Lost n Found Youth was created almost 5 years ago to address the problems of LGBTQ youth stranded on the streets of Atlanta. Executive Director Rick Westbrook and other founders saw the need for this youth outreach, hence Lost n Found Youth came into existence. Initially financed by the Atlanta LGBTQ community through small local fundraisers, we started receiving clothing, furniture, appliances, etc. allowing us to establish our Thrift Store. Now 85% of the sales through the Store support Lost n Found services with donations making up the balance. As part of the Lost n Found family, we ask you to continue donating items to the store, keep buying from the store, and keep contributing as we build our new shelter. This is the community based Atlanta LGBTQ’s organization. Let’s keep helping these children who remain the most vulnerable of the vulnerable.
Lost-n-Found Youth We are raising funds to renovate property on Juniper Street in Midtown that will allow us to triple our transitional living opportunities for homeless youth, provide a larger drop in center and enable us to serve many more clients and do so closer to where many are now located. A capital campaign is underway to raise those funds.
2585 Chantilly Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30324 24/7 LGBTQ Youth Crisis Line: 678-856-7825 Administrative Offices: 678-856-7824 www.lnfy.org
GEORGIANEWS
LGBT voices present throughout new Atlanta History Center exhibit 7,700 square-foot space features everyday LGBT Atlantans’ stories By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com When the Atlanta History Center was putting together their new signature exhibit, called Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta, they knew they had a lot of tools at their disposal. It would be located in a greatly expanded, 7,700 square-foot space just off the Center’s newly expanded lobby, and it would be the only exhibit that opens up to the lobby. It was replacing an exhibit that had been there for over 20 years, with the intention of Gatheround being there as long or more. But unlike that previous exhibit, Gatheround was designed so that pieces and themes can change over the years, opening it up to a world of possibilities. And change was exactly the reason the Center decided it was time for a new exhibit. The explosive post-Olympics growth of the city needed to be reflected at the Center, organizers say, and they stocked it with 750 artifacts, documents, photographs, and books to help prove it. But they also wanted to be inclusive of all of the voices throughout the city’s history, including those who had been silent of their own volition, or had been silenced by others. And that meant a more significant role for the city’s LGBT community, especially considering all of the changes the community has been through since the early 1990s. “The history of Atlanta is simply not complete as a narrative of the most powerful and dominant voices,” said Atlanta History Center staff historian and “Gatheround” curator Calinda Lee. “LGBTQ people have helped to define this city — and well before there was even a ‘movement’ to speak of. We feature members of the LGBTQ community throughout the exhibition because it’s our intention to affirm that we are all a part of this community together and we need not relegate LGBTQ community members to discussions of LGBTQ-focused issues.” To achieve that, Lee put together a committee of 12 LGBT past or present residents of Atlanta, including former Atlanta Pride www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Gatheround, the Atlanta History Center’s new exhibit, includes the first panel from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt (l) and videos from LGBT Georgians (r). (Photos by Patrick Saunders)
director Buck Cooke, The Health Initiative executive director Linda Ellis, The Baton Foundation founder and CEO Anthony Knight, and 7 Stages Theatre marketing director Charles Swint. An intentional tour If you make your way through the cavernous and pristine Atlanta History Center lobby and pass through the entryway into Gather-
ound, you’re greeted by a huge rectangular high-definition screen showing an orientation film. The first voice to greet you? That of gay Atlanta promoter (and Georgia Voice columnist) Bill Kaelin, who speaks about the importance of history for everyone, his Midtown neighborhood and the role the LGBT community has played in that area. Images of Atlanta Pride marches going back over 30 years follow.
As you make your way farther through the exhibit, you notice that it’s not set up in your typical chronological approach. Instead, Gatheround is divided into four thematic zones: Family & Community, Politics & Justice, Urban Growth and Cultural Life. LGBT Atlantans are most heavily represented in the Family & Community zone CONTINUES ON PAGE 7
September 16, 2016 News 3
An editorial cartoon from the 1990s is included in the “What Is Family?” area of the exhibit. (Photo by Patrick Saunders) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
where, in a towering display called “What Is Family?” hangs the first NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt panel. A description goes into detail about the effect the AIDS crisis had (and continues to have on the city), and how the city responded. Meanwhile, audio and video excerpts from StoryCorps interviews with same-sex Atlanta couples are played on a continuous loop. A couple more turns and you’re in front of a bank of video monitors, where you can choose the story you want to explore. The stories of LGBT Atlantans are embedded throughout the display, and the speakers aren’t often labeled as LGBT on the screen, so visitors sometimes don’t know they’re about to hear that story until they view it—an intentional move to expose different communities to each other’s stories and give more insight into the Atlantans that some might not know much about. Before exiting the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to step into one of two video recording booths and share their stories. Visiwww.thegeorgiavoice.com
“LGBTQ people have helped to define this city — and well before there was even a ‘movement’ to speak of. We feature members of the LGBTQ community throughout the exhibition because it’s our intention to affirm that we are all a part of this community together and we need not relegate LGBTQ community members to discussions of LGBTQ-focused issues.” —Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta curator Calinda Leean HIV-positive recipient in the United States tors can share what’s important to them about Atlanta’s history (LGBT or otherwise), reflect on their Atlanta memories and give feedback about what they would like to see during a future visit. September 16, 2016 News 7
GEORGIANEWS
Controversial presidential race overshadowing important LGBT Georgia races Hotly contested Brookhaven race, LGBT history up for grabs By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Border walls. Pneumonia. The troops. Deplorables. Fingers on the button. Assaults at rallies. And as Bernie Sanders would put it, those “damn emails.” The American public has been inundated with an amount of drama perhaps never before seen in a presidential election. Lost in the shuffle however are the number of down-ballot races that can have an even bigger impact on voters’ everyday lives than a presidential race. And there are LGBT candidates and allies with much at stake who are being drowned out by the noise. Here’s a look at the races of interest to Georgia’s LGBT voters. We’ve got word from Georgia Equality and Georgia Stonewall Democrats that endorsements will be announced in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out here for those as well as a deeper dive on individual races and issues. U.S. Senate Democratic newcomer Jim Barksdale has been polling around 10 to 12 points lower than his incumbent Republican opponent Sen. Johnny Isakson. But experts aren’t counting Barksdale out just yet due to the possibility of disaffected anti-Trump Republicans staying home on Nov. 8. Barksdale has largely stayed out of the spotlight throughout the election so it’s unclear just how strongly he will go to bat for Georgia’s LGBT community, but he does confirm he is against North Carolina’s anti-LGBT House Bill 2. House District 54 Openly gay candidate Bob Gibeling, treasurer of the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Georgia, has an uphill battle to fight against incumbent Republican Rep. Beth Beskin. If he’s able to pull out a win, he would become the first openly gay male to be elected to the Georgia legislature—Rashad Taylor was outed while in office and did not win reelection. A June 30 campaign disclosure report shows he has
State Rep. Taylor Bennett (l) and House District 54 candidate Bob Gibeling (r). (File photo, photo via Facebook)
raised $21,000 and has $20,000 on hand. Beskin meanwhile has raised $203,200 and has $61,000 on hand as of Aug. 2. HD54 includes Buckhead and West Midtown. House District 58 Openly queer state Rep. Park Cannon can rest easy in HD58, which includes southwest Atlanta, downtown and Midtown. She beat former state Rep. Ralph Long in a special election runoff in February to replace Simone Bell, who resigned last November. Cannon had no challengers in the May primary nor has any challengers in November’s general election. Meanwhile, she’s been busy campaigning hard for Hillary Clinton, making appearances with openly gay former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank in July, snagging a speaking role later that week at the Democratic convention and taking part in a Millennials for Hillary effort earlier this week. House District 60 Lesbian state Rep. Keisha Waites tech-
nically has opposition in this district covering southeast Atlanta, Hapeville and parts of Clayton and Dekalb counties. But she is expected to land a third straight term in office when she faces off against Republican truck driver Ralph Nobles in November. For what it’s worth, Waites had raised $2,350 and had $2,100 on hand as of June 30, while Nobles had raised no money and was $114 in the hole. House District 80 Now this is the one to watch. Rep. Taylor Bennett made his opposition to anti-LGBT so-called “religious freedom” legislation the centerpiece of his successful campaign in last year’s election for this Republican-leaning Brookhaven district. It was personal to him, seeing as his mother and sister are both lesbians. Bennett had raised $41,500 and had $32,200 as of June 30, with his Republican challenger Meagan Hanson raising $74,000 and having $22,000 on hand as of July 26. The Georgia GOP would love
Details
2016 ELECTION KEY DATES Voter Registration Deadline: Oct. 11, 2016 Early Voting Starts: Oct. 17, 2016 Election Day: Nov. 8, 2016 Register to vote and check your polling location at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov to get this seat back so if you’re in Brookhaven, you’ve probably got mail for the next two months. House District 85 Lesbian state Rep. Karla Drenner isn’t going anywhere. She faced no opposition in the May primary and has no opposition in the general and will be elected to her eighth term in office come November. HD85 includes Avondale Estates, Clarkston, Decatur and parts of Belvedere Park and Candler-McAfee.
