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GEORGIANEWS

LGBT-inclusive Jewish prayer book adopted for High Holy Days Reform synagogues in Midtown, Sandy Springs embrace the evolving face of Judaism

Samples of LGBT-inclusive changes to the Reform prayer book In the Rosh Hashanah morning healing prayer, there are three gender options. The first option is for ben (male), the second is for bat (female) and the third option is “mi-beit,” which is a non-gendered option. This is meant to be inclusive of those who do not identify specifically as male or female. n Selections from gay and lesbian poets like Allen Ginsberg and Walt Whitman are included, although not because of their sexual orientation.

They just weren’t excluded for it. n References to “bride and groom” have been changed to “couple,” and references to either “bride” or “groom” have been changed to “spouse” or “partner.” n In the Yom Kippur edition, there is a memorial prayer for those who died in the Holocaust that’s inclusive of those who died due to their sexual orientation. n

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com This Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, numerous Reform synagogues throughout the United States and Canada, including two in Atlanta, are using a new prayer book, or “machzor,” that reflects the changing attitudes toward women and LGBT people within the Jewish faith. It is the first update to the Reform prayer book since 1978.

References to “bride and groom” have been changed to “couple,” there’s a new nonbinary pronoun, selections from gay and lesbian poets are included, those who died in the Holocaust due to their sexual orientation are honored and more.

It’s a project five years in the making, courtesy of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the principal organization for Reform rabbis in the U.S. and Canada.

Addressing the needs of the 21st century Plans for the new prayer book began in 2010. A few years earlier, CCAR published a prayer book for Shabbat and every other Jewish holiday except Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

“People began to get used to the style of that prayer book. It’s got a unique style and approach to theology,” says Rabbi Hara Person, Director of Strategic Communications for the CCAR, noting the use of multivocality to include a number of voices and interpretations.

There also had been plenty of changes in the Jewish community since the previous prayer book was published back in 1978, not the least of which was in attitudes toward women and the LGBT community.

“We began to really think about what it meant that we have a community that’s so much more diverse in so many ways than we used to be,” Person says. “We needed a machzor that really addressed the needs of the 21st century— who we are as a Jewish community today and who we’re becoming as a Jewish community.”

The new Jewish prayer book, or “machzor,” has been updated for the Reform movement for the first time since 1978. (Photos by Patrick Saunders)

A committee of seven was formed, with regular meetings, drafts and rewrites occurring over the ensuing five years, including a pilot program to see what was working and what wasn’t. And as the sun set on Sunday, Sept. 13 of this year, the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah began and Reform synagogues began using the new prayer book.

Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, begins after sundown on Sep. 22.

‘You’re welcome, you have a place here, we want you to be here’ Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple in Midtown Atlanta was on that CCAR committee and was one of two local rabbis to start

using the new LGBT-inclusive tome, along with Rabbi Ron Segal of Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs.

“The editorial committee worked very hard to make sure the machzor was inclusive,” Berg says, calling it “the most inclusive machzor in our movement’s history.”

Berg mentions the inclusion of a selection from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” in the Rosh Hashanah edition that reads, in part, “As to me, I know of nothing else but miracles, whether I walk the streets of Manhattan ... or talk by day with any one I love—or sleep in the bed at night with any one I love.”

He also singles out a memorial prayer in the Yom Kippur edition to honor those who

lost their lives in the Holocaust.

“Let there be perfect rest for the countless millions who died because of race, religion or nationality, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Hold them close to You forever,” it reads.

“One of the issues throughout was, we wanting to use language that was very inclusive and very careful,” Person says. “So there’s never going to be anything throughout the book that assumes heterosexuality.

It’s an overall sensitivity about inclusion and not wanting to make anybody feel other.”

The new prayer book was updated in other ways as well, including an English translation for those who cannot read Hebrew and different theological perspectives for those who don’t have a traditional hierarchical relationship with God. There are also references to God as “she” and “compassionate mother.”

“I think [the changes] are significant because they really open doors that might not have been opened before,” Person says. “It means that we’re saying ‘You’re welcome, you have a place here, we want you to be here’ to people who might have otherwise felt closed out.”

4 News September 18, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

GEORGIANEWS

Candidates bid to break through Georgia’s ‘lavender ceiling’ Johnson, Noblitt trying to become the first openly gay men elected to the state legislature

THE CANDIDATES Rafer Johnson

House District 62, which includes portions of College Park, Douglasville, East Point and unincorporated portions of Fulton and Douglas counties.

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Nov. 8, 2016. That’s the next possible date for another LGBT barrier to be broken in Georgia—getting an openly gay man elected to the state legislature. Roughly a dozen have tried and failed in the last decade, with three going down last November. Up next to try are Rafer Johnson and Josh Noblitt.

Johnson, a program manager for Delta Air Lines’ in-flight services and a community advocate, announced his bid for the House District 62 seat in April. But it wasn’t the first time he’s considered running for office.

A few years ago he went through campaign training with the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee dedicated to getting openly LGBT people elected to public office. A seat opened on the Fulton County Commission after that, but he passed on running.

When state Rep. Ladawn Blackett Jones (D-Atlanta) announced earlier this year that she would not be running again for the HD62 seat in 2016, Johnson started encouraging others to run, but they told him he should do it instead. Johnson says he told his husband, Kelly Johnson, a board member with Georgia Equality, about the responses, and Kelly pulled out an application to run for the seat that was already filled out.

“He told me, ‘We’ve all been discussing this, we’ve just been waiting for you to get to the answer,’” says Johnson, who is making economic growth the centerpiece of his campaign.

He is no stranger to public service, having served as the chair of Fulton County’s Housing Authority, national co-chair of the Black Gay Men’s Network and as a board member for Atlanta Pride. He is currently serving on the advisory committee of the Atlanta BeltLine Tax Allocation District, among other posts.

Johnson laments the fact that no openly gay man has been elected to the legislature, saying, “We’ve got to break that lavender ceiling so that we have the best and the

Josh Noblitt

House District 59, which includes the neighborhoods of Poncey-Highland, Little Five Points, Inman Park, Reynoldstown, North Ormewood Park, Glenwood Park, Ormewood Park, Boulevard Heights, Grant Park, The Villages at Carver, South Atlanta, Lakewood Heights, Polar Rock, Perkerson Park, East Point, Colonial Hills, Frog Hollow, Conley Hills, Semmes Park, Fort Valley and Greenbriar.

Election Day: Nov. 8, 2016

Rafer Johnson (left) announced his candidacy for House District 62 in April and Josh Noblitt (right) announced his candidacy for House District 59 in May. (Courtesy photos)

“We’ve got to break that lavender ceiling so that we have the best and the brightest serving the entire state.”

—Rafer Johnson, a program manager for Delta Air Lines’ in-flight services and a community advocate who announced his bid for the House District 62 seat in April

brightest serving the entire state.”

But he sees Georgia as being in the midst of a transition on LGBT issues. Voters will decide whether he’s right next November.

Public safety centerpiece of hate crime victim Noblitt’s campaign Some say a higher power might be needed to get an openly gay man elected to the Georgia legislature. Enter Josh Noblitt, the openly gay Minister of Social Justice at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, who announced his candidacy for the House District 59 seat in May. Noblitt is close with the current holder of the seat, state Rep. Margaret Kaiser (D-Atlanta), and has even shadowed her two or three times each legislative session over the last few years. When Kaiser announced in March that

she would forego a 2016 reelection effort and instead make a run for mayor in 2017, Noblitt stepped in to announce his run.

Citing his position as president of his neighborhood association and as vice chair of his neighborhood planning unit, Noblitt says, “I’ve just really enjoyed that level of civic engagement and it just felt like a really logical next step for me.”

Noblitt made headlines in 2010 after being attacked at gunpoint along with his then-partner in an anti-gay hate crime in Piedmont Park. The attack eventually led to the formation of an Atlanta Police LGBT Advisory Board, of which Noblitt was a member.

The board, however, has fallen off in recent years.

He’s making public safety the centerpiece of his campaign, citing his “unique interac-

tion with the criminal justice system” considering his role as a victim in the hate crime, his previous work in the Georgia Public Defender’s Office and current role as chaplain for the Atlanta Police Department.

“Having those three unique perspectives and also being the president of my neighborhood association and hearing complaints from neighbors around public safety issues, I feel like I have a lot to bring to the table around that particular issue,” says Noblitt, who has raised just over $30,000 as of a June 30 campaign finance report.

In recent years, Noblitt has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT equality, speaking at numerous marriage equality rallies as well as at many rallies opposing Georgia’s socalled “religious freedom” bill.

He doesn’t know why an openly gay man has yet to be elected to the legislature, saying it’s hard to compare his election with previous elections since all have been in different districts with different demographics and candidates; but he remains hopeful.

“The times are very different even from one year ago. We’ve got marriage equality, we’ve got the end of DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act], we’ve got all kinds of advancements happening in a way that’s changing hearts and minds of folks around LGBT issues.”

6 News September 18, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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Rev. Duncan Teague and Patricia Lassiter on the panel at the faith and equality forum. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

NEWSBRIEFS Georgia Equality launches series documenting LGBT discrimination “All Things Being Equal,” a new video series produced by Georgia Equality, will feature stories from hard-working LGBT Georgians who have been fired or denied employment, or were refused housing or access to public services for no other reason than their sexual orientation or gender identity. Georgia is one of 28 states that have no laws protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Many people across our country and across our state assume that it’s already illegal to fire someone or deny them housing or other services simply because they’re LGBT, but that’s not true,” says Jeff Graham, Executive Director of Georgia Equality, in a statement.

“There’s no federal law protecting LGBT people from discrimination, and there are no state laws on the books here in Georgia.

The first video in the series tells the story of Connie Galloway, from Blue Ridge, Georgia. Galloway identifies as lesbian and was fired by an interim supervisor who made it known openly that she did not approve of her sexual orientation.

“No one should ever have to live in fear for their livelihood just because they’re

LGBT. That’s just not right,” says Galloway.

Georgia Equality has also launched an online resource guide that will assist LGBT individuals who have faced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Faith, equality and ‘religious freedom’ legislation addressed at LGBT Atlanta forum Faith leaders and politicians came together during Black Gay Pride this year for a forum on faith and equality, addressing so-called “religious freedom” legislation, reconciling sexual orientation with religious beliefs, and discussing how to address such issues with others going forward.

The forum, hosted by In The Life Atlanta (ITLA) and Georgia Equality and held Sep. 4 at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, was moderated by state Rep. Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) and included comments from state Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) and Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell.

Fort sounded a warning to those in attendance, saying, “The Supreme Court decision [on marriage equality] is so important because it smoked the proponents of the religious freedom act out, because now they’re very clear: [They] want RFRA so [they] can

prevent people from getting married. So I hope this weekend we celebrate and have a good time but we need to immediately thereafter get ready for the fight because it’s going to be what I call a throw down beginning the second Monday of January when the legislative session begins and RFRA is proposed.”

Traxx Girls’ founder ‘shocked, saddened’ over Chris Brown snub Traxx Girls founder and lesbian party promoter Melissa Scott is firing back at R&B singer Chris Brown after he failed to appear at a scheduled nightclub appearance over Atlanta Black Gay Pride weekend. Brown took to Twitter shortly after Georgia Voice broke the story to deny ever being booked for the Traxx Girls event.

“We are extremely disappointed Chris Brown did not show up to our annual Saturday night party during Pure Heat, Atlanta Black Gay Pride weekend,” said Scott in a statement. “We negotiated a contract in good faith and paid the agreed upon deposit via wire transfer. We fully expected Mr. Brown to appear for our ladies and we are shocked and saddened that he would deny that we had an agreement. At this time, Traxx Girls is reviewing its options with legal counsel.”

8 News September 18, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

OUR PAST OUR PRESENT PARADE & MARCHES ALL PEOPLE AND GROUPS ARE INVITED TO MARCH IN THE PARADE’S RACIAL JUSTICE SOLIDARITY COALITION.

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Outspoken “When we as LGBT people dare to exercise self-care. When we begin to believe the truth about who we are versus the lies and shame projected onto us by those who wish to dim our light.”

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By DARIAN AARON daaron@thegavoice.com Inspiration can come when you least expect it. Despite my reputation for being outspoken, I was fully prepared to forego an editorial in this issue. My personal mantra has always been to speak or write only when I have something meaningful to contribute to a conversation or a cause. But something happened: something that I only describe as the equivalent of what I witnessed growing up in the black church, when someone got “happy” or filled with the spirit, and their only recourse was to scream “Hallelujah!” or dance in the aisle.

This something was not a church service, but it very well could have been. After a long hiatus, the Stand Up and Represent March returned to Atlanta’s historic West End during Black Gay Pride, and as longtime Atlanta activist Anthony Antoine delivered his spoken word piece, “OUT,” he rivaled the cadence of any ordained minister I’ve ever known or the call and response of the many congregations I’ve sat in during my lifetime. I suddenly found myself wrestling with keeping my distance as a journalist or completely surrendering to the “spirit.”

“Cause I’m out, O-U-T For the whole world to see It’s no longer my problem But for y’all to deal”

10 Outspoken September 18, 2015

As spoken by Antoine to a crowd of people in a neighborhood often categorized as hostile toward LGBT people, those words punctured my core. His words reverberated around the space as onlookers stopped, listened, and took notice.

“It’s no longer my problem, but for y’all to deal.”

That is an indescribable gift; the moment when freedom and self-acceptance moves beyond the hypothetical into reality. When we as LGBT people dare to exercise self-care.

When we begin to believe the truth about who we are versus the lies and shame projected onto us by those who wish to dim our light. It’s a gift that I wish for all of my LGBT brothers and sisters. But beyond that, it’s a gift that I constantly pray society will make room for. If not, let it be the gift that we boldly reclaim.

Harvey Milk once said, “Coming out is the most political thing you can do.”

It can also be one of the most frightening. Despite all the gains our community has made, even in 2015, gay youth, LGBT people of color, and trans folk remain our most vulnerable. We have to ensure that when they come out they have somewhere to come to. A safe haven, a surrogate family, a community that will lift them up, even if the only commonality we may share is an existence outside of heteronormative ideals.

I’ve heard every reason why the closet is

still necessary and the preferred sanctuary for those who fear the repercussions of living in their truth. And while some of those reasons may carry weight, I can guarantee nothing compares to the weight lifted when you retrieve the power you’d given to maintaining a lie to live instead in truth. And along with that, not giving a damn about who doesn’t agree.

“It’s time to take a stand, Time to understand, Time to be a man, I’ve gots to be who I am.”

I’ve never shouted in church, although I’ve come close. Antoine reminded me that when you offer up your authentic self in spirit and in truth, the universe has no choice but to make room for you. And because I know this to be true, I feel like shouting right now as I did on the day he reaffirmed it.

Excerpts from the poem “OUT” are used in this editorial with permission from Anthony Antoine.

www.thegeorgiavoice.com 12 O

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“In the moments leading up to an event, the hours and minutes before, the self-doubts and second-guessing can be pretty intense. One might compare it to the fear of romantic rejection, which may be mortifying, but political rejection is downright heartbreaking.”

Community organizing is nothing if not humbling. You have to have nerves of steel. I mean, it’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but it’s also humbling. It requires vulnerability on so many levels.

In the moments leading up to an event, the hours and minutes before, the self-doubts and second-guessing can be pretty intense. One might compare it to the fear of romantic rejection, which may be mortifying, but political rejection is downright heartbreaking. When you pour your heart into an event, send countless emails, schedule endless conference calls, beg for money, and at the appointed moment, the possibility that no one may show up is a deep fear. It feels like dismissal. How does one not take that personally?

Of course these feelings are irrational.

What I’ve found is that if you work hard on

12 Outspoken September 18, 2015

THE ICONOCLAST

By Charles Stephens

On loving the work Charles Stephens is the Director of Counter Narrative and co-editor of ‘Black Gay Genius: Answering Joseph Beam’s Call.’ the front end, the people will come and the event will work out. That’s what I found when I co-organized “Love and Justice,” our community dialogue around HIV criminalization, one of the best events I’ve ever helped organize.

The conversation was on the Saturday of this year’s Labor Day weekend. We wanted to host our event during the annual Atlanta Black LGBT Pride festivities. A group of us came together to make the conversation happen: Robert Suttle of Sero Project, Randevyn Piérre of the Center for Black Equity, and me.

The idea to host a community conversation about HIV criminalization was born from a number of sources; the letter 116 of us sent to Michael L. Johnson (who was imprisoned under Missouri’s HIV criminalization law) was a large part. As I worked with my colleagues, I was also very aware, extremely aware, of the

history of black gay and bisexual men resisting the broader context of criminalization, including everyone from Langston Hughes, who in his 1951 poem “Café: 3 A.M.” depicted the police harassment of a black gay bar, to Joseph Beam’s critique of state violence in his anthology “In the Life,” to Essex Hemphill, who in his poem, “Occupied Territories,” wrote: “You are not to touch other flesh/without a police permit.” These are the shoulders we stood upon and the tradition we invoked through our work; the ancestral energy we called forth.

