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georgia VOLUME 14• ISSUE 15 About the cover:
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EDITORIAL
Every fall, I’m overcome with joy. Halloween is my favorite holiday, a monthlong affair filled with parties, haunted houses, and horror films. Beyond Halloween, autumn is the season of rebirth for me. In the fall of 2020, I made the decision to end a five-year-long relationship and begin therapy. Every year since, when the weather becomes cool, I’m brought back to that place, that decision to change my life in a way for which I will die grateful. Fall brings with it the comfort of nostalgia and tradition, and that comfort always makes me emotional, like I’m exactly where I need to be. Unfortunately, the autumnal window very quickly closes and gives way to winter. I am not a winter hater by any means; I love Christmas, warm meals, and layering as much as the next girl. What I certainly am, however, is an acute sufferer of seasonal depression. I will forever sing the praises of the SAD lamp (although it stands for seasonal affective disorder, I think the name is quite apt), a UV lamp that effectively mimics sunlight for you to bask in during the winter months to improve your mood, but when living within capitalism, seasonal depression is impossible to avoid. In tarot, the Death card signifies the precursor to rebirth. It may sound frightening, but the card serves as a reminder that before change comes, death must come first; beginnings can only come after endings. If we want something new, we must become comfortable with and embrace letting go of the old. In this way, winter is the season of death. It is a reminder from nature that death is a part of the cycle, unavoidable, and that when we get to this point in the cycle, we must slow down as
an act of mourning. Mourn the sun, mourn the longer days, mourn the warmth on our skin. All of this is so necessary and important that it takes up a quarter of our year. One of the many, many problems with capitalism is its ignorance of this cycle. We are expected to work at the same level of productivity and activity yearround when our bodies and nature itself simply are not designed for that. As I get older, I realize that much of my seasonal depression symptoms are just signs of my body screaming at me, “Slow down!” and I don’t. I ignore these impulses in me because my expectations of myself do not change from summer to fall to winter. I expect myself to be social, to work hard, to be fully present with my friends and family, to push past the simple fact that I am tired. What I call seasonal depression is simply that: a lack of energy that makes me feel lethargic, lazy, and sad when I ignore the fact that this lack of energy is completely natural. From November to February, I will be more tired and introverted and capable of producing less — and that’s okay. As I enjoy my favorite season amid fears of the upcoming winter slump, I am working to remember that slowing down is not a bad thing, and that instead of fearing the season of death, I can instead prepare for it. Here are some ways to embrace slowing down this winter:
• Take a Warm Deep Stretch yoga class at Highland Yoga: Held in an 85-degree room, this warm, slow yoga class is a favorite of mine during the winter to warm me up and get my body moving in a way that is gentler and more conducive to my lower energy levels.
• Stay in your pajamas all day: When you have a day off, don’t fight the impulse to stay cozy in bed. Let your body have what it wants: comfort! • Take a bath: Up the ante with this healing bath ritual. Add one cup of Epsom salt, three drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and three drops of peppermint essential oil to the bath. Light a blue pillar candle nearby, and while you soak, focus your energy on what you want to heal, whether it’s physical or emotional. • Delete your social media: Because this is the season of slowing down, your impulse to doom scroll will be much stronger. Deleting your social media will keep the winter scaries at bay and give you a clear mind to focus on other means of relaxation. • Cry: Repeat as necessary.
OCTOBER 27, 2023 EDITORIAL 3
NEWS BRIEFS Staff reports Read these stories and more online at thegavoice.com
Author of “Don’t Say Gay” Bill is Going to Prison for Stealing COVID-19 Funds The former Florida state lawmaker who authored the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” law will go to prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 funds. Republican Joe Harding will serve four months in prison and two years of supervised release for fraudulently obtaining $150,000 in COVID-19 funds, according to LGBTQ Nation. Harding resigned from his position on the Florida House of Representatives last year after a federal grand jury indicted him on felony wire fraud, laundering charges, and making false statements. Harding defrauded the Small Business Administration during the height of the pandemic by completing an Economic Injury Disaster Laon application for two dormant businesses, then transferred the money to his bank account, a third-party business, and paid off his credit card debt. He pleaded guilty to the charges in March. Harding tweeted in June that he had paid back the loan in full. “Now all I can do moving forward is continue to tell the truth, apologize to all of those I have hurt and let down, and then show the world that with God all things are possible.” Harding authored the “Parental Rights in Education Act,” a law initially banning any instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early elementary school, through third grade. The law was later expanded to all grade levels. Not only has the law impacted queer Floridians, but it has also led to a nationwide influx of similar bills. According to the Movement Advancement Project, similar laws have been passed in six other states. In the midst of the bill’s passage, Harding tweeted that opponents of the bill want to “sexualize your six-year-olds and lie to you.”