8 News September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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NEWSBRIEFS Lady Chablis dead at 59 Legendary drag performer Lady Chablis died Sept. 8 at age 59. Club One in Savannah—where Chablis was a fixture since its 1988 opening—announced her death via a Facebook post, with the club’s co-owner and longtime friend Caleb Hall later saying the performer died of pneumonia. Chablis—the second iconic Georgia drag performer to pass away in the last month after Diamond Lil’s passing in early August— gained the bulk of her fame by co-starring in the 1997 crime drama “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” an adaptation of the 1994 non-fiction work by John Berendt. “In a good way, it made me famous,” she told the Savannah Morning News earlier this year. “It got me to places I never imagined I would go ...” But she added that there was a downside to the fame as well, saying, “It took away my security and privacy and trust. Also, it put me in the limelight where I had to wear that label ‘drag queen.’ I’ve never been comfortable with that label. That sort of brought me out of the closet. I had to come to terms with that.” Chablis released her autobiography “Hiding My Candy” in 1996 and continued to perform in the ensuing decades, often donating and contributing to many LGBT charities in the process. “Chablis always wanted to give the audience, be it 15 or 1500, the best that she had,” read Club One’s Facebook post. “With her declining health, she regretted that her body wouldn’t allow her to give more.” She died surrounded by friends and family at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital, according to WTOC. Lambda Legal urges Ga. appeals court to grant transgender man’s name change LGBT legal organization Lambda Legal filed a brief Sept. 8 in the Georgia Court of Appeals on behalf of Andrew Baumert, a transgender man whose petition to legally change his name was denied by the same trial court that denied transgender man Rowan Feldhaus’s name change in June. Lambda Legal is handling both appeals. “The court should not be allowed to double down on discrimination and deny another transgender person the right to change their name. When Andrew, Rowan and so many other transgender people go to the court to change their legal name, it is
Prima Printing owners Angel Marcelino (l) and husband Chad Sims (r) with their Ad POP award. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)
an important step towards validating who they are,” said Beth Littrell, senior attorney in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office in Atlanta, in a press release. “There are only a few exceptions that allow a court to deny someone the right to change their name. Being transgender is not one of those exceptions. A name change is time-consuming and costly and should not be denied based on sexist notions or transgender bias.” Baumert, 21, is an Augusta, Georgia native who began graduate school at Georgia State University in Atlanta this year. Doctors assigned his sex as female at birth but his gender identity is male, and in January 2016 he filed a petition for a name change in the Superior Court of Columbia County, Georgia. The court denied Baumert’s request at a June hearing, with Superior Court Judge J. David Roper saying, “my policy is to allow someone who claims to be transgendering [sic]—and I’ve had them in various stages— my policy is to permit someone to change, in your case, from an obviously—what appears to me to be a female name to something that is gender–neutral.” Roper went on to suggest several names he “can live with,” including Morgan, Shannon, Shaun and Jaimie and stated that if Baumert were allowed to have a name that matches his gender identity, it would “confuse or mislead the general public.”
This is the same policy the court applied to Feldhaus at a name change hearing in February of this year. Atlanta’s Prima Printing wins National Gay Media Association’s inaugural Ad POP award Atlanta’s own Prima Printing were among the winners of the National Gay Media Association’s (NGMA) inaugural Ad POP awards. The Ad POPs (Pride in Online and Print) recognize the best representations of LGBT individuals in online and print advertising in regional LGBT media. Prima, a Midtown Atlanta business owned by Chad Sims and his partner Angel Marcelino, was the Atlanta regional winner. Winners were selected at the national level as well, with Mercedes, Wells Fargo, the CDC, Loews Hotel and Allstate among the other winners. The NGMA is a group of the nation’s leading LGBT newspaper publishers, located in New York (Gay City News), Washington, D.C. (Washington Blade), Boston (Bay Windows), Philadelphia (Philadelphia Gay News), Detroit (Between the Lines), Chicago (Windy City Times), Dallas (Dallas Voice), Los Angeles (The Pride), San Francisco (Bay Area Reporter), Atlanta (Georgia Voice), Ft. Lauderdale (SFGN) and Orlando (Watermark).
10 News September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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12 Outspoken September 16, 2016
“We see what’s going on in society right now, right? It shouldn’t matter what God you celebrate, what color your skin is, who you go to sleep with at night, who you say ‘I do’ to — I don’t care … This world is looking really scary right now. We need hope. The universe conjures up what it needs when it needs it, and I believe that this movie is needed right now.” —Actress Taraji P. Henson tearing up at the Toronto International Film Festival after a screening of her upcoming film “Hidden Figures,” about the unsung African-American heroes at NASA who helped send John Glenn to orbit in 1962. (Vulture, Sept. 10); (Publicity photo)
“I just want to say thank you for everything that you do. Your lyrics to that song helped me from the day that I was in the hospital all the way to now. You’re amazing.” —Orlando nightclub shooting survivor Tony Marrero to Katy Perry, who surprised him during a visit on “Ellen.” Her song “Rise” has continued to help him on his path to recovery. (Towleroad, Sept. 8); (Photo via Facebook)
“I don’t really identify any specific way. I know there’s a lot of terms and things like that that are going on but I just do me and that’s all I can really say about myself. I wear what I want to wear and I do what I want to do and I think everyone should do that. I think everyone should just live life the way that you want to live it and if you identify as some certain way or as some certain gender term that makes you comfortable, then by all means use it and own it. For me, I just live fluid. I just do me and there’s really no other way to explain it.” —Gender-bending reality star and sports scion EJ Johnson. (BET.com, Sept. 8); (Photo via Facebook) www.thegeorgiavoice.com
OUT IN THE WILD Creepoftheweek By Simon Williamson
Finding Homo Simon Williamson lives with his husband in heteronormatively-assimilative fashion in Athens, after a year of surviving rural Georgia.
“I have no idea how to go about making representation better, outside really supporting the ones that are prepared to cater to me, and others. I don’t know or really care how TV works. But I do know that I like to see my people represented onscreen, without having to watch porn.” By now you have likely come across LOGO’s newest brightly-colored and oftrepeated “Finding Prince Charming,” which is essentially “The Bachelor” but for pretty gays. I don’t watch “The Bachelor” (or “The Bachelorette”) because it is terrible television, but I tuned in last week primarily because it was right after “RuPaul,” but also because it is one of the few occasions in which we get to see gays on TV. It was the same reason I watched HBO’s “Looking,” in which Patrick (Jonathan Groff) plays the most painful character in the world, all the more painful because he reminds me of me (may Cher bless the patience of my husband). I watched every second, and the movie, because we don’t have that many opportunities to watch shows about ourselves. I even dragged myself through 80 percent of “Queer as Folk,” motivated not by anything resembling quality, but solely by the fact that there were gays on TV. There is such a dearth of representation of people who are not straight, white men on TV that I cling to the few remnants available to me. My husband and I are considering adopting a child; there is a chance that child will be another race from ours, and making sure that child sees him or herself represented in media they are exposed to is going to be a task I have rarely confronted, being a white man myself. But it has made me even more aware of how difficult it is to see common representation of black, white, Hispanic and Asian people on TV, and I don’t mean a speck in a sea of white, and I don’t mean sitcom stereotypes www.thegeorgiavoice.com
(“2 Broke Girls,” my God). On film and television, women, who make up more than half of the population, have less than a third of speaking roles, and make up 12 percent of protagonists. Twelve percent. TWELVE PERCENT. For some reason we all want to see ourselves reflected in the world around us. We all want to be seen as fitting in and normal and part of the whole picture. I don’t know enough about psychology to explain why that is, but I think we can all agree that we do. But for every Patrick from “Looking” there are 100 McDreamies and McSteamies, and god there’s even multiple Patricks for every Titus Andromedon (if you can handle “Kimmy Schmidt”) and Captain Holt. For every Olivia Pope there are a thousand Don Drapers, and for every “Blackish” there are multiple and remade versions of “Full House.” For every Shonda Rhimes there are billions of Jerry Bruckheimers. You might be able to list multiple instances of underrepresented people, but the point, really, is that you can easily count them. I have no idea how to go about making representation better, outside really supporting the ones that are prepared to cater to me, and others. I don’t know or really care how TV works. But I do know that I like to see my people represented onscreen, without having to watch porn. So for the next few Thursdays, you can find me on my couch, battling through the severe awkwardness of “Finding Prince Charming,” hoping to hell that Robby (he’s easy to spot) wins.
Laura Ingraham’s pointless response to National Anthem protest By D’ANNE WITKOWSKI By now, you have heard about Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers player who refused to stand during the National Anthem before a game. His reasoning is pretty compelling. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” Some people are really upset with Kaepernick, one of whom is Laura Ingraham, who tweeted on Aug. 30, “Good Q: What would have happened if Kapernick [sic] disrespected the rainbow flag bef the game?” Which is actually not a good question at all because not only did she spell his name wrong, the comparison is illogical, as many people on Twitter have already pointed out. Writer John Howell Harris responded, “b/c gay people have a nearly 300 year history of subjugation & institutionalized
oppression of black people? Is that the Q?” Now that is a good question. Ingraham, who has called for people to start wearing adult diapers in order Laura Ingraham to protect them(Photo by Gage Skidmore) selves from the possibility of sharing a public restroom with a trans person and has said that being against marriage equality “doesn’t say that you’re antigay people or you don’t like gay people,” is obviously not expecting an answer to her rhetorical query. She’s posing the question in order to accuse liberals of choosing gays over America, because you can’t be pro-LGBT and love your country. Nor can you raise issues that make white people uncomfortable, which means anything related to racism, which is over because Obama, obviously. The truth is, America is a country with great ideals. It’s a shame that we still have yet to live up to them.
