THANK YOU!
THANKS FOR A GREAT 2018 ATL PRIDE! WE’LL SEE YOU ON OCTOBER 12 & 13, 2019
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
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EDITORIAL
Editor: Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Cliff Bostock, Melissa Carter, Joshua Davidson, Aidan Ivory Edwards, Jim Farmer, Morgan Nicole Fletcher, Cemberli Grant, Elizabeth Hazzard, Ryan Lee, Emerald Lingerfelt, Jason Rhode, Jamie Roberts, Catharine Romero, Dionne Walker
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The Hoity-Toity Nature of Travel (... AND WHY YOU WON’T FIND IT IN THIS ISSUE.) Berlin Sylvestre I grew up, like many folks, poor. I’m talking “ice on the walls from a leaky roof during winter” poor. I’m talking “WIC vouchers and sleeping with roaches in a one-bedroom apartment that we had to move out of because it got condemned” poor. My Ma worked two full-time jobs and that’s not an exaggeration: In the mornings, she worked at a sewing factory, then use the hour-long break between the next job to pick me and my two little sisters up from school and take us to the sitter’s, where she’d leave us to work at a cafeteria until 11pm. The next day, it was lather, rinse, repeat — all as a single mother. I remember spending the night with a friend who drank a glass of milk with her cereal at breakfast and bitterly thinking,
‘How could you do that to your family? Milk is really, really hard to come by.’ It most certainly was between the walls I called home, anyway. So when I hear someone remark, “Oh, I love traveling!” … I get a little tinge of that same milkthrifty bitterness. Travel, I thought early on, was something exclusively for the uber-wealthy. For some reason, the words still stick in my craw and feel as though I just heard someone remark, “Oh, I love our yacht! Have the butler walk you to the shore out back and give you a tour.” I know they’re worlds apart, but the poor kid still lives in me. (Ask anyone who’s seen the no-name, $2,500 car that I’m rather fond of.) But I can’t blame people: Traveling, if you can afford it, is rather neat. Ma always instilled in me the very reason I
should work hard and go to school. Did I want to continue living alongside those little roaches in the plasticware drawer? Most certainly not. So when I landed a job in this industry, I realized quickly that I’d be traveling quite a bit. The Tiny Tim in me, the Oliver Twist was like, “Am I going to be the haughty one at the party going, “Oh, I love traveling!” Nope! Those roaches of my past have me keeping it real. So for this issue, we’re sticking with destinations that, given a couple bucks put back a week — or a couple put back by day — should net you a nice, domestic trip by year’s end that’ll let you jumpstart the adventure that’s been stuck inside you as you labor at a desk. Or in a cafeteria. Or a sewing factory. Or a combination of. We’re not going far for this one, so pack light and join us for a quick burst of winter travel. October 26, 2018 Editorial 3
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT (…BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE TAKE A DIGITAL DETOX.) We understand you need an info break. Or maybe you were just in the mountains. Either way, Georgia Voice has you covered. Here’s a selection of recent story snippets you might have missed. Find the rest of them and more at TheGaVoice.com, or like us on Facebook for all the latest in local and national news that affects our community. Katie Burkholder KELVIN COCHRAN
OFFICIAL PHOTO
SANDY SPRINGS MAN DENIED LANDSCAPING SERVICE BECAUSE OF SEXUALITY
Colton Southworth of Sandy Springs, GA was denied landscaping service because of his sexuality. When Southworth and his husband bought a new home in July, they decided to landscape it. Southworth called Stuart DiNenno, owner of Botanica Atlanta Landscape Design, after being impressed by the company’s pictures online. Southworth told the BAR that the conversation was short and ended with DiNenno denying the couple service.
COLTON SOUTHWORTH
COURTESY PHOTO “He asked me if this project was for me and my wife and I said, ‘No, it’s for me and my husband.’ He said he wasn’t interested in working with us,” Southworth told The Bay Area Reporter. Southworth was taken aback by the interaction, saying he has never been denied services or experienced such blatant discrimination because he was gay. The 32 year old reacted to the call by leaving a review of the company on Yelp.
“Contacted today about a very large project in Sandy Springs. The owner asked if the work was for me and my wife, I said no me and my husband and he replied that he wouldn’t be interested in working with us,” he wrote. A screenshot of DiNenno’s now-deleted reply was reportedly aired on 11Alive. “Yes, this is an accurate description of what happened … I can’t do that, all while going along with the delusion of two men calling themselves a married couple,” the owner replied. “It’s very perverse and foolish.” An investigative report by 11Alive also captured screenshots of deleted posts on DiNenno’s Facebook page where he wrote, “I average about one or two calls per year from sodomites or lesbians. I always turn them down.” DiNenno’s Yelp page now has a one-star review after hundreds of people left reviews denouncing his discrimination. Georgia currently has no non-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ individuals.
ATLANTA SETTLES AFTER FIRING FIRE CHIEF FOR ANTI-LGBTQ BELIEFS The City of Atlanta has agreed upon a $1.2 million settlement with ex-Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran over his firing after comparing homosexuality to bestiality, reported WSB.
Cochran was fired in January of 2015 over his religious book, “Who Told You That You Are Naked?” in which he described homosexuality as “unclean,” likening it to bestiality. The former Atlanta fire chief, represented by faith-based nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against former Mayor Kasim Reed and the city in February of 2015. The city council approved the payout with a vote of 11-3 at a city council meeting Monday (October 15). Reed defended the firing in a letter sent to supporters, saying Cochran didn’t get the required permission to write his book and compromised his ability to oversee gay employees. He justified the firing as resulting from poor judgment and insubordination on Cochran’s part. He added that the book put the city at risk of discrimination claims. No evidence was found by the city that supported the idea that Cochran’s beliefs played a role in his leadership.
4 News October 26, 2018
LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL PASSES LEGISLATION TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY Lakewood, Ohio’s city council passed a measure that protects LGBTQ youth from “conversion therapy,.” Ward 4 Councilman Dan O’Malley proposed the ordinance which would criminalize the practice. Lakewood became the sixth city in Ohio to pass such a measure, following Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, and Athens. LGBTQ advocates say that the practice of conversion therapy — treatment intended to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone — is dangerous and abusive. Research suggests that conversion therapy poses health risks for LGBTQ youth, like depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicidal behavior.There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy works.
WARD 4 COUNCILMAN DAN O’MALLEY COURTESY PHOTO
Fifteen states currently have laws or regulations protecting youth from the practice: Connecticut, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington, Maryland, Hawaii, and New Hampshire. Washington, D.C. also joins these states.According to a study done by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, there are an estimated 20,000 LGBTQ youth, aged 13 to 17, who will receive conversion therapy from a licensed health care professional and 57,000 who will undergo treatment from a religious or spiritual advisor before the age of 18. Approximately 698,000 LGBTQ adults have received conversion therapy.
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VOICES
On Brian “Voter Suppression” Kemp Jason Rhode I understand this isn’t a scientific question, strictly speaking, but stay with me on this one, because it’s a conversation we need to have. Do we have evidence that Brian Kemp is not literally the Devil? I don’t mean the operatic, edgy Prince of Darkness from movies — no Al Pacino characters need apply. I mean like the most pathetic possible incarnation of Lucifer: the bad guy who thinks he’s smart, yet keeps getting beaten by ordinary people. I should clarify: By Brian Kemp, I mean Mr. Voter Suppression, the Republican nominee for governor. Y’know, the shoddy little hustler who looks like he’s wearing a mask made of his own dead skin. The reason I make this comparison is that it’s almost supernatural, how Kemp keeps embarrassing himself. It’s not enough that he’s made Georgia the by-word for voter suppression in 2018. It’s not enough that his latest commercial featured one AfricanAmerican in a state that is a third black. It’s not enough that he’s in cahoots with Trump, and all of Trump’s policies. It’s that his toughguy act disappears when it’s convenient.