4 NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2023
Republican Joe Harding PHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKICOMMONS
Sharp Increase in Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crimes, FBI Finds Compared to 2021 estimates, hate crimes last year that were motivated by bias against the victims’ sexual orientation rose 13.8 percent while those motivated by bias against the victims’ gender identity rose 32.9 percent, according to data from the FBI. The agency’s numbers come from the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, largely through the National IncidentBased Reporting System and the Summary Reporting System, which the FBI says collectively accounts for 93.5 percent of the U.S. population. Data shows the increases in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes came despite a decrease, by 6.1 percent, of estimated murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases during this same period. “The rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community is both shocking and heartbreaking, yet sadly, not unexpected,” Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said in a statement responding to the FBI’s report. “The constant stream of hostile rhetoric from fringe anti-equality figures, alongside the relentless passage of discriminatory bills,
particularly those targeting transgender individuals, in state legislatures, created an environment where it was sadly foreseeable that individuals with violent tendencies might respond to this rhetoric,” she said. “The FBI’s data serves as another alarming indicator of the state of emergency our community finds itself in,” Robinson said, adding, “We also know that this data is incomplete, that too many cities and states are reporting incomplete data, or even no data at all, on hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. If we’re going to bring a stop to that violence, we need a full accounting of just how many hate crimes are taking place — and that requires every jurisdiction stepping up.” HRC reports that more than 20 percent of reported hate crimes are are now motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias, amid a “horrifying wave” of fatal violence against, particularly, Black transgender women. The group in June declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ people in the U.S., citing, among other factors, the “wave of harmful and discriminatory legislation — some of which was engineered and championed by extremist GOP candidates running for president and their allies — and the concurrent spike in antitransgender rhetoric and violence.”
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A Long Arc Photography and the
American South since 1845
NEWS
Non-Binary Applicants Found Less Likely to Be Admitted to Ivy League Schools Mars Stone In recent years, the LGBTQ community has steadily gained visibility in the mainstream. Along with this increase in visibility has come support and acceptance. However, there is more work that remains to be done. Institutions that define the status quo are very often the last to accept new ideas. It seems that this may be the case for the most prestigious institutions for higher education. Dimension Admissions, an educational consulting firm dedicated to helping students gain admission to Ivy+ schools (the top 20 institutions in the country), has conducted a data analysis and ongoing study on non-binary students that is yielding surprising results. All data used in this analysis comes from the Common Data Set. Last year, students identifying outside of the gender binary – marking “another gender” on applications – made up only 0.17 percent of Ivy+ school admissions, despite making up about 1.85 percent of college applicants. This staggering number jumps off the page, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Non-binary students are applying to these universities and are without a doubt there in the student body. Seven percent of adults in America identify as LGBTQ, and Harvard, Princeton, and Brown all report over 25 percent of their enrolled students identifying as LGBTQ, with Brown being the highest at 38 percent. However, none of these three schools, along with Penn, report data on non-binary applicants. Two additional Ivy+ schools do not report on non-binary applicants — UChicago and Vanderbilt — meaning in total 14 of the top 20 schools keep data on non-binary applicants. Kelly said, “It’s not because the schools don’t have non-binary enrolled students, so that was surprising, and we plan to reach out to these schools for a comment about this,” Margaret
6 NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2023
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF DIMENSIONS ADMISSIONS
Kelly, the COO of Dimensions Admissions, told Georgia Voice. The issue in these findings is not a lack of interest from non-binary students in prestigious universities. UCLA received over 5000 non-binary applicants for class of 2026. Berkeley received over 2000 applicants, and Columbia almost 1500. Those who apply are also not struggling to gain admittance. Of the four schools to admit non-binary applicants for class of 2026, UCLA was the only to admit at a lower rate than the general applicant admission rate (6.1 percent vs 8.6 percent). Berkeley’s non-binary admission rate was 12 percent vs the 9 percent general rate. Columbia was four percent vs 3.7 percent, and Hopkins admitted six of their 18 non-binary applicants. From 2009 to 2016, the National Library
of Medicine did a study on over 14,000 students from middle school into college tracking Educational Outcomes of GenderDiverse Youth. The study found that nonbinary performance was typically even with those of cis-gender identities, and while trans youth saw some major differences, they “appear[ed] to be explained by socialstructural location and social-psychological factors associated with minority stress.” However, all gender diverse students showed a significantly lower sense of belonging. When it comes to the most influential academic institutions in the nation, there is an issue of acknowledgment and accurate representation. A huge step in making sure students are properly cared and accounted for is ensuring they are being seen in the first
place. Every schools included in the study have LGBTQ-welcoming offices, and they all have gender inclusive housing options to some degree. Columbia in particular has received attention for expressing interest in “deepening knowledge of the challenges facing LGBTQ patients” in its nursing program, and Princeton consistently shows up on lists for top queer-friendly universities. We can appreciate the steps that many of these schools are taking to become more inclusive. However, small things to some can be huge to others. The option to identify goes a long way in feeling comfortable and feeling like you belong. You can keep up with new findings from this study at dimensionsadmissions.com/blog.