September 16, 2016 Outspoken 13
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Strippaggio fuels foodies across Atlanta “People are astonished LGBT-owned Emory Point, Midtown olive oil and vinegar when they taste real extra virgin olive oil.” bar turning heads By DIONNE N. WALKER For most of us, the uses for a bottle of olive oil are basic: It’s the base for a tasty salad dressing, a quick dip for a hunk of bread, or even a simple facial moisturizer. Celia Tully sees so much more. Her voice almost lilting, she stood explaining the nuances of the fragrant oil recently in the Emory Point olive oil and vinegar bar where she’s committed to elevating the side feature to the main culinary attraction. Delicate flavors are best for cooking, while denser ones – which will be damaged by heat – should be used for dips or other minimal preparations, she explained before pouring out a shot-sized sample of lemon-flavored oil. Once swigged, the unusually smooth-textured, abundantly flavorful oil made it clear why the store is called Strippaggio – a term describing the sound made by olive oil tasters slurping to extract every ounce of flavor. “People are astonished when they taste real extra virgin olive oil,” she said proudly, adding that some customers joke that she has ruined them on grocery store oils. Food Network, economy fuels foodie trend The boutique is the latest manifestation of a foodie trend that’s seen the once basic kitchen oil elevated to center stage, popping up as the focus of specialty shops from Vinings to Norcross. It comes as everything from Food Network to finances encourage people to be more creative in the kitchen. It’s a shift that’s also helped this queer entrepreneur realize a professional dream. “Wellness and culinary things were always
- Celia Tully, owner of olive oil and vinegar bar Strippaggio
my passion,” said Tully, who started her first business, Natural Body Spas, with partner Cici Coffee in the late ‘80s. “So I took my passion for wellness into the spa industry and my passion for culinary (things) in here.” “Here” is 900 square feet of olive oil heaven tucked alongside shops and eateries near Emory. On one side, gleaming silver tanks house ready-to-sample blends infused with rosemary, basil and other flavors. Off in a corner, turmeric honey and specialty vinegars mingle with gift sets and even olive oil lip balms, while near a window, shelves hold mango wood vases, homegrown salts and other specialties. Tully proudly sells some 20 olive oil blends, sourced from farms she personally visits and inspects. At over $15 a bottle, Tully said she wants to ensure her oil is high quality. “All good olive oils should have a little bit of a peppery finish,” said Tully, whose more unique blends include a bold jalapeno oil. Number of olive oil boutiques skyrocketing Tully opened Strippaggio in 2012, when she was an advancing home cook and a self-described “olive oil snob.” At the time, Tully said, it was difficult to find an olive oil shop inside the Perimeter. Nowadays, one need only throw an olive in Atlanta to find an oil boutique. In fact, there are believed to be at least 1,000 specialty olive oil boutiques across the country, according to the Olive Oil Times, an online industry magazine. The sample bars are popping up as American production of this oil, historically dom-
Strippaggio has two locations, one in Emory Point and one in Ponce City Market in Midtown. (Courtesy photo)
inated by Italian producers, reaches its stride. Experts point to the popularity of the so-called Mediterranean diet, which touts the benefits of high-vegetable, olive oil-rich eating. Tully herself links the explosion in popularity to two things: The economy and TV. She said cable shows shows like “Chefography” and “The Mind of a Chef” planted the seed in the minds of home cooks. When the market tanked a few years back, she said the stage was truly set. “During the recession, people were staying at home more, they were watching those shows,” she said. “They weren’t going out to eat as much and I think they were looking for good quality ingredients to cook with to create some of those recipes.” Four years ago, Tully jumped on the trend. It wasn’t her first time riding a business wave: In 1989, she and her partner capitalized on the burgeoning personal pampering trend to launch Natural Body Spas. They have since expanded to include locations across Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. Along the way, Tully
did stints in different sectors of the medical field, all the while maintaining her interest in cooking and health. Expansion to Midtown In 2012, Tully decided to jump in and hasn’t looked back. Not that anyone would want her to: She recently expanded to include a Midtown shop to accommodate a growing audience that includes tourists and foodies looking to kick their cooking up a notch. Tully obliges with olive oil tasting tours and tips to help the average person understand the subtleties and influence of a good oil. Back in her Emory Point shop, Tully virtually beams as she describes some of her latest additions, including an earthy smelling pecan truffle oil infused with actual Georgia truffles. Trained through a combination of seminars and olive oil schooling, Tully is a virtual encyclopedia of oil facts – from the rules of what makes an oil extra virgin to the source of the tingling finish in a good oil (it’s heart-healthy polyphenols).
14 Community September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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Carlton Wilborn on collaboration, HIV status and documentary ‘Strike a Pose’ By ELIJAH SARKESIAN
No matter how long Madonna continues her reign as the Queen of Pop, the height of her presence in the pop culture zeitgeist came at the beginning of the 1990s, with the combination of her “Vogue” single and music video, Blond Ambition Tour and “Truth or Dare” documentary. This was Madonna courting controversy and still achieving wild commercial success, a balance she hasn’t always maintained. During this period, Madonna relied on a group of seven male dancers who achieved their own flirtations with fame. As “Truth or Dare” celebrates its 25th anniversary, a new documentary, “Strike a Pose,” (the opening night feature at this year’s Out On Film festival) takes a look at these men during their time with the Queen of Pop, and how their lives have unfolded over the years. For Carlton Wilborn, one of the dancers, that focus was enough to get him on board. “It’s always been interesting,” says Wilborn, “because throughout the 25 years since ‘Truth or Dare,’ we have all been getting some sort of invitation to do something related to either her or speaking about the project, which I’ve always declined. But there was…a real CONTINUES ON PAGE 26
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Lucas Near-Verbrugghe and Aaron Costa Ganis star in “Lazy Eye,” screening Oct. 3 at Out On Film. (Photo courtesy T42 Entertainment)
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Out On Film makes America gay again By STEVE WARREN Last summer we celebrated the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage. This summer we mourned the victims of Orlando’s Pulse massacre. But on the brighter side, the Republican presidential candidate (Is this really happening or am I trapped in a bad movie?) threw a crumb to the LGBT community, even if he couldn’t pronounce it. Whatever happens, some people have to make movies and just about all of us have to watch them. So Out On Film goes on, as it has for 29 years, trying to discover LGBT films and filmmakers before the mainstream does, and offering a queerer alternative to what’s on other screens. The more assimilated we become, the less ghettoization there is, in cinema as well as real life. There are still films made by, for and about us; but most can be appreciated by wider audiences now that our secrets are as out as we are. So why do we need a festival? I wonder that every year, until I start watching the films. Yes, there’s mainstream work out there that accepts and includes us; but these films are us. They bring up memories, happy or sad, of being bullied, of being out and proud; the pain of wanting someone you can’t have, the thrill of finding out you can have them and the letdown after you do. Loving and losing – or winning – aren’t exclusive to us, but sometimes the way we do it is special. There are stories, real and fictional, that illustrate the steps we’ve been through on our journeys and remind us that others are still going through the process, which can be just as painful in this more enlightened age. The courage of our predecessors can empower and inspire us as they have others.
Festival director (and Georgia Voice contributor) Jim Farmer has assembled a bumper crop of more than 110 feature films, documentaries, short films and web series, in hopes of topping last year’s record attendance. Out On Film 29 runs Sept. 29 - Oct. 6 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. For complete festival information, including special guests, special events and updates, and to buy tickets, visit www.outonfilm.org. For more detailed versions of my reviews, go to www.thegavoice.com. STRIKE A POSE (***) Sept. 29, 7 p.m. In 1990, Madonna hired seven young men as dancers for her “Blond Ambition” tour. One of them was even straight, though you’d never guess which! Madonna doesn’t participate but “Strike a Pose” offers a different look at the great men behind a great woman, updating the dancers’ stories. SUMMERTIME (***) Sept. 30, 7:25 p.m. In 1971, Delphine (Izïa Higelin) is content on her family’s farm until her local girlfriend marries a man. Delphine moves to Paris and falls in love with bisexual Carole (Cécile De France). But when her family needs her, Delphine is torn between love and duty in this romantic, sexy drama. FAIR HAVEN (***) Sept. 30, 9:20 p.m. James (Michael Grant, excellent) returns home from conversion therapy to his family’s Vermont apple orchard, but wants to leave his widowed dad (Tom Wopat), his old boyfriend and the preacher’s daughter to go to music school in Boston. The film’s
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on our side but is fair to everyone. WHERE ARE YOU GOING, HABIBI? (** 1/2) Oct. 1, 11 a.m. Ibo (Cem Alkan) can’t get a good job because of German prejudice against his Turkish descent, so he works in a gay sex shop. He befriends Ali (Martin Walde), a homophobic (but flexible – but how flexible?) criminal. There’s a lot that’s hard to believe here, but I enjoyed it. AWOL (***) Oct. 1, 11:40 a.m. This seemingly simple romantic lesbian melodrama is full of surprises. Joey (Lola Kirke) is joining the Army until she meets Rayna (Breeda Wool, a younger Uma Thurman), a hot, older blonde whose truckdrivin’ husband is away a lot. By and about women, “AWOL” kept this male reviewer emotionally involved. KIKI (** 1/2) Oct. 1, 9:30 p.m. There’s a lot of fabulosity in terms of dance, wardrobe and attitude, in Sara Jordenö’s poorly assembled hodgepodge about New York’s current competitive ballroom scene. Enough individual stories of LGBT youth of color will stay with you to make “Kiki” worth seeing. THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT (***) Oct. 1, 11 p.m. “...a cock in a frock on a rock.” Drag queens Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce and transgender former drag queen Ter-
ence Stamp travel in an old bus named Priscilla to Australia’s center for a gig. Though somewhat dated in 1994, it was wonderful then and should still be today. THE QUEEN OF IRELAND (***) Oct. 2, 11:05 a.m. Ireland beat the U.S. to marriage equality by a month – and by popular vote! This is that story, and the story of activist Panti Bliss, a.k.a. Rory O’Neill, a small town boy who became famous as “a giant cartoon woman” and helped persuade the country. You’re gonna love him! JONATHAN (** 1/2) Oct. 2, 11:10 a.m.; Oct. 6, 3:30 p.m. “Jonathan” is a gay love story, but not the one you expect. Despite our hopes, the handsome title character (Jannis Niewöhner) is straight. He’s surprised to learn his dying father isn’t, when Dad’s old lover visits. Gay seniors who spent most of their lives in the closet will relate. POLITICAL ANIMALS (***) Oct. 2, 12:45 p.m. The first four out politicians elected to statewide office in California, starting only 22 years ago, were all lesbians. This terrific look at Sheila James Kuehl, Carole Migden, Christine Kehoe and Jackie Goldberg studies their victories, their defeats and, most usefully, their strategies in fighting for our rights. FRONT COVER (***) Oct. 2, 2:50 p.m. Closeted Chinese movie star Ning (James Chen) meets Chinese-American stylist Ryan
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Award winners from the big summer festivals that are showing in Out On Film include:
Frameline (San Francisco):
Audience Award Best Documentary: Real Boy Jury Award Outstanding First Feature: Jonathan Jury Award Outstanding Documentary: Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four
Outfest (Los Angeles):
U.S. Narrative Audience Award: Miles Audience Award for Best First U.S. Dramatic Feature: Suicide Kale U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Spa Night International Grand Jury Prize: Being 17 Grand Jury Award Best Documentary: Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four Grand Jury Special Mention for Outstanding Performance: Joe Seo in Spa Night Special Programming Award Emerging Talent: Twiggy Pucci Garçon and Sara Jordenö, Kiki
Clockwise from above: “Paris 05:59: Theo & Hugo” is a sexy drama screening Oct. 3 at Out On Film. (Photo courtesy Wolfe Releasing)., The romantic drama “Summertime” screens Sept. 30 at Out On Film. (Photo courtesy Strand Releasing), There’s a lot of fabulosity in Sara Jordeno’s “Kiki,” about New York’s competitive ballroom scene. Screening Oct. 1 at Out On Film. (Photo courtesy Hard Working Productions) victories. Dr. Ronni Sanlo lost custody of her children because of Bryant, leading her to an inspiring career of activism. She thanks Anita and we thank Ronni.
mate, then hit the streets of Paris together in real time for what could lead to serious romance. The movie climaxes too soon, but what an opening!
