The Georgia Voice - 9/28/12 Vol.3, Issue 15

The Georgia Voice

OUTSPOKEN IN THEIR OWN WORDS

PO Box 77401 Atlanta, GA 30357 404-815-6941 | www.thegavoice.com Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com

BUSINESS

Photo via Facebook

Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com Contributors: Melissa Carter, Brent Corcoran, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Ryan Lee

NEWS

“I think that gay marriage is going to happen. It must. We are not actually equal — humanity — if we are not allowed to freely love one another.

What the Pope thinks of being gay does not matter to the world. It matters to the people who like the Pope and follow the Pope. It is not a reflection of all religious people.”

EDITORIAL

Does Atlanta Pride party hurt animals at Georgia Aquarium? Page 4

— Lady Gaga, who is Catholic, responding in a radio interview to Pope Benedict XVI’s recent comments against gay marriage. (Fox News, Sept. 25)

Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com

Trans disclosure debate tests safety, freedom of expression. Page 6 LGBT political group fights GOP majority in Georgia legislature. Page 8

Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm, Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission.

Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request.

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The editorial positions of the Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Georgia Voice and its staff.

To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.

— Former Pittsburgh Pirates owner Kevin McClatchy, after coming out publicly Sept. 22 at age 49; he is chair of The McClatchy Company, the nation’s third-largest media chain. (Miami Herald, Sept. 24)

“Ewww! Gay guys are the horniest people in the world. They’re disgusting. Dude, most of them probably have AIDS.” — Celebrity Paris Hilton, in a conversation with friends that was recorded and leaked to the media. (E! Online, Sept. 24)

“This issue is not — nor has it ever been about — whether a particular organization supports marriage equality. It is about the fact that Dan Cathy’s personal views are leading to corporate dollars being used to prop up groups that demonize and spread malicious falsehoods about LGBT people.”

— The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT political group, summing up the furor after Chickfil-A appeared to back away from anti-gay giving, then was revealed to be requesting donations directly for the Marriage & Family Foundation. (HRC, Sept. 20)

Out on Film celebrates 25 years. Page 11 Schedule and reviews for Atlanta’s best film fest. Pages 12-14 Publicity photo

BOARD OF ADVISERS

“For that kid with a jersey hanging on his wall, if their favorite player comes out and says it’s OK to be gay, that will mean so much to that kid.”

Photo © Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com, CC 3.0

National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

A&E

Photos: Indigo Girls, Cotillion, Garden Party and more. Pages 16-17 Theater: ‘8’ explores Calif. marriage fight. Page 18 Television: ‘Steel Magnolias’ remake premieres on Lifetime. Page 21

COMMUNITY Events pack week leading up to Atlanta Pride. Page 23 GLAAD Gala honors local, national leaders. Page 24

CALENDAR Pages 26-28

COLUMNISTS Publicity photo via DanCathy.com

Sales Executive: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com

09.28.12

That’s What She Said: Melissa Carter on gay digital divorce. Page 30 Domestically Disturbed: Topher Payne doesn’t fall for Chick-fil-A. Page 31 facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice

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Atlanta Pride aquarium party criticized by animal groups Is annual bash actually harmful to marine mammals?

By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com In an era of growing LGBT acceptance, perhaps the only thing controversial about Atlanta’s upcoming Pride festival is the now-annual Kickoff Bash at the Georgia Aquarium.

Animal rights activists, led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, are protesting the event and out actress Jane Lynch even weighed in by sending a letter to the Atlanta Pride Committee’s Buck Cooke, urging Cooke to relocate the annual party over concerns for the animals’ well-being.

“Many of the marine mammals at the aquarium are extremely sensitive to sound, and large parties create an even more stressful environment than they already endure in captivity. … Since the kickoff party sets the tone for all of Pride, will you please consider moving it to one of the many alternative venues that Atlanta has to offer?” Lynch wrote.

Lynch’s letter followed a flurry of attention the party received last year over similar concerns over noise and how it affects the animal. PETA, at the time, called the event “a celebration of freedom in a building that celebrates captivity.”

Officials from the Georgia Aquarium deny any harm is done to the animals during large events like the Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party.

“The Aquarium aggressively protects animals from any sound that exceeds [noise] limits,” Scott Higley, vice president of marketing and communications of the Georgia Aquarium, recently told GA Voice.

Noise levels inside of the aquarium are continuously monitored, Higley said, to ensure that they are within acceptable range.

“Volume is monitored by professional sound engineers throughout every large event, as it was for last year’s Pride party. Our animal care experts (with a combined hundreds of years of experience in caring for aquatic animals) always place the health and well-being of our animals first,” Higley said.

Cooke, Pride managing director, told GA Voice by phone this week that the Pride Committee will decide after the festival whether to hold future events at the Aquarium.

“Just like with any of the events we do, we meet with people to decide what went well and what didn’t work well. Then we move forward

Above: Atlata Pride’s annual Kickoff Bash draws some 3,000 people to the Georgia Aquarium each year. (Photo by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography) Inset: Out actress Jane Lynch, who visited the Georgia Aquarium in 2011, criticizes the facility for hosting parties with loud music like the Atlanta Pride Kickoff event. (Photo courtesy Georgia Aquarium)

in planning for the upcoming year. In November, we’ll talk about moving forward,” Cooke said.

Cooke acknowledged that others have also written the APC urging the festival to find a new home for the kickoff bash, but said the organization is moving forward with the Oct. 12 event.

Glen Paul Freedman, Atlanta Pride Committee board chair, called the party an “excellent success” and praised the aquarium for its work with the community over the last several years.

“We’ll certainly look at the Georgia Aquarium,” Freedman said of future plans. “Our continued partnership with them has been an excellent success. It’s a very good community partnership for both the community and for the Atlanta Pride Committee.”

The event draws some 3,000 people to the Georgia Aquarium. A portion of each ticket sold goes to the Atlanta Pride Committee.

Freedman declined to state the exact percentage handed over to Atlanta Pride, citing sponsorship confidentiality.

Bottom line: Harmful to the animals?

Two experts contacted by GA Voice disagreed on whether events like the Atlanta Pride party hurt animals at the aquarium.

Dr. Lori Marino, senior lecturer in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University, has been studying marine mammals for more than 20 years. Marino told GA Voice

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party Oct. 12 VIP/sponsors: 6-8 p.m., Main party: 7- 11:30 p.m.

Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St., Atlanta, GA 30313 www.atlantapride.org that the animals housed inside the aquarium are most definitely negatively affected by their captivity.

“There is no way that the animals are not effected by the sound, knowing how sensitive they are. There’s a bigger issue here that has to do with whether or not the LGBT community should be celebrating exploitation,” Marino said.

Marino called the effect of captivity on marine mammals “devastating” and said they often exhibit behavioral and health problems.

“There is just a heap of scientific evidence that shows they cannot thrive in captivity. They die earlier, exhibit more stress related diseases and other behavioral problems,” she said.

While Marino said that some research conducted on animals in captivity has been beneficial in the past, the need for such experiments has long passed. The most ground-breaking studies in marine mammals have occurred in the wild, Marino said.

“It’s a show. It’s an entertainment venue.

Nothing more. Although they’re trying to make themselves into something greater than that, the emperor has no clothes. There’s no education, there’s no conservation, no research on cognition. No one expects to be educated or to have any value above and beyond entertainment,” she said.

Dr. Paul Nachtigall, professor of Zoology and Psychology at the University of Hawaii, has studied how noise affects marine mammals in captivity. In contrast to Marino, Nachtigall said in a recent interview that it is highly unlikely that the noise generated by the party has any effect on the animals inside the tanks.

“Let’s talk about humans. What does excessive noise do to humans?” Nachtigall postulated.

“The first thing you’ll experience is a temporary threshold shift. If you went to a Grateful Dead concert and sat in front of the speakers for an hour, you’ll experience a threshold shift. If you have too much for too long, you lose hearing. We’ve looked at temporary threshold shifts with animals, as well,” he said. “It takes much more to produce threshold shift in whales than humans.”

Nachtigall guessed that everyone attending the party would permanently lose hearing before the Beluga whales would be affected by a threshold shift.

“The physics of producing sound loud enough to produce a temporary threshold shift is not easy. You’d have to have speakers in the water,” he said.

Because the speakers are inside the aquarium, not inside the tanks, Nachtigall said he believes that the animals would be largely unaffected thanks to the density of the water and the plexiglass viewing windows, which are more than a foot thick.

Most of the sound waves produced by the music and ambient noise would simply bounce off the windows or off the water.

But how loud would the party need to be to physically harm the animals?

“People standing in the crowd would be completely deaf. It takes 160 decibels (dB) under the water to produce a threshold shift. dB in the air is not the same as in the water. They are two different things. But they’re not on the same scale. The thing is, to produce 160 dB under the water, I don’t even know how much in the air it would take, but it’s tremendous.”

In comparison, 160 dB in the air is quite literally off the charts with regard to humans, according to the Hearing Health Foundation.

140 dB is when immediate permanent hearing loss begins. Noise levels during the typical party can reach 100 or even 120 decibels if truly boisterous. Limited exposure at those levels is recommended by the HHF. But even those levels, Nactigall said, would have little, if any, lasting impact on the animals inside the tanks.

“They’re just wrong,” Nactigall said of the animal rights activists’ concerns. “Someone’s got to say you’re wrong. Have your party.”

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When should trans people disclose status to dates?

Buck Angel visits Atlanta’s Southern Comfort in wake of ‘trans misogynist’ controversy

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Buck Angel, the “man with a pussy” who garnered fame through porn films and is now an activist, was greeted warmly by dozens of young transmen at the 22nd annual Southern Comfort Conference.

At the Transmen’s Welcome Party on Sept.

20, Angel, attending his first Southern Comfort, talked with fans, posed for photos, signed autographs and mingled with the crowd. Not only a porn star, Angel is an educator on sexuality and gender through his “Sexing the Transman” documentary.

Angel discussed his story with the group of men and women who gathered in a conference room at Atlanta’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.

But none seemed to know that Angel was embroiled in an online transgender controversy about the sensitive topic of disclosure — when is the right time to disclose to a romantic interest that you are transgender?

In an interview posted Sept. 5 on Salon.com about his new transmen dating website, BuckAngelDating.com, Angel gave this answer: “I’m a huge advocate for disclosure, because I believe a lot of people get themselves in bad situations because they do not disclose. For example, trans women who might hook up with a cis-gendered guy and then he goes home with her and finds out she has a penis and flips out and beats her up or kills her,”Angel answered.

“That’s horrible, and I really believe by not disclosing it’s very disrespectful to the other person because they might not be into it and it makes them feel very freaked out about themselves.