BRIAN KEMP SCREENGRAB PHOTO
Here’s the best example: Kemp keeps clarifying his position on Religious Freedom and Restoration Act-type bills. “Clarifying” is a polite term for “flip-flops.” The Kemp faction of Georgia has tried time and again to get a bigoted RFRA law handed down. In fact, Kemp pledged during the primary that he would endorse any religious liberty laws put on his desk. It was the kind of thing you mumble to win a runoff. Well, Kemp’s promises are like frozen yogurt, summer flings, and the marriages of Donald J. Trump: They last while they last. Soon enough, Kemp had changed his tune. Not surprising. Practically the only topic the man keeps a firm opinion on is voter suppression. But I digress. By August, with a close race for governor, Kemp was warbling a different song. He said that he’d veto any religious liberty legislation unless it was a “mirror image” of the www.thegeorgiavoice.com
RFRA law that Clinton signed in 1993. Kemp said he wouldn’t approve of anything else.
not just small-minded and prejudiced; he’s a simpering opportunist about it.
Why the change of heart, Brian? The fact he flipped so easily on legalized bigotry suggests something about the depth of Kemp’s convictions. It may surprise the Trump-Kemp alliance that LGBTQ voters take their human rights seriously. People tend to do that, when you enshrine persecution of them into law.
There’s one thing that scares Brian Kemp more than African-American voters – and that’s the business community of Atlanta sending him to the political graveyard. Even in his dullest moments, Kemp understands what the businesses of Atlanta and Georgia will do if any RFRA bill passes.
That’s what RFRA bills do — they’re an excuse to shame and oppress LGBTQ Americans. If you’re a supporter of a Georgia RFRA-type bill, you’re one of two kinds of people: Either you strongly dislike LGBTQ Americans, or you don’t care and are indifferent to their suffering. Neither one is a great look. The fact that Kemp flipped on the RFRA is even more insulting than if he had stayed an simple-minded bigot. He’s
They will pull up stakes and leave. The corporations of this state cannot take the moral, economic, and political risk of fallout with the LGBTQ community. Does Kemp really think Delta and Coke will take that bullet, just so he can preen around the Governor’s Mansion, making collect calls to the Oval Office? Please. If any RFRA bill passes, the entertainment industry will leave Georgia, full stop. And the dream of the New South will grind to halt.
Seriously. What does the Wannabe-Governor think is going to replace business in Atlanta? Him in a grey soldier’s blouse, showing tours of Civil War battlefields? LGBTQ civil rights aren’t microwavable leftovers. You don’t check out the temperature before you dive in. Human dignity is a matter of moral clarity. It’s an either/or proposition, Brian. Either you’re for equality or you’re not. Like most of his decisions, Kemp’s RFRA turnaround was made out of fear. We already know he’s dull. But can you imagine what it’s like to be slow and scared? At the same time? When it comes to courage — moral, political, or otherwise — it’s hard to beat the LGBTQ community. It’s a lesson Kemp could learn. Don’t worry. He’ll have plenty of time in retirement. October 26, 2018 Voices 5
NEWS
EDIE CHEEZBURGER @ DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Drag Queen Story Hour
cancellation claims are false, says library Katie Burkholder Children gather round, sitting on the floor with their legs crossed. Eyes are locked on a drag queen as they listen intently to a story of magic and adventure. This is the scene brought to libraries across the country through the initiative “Drag Queen Story Hour” (DQSH). Drag queens are reading stories to children 6 News October 26, 2018
in libraries, schools, and bookstores thanks to author Michelle Tea and her nonprofit RADAR productions. DQSH spreads the message of love and acceptance by capturing “the imagination and play of the genderfluidity of childhood,” while giving kids the freedom to envision a world where they can be who they are, according to their website. The program aims to give children “glamorous, positive, and unabashedly
queer role models … who defy rigid gender restrictions.” DQSH came to Atlanta last year at the Ponce de Leon branch of the Atlantic Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS). In late September of 2017, local drag queen Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker — AKA Steven Igarashi-Bell — read to the children of Atlanta. Igarashi-Bell has done drag for 20 years and
describes himself as a “cause” queen who uses his performance to support charitable events, like DQSH. The drag queen said the event last year was “hugely successful.” “We received hundreds of emails, phone calls, and personal messages from families, parents, and community members who were very excited to see this event happen,” he CONTINUES ON PAGE 7 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
NEWS
protecting our hearts can’t wait one more second. PONCE DE LEON PUBLIC LIBRARY
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 told the Georgia Voice. The Ponce branch went on to host three more DQSHs in December, March, and July. Despite its success, the event was not wellreceived by everyone. MassResistance, a “pro-family” organization, was determined to keep the event out of Atlanta. According to a story posted on their website, activists at MassResistance were told by the library that another DQSH event was planned on September 30 of this year. After protest from the organization, the event was reportedly “cancelled.” Their protests allegedly consisted of flyers which referred to the event as “child abuse” and numerous phone calls and emails to the library demanding the supposed event’s cancellation. However, AFPLS upheld their support of the story time and said that no plans were cancelled. “The Ponce Library community loves the program and has supported it since its inception,” Claudia Strange, the marketing and public relations manager at AFPLS, told the Georgia Voice. “We did not have any plans to host a DQSH on September 30 of this year,” she added. “We have not cancelled any programs since we began in 2017.” Strange was responsible for originally bringing the event to the library. Although MassResistance — which the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies an www.thegeorgiavoice.com
anti-LGBTQ hate group — referred to the event as “one of the latest well-organized efforts of the radical LGBT movement to indoctrinate young children,” Igarashi-Bell hesitated to even attach the LGBTQ label to DQSH. “The story time isn’t about me or my sexuality. The importance of DQSH to me is in encouraging children to develop a love of books and reading,” he said, likening the creative solace of books to drag. “I hope that children and their parents will take away that the library is a safe space,” he added. “It’s a place to educate yourself and expose yourself to new things, without fear of judgment or ridicule.” The drag queen recognized the need for more safe spaces among the LGBTQ community. He hopes DQSH can offer just that. Strange assured Georgia Voice that the library would never be dissuaded from hosting an event like DQSH because of protests. They plan to upkeep the story times.
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“We have heard loud and clear from our patrons at the Ponce Library that they want and support this program,” she told Georgia Voice. “We fully expect to continue with this program for as long as there is interest in the event.” The AFPLS made two appearances at this year’s Pride festival. The library had a booth and sponsored a DQSH, where Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker read to kids at the festival’s Family Fun Zone.
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October 26, 2018 News 7
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
Berlin Sylvestre Even though it wasn’t raining — and I’d been informed that it’s “always raining in Seattle” — water beads slid along the train-window lazily as I stared out into the lumberyards of SoDo (South Downtown). I was making my way in from the airport and absolutely astonished at how romantic this misty city was. It was late October and a chill had already overtaken the denizens of this Pacific Northwest paradise.
The City on the Sound:
Seattle
Seattle is: A beautiful city teeming with stylish people who love a fresh cup of java as they mill up hill after hill to work. (Their geography puts most of the land at steep angles caused by waxing and waning ice sheets. Makes for good cardio and great calves!)
Paradise, of course, is subjective. If you find lots of trees, misty air, a bay, and a progressive city as delightful as I do, then you’ll know how I could find scarves and wool coats the perfect attire for paradise.
The people there dress in darker colors, mostly, adding just a pop here and there. It’s super chic, but what’s more: They all have the wellmoisturized look on lock. Though it does rain in Seattle, my trip proved that the constant mist is what keeps everything so damp. While those who style their hair may run into issues, it’s really good for keeping the skin young and supple, like walking through a constant mist of the purest lotion available. There for four days, I only used my umbrella once.