RETAKE (***) Oct. 2, 7:05 p.m. “Vertigo” meets “Pretty Woman” when middle-aged Tuc Watkins hires young hustler Devon Graye to ride with him from San Francisco to the Grand Canyon, role-playing his lost love in a recreation of their last trip together. Life isn’t as simple as movies but “Retake” combines the best of both.
LAZY EYE (***) Oct. 3, 7:15 p.m. “Lazy Eye” sounds dreadful but it isn’t. Dean (Lucas Near-Verbrugghe) and Alex (Aaron Costa Ganis) reconnect after 15 years, have a quickie, and talk. And talk. And talk. But the guys are real, their situation intriguing, the dialogue interesting; and writer-director Tim Kirkman (“Loggerheads”) knows how to make a movie.
THE SLIPPERS (** 1/2) Oct. 4, 3:30 p.m. With Hollywood nostalgia like Turner Classic Movies on steroids, this film follows at least four pairs of ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz,” which jumpstarted the movie memorabilia industry. A great hourlong documentary is stretched into a good hour-and-a-half feature.
TAEKWONDO (**) Oct. 2, 9:20 p.m. “Taekwondo” is the teasingest movie ever, gay or straight. Fer (Lucas Papa) invites dreamy-eyed Germán (Gabriel Epstein) to an Argentine spa, where seven often-naked but mostly straight dudes are in residence. Talk about a chorizo party! Germán lusts after Fer and the camera stays in everyone’s crotch, torturing the audience.
FIRST GIRL I LOVED (***) Oct. 3, 8:15 p.m. Yearbook photographer Anne (Dylan Gelula) is crushing on softball superstar Sasha (Brianna Hildebrand), but Anne’s best friend Clifton (Mateo Arias) reacts badly because he’s had a crush on Anne all this time. Relive the agony and ecstasy of your first same-sex crush, with Kerem Sanga’s novel narrative style providing surprises.
BEING 17 (** 1/2) Oct. 4, 7:05 p.m. Damien and Thomas fight in school but have to learn to live together when Thomas moves in temporarily with Damien’s family. Damien is gay but if Thomas is too, he represses it better. Technically first-rate, the movie must have triggered some suppressed memories to keep me from appreciating it fully.
LETTER TO ANITA (***) Oct. 3, 4 p.m. In 1977 pop singer/professed Christian/ orange juice pitchwoman Anita Bryant’s crusade hurt our movement but galvanized us into action that led to many subsequent
PARIS 05:59: THEO & HUGO (***) Oct. 3, 9:20 p.m. The amazing 20-minute sex club sequence is both artistic and pornographic, by any definitions. Théo (Geoffrey Couët) and Hugo (François Nambot) meet and
CLOSET MONSTER (***) Oct. 4, 9:15 p.m. The relatable tale of a young man, Oscar Madly (Connor Jessup), struggling not to be gay, mixes with fantasy (Buffy, the talking hamster) in Stephen Dunn’s new twist on
(Jake Choi), and they’re so different they must be made for each other. This romantic comedy is more romantic than comedic, sometimes quite serious but the mood never stays oppressively heavy for long.
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an old coming-out story. You may not like Oscar but you’ll root for him. SLASH (** 1/2) Oct. 5, 6:15 p.m. Neil (Michael Johnston), 15, and Julia (Hannah Marks), 16, make an unconvincing “bisexual” couple as they bond over a mutual interest in writing erotic fan-fiction – his gay, hers straight. They both just need to meet the right guy. REAL BOY (***) Oct. 5, 8:20 p.m. In an upbeat, positive look at the transgender experience (without glossing over difficulties), Shaleece Haas has created a documentary that plays like a narrative film. It follows Rachel’s transition to Bennett with the help of two amazing friends, one in identical circumstances and one who’s been there and done that. AN ACT OF LOVE (***) Oct. 6, 6:45 p.m. Conservative Methodists saw the writing on the wall after Stonewall and prohibited ministers from officiating in same-sex weddings. Rev. Frank Schaefer broke the rule for his own son and was defrocked, then refrocked, while the church remains split on the topic. The film should inspire others to follow their conscience.
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Welcome to the after-party Twenty years later, famed director Randal Kleiser talks about semi-biographical ‘It’s My Party,’ special screening at Out On Film festival By J. MATTHEW COBB Randal Kleiser is associated with some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema; the biggest being his very first feature, 1978’s “Grease” — the golden comedy musical that Vanity Fair recently dubbed the the biggest movie musical of the 20th century. But in 1996, the famed film director decided to put the spotlight on a very intimate and personal chapter in his life. In the comedy-drama feature “It’s My Party,” Kleiser used fictional names to illustrate the heartbreaking true story about his ex-lover, who learns of a devastating AIDS diagnosis and traces his solemn march with death at a family-and-friends farewell party. With Eric Roberts playing dying architect Nick Stark, along with a star-studded cast featuring Olivia Newton-John, Margaret Cho, Bronson Pinchot, Bruce Davison and Marlee Matlin, the film broke out at a time when very few studios were greenlighting films about LGBT characters, especially projects with a tighter focus on the AIDS crisis. Receiving “two thumbs up” from renowned film critics Gene Siskel and Robert Ebert, “It’s My Party” stands out as a vital contribution to LGBT cinema and brave storytelling. Now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, “It’s My Party” is drawing lots of renewed interest from film lovers. Programmers of Atlanta’s Out On Film festival are also celebrating the big occasion with a special screening on October 1 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Kleiser will be in attendance for a Q&A after the film and to receive the festival’s Icon Award. Gregory Harrison, who plays the character of Brandon Theis (Stark’s ex), will also be in attendance. Before his appearance at Out on Film, www.thegeorgiavoice.com
“It’s great because when the movie first came out, gay people knew about it or saw it. It’s like a piece of gay history, kinda documenting a time in history when there was no hope. When you had HIV back then, it was a death sentence. A lot of people today don’t realize that.” — Writer and director Randal Kleiser on his film “It’s My Party” Kleiser spoke with me by phone from his L.A. office about the film, its legacy and the upcoming screening. How important was it for you to tell this story? Well, it was something I had to do because anyone who was at the party when it occurred was transformed by it...because it was such an intense experience. Some photographs were taken there and I flew to Hawaii a few days after the event. A friend brought the photos and showed them to me and I knew right then that I had to make a movie out of it. There are a lot of emotionally charged content in the film, but yet there are actually a number of funny moments featured. Did you find it difficult to integrate the comedy and drama? Well yeah, I spent a lot of time on that.
Openly gay writer-director Randal Kleiser (l) and the cast of “It’s My Party” (above). (Courtesy photos)
Details ‘It’s My Party’
20th Anniversary Screening Saturday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema Followed by Q&A with Randal Kleiser and Gregory Harrison www.outonfilm.org Plus I had actors who were good at comedy — Margaret Cho and Bronson Pinchot, who were especially good at it. I knew they could come with some things. They came up with some of their own dialogue and we did some improv during rehearsal, so that helped. I wonder if this film, at least based on today’s terms, was noted as being your coming out to Hollywood and to the world? In a way. I never really talked about my life, but people in the movie industry knew that I was gay. I just never really announced it. When they did a story on me in The Advocate, it all came out because it was such a personal movie. Although AIDS today isn’t necessarily the death sentence it once was, I still feel the film resonates with audiences today. I think
a lot of people who have loved ones suffering with dementia can definitely relate to the PML angle. You’re right. The film does resonate with people who are dealing with dementia and also with suicide, because that’s now become legal in America. About two weeks ago a woman had a farewell party and did the very same thing. She invited everyone and took her own life. It kinda mirrors what happened with what we did back then. Back then it was illegal; now it’s legal. You are set to receive the Icon Award at the Out On Film festival. How does it feel to be considered an icon and to be honored for your achievements from your peers in the LGBT community? It’s great because when the movie first came out, gay people knew about it or saw it. It’s like a piece of gay history, kinda documenting a time in history when there was no hope. When you had HIV back then, it was a death sentence. A lot of people today don’t realize that. Even with “Philadelphia,” that movie didn’t document that there were so many people dying of AIDS. And [the scene with] all of those people on the wall were real friends of ours. That was a way to pay tribute to them.