“Disclosure is huge for me, and how do you do that in a bar situation? You’re right, it’s very strange,” Angel continued. “For me, how I always did it was if I knew it was going to turn into a sexual situation, immediately, immediately, I would say, ‘I need to let you know about this situation.’ But the dating site puts it right out there: I’m a man with a vagina!”

In the days following, a small community of people exploded with anger on the social media forum Tumblr, saying Angel had basically said trans women deserve to be killed if they do not disclose immediately. He was called a “trans misogynist.”

Angel took to Tumblr to apologize for being misinterpreted, but not for hi belief on disclosure.

“For me, when you’re going to go meet someone and have sex it is important to disclose because it is disrespectful to yourself and to the other person,” Angel said in an interview with GA Voice.

Buck Angel spoke to fans at the Southern Comfort Conference. The 22nd annual Atlanta gathering that attracts hundreds of transgender people from across the country. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

“I used trans women as an example. And I was speaking strictly about meeting someone for sex,” he said.

Using trans women as an example for disclosure was simply Angel using a term and gender identity more people are aware of, he told GA Voice.

“Not many people talk about transmen,” he said. “I love trans women. I have many trans women who are my friends. But we have heard stories of trans women who are hurt and get in bad situations.

“But why would I say that — that a trans woman deserves to be killed if she doesn’t disclose? I’m an advocate for trans people being proud,” he said. “It wasn’t even a transwoman that started the fire. It was a cis-gendered [a woman-born female] woman. I have people who don’t like me.”

In Angel’s apology on his Tumblr website, he wrote, “Disclosing is a very personal choice; I know this and respect it. I was not assuming that we all decide to make that choice. But when we do, we expose more people to trans folks, which ultimately does lead to greater awareness, and ultimately acceptance in society.

“Please accept my apology for this comment coming across in a way I did not intend. This can happen sometimes when you do a verbal interview due to the way it gets transcribed,” he said.

“I am most certainly not trans-misogynist.”

Angel told GA Voice he believed the controversy was started by someone with an “agenda” and he stepped away from it after posting a public apology. He still wants people to understand that he did not mean a trans woman deserves to

be hurt if she does not disclose.

But he stands firm in his belief that to disclose before sex — and before a possible awkward and dangerous situation — is the best way to go.

“It is inappropriate to not disclose. It is disrespectful to the other person. If you had HIV wouldn’t you disclose? I would hope so,” he said.

‘Man with a vagina’

Before talking to GA Voice, Angel spoke frankly to Southern Comforat attendees about his work, his desire to educate and his vagina.

“Twenty years ago when I had my sex change — and that’s how old I am that I call it a sex change — there was no nobody to talk to me, about how to have surgery, what I’m going to look like, let alone my vagina. Which I had a huge issue with,” he said.

“It was something I couldn’t deal with as a woman and then as a man. How am I going to be a man without a penis? But for me I had

to learn that was something that was not for me. I knew I wasn’t going to get the penis,” he explained.

Angel said he became comfortable with his vagina after masturbating for the first time.

“I had never done that before. My world changed. It was truly, truly an awakening. I knew I didn’t need to conform to what world telling me how to be a man,” he said.

That led to working in the adult entertainment industry and “sharing it with the world,” he said.

“I’m a guy just like everyone else. I just have a vagina,” he said.

In the beginning, however, transmen hated him and sent him angry emails telling him he did not represent them because they hated their vaginas. Today, Angel said, transmen are embracing his philosophy to just be themselves regardless of how the world tells them to conform.

“I’m here as a man with a vagina. And I’m very proud of that,” he said.

www.theGAVoice.com

September 28, 2012

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Georgia Equality aims to block GOP from constitutional majority (D-Atlanta), the first out black lesbian elected to a state legislature and a strong advocate for LGBT equality in the General Assembly. State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), who is openly gay and the lead sponsor of FEPA, faces no opposition.

In the 2013 legislative session, GE plans to sign up more sponsors for FEPA by educating lawmakers on the issue and to get the Houe to vote on the measure, Woolard said. Plans also include introducing FEPA in the Senate and hosting a town hall meeting or house party in state Rep. David Ralston’s district.

Ralston is the House speaker and lives in Blue Ridge, which has the third highest percentage of LGBT residents in the state, according to U.S. Census results.

Advocacy group identifies 40,000 LGBT voters to target for state races

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com With just weeks until the Nov. 6 election, Georgia Equality has set its sights on one state Senate race and four House races as it works with other organizations to block Republicans from winning a constitutional majority — meaning the party will be able to pass whatever laws it wants under the Gold Dome.

LGBT Georgians will suffer if the GOP solidifies total control of the state legislature, Cathy Woolard, lobbyist for Georgia Equality, explained at a Sept. 24 briefing at the Phillip Rush Center.

“I can’t overstate how important it is that this [constitutional majority] not happen this time around, or the next time around. We need to not be moving toward this, we need to be moving away from this. This is too close to the edge,” Woolard said.

Georgia Equality is a bipartisan organization and has a Fair Majority campaign, Woolard added. But with Republicans so close to completely controlling the General Assembly, it is time to ensure Democrats are voted back in office or to office for the first time.

“Our strategy is to find more supportive Republicans,” Woolard said. “But the nature of this presentation is to show ... the dangers to the community that a constitutional majority represents, so we can be unabashedly partisan in this presentation.”

A constitutional majority, or two-thirds of the members of the House or Senate, is the vote threshold required to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in Georgia.

In 2004, it took Democrats crossing party lines to vote with Republicans to put the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on the ballot. If the GOP wins a constitutional majority, similar amendments could be sent to voters without needing any Democratic support.

Also, the state Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), which would make it illegal to fire state workers based on sexual orientation and gender identity, would be in danger of stalling.

In the past session it stayed stuck in the House Judiciary Committee.

“There is a lot at stake — the presidential race, a constitutional majority and sponsors for FEPA,” Woolard said of the upcoming election.

In the state House, Georgia Equality believes four out of five key races must have Democrats win to block a GOP constitutional majority. The races are: • Kimberly Alexander(D) vs. Bob Snelling (R). This is the newly drawn District 66 in

Getting the vote ‘out’

Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham (center) talks with Anthony Kreist (right), political co-chair of the Human Rights Campaign, and Cathy Woolard, lobbyist for GE. Kreist said HRC is making an effort to become involved in statewide campaigns. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

the Douglasville area west of Atlanta. Snelling has name recognition because he was a state representative in 2002, Woolard said.

• Rep. Carl Von Epps (D-LaGrange) vs.

Gene King (R) in District 132. Von Epps is a long-time incumbent and a sponsor of FEPA. • Renita Hamilton (D) vs. Joyce Chandler (R) in the new District 105 that includes Lawrenceville and Grayson of Gwinnett County.

Hamilton also received an early endorsement from GE. • Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta) vs. Chris Boedeker (R) in District 81 that includes North Central DeKalb and a section of Gwinnett. Holcomb is the incumbent and a sponsor of FEPA. • Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth) vs. Mark Williams (R) in District 96. Marin is also a long-time incumbent and FEPA sponsor.

“These are all very tough races,” Woolard said, recommending GE supporters donate time and money to Democrats in these races.

‘Firewall’ needed in Senate

On the Senate side of the General Assembly, there is one crucial race to keep the Republicans from gaining a constitutional majority — the race between incumbent Rep. Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna) and Republican Hunter Hill for District 6, which includes Sandy Springs, Buckhead and South Cobb.

Woolard described Stoner as the “firewall” to

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Georgia Equality www.georgiaequality.org block a constitutional amendment in the Senate.

The district has been redrawn and includes a lot of new territory which makes Stoner essentially a new candidate for many voters, Woolard explained.

Stoner is also actively seeking Georgia Equality’s endorsement while Hill has not responded to requests for information from GE, she said.

But Hill is a tough opponent because he is a native of the area, an Iraq War veteran and a Westminster graduate. A major dividing issue in this district is women’s reproductive rights.

Crucial in this race is the number voters who are LGBT or support LGBT equality. Using a new software program, Georgia Equality identified 5,300 registered voters in the district who are either LGBT or supportive of LGBT issues.

However, 2,500 of these registered voters are infrequent voters, Woolard said. The goal this year is to make sure to get them out to vote.

“You can imagine the impact if we could get the other half of voters to show up … and they understand what’s at stake,” she said.

Other races to watch

Early endorsed candidates who face opposition on Nov. 6 include state Rep. Simone Bell

This year Georgia Equality joined with other grassroots organizations including the Georgia Association of Latin Elected Officials and the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center of Georgia to form Pro Georgia and work together on voter registration.

Pro Georgia is on its way to becoming an independent organization in the state and is part of the State Voices network, a group of statewide grassroots organizations that share resources.

As part of Pro Georgia, Georgia Equality gained access to a software program that identifies registered LGBT supportive voters, said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality.

GE doesn’t have the resources to reach out to 150,000 voters but is going after approximately 40,000 voters it believes can make a difference in this election, he said. The group is especially targeting infrequent voters who are believed to be supportive of LGBT issues in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. The numbers of voters: • Cobb — 7,938 • Gwinnett — 7,041 • Fulton — 12,829 • DeKalb — 9,907 • Clayton — 1,995 “I think we’re the 17th state to [use this software] and the first heavily red state to do it,” Graham said. “We don’t know who identifies as LGBT but the information is that these voters are supportive of LGBT issues so there are sure to be many straight allies.”

Graham said the organization is also reaching out to transgender voters to point out the advantages of absentee voting.

The Williams Institute, an LGBT think tank, estimates 38 percent of Georgia’s transgender voters will run into problems at the polls.

“Yes, you can change your gender marker, yes you can use provisional ballots, yes you can argue” if a poll worker makes an issue of gender, Graham said.

“But you can avoid all that by voting absentee.”

OUT ON FILM

11

Thrives after 25 years Focus on quality, community ensures Atlanta’s LGBT film fest success on silver screen

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com World premieres, special guests and great lineups are just a few of the keys to the success of Out on Film, Atlanta’s LGBT film fest, which celebrates its silver anniversary this year Oct. 4-11.

“First and foremost, I’m glad we’re still around. So many festivals, especially gay and lesbian festivals, are now gone or have to take a break,” says Jim Farmer, festival director of Out on Film.

When Out on Film began in 1987, it was managed and produced by the Atlanta Film Fest. In 2008, the Atlanta Film Fest decided it was time to give Out on Film “back to the community,” Farmer explains.

“That year was a rocky year and to have weathered that and gotten bigger and better is an accomplishment,” Farmer says. “I love

the fact we’re independent, we’re an official nonprofit, our programming is very strong.

“That is something we wanted to do — put an emphasis on quality. We focus on the community and that’s why we’re here.”

Farmer said in 2008 when AFF sought people to take over OOF, his hand went immediately up to take on the challenge and rewards of bringing LGBT films to Atlanta.

“I’m an absolute movie geek,” Farmer says. “When I was growing up in middle Georgia, I was very much an outsider and would escape to the local movie theater; most of the time I would go see movies by myself. Movies took me to other places, introduced me to people I might never have known. They were an escape.”

Farmer and volunteers, including Farmer’s partner, Craig Hardesty, take care each year to have a broad selection of films to appeal to the diverse LGBT community in Atlanta and Georgia. This year’s lineup includes movies that address tough topics such as HIV, race, gender identity and aging.

Farmer says the goal is to give attendees “an experience,” not just the chance to

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Special guests for 2012 Out on Film (see listings for times)

Out on Film Festival Director Jim Farmer (left), seen here with his partner, Craig Hardesty, is proud of the diversity the LGBT film fest provides each year and says community support continues to grow. (File photo)

watch a movie.

“These films are for you, by you, about you, and you can watch them with your community,” he says.

‘RAID OF THE

RAINBOW LOUNGE’ explores Texas gay bar controversy Police action parallels Atlanta Eagle raid, director says

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com When police raided a Fort Worth, Texas, gay bar on June 28, 2009, it was just the beginning of angry City Council meetings, protests and rallies — and, eventually, healing and change.

“Raid of the Rainbow Lounge,” a documentary that chronicles what happened in Forth Worth following the police raid, premieres in Atlanta on Oct. 7 as part of Out on Film.

Director Robert Camina said he looks forward to bringing his film to Atlanta be-

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com ‘Raid of the Rainbow Lounge’ Sunday, Oct. 7, 12:35 p.m.

Midtown Art Cinema cause of the similarities he sees in Texas raid and the one at the Atlanta Eagle, just 10 weeks later. Camina and Atlanta Eagle attorney Dan Grossman will be join a panel discussion after the film.

“I’m very excited to come to Atlanta because of the kinship of Fort Worth and Atlanta. There are so many parallels,” Camina says. “I’m really anxious to see the audience reaction and questions posed. If any audience can relate, it’s the Atlanta audience.”

Rallies protesting the raid on the Rainbow Lounge helped lead to change in Fort Worth’s leadership on LGBT issues. (Publicity photo)

The Atlanta Police Department’s raid on the Atlanta Eagle led to several lawsuits by gay bar patrons and employees which the city of Atlanta eventually settled for more than $1.5 million. An independent investigation into the September 10, 2009, raid cost taxpayers another $1.2 million, for a total of nearly $3 million Atlanta paid out. The final case against the city, filed by bartender Chris Lopez, was dismissed by a federal judge in May. The lawsuits forced the APD to make

• Oct. 4: Producer Anne Hubbell and Director Jonathan Lisecki of opening night film “Gayby.” Hubbell is also a former Atlantan.

• Oct. 5: Actor Joel Rush and Director Rosser Goodman of “Love or Whatever” • Oct. 6: Actor and Director Chad Darnell of “Groom’s Cake”; also Ash Christian, director of “Petunia” • Oct. 7: Director Robert Camina of “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge” • Oct. 8: Macky Halston, former Atlantan and director of “Love Free or Die” • Oct. 9: Richard LeMay, former Atlantan and director of “Naked As We Came” • Oct. 10: Director Jim Hall and actress Coco Peru of “Trick.” Coco Peru will also perform at Mixx on Oct. 11 • Oct. 11: Actor Gerald McCullouch and Director Doug Langway of “BearCity 2: The Proposal,” the sequel to “BearCity,” the fest’s all-time best selling film

changes to its standard operating procedures including more training on LGBT diversity.

But years later, some in Atlanta’s LGBT communities continue to harbor ill feelings for the city police department and Mayor Kasim Reed.

In Texas, activists held rallies and were thrown out of City Council meetings because they shouted angrily at city officials, yet eventually the city and LGBT residents came together to build bridges. The police chief even became an open and vocal LGBT advocate.

“In the wake of the raid ...this horrible incident ... the city and police department instituted diversity training, assigned an LGBT liaison to the police department, added gender identity to its nondiscrimination statement and gave benefits to domestic partners,” Camina says. “It was a catalyst for a lot of change.”

Camina started out to make a short film to be used as an educational tool with police departments, schools, attorneys general offices.

Now a feature-length film, his documentary is screened at film festivals but also is screened on college campuses, at various law enforcement agencies and has been seen by White House Attorney General Eric Holder and his office.

GA Voice

September 28, 2012

Out on Film

Tuesday, Oct. 2

“MARRIED AND COUNTING” 7:30 p.m. at the Rush Center 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta GA 30307

George Takei narrates Allen Piper’s documentary about two men who celebrate 25 years together by traveling the country to get married in every state that will let them.

Publicity photo

Thursday, Oct. 4

‘Gayby’ stars Jenn Harris and Matthew Wilkas.

“GAYBY” | 7:30 p.m.

Seamlessly expanded from the short by writer-director Jonathan Lisecki, “Gayby” is a bundle of joy. See it before the straights discover it!

Like “Will & Grace” with procreation, it’s about a straight woman, Jenn (Jenn Harris), who responds to the ticking of her biological clock by asking her gay best friend, Matt (Matthew Wilkas), to father a child “the oldfashioned way.”

They don’t exactly have beginner’s luck in conceiving but they keep trying, while still having ups and downs in their individual searches for Mr. Right.

The concept is viable but it’s the details that make “Gayby” work so well.

“FOURPLAY” | 9:40 p.m.

An anthology-of-shorts feature, “Fourplay” highlights sexual transgressions. Executive produced by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe and starring former Atlantan Paul Soileau.

Friday, Oct. 5

“MARRIED AND COUNTING” 3:30 p.m. | ENCORE

“AUDRE LORDE: THE BERLIN YEARS” | 5:30 p.m.

An untold chapter of lesbian poet and pioneer Audre Lorde’s life.

“SASSY PANTS” | 7:10 p.m.

Bethany (Ashley Rickards, who could be Anne Hathaway’s little sister), 18, and her younger brother are home-schooled by their controlling harridan of a mother, June (Anna Gunn).

FALL IN

LOVE WITH MOVIES AT OUT ON FILM

• Romance is the unofficial theme of Atlanta’s 25th annual fest •

L

ove is in the air at the 25th Out on Film, Atlanta’s LGBT film festival, Oct. 4-11 at Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema.

I don’t know when I’ve seen so much romance in a queer festival.

There’s young love, old love, lesbian love, gay love, baby love, kinky love, married love, platonic love, coercive love, transformative love... Oh, there’s politics too, but that’s mostly confined to the documentary section, or woven in with the love stories.

Here’s the complete line-up with GA Voice reviews of most of the features in plain text; film descriptions in italics are condensed from summaries provided by Out on Film (www.outonfilm.org).

All films (with exceptions noted) screen at Midtown Art Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta GA 30308).

June’s husband, Dale (Diedrich Bader), checked out after getting caught in a gay sex scandal. Now he has a live-in lover half his age: Chip (Haley Joel Osment – and you won’t believe how he’s changed since “The Sixth Sense”), who becomes Bethany’s best girlfriend after she runs away from home and moves in with Dad. Writer-director Coley Sohn, who expanded the film from her short, “Boutonniere,” uses dark humor to keep the mood light enough that we never despair, even though we care for the characters and they’re going through hell.

“LOVE OR WHATEVER” | 9 p.m.

Corey (Tyler Poelle) thought he had it all: a successful career, a lesbian sister (Jennifer Elise

by STEVE WARREN

www.theGAVoice.com (Yann de Monterno) picks up “Brad” (Kevin Miranda) — literally, because the younger American is passed out drunk on the sidewalk — and brings him home.

When the men get around to exchanging names and Brad says, “Don’t you know who I am?” it’s pretty much a spoiler for the notso-French twist to come later.

“KISS ME”

| 11 a.m.

Is there a more common plot for a lesbian movie than the “straight” woman who falls in love with an out lesbian and has a decision to make?

Rarely has the confused woman been as unsympathetic as Mia in “Kiss Me.” Visiting her divorced father and his new fiancée, Hurricane Mia disrupts six lives, including her own and that of her fiancé, once she shares a long, passionate kiss with Frida, her stepsister-to-be.

There are lots of lingering scenes of the two 30-ish women together, looking into each other’s eyes, lying in post-coital bliss and arguing about Mia’s hesitation to give up her marriage plans.

“Kiss Me” is beautifully photographed and well-acted. But Mia’s selfishness may be too much for even the hardest-core romantic.

“UNITED IN ANGER: A HISTORY OF ACT UP”

Publicity photo

12 1

You might not recognize Haley Joel Osment as Chip in ‘Sassy Pants.’

Cox of “Web Therapy” and the “Brady Bunch” movies) who’s his best friend and a bright future with his boyfriend, Jon. But when Jon dumps him — for a woman! — Corey sets off on a wild journey of self-discovery.

NAUGHTY SHORTS | 11 p.m.

A collection of current and beloved short films that your Aunt Trudy should NEVER see: The Rookie and the Runner (Augie Robles), Mates (Antonio De Silva),The Window (Philippe Gosselin), Butthole Lickin’ (Kanako Wynkoop), Jackie Beat’s Baby Got Front and Beaver (Austin Young), Cupcake: A Lesbian Vampire Musical (Rogan Brown) ...and a few surprises

SATURDAY, OCT. 6

“BAD BOY STREET” | 11 a.m.

“Bad Boy Street” is a tender romance that, if the lovers were heterosexual, might be the work of almost any indie filmmaker; and it was filmed in one of my favorite cities: Paris.

On the Rue de Mauvais Garçons (Street of Bad Boys) in the gay Marais district, Claude

| 12:30 p.m.

It’s strange that two documentaries on the same subject should show up at the same time (“How to Survive a Plague” opens today at the Midtown), and perhaps stranger how little duplication there is as they cover the same topic with many of the same spokespeople.

“United in Anger” adheres more closely to a literal timeline, sometimes advancing too rapidly from one event to the next. It has a little more about strategies, especially working the media (and creating alternative media), and a lot more about the role of women in the movement. There are fewer pictures of the sick and dying and more talk about the social aspects of ACT UP. There’s certainly more than enough material for two documentaries about AIDS activism. I watched both films in one day and wasn’t bored for a minute in either.

WOMEN’S SHORTS

| 1 p.m.

Coffee & Pie (USA, Douglas Horn): In this anti-romantic comedy, a couple must come to terms with the fact that their love could never be.

Connected (USA, Adam Marcus): When Deb invites a beautiful tarot reader to her home, she has no idea what the cards have in store for her.

Do You Have a Cat (USA, Jason Sax): Most women have plenty of dating standards. Violently allergic Marissa has one: You cannot, cannot, own a cat.

Quiet de Luxe (USA, Gary Ploski): What would you do if someone from the past said hello?

T’Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s (USA, Robert Philipson): Divas such as Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and Ethel

Out on Film

www.theGAVoice.com Waters sang their way to fame and fortune while creating a few scandalous moments.

Tsuyako (Japan, Mitsuyo Miyazaki): In postwar Japan, Tsuyako, a factory worker and mother, must decide between duty and love, family and freedom.

MEN’S SHORTS

| 3 p.m.

Absence of Love (USA, Billy Gerard Frank): A gay African-American having issues with his boyfriend has to return home to Atlanta when his father passes away.

Couples Therapy (USA, Mike Rose): Each week, Vince and Daniel attend couples therapy and each week they have something to talk about in this hysterical comedy.

The Devotion Project: More Than Ever (USA, Antony Osso): Meet John and Bill, who have spent an amazing 54 years together in this inspiring real life love story.

Dirty Talk (USA, Jason Boegh): Gay, conservative English teacher Nathan has dinner with his not-so-conservative friend Zach.

Groom’s Cake (USA, Chad Darnell): While filming the three days before their wedding, two men discover their adoption has been approved and their baby is arriving the next day; starring Peter Paige (“Queer As Folk”), Rib Hillis and former Atlantan Chad Darnell.

Shabbat Dinner (USA, Michael Morgenstern): A Friday night family dinner on New York’s Upper West Side is boring as usual for William, until he discovers he shares a secret with the son of their oddball guests.

“I WANT YOUR SEX” | 10 p.m.

After a decade of living in San Francisco, Jesse is forced to move back to the Midwest because he can no longer afford the city. Friends and ex-lovers gather for a going away party.

“HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH”

11:30 p.m.

John Cameron Mitchell is like Marlene Dietrich on acid and with an acid tongue in his cult musical about a botched sex-change operation that left Hedwig with a schlong that’s schshort, and her American soldier husband abandoned her in Kansas. While she’s performing in lowrent seafood restaurants, rocker Tommy Gnosis (Michael Pitt), her former lover and collaborator, stole her songs and used them to become a star.

Sunday, OCT. 7

“BALLROOM RULES” | 11 a.m.

A group of Australian same-sex ballroom dancers pursue their dream of competing at the Gay Games in Germany.

“FACING MIRRORS” | 11 a.m.

While we’re waiting for Iran to develop nuclear weapons they’ve developed one of the most sensitive transgender stories to come from any country instead. A surprising revelation in “Facing Mirrors” is that not only is gender tran-

September 28, 2012

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13 23

SATURDAY, OCT. 6

GA VOICE PRESENTS “CLOUDBURST”

| 5:30 p.m.

Like a geriatric Thelma and Louise, Stella (Olympia Dukakis) and Dot (Brenda Fricker) hit the road with the police on their tail and pick up a young male hitchhiker (Ryan Doucette, no Brad Pitt but not bad) on the way. His body doesn’t interest them because they’ve got each other, but they pick him up to “confuse anyone looking for two old broads.”

The women have lived together for 31 years in a small Maine town, where everyone but Dot’s granddaughter Molly understands they’re a couple. When Molly tries to separate them Stella loads Dot into the pickup and heads for Canada, where they can be married.

“Cloudburst” is the latest and one of the best from New Jersey-born Canadian filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has given Dukakis, his frequent collaborator, a gift in a constant stream of hilariously obscene dialogue. She’s repaid him with a marvelous performance that would win awards in a perfect universe.

“PETUNIA”

| 5:30 p.m.

The way “Petunia” shows marriage, it should make you feel better about living in a state where it’s not an option for you. It opens at the wedding reception for Michael Petunia (Eddie Kaye Thomas), the oldest son of Christine Lahti and David Rasche, who haven’t had sex in eight years; and Vivian (Thora Birch), who is having an affair with Michael’s younger brother.

Vivian introduces her cousin George (Michael Urie) to the youngest Petunia, Charlie (Tobias Segal), who happens to be his neighbor; and they’re soon an item. But Charlie also has a wife, Robin (Brittany Snow).

Everybody’s quirky in this ensemble comedy that will leave you feeling your relationship could be a lot worse than it is. So could this movie.

Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker star in ‘Cloudburst’. (Publicity still)

“NORTH SEA, TEXAS” | 3 p.m.

An early scene will tell you whether “North Sea, Texas” is for you. Pim, about to turn 15, and Gino, nearing 18, jerk off together for the first time. Pim retrieves the sock Gino cums in and saves it in his shoebox of treasured memories.

If you say “Aw, that’s romantic,” you’re ready to fall in love with the best gay teen romance since “Beautiful Thing.”

If you say “Ew, that’s disgusting,” move along. There’s nothing for you to see here.

The youths take different paths to adulthood. Gino abandons Pim and starts dating a girl, while Pim considers running off with a handsome carnival gypsy. The question is, will their roads converge again?

“LOVE FREE OR DIE” | 4:50 p.m.

sition surgery done in Iran, but the government loans its citizens money for the procedure.

Rana (Ghazal Shakeri) moonlights as a cab driver while her husband is in debtor’s prison.

Adineh (charmingly androgynous Shayesteh Irani), who prefers to be called Eddie, would rather be a man than marry one. He flags down Rana’s car while trying to escape the country to avoid marrying his male cousin.

It takes some time (and some Transgender 101 dialogue) but Rana is won over to Eddie’s side and even takes some risks to help her new friend.

The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson was the right man for the job of becoming the first openly gay partnered bishop in the Episcopal Church in the USA. Self-described as “unashamedly gay, unashamedly Christian,” he’s warm, sincere and stands his ground without appearing confrontational.

Macky Alston’s film spotlights a man who deserves the attention and his place in LGBT history.

“RAID OF THE RAINBOW LOUNGE” | 12:35 p.m.

Director Matthew Mishory displays a keen visual sense. The film’s made up of flashbacks from a trip to the California desert by not-yet-famous James Dean (James Preston), his roommate/fuck buddy (Dan Glenn) and Violet (Dalilah Rain), a woman who came to L.A. to become a star and wound up as a kind of whore. The same thing could be happening to Jimmy at this point.

Police raids on gay bars are so pre-Stonewall, but not only was the Atlanta Eagle raided in 2009, so was the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, and on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall to boot. Meredith Baxter narrates.

“JOSHUA TREE, 1951: A PORTRAIT OF JAMES DEAN” 6:50 p.m.

“THE FALLS” | 9:05 p.m.

OMFG! “The Falls” is Mitt Romney’s worst nightmare, besides losing the election.

Two 20-year-old Mormon missionaries share a dorm room, where they sit around praying in their underwear. It’s like an intense gay relationship without the sex, until that distinction disappears!

Jon Garcia’s film will be too slow and restrained for some viewers, who can’t wait for Elder Smith (Nick Ferrucci) and Elder Merrill (Ben Farmer) to get it on.

Once the genie is out of the bottle — or the closet — it’s obvious the guys won’t get any love from the church unless they go back to repressing their true natures.

MONDAY, OCT. 8

EVERYTHING UNDER THE RAINBOW SHORTS | 1:30 p.m.

Fallen Comrade (James Valdez): Two attractive young soldiers meet during boot camp and fall deeply in love.

I Need a Hero (White Hawk Bourne): A brief history of LGBT characters in comic books.

The Divine Decadence of Cheesecake: Peter Savieri’s hysterical envisioning of some Sapphic love between two of the “Golden Girls” Ub2 (Dan Goldes): How verbiage used on dating sites affects HIV-positive men It’s Consuming Me (Kai Stanicke): A guy in the middle of the woods can’t get the thought of his boyfriend out of his mind.

Why We Ride: The Story of AIDS/LifeCycle (Erick Stoll, Chase Whiteside): The fundraising bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles PLEASE SEE FILM CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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September 28, 2012

Out on Film

FILM, CONTINUED from PAGE 13

Raymond (Mark V. Rees): A terminally ill gay man comes home to seek forgiveness from the lover he abandoned, but gets redemption elsewhere.

Queen of My Dreams (Fawzia Mirza):A queer take on Bollywood tales Trandroids (Brit Dunn): A sci-fi drama about an android who has had gender programming removed

“TENNESSEE QUEER” | 3:30 p.m.

When “out and proud” Jason Potts returns to his Tennessee hometown he quickly learns that life has not gotten better for the gay high school kids.

“UNFIT: WARD VS. WARD” | 5:30 p.m.

Who’s the better parent: a convicted murderer or a lesbian? That question framed an infamous, contentious custody battle that played out in Florida state courts in the mid-1990s, captured in this heartbreaking documentary.

“I DO” | 7 p.m.

Jack (David Ross) is a British gay man living in New York. When his green card marriage to his best friend, lesbian Ali (“The Sopranos’” Jamie Lynn Sigler) goes wrong, and because he can’t marry the man he loves to stay in the US, he has to make an impossible choice.

“A PERFECT ENDING” | 7:05 p.m.

This is the best of writer-director Nicole Conn’s lesbian romances, dating back to “Claire of the Moon” in 1992.

It’s the story of an unfulfilled housewife, Rebecca (Barbara Niven), who has had three children and zero orgasms. Her best friends, a lesbian couple, suggest she try sex with someone who knows how to please a woman.

Enter Paris (Jessica Clark), a high-class, high-priced call girl. Imagine the cool blondeness of “Falcon Crest”-era Lana Turner and the exotic beauty of today’s Angelina Jolie, minus a few years for each, to get an idea of how the lovingly photographed leads look together.

“TRANSGENDER TUESDAYS: A CLINIC IN THE TENDERLOIN” 7:30 p.m. at the Rush Center 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307

The story behind the country’s first public health clinic to offer primary care specifically for the transgendered, in 1993, is actually the story of its pioneering patients.

“KEEP THE LIGHTS ON” | 9 p.m.

My usual take on naturalism is that if I want to watch real life I don’t have to buy a movie ticket, but Ira Sachs employs the style so artfully in “Keep the Lights On” he won me over.

The on-and-off love story of Erik (Thure Lindhardt) and Paul (Zachary Booth) is fol-

www.theGAVoice.com

lowed from its beginning in 1998 to its end — or is it? — in 2007.

Erik sees that Paul is a heavy crack user but doesn’t worry about it until it makes Paul behave irresponsibly, both at his job and at home.

An intervention gets Paul to go to rehab but his recovery doesn’t last long and Erik resumes his role as enabler.

Whether you’re hoping they’ll make it as a couple or hoping Erik will cut his losses, you can hardly watch “Keep the Lights On” without getting involved.

live-in groundskeeper who also cooks and seems to be an all-around caregiver, and he’s working on a novel. He still has time to get involved with Elliot.

Thankfully, writer-director-producer Richard LeMay, a former Atlantan, doesn’t waste time filling in a lot of unnecessary backstory details that you can figure out for yourself. Pay attention to the brief narration that opens the film because it hints at a key point that’s never entirely spelled out.