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impact 2 0 2 3 PA R T Y W I T H
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AT LA N TA SYMPHONY H A L L • 8PM J O I N U S FOR A NIGHT O F CO M EDY WITH
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NEWS
LGB Teens Found More Likely to Binge Eat PHOTO BY PEXELS.COM
Katie Burkholder LGB teenagers were found to be more likely than their straight peers to struggle with binge-eating disorder (BED) and binge eating behaviors in new study from the University of California at San Francisco. Binge-eating is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. and entails eating unusually large amounts of food without the ability or willingness to stop. Three to five percent of the U.S. population – up to 16.6. million people – struggle with it. BED may lead to an array of medical and psychiatric problems like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and elevated suicidality.
early adolescents,” that this increase in binge eating among the LGBTQ community could be related to higher instances of bullying, discrimination, stigma over sexual orientation, and internalized homophobia experienced by queer youth, which could contribute to lowered self-esteem and disordered eating. “Binge-eating can result in psychological effects like depression and anxiety, and longterm physical health problems, including diabetes and heart disease,” Nagata wrote. “Given the higher risk of eating disorders in LGBTQ+ youth, it is important that health care providers foster a welcoming environment to youth of all sexual orientations and genders.”
The study was conducted with 10,000 participants, the mean age of whom was 12. Among participants, one percent had BED and 6.3 percent exhibited binge-eating behaviors.
These findings were in line with the findings of other studies, including a 2018 study from the U.K. which found that gay and bisexual teen boys were 12.5 times more likely to binge eat compared to their straight peers.
Lead author Dr. Jason Nagata argued in the report, titled “The social epidemiology of binge-eating disorder and behaviors in
Given these findings, Nagata suggests that future studies should explore “the prevention, early identification, and management
8 NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2023
strategies of binge-eating behaviors for gay and bisexual adolescents.” Other factors that increased instances of BED included class and ethnicity; teenagers from low-income families – under $75,000 – and those of Native American descent also had higher odds of BED and binge-eating behaviors. Despite the fact that a “narrow, female-specific lens” persists when discussing eating disorders, this study actually found that men had higher odds of binge-eating behaviors than their female counterparts – behaviors that included partaking in “cheat meals,” eating episodes that temporarily stray from their normal eating routines. These episodes can entail anywhere from 1,000 to 9,000 calories consumed. “In male adults and adolescents, body dissatisfaction is often tied to a drive for muscularity and larger size as opposed to thinness,” Nagata wrote. “Over half of young men who report weight gain and bulking goals report eating more to achieve this goal, which leads to the consumption of larger volumes of food.”
These findings emphasize the necessity of more research, as well as screening and treatments made specifically with these vulnerable populations in mind. “The results highlight the need for further investigation into adolescent screening for eating disorders, specifically those involving binge-eating behaviors… These findings illustrate the extent to which eating disorders present differently in diverse populations, thus contributing to underdiagnosis and under recognition of disordered eating,” the study concludes. “Males, sexual minorities, and low-income populations require targeted screening and intervention strategies to support those who may be at risk for disordered eating. Given the barriers to care that many people with BED face, clinicians must better understand culturally sensitive strategies for screening, identification, and management of this disorder.” You can find the full study online at jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/ articles/10.1186/s40337-023-00904-x.
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OCTOBER 27, 2023 ADS 9
NEWS
Election 2023:
ATLANTA’S SMALL BUT IMPACTFUL RACE role in the APS Board, she was a part of the Atlanta City Council as a Senior Council Aide and Policy Advisor to the Council District 8 office. According to her website, Howard’s focus lies in Social-Emotional Learning, childhood literacy, and equity.
Hunter Buchheit When most Americans think of elections, they think big. Senate races flush with hundreds of millions of dollars in cash, Presidential elections tallying votes in the tens of millions. But for Atlantans, this year’s elections are smaller, but no less impactful for the community and its children.
DISTRICT 3
The Atlanta Public School (APS) Board is on the ballot this year. Before 2020, all APS Board members were on the ballot at the same time, raising concerns of continuity and follow-through if initiatives were to be carried out by a completely different cohort of leaders than the ones who originally created them. After a 2020 decision to stagger Board elections, however, Board members serve four-year terms with one group of seats up for reelection every two years. The Board, composed of six geographical districts and three at-large seats, has five seats up for election this year: geographic districts 1, 3, and 5, and at-large seats 7 and 9. APS is one of the most consequential school districts in Georgia, lying at the epicenter of Georgia’s economy, university center, and most bustling city. APS currently serves over 45,000 students and is this year equipped with a budget of over $1.6 billion. Recent upticks in APS income from property taxes have allowed for pay increases for teachers, putting APS firmly in the 75th percentile for teacher salaries in the state, as well as providing sizable bonuses of $5,000 to the most at-risk schools in the district. None of these improvements would have
10 NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2023
For Atlantans, this year’s elections are smaller, but no less impactful for the community and its children. IMAGES BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM materialized be it not for the Board’s direction and for the superintendent that they as a Board are responsible for selecting. The Atlanta Board of Education’s nine members are in charge of establishing the policies and funding plan that run the district and exist as a point of access for parents to their children’s education, a duty the Board fulfills by hosting monthly public meetings. Board members do not just have to be strong leaders, however; to function effectively, the Board must be highly collaborative, both internally and with parents around the district to ensure that the diverse needs of students and their futures are taken into consideration.
Learn a bit more about this year’s APS candidates:
DISTRICT 1 School Board District 1 encompasses Southeast Atlanta, home to Peachtree Center, Tech Square, Midtown, Little Five Points, and Inman Park. Katie Howard, the District 1 incumbent, is running unopposed. After graduating from Midtown High School, Howard attended Furman University in Greenville, SC, where she obtained a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Studies in 2000; she now lives in Grant Park. Previous to her
School Board District 3 encompasses East Atlanta, including Cabbagetown, Edgewood, East Atlanta, Virginia-Highland, and Ansley Park. Candidate Michelle Olympiadis is the incumbent and has served in the seat for five years. Olympiadis is a first-generation American and the VP of communication for the Georgia Parent Teacher Association (PTA). She is an APS parent and a Board Member of Invest Atlanta, the “official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta.” According to her website, she is seeking “one last term” to serve the people of her district. Candidate Ken Zeff is running against Olympiadis; he is also an APS parent, and he was the former superintendent of Fulton County School. He has a doctorate from Georgia State University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and he is the founding executive director of the childhood literacy organization Learn4Life. On his website, he describes his priorities which include decreasing bureaucracy in the central office and hiring a long-term superintendent.
DISTRICT 5 School Board District 5 encompasses West Atlanta, which includes Grove Park, Carver
CONTINUES ON PAGE 11 THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM
NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Hills, Westhaven, Brookview Heights, and Westview. Erika Yvette Mitchell is the incumbent, and she has served in the position since 2017. As a student at Alabama State University, Mitchell was given a full athletic scholarship. Ever since, according to her website, she has worked within state and local politics, authoring the first school district's Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, TraumaInformed Practices, and Restorative Justice Practice policies and co-writing the Atlanta Public Schools Equity. Raynard Jackson is running against Mitchell. He has worked in IT management for multiple decades and holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Boston College. According to his website, he is a “lifelong resident of Atlanta,” and, if elected to the District 5 seat, seeks to push forth policy to help children recover from learning loss.
AT-LARGE SEAT 7 At-Large Seat 7 has three candidates vying for the position. Tamara Jones is the incumbent. With a bachelor’s from Wake Forest University and a master’s from the Georgia Institute of Technology, she is a resident of Inman Park and seeks to improve the collaboration between schools. Her website emphasizes her commitment to communication and maintaining equity in APS schools. Alfred Brooks is also running for Seat 7, and, if elected, would be the first active teacher to serve on the Board. He graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in Public Policy, and he is the founder of “Teachers for Good Trouble,” a national network of teachers. His website focuses on his determination to implement restorative justice policies and improve technology infrastructure within APS schools. William Sardin is the third candidate. He is a graduate of Emory University, where he received his nursing degree; he has practiced as a registered nurse since. According to his website, he seeks to address students’ academic performance and address school bullying.
AT-LARGE SEAT 9 At-Large Seat 9 is home to two candidates looking to fill the seat. Jