it has survived the retraction of bars in the city which some blame on gentrification while others note it is a nationwide trend. Other bars in
Bill Malcolm
Faneuil Hall is the Old State House, the oldest surviving government building of the old British Colonies which was built in 1713. PHOTO BY BILL MALCOLM
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22
Boston include Jacque’s Cabaret, a drag bar; Cathedral Station, a sports bar; and The Alley Bar in downtown.
Where to Stay
I stayed at the Altoft Boston Seaport at 401 D Street. The modern, new hotel has a Brazilian steakhouse in the building and a fun WXYZ Bar. Nearby is a liquor store and a Dunkin Donuts. South Boston is just a half mile south , which also has restaurant and retail options such as the Foodie’s Market at 230 West Broadway (which has a hot food and salad bar) and you can take the #9 bus into Back Bay. Best of all, the Aloft is a value and has no annoying “resort fee.” (Sadly, many Boston hotels now tack on $35 dollars a day or more for a fee which is sometimes called an amenity, destination, or resort fee. I don’t pay junk fees especially where they are buried as a footnote as “taxes and fees” on third-party booking sites.)
Other Helpful iInts
Getting around on the five subway lines or the bus system, known as the T, is a breeze.
South Boston is a different neighborhood from the South End. It’s confusing.
Boston is a city of neighborhoods. Both South Boston and the South End are great, as are Back Bay and Copley Square.
Spirit Magazine is Boston’s LGBTQ publication
Plan your trip and learn more about
Boston at meetboston.com/plan/trip-ideas/ lgbtq-boston.
Bill Malcolm is a syndicated travel writer whose column appears in publications and on websites throughout North America and on the travel blog at iglta.org.
The Club Café Bistro and Video Bar staff PHOTO BY BILL MALCOLM
Out Director Tina Mabry Helms New Film About Female Friendships
When she went in to pitch herself to direct the new film “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” Tina Mabry wound up crying because the material meant so much to her. She thought she had lost the job, but by the time the director got home, she had received a call that she had the gig.
Based on the popular novel of the same name, “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” is a drama about the friendship between three Black women – Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan), Clarice (Uzo Aduba), and Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) – who are longtime best friends and have dubbed themselves with the titular name. When Mabry read the novel and the first adaptation, it blew her away.
“To look at this story of these three women and their friendship, it reminded me of my family, my friendships,” she told Georgia Voice. “What made me so emotional was to see a story that was so raw, very authentic. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a film about friendships. Friendships have a love story, and I wanted to catch that – what does it look like, how friends hold us up after we go through so many storms, how do our Supremes show up when life is giving us every blow that it can?”
Mabry feels in Hollywood, there are a number of stories about women in their 20s. Yet those same women disappear when they are in their 40s.
“I don’t know where we go but we come back again when we are someone’s grandma,” she said. “We don’t tell about the 30s through 50s and that age range. I really wanted to show the vitality and the life we still have
of what [these women’s] friendships are going through, what their careers are going through, how we are battling our health at times. I feel like actors who are impeccably talented are sidelined for a long time because Hollywood doesn’t have a space for them.’’
She is quick to credit her ensemble, starting with the superstar trio at the center.
“To get Aunjanue, Sanaa, and Uzo – you are living in director heaven,” Mabry said. “They were attracted to much of the same things I was – that this was the kind of film we had not seen in 25 or 30 years, that we were missing, and the honesty which is portrayed. We are talking about the issues that we sweep under the rug. We talk about things that are in the gray, and they were really getting a chance to show their chops. These are three trained thespians who have been at this a long time. I wanted to give a showcase to the
Maby was surprised that it was a man –Edward Kelsey Moore – who wrote the book and how in tune he was with the female journey. While she acknowledges that not everything in the novel could fit into a twohour movie, she feels the film is true to the heartbeat and soul of its source material.
Mabry’s 2009 movie “Mississippi Damned” helped put her on the map. On the festival circuit, she really began to understand how powerful cinema could be.
“I think it’s totally a different thing when you make a film, and you see it from the other side,” she said.
Films such as “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Love & Basketball” convinced her to not go to law school and become a filmmaker.
“When I made ‘Mississippi Damned,’ I had people coming up to me at the time saying, ‘I am making different career choices based on this film,’” she said. “Sometimes, you have to see what can be possible in order to know you can go after it. I have never remiss in knowing that I am a Black gay woman in this industry and the power that that holds, that people are looking at that and that has provided inspiration.”
Traveling with that film internationally showed her how universal it was.
“I was just telling my own family life story,” Mabry said. “That can be a bit esoteric but it wasn’t because we were dealing with a lot of things that touched a lot of families. I found that the film connected with a lot of people.”
Yet, “Mississippi Damned” did not reach the heights she wanted it to.
“What hurt is that we put so much into the film and sacrificed a lot and it didn’t quite hit where we knew it deserved,” she said. “I was making short films and teaching, hanging in there, but it was hard, and I was thinking that maybe I am someone who can teach but not do.”
Then she had her own Supremes moment of people telling her not to leave the industry.
“A month later, Ava Duvernay called me and asked me to write, direct, and produce on ‘Queen Sugar’ season one, and then two weeks after Gina Prince-Bythewood asked me to be in the writing room for ‘Shots Fired.’”
She’s been going full steam ever since.
“The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” is now streaming on Hulu.
Jim Farmer
other actors as well.”
“The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” PUBLICITY PHOTO
Katie Burkholder
JOYRYDE
August 23, 10pm
District Atlanta
Tickets at collectivpresents.com.
Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love
August 23, 9pm
Atlanta Eagle $5 cover.
XION Friday
August 24, 3am
Future Atlanta
Featuring DJ Karlitos. Tickets at future-atlanta.
Tea @ the T
August 24, 5pm
The T Party to disco, house, funk, and dance music from DJ NeonHorror!
Woof
August 24, 8pm
Atlanta Eagle
Featuring music by Christopher Kind and Rob Moore. $5 cover.
Atlanta Eagle Cabaret
August 24, 9pm
Atlanta Eagle
Featuring Lena Lust, Shawnna Brooks, Misti Shores, Elea Atlanta, and Niesha Dupree. $5 cover.
MANNEQUIN: ATL’s Club Kid Party
August 24, 9:30pm
The Basement
Remember that psychotic fashion dream you had a couple months back? Well, don’t dream it, BE IT! Grab your scraps & hot glue gun & build an outfit! Walk the runway and take your photos before dancing the night away with DJ Abby Dear and JayBella Banks at 11:30pm! Tickets via Eventbrite.
Feminine Energy
August 24, 11:30pm
My Sister’s Room
Starring Taylor ALXNDR, Butty, and Luxe, and hosted by Dotte Com! Tickets at mysistersroom/com.
Utopia
August 24, 10pm
District Atlanta
Featuring Daniz, Rob Session, Julio Van Bustos, and Ddirez. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Shameless Sundays
August 25, 11:55pm
Future Atlanta
Hosted by Kyra Mora and Tristan Panucci. $5 cover.
Country Night
August 27, 8pm
Atlanta Eagle
Show up for the dance lesson at 8pm before line dancing the night away with DJ Dice at 9pm!
Trivia Night
August 27, 8:30pm
Atlanta Eagle
Hosted by DJ DeWayne.
Dragnificent: Week 3
August 27, 9pm
Future Atlanta
Tickets at future-atlanta.
Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo
August 28, 8pm
Atlanta Eagle
Play drag bingo with Ruby Redd, Celeste D Monroe, Trashetta Galore, and a rotating cast of performers to benefit AID Atlanta! No cover.
Femininomenon Thursdays
August 29, 8pm
The Basement
Every Thursday in August, head to the Basement to party to your fave female artists! No cover.
Back to School College Party
August 29, 10pm
District Atlanta
Dance the night away with Bennett, DJ BS, Faded Panda, Freilich, Goose, and Tuff! Tickets via Eventbrite.
Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love
August 30, 9pm
Atlanta Eagle
$5 cover.
XION Friday
August 31, 3am
Future Atlanta
With DJ Karlitos. Tickets at future-atlanta.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
The PowerPop Girls Dance Party
SEPTEMBER 6, 10PM
THE BASEMENT
Party with hits from the dance floor girlies of the moment: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan (pictured), and Charli XCX! Tickets at neonhorror.com. Photo via Facebook
Atlanta Eagle Cabaret
August 31, 9pm
Atlanta Eagle
Featuring Lena Lust, Shawnna Brooks, Misti Shores, Elea Atlanta, and Niesha Dupree. $5 cover.
InvAsian
August 31, 10pm
District Atlanta
Close out Dragon Con at the ultimate afterparty with a cosplay contest, a gaming area, a live instrument set, local vendors, and music from Alex Ahn, Dreamdriver, Yoshii, and Kyon! Tickets via Eventbrite.
Trivia Night
September 3, 8:30pm
Atlanta Eagle
Hosted by DJ DeWayne.
Femininomenon Thursdays
September 5, 8pm
The Basement
Every Thursday in August, head to the Basement to party to your fave female
artists! No cover.
The Wreck: Back to School Party
September 5, 10pm
District Atlanta
Featuring DJ Gator, Goingdef, Liquaballs, CJ Ponnala, and Tribe x OTT. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love
September 6, 9pm
Atlanta Eagle $5 cover.
Adventure Club
September 6, 10pm
District Atlanta
Featuring Teriyaki Noize and Wilsun. Tickets at collectivpresents.com.
The PowerPop Girls Dance Party
September 6, 10pm
The Basement Party with hits from the dance floor girlies of the moment: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX! Tickets at neonhorror.com.