“TRICK” | 9:10 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 9

“YOSSI & JAGGER” (2002) | 4 p.m.

Even in the Israeli army where one could be openly gay a decade ago, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” remained the accepted standard, according to “Yossi & Jagger,” a minimalist gay love story set in a camp near the Lebanese border.

Young officers Yossi (Ohad Knoller) and Lior (Yehuda Levi) slip away from camp for a snowball fight that turns into wrestling that turns into you can guess what.

Jagger (Lior’s nickname) wants them to be out but Yossi, more dedicated to his military career, puts his foot down. As Yossi also refuses to declare his love privately, it becomes difficult to see what Jagger sees in him.

“BEYOND THE WALLS” | 5:30 p.m.

There’s nothing like prison time to screw up a budding relationship. That’s what comes between Paulo (Matila Malliarakis) and Ilir (Guillaume Gouix) in “Beyond the Walls,” the walls of the title being physical as well as metaphorical.

At first Paulo is “trying to figure things out” and has a pretty good deal living with his girlfriend. She sees the writing on the wall before he does and throws him out, so he moves in with the not-initially-receptive Ilir.

Just when things are going well, Ilir is caught smuggling drugs and thrown in prison. By the time Ilir is released, both men have changed considerably. The question is whether whatever bound them together in the first place still exists, whether the flame can be rekindled.

“YOSSI” | 7:30 p.m.

It’s a paradox when one of the most original films in the festival is actually a sequel. The follow-up to “Yossi & Jagger” can stand on its own, with the backstory filled in eventually.

Ten years later Yossi (Ohad Knoller), now Dr. Yossi Guttman, is still mourning the man he loved in the Israeli army. Not yet 34 but already old, he’s as closeted as ever, but the word is out about him in the Tel Aviv hospital where he works.

Forced to take a vacation, Yossi gives a ride to four young soldiers. One of them, Tom (Oz Zehavi) is openly gay and his comrades are fine with it, showing how the army has changed in ten years. When Tom tries to be more than friendly, can Yossi change too?

Ohad Knoller reprises the title role in ‘Yossi,’ the sequel to ‘Yossi and Jagger.’ Both play on Tuesday, Oct. 9

“ELLIOT LOVES” | 9:10 p.m.

“Elliot Loves” follows its own rules, or lack thereof. If it weren’t so appealing that might be a negative, but writer-director Terracino makes it work on his terms.

The film jumps back and forth between Elliot (Quentin Davis Araujo) at nine and Elliot (Fabio Costaprado) at 21. Young Elliot watches his single mom (Elena Goode) go through a string of bad relationships with men. Grown up Elliot has his own string of bad relationships with men, who just want to have fun and are scared off when Elliot uses the L-word.

All I can say is, Terracino broke through my hard shell and made me love “Elliot Loves.”

Wednesday, OCT. 10

“THE RIGHT TO LOVE: AN AMERICAN FAMILY” | 3:50 p.m.

A married California gay couple and their two adopted children fight back against discrimination, ignorance and hate through home videos posted on their YouTube channel.

“TURTLE HILL, BROOKLYN” | 5:35 p.m.

Billed as “a modern-day ‘Boys in the Band’” because it’s about a birthday party for a gay man in New York, “Turtle Hill, Brooklyn” crams more than twice as many characters into two-thirds the running time.

Will (Brian W. Seibert) is turning 30. He and Mateo (Ricardo Valdez) have issues they haven’t discussed, all of which come to a head today. Each of the 21 guests at their party — including women, gay and straight — brings their own issue.

“NAKED AS WE CAME” | 7:10 p.m.

With the understanding that “Naked as We Came” is strictly for soap opera fans, it’s not bad.

The ingredients of this family drama are quickly introduced and combined, then left to simmer.

Siblings Elliot (Ryan Vigilant) and Laura (Karmine Alers) drive to the country to see their mother, Lilly (Lué McWilliams, who takes acting honors), a “pot-smoking cancer victim” they haven’t visited in a year and a half.

They meet Ted (Benjamin Weaver), Lilly’s

Though it’s as far-fetched as is it flimsy, you can’t deny the charm and humor of this romantic fantasy about two horny guys who can’t find a place to get off together in all of New York City.

Romantic Gabriel (Christian Campbell) doesn’t have a life — just a best friend (Tori Spelling), a pig of a straight roommate and aspirations to write a Broadway musical. Gabriel meets Mark (J.P. Pitoc), a go-go dancer whose thong barely conceals his charms. With his apartment occupied and no alternatives working out, the guys get to know each other without meaning to.

THURSDAY, OCT. 11

“M.I. A DIFFERENT KIND OF GIRL” 3:30 p.m.

In M.I.A Different Kind of Girl, filmmakers, Leslie Cunningham and Alana Jones enter the world of new millennium of drag. Prominently featured is Laine Brown, a male impersonator better known as Nation Tyre, and Nation’s drag family, the House of Tyre in Atlanta.

SHORTS WITH LOCAL FLAIR | 5 p.m.

All She’ll Ever Hurt (USA, David Joseph): A music video by Amber Taylor and The Sexual Side Effects Even Now (USA, Toby Emert): An autobiographical look at a gay man’s relationship with his family Queen-tessential (USA, Jenna Brandi): The annual Boybutante Ball in Athens, Ga., gets its closeup.

Whistlin Dixie: Queer Sounds, New South (USA, Meredith Heil): In this foot-stompin’, guitar-strummin’ ride through the southland, you’ll find a new generation of queer activists.

“JOBRIATH A.D.” | 6:15 p.m.

Kieran Turner’s feature documentary covers the life and brief career of ‘70s glam rock musician Jobriath, the first openly gay rock star.

“BEARCITY 2: THE PROPOSAL” 8:30 p.m.

The sequel to the Out on Film 2010 sensation follows familiar characters from the original and a few new ones in this sexy romp. Roger (former Atlantan Gerard McCullouch) asks Tyler (Joe Conti) to marry him, and soon their bear and cub friends head to Provincetown for Bear Week, where they find themselves under the roof of den mother Kathy Najimy.

September 28, 2012

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THEATER by Jim Farmer

Say ‘I Do’ to ‘8’

Play about marriage equality fight gets first Atlanta reading

Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black’s play “8” will make its Atlanta debut Oct. 15 via a collaboration among several local organizations, including Georgia Equality, Actor’s Express, Stonewall Bar Association, and John Marshall School of Law’s OUTLaws and Allies student group.

The high-profile play, dealing with the fight for marriage equality, was performed last year on Broadway and then was telecast from Los Angeles this spring around the world, both times with A-list readers/cast members.

“8” is based on the real life Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial, which sought to overturn the California ballot measure known as Proposition 8, which ended same-sex marriage in the state.

High-profile lawyers David Boies and Ted Olson represented two gay couples who wanted to get married.

Marriage equality advocates won at the federal district court and appeals court levels; backers of Prop. 8 have now asked the U.S. Su-

preme Court to take the case. At press time, a decision was expected sometime between Sept.

25 and Oct. 1, according to the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the nonprofit that engaged Olson and Boies to bring the case.

Black’s play combines the transcripts of the federal trial as well as observations by those present and interviews with both sides of the case.

“It uses the words of the people involved and does a fair job of presenting it to the public,” says Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality.

The date of the reading is meant to coincide with Atlanta Pride as well as the start of the Supreme Court’s 2012-2013 session, he says.

The idea to present a local version of “8” was spearheaded by Heather Miller, a second year law student at John Marshall, who was surprised it had not been performed here.

“Atlanta is this metropolitan area so I thought there needed to be one,” Miller says.

She contacted Georgia Equality and Graham had already talked to Actor’s Express about the possibility. They eventually all joined

Freddie Ashley (left) of Actor’s Express directs a staged-reading of Dustin Lance Black’s play ‘8’ in Atlanta to raise funds and awareness in the fight for marriage equality (Photos via Facebook).

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com ‘8’ Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.

14th Street Playhouse 173 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.14thstplayhouse.org forces, with Actor’s Express’ Artistic Director Freddie Ashley coming aboard to direct and cast the production.

Miller specifically went to law school so

September 28, 2012

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19 23

that she could advocate for LGBT rights. A 10-year Atlantan, she has been with her partner for the last seven years. Miller was formerly with the Air Force Academy but quit the same year President Bill Clinton signed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” into law.

She thinks “8” does a great job of showing that marriage equality is a personal, not just political, issue.

“People who are fighting for marriage equality aren’t monsters, or the nameless, faceless people they are portrayed as by some people,” she says.

Miller is a big fan of Black, who won an Academy Award for his “Milk” screenplay.

“Look at ‘Milk’ – that was a hard autobiography to do,” she says. “It wasn’t easy. What he does is take these hard subjects and makes them all human.”

A discussion after the play will feature State Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta), Beth Littrell of Lambda Legal, Rabbi Joshua Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim and Georgia Equality Board Chair Kenyatta Mitchell.

Professor Michael Mears of John Marshall Law School will moderate the panel, which will focus on the status of marriage equality in Georgia.

A portion of the proceeds from the reading will be shared between Georgia Equality and the Stonewall Bar Association as well the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which licenses the play along with Broadway Impact.

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by Gregg Shapiro

Men of ‘Steel’ Gay exec producers dish on all-black remake of classic Southern flick

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “drink your juice, Shelby”?

Sally Field fussing over Julia Roberts as M’Lynn and Shelby, respectively, in the 1989 Southern comedic tearjerker “Steel Magnolias,” of course The new remake, premiering at 9 p.m. Oct. 7 on Lifetime, unobtrusively updates the story and features a stellar cast of African-American actresses assuming the leads.

This version of “Steel Magnolias” is as much about sisterhood as it is about sistahood.

Queen Latifah, who has developed into a natural actress, gives the performance of her career.

Robert Harling’s original play is treated with respect in Sally Robinson’s screenplay and doesn’t shy away from the gay content, including Clairee’s story about her gay nephew, “accent lighting” and gay men’s names.

Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, gay executive producers of “Steel Magnolias,” chatted about their idea for the remake, the stellar cast, and producing gay-themed shows.

How did the idea of remaking Steel Magnolias with an African-American cast come about?

Meron: A while back, maybe two years or so, Craig and I were talking about things that we wanted to do. Where are the great roles for women? Our conversation naturally went to “Steel Magnolias.” I thought the only way that we could really tackle “Steel Magnolias,” which was so brilliantly done originally, was if we were able to bring something new to it.

So would you say there were no concerns about remaking such an iconic movie?

Zadan: It’s very important to us that Robert Harling, who created it, did not say to us, “oh, please don’t do it.” He was more than encouraging and excited and thrilled to see an all black version of it..

Once you have the endorsement of the person who created the play and the original movie and those characters and that story, based on his own life, I think that’s more endorsement than you get most of the time.