More about the conversation: The gathering was intimate, maybe 13 or so of us, but we felt like an army. There was magic present. The magic that happens when you’re able to co-create a space for black gay and bisexual men where we can just “be.”

I will admit I was worried the conversation

would be combative and volatile. The topic is often a divisive one. These discussions about whether or not someone should be imprisoned for not disclosing their HIV status (or being unable to prove they did), inspires very passionate, often personal, responses. But it didn’t feel volatile at all. During the conversation, we talked about the implications of sex and intimacy for black gay men. We talked about healing. We shared personal stories and experiences. We discussed race and homophobia. We had the kind of conversation black gay and bisexual men have when the space is created for us to express ourselves. If we are ever to effectively build power among black gay and bisexual men to resist HIV criminalization, it begins with base-building through community conversations, storytelling, and sharing. This is the path forward.

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What is Out on Film?

Out on Film is Atlanta’s own LGBT film festival. We’re in our 27th season. Out on Film was created in 1987 to inform, entertain, educate and enrich the regional LGBT community by recognizing the creative work of LGBT artists and professionals.

How can I learn more?

For details about films and schedules, including trailers, special events, and volunteering go to:

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HITTING A HOT STREAK From Netflix to the big screen, Lily Tomlin isn’t slowing down

By JIM FARMER Lily Tomlin can’t rightfully explain it, but she isn’t complaining. After a prosperous and lauded career in TV, film and theater, she’s enjoying, at age 76, perhaps the most prolific period of her life. Not only is she starring in the popular Netflix comedy, “Grace and Frankie,” which earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy, but she is also generating Oscar buzz for her new film, “Grandma.”

Opening today in Atlanta, the comedy stars Tomlin as Elle, a lesbian poet who has just broken up with her girlfriend (Judy Greer). When her pregnant granddaughter Sage (Julia Garner) pays a surprise visit, the two have to come up with $600 for an abortion over the course of a day. Temporarily broke, Elle is forced to visit various persons from her past to raise the money.

Tomlin worked with “Grandma” director Paul Weitz on the film, “Admission,” a few years ago. When shooting on that wrapped, he approached her about a new project he had written with her in mind. “At first I thought, ‘Oh God, I hope I CONTINUES ON PAGE 15 14 Fall Arts Preview September 18, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 like it—and I did,” says Tomlin, speaking via phone while eating soup and settling in at home after a long week of filming.

They didn’t make the movie right away because of conflicting schedules, but they would occasionally get together and go over the script. “We’d talk about things like why Elle was broke,” says the actress.

“Grandma” premiered at Sundance this year, and buzz began immediately for Tomlin’s performance. Many people have asked how much of herself is in the often acerbic Elle. She says she’s not the character, but admits there may be parallels. “There must be a lot of me in it because it turned out so well,” she says. “I really related to it.”

One of the aspects she admired was the fact that it was an ensemble piece starring the likes of Sam Elliot, Laverne Cox, and Marcia Gay Harden. “I thought it was terrific that Paul got so many great people in it. Everybody who took a part just delivered.”

Tomlin, who is out herself, is no stranger to ensemble work; she got her start on TV’s “Laugh-In” and brought to life iconic characters such as telephone operator Ernestine and six-year-old Edith Ann. Working with late director Robert Altman on ensemble films such as “Nashville,” “Short Cuts” and “A Prairie Home Companion” were career highlights. One mention of Altman and Tomlin almost purrs in delight. “I love Bob and miss him so much,” she says.

“Nashville” was her first film—and it netted the actress an Oscar nomination.

She had just come off of “Laugh-In” and wasn’t being considered for film. “No one would put me in a movie—they thought I was Ernestine.”

Tomlin later teamed with Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton for “9 to 5,” her most commercial success. Getting to work with Fonda 35 years later on “Grace and Frankie,” which stars the actresses as women whose husbands come out as gay and decide to be a couple, has been a kick. “Jane and I just like each other,” she says. “We are having a great time. This was a chance to show how older people can be discounted by the culture. It’s realistic but not preachy.”

She and Fonda are filming the sec-

Details ‘Grandma’

Opens Sept. 18 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and AMC Phipps Plaza sonyclassics.com/grandma www.thegeorgiavoice.com

ond season now. Neither had any idea it would be such a hit. Tomlin is not allowed to give much away in terms of plot for the upcoming season, but she does say the women continue on their paths. “The guys are together and we are two older women trying to make it, sustain our lives and our abilities to not be discounted,” she says. “Grace gets involved with a tough kid she is mentoring and I get involved with a new boyfriend.”

That the show has reached a broad

audience has made Tomlin happy. She is constantly stopped in public by people who tell her how much they like it.

Her current hot streak is one she never expected. “I just attribute it to the way the vibes go,” she says. At this weekend’s Emmy Awards, she is not favored to win, but will have a great time regardless. “It’s always a little dicey when you are nominated or have to present (an award). You get nervous. It’s sort of terrifying. If you don’t win you’re sitting there on the hot seat.”

In 2013, after more than 40 years together, Tomlin and her long-time girlfriend Jane Wagner got married. “We are perfectly content,” she says. “We think it’s fun—we never planned on getting married. When the opportunity came, I finally said, ‘Let’s get married.’ It’s so important to so many people. Maybe it’s not as important to us because we’ve been together so long and it just seems like a foregone deal. We got our license, set it up with a friend and she married us at her house. It was sweet and funny and cute and loving. And we like it!”

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September 18, 2015 Fall Arts Preview 15

OUT ON FILM 50 SHADES OF GAY

by STEVE WARREN For the first time in its 28 years, Out On Film can be legally married in Georgia!

Well, I’m not sure the Supreme Court ruling covers festival marriages, but Out On Film director (and Georgia Voice contributor) Jim Farmer tied the knot with Craig Hardesty on July 2, and yours truly got hitched in Florida to Dan Warren (formerly Smith) on Jan. 15.

In other words, a lot more than Caitlyn Jenner’s gender has changed since last year’s festival. Have the movies kept up with the times?

As Sarah Palin (remember her?) might say, “You betcha!”

You can see how well they’ve kept up if you look back at the early days of Out On Film, which presents its 28th slate of movies from Oct. 1 through 8 at the Landmark Theatres Midtown Art Cinema. A typical festival in the recent past might have included a rom-com about a gay man looking for (and finding) love, a drama about a woman leaving her husband after realizing she prefers another woman, and a documentary about the nascent “gay” (or “gay and lesbian”) movement in another country.

Films about trans people would have been rare, and even L, G and B films were often in short supply, though what few did exist would be helped by distributors of those newfangled “home videos” trying to build word of mouth for their upcoming releases.

Cut to 2015. Today, we have all kinds of narrative and documentary films, about people all up and down the Kinsey scale, in various phases of transition, and mingling freely in a diverse society.

16 Out On Film September 18, 2015

Production values are up, too, and are now at least equal to those of hetero indie films, because there’s increased competition from cable, Netflix and other distribution outlets. As GLAAD pointed out recently, TV series with at least one LGBT character have become the rule rather than the exception.

Remember when we were lucky to have one film with LGBT content (e.g., “Phila‘Naz & Maalik’ Publicity photo) delphia,” “Brokeback Mountain” or “Milk”) FOURTH MAN OUT (***) (Oct. 1, 7:15 p.m.) carrying the banner for us in award season?

Evan Todd plays a 24-year-old mechanic who This year’s acting Oscar winners, Julianne comes out to his three supportive, straight besties Moore and Eddie Redmayne, are in contenin the first feature by director Andrew Nackman tion again—Moore for playing a lesbian in and writer Aaron Dancik. With its 21st-century “Freeheld,” showing in Out On Film on premise and refreshingly obvious sitcom style, it could easily translate into a TV series.

Oct. 4 (and which also features an acting nominee for this year, Steve Carell, as a gay NAZ & MAALIK (***) (Oct. 1, 9:30 p.m.; man) and Redmayne for playing a transgenOct. 8, 3 p.m.) der woman in “The Danish Girl.” There’s “Naz & Maalik” are connected by more than also award buzz around Cate Blanchett and an ampersand. The 18-year-old black Muslim Rooney Mara as a lesbian couple in “Carol,” Brooklynites are best friends (with benefits) in Elle Fanning as a transgender teen in “About Jay Dockendorf’s low-key first feature that builds slowly into the festival’s sweetest cinematic Ray,” and Tom Hardy as the Kray twins, one surprise. As Maalik, Curtiss Cook Jr. evokes a of whom was gay, in “Legend.” taller, more serious Kevin Hart.

With all these and more, including the ADDICTED TO FRESNO (***) controversial “Stonewall” (opening on (Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.)

Sep. 25) and “The New Girlfriend” (openLesbian Martha (Natasha Lyonne) and her ing on Oct. 2) coming to theaters, you may sex-addicted older sister Shannon (Judy Greer) wonder what’s left for a festival. I think work as maids in a cheap hotel. A guest’s death you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the answer. sends the sisters on a crime spree to pay off Here are my thoughts on more than half blackmailers in screenwriter Karey Dornetto’s delightfully twisted comedy, directed by her wife, of the festival features, which I was able Jamie Babbit. Fun for all genders. to preview. As a critic (a.k.a. “professional bitch”), I didn’t love them all, but that THOSE PEOPLE (** 1/2) (Oct. 2, 9:15 p.m.)

You should know going in that Charlie (Jonadoesn’t mean you won’t.

For complete festival information and to buy tickets, visit www.outonfilm.org. For extended versions of my reviews, go to thegavoice.com.

than Gordon) and Sebastian (Jason Ralph) are longtime best friends without benefits, because Joey Kuhn’s otherwise fine first feature about love and financial crimes among wealthy Manhattanites is confusing on that score, especially since

‘Sum the guys are gay and obviously love each other.

SUMMER OF SANGAILE (**1/2) (Oct. 3, 10:35 a.m.)

This Lithuanian film is visually stunning, but overly minimalist in its storytelling. A romance between 17-year-old girls, Sangaile and Austé, is overshadowed by Sangaile’s struggle to overcome her fear of flying. There aren’t many subtitles to read, but you might want more to flesh out the story.

HENRY GAMBLE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY (** 1/2) (Oct. 3, 10:45 a.m.)

I hoped Stephen Cone would make a better follow-up to his 2011 film, “The Wise Guys.”

Henry is celebrating his 17th birthday with 20 people, each with a story and attitudes: too many to keep track of. Henry’s gay and his father’s a conservative pastor. What else do you need?

UPSTAIRS INFERNO (***) (Oct. 3, 12:20 p.m.)

Robert L. Camina’s LGBT horror movie details the 1973 fire that destroyed the Up Stairs Lounge, a New Orleans gay bar, claiming 32 lives (33 if you count the suspected arsonist’s later suicide). Activists confronting official apathy remind older LGBTs and inform younger ones how things were 42 years ago.

TWO 4 ONE (***) (Oct. 3, 2:30 p.m.)

The old “pregnant man” premise is no longer a fantasy. Canadian filmmaker Maureen Bradley blends seriousness and humor in the right amounts as Adam, who used to be Melanie,

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

‘Guidance’ Publicity photo)

‘Summer of Sangaile’ Publicity photo) gets pregnant while helping Miriam, his former lesbian lover, artificially inseminate herself. Bradley makes you laugh, cry and believe it.

TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL (***) (Oct. 3, 6:10 p.m.)

The 1950s screen idol tells us everything but why he abandoned his cherished privacy in Jeffrey Schwarz’s (“I Am Divine”) adaptation of Hunter’s like-named 2005 autobiography. The gay actor makes it an illustrated audiobook, narrating while we see hundreds of photos, clips and comments from a surprising assortment of people.

MARGARITA, WITH A STRAW (**1/2) (Oct. 4, 11 a.m.)

Kalki Koechlin resembles Hilary Swank and gives a performance that would win Swank another Oscar as a young Indian woman with cerebral palsy who goes to college in New York, where she’s sexually awakened by a woman and a man, showing that people with “special needs” have regular needs too.

OUT TO WIN (***) (Oct. 4, 5 p.m.)

The stories of more than a dozen past, present and future major league athletes are told in Malcolm Ingram’s inspiring history lesson that goes from David Kopay to Michael Sam and beyond, including women in tennis, hockey and basketball. A timeline would be helpful but there’s plenty here to cheer.

BEAUTIFUL SOMETHING (** 1/2) (Oct. 4, 9:15 p.m.)

com www.thegeorgiavoice.com

A throwback to gay ghettoization, “Beautiful Something” is set in a nighttime world of men looking for love and finding sex. After two hot sex scenes to get your attention, it’s mostly talk, with everyone overacting (mostly well) but Zack Ryan, who stands out for his natural performance.

THE GUY WITH THE KNIFE (***) (Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m.)

Alison Armstrong’s documentary may be the best drama you see on screen this year. Houston activist Ray Hill helped secure justice for ten gay-bashing teens that killed a man in 1991, but later befriended and mentored one of them.

You’ll question your own beliefs as new facts are revealed.

HOW TO WIN AT CHECKERS (EVERY TIME) (*** 1/2) (Oct. 5, 7:35 p.m.)

An 11-year-old boy and his gay brother with a transgender friend are among the exploited poor of Bangkok in Josh Kim’s lovely film about family values in a diverse, inclusive, 21st-century family. It’s not the gayest film in the festival, but it may be the best.

LIZ IN SEPTEMBER (**1/2) (Oct. 5, 8:15 p.m.)

If you crave a mashup between a Lifetime movie and a telenovela, you’ll like how Venezuela’s Fina Torres has adapted Jane Chambers’ play, “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” about a (temporarily) straight woman who stumbles upon six lesbians and is pursued by the most predatory of the lot.

IN THE GRAYSCALE (**1/2) (Oct. 5, 9:10 p.m.)

Taking a break from his straight marriage, Chilean architect Bruno (Francisco Celhay) meets Fer (Emilio Edwards) and tries it our way; but Fer sees things as black or white and Bruno is the Q in LGBTQ, so what are their chances?

The drama unfolds slowly, but not unpleasantly.

GAME FACE (***) (Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.)

Michiel Thomas tells the stories of transgender lesbian MMA fighter Fallon Fox and gay college basketball player Terrence Clemens as they compete for championships and face their biggest struggle: coming out. As they were helped by those who came before them, they are committed to helping those who will follow.

THE ROYAL ROAD (**) (Oct. 6, 4 p.m.)

An experienced maker and watcher of films, Jenni Olson should be able to do better than this rambling blog supposedly built around “unconsummated flirtations” with two women, which discusses the historical conquest of America, classic movies and other topics while showing generally unflattering pictures of a depopulated San Francisco.

GUIDANCE (***) (Oct. 8, 8:30 p.m.)

A superb triple threat, writer-director Pat Mills stars as David Gold, a raging alcoholic and flaming queen (in denial) who, unable to find acting work, takes a job as a high school guidance counselor. He shares booze and weed with the kids, but actually helps them, so who can hate him?

MIND/GAME: THE UNQUIET JOURNEY OF CHAMIQUE HOLDSCLAW (no rating) (Oct. 6, 7 p.m., 8:45 p.m.)

Right film, wrong festival. WNBA superstar Chamique Holdsclaw is open about her struggles with mental illness in Rick Goldsmith’s profile that’s mum on the topic of her lesbianism, except for a fleeting glimpse of a headline identifying Jennifer Lacy, the woman she assaulted in Atlanta in 2012, as her “ex-girlfriend.”

Award winners from the big summer festivals that are showing in Out on Film include:

SEED MONEY: THE CHUCK HOLMES STORY (** 1/2) (Oct. 6, 9:20 p.m.)

Soon after Stonewall, Indiana boy Chuck Holmes moved to San Francisco and co-founded Falcon Studios, trying to raise the standards for gay porn and give viewers a sense of pride. This documentary paints Holmes as philanthropic and shows our history from another angle, but keeps the porn clips strictly softcore.

Jury Award Outstanding First Feature: In the Grayscale

THAT’S NOT US (**) (Oct. 7, 7 p.m.)

A lesbian couple, a gay couple and a straight couple share a beach cottage near Manhattan.

Each has a problem to work out during the weekend, in a largely improvised, largely dull drama.

The title is misleading. The aim is to attract multiple demographics and make them say, “That’s us!”

Jury Award Actor in a U.S. Dramatic Feature: Curtis Cook Jr. and Kerwin Johnson Jr. in Naz & Maalik

FRAMELINE (SAN FRANCISCO): Audience Award Best Feature: Margarita, with a Straw Audience Award Best Documentary: Game Face

OUTFEST (LOS ANGELES): Audience Award Best Dramatic Feature: Fourth Man Out Audience Award Best First U.S. Dramatic Feature: Those People

Jury Award Actress in a U.S. Dramatic Feature: Judy Greer in Addicted to Fresno

September 18, 2015 Out On Film 17

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TELEVISION

20 LGBT TV TIE-INS FOR

THE FALL Where to find the actors and characters across the spectrum this season

By PATRICK SAUNDERS This season brings a renewed commitment to LGBT actors and characters from the “Big Four” television networks, with two-thirds of the spots on this list taken up

by ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. GLAAD even awarded its first ever “excellent” grade in their annual Network Responsibility Index this year, with Fox getting the honors.

And while the broadcast networks, cable networks and streaming services could use a little more of the “T” in LGBT, there’s still plenty of tie-ins to find no matter where you get your content. Check out this list of the returning favorites and newest hits to grace your multiple screens this spring.

“Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris” (Premiered Sep. 15 on NBC) A live variety show revival? With openly gay actor/author/Heineken Light pitchman Neil Patrick Harris? Sign us up.

“Doctor Who” (Sep. 19 on BBC America) Any show that has been accused of promoting a gay agenda, as happened after a lesbian kiss scene aired last season, is okay by us.

“Scream Queens” (Sep. 22 on Fox) Openly gay co-creator Ryan Murphy (“Glee,” “American Horror Story”) is back with this campy take on a horror series, featuring Murphy regulars Lea Michele and Emma Roberts.

“Empire” (Sep. 23 on Fox) Openly gay co-creator Lee Daniels (“Precious,” “The Butler”) is sure to bring even more soapy drama for season two, featuring out actor Jussie Smollett, who plays the openly gay Jamal.

“Modern Family” (Sep. 23 on ABC)

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Mitch, Cam and their hilarious daughter Lily return along with the rest of the crew for ABC’s long-running megahit, which continues to win in the ratings race and on the awards circuit.

“Survivor: Cambodia” (Sep. 23 on CBS) Viewers apparently wanted to see more of openly gay news anchor and reporter Jeff Varner, who returns to the show after viewers picked the contestants in an online vote.

“How to Get Away with Murder” (Sep. 24 on ABC) The award-winning legal procedural took some flak last season for a habit of bottom-shaming, so we’ll see if they change their tune with the portrayal of devious gay character Connor (Jack Falahee).

“Scandal” (Sep. 24 on ABC) Last season, pictures leaked of openly gay White House Chief of Staff Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry) having sex with a male prostitute.

Expect more twists and turns as usual.

“The Amazing Race” (Sep. 25 on CBS) Denise Williams is determined to prove to her 26-year-old son James that she does not have a problem with him being gay. Oh, and they’re in a race. It’s amazing.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Sep. 27 on Fox) Andre Braugher’s stoic, openly gay Captain Holt is the secret weapon of the show, with Braugher exemplifying the meaning of the word “deadpan.”

“Quantico” (Sep. 27 on ABC) This new thriller features Tate Ellington’s

Clockwise from top: ‘Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris,’ ‘Empire’ and ‘Doctor Who’ (Publicity photos) openly gay FBI trainee Simon Asher, one of several impossibly good-looking FBI recruits at the FBI training academy.

“Saturday Night Live” (Oct. 3 on NBC) Whether you’ve seen her impression of Jane Lynch, Justin Bieber or “the Notorious RBG” herself, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one thing is clear—lesbian comic Kate McKinnon is unstoppable.

“The Good Wife” (Oct. 4 on CBS) We’ve got bisexual actor Alan Cumming as Eli Gold, Dallas Roberts playing Alicia’s gay brother Owen, and frequent LGBT storylines, like last season’s gay marriage episode.

“The Flash” (Oct. 6 on the CW) This superhero hit introduced bisexual actor Andy Mientus as the gay villain Pied Piper last season, and Patrick Sabongui continues to portray openly gay police captain David Singh.

“Arrow” (Oct. 7 on the CW) This season will feature the introduction of Mr. Terrific, an openly gay African-American superhero familiar to fans of the popular D.C. comic book “Green Arrow.”

“American Horror Story: Hotel” (Oct. 7 on FX) Out co-creator Ryan Murphy adds Lady Gaga this season and welcomes back out actors and Murphy regulars Denis O’Hare and Matt Bomer.

“The Walking Dead” (Oct. 11 on AMC) Last season saw the introduction of the openly gay recruiter Aaron (Ross Marquand), and Alanna Masterson will return as lesbian character Tara Chambler.

“Kingdom” (Oct. 14 on DirectTV Audience Network) The season finale of the first go-round for this drama series about mixed martial artists confirmed what had long been suspected— Nick Jonas’ character Nate is gay.

“Angel From Hell” (Nov. 17 on CBS) Lesbian comic actress Jane Lynch stars in this new fantasy sitcom as the angel in question, who makes unbelievable predictions come true.

“Transparent” (Dec. 4 on Amazon) Jeffrey Tambor is back in the award-winning role as a transgender matriarch of a family who is coming to terms with her transition.

September 18, 2015 Fall Arts Preview 19

presenting the 2015-2016 Season TITO PUENTE JR. ORCHESTRA September 25 HUANG YI & KUKA October 1-2

CYRILLE AIMÉE February 20 OKWUI OKPOKWASILI: BRONX GOTHIC

February 24-27

STREB: FORCES October 8-9

MAYA BEISER March 5

An Evening with Radiolab’s

DORRANCE DANCE March 9-10

JAD ABUMRAD October 10 SISTER OUTSIDER October 16 SPANDA DANCE COMPANY

PAST FORWARD

October 25

SANDRA WRIGHT SHEN November 5-7 MAVIS STAPLES & JOAN OSBORNE: SOLID SOUL

ZAP MAMA April 1 An Evening with

MARC BAMUTHI JOSEPH April 7 LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO April 9-10 LUCIDITY SUITCASE: RED-EYE TO HAVRE DE GRACE

November 18

April 13-16

DJ SPOOKY:

PEACE SYMPHONY

November 19

JAKE SHIMABUKURO November 20 DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER December 12

EARL KLUGH April 23

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MUSIC

JANET JACKSON TAKES CONTROL ON NEW ERA

The queen of pop is back to reclaim her throne

Breaking points Her first two albums failed to establish the youngest Jackson as a superstar. It wasn’t until firing her father and beginning work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that the world got to know Ms. Jackson. “Control” was a creative and commercial breakthrough not only for Jackson’s artistry but also for her partnership with Jam and Lewis.

In 1989, Janet continued evolving with “Rhythm Nation 1814.” The socially conscious album established Janet as a superstar and spawned a record-setting seven top-five Billboard Hot 100 singles. Also emerging was a sexier Janet. The 1990 video for the album’s final single, “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” showcased the singer’s sensuality. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

RELEASES Janet Jackson’s “Unbreakable” isn’t the only album music lovers are anticipating this fall. Here’s a list of upcoming releases that are sure to keep you grooving for the remainder of the year.

SEP. 18 Chris Cornell: “Higher Truth” drops prior to his Oct. 26 performance at Symphony Hall Atlanta.

By JOSEPH BROWNELL Nearly 30 years after the release of a career-defining album, Janet Jackson once again finds herself in control—this time, of a comeback strategy that should send her pop contemporaries scrambling to take notes.

Jackson’s eleventh studio album, “Unbreakable,” is among the fall’s most anticipated releases, and her accompanying world tour includes not one, but two sold-out Atlanta dates: next week’s Chastain Park performance and a Philips Arena return in March.

Jackson’s success is perhaps surprising for someone who hasn’t released a studio album in seven years, publicly endured a sexist post-Super Bowl ban, and whose last two albums were considered disappointing artistic departures.

From secret marriages to “Nipplegate,” one can ponder the possible meanings when the icon sings, ‘I lived through my mistakes/ it’s just a part of growing’ on the album’s title track, or accept it as an indication that we’re experiencing a greater growth than ever before from Jackson.

FALL ALBUM

Darlene Love: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee releases “Introducing Darlene Love,” her first pop album since 1988.

Lana Del Rey: “Honeymoon” featuring the single “Music To Watch Boys To” appears on Rey’s fourth studio album.

SEP. 25 Disclosure: The house music duo continues to fuse R&B and pop into their sound on “Caracal.”

Fetty Wap: Fresh off the success of hit single “Trap Queen,” rapper Fetty Wap releases his debut album.

Music legend Janet Jackson reinvents her image for the ‘Unbreakable’ album cover. (Publicity photo)

Details

Janet Jackson Unbreakable World Tour Sept. 26, 2015 Chastain Park Amphitheater Sold out; seats available on third-party reseller sites March 3, 2016 Philips Arena Sold out; seats available on third-party reseller sites Atlanta fans without tickets might try the Memorial Day Weekend 2016 show in Birmingham. Tickets go on sale this week.

Three years later, Jackson asserted herself as a sex symbol, releasing her self-titled album, “Janet,” and promoting it via a sexually charged “Rolling Stone” cover photo.

Professional and sexual peaks aside, a valley swiftly followed “Janet.” Privately, Jackson suffered both emotionally and physically, but mined those experiences to deliver her darkest but most raw record yet, 1997’s “The Velvet Rope.” The album showcased Janet as a voice for sexual poli-

tics and was regarded as her strongest artistic statement to date.

A brighter Janet playfully returned in 2001 with “All For You.” Then, in 2004, poised to capitalize on a Super Bowl performance, Jackson suffered criticism for the infamous breast-baring “wardrobe malfunction.” The controversy and ensuing backlash overshadowed her eighth record, “Damita Jo,” and the album found very little success.

Jackson’s next two albums, including the abysmal “20 Y.O.,” suffered from record label shifts, sinking sales and less reliance on her relationship with Jam and Lewis.

‘Unbreakable’ and beyond After false starts and rumors, Jackson delivered the “Unbreakable” album and tour news to fans on her birthday. In an age of Internet leaks, it’s surprising very little else is known about the project.

Always careful in what she reveals, and reminding fans that they’ll always hear it from her lips, Janet has staged a brilliantly marketed comeback.

With the “Unbreakable” era descending upon us, Janet looks to be at her wisest yet.

OCT. 2 John Grant: The openly gay artist drops “Grey Tickles, Black Pressure,” his third studio album.

Autre Ne Veut: The electronic artist returns with “Age of Transparency” on the heels of his successful 2013 release.

Darkstar: “Foam Island” becomes Darkstar’s third studio album. Their first single, “Pin Secure,” precedes the eclectic set.

OCT. 9 Selena Gomez: “Revival” is the new album from Gomez featuring the single “Kill Em with Kindness.”

Toby Keith: The country crooner is back with “35 MPH Town.” The hit song “Drunken Americans” kicks off the new era.

OCT. 16 Demi Lovato: The pop princess releases “Confident,” her fifth album featuring the catchy tune “Cool for the Summer.”

OCT. 23 Tracey Thorn: “Songs and Collaborations 1982-2015” becomes Thorn’s latest music offering with a double album release.

Carrie Underwood: The “American Idol” success story continues as Underwood releases “Storyteller.”

Vanessa Carlton: The pianist/singer returns after a four-year absence with “Liberman.”

September 18, 2015 Fall Arts Preview 21

ARTS

LOOKING

HOT ATLANTA

Trans character illuminates real dilemma onstage

SEPTEMBER

PERFORMANCES

FOR NORMAL

It’s a fact that Atlanta is one of the most exciting cities in the country, and when it comes to the arts, there is no shortage of events to attend. Prepare for a jam-packed fall calendar and perhaps a second job to cover the cost of it all. Here are some events you won’t want to miss.

Stupid Fucking Bird (9/12-10/11): In its Atlanta premiere at Actor’s Express, this award-winning play by Aaron Posner hilariously smashes Anton Chekhov’s classic, “The Seagull.”

By JIM FARMER

Winter Journey (Winterreise) (9/179/20): The Atlanta Opera’s season opens with this theatrical version of Franz Schubert’s famed song cycle.

Out actor Larry Davis adds a new kind of role to his resumé in the OnStage Atlanta/Process Theatre production of “Looking for Normal.” Jane Anderson’s play, which was the source for the acclaimed HBO film, “Normal,” with Jessica Lange and Tom Wilkinson, revolves around a Midwestern, church-going couple—and the husband’s declaration that he is transgender. Georgia Voice caught up with Davis, who plays the main character Roy, to get his thoughts on the role.

Georgia Voice: How familiar were you with this material?

Davis: I wasn’t. I was aware of the movie and I remember seeing it, but I was not familiar with the play.

Tell us about Roy. Roy works in quality control at a John Deere plant. He is married to Irma and they’ve been together 25 years. They’ve always had a good relationship. They have gone in for some counseling, because Roy gets headaches that are affecting him.

While there, he reveals that he is in the wrong body—and that he has been seeing a psychiatrist and has the intention of having an operation to change his sex.

Has Irma had any clue about this?

None whatsoever! She knows Roy gets these headaches and has had a lot of stress but that’s it.

How long has Roy known?

He has known since he was a little boy. In the play there is a great speech where he talks to Irma about getting up every day, knowing he’s in the wrong body, but having to go to work and play a part.

A Steady Rain (9/18-10/11): At the Alliance Theatre, Jeff Perry, star of the ABC series, “Scandal,” directs this harrowing story of two Chicago policemen pushed to their breaking point.

Malpaso Dance Company (9/19): The Ferst Center for the Arts is the location for this performance by the acclaimed modern dance company from Cuba.

The cast of ‘Looking for Normal’ (Publicity photo)

Details

‘Looking for Normal’

Sept. 18 – Oct. 10 OnStage Atlanta 2969 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 www.onstageatlanta.com How does Irma react?

It comes out of nowhere and she reacts badly at first. The interesting thing to me about the story is that it’s not just about Roy and making his change but the whole family—his mother and father, grandmother, his children—and the people in their lives.

As Roy starts taking hormones to become a woman, he and his thirteen year old daughter, Patty Ann, are going through adolescence at the same time. That makes for an interesting dynamic at home. At first people are having a hard time understanding it, just trying to grasp the concept of it. We are talking about a Midwest town in Ohio.

What really interested me is the idea of being with someone for 25 years and having

them basically telling you that they are not the person you thought they were, and that all their life they’ve known it. What’s going to be their new normal? What kind of relationships will they develop based on their enormous change? The play explores the dynamics of their relationship and the issue of whether they will stay together.

This is a very religious couple, correct?

Roy is, much more than Irma. He is very involved. When he talks to his pastor, one of the things he wants to know is that he will still be a part of this congregation.

As you were doing research, what surprised you?

There are things that seem to be common. During the transition, there is an adolescent phase and a phase where you are trying to get the people around you to use the correct pronoun. For someone to come to the place, to make this decision, it is not done lightly. People have to know deep down in their heart and soul that this is what is meant to be.

Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra (9/25): The famous mambo and salsa bandleader and percussionist takes over the Ferst Center for the Arts for a night of timeless music.

Wolf Creek Jazz Festival (9/27): Boney James, Maysa Leak, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor and more take the staget at Wolf Creek Amphitheater.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Salute to American Classics (9/27): The name says it all with this show taking place at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

OCTOBER

Huang Yi and KUKA (10/1-10/2): Acclaimed Taiwanese choreographer and dancer Huang Yi and his robot (yes, robot) KUKA play the Ferst Center for the Arts.

La Bohéme (10/3-10/11): The Atlanta Opera presents Giocomo Puccini’s masterpiece about a group of young bohemians living in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1840s, playing at the Cobb Energy Centre.

Jersey Boys (10/6-10/11): This is the story of how four blue-collar kids (The Four Seasons) became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. The Tony award winning musical returns to the Fox Theatre.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 23

22 Fall Arts Preview September 18, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

ARTS

Spanda Dance Co. Past Forward (Publicity photo)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 Roxie Watson (10/3): The Atlanta-bred, lesbian-loved ladies of Roxie Watson take over Eddie’s Attic for two shows.

Jen Foster and Hannah Thomas (10/6): At the forefront of merging music and equality for over a decade, Foster is joined by Georgia-born Hannah Thomas at Eddie’s Attic.

STREB: Forces (10/8-10/9): Elizabeth Streb and her Extreme Action Company present a combination of boxing, rodeo and Hollywood stunt-work at the Ferst Center for the Arts.

John Cleese & Eric Idle (10/21-10/22): The “Monty Python” comedy legends reunite for two nights onstage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Ricky Martin (10/22): Are you ready to shake your bon-bon? For one night only, Martin brings his la vida loca to Philips Arena.

Jennifer Nettles (10/23): A fresh label and new music serve as the backdrop to the Cobb Energy Centre kickoff of this Georgia-born performer’s Playing with Fire tour.

Arrive early for out Nashville hit singer-songwriter Brandy Clark.

Taylor Swift (10/24): Love her or hate her, Taylor Swift’s “1989” is the year’s top-selling album and her world tour, with support from Haim and Vance Joy, takes over the Georgia Dome.

Spanda Dance Co. Past Forward (10/25): Dancer and choreographer Leela Samson hits the Ferst Center for the Arts with her fellow Indian dancers.

Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton (10/30; Augusta, Ga.): The queen of hip-hop soul plus a Braxton sister—totally worth the Friday night drive.

NOVEMBER

The Tenors (11/1): The Tenors arrive at Atlanta Symphony Hall for one night only to sing

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their unique mixture of operatic pop that only they can do.

Cinderella (11/3-11/8): The Tony Award-nominated Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which stars Broadway vet Paige Faure as the leading lady, plays the Fox Theatre.

Soldier Songs (11/11-11/15): The Atlanta Opera presents this multimedia event combining theater, opera, rock music and animation.

Allison Weiss (11/12): After her Tegan & Sara-sounding debut and an excellent follow-up Robyn cover, Allison Weiss is readying the release of “New Love.” If 1980s-sounding “Back to Me” is any indication, this is a mustsee Masquerade show.

Shaping Sound (11/17): Shaping Sound is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought to life by dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With The Stars” and under the artistic direction of Travis Wall, playing at the Fox Theatre.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze (11/25-11/27): The family holiday spectacular returns for two nights at the Fox Theatre to get the holiday season jumping off right.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker (11/28): There’s more than one way to crack a nut as shown by this supercharged night of dancers, violinists and a DJ making beautiful noise.

DECEMBER

Elf (12/2-12/6): The movie captured the hearts of people across the world and now it jumps to the stage for this original musical at the Fox Theatre.

Vienna Boys’ Choir (12/9): The holiday isn’t complete without hearing these young men’s angelic voices ring out through Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker (12/1112/27): The all-time classic returns for the holiday season just as fall begins to turn into winter, playing at the Fox Theatre.

STONEWALL GEORGIA VOICE 4C - 1/2 PAGE

September 18, 2015 Fall Arts Preview 23

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EATING MY WORDS

By CLIFF BOSTOCK

Dinner and a movie All evening movie show times pose the same question: “Shall we eat before or after?”

I for one hate eating beforehand. A gurgling, over-filled gut and the lingering taste of some foods distract me, and eating early often interferes with popcorn consumption—without which, there is no movie. Consider, too, that not dining afterward typically means there’s little time to discuss the movie with friends.

There’s also the hitch that many restaurants are not open past 9 or 10 p.m. Below are some restaurants not far from Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, where the Out On Film movies will be shown Oct. 1–8. Granted, quite a few movies are being shown during the day, so you should have no trouble brunching or lunching at your convenience. The restaurants that follow are open until at least 11 p.m., and even later on weekends. I have not included “gay” restaurants, since everyone already has their favorites. I do suggest you call the following restaurants in advance to confirm hours and get a reservation, if possible.

Après Diem: This restaurant is a condom’s throw from the Midtown Art Cinema at Midtown Promenade. You can order small plates like baba ghanouj and a baguette with brie. There are five salads. My favorite is the Salad Nicoise, although I must acknowledge that the tuna steak topping the salad is sometimes way over-cooked and dry. My favorite of the pricier entrees is the short rib braised in a tamarind sauce. Pastas are also available, along with sandwiches. I most like the roasted Portobello on focaccia. (931 Monroe Dr., 404-872-3333, apresdiem.com) One-Eared Stag: This under-appreciated restaurant serves some of the best small plates in town. I like the duck liver terrine with pickled grapes and vanilla powder, as well as the Sapelo clams with sofrito, chickpeas, red roe, and toast. Of the five entrees, I most like the risotto with cabbage, boiled peanuts, and black truffles. Dessert? Try the dark chocolate marquis with champagne granita, strawberry gel, and sweet cream. Warning! Prices are on the high side. (1029 Edgewood Ave., 404-525-4479, oneearedstagatl.com) Barcelona Wine Bar: There are very few Spanish restaurants in town, but this one is www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Après Diem’s short rib braised in a tamarind sauce. (Photo courtesy of Après Diem)

my favorite for its prices and convenience to my home. Don’t-miss dishes are the charcuterie menu’s classic Serrano ham and drunken goat cheese and the paella for two.

There are endless tapas. My fave is the chorizo with sweet-and-sour figs with balsamic glaze. Be advised: the place can be deafening.

(240 N. Highland Ave., 404-589-1010, barcelonawinebar.com) Last Word: The kitchen staff turned over here not long ago, but quality remains primo.

The restaurant is best known for its hypercreative cocktails, but the menu is also fantastic. I like the mussels with lamb sausage; the beef tartare with pickled onion, mint, and pine nuts; and the roasted chicken for two.

(701 N. Highland Ave., 404-343-1274, lastwordatl.com) Hong Kong Harbour: No, it’s not as hyper-authentic as many Chinese restaurants out in the ‘burbs, but this is the best in the Midtown area; it’s open really late and is popular with late-night groups of chefs. My go-to dish is the fried tofu stuffed with pork and shrimp. The salt-and-pepper squid is flawless, as is any seafood dish featuring a blackbean sauce. (2184 Cheshire Bridge Rd., 404-325-7630, hongkongharbouratl.com) Cliff Bostock is a longtime dining critic and psychotherapist turned life coach. www.cliffbostock.com.

September 18, 2015 Columnists 25

B

Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events in Atlanta for Sept. 18- Oct. 1 FRIDAY, SEPT. 18

T ES

BETS

A T N LA T A LGBT

Lily Tomlin is generating Oscar buzz for her role as a lesbian grandmother in the new film, “Grandma,” opening today at Landmark Theatres Midtown Art Cinema. www.landmarktheatres.com The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) hosts its annual Community Dinner/Awards, hosted

by Scott Turner Schofield, 7 p.m., Fox Theatre, www.atlantagaychamber.org

EVENT

S

OnStage Atlanta and Process Theatre presents the drama, “Looking for Normal,” about a church-going couple whose lives change when the husband reveals he is a woman trapped in a man’s body. 8 p.m. tonight through Oct. 10, www.onstageatlanta.com Legendary Children are back to close out the summer and officially end the world with “Nuclear Meltdown,” an a-pop-olaptyic beach party. It’s hosted by the winner of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” season seven, Violet Chachki. Noise Pollution is provided by DJ Robert Ansley and DJ King Atlas and lifeguards Dax ExclamationPoint from Savannah, Biqtch Puddin, Evah Destruction, Arrianna Paris and Mo’Dest Volgare, 9 p.m.– 3 a.m., Heretic. www.hereticatlanta.com Atlanta Eagle presents Mr. and Mrs. Eagle Bar Night from 10 p.m.–3 a.m., with DJ Eric Jenkins spinning at 10 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19

More than 30 artists from around the U.S. and abroad have created works of art in clay for the exhibit, “Taboo: Sexuality and Identity in Ceramics,” the purpose of which is to provoke thought and stimulate conversation while demonstrating the ability of ceramic art to have a relevant voice in the social and political discussions of our time.

The opening is tonight from 6–9 p.m., running through Oct. 31. Signature Gallery, www.thesignatureshop.com An all-star Atlanta cast including Tess Malis Kincaid as Nurse Ratched headlines the Alliance Theatre’s version of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” with 7:30 p.m. performances tonight through Sept. 20, www.alliancetheatre.com Cubs and grizzlies and more hairy men will be at Bear Invasion, with DJs John LePage and Sean Mac, 10 p.m., Heretic, www.hereticatlatlanta.com

26 Best Bets September 18, 2015

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18

Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth performs tonight at the Cobb Energy Centre, 8 p.m., www.cobbenergycentre.com (Publicity photo by Jill Solomon/Concord Music Group)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20

Freddie Ashley directs the comedic “Stupid F****** Bird” at Actor’s Express, with a show at 2 p.m. today through Oct. 11, www.actors-express.com

MONDAY, SEPT. 21

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. Donations are accepted. 7–8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, SEPT. 22

Tuesdays are Latin Industry Nights as well as Papi’s Tuesdays with $2 tacos and $3 tequila shots at Las Margaritas, lasmargaritasmidtown.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23

Atlanta joins cities and countries around the world to observe international Celebrate Bisexuality Day today.

Currently in its 16th year, this day was established to celebrate bisexual, pansexual, fluid, and queer people and the resiliency of the community. This year, Charis Books and Bi*Q Atl, a local advocacy group for bi+ people, are presenting a celebration of books by bisexual authors or books featuring bisexual characters.

Reading lists will be available. Noon, www.charisbooksandmore.com Atlanta Pride sponsors “Coming Out of Shame and Into the Fullness of Your Own Heart,” led by Swami Jaya Devi. During this talk and guided meditation, the roots of LGBTQ shame and unworthiness are examined, as well as exploring the beauty and bliss of who we really are. $14, 7:30–9 p.m., Kashi Atlanta Urban Yoga Ashram, www.kashiatlanta.org

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24

Join Charis in celebrating the release of Charissa J. Threat’s (Assistant Professor of History at Spelman College) new book, “Nursing Civil Rights,” which investigates the parallel battles against occupational segregation by African-American women and white men in the U.S. Army.

This is a Charis Circle Founding the Future of Feminism Event. The suggested donation is $5. 7:30–9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com Join host Wild Cherry Sucret to raise money for Atlanta Pride tonight at Swinging Richards. Boy Next Door has provided underwear for your favorite dancers. Patrons bid on the undies they want to see come off. 9 p.m.–midnight, www.swingingrichards.com

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25– SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

Tyler Perry dons a dress and brings his “Madea On the Run” to the Fox

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

tender as part of Taste of Atlanta. The contestants will represent the best of the best as they mix, muddle and shake their select ingredients into winning cocktails.

The semifinals are held in the VIP Grand Tasting Experience on Saturday from 12:30–2 p.m., and the finalists compete at the Chef’s Table Sunday at 3 p.m., www.tasteofatlanta.com

a raucous evening, 8 p.m., Center Stage Theatre, www.centerstage-atlanta.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

THURSDAY, OCT. 1– THURSDAY, OCT. 8

The lesbian-themed “Jar the Floor,” running through Oct. 4, has a performance at 8 p.m., Southwest Arts Center, www.fultonarts.org

MONDAY, SEPT. 28

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25–SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

Now in its 14th year, Taste of Atlanta brings together 90 area restaurants and thousands of food enthusiasts, Midtown at Tech Square, www.tasteofatlanta.com (File photo) Theatre with performances all weekend, www.foxtheatre.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25

The sure to be debated film, “Stonewall,” directed by Roland Emmerich, opens in area cinemas today.

Jeff Perry of “Scandal” fame is directing

the drama “A Steady Rain” at the Alliance Theatre, with a 7 p.m. curtain tonight and running through Oct. 11, www.alliancetheatre.org

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26– SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

Atlanta’s top bartenders compete for the title of Taste of Atlanta’s Best Bar-

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30

Dear Games: A Feminist Video Game Collaboration between Charis and the Georgia Tech Game Studio, is tonight from 7:30–9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Out On Film opens its 28th annual LGBTQ film festival with the romantic comedy “Fourth Man Out,” running through Oct. 8 at the Landmark Theatres Midtown Art Cinema, www.outonfilm.org

They’ve been doing it for 15 years and have never been better. The Stars of the Century hit the stage at Jungle Atlanta for an unforgettable show led by emcees Miss Sophia and Joe Jackson. Featuring performances by Necole Luv Dupree, Archie Bonet, Stasha Sanchez, Raquel Lord, Damoni Hall Dickerson, Trinity Bonet and more, 11 p.m., www.jungleatl.com

The FTM Fitness World Annual Conference is the world’s leading conference on health and fitness for transgender individuals. Events include a Trans Exclusive Fashion Show, a bodybuilding competition and various workshops. Ramada Plaza Hotel, ftmfitnessconference.com

TUESDAY, SEPT. 29

THURSDAY, OCT. 1

The Drag Stars Fan Favs brings together six favorites from “Rupaul’s Drag Race”—Pearl, Katya, Trixie Mattel, William, Feat and Adore Delano—for

THURSDAY, OCT. 1– SATURDAY, OCT. 3

Queer Ride Atlanta hosts its monthly ride, this time exploring Buckhead and Chastain, 7 p.m., www.facebook.com/ events/1655444378073203

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September 18, 2015 Best Bets 27

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

By MELISSA CARTER

Peace from broken pieces You’ve got this.

That is the prevailing message you sent me after I revealed in my last column that I am now a single mother. It’s something I needed to hear, since this is new territory for me. I didn’t come from a fractured family, and am seeking insight on how to successfully chart this new course.

When I announced the breakup on my B98.5 morning show, I asked adult children of divorce for one piece of advice they would give me to prevent Mr. Carter’s life from being negatively affected by his parents’ split.

Some of the advice included not crying in front of him during this transition, letting him know the split was never his fault, and remembering to take care of myself.

There was one particular piece of advice that everyone made very clear: Katie Jo and I should never speak negatively about each other in front of our son. It seems that most of the pain in a couple’s split is caused when they hold grudges against each other and don’t put their kids first.

One listener told me her parents never came to any of her childhood events, such as recitals or ballgames, because they didn’t want to risk running into the other parent.

Another let me know there would be moments when Mr. Carter would ask to spend time with Katie Jo, even if it is my weekend with him, because of a special event like a concert that he may want to take her to. In such cases I mustn’t convey anything but support. It seems there will be occasions that will challenge my ego that I will have to learn to ignore in order to be a good mom.

But not everyone gave me dire warnings.

One woman reached out to me personally to let me know this is not a bad thing. Her parents parted ways during her first year of life, and now, in her 30s, she looks back on her childhood with a smile. She said her parents focused on her and on co-parenting, and that’s what made her life wonderful. She added that she has two great step-parents she

“Isn’t it funny how I’ve spent my adult life trying to teach people about diversity regarding sexuality, yet I struggle with the idea of being part of a family dynamic I didn’t grow up with? Expectation has been my greatest enemy, and something I have to learn to let go of. I’m realizing you’re never too old to learn something new.” can’t imagine living without.

Isn’t it funny how I’ve spent my adult life trying to teach people about diversity regarding sexuality, yet I struggle with the idea of being part of a family dynamic I didn’t grow up with? Expectation has been my greatest enemy, and something I have to learn to let go of. I’m realizing you’re never too old to learn something new.

So I’ve got this. I’m embracing this new position and know I’ve got the support and resources of many different types of families that will help me to be the best I can be. The irony is that I ended up with a man, albeit a 1-year-old man. But Mr. Carter is the best happy ending a girl could ever dream of.

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 ofthe few in the country. Follow her on Twitter@MelissaCarter

28 Columnists September 18, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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30 Columnists September 18, 2015

SOMETIMES ‘Y’

By RYAN LEE

My modern families Any estrangement I have from my family—and it abounds—doesn’t result from being gay. I’ve always been accepted by my immediate family, and welcomed as kin into others, through both fellowship and genetics.

The distance between my relatives and me is not filled with bad blood; rather, I come from two bloodlines inclined to flow along separate channels. A four-day trip to Chicago planned for later this month is developing into a weekend that will reaffirm yet transform my understanding of family.

The origin of the trip is a gathering for my father’s side of the family, most of whom haven’t seen each other in decades, since we were growing up on 60th & Halsted (the same Halsted that runs through Boystown in an alternate reality). “Reunion” is too big a word for what we are attempting, which is simply a Saturday night family dinner at Old Country Buffet.

It’s worth a round-trip airplane ticket, even though I learned a few years ago that my father is not really my father, so I share no blood with those I call family.

“OK, cuz,” wrote my cousin Tassie, who, like many others, probably knew the truth about my father long before I was informed, “I am going to change the date to September just for you and if you don’t come I am going to be really pissed.”

It’s touching to know that the shenanigans of older generations don’t disrupt the bonds we developed as brothers, sisters and cousins.

The weekend is also the culmination of a discussion I’ve been having with someone from my childhood who contacted me several years ago on Facebook. Without any knowledge of my shifting parentage, he wrote that he is convinced we are brothers, that his father is my father.

I’ve been reluctant to do a DNA test— which would reveal not only siblinghood but also ethnicity—due to resentment that a cotton swab could have more say about who I am than 35 years of life and experience. Nevertheless, we’ve bought the kits and will learn whether we are brothers during a night of beers and blunts. I desperately hope we are, and wish I shared his certitude.

“The distance between my relatives and me is not filled with bad blood; rather, I come from two bloodlines inclined to flow along separate channels.”

More recently, I was contacted on Facebook by my 20-year-old nephew, who has found love for the first time, and subsequently, motivation for more than the life he’s known on the South Side. He is convinced that his best course will take him away from Chicago, something I’ve known for more than a dozen years.

We’ve been talking about the young couple coming to Atlanta to look for jobs, staying with me until they can get their own place. Suddenly, it looks like they will depart Chicago with me at the end of the month, which means I have two weeks to heterosexualize my gay bachelor pad.

It’s daunting to take in a couple of South Side refugees and temporarily provide for a three-person household while the two of them discover adulthood. But I once walked their path, and I know I wouldn’t have advanced without impulsively seizing escape routes without knowing where they led, and I believe we face no struggles or odds that would be any greater than their current fate.

I’ve tried to be a good uncle throughout my nephews’ and nieces’ lives, while knowing they needed far more from me than the cash I send home for Christmas or birthdays.

I was protected from responsibility by distance, my displeasure with their mother, and the sense that I was ill-prepared to take care of someone else’s children.

While being a gay male has insulated me from the demands of guiding toddlers and teenagers, my absence from their development is something I’ve struggled to reconcile myself to for a decade. Unable to be their guardian, I hope I can at least be a mentor to my nephew as he crosses into manhood, and together we can steer our family to a smoother way forward.

Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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