There was greenery everywhere you looked, from a coffee can someone threw out ages ago to plants reaching out from the sides of brick highrises. Ferns and mosses have their way, and it is absolutely beautiful. The Emerald City. Obviously. As you inch closer to the heart of Seattle, with its glittery skyscrapers guarding the cold, tranquil waters of Puget Sound, you get a feel for the heart of what
On the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of touristy attractions that draw people for good reason. From the Chihuly museum of the most incredible blown-glass work to an artdeco cafe and Space Needle, there’s plenty to ogle. What I’d recommend is hopping on one of the ferries for a few bucks and riding away from the city to one of the islands about a halfhour out. Particularly? Bainbridge Island. It’s
8 Domestic Tranquility October 26, 2018
there that you’ll find the distinct feel of “away” as you traverse well-maintained streets lined with adorable shops and brilliantly crafted homes. The sunburst of leaves were falling that month and no camera could capture just how beautiful the Pacific Northwest is. Even better is the fresh catch you can count on when you eat on the water. Once back on land, you absolutely must see what Seattle used to be. Believe it or not, the parts you’re walking on are above the first Seattle — the one that was sinking. Most settlers were called crazy for wanting to set up shop on the banks of the sound, and for good reason: Between the silt and the unpredictable waters and ice-melt (as well as being on a giant fault), the ground of Seattle wasn’t exactly the most stable. Logging was huge back then and brought in tons of lonely men who set out to stake a claim for themselves. It wasn’t too long into being settled that the town caught fire in a glue factory, burning her to the ground. Once Seattle was flattened, City Council had a meeting in which the mayor declared a waiting period to rebuild. He wanted to cure the city’s water-ills (think toilets that flushed up) by filling in the land with dirt and rocks to raise it well above
the current water level. The result? There’s an city beneath the city filled with defunct barber shops, saloons, and brothels. There are tours that will take you along the old-timey boardwalks where you can see feet moving along above you in stained-glass skylights that are built into the sidewalks. True to form, ferns are hanging from these skylights, growing downward in their subtle glow. Quite beautiful. Let’s talk about Seattle’s progressivism. The logging industry, as I mentioned earlier, brought in lots of lonely men looking for work and their own piece of the Pacific Northwest pie. By lonely, I mean the male to female ratio was 10:1. The ladies in town saw this as a business opportunity and opened up shop — brothels, specifically. It didn’t take long for a powerful coalition of ladies to gather steam. They were, after all, paying more than 80% of the city’s tax revenue before they could even vote! So what’d they do? They gave ample campaign dollars to politicians with the caveat that they stand for women’s rights and be proeducation. The power of the pursestrings was evident in early Seattle. CONTINUES ON PAGE 9 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Back on the street, an easy place to kill a few hours is Pike Place Market. Loaded to the gills with fresh fish, fruits, veggies, eateries, gift shops, and other places to come off a buck, the goods are fresh and affordable. This venue is home to the world’s first Starbucks, if you’re into that kinda thing. Just up the way is Westlake Mall, which you can access by stepping off the sidewalk and on into the world’s first Nordstrom. In this town, you’ll find lots of love for the NFL’s Seahawks. Their fans are known as the 12th Man and they’re so enthusiastic that during home games, their roars have been known to register on the Richter scale. (Their stadium is above the fault I mentioned earlier. Kinda freaky!) Culturally speaking, the people here are incredibly cool. They’re enlightened and quick to laugh at a stranger’s jokes and observations. Though they walk fast, they were never too busy or too “above it” to
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provide directions to the LGBTQ district — Capitol Hill. Stretching a mile or so is a wonderful little concentration of bars and clubs that lend themselves to LGBTQ clientele. Curiously, most of the bars here were perfectly “mixed crowd” more than niche affairs. That particular trip (my only one, actually), I
found myself at more than one table, having been invited by friendly folks who saw I was flying solo. The people are eager to answer questions and give recommendations on where to go for a relaxing day out. The top two recommendations? Gas Works Park and Alki Beach. Both are super-chill spots for lounging in some grass and listening to small waves lap at the edges of a rocky beach. The
view of Seattle and surrounding is nothing short of breathtaking from Gas Works Park. The flight is more than six hours, but it’s completely worth it. If you can manage, grab a cabin on the sound via AirBnB. The hotels in the area are incredibly pricey. I’ve been to a good many cities in the United States, but Seattle is by far the most tranquil and beautiful.
October 26, 2018 Domestic Tranquility 9
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
Adventures in the
Mile High City Berlin Sylvestre In three hours’ flight time, you’re suddenly peaking out at the Rocky Mountains, a chain that’s usually snow-capped and gorgeous, gleaming majestically as they do on soinspired Coors’ cans. As you touch down, the flat land calling itself the Queen City of the Plains seems to go on forever. The elevation is up so much that the clouds seem to graze your head as you step out into the ultra-bright day and into your rental. The big, open land is, in its own way, a slice of heaven. It makes sense that Denver saw a huge population-boom at the turn of the 20th century. Patients suffering from tuberculosis were pointed west by doctors who knew that good sun and rarified air could do some besotted lungs some good. Before health-seekers were gold-miners and men with rawhide gloves in search of land to raise cattle. The settlers of Denver were all on a mission and the spirit of adventure lives on in the small but affable “west of the Midwest” city.
TAKE A BREATH It’s almost too easy to find yourself suckin’ wind and not gettin’ too much of it. In Denver, you’re up 5,280ft. above sea level, which means some folks find themselves bereft of a full lung’s worth of oxygen, leaving them with the motion sickness, headaches, breathlessness, and sometimes nausea in what’s known as “altitude sickness.” It’s usually temporary (up to 3 days), but something to watch. Getting excited after you’ve dropped your bags off in your room and hopped on the mountain-trail is fine and dandy, but many visitors have perished by not giving the adjustment some time. Ease your way in. Fun fact: Athletes come to Denver to get their cardio on. If you can hit your numbers here in the Mile High, you’ll be able to crush them once you’re back at sea level. SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY Aspen is probably the most-known ski town in Colorado’s mountains, but it’s rather expensive. Apart from Vail, the next best guess for great slopes within budgetary reason is in the city of Breckenridge. This is an absolutely gorgeous town that literally feels like a snow globe come to life. The Alpine stylings settled
10 Dmoestic Tranquility October 26, 2018
in a valley of evergreens dusted with snow give the town an otherworldly feel. Like most Colorado towns that call to athletes, the night-scene isn’t as happening as other tourist destinations. That’s because most of the people here came for the skiing, which is done in light hours. (The ones who would be partying are getting their winks in for a long day of skiing tomorrow!) THE RECREATION STATION Once you come down off the mountains, heading back to Denver to feel the culture is where it’s at. Denver may be small, but it packs a little punch. To begin, they’ve legalized marijuana for those 21 and over. With an ID and cash, you can walk up to one of the hundreds upon hundreds of dispensaries and engage with a “budtender” to find out which treat is right for you. They, of course, sell cannabis in its natural state (the flowers for smoking/cooking), but they also sell it in many wacky, wonderful ways. From fizzy drinks to chewing gum, Denver’s like Willy Wonka and the Cannabis Factory. There are more dispensaries in Denver than there are Starbucks. Denver is also a huge “bro” town — in the
good way. If you consider their beloved Broncos had a huge run a few years back, you can imagine that the sporty town is still pretty high. Beards and beer abound, and Denverites love a good craft brew. You can’t throw a rock without running into another warehouse that’s been gutted and repurposed as a brewhouse. With giant silos looming above, breweries welcome you to a flight of their best wares as a taco truck (etc.) sits outside to serve up something spicy in between sips. LGBTQ NIGHTLIFE Denver is funny in that it doesn’t have a place of high LGBTQ nightlife concentration. Whereas one might say the area around Piedmont Park is where we congregate, Denver’s scene is split up and bandied about the districts. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it creates better parking situations for the crowds wanting to go to niche clubs and bars. It’s in those mostly LGBTQ-isolated zones that you get a bar for women, for bears, for leather-daddies, for club kids, for sports freaks, you name it. As Denver is a really progressive city, hate crimes aren’t big. Feel comfortable being you wherever you go, so long as you mind your manners and don’t bring up the Seattle Seahawks. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
Minnesota Musing … ON SUCH AN AUTUMN’S DAY. Allison Radomski Every autumn, when the leaves offer their first suggestion of their turn toward death, when the morning air alludes to the coming winter, I always remember my escape to Minnesota. It was, in some respects, a homecoming. I grew up in a suburb of St. Paul, never far from the thrill of bigger things. But this time, I wasn’t moving back to familiar neighborhoods. Instead, I set my sights on the Superior National Forest, a quiet wilderness that stretches across the northeast corner of the state. To escape Chicago and the remains of my failed marriage, I took a job at a family-owned resort that sat across a small lake from the Canadian wilderness, beyond the reaches of cell service. For those of you who are less than intimate with Minnesota’s geography, my journey www.thegeorgiavoice.com
looked like this: From St. Paul, I drove for two hours up Interstate 35 until I reached Duluth, a port city on Lake Superior packed with breweries and homemade taffy. From there, it’s another two hours north along the lake’s coast to Grand Marais, a drowsy destination where you can get your fix of sauerkraut tacos and smoked fish. The last leg of the journey is an hour-long drive on the Gunflint Highway, a two-lane road that winds into the Superior National Forest. Drivers should always be ready to brake for moose and black bears. I worked at that resort from May through October. I led zipline tours by day and served walleye in the dining room at night. Certain images stay with me: the giant island of ice that shifted in circles on Gunflint Lake, held hostage by the sharp winter winds that
rule Northern Minnesota even in May. I remember just how dark it gets in the middle of nowhere, how the unforgiving darkness swallowed up the pathetic light of my phone. Several years before my visit, a fire ravaged the forest, and on several occasions, I hiked through the burned-out sections. I remember the unnerving silence of those areas, quiet enough to hear the charred trees as they creaked and groaned after death. I remember the tall, technicolor slabs of magnetic rock that wrought havoc upon my compass. I remember bushwhacking my way through a hiking trail that was totally submerged by a flooded lake. I remember the silence, and how clean the air tasted each morning, and how even the most imperceptible of breezes could cause the poplar leaves to twitch. I remember my colleagues too, intrepid bartenders and line cooks who moved with the seasons: winters in Park City or Vermont, summers in Alaska or Wyoming. They were the true disciples of John Muir, choosing
their employment based on whatever national park they wanted to see next. I always think of this adventure during autumn because that’s the season when I decided to leave the Superior National Forest. I was invited to stay the winter, to serve booze to the visiting snowmobilers and manage the zipline when spring came around. I was told that the thrills of winter camping and dog-sledding made the subzero temperatures worth enduring. I believed them too. But I told myself that it was time to move on, time to “do something” with my life, a decision that would ultimately lead me to Atlanta, the place where I’ve planted my life. And yet, when autumn makes her way to Georgia each year, when our leaves hardly change color before falling, when our mild southern chill offers a comparatively gentle slap, I remember the solace of northern forests, and I wonder if I made the right choice.
October 26, 2018 Domestic Tranquility 11
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
Take a Bite of the
Big Guava I GREW UP IN FLORIDA AND HAVE NEVER LOST MY TAMPA. Elizabeth Hazzard If you’re not quite ready to welcome the freezing temperatures of winter then Tampa, Florida could be a great travel option for you! Naturally, as part of the sunshine state, the warm temperatures are definitely a part of the main attraction but beyond that, the historic neighborhood of Ybor City unveils the rich Cuban history of the city, a history that can be found all over Tampa from the diners that serve authentic Cuban food to the large J.C. Newman Cuban cigar factory that puffs in the background. If you’re looking to emerge yourself in a place that still exudes the very fabrics of its founding in 1885, a city that’s warm in both climate and culture, look no further than Tampa’s Ybor City. EL RELOJ Raised in Ybor City as a young child, there
are two places that stuck with me about the place. The first of these is the big cigar factory on the corner of East Columbus Drive and 16th street. The cigar smoke billows out of its red-brick chimney and its clock chimes high in the factory’s six-story clock tower — earning it the nickname “El Reloj,” which means “the watch” in Spanish. And it still stands today, remaining as the only cigar factory left in Ybor. As Ybor was founded by Cuban and Spanish cigarfactory workers during the 20th century, this factory captures the essence of the hard-working immigrants who embedded their lives here. One can take a detailed tour of this factory while in Ybor and experience the craft of a company that has been around since 1895; a company that produces quality Cuban cigars that are sold in over 80 countries around the world.
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WESTSHORE For those who prefer a more modern, less antique approach to the city of Tampa and for those who love to shop there is Westshore Plaza. Opened in 1967, it was Tampa’s first enclosed mall. Now, it boasts over 100 retail stores including Macy’s, Old Navy, Ann Taylor, JCPenney, Hot Topic, and New Balance. This plaza has something for everyone, whether you’re a fashionista or just want to get your grub on, this shopping oasis that sits among the palm trees is definitely the spot. OTHER ATTRACTIONS As Tampa has so much to offer, the list of great places to visit does not stop there. There’s the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo for animal-lovers, Busch Gardens amusement park and Adventure Island water park, for the thrill-seekers, several museums all around the city for those who are interested in the arts, and histories of the city. And for those traveling around
the city, Tampa offers the TECO Line streetcar; a trolley system that connects from Downtown Tampa to the Ybor City and Channel districts. This vintage yellow trolley allows for a quick ride throughout all of the wonderful stops in Tampa. TAMPA PRIDE Last, but certainly not least, the city hosts its Tampa Pride Diversity Parade in the historic Ybor City area, referred to during this event as the GaYBOR district. This event celebrates and welcomes the LGBTQ community, as the city opens its arms to diversity. Although this event takes place in March, it is definitely a testament to the fact that this city — full of Cuban/Spanish history and varying places of entertainment and food full of rich, vibrant diversity — holds room for even more. Whether winter or any other season, travels here will prove to be more than just travels, they will be experiences. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
Ellijay:
The Apple Capital of Georgia Morgan Fletcher Ellijay, located in the North Georgia mountains about 90 minutes north of Atlanta was recently voted one of the Nicest Places in America by Reader’s Digest. Ellijay deserves that listing. You can’t stand in one place downtown for more than five minutes before someone strikes up a conversation. Heck, one of the antique store owners once hugged a customer when he noticed she was looking cranky. Walking into the incredibly cozy Martyn House in Towne for some delicious coffee, you almost expect the barista to know your name already because you’re greeted with such warmth and open smiles. Be sure to eat here, too — their homemade granola is fire! You can hang out and read from one of the hundreds of books in the seating area, which looks like a library, and you could practically stay a couple of weeks without noticing the time passing. Suitable for a day trip or a relaxing 3-day weekend, Ellijay is also known as the Apple www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Capital of Georgia and The Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia. For a small town of about 1,600 residents, you might not think there’s much going on but there are some seriously interesting things to do without breaking your budget. Apple picking can be a whole day of fun for adults and kids. Go easy on the hard apple cider, though! It tastes like fresh apple juice so it’s easy to overdo that delicious goodness. Kids love seeing where food comes from, especially when they can go out in the orchards and get it directly from the tree! Buying and eating local is great for the entire state, too. Downtown Ellijay has several charming boutiques, antique stores, and so much incredible and unique food to eat you might want to wear your loose pants. Be sure to stop into the Cantaberry Cafe for huge sandwiches and a variety of soups and salads. The ingredients are fresh and as a bonus they have gluten-free bread available. If you want hefty portions of pub grub and a beer, check out River Street Tavern where
you’re for sure to get into conversation with people sitting near you! Most of the downtown stores are owned by individual residents and families, so again shopping local keeps small towns like Ellijay alive and thriving. If antiques are your thing the prices here are incredibly reasonable — bring a truck! Ellijay’s name is derived from Indian word(s) meaning “many waters” and you can experience three gorgeous rivers in the same area. It’s really fun to tube or kayak the Ellijay River, Cartecay River, or the Coosawattee River. All three rivers have a beauty all their own! Cartecay River Experience, Kayak & Tube Rentals, Coosawattee Tubing Company, and Ellijay River Outfitters can get you set up with rental equipment and guides if you want them. The area is home to several vineyards complete with tours and tastings plus live music events, weather permitting. Georgia may not be the first place you think of for wine but try it for
yourself at one of these three local sources Engelheim Vineyards, Ellijay River Vineyards, or Cartecay Vineyards. Last but not least (and technically just outside of Ellijay in Cherry Log, GA) is EXPEDITION: BIGFOOT! It’s the Sasquatch Museum you can’t not go to if you’re up that way. It takes about an hour and a half to go through its 4000 square feet of displays complete with gift shop and knowledgeable staff. It’s jam packed with Bigfoot photos, videos, and an audio listening center. There is a diorama set up depicting an attack and a map dotted with pins for each sighting around the country. Believe it or not there are a lot more than you’d expect right here in Georgia. It is the largest permanent collection of artifacts and hosts “the World’s only Bigfoot Research and Tech Vehicle on display.” Ellijay is a fun place to escape the stress of the city and experience the slower feel of a small town. Be prepared to wave back at people and brush up on your chit chat skills before you get here.
October 26, 2018 Domestic Tranquility 13
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK SCREENGRAB PHOTO
The Carousel Capital: Binghamton, New York Aidan Ivory Edwards
a tragic mass shooting.
Binghamton, New York is the centralized city of Broome County. The area consists of neighboring towns Vestal, Endicott, MaineEndwell, and the village, Johnson City. The weather in my hometown, Binghamton, is like the outdoor set of Hallmark holiday movie except there’s a negative wind chill and there are black people. It’s the carousel capital, something I have permanently inked on my forearm. Binghamton bares the resemblance of “The Twilight Zone,” which makes sense as it’s Rod Serling’s hometown. An iconic photo of his face is plastered on each side of our local Greyhound buses. Depending on the time of the year, it can be difficult to make out his face beneath the thick layer of grey salt.
The foggy valley can be overlooked on one of the many hills. It’s peaceful and serene like a bubble bath with cinnamon candles lit, and Bonnie Raitt singin’ “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Upstate New York is overshadowed by New York City, a 2.5-hour drive away southeast. The difference between city New Yorkers versus Upstate New Yorkers is that city New Yorkers will let you know they’re one of the eight million residents. Wow. Neat.
It’s plain to see where Serling developed his inspiration when you experience the location in person, but there aren’t enough words in the English language to truly describe it. It has had quite a rough go in its time: an economic crash, a chemical spill, a crippling flood, wiping out an entire nearby town, and
Patience has been its virtue, and with a helping hand from the University of Binghamton, a head honcho in the SUNY (State University of New York) system, prosperity has arrived. But without the cities setbacks in the past, it would be charmless, stiff, hiding beneath the façade of the university. Despite a creative hub and the food, New York City has nothing on us. FOOD Speidies We are the inventors of Chicken Spiedies. Like most famous recipes, there are fighting words over who invented it and which place makes
16 Domestic Tranquility October 26, 2018
the better one. The top contenders are Spiedie and Rib-Pit, Lupos, and Sharkey’s. The internet recipes floating around don’t get it right. We love spiedies so much that we have a massive festival every August so we can fly hot air balloons and watch Uncle Todd get hammered while headbanging to Smash Mouth. Wings Old Union Hotel won the 2017 first place trophy for National Buffalo Wings, so yes, they are pretty pretty pretty good. The Relief Pitcher has been my go-to since I was a kid. There is nothing like their hot garlic wings on a brisk winter Sunday to eat while you watch the Jets lose again. Pizza Tony’s, Nirchi’s, Consol’s, Rosa’s, New York Chef ’s, and Cortese are my jams. MUSIC I was fortunate enough to have my late guitar teacher, Mac McGee. He was a phenomenal blues guitarist, gentle, kind, and patient. He always made an appearance at the yearly Blues On The Bridge held downtown, and
allowed me to jam with him live at The Blind Tiger in Endwell. Mr. McGee’s teachings made me dig further into live performances, and carry on as a musician. This journey eventually led me into the alluring chaos of the hardcore scene. It was put on a brief halt before I moved to Atlanta, but it warms my heart to say that the Hardcore community is back thanks to the homie Colin Mraz and friends. These fellas are bringing in the heavyweight names to put on shows for nothing more than the love of music. This community has a special place in my heart. Every time I see a new flyer I become nostalgic, and want to hug some of these strangers who are behind the scenes. SPORTS Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Formerly Binghamton Mets) I grew up watching the B-Mets losing. Then I would watch the New York Mets lose. But now they’re the Rumble Ponies, so they’ll hopefully win more in the regular season before losing in the playoffs. They have a Thirsty Thursday to make it easier to watch. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
Profile on Panama City Joshua Davidson As you all likely know, Panama City, as well as much of Florida and parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even as far north as Virginia, is struggling quite a bit right now. Hurricane Matthew tore through the Southeastern US and left quite a heavy toll on the people in its wake. Counts vary depending on the source, but as many as 47 people have died in the trail of Matthew. However, Panama City will bounce back. It’s dealt with troubles like this before, and there are a lot of people working to rebuild the city, including a story I’d like to spotlight later. Nevertheless, Panama City shall return, and, when it does, it will no doubt be a beloved tourist destination once again. My perspective of Panama City is a little different. I’m not well-traveled; Panama City is one of the few places I’ve been to outside the state of Georgia. I’m a homebody by nature too, but that, for a long time, changed for Panama City. I loved going. It’s a six-hour drive through Georgia, Alabama, and Florida to a little trailer my grandparents www.thegeorgiavoice.com
have off Back Beach Road. It’s a ways away from the hotels that line the beach up the coast, and is far away from the clubs and bars often frequented by visitors. As I’m a homebody and not especially social, it suits me. That’s not intended as a judgment for the clubbing crowd — you have to find your joy wherever you can. Plus, my trips to Panama City were always with family, and that’s generally not the crowd with whom you go clubbing or bar-hopping. We were mainly there for the beach, and we loved it. The sun, sand, and water were the main attractions. On a clear day, the water is crystalline and gorgeous. The waves and tides are soothing, the off-white sand is warm and relaxing. I spent almost all my time at the beach or in the ocean. There is a serenity in being submerged in Panama City’s living, moving water. Even when the tide is choppier — and it can get rough — it’s still a therapeutic experience. There have been times when seaweed or algae clogged the shallows, but that never stopped me from going in. The weather is fickle, which admittedly feels
like the understatement of the year at this point. The rain never bothered me much since I was in the water anyway. That said, it can ruin the time for those looking to sunbathe or read on the sand. I remember times when I was a kid that the signal flag on the beach would be green for calm waters. In more recent years, that’s changed. Yellow (for slightly rough water) is the lowest the flag will go in terms of safety. I don’t know if that’s because the waters are rougher now or if it’s someone covering their ass. In more recent years, the shopping scene in PC has enticed me more. The reason for that is that I’m a giant frigging nerd. Pier Park and the Panama City Mall certainly have their charms, but I make sure to hit the comic book stores while I’m down there. Arena Comics on 15th Street and New Force Comics on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are amazing places to go for the comics and collectibles aficionado. They have a lot to peruse and plenty of friendly workers. Unfortunately, New Force took some damage during the hurricane but will hopefully soon recoup. Comics Emporium on US-231 on the edge of town is a cool
place too and worth checking out if comics and figures peak your interest. As far as eating goes, Mike’s Diner on Front Beach Road has been a favorite. I’m not the most culinarily well-versed person under the sun, but I do know a good banana pudding. That place has one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Bayou Bill’s on Front Beach is another great place to eat. This is the part where I cop to not having been to Panama City in a couple of years. College and jobs have held me up more, and traveling has been something that has enticed me less. I’m embarrassed slightly by that, so another trip down to PC is definitely in the cards for me. Thankfully, my grandparents’ trailer escaped storm damage. I think everyone in Georgia should check the city out at least once if they have the means to do so. It can be kitschy, as it is a tourist hot spot, but the beauty of nature is still there at the beach. Plus, kitschy can be fun. It’s your vacation, go to as many kitschy places as you damn well please. Alvin’s Island has you covered in that regard, and you should also check them out.
October 26, 2018 Domestic Tranquility 17
PRIDE
Pride Parade Award Winners Katie Burkholder This year’s Pride Parade was a happy and historic event. The parade featured organizations, corporations, businesses, politicians, and individuals on cars, floats, or feet. The Atlanta Pride Committee awarded six organizations and companies for their outstanding appearances in the parade. The two corporate winners were Intercontinental Hotels Group and the Georgia Aquarium. Las Margaritas, a local Latin restaurant, and Ballooned Away, a balloon dÊcor company, took home the small business awards. Lost-n-Found Youth and Georgia Alliance for Social Justice were the non-profit winners. Lost-n-Found Youth works to end homelessness for LGBTQ youth and Georgia Alliance for Social Justice works to empower and mobilize the people of Georgia toward justice and equity for all.
18 Pride October 26, 2018
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PRIDE
Pride in Pictures PHOTOS BY ROB BOEGER
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October 26, 2018 Pride 19
ACTING OUT
LGBTQ Massacre, History Relived at Out Front Jim Farmer The tragedy that took place at the Upstairs Lounge in the French Quarter in New Orleans in the early ’70s — when an arsonist set the gay club on fire — took the lives of almost three dozen individuals, but is not widely known about. The new musical “The View Upstairs” looks to introduce more people to the event. Making its Southeastern premiere at Out Front Theatre Company this week, the musical envisions a fashion designer named Wes who purchases the abandoned building that the bar was in. He is transported back to the day of the tragedy in 1973. “He learns the story of the bar, the people, and starts to care about them — then the tragedy happens,” says Paul Conroy, the company’s artistic director who is directing the show. Conroy saw a production of “The View Upstairs” in 2017 at a queer theater company in Virginia and met the playwright Max Vernon. When Conroy expressed interest, the playwright confessed it would be exciting to have the play done in a red 20 Columnists October 26, 2018
DETAILS
“The View Upstairs” Through Nov. 10 Out Front Theatre Company
state during the midterm elections. It has been staged only a handful of times across the country, including off-Broadway in New York, and there are talks to get it produced in London’s West End. The director stops short at calling the musical a tragedy. “There is a love story and a fair amount of comedy, moments that will make you angry but there are some places that will make you cry,” says Conroy. “It’s like a typical night at a gay bar. These are people we could all know. These people were at their favorite bar that night. It’s the same thing that happened at Pulse in Orlando. No one who went there that night thought it was going to be the end of their lives. They wanted to hang out with people they liked.” The other characters include the owner of the bar, who is a black lesbian and is in
charge of everything; a mother and son from Puerto Rico who are getting ready for the son’s drag performance; a closeted piano player who has a wife and son at home; a few hustlers, and more. “It’s a menagerie of people,” Conroy admits. He finds that most people don’t know about the Upstairs Lounge tragedy. “I will admit I did not know about it until a couple of years ago,” he says. “That is one of the things the play talks about. The world that we live in — we are so quick to move on to the next thing that we forget about these events, these people. We remember all hugely horrific things like 9/11 or Pearl Harbor, but think about all the school shootings that have happened, like Sandy Hook. I’d be willing to bet people don’t remember dates they happened or the number of victims. Even with Pulse — even if you asked people how many died at Pulse, not many would be able to accurately answer that.” Before last year’s shooting at Pulse, the fire at the Upstairs Lounge was the largest mass murder of LGBTQ people in the country. In all, 32 people died that night and the case is still unsolved. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
EATING MY WORDS
A Halloween Tale:
DONALD TRUMP
GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKI COMMONS
In Praise of Orange Cliff Bostock Last week, I sat in my office eating candy corn with a client. Created in the 1880s, it is one of the nastiest substances on the planet, but my client and I were using it as a means of mindfulness training. The idea is to focus all your attention on the candy (or raisin or whatever) in order to come fully present without being swept away by inevitably distracting thoughts. Notice the colors. Notice the sugary taste. Notice the waxy exterior. I was trying really hard, but inevitably the distracting thoughts arrived, weaving themselves into a story. Once upon a time, a little orange boy with tiny hands and thimble-sized genitalia was born in New York City. It wasn’t long before his constant lament about his genitals caused his brain to erupt through his skull. His wealthy parents took him to an emergency hair salon where a team of surgical stylists created a hairdo inspired by the tailfins of a 1959 Cadillac. The surgeons labored 18 hours sculpting the supersticky bouffant from cotton candy that had been dyed orange and yellow, just like candy corn. After the enhancement, Donald put his hands on his hips and said aloud for the first time, “I am a very stable genius!” But others called him girly. Sadly, Donald’s drama didn’t end there. By
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the time he was 7, he almost exclusively ate huge quantities of Big Macs and ice cream. Eventually, doctors quietly concluded that his eating disorder was a defense against fully acknowledging that he was transgender. Incredibly, he actually became president, and in 2018 began supporting elimination of the word “transgender” from the English language so that he could deprive the newly nonexistent trans-people from civil rights protection. Some call it internalized transphobia. At the least, he seeks to legitimize gender-based discrimination. Meanwhile, sources disclosed shocking news to the failing New York Times. In a video recording from a few years back, Donaldeena (his trans name) is seen grabbing porn stars by the pussy and whispering, “How do I get one of those for myself?” He spent many nights poring over pictures of trans women following bottom surgery. He hid his “candy corn” — he has one orange testicle, one white one, and a yellow penis — under a single band-aid. Ultimately he had an epiphany when he met the porn star Stormy Daniels. Donald wanted to be her twin. He wanted it so bad, he offered her more than $100,000 to allow surgeons to transplant her vagina to him. (His manboobs required no augmentation; a push-up bra was all he needed.) It was when Donald decided to run for the presidency that he postponed the
bottom surgery, according to Ms. Daniels. No horror story has a truly happy ending. Donald’s entire flock of appointees and Congressional Republicans have become walking-dead sycophants. As the November midterms approach and election fraud cranks up, it is unlikely the Democrats will actually retake Congress. If so, the orange little boy known as Donaldeena in private places will have installed a fascist government that will make every day Halloween. Now, seriously, if you want to learn to eat mindfully — with full attention to the
virtual miracle of taste — check out the book “Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life,” by meditation master Thich Nhat Hanh and Lillian Cheung. Developing the skill counteracts unhealthy eating and, more generally, reduces the terrifying obsessive thinking about what our world is becoming. By reducing the terror, we can become mindful enough to actually change things instead of turning a hateful shade of orange ourselves. Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or CliffBostock@gmail.com.