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VOICES OF NOTE presents
ENCORE
2016 An evening of engaging performances, delicious food, delectable drinks, and a first-rate silent auction benefiting:
October 1, 2016 The Historic Academy of Medicineat Georgia Tech
Tickets at: voicesofnote.org
Carlton Wilborn (back row center) stars in the documentary ‘Strike a Pose,” the opening night film of this year’s Out On Film festival. (Courtesy photo)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 thoroughness to their email, and very specifically, it was that they said out the gate that they wanted to create a project that honored our voice, the dancers’ voice, and anything that we needed to say, that we didn’t have a chance to say.” Madonna and dancers were ‘comrade actors’ For Wilborn, it was a chance to reflect on what he refers to as “a double-edged experience.” He’s quick to point out that working with Madonna was “phenomenal,” because “she is the kind of artist who is so solid in her own power, that she really encourages other artists to bring everything out of them.” He points specifically to the performance of “Oh Father,” which found him working with Madonna as more than a dancer. “When we were putting that together, she and I got to work as comrade actors and talk about it as a scene, and where we were coming from in regards to being characters, not just doing a dance thing. So that was this great creative union for me, and the fact that she supported me with that, and we got to really just have such a featured moment to capitalize on all of our skills in that kind of way was quite cool.” Hiding HIV status on tour At the same time, Wilborn was keeping a se-
26 Fall Arts Preview September 16, 2016
Details ‘Strike A Pose’ opening night
screening at Out On Film festival Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema www.outonfilm.org cret from Madonna and his fellow dancers: he had been diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1985. “By the time I got to her in 1990, I was clearly dealing with that, and I was in such shame about that. So I was hiding all of that throughout that tour, and the second tour that I did, because I got invited back to do The Girlie Show. I wish I had been freer in my soul at the time to really relish in it, but I wasn’t.” With “Strike a Pose,” Wilborn is taking the opportunity to open up about his HIV status to the world. While he may wish he had felt more free to talk about his status years ago, he’s floored by the response he’s received. “Everybody’s got a journey. This thing is specific to everyone. And I say ‘thing,’ because one of the amazing things about this year with ‘Strike a Pose’ that I never saw coming is the fact that, the exact same thing that I thought would absolutely marginalize my life – that information, my diagnosis, it being public, the way people perceive me in the industry – is the exact information that’s getting me to be celebrated at a level I’ve never had in my entire career. That’s incredible
irony. It’s important for everyone to realize that their own journey is supposed to be its distinct testimonial for somebody and for a critical time in this place called Earth. Mine was supposed to be withheld, the way that it was, for as long as it was, so that the impact of my conversation would have a resonance into the right heart and the right soul today.” ‘None of us saw this coming’ If the making of “Strike a Pose” has taught Wilborn anything, it’s to keep a positive attitude about life, even during troubling times. “Really be careful how far you assess what is happening in your life,” Wilborn says. “‘Strike a Pose’ came about as the result of two people – our amazing directors, Reijer Zwaan and Ester Gould – reaching out and saying, ‘We’ve been following you for seven years, unbeknownst to you,’ meaning they’ve been strategizing to do something of good that would elevate me and my life. “It didn’t just happen for me as one person. This jumped off for seven human beings in the world – me and all the other guys. None of us saw this coming, but the same activity was happening in the shadows, so to speak, and here we are today. So the message is: stay hopeful, stay knowing, stay declaring – even in the midst of a storm – that good is happening for me. That the universe is working for me. That God has good for me. And just be in the wonder of it.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Don’t miss these shows and more!
NOW–SEPTEMBER 25
s a h m o r P e h “T date with a adway.” Broell Brock for AJC
The cast of the Alliance Theatre’s 2016/17 world premiere production The Prom. Photo by Greg Mooney.
d —Wen
Set sail for an epic adventure in this fantastical and daring adaptation of the American classic as you’ve never seen it before.
One soldier’s search for physical and emotional healing.
OCT. 12–30, 2016
Choose any three or more shows this season, starting at just $57.
SEPT. 16–OCT. 9, 2016
GET SEASON TICKETS alliancetheatre.org/seasontickets 404.733.4600 1280 Peachtree St NE // Atlanta, GA 30309
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LGBT theater bringing ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ musical to Atlanta Out Front Theatre prepares for splashy first production coming in October By JIM FARMER One of the bigger stories this fall is the emergence of Out Front Theatre, which is devoted to producing queer-themed work locally. The company’s splashy first production in October is “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical.” The Georgia Voice caught up with founder Paul Conroy recently to talk about why he started the company, why “Priscilla” rocks and what the rest of his season looks like. The Georgia Voice: Hi Paul. Tell us a little about the company. The idea was born about two years ago when I was finishing grad school in Chicago. I was deciding what the next step was going to be for my career. I started to look at other theaters and their scenes and I realized that a lot of other cities, such as Chicago, had theaters whose emphasis was the LGBTQ community. I thought, Atlanta has a theater community that focuses on African-American work, one that focuses on women’s works, even one that focuses on Irish work. But we didn’t have anything for a queer audience. It was around the time that marriage had become legal in all 50 states. I thought a place like Atlanta needs a theater company like this to tell these stories. Theater is a great way to introduce topics to people without making it threatening. That is how it was born. Now two years later here we are with our 501(c)(3) certification before we do any productions and we have a theater in West Midtown. Everything seems to be gelling and moving along well. I think people in the community are starving for what our mission is. We have had incredible support. We have a lot of people who want us to take off like a rocket
“I thought, Atlanta has a theater community that focuses on African-American work, one that focuses on women’s works, even one that focuses on Irish work. But we didn’t have anything for a queer audience.” -Out Front Theatre founder Paul Conroy on how the theater company was born from the first show. It’s been better than I ever expected. The community has put a lot of faith in us. Did you always know that “Priscilla” was going to be your first show? No. We were actually planning a different musical. Then I saw that “Priscilla” was going to be available and we scrapped the musical we were planning and said “Priscil-
Out Front Theatre founder Paul Conroy (l) and actors Justin Thompson, Robert Ray and Jason-Jamal Ligon (above, l-r). (Photo by Brian Wallenberg)
Details ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert:
The Musical’ Oct. 20 – Nov. 6 Out Front Theatre 999 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318 www.OutFrontTheatre.com la” is it. It has such great name recognition. It has music that everyone knows and loves. It seems accessible to introduce us while staying true to our mission. And this will be the first production of it in the state. Tell us about the stage version and how it compares to the film. It’s about 95 percent the same. There’s the scene on top of the bus, and the ping pong ball. Any of the changes are really small. There is no Abba music but there’s a lot of other music - “It’s Raining Men,” Cyndi Lauper music, “I Will Survive,” “Go West,” “I Love the Night Life, “ Boogie Wonderland,” “Hot Stuff.”
Why has the show not played in Georgia before? The national tour did not come through here because, frankly, the majority of audiences that go to The Fox are more conservative and would not appreciate a show like that. It deals with subject matter that a certain section of Atlanta and Georgia would not feel comfortable with. Tell us about the rest of the season. The next show is the Southeastern premiere of “A Kid Like Jake.” It’s a show that deals with parents who live in Manhattan who are attempting to get their son in a prestigious preschool. They realize he is having some gender identity issues. The last show is Paul Rudnick’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.” The first act is a re-telling of The Bible in the Garden of Eden going to the birth of Jesus through the first gay and lesbian couple. The second act takes all of these characters to modern day New York.
28 Fall Arts Preview September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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‘The Sleepy Hollow Experience’
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Fall 2016 Atlanta arts listings By JIM FARMER
DJ Spooky’s ‘The Hidden Code’
Can’t-miss performing arts events are sprinkled throughout the city this fall. Here is a list of some of the most prominent. One soldier searches for physical and emotional healing in the Alliance Theatre’s “Ugly Lies the Bone,” Sept. 16 - Oct. 9, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.alliancetheatre.org
the Variety Playhouse Oct. 25 as part of her Not Today Satan tour, 1099 Euclid Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.varietyplayhouse.com
Bianca Del Rio
“Queer as Folk” actor Randy Harrison is part of the cast of the new national tour of the classic musical “Cabaret,” Nov 1 – 6, Fox Theatre, 600 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308 www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
If you’ve somehow missed it, the Alliance Theatre’s “The Prom” runs through Sept. 25 – and it’s one of the gayest shows you’re likely to see, with an out director and several out cast members, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.alliancetheatre.org In a decades-old but still topical musical about sex and evil, 7 Stages presents “The Threepenny Opera” as the first production in its 38th season, through Sept. 25, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.7stages.org Brian Clowdus brings back his spooky, outdoor theatrical event “The Sleepy Hollow Experience,” Sept. 29 – Nov. 6, Serenbe Playhouse, 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, www.serenbeplayhouse.com DJ Spooky plays the Ferst Center for the Arts on back-to-back nights, first on Sept. 30 with a multimedia fusion of art and science called “The Hidden Code,” and then on Oct. 1 with “Peace Symphony,” which tells the story of World War II bombing survivors, 349 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, www.arts.gatech.edu Fresh off his dazzling version of “Romeo and Juliet” this spring, the Atlanta Opera’s Tomer Zvulun presents “The Abduction From The Seraglio,” Oct. 8 – 16, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Marietta, GA 30339, www.atlantaopera.org
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
The High Museum of Art’s “Fever Within: The Art of Ronald Lockett” is the first retrospective of the Southern artist’s work, Oct. 9 – Jan. 8, 2017, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.high.org
Its cast and crew hope it’s a singular sensation. “A Chorus Line” bows at Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Oct. 21 – Nov. 6, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com
Set sail for an epic adventure in this fantastical and daring adaptation of the American classic “Moby Dick” as you’ve never seen it before, Oct. 12 - 30, Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.alliancetheatre.org
The comedy spotlight fals on America’s electoral insanity with famous Chicago sketch and improv troupe The Second City performing “Free Speech,” Oct. 22 at the Ferst Center for the Arts, 349 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, www.arts.gatech.edu
London-based writer, performer and live artist Greg Wohead plays the Ferst Center for the Arts on Oct. 13 - 15, 349 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, www.arts.gatech.edu Tick, Adam and Bernadette live! Out Front Theatre opens its doors with the Georgia premiere of the crowd pleasing “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical,” Oct. 20 – Nov. 6, 999 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.OutFrontTheatre.com
The comedy queen is in town. Enjoy “Carol Burnett – An Evening of Laughter and Reflection Where the Audience Asks Questions” on Oct 24 and 25, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Marietta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com She’s simply fabulous – with comic timing you could set a watch to. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” sensation Bianca Del Rio comes to
In gay dancers Niv Sheinfeld & Oren Laor’s “Cowboy,” a country line dance turns into something darker and more erotic, Nov. 3 – 6, 7 Stages, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.7stages.org “Becoming Dr. Ruth: An Unexpected Journey” follows the iconic sexpert, Nov. 11 – 20, ART Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Historic Stone Mountain Village, GA 30083, www.artstation.org It’s become a must for the LGBT community each season. Harold Leaver – in his signature role – will once again don the elf suit for David Sedaris’ wickedly funny “The Santaland Diaries,” TBD dates, Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.horizontheatre.com After a record-breaking run last season, Stage Door Players brings back the Topher Payne-penned comedy “Let Nothing You Dismay,” in which a couple awaiting the birth of a child ask their families to stay home – unsuccessfully, Dec. 2 – 18, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, www.stagedoorplayers.net
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15 LGBT tie-ins for the fall 2016 TV season More TV options equals more LGBT actors and characters getting screen time
By PATRICK SAUNDERS
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Sept. 20 on Fox)
With more and more ways to find more TV shows, there are more and more LGBT actors and characters getting screen time. Here’s a rundown of what to look out for this fall.
The Golden Globe and Emmy-winning sitcom stars Andy Samberg, but it’s Andre Braugher’s hilariously dry-as-year-old-toast Captain Holt (who happens to be gay) that holds the show together and plays brilliantly off the other characters.
Gaycation
(Premiered Sept. 7 on Viceland)
It’s season 2 of the documentary series where openly gay actress Ellen Page and her best friend Ian Daniel explore LGBT cultures around the world. One Mississippi
(Premiered Sept. 9 on Amazon)
Lowkey lesbian comic Tig Notaro burst onto the national radar after a legendary stand-up set one night in 2012. “One Mississippi” is a new show loosely based on those and other events in Notaro’s life. American Horror Story (Premiered Sept. 14 on FX)
Openly gay co-creator Ryan Murphy is being highly secretive about season 6 of the creepy anthology horror series. But the cast is again filled with LGBT actors including Sarah Paulson, Denis O’Hare, Matt Bomer, Cheyenne Jackson and “AHS” newcomer Leslie Jordan. Project Runway (Premiered Sept. 15 on Lifetime)
Season 15 (!) again tries to find out who will become “the next great American designer.” Supermodel Heidi Klum, Marie Claire creative director Nina Garcia and fashion designer Zac Posen all return as judges, with Tim Gunn serving as always as mentor.
Clockwise from top: Gaycation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Feral (Publicity photos)
Scream Queens (Sept. 20 on Fox)
Openly gay co-creator Ryan Murphy’s campy comedy horror series adds John Stamos, Taylor Lautner and Kirstie Alley to an already stacked cast of season one returnees including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin and Niecy Nash. Empire (Sept. 21 on Fox)
The soapy Lee Daniels musical drama starring Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard features plenty of gay content thanks to Jussie Smollett’s Jamal. Expect even more famous guest stars to drop in this year. Modern Family (Sept. 21 on ABC)
Some say the ABC sitcom has lost a step as it enters season 8, but the ratings remain relatively strong despite it all. Plus there’s always Cam and Mitch, one of the longest-running gay couples to ever appear on television. How To Get Away With Murder (Sept. 22 on ABC)
While Shonda Rhimes gets the attention as producer, it’s the openly gay Peter Nowalk who created it. Bonus points for not being
afraid to show explicit gay content, usually courtesy of the scheming Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee). Transparent (Sept. 23 on Amazon)
The Amazon comedy series about a family patriarch actually revealing she’s a matriarch has nabbed tons of awards, usually for Jeffrey Tambor for playing the lead character Maura. Caitlyn Jenner will guest star in season 3. Saturday Night Live (Oct. 1 on NBC)
Chris Kelly is the first openly gay head writer the show has ever had in its 41-year run. Oh yeah, and there’s also cast MVP Kate McKinnon, the openly gay comic actress who’s fresh off a turn in the “Ghostbusters” reboot. Shameless (Oct. 2 on Showtime)
Showtime has never shied away from showing all the various exploits (clothed or unclothed) of actor Cameron Monaghan’s openly gay Ian. The ginger heartthrob returns for season 7 of the aptly-named show starring William H. Macy as
deadbeat dad Frank Gallagher. Feral (Oct. 6 on Dekkoo.com)
This new series from creator Morgan Jon Fox premieres exclusively on Dekkoo.com (a streaming service dedicated to gay men) and centers on a group of 20-somethings living, loving and losing in Memphis. The Real O’Neals (Oct. 11 on ABC)
A season two renewal was not a gimme for this ABC sitcom, but the network came through and we’ll see the further adventures of teenager Kenny (a hilarious Noah Galvin) as he navigates the gay world for the first time. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 20 on Fox)
One-off live musical TV films are all the rage and this is one people have been dying to see since it was announced last year. Transgender actress and activist Laverne Cox plays Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Adam Lambert plays Eddie and...oh just go watch it, you know you will!
30 Fall Arts Preview September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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Everyone’s welcome under Dolly’s tent Queen of Country on inspiring gay family members to come out, her LGBT kinship and ‘queer’ introduction By CHRIS AZZOPARDI Dolly Parton scoots into a drab backstage garage on her own two legs like a unicorn dream: knee-length canary yellow dress, rhinestones, more rhinestones, and a glow that can apparently turn even an industrial underground into heaven on earth. This woman – a country queen, a “backwoods Barbie,” the self-proclaimed fairy godmother – has united us all merely by existing. And if it wasn’t already evident, it certainly is in her midst: Dolly Parton is the only religion we may ever agree on. Read on as Dolly, who released her 43rd studio album “Pure & Simple” last month, looks back on her introduction to the gay community and, like any paragon of virtue, helping her own family members come to terms with their sexuality. Growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains, did you know any gay people? If I did, I didn’t know they were at the time! (Laughs) We were just mountain people, and I did not know at that time – I sure did not. What was your introduction to the gay community then? As I started to be a teenager there were a couple of guys downtown that everybody was
sayin’ were queer, ya know? I know they often said that about anybody who was odd or different – “they’re just queer, just strange and odd” – but the way they would talk about these two guys they would say, “Well, they’re sissies, they’re girls.” I was a teenager then. But in my early days we did not know (what gay was). It didn’t take me long to know that people were different and that was always fine with me ’cause I was different too, and I embraced and accepted them and I knew them. I knew them well. But no, in my early days I did not know. But I know a lot of them now! I have a huge gay and lesbian following and I’m proud of ’em, I love ’em and I think everybody should be themselves and be allowed to be themselves whoever they are, whatever they are. How big is your gay circle these days? You know what, I have so many (gay) people in my companies. And later on, I did find out I have many gays and lesbians in my own family. We accept them, we embrace them. Oh, there are some in the mountains who still don’t know quite what to make of it or how they should feel about it, but they’re ours and they’re who they are and we know they’re wonderful and they’re like us. We love the fact that they are who they are and we nurture that. We don’t try to make them
FALL 2016 MUSIC LISTINGS
Gretchen Peters, Sept. 28, City Winery
Heart, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick, Sept. 17, Chastain Park Ampitheatre
James Blake, Sept. 28, The Tabernacle
ATL Collective presents “Dolly Parton’s Jolene,” Sept. 24, Eddie’s Attic Sara Watkins with Mikaela Davis, Sept. 24, City Winery Beyoncé, Sept. 26, Philips Arena 3 Women and the Truth featuring Mary Gauthier, Eliza Gilkyson and
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Dolly Parton released her 43rd studio album “Pure & Simple” last month. (Photo courtesy Webster Public Relations)
feel separate or different. We embrace it.
Hopefully I’m able to help. I think I have.
Because you’ve always been so LGBTaffirming, are you a safe place for them to open up about their sexuality? Yes! Actually, I’ve had many people through the years who I have helped to feel good about themselves. I say, “You need to let people know who you are and you need to come on out. You don’t need to live your life in darkness – what’s the point in that? You’re never gonna be happy; you’re gonna be sick. You’re not gonna be healthy if you try to suppress your feelings and who you are.” I have a couple of transgender people in my company who are on salary with me, so I am totally open for that. And a lot of people feel like they can come to me… and they do! Whether it’s about being gay or whatever, a lot of people do me like they used to do my mama and come to talk to me about things.
Throughout your career, gay people have leaned on you for musical moral support while also absorbing your sage wisdom. But what have you learned from the gay people in your life? I certainly know that the gay people I know are the most sensitive and most caring of all. I think they go through so much that they have to live with their feelings on their sleeve. They’ve had to go through so much that I think they’re very emotional and tenderhearted and more open to feelings, so I’ve just learned the same things I try to learn from everybody. I know they’re good people and I’ve tried to learn from that as well. They’re very creative, most of them. And I think that also comes from just embracing the fact that they’re different. Most of the gays I know just want to make the world a more beautiful place like I do. Angie Stone, Nov. 23, Eddie’s Attic
Atlanta Women’s Chorus presents “Follow the Sun,” Nov. 5, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church
Maxwell and Mary J. Blige, Nov. 25, Philips Arena
Cowboy Junkies, Nov. 5-6, City Winery Stevie Nicks with The Pretenders, Nov. 6, Philips Arena
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus 36th Annual Holiday Concert, Dec. 2-3, The Cathedral of St. Philip
Tegan and Sara, Nov. 11, The Tabernacle
Andra Day, Dec. 3, The Tabernacle
Celtic Thunder, Oct. 13, The Fox Theatre
Pet Shop Boys, Nov. 14, Atlanta Symphony Hall
Shawn Colvin, Dec. 15, City Winery
Adele, Oct. 28-29, Philips Arena
Patty Griffin, Nov. 17-18, City Winery
Sia, Nov. 1, Philips Arena
Troye Sivan, Nov. 18, The Tabernacle
Atlanta Freedom Bands presents “Jubilance! Songs of Joy and Celebration,” Dec. 17, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church
Michelle Malone, Oct. 8, Eddie’s Attic Voices of Note presents “Encore 2016,” Oct. 1, The Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech
September 16, 2016 Fall Arts Preview 31
EATING MY WORDS By CLIFF BOSTOCK
Authentic ramen rules the menu at Hajime The Foundry at Puritan Mill • SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 1:30 p m - 5 p m • VIP First Taster entry at 1 p m Wings | Beer | Southern Spirits | Music For one day only, enjoy music, drinks, and all the wings you can eat from chefs and restaurants from Atlanta and around the Southeast, all to benefit Atlanta-based charities Angel Flight Soars and Second Helpings Atlanta
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It’s sad but I never ate a bowl of ramen until about five years ago. I remember that whenever I got stoned with hippie friends in my college dorm, somebody inevitably insisted we make instant Japanese ramen on my contraband hotplate. I never felt adequately fucked up to eat the stuff. I was actually kind of relieved when the dorm manager seized my hotplate during Christmas break. In the last few years, our entire culture – actually, the entire globe’s – has become obsessed with ramen. In case you’re as ignorant as I was, authentic ramen is a typically super-rich pork broth full of noodles, atop which float ingredients like sliced juicy pork, mushrooms, seafood, bamboo shoots, corn – whatever the chef designs and whatever you want to add. The first bowl of genuine ramen I ate was at Umaido, which is 30 miles away in Suwanee and is still open after seven years. Happily, Umaido has spawned a new intown ramen shop, Hajime, located at Cheshire Square, behind Rain, around the corner from the Tara Theatre (2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd., Atlanta. 470-428-2388). Perhaps the luscious ramen here is in part echoing the lascivious vibe of the former tenant, BJ Roosters. You won’t recognize it. The place is all dark wood with individual tables as well as a long communal one whose center is a table-length rock garden replete with sand. Hajime’s menu is huge. There are plenty of side dishes and appetizers – everything from the usual edamame to a bowl of salted fried chicken, a salad of cucumber and octopus, and flawless gyoza dumplings. You should not limit your starters to the formal appetizers. Most of the side dishes on a separate menu page work just as well. The star here is of course the ramen. There are 10 varieties. All but one feature classic tonkotsu, a broth made by boiling pork bones for hours and hours, even days. The result is a slightly salty, dense broth with a very thin sheet of glistening fat which of course, helps deepen the flavor. The housemade noodles, in a tangle in the middle of
The spicy ramen is a favorite at Hajime, on Cheshire Bridge Road in Midtown. (Photo by Cliff Bostock)
the bowl, are nearly as good as a spoon at getting the broth to your mouth. They’re traditionally absorbent and noisily slurpable. The default go-to here is the classic tonkotsum, number 1 on the menu. The large bowl holds two generous slices of deliciously roasted pork, bean sprouts, garlic oil, and some mysterious chopped greens. The bowl, and all but one of the others, includes half a boiled egg with a melting yolk meant to be stirred into the broth for added creaminess. All these ingredients, sparkling fresh, are apparently dropped into the soup at the last minute, because their flavors are strong and playful. You know: Opposites attract. I’ve also enjoyed the spicy ramen. It includes the roasted pork, along with a spicy soybean paste, pickled ginger, red pepper powder, peanut oil, scallions, and sesame. Its sting is mild, compared to the “ultra-spicy,” which friends tell me is virtually inedible unless your taste buds are dead. It will require numerous visits to try out Hajime’s full menu. There’s also a menu of rice dishes with a variety of intriguing toppings, including raw octopus and cod roe. But don’t even think of not ordering the ramen. Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or cliffbostock@gmail.com.
32 Columnists September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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September 16, 2016 Ads 33
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Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events in Atlanta for Sept. 16-29
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SUNDAY, SEPT. 18
“Little Men,” the new film by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Ira Sachs (“Love is Strange,” “Keep the Lights On”), continues at the Tara Theatre today, with various showtimes. (Publicity photo)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 16
Expect hard manual labor tonight at The Heretic for The ManShaft: Blue Collar Edition. The event is a celebration of the hardest working men in our society – the blue collar worker – who is made ManShaft tough. Gear up in your uniform, hardhat, tool belt, overalls, or just a tight ribbed tank top, a ball cap, and blue jeans. 9 p.m. – 3 a.m., www.hereticatlanta.com
EVENT SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY, SEPT. 16
Out artist Hannah Thomas visits Eddie’s Attic to launch her new CD, “Fault Line,” with a band that includes several members of Roxie Watson and Sugarland, at 8:30 p.m., www.eddiesattic.com (Publicity photo)
34 Best Bets Sept. 16, 2016
Into Pride with the Sips n Strokes Toco Hills family. Book an appointment to come and paint and bring some friends. A portion of each registration is donated to keep Pride free. You must register in advance to attend or call Jo at 678-516-7084 or 404-901-1099 to sign up directly. The cost is $45, 6:30 p.m., 3019 North Druid Hills Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
The Pianos for Peace Music Festival continues through Sunday at various Atlanta locations, www.PianosForPeace.org
Enjoy GRR N Stuff with DJ Marc J Cubs from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. tonight at the Atlanta Eagle, www.facebook.com/ events/325425951138976
SATURDAY, SEPT. 17
SUNDAY, SEPT. 18
The Atlanta LGBTQ Family Expo is a free one-day conference at Families First in downtown Atlanta that brings together many professionals involved in LGBTQ Family Building (adding kids to your family). Registration is currently open and required for all attendees, atlantalgbtexpo. wixsite.com/event The Out of the Closet Thrift Store, benefiting AIDS Healthcare Foundation, opens today at 10 a.m., www.outofthecloset.org Join Atlanta Pride for a special Stride
DJ Phil Romano spins at Xion Atlanta, 3 a.m, www.facebook.com/ events/1400347370272386/ The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets from 2:30 - 4 p.m. today at Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, 1730 Northeast Expressway, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 As summer winds down, come out for the Lambda Legal in Atlanta fundraising event today to help the organization raise money, from 3 – 5 p.m. at the
Wimbish House, www.facebook.com/ events/714523905353358/ Enjoy free pool and rotating DJs at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
MONDAY, SEPT. 19
Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. Whether silently or aloud, please come ready to consider your own gender in a transient world. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz and is co-sponsored by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children, 7 – 8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com
TUESDAY, SEPT. 20
Do you want to read books by amazing black women writers? Do you want to discuss works from a black feminist perspective? Then the Black Feminist Book Club is for you. Charis Circle board chair Susana Morris will be the facilitator of this group. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center literary event and the suggested donation is $5. September’s book is “Wench” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. 7 – 9 p.m., Charis
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBT EVENT Submit your LGBT event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
Drawing inspiration from German Expressionist cinema of the 1920s along with contemporary struggles for social and economic equality, 7 Stages Theatre has opened its 38th season with Bertolt Brecht’s “The Threepenny Opera.” Live musicians and Atlanta’s best actors perform powerful songs in this raw musical about power, sex, and the evil things one must do to stay alive in a corrupt world. 8 p.m., through Sept. 25, www.7stages.org (Publicity photo)
J’s Lounge is the home for Rainbow Tuesdays, with Dymond Onasis and Nicole Paige Brooks leading the fun and DJ Destin providing house music, 1995 Windy Hill Road #1, Smyrna, GA 30080
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21
Come watch the new season of “American Horror Story” at 9 p.m. in the Burkhart’s Viewing Room, www.burkharts.com
THURSDAY, SEPT. 22
The Alliance Theatre has opened the highly anticipated musical “The Prom,” about a high school student who wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom – and all hell breaks loose. Directed by out director Casey Nicholaw, 7:30 p.m., through Sept. 25, www.alliancetheatre.org The Pretty Girl Hideout Thursdays is tonight, hosted by Mook Dahost, Soul Bar at Pal’s Lounge, 254 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.traxxgirls.com
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) hosts its annual Community Awards Dinner, recognizing the best in the local business community, with Tony Kearney hosting, 6:30 - 11 p.m., InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, 3315 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Sketchworks Comedy, Atlanta’s awardwinning sketch comedy troupe, presents Heels – Hilariously Entertaining Electric Lady Squad, an all-new live sketch comedy show featuring some of Atlanta’s funniest women. It’s directed by Casey Holloway and stars Jean Alexander, Bonita Elery, Abbey Finch, Ashlee Heath, Tian Li, Maria Liatis, Crystal Lo, Summer McCusker, and Julie Shaer. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. through Oct. 8 at the Village Theatre, www.facebook.com/ events/1723878531086888/
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 – 25
Lost in Oz: Stories From Over the Rainbow is an immersive literary experience where the audience is encouraged to explore the enchanting realm of L. Frank Baum’s “Oz.” For the first time ever, the event will take place over two days, starting Saturday at 6 p.m. and lasting until Sunday at 5 p.m., Urban Sprout Farms, www.facebook.com/ events/110624039377436/
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
Enjoy a day full of hot men and college football at Woofs Atlanta, www.woofsatlanta.com It’s time to see RED! Red Dresses, that is … the Atlanta Red Dress Party will benefit Positive Impact Health Centers. The Red Dress Party has always been a time for remembering those whom we’ve lost from the epidemic as well as raising money to help those affected by HIV and AIDS. A $10 donation at the door is requested and alcoholic refreshments will be available. 6:30 – 10 p.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com Bust out that formal wear, because it’s time for WUSSY Prom 2016. Everything
is upside-down this year and WUSSY is taking over Jungle Atlanta in a darkwave, neon dream. Robert Alfons aka TR/ST will be the headlining DJ, with opening beats by Atlanta’s own RYLL GOLD (Amari Tariq Shakur). Dress in your formalwear, ’80s wear, or whatever you feel comfortable in! Featured artists include Man Up, Yancey, Biqtch Puddin’, Brigitte Bidet, Ellisorous Rex and Hydrangea Heath. 10 p.m. - 3 a.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com Host George Unda (“Where the Bears Are”) and DJ Mateo Segade host the rowdy Bubba Bang from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.facebook. com/events/313599418991923/
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25
Wake up and make some joyful noise with the Sisters of Sequin this morning at Gospel Brunch at Lips Atlanta, www.atldragshow.com The divas – Raquell, Evah, Peaches, Shawnna, and Nichelle – present Midtown Rogue at 8:30 p.m. tonight at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
Charis welcomes Nisi Shawl to celebrate her long-awaited novel “Everfair,” a NeoVictorian alternate history novel that explores the question of what might have come of Belgium’s disastrous colonization of the Congo if the native populations had learned about steam technology a bit earlier, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com (Publicity photo)
Sept. 16, 2016 Best Bets 35
SATURDAY, OCT. 7 – SUNDAY, OCT. 8
The largest event of its kind in the Southeast, Atlanta Pride, presents its annual two day, jam-packed celebration in the park, culminating in the traditional parade on Sunday, www.atlantapride.org (File photo)
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TUESDAY, SEPT. 27
Enjoy Tuesday Trivia with Laura Gentle, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m., The Hideaway Atlanta, www.atlantahideaway.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28
EVENT SPOTLIGHT MONDAY, SEPT. 26
Bring out your inner Beyonce to Blue Monday Karaoke, hosted by Angelica D’Paige, at 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com (Photo via Facebook)
36 Best Bets Sept. 16, 2016
Regina and all sorts of friendly people at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com/
THURSDAY, SEPT. 29
SAGE Atlanta’s social hour begins at 10 a.m., followed by a program/meeting at 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.rushcenteratl.org
MEAK Productions presents the GLBT Career Fair and Technology Center, with free career seminars and entrepreneurial coaching, 10 am – 4 p.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.glbtfair.meakproductions.com
Vibe Ride hosts Pride Rides, two dynamic indoor cycling classes featuring live DJs to raise funds for Atlanta Pride. Book your bike, and join in for a fantastic workout to your favorite songs! 6 – 8 p.m., Vibe Ride, http://bit.ly/2atcjC2
City Winery hosts the Three Women & The Truth Tour: singers/songwriters Mary Gauthier, Gretchen Peters and Eliza Gilkyson, 8 p.m., www.citywinery. com/atlanta/
Out On Film opens its 29th annual LGBTQ film festival with “Strike A Pose,” looking at Madonna’s dancers from her Blond Ambition tour 25 years later, with special guest, dancer Carlton Wilborn, 7 p.m., through Oct. 6 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, www.outonfilm.org
Enjoy Hump Night fun with hostess
The Dear Games Feminist Video Game Cabinet Unveiling and Anniversary Party is tonight at Charis Books, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com Play billiards and darts and more at game night every Thursday at My Sister’s Room, with food and drink specials and no cover, www.mysistersroom.com
UPCOMING FRIDAY, OCT. 7
The Official Atlanta Pride Kick Off Party starts the festival off tonight. For the eighth year, the Georgia Aquarium hosts the sure-to-be-crowded event, 7 – 11 p.m., www.georgiaaquarium.org/convention/ atlantapride
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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID By MELISSA CARTER
Alarmed by my bra Your alarm system won’t work without an upgrade. I received that notice from my alarm company. Then received it again. And yet another time, much like other offers that come my way. I currently find myself grasping for time, always feeling behind in life. Is it because I get up at 3 a.m. for work and rarely get a restful sleep for fear of missing my alarm? Is it because I am a single mom and purposely put my son first, discarding mail, email, and phone calls for much of the week? Likely a combination of both, I realized I needed to schedule an appointment with the alarm company to come change the expiring technology for something more modern. We picked the soonest afternoon they had. Of course it was during a rare late nap my son decided to take, so I corralled my two dogs into the backyard so they wouldn’t bark at the workman’s arrival and wake the toddler. Once the man pulled into the driveway, I met him outside and explained where my son was and asked if he could be quiet during his work. He explained that as a grandfather himself he understood, and assured me his work would be quick. Then as he entered my kitchen, he called his dispatch to check in and I was reminded that men can’t whisper. I couldn’t imagine his voice could get any louder as he described my alarm model over speakerphone, his volume matched by the crackling colleague coming through his device. Blinking hard in disbelief, I whispered, as a hint, that I was going to go check on my son, another hint, and left him to his conversation. Fortunately, Mr. Carter hadn’t stirred. I could hear his phone call had thankfully ended when my alarm went off. I quickly went to my keypad to silence the house once again. The workman quickly explained to me the alarm was necessary to test the new unit. Realizing this must be a joke, I watched him return to his original position in my laundry room to trip the system again. Helpless, the alarm eee-ahhh’d for what seemed like an hour and I waited for the tiny voice of a confused Mr. Carter to harmonize with the www.thegeorgiavoice.com
“Yes, apparently sometime over the weekend I had discarded one of my bras right on the kitchen island where we were, and failed to move it in the aforementioned hectic lifestyle I now live. Here we were … the workman, me, and my bra.” audible alert blaring in my house. Nothing. The test was over and my son miraculously slept through it. Relieved, I was then told his work was done and all I had to do was sign some paperwork. We gathered again in the kitchen and as he pointed out where I was supposed to sign, I noticed from the corner of my eye my bra. Yes, apparently sometime over the weekend I had discarded one of my bras right on the kitchen island where we were, and failed to move it in the aforementioned hectic lifestyle I now live. Here we were … the workman, me, and my bra. I made no attempt to move it since there is no way the workman could have missed it so why try now, and I signed what was needed to get this guy gone. I let the dogs in and had time to place my red face in my hands before Mr. Carter finally woke up. Melissa Carter is one of the Morning Show hosts on B98.5. In addition, she is a writer for the Huffington Post. She is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and one of the few in the country. Follow her on Twitter@MelissaCarter September 16, 2016 Columnists 37
professional artists series
DJ Spooky: The Hidden Code Friday, September 30
8:00pm FREE!
A multimedia experience portraying the fusion of art and science. FREE Performance! Outdoor amphitheater next to the Ferst Center, weather permitting.
DJ Spooky: Peace Symphony Saturday, October 1
8:00pm
DJ Spooky aka Paul D. Miller tells the stories of WWII bombing survivors with historical film footage combined with live music. The evening also includes Ice Music.
Greg Wohead October 13-15 Greg Wohead is a London-based writer, performer and live artist, originally from Texas. Each intriguing show features just one audience member. See arts.gatech.edu for details!
Hurtling Times Vary The Backseat of My Car (and other safe places) Times Vary
The Second City: Free Speech (While Supplies Last)
Saturday, October 22, 2016
8:00pm Fresh, fast, and spectacularly funny! The comedy spotlight falls on America’s electoral insanity with Chicago’s famous sketch and improv comedy troupe.
Call now for tickets!
404-894-9600
details and more events at
arts.gatech.edu
SOMETIMES ‘Y’ By RYAN LEE
The LGBT movement’s ‘Jackie Robinson moment’? The sports world is waging a multi-front war for social justice, which could change how society views LGBT rights in a way that LGBT athletes have been unable to. With due respect to Jason Collins, Michael Sam and Caitlyn Jenner, we might finally be approaching our longawaited ‘Jackie Robinson moment.’ The cultural revolution taking place in American athletics spans everything from football and basketball, to soccer and lacrosse; it is being fought by players, owners and even entire leagues; black and white, men and women, queer and straight; for transgender rights, black lives and the unifying yearning for equality and dignity. The hottest front is the one opened by Colin Kaepernick, backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, as he refuses to stand for the Star-Spangled Banner due to this country’s historic and current state-sanctioned violence against African Americans. His actions have enraged those who believe they have a monopoly on U.S. patriotism and constitutional rights, and emboldened other athletes to join Kaepernick’s protest. After generations of relative silence on social issues from America’s top sports figures, the NFL season opened with player protests in Miami, Kansas City, Seattle and San Francisco, whose owner also pledged $1 million to organizations fighting racial inequality. College and high school football players have made similar demonstrations, and earlier this month lesbian professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe took a knee during a pregame national anthem in solidarity with Kaepernick and the larger Black Lives Matter movement. The fighting has been quieter on the LGBT front of the current sports revolution, but the progressive victories have been monumental. This week, the NCAA announced that it was withdrawing seven collegiate sports championships that were scheduled to take place in North Carolina, due to the state’s ban on transgender individuals using the restroom that matches their gender identities.
“Many people regret the outsized influence sports play in American life, but their impact on our history and culture is inarguable. And we seem to have reached the point where American Sport, long a source of masculine hostility toward our movement, has joined the consensus on LGBT rights.” The NCAA action mirrors this summer’s announcement from the NBA that it was moving the 2017 All-Star Game from North Carolina because of its lawmakers’ stubborn bigotry. The Tar Heel State is now flanked by two sports leagues, representing the most powerful reassurance we have received from corporate and organizational allies who threatened to boycott states that enact laws restricting transgender access to restrooms or sanctioning anti-LGBT bigotry under the facade of “religious liberty.” The NCAA reiterated that our side is not hurling empty threats, and the NBA has proven that the other side’s anger doesn’t amount to power. Many people regret the outsized influence sports play in American life, but their impact on our history and culture is inarguable. And we seem to have reached the point where American Sport, long a source of masculine hostility toward our movement, has joined the consensus on LGBT rights. Just as Branch Rickey had haters after recruiting Jackie Robinson to the Dodgers, there will be those who feel antagonized by the bold moves of NBA and NCAA executives. However, the moves are made, and it’s hard to imagine how the NBA, NCAA or any other sports league can reverse course. LGBT rights are on the way to being as American as baseball, but history suggests there will always be a need for the Kaepernicks of the sports world. Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer.
38 Columnists September 16, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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