Queen Latifah (inset) and (left to right) Adepero Oduye, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, Alfre Woodard and Condola Rashad star in Lifetime’s ‘Steel Magnolias.’ (Publicity photos)

Queen Latifah, who plays M’Lynn (the role originated on screen by Sally Field), gives an amazing performance, the kind that has Emmy and Golden Globe written all over it. What influence did having worked with her in the past have on you when casting “Steel Magnolias”?

Meron: It seemed like a perfect match. I think that a lot of the success due to projects is how well you cast them. It seemed that she had the strength and dignity and acting chops to really anchor this new production of “Steel Magnolias” and redefine it. So you start with Queen Latifah and build everything around her.

Zadan: We also had the most magnificent experience working with her on “Chicago” and “Hairspray.” We felt they were two of the best films she’s ever done and that we’ve ever done and we thought we’d love to have the experience a third time together as a team.

In addition to Queen Latifah, you also worked with Phylicia Rashad, who plays Clairee in “Steel Magnolias,” on “A Raisin in the Sun.” Meron: We love to work with the same actors over and over again because you have a shorthand, you know they can deliver, it’s more like a family. If you look at a lot of our work, we’ve been fortunate to have a lot of repeat visitors.

Aside from the familiar faces, “Steel Magnolias” also stars two younger actresses, Adepero Oduye and Condola Rashad, Phylicia’s daughter. Can you say something about the rewards and challenges of

casting young talent?

Meron: I think part of the satisfaction of being a producer is being able to introduce new talent. Craig and I spotted Condola in a Broadway show, “Stick Fly,” that Kenny Leon directed. She’s the only person that we wanted to play Shelby. Our passion bled through to everybody.

She didn’t audition, she was just cast on our passing for her and we’ve been proven correct.

Adepero, we knew about from “Pariah,” of course. But she auditioned and her audition was so spectacular and special that we knew she needed to be in the movie.

A number of your projects, including “Serving in Silence,” “What Makes a Family,” “Wedding Wars,” “It’s All Relative,” and most recently “Smash,” to name a few, have dealt with gay subject matter or prominently featured gay characters. How important is that to you as gay men?

Meron: Oh, it’s incredibly important because you like to have your work reflect parts of who you are. So in terms of that being representative of who we are as gay men, I think it’s incredibly important and necessary and kind of imperative.

Zadan: I think, also, what we’ve learned is the power of entertainment. You can stand on a soap box and give speeches all you want.

A lot of people find speechifying is a turn off and they push away – they don’t absorb what you have to say.

However, when you do pieces such as “Serving in Silence,” “Wedding Wars,” “What Makes a Family,” “Smash” or “Drop Dead Diva” – when you do those pieces and entertain the audience, you go into their living rooms and you’re welcomed in by entertaining them.

September 28, 2012

GA Voice

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COMMUNITY LOCAL LIFE

Pride events ramp up as festival nears AIDS Vigil, Commitment Ceremony highlight week leading into Atlanta Pride

September 28, 2012

GA Voice

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com

OFFICIAL EVENTS

Atlanta Pride, www.atlantapride.org Atlanta Pride Beer Bust Oct. 6, 3-6 p.m. at Fifth Ivory Public House ‘Love Free or Die’ Screening Sponsored by Atlanta Pride for Out on Film Oct. 7, 4:50 p.m. at Midtown Art Cinema www.outonfilm.org Atlanta Pride AIDS Vigil Oct. 10, 7 p.m.

St. Mark United Methodist Church www.stmarkumc.org

By Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com

Atlanta Pride Commitment Ceremony Oct. 11, 7 p.m. at Altitude at W Hotel Midtown

As the Atlanta Pride Committee puts the finishing touches on the main event, set for Oct. 13-14 in Piedmont Park, there are plenty of official opportunities to celebrate in the week leading up to the festival. The annual AIDS Vigil and Commitment Ceremony are two traditions sure to draw throngs, while an expanded schedule of lead-up nightlife events helps raise funds.

“We’re working fast and furiously to make sure all of the logistical elements are in place, from fencing to port-potties, signage to t-shirts.

You know, the really sexy part of running a festival!” jokes Buck Cooke, Atlanta Pride’s managing director.

Atlanta Pride, the Southeast’s largest LGBT event, brings entertainers, vendors, nonprofits and thousands of LGBT people and allies to Piedmont Park for two days of entertainment and empowerment.

Saturday highlights include the Trans March, the Dyke March and headliner Andy Bell of Erasure; Sunday highlights include the Pride Parade, headliner Amy Ray of Indigo Girls and the closing Starlight Cabaret.

But official Pride events get underway well before the crowds arrive at Piedmont Park.

Among the most poignant is the annual Pride AIDS Vigil, set for Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Saint Mark United Methodist Church.

“Historically, we have to understand that we lost most of a generation of the LGBTQ movement to HIV and AIDS. I think it is central to the mission of Atlanta Pride to reflect on our past as we are charting a bold, exciting course for our future, and the AIDS Vigil is certainly a big part of that. …

“I think it is important to honor the struggle some have with HIV and AIDS, and to celebrate the lives that thrive and blossom in spite of the impact of a diagnosis,” Cooke says.

The following night offers two official Pride events: a new fundraising dinner and wine-tasting at Fifth Ivory Public House sponsored by Chris Coleman Enterprises, and the Pride Commitment Ceremony, sponsored by Macy’s and held at 7 p.m. at Altitude at the W Midtown hotel.

Atlanta Pride Dinner & Wine-Tasting Oct. 11, first seating 7 p.m., second at 8:30 p.m.

Fifth Ivory Public House • $30 for two-course meal with wine • $50 person for four-course meal with wine Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party Oct. 12, 6:30 — 11:30 p.m.

The Georgia Aquarium

Pick up our Oct. 12 issue for full calendars and in-depth coverage of Pride weekend events, and be sure to visit us in Piedmont Park!

Pride volunteer and former staffer Darie Wolfson will officiate the 2012 Commitment Ceremony with Pastor Troy Sanders of the Fellowship.

“I tried very hard to come up with a plan for the ceremony that was interfaith — including all faiths, such as pagan tradition, etc. and attempting to be inclusive of those who may be agnostic or atheist,” says Wolfson, who also officiated last year.

The ceremony offers a “crucial” chance for couples to declare their love while also sending a message about marriage equality, she says.

“For so many, to have that moment in time to stand before family and friends and publicly acknowledge their love and commitment to one another is truly life-changing,” Wolfson says. “It helps people know that there are many, many of us out here trying to change the system.”

Registration is $25 in advance or $35 at the door and includes a certificate; participants can register online at www.atlantapride.org Atlanta Pride’s official Kickoff Party takes over the Georgia Aquarium on Friday, Oct. 13, with the VIP Party in the venue’s ballroom followed by the main party throughout the aquarium.

Despite a controversy over whether sound from DJs disturbs the aquatic animals (see story, Page 4), Cooke says tickets are selling quickly.

“We may even be sold out by the time this

The annual Commitment Ceremony, set for Oct.11, is one of several Atlanta Pride traditions in the week leading up to the city’s massive LGBT festival.

(Photo by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography)

Atlanta Pride Festival Oct. 13-14 in Piedmont Park

PRIDE NIGHTLIFE FUNDRAISERS

story hits the newsstands,” he says.

After that, it’s time to head to Piedmont Park with 200,000 of your closest LGBT friends — and the Pride Committee could use your help.

“We still need 150-200 more volunteers to make the festival happen, so we encourage people to visit our website and sign up for a shift,” Cooke says. “As much fun as you have at the festival, it’s not too much to ask for four hours to help make it happen.”

Pride volunteers will be on hand to collect donations at these events.

More pre-Pride events

NFL Sunday Oct. 7, 1-3 p.m. at My Sister’s Room

As in previous years, Atlanta Pride has partnered with local nightlife venues to raise funds at popular events in the weeks leading up to the festival. Look for Pride volunteers collecting donations at venues including Swinging Richards (Sept. 29), My Sister’s Room (Oct. 3 and Oct. 7), Mary’s (Oct. 6) and Jungle (Oct. 10).

Other local organizations and businesses are also ramping up their pre-Pride activities.

Thursday, Oct. 11, will be a particularly busy night. In addition to Pride’s dinner and commitment ceremony, the Atlanta Executive Network hosts a Pride kick-off featuring Stuart Milk, Atlanta Pride honorary grand marshal and nephew of groundbreaking gay politician Harvey Milk.

Integrity Atlanta hosts its 23rd annual Pride Eucharist, featuring Rt. Rev’d J. Neil Alexander, Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta, and Charis Books & More hosts a Pride celebration with QueerBOIS.com.

23

Boy Next DoorUnderwear Show Sept. 29 at Swinging Richards Twisted Sister Karaoke Oct. 3, 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room Mary-oke Oct. 6, 10 p.m. at Mary’s

Atlanta Pride Night at Dragnificent Oct. 10, 9 p.m. at Jungle

OTHER PRE-PRIDE EVENTS Atlanta Executive Network Pride Kickoff with Stuart Milk Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. at the Rush Center www.aen.org Integrity Atlanta 23rd Pride Eucharist Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal www.allsaintsatlanta.org Pride Kickoff with QueerBOIS.com Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More www.charisbooksandmore.com

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GA Voice

September 28, 2012

Community

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GLAAD plans second Atlanta Gala to honor community leaders GA Voice editor among those to be recognized

By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation will host its second annual gala Oct. 6 to recognize local LGBT leaders who’ve done work to advance social change.

Some 28 honorees, including GA Voice Editor Laura Douglas-Brown, will receive awards.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by GLAAD and this award is shared with all of the staff who work so hard on GA Voice every day,” Douglas-Brown says.

Other honorees include Q100 morning DJ Bert Weiss, actress Fran Drescher, local fundraising drag troupe Armorettes and nightlife stalwart Blake’s on the Park (see sidebar for full list of honorees).

Dino Thompson-Sarmiento, senior adviser for the Atlanta Leadership Council for GLAAD, says the event allows the community to celebrate progress.

“We deserve this sort of party to celebrate our community, but also to say thank you for everyone who does their part to pave the way for social change for equality,” he said.

Honorees, Thompson-Sarmiento said, were chosen collectively by the GLAAD’s Atlanta Leadership Council.

“We collectively all nominate people that we feel have been doing extraordinary things,” he said.

After nominations, a voting process determined the final honorees.

“Not everyone knows everyone on the list,” Thompson-Sarmiento says. “There have been some people that have done remarkable things to advance social change over the years – folks who have been doing things for decades that have never been recognized.”

A slew of special guests, including GLAAD’s President Herndon Graddick and a few celebrities yet-to-be-announced, are expected to attend, Thompson-Sarmiento adds.

“We’ll focus on our local folks, but there is some real star power coming. It’s really going to be one of those things you don’t want to miss because Atlanta’s never seen anything like this before,” he says.

GLAAD’s web page for the event features a long list of special guests, including Drescher; her gay ex-husband, actor/director/producer Peter Marc Jacobson, who created the televison series “The Nanny” with Drescher; Kat Graham of “Vampire Diaries,” and many more Sponsors for the event include Ketel One vodka, Coca-Cola, Delta, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Blake’s on the Park, PWC and Look

Actress Fran Drescher is among the special guests advertised for the Oct. 6 GLAAD Atlanta Gala.

(Publicity photo via Facebook)

2012 GLAAD Honorees Bert Weiss (Q-100 ) DIAGEO – Marc Strachan Cast of Vampire Diaries Frank Mendez Armorettes Fran Drescher Peter Marc Jacobson Itay Hod Josh Williams John Ouderkirk, MD Frank Mendez Calisto Harvalias Chris Allers Katerina Graham

Blake’s on the Park Kerry Loftis Jon Santos Wes Berry Fenuxe Magazine Kevin Kelly Broc Martin Christopher Daniel Timothy Sanders Mark Lenkiewicz Laura Douglas-Brown John Lemley Kathy Colbenson Chris Nave

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com GLAAD Atlanta Gala Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. for VIP 7:30 p.m. for general admission 764 Miami Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324 www.glaad.org/atlantagala Young Atlanta.

Tickets to the event start at $50. A VIP package at $125 includes a celebrity reception. Attendees must be over 21. An official after-party will be held at Blake’s on the Park following the gala.

September 28, 2012

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September 28, 2012

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BEST BETS 09.28 - 10.11 Photo courtesy Emory University

SPOTLIGHT

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ADD YOUR EVENT

There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.

Through Sunday, Sept. 30

Maybe you saw the Oscar-winning feature film, or maybe you’re familiar with the ingenious puppetry behind the live show. “War Horse” is the imaginative drama that brings viewers on an “emotional journey that charges through the battle fields of history.” Most shows at 8 p.m. with matinees on the weekend at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org

Top photo by Lean and Mark Tioxon, cover photo by Kira-Marie Photography, bottom inset by Alisha Sams , Kory Garner

GA Voice

Friday, Sept. 28

Friday, Sept. 28 Natasha Trethewey, U.S. Poet Laureate, is the keynote speaker for the 20th anniversary of Emory University’s Center for Women. 7 p.m. at the Miller-Ward Alumni House, Miller-Ward Alumni House, 815 Houston Mill Road, Atlanta, Ga., 30329, www.emory.edu

SAGE Atlanta, for LGBT elders, hosts chair yoga every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org Musician Amy Andrews kicks off her feminist bookstore concert tour with a benefit for Charis Circle. 7 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com, www.amyandrewsmusic.com Catch female singer-songwriters, AG, Maia Sharp and Garrison Starr for a 7:30 p.m. show at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Photo via Facebook

“Indecision Tour 2012: Daily Show Live” brings “Daily Show with Jon Stewart” correspondents Rob Riggle, Al Madrigal and Rory Albanese for an insider’s look at the making of the Comedy Central classic. Expect stand-up, multimedia and a Q&A. 8 p.m. at the Ferst Center for the Arts, 350 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

Saturday, Sept. 29 Mariah Balenciaga from RuPaul’s “Drag Race,” season three, hosts an evening of drag to benefit the upcoming AIDS Walk Atlanta. 7-10 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. at Club Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Openly gay playwright Del Shores, always a favorite in Atlanta, is back with a production of his “Daddy’s Dying: Who’s Got the Will,” opening tonight and running through Oct. 20 at Onstage Atlanta, 2597 North Decatur Road, Decatur GA 30033, www.onstageatlanta.com “How to Survive a Plague,” a moving documentary about the early days of the AIDS epidemic, opens today at Landmark Midtown 931 Monroe Dr. , Atlanta, GA 30308, www.surviveaplague.com

Photo via Facebook

Hey, man, Atlanta Pride volunteers will be there to collect your groovy donations at ‘70s & ‘80s night at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Saturday, Sept. 29 The beefy men of the traveling Bearracuda party stop in Atlanta for another romp at the Heretic. DJ Hifi Sean makes his Atlanta debut. 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.bearracuda.com

Charlie Brown hosts Charlie’s Angels at 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com DJ Lydia Prim spins Fridays at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com Friday nights are for the “grown and sexy” with DJ Smash starting at 10 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Oct. 4 ed Magazine Thursday, an e d Equally W

Join GA Voic Atlanta r new publication, as we celebrate ou d hors an mission, cocktails Gay Weddings. Ad entary, so come down plim d’oeuvres are com annual gay is groundbreaking th t and learn abou 1150 Crescent - 10 p.m. at Opera, wedding guide. 6 e/O2p0zY .m 309, http://on.fb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30

Photo by Dyana Bagby

26

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< MORE LGBT EVENTS: Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules, sports, worship services and community organization meetings. www.thegavoice.com/calendar

Saturday, Sept. 29

A new “coming out” support group for LGBT adults meets on Saturdays through Nov. 17; 4 p.m. at First MCC Community Center, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. www.firstmcc.com

Are you the next Mr. Hideaway Leather? Compete to represent Roy’s Hideaway at the SECC contest in February 2013. Roy’s Hideaway Campground, 268 Catfish Lane, Collins, GA 30421, www.leatherXproductions.com

Atlanta’s 25th annual Out on Film festival officially starts Oct. 4, but enjoy previews and the chance to win film passes and DVDs at a Kick Off Party at 8 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com, www.outonfilm.org

Swinging Richard’s and Boy Next Door raise funds for Atlanta Pride by dressing strippers in Boy Next Door underwear, and letting you bid for a dance and the undies. Time TBA at Swinging Richard’s, 1400 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30323.

Gay writer/director Timothy Gray and his Odd Man Out Theater troupe perform a Shakespeare Follies/Not Follies “Best in Show” Show. Performers vie for audience love and the best will be invited to headline the group’s January show. Cocktails at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. at Arts Exchange, 750 Kalb Street, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.oddmanouttheater.com

DJ Shane V spins for “Duh! The ‘80s Party,” an annual Bedlam event at 9 p.m. at Asylum, 543 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316.

DJ Pat Scott spins for Atlanta S/M Solidarity Bar Night at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Calendar

Thursday, Oct. 4 - Sunday, Oct. 7

Paint the town with all that jazz as the traveling tour of “Chicago” stops for a brief run just outside Atlanta. 8 p.m. most nights, 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Go “Man 2 Man” every Saturday night at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com

Out on Film is 25 years old and still growing! Over 40 film programs; parties, and appearances by Miss Coco Peru, directors and actors. See in-depth coverage and full schedule, Pages 11-14. www.outonfilm.org

The first annual Ansley Fall Festival includes food, shopping, entertainment, local artists, an antique car show from the Lambda Car Club at the Hideaway from 3-7 p.m., and more. Festival from 1-7 p.m. at Ansley Mall. www.ansleyatlanta.com Dr. Ayanna Thompson presents “Weyward MacBeth: Intersections of Race and Performance,” looking at contemporary performances of the Shakespearean tragedy. 3 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com The gay Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club hosts its midseason beer bust. 3-6 p.m. at Cowtippers, 1600 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.atlantabucksrugby.org The Armorettes, Atlanta’s legendary fundraising drag troupe, takes over at 8 p.m. at at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Monday, Oct. 1

Speakers and music are on tap for a Town Hall Meeting dedicated to strategizing for winning marriage equality in Georgia, led by the new group Love Under Fire. 7-9 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308. www.facebook.com/LoveUnderFire The Atlanta chapter of PFLAG hosts its first Monday Support Meeting. No advice, just discussion. 7:30 - 9 p.m. at 1605 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pflagatl.org Catch Monday Night Football with games starting at 8:30 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Saturday, Oct. 6 Michelle Malone releases her new album with two shows at Decatur’s most famous music joint. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Friday, Oct. 5 Tuesday, Oct. 2

Authors Alice Walker and Pearl Cleage visit Emory University for a joint discussion of creativity. 4 p.m. at Cannon Chapel, 515 Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, www.emory.edu

Wednesday, Oct. 3

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon. 11:55 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantagaychamber.org David Byrne and St. Vincent perform at 8 p.m. at Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com Fiona Apple takes the stage at 8 p.m. at The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.tabernacleatl.com Every Wednesday, watch “The X Factor” at 8 p.m. on the big screens at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com Atlanta Pride volunteers will collect donations for the festival at Twisted Sister Karaoke; show begins at 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Tuesday, Oct. 2

Competition continues in Jungle’s “Dragnique” reboot “Dragnificent.” There’s $1,000 up for grabs at the end of the seven week amateur competition. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

On Tuesdays, the new NBC gay-themed sitcom “The New Normal” screens at 9:30 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Charlie Brown hosts “Drag Idol 5” every Wednesday at 10 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, http://on.fb.me/MYbqiy

Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturday, get your country on with 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

SAGE Atlanta, a support and social group for LGBT elders, meets starting at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

Tuesdays, unwind with a sing-along with pianist David Reeb at 8 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

SPOTLIGHT

Thursday, Oct. 4

Keller Williams Intown Atlanta presents a Casino Night to benefit Joining Hearts, Action Ministries Atlanta, and KW Cares. VIP High Roller upgrades available, tickets include light bites and playing money.

Cash donation bar. Doors at 6 p.m., gaming at 6:30 p.m. at Keller Williams Intown Atlanta, 621 North Ave., Ste. C-50, Atlanta, GA 30308, http://intowncasinonight.wordpress.com Contemporary jazz pianist Keiko Matsui brings Eastern and Western musical influences. 8 p.m. at the Ferst Center for the Arts, 350 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu Wassup ‘N ATL hosts their upscale First Friday party with DJs Trouble and Angel X with MC Wild Thang on the mic. 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.wassupnatl.com

Photo by Brook Pifer via milkfoundation.org

Sunday, Sept. 30

Thursday, Oct. 4 – Thursday, Oct. 11

Publicity photo

Shavonna B. Brooks hosts the Extravaganza show at 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

GA Voice

Thursday, Oct. 11 The Atlanta Executive Network kicks off Pride by hosting Stuart Milk, Atlanta Pride honorary grand marshal and nephew of groundbreaking gay politician Harvey Milk, for a discussion of his activism and the Harvey Milk Foundation. 6:30 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.aen.org

“Pitch Perfect,” takes on a college female singing group. Ester Dean plays a lesbian and Rebel Wilson gets most of the laughs as “Fat Amy.” Opens today at multiple theaters. www.pitchperfectmovie.com

Saturday, Oct. 6

Enjoy football and fundraising at the Atlanta Pride Beer Bust. 3-6 p.m. at Fifth Ivory Public House, 794 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA30308, www.atlantapride.org The Atlanta chapter of GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, hosts a gala evening of awards, performances and celebrity appearances. 6:30 p.m. for VIP, 7:30 p.m. for general admission at 764 Miami Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.glaad.org/atlantagala Lesbian duo Halcyon performs at 8 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com Author Pearl Cleage joins editors Tikenya FosterSingletary and Aisha Francis for a discussion of the first academic book on her work, “Pearl Cleage and Free Womanhood: Essays on Her Prose Works.”

7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com, www.amyandrewsmusic.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Photo by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography

DJ M and Twee present the Libra Birthday Bash at Club Rain, 448 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310, www.traxxgirls.com

Thursdays are 18-and-up College Night at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Courtesy photo

The Bros, the drag troupe from Athens, invades MSR with special guest Diego Wolf and Boydonna. DJ Liz Owen spins after. My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, mysistersroom.com

September 28, 2012

Publicity photo

www.theGAVoice.com

Thursday, Oct. 11 The Atlanta Pride Commitment Ceremony calls all couples for a nondenominational ceremony where you can say your vows on the eve of the Southeast’s largest LGBT festival. Register in advance if you want a certificate. 7 p.m. at Altitude at W Hotel Midtown, 188 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30361, www.atlantapride.org

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September 28, 2012

Calendar

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

DJ Diablo Rojo and the men of ManShaft return for their quarterly shindig with a “Blue Collar Edition.”

Early DJ set starts at 7 p.m. with the main event getting going around 10 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanga, GA 30312, http://themanshaft.blogspot.com DJ Twisted Dee spins at 10 p.m. the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com Atlanta Pride collects donations at tonight’s Maryoke, 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.atlantapride.org

Sunday, Oct. 7

NFL Sunday at My Sister’s Room includes donations for Atlanta Pride. 1-3 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Monday, Oct. 8

Every Monday night, enjoy Stars of the Century at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Wednesday, Oct. 10

Aunt Judy’s Social Circle gathers the girls every second Wednesday of the month from 6-9 p.m. at Bad Dog Taqueria, 1579 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/UB8NqU Military/Dog Tag is the theme for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star.

Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org Lesbian folk legend Janis Ian performs at 7 p.m. for Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com The annual Atlanta Pride AIDS Vigil remembers and honors those impacted by HIV. 7 p.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.stmarkumc.org, www.atlantapride.org

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UPCOMING Friday, Oct. 12

Start Atlanta Pride with a few thousand friends at the 2012 Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party. 7 p.m. at the Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St., Atlanta, GA 30313, www.atlantapride.org

Saturday, Oct. 13 – Sunday, Oct. 14

Atlanta Pride brings entertainers, vendors, nonprofits and thousands of your LGBT family and allies to Piedmont Park. Saturday highlights include the Trans March, the Dyke March and headliner Andy Bell of Erasure; Sunday highlights include the Pride Parade, headliner Amy Ray of Indigo Girls and the closing Starlight Cabaret. Full schedule at www.atlantapride.org

Sunday, Oct. 14

Enjoy an evening of singer-songwriters as Blame Sally performs with Caroline Aiken at Eddie Owen Presents. Door open 7 p.m. at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com

Saturday, Oct. 21

Produced by AID Atlanta, AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5 K Run is the largest AIDS-related fundraiser in the Southeast. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Piedmont Park. www.aisawalkatlanta.com

Award-winning poet Janet McAdams reads from her first novel, “Red Weather,” at 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Join QueerBOIS.com to celebrate the beginning of Atlanta Pride weekend. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Thursday, Oct. 11

Begin your Pride weekend with the Atlanta debut of drag legend Coco Peru. 8 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Integrity Atlanta, which advocates for LGBT inclusion in the Episcopal Church, hosts the 23rd annual Gay Pride Eucharist with Rt. Rev’d J. Neil Alexander, Bishop of Atlanta, preaching. A reception follows.

7:30 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.allsaintsatlanta.org

Lesbian folk legend Janis Ian performs a show at Decatur’s famed live music venue. 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

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September 28, 2012

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THAT’S WHAT

Named one of Southern Living’s

Top 10

SHE SAID

Tastiest Towns!

Digital divorce

Decoding the gay break-up email Delightful, delicious, dyna mic

Left: The Bakery at Cakes & Ale on Sycamore Street near the square supports “Keep it Indie-Catur.” Right: Restaurants and shops on E. Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Just six miles east of Atlanta is walkable, neighborly City of Decatur.

Explore more than 200 boutiques, salons, services, galleries, and destination dining spots. Find out about Terrific Thursdays in November and December at VisitDecaturGeorgia.com.

Advertising funded by the Decatur Craft Beer Festival.

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9/24/12 5:11 PM

I know a lesbian couple who recently broke up. They decided to inform their friends of their news by sending out a joint mass email. The email was short but let us all know that they had, sadly, decided to go their separate ways after seven long years.

Shortly after receiving the email, I was called by one of our mutual straight friends and asked for a translation. What exactly was she supposed to do now? Reply to the email? Send an email to both women separately? Send a pie or bottle of Jack Daniels? Should she call one of them or both of them? So I became the lesbian Rosetta Stone in an effort to help our straight friend understand.

I have heard of this type of email a few times before, and always from a gay couple.

This is not how straight people end their relationships. The email was meant to sound mature and poignant. It had an air of diplomacy and maturity that seemed like a press release.

My straight friend was confused. “This email sounds like they are both totally cool with the breakup. Do lesbians really break up like this?” My response was, “Hell, no. But they want you to think that they did.”

Like all break ups, I am sure words were slung in anger, accusations flew, tears fell and maybe even a dish broke. But to read the email, it simply had the tone of Steve Carell telling the rest of “The Office” staff that Jim had decided to move on to better opportunities.

Of course, the tell-tale sign that the email was not written in a complete meditative moment while the couple sat in their dining room sipping green tea was that it was sent out at 6 a.m. … on a Tuesday.

I explained to my friend that most likely, they had been up fighting all night about their future and then, someone in a burst of dramatic flair rattled off the email. Not wanting to look like the jilted one, she signed both their names in an effort to make it seem mutual. (It is never mutual, people.)

Melissa Carter is also a writer for Huffington Post.

She broke ground as the first out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter

In the straight world, this is called filing for divorce. Apparently, for some gay couples, the joint email is now in vogue.

Without the right to get married, gay people miss out on having a formal way to end our relationships. We are forced to split up homes and bank accounts and kids without the resources of the legal system. We just wing it, and then when we have a deal, some among us send our friends an email to alert them not to put both our names on the invitation to the next party.

In the lesbian fantasy world that this couple was living in last Tuesday morning, they thought they were going to share custody of their pets. This is a common act of insanity among gay women in breakup mode.

Almost always, this is one person’s attempt to hold on. “So if you are leaving me, are you leaving them too?” (She then points dramatically to the two Boxers lying in the corner.)

The other person (sensing the dreaded process of breaking up is reaching the deal-making stage) attempts to be reassuring. “Yes, of course I still love Baxter and Scout. I will always help you pay for three days per week of doggy-day-care.”

I am not making light of a relationship ending. It can be devastating on so many levels to lose someone you love and lose the security that only a relationship can bring. What I am doing is pointing out that in our constantly evolving efforts to make our relationships legitimate, sometimes, the P.R. spin seems a bit over-dramatic.

Every now and then, we should give ourselves permission to just be like the rest of the word. And when breakups happen, give them the legitimacy of announcing their end the way everyone else does — crying into Zinfandel while sitting on your friend’s couch in Norcross.

Save the emails for when you announce that happily the two of you are getting back together, a week from now.

Columnists

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DOMESTICALLY

DISTURBED

The big tease Chick-fil-A goes crazypants on LGBT rights

I was bombarded with Facebook messages and emails. Everyone sent me the same couple of links. An organization in Chicago claimed Chickfil-A had seen the light of reason and kindness, and intended to change their ways. “Yaaay,” said my friends and colleagues. “Just wait,” I replied.

Turns out the policy in question was merely a reminder to Chick-fil-A employees (and the country) that the company treats all of their customers equally. I have never doubted that Chick-fil-A is willing to take my gay money. My problem is that they then use my gay money to fight against my gay rights. This practice remains unchanged.

I understand people love their damn waffle fries, but I’m gonna need y’all to let this company go. You just can’t fix some folks, and interacting with them will only frustrate you and embolden them. I will give you an example.

Over the past five years, we’ve had a series of ups and downs with our next door neighbor, a paranoid schizophrenic from Jamaica whom I lovingly call “Crazypants.” During those halcyon early days of home ownership, she appeared to be a pleasant, if slightly quirky, elderly woman who mostly kept to herself.

About two years ago, some wires frayed in her mind, which launched a campaign of delusion-driven terror, accusing me of installing listening devices under her house, as well as sneaking in at night and taking pictures of her sleeping.

Let me be clear: I don’t have time to maintain a flower bed properly, let alone clear a few nights a week to photograph an unconscious old lady. And what would I do with these pictures? Is this like a sex thing?

Anyhoo, after a lengthy battle involving posting signs on our respective houses and multiple visits from various DeKalb County authorities, Crazypants and I called a truce. It happened last November, while I was hanging Christmas garland. I think she’d switched meds or had coffee or something, because it was the most lucid I’d seen her in years.

She still believed someone was taking pictures of her at night, but was willing to accept

Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book “Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life.” Find out more at topherpayne.com

that it most likely was not me. Since then, it’s been all quiet on the suburban front. I’ve even taken misdelivered mail right up to her door and exchanged pleasantries, just like normal, sane neighbors do on TV. Last week, I followed my usual routine of letting the dog out in the back yard while I sat on the back steps with my coffee, thinking about my current writing project.

Crazypants came barreling out her back door, headed in my direction. With our privacy fence, all I could see was her shock of peroxide blonde hair making its way toward me like a purpose-driven dandelion.

“I know you took pictures of my laundry room, Thomas!”

She calls me Thomas. Don’t know why, don’t care. Just glad she doesn’t know my actual name.

“No,” I said. “That is not a thing that happened.”

The angry dandelion then unleashed a stream of agitated expressions in a language I don’t speak, and floated back into her house. I was more disappointed than usual by her latest mental collapse. I had been deceived by the seemingly calm water, only to be attacked by the shark again.

I can no longer assign any blame to her for this. Crazypants does not change. She may throw her crazy in my face, or she may remain silent, but it’s always there. The constant flux lies in my expectations. I interpret her lack of open vitriol as a sign that things are improving. They are not.

This lesson also applies to Chick-fil-A. Their disgust and disdain for LGBT Americans has always been there, long before the open attack. They’ve grown silent again with the hope of luring the public into forgetting, and some will.

But do not be fooled by these deceptively calm waters. They do not change. They will not change. Their values, like the logic of Crazypants, are fundamentally flawed, and we should adjust our expectations accordingly.

September 28, 2012

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