October 26, 2018 Columnists 21
BEST BETS Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for October 26 - November 9 FRIDAY, OCT. 26
and Video Tronic. The event will feature a spooky dance contest. 10:30pm Mary’s
The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) hosts its Fourth Friday networking night. 5:30–7:30pm UPS WUSSY returns for the 4th annual SHALLOWEEN Dance Party featuring Sasha Velour, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9.” Come bump uglies with Atlanta’s undead weirdos and bring out your freakiest drag, spooky sadboys, trash queens, and swamp kings and velourinspired couture. The night includes special spotlight performances from Edie Bellini, Dotte Com, Molly Rimswell, The House of Gunt, JayBella Banks, D’Knighten Dae, Mystery Meat, and Evah Destruction. Tonight’s DJ is Reesie Cups. The evening also features a costume contest with a fat cash prize. 10pm The Heretic Atlanta
SATURDAY, OCT. 27
Thousands of local breast cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and corporate and community members are uniting to make the greatest impact to save lives and ensure no one faces breast cancer alone at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. This noncompetitive, inspirational event raises awareness and funds for a world without breast cancer. 7am–Noon SunTrust Park Enjoy Halloween, Atlanta Eagle style with DJ Pat Scott and Panther Levi/ Leather Bar Night. 5pm–10pm “Reykjavik” opens at Actor’s Express today. In this tour-de-force collision of sex and danger, playwright Steve Yockey propels us on a journey in which the supernatural is closer than we think. Now through Nov. 18 at 8pm. Have a Happy Halloween “Woofs” style. How spooky or sexy can you be? A costume contest starts at 9pm and the winners will be announced at 11pm. A $250 cash prize goes to first place and a $100 bar tab for second is on the line.
22 Best Bets October 26, 2018
Expect rowdiness as Trashetta Galore is the emcee for Nightmare at Midtown Moon tonight.
THURSDAY, NOV.1
SATURDAY, OCT. 27
“Reykjavik” opens at Actor’s Express today. In this tour-de-force collision of sex and danger, playwright Steve Yockey propels us on a journey in which the supernatural is closer than we think. Now through Nov. 18 at 8pm. Bubba D’Licious hosts a Halloween event complete with a costume contest starting at 10pm at Heretic Atlanta. Do you remember the old variety shows like “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Muppet Show,” or “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour?” Did you/do you always dream of being in the audience and being a part of the show? Atlanta’s all LGBTQIA+-identifying comedy group, Queeriety, has just the show for you. Come see The Queeriety Variety Show on the last Saturday of every month. Each show will be jam-packed with improvisation, live sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, puppetry, and drag performances. 11pm The Village Theater Join Deep End for HalloQween, with sounds by JASH JAY Jsport and Leonce Nelson, hosted by Xt Venus Valentine with a Best Qween Look Contest. 11pm–3am The Boys of BJ Roosters will make the dead rise. Come out tonight for the club’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” event.
SATURDAY, OCT. 28
T-Time Atlanta Trans Youth holds their weekly meeting tonight. 7pm St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
Emily Kinney is a little too old to be daydreaming in the back of a classroom, soaked in unrequited love for a guitar player in a pop-punk band she used to watch on MTV, but on “Oh, Jonathan,” Kinney’s upcoming release, she just can’t seem to help herself. It’s been a couple years since Kinney’s last album, “This is War,” and she’s been using the time both professionally, in acting, music, and personally to mature and explore. 8pm Eddie’s Attic
MONDAY, OCT. 29
Keira Knightley stars in the lesbian-themed “Colette,” in area theaters with various showtimes.
TUESDAY, OCT. 30
Face of Knives Presents its 13-monthiversary the only way they know how: with a Halloween party featuring Hallowed, Holy Gallows, Sister Sai, and Dbl Vanities. 8:30pm Bakery Atlanta
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31
Step right up for a ghastly concoction of delight, horror, fantasy, and terror at Fiend — a mystery meat Halloween special, providing tricks and treats are Molly Rimswell, Cola Fizz, LJ Fury, Jasper Hex,
Are you afraid of the dark? If not, take a gamble on Serenbe Playhouse’s “The Sleepy Hollow Experience” in an acclaimed new adaptation by artistic director Brian Clowdus. The spooky show continues its run tonight at 8pm through Nov. 4
FRIDAY, NOV. 2
Out Front Theatre Company’s version of “The View Upstairs,” a Southeastern premiere, follows the story of Wes, a young fashion designer from 2018, who buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Upon entering the space, he finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant ’70s gay bar that would later be the subject of foul play. 8 pm Running through Nov. 10 Join Celeste Holmes for Celestial Friday with guests Brigitte Bidet, Shavonna Brooks, Angelica D’Paige, and more. 11pm Blake’s on the Park Every Friday at midnight, it’s time to slip on those fishnets and make-up for the greatest live troupe in the city. Lips Down on Dixie, Inc., for a righteous party in front of the big screen for “The Rocky Horror Show,” midnight at the Plaza Theatre.
SATURDAY, NOV. 3
Celebrate Charis’ final store birthday in Little 5 Points before they relocate to their new house at Agnes Scott College next year. Stop by to offer a 44th birthday wish to help remember the hearts and hands that helped build this space. Enjoy birthday cake, refreshments, and great book deals. 11am–7pm
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Nov 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 2018 Cobb Energy Centre added! fifth Performance Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS Book ARTHUR LAURENTS Music LEONARD BERNSTEIN Lyrics STEPHEN SONDHEIM
atlantaopera.org | 404-881-8885
BEST BETS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 Powered equally by Lou Reed’s visionary songs, John Cale’s training in hardcore minimalism, the onrushing rhythm guitars of Reed and Sterling Morrison, and the pounding momentum of Maureen Tucker’s drumming, the Velvet Underground provided the unlikely template for thousands of bands to follow. In the process, they made the lines between pop and the avant-garde virtually irrelevant — much like their advocate and mentor, Andy Warhol. Their fateful alliance with Warhol changed the course of American music and of rock and roll worldwide. Tonight, Film Love presents an immersive, multi-projection tribute to the Velvets and Warhol through the band’s 16mm films from this era. The screening is in conjunction with the exhibit Chimera: Andy Warhol through the 1980s, which will be open for viewing before the event. 8pm Michael Carlos Museum The Atlanta Opera opens the 201819 mainstage season with a production of Leonard Bernstein’s classic Broadway musical, “West Side Story.” Featuring Vanessa Becerra as Maria and Andrew Bidlack as Tony, this production will show that many of the same divisions that separated us in the 1950s remain with us today. Choreographer Julio Monge has resurrected Jerome Robbins’ original choreography for this production, allowing audiences to experience “West Side Story” as it was originally meant to be seen, on a grand scale with classically trained singers and dancers. It runs through Nov.11. 8pm Cobb Energy Centre Bearracuda Atlanta presents: One Night on Folsom Street. Bring out your harnesses, leather, jocks, and gear tonight. San Francisco’s own Matt Consola spins all night. 9pm–3am Heretic Atlanta
SUNDAY, NOV. 4
$2 well drinks are on tap all day and night at Sunday Funday at Bulldogs.
MONDAY, NOV. 5
Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies,
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SATURDAY, NOV. 3
The Atlanta Opera opens the 201819 mainstage season with a production of Leonard Bernstein’s classic Broadway musical, “West Side Story.” 8pm Cobb Energy Centre providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources, and activism around social issues. 7pm–8:30pm Charis Books and More The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets today at the Atlanta International School from 7:30pm–9pm.
TUESDAY, NOV. 6
PLEASE VOTE TODAY!
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 7
TEN Atlanta will once again transform from a crowded dance club into a cozy NYC Cabaret for consecutive Wednesday nights tonight with Boys Night “OUT” on Broadway, a one-hour musical and comedy revue written by Broadway veteran performer Robert Ray. 7pm and 9pm TEN Atlanta Every Wednesday is Karaoke Night at My Sister’s Room, hosted by Thad Steven, with bartender Stephen pouring your favorite drinks. 9pm
THURSDAY, NOV. 8
Princess Charles hosts Pop! Karaoke at Midtown Tavern tonight at 9pm.
UPCOMING FRIDAY, NOV. 9
Join MAAP the second Friday of each month for its It’s Friday – Mix, Mingle and Network session. This is your
chance to leave the work week behind and connect with other like-minded professionals over drinks, laughter and good professional conversation. 6pm–8pm TEN Atlanta Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue is hosting “You’ve Got a Friend,” a musical cabaret written and directed by Chuck Richards. The star of the show is New York jazz and blues singer Lynn Loosier, originally from Georgia. Loosier has been a featured soloist at both Lincoln Center & Jazz at Lincoln Center and has also performed at the Apollo Theater. Along with him, the show will also feature the Robert Strickland Combo and special guests Robert Ray, Shawn Megorden, and Matt Booker. There will also be a silent auction and a wine pull. 7pm–10 pm Park Tavern One of the biggest productions of its kind ever in Atlanta, Red Bull Music Presents: ATL is Burning Ball will bring Atlanta’s ballroom underground into the spotlight. Half dance party, half ball, the event will see icons and beginners alike walking in over 10 categories, while musicians such as Leikeli47, MikeQ, Cakes da Killa, Byrell the Great, and Leonce keep the crowd moving. Brought to life in partnership with Atlanta collectives Morph and Southern Fried Queer Pride, Red Bull Music Presents: ATL is Burning Ball will be hosted by Precious Ebony and will feature performances by Leiomy Maldonado, Dashaun Wesley, and Koppi Mizrahi. 9pm–4am Georgia Freight Depot
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
A NIGHT ON POINT Thursday, November 15th 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Old Castle Design Center 764 Miami Circle, Suite 120 Atalnta, GA 30324
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Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students. Come enjoy cocktails, conversation and a silent auction with fun, enticing prizes!
www.pointfoundation.org/Atlanta-18 SILVER SPONSOR
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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
Fortune Cookies and the Lotto Whisperer Melissa Carter You know this stuff can’t be real but you check it out anyway, just in case. If my fortune cookie prophecy is correct, things are about to look up.
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I go to a hair salon where the stylist is a solo practitioner, meaning it’s just him and his chair and while clients lounge on a nearby couch to wait their turn. One weekend while there, my stylist suggested he order lunch, and we all made our selections while he DoorDashed a local Chinese restaurant. Gathered at the bottom of the big takeout bag were the fortune cookies for each of us, and unless someone had mentioned divvying them out I would have forgotten to break one open.
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26 Columnists October 26, 2018
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Now that sounds fun. Of course, the likelihood that this is an apt prediction is small and the fact it is generically written so that I can apply it to any ‘win’ adds to its illegitimacy. However, I have tacked it on my cork board at work, again just in case. What if a fortune from a cookie could predict a change in your life? It actually happened to Ronnie Martin of Pennsylvania. He recently won $1 million in a lottery using numbers from a fortune cookie he opened years ago. Mr. Martin is a regular lottery player, and instead of choosing birthdays (of which I am guilty) or other significant dates, he chose to trust in the numbers from that fortune cookie. I did say it had been years ago that he actually
got that cookie and little slip of paper, but he liked the numbers on it and stuck with them. They finally paid off last month. Who exactly writes these predictions in the first place? One of the most prominent fortune writers just retired. Wonton Foods bills itself as the largest manufacturer of fortune cookies, and Donald Lau served as its Chief Fortune Writer for 30 years, retiring only last year due to writer’s block. Lau says he used to write 100 fortunes a year, but once that number dwindled to only two or three a month he decided it was time to step down. He still works at the company while James Wong, a nephew of the company’s founder, has taken over as cookie bard. Lau may have been better at his job than authorities felt comfortable with, since in 2005 the company was investigated after 110 Powerball lottery players won about $19 million after using the numbers on the back of its fortunes. No charges were filed, but after more than 100 people have won the lottery based on these numbers it may be time to take those digits more seriously. What if believing in a fortune allows a selffulfilling prophecy to work? Is it any different than looking at a horoscope or getting your palm read? I say if it makes you get excited about your life, go for it, since that tends to be a struggle for some of us lately. You know, all of the sudden I’m getting a craving for some Moo Goo Gai Pan. One of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta, Melissa’s worked for B98.5 and Q100. Catch her daily on theProgressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Tweet her! @MelissaCarter www.thegeorgiavoice.com
SOMETIMES ‘Y’
Friendship in Transition Ryan Lee One of my heterosexual cycling buddies and I were sitting in my living room during Pride weekend when a towering, curvy woman appeared in my doorway. I smiled at the woman and she grinned back, a glint in her eye letting me know she was about to have a little fun.
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“What’s good, bro?” the woman boomed in her natural baritone. “Y’all fellas doing aiight? A bitch need to piss!” The three of us stoner-giggled at the contrast between my friend’s feminine appearance and her deliberately muscular inflection. As our visitor relieved herself, I explained to my biking friend that the two of them had previously met, but not since the former had begun experimenting with dressing as a woman. Two more gay men arrived at my apartment, and when we started off on our bikes an hour later, I commended my friend for withstanding our hurricane of faggotry without evacuating in terror. “What good would it do my life to let any of it bother me?” he replied. I was at the festival in Piedmont Park the next day with a separate set of straight cyclers, and once again bumped into my crossdressing friend. Our crews spent the rest of the afternoon together, my friend buoyed by others’ disbelief that she was new to wearing women’s clothing and make-up. “You don’t look like you just started,” a cycling guy said, and I put my hand on my friend’s back to make sure she didn’t faint from the compliment. Pride fell a few days after National Coming Out Day this year, and the friends I spent it with reinforced my gratitude for the universal acceptance I have received from loved ones upon letting them know I am gay. But I now find myself envying those who’ve accepted me, or at least wishing they could offer me a lesson. While my gender-exploring friend received affirmation and encouragement from my straight friends, I have reacted with uncertainty and caution as I’ve watched one of my dearest companions delve into parts of her www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Snappy Makes Homes Happy! identity that I didn’t know existed. “You’re someone I fear will have a problem with it,” my friend told me as we ate dinner for her 39th birthday, still unsure of where her search for self will lead. As much as it hurt to know my friend felt that way, I can’t say it was unfounded: In the week since then, our conversations have devolved into tear-filled shouting, our bond saved by raunchy humor and stubborn love. This is my first time on the opposite side of a coming out story, and it’s disappointing to know I have been anything but supportive, simply because my friend’s exploration does not match my understanding of the traditional transgender experience; as if I have any credible insight into the transgender experience, or that there’s a single path to self-discovery.
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It’s embarrassing to hear myself making arguments — it may be a phase, it will unnecessarily complicate your life — that I would resent if anyone used them to convince me to be discreet about my fondness for sucking dick and sodomy. All of my worries are not invalid, but it’s easy to disguise ignorance as concern when it feels like a best friend is becoming unfamiliar. I take for granted that, wherever my friend settles, we will resume our easiness with each other, but that isn’t a license to interrogate her during what is the most exhilarating and frightening time of her life. She needs me to be the friend she’s known, because she remains the person I’ve known, whose love means much to me. October 26, 2018 Columnists 27
Our Voices. Our Votes. Our Time.
Early Voting Is Now Open! Election Day Is November 6. A DIVERSE AND THRIVING GEORGIA ECONOMY WITH HIGH-PAYING JOBS IN ALL 159 COUNTIES
Stacey Abrams is a successful small business owner who will help Georgia businesses access the capital, skilled workforce, and infrastructure they need to thrive and create jobs in every region of our state.
HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL GEORGIANS
Stacey Abrams will expand Medicaid for 500,000 Georgians who need health insurance, creating 56,000 jobs—60% of which will be outside of Metro Atlanta—and saving our rural hospitals from closure.
PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR GEORGIA’S CHILDREN FROM CRADLE TO CAREER
Stacey Abrams will be the Public Education Governor you can trust to fight for our public schools so Georgia’s children can reach their fullElection potential no matter zip code 6. or Early Voting is now open! Daytheir is Nov. family income.
STACEYABRAMS.COM/VOTE Questions about voting? Call the Voter Protection Hotline at 1-888-730-5816. Paid for by Stacey Abrams for Governor 1270 Caroline Street Suite D120-447 • Atlanta, GA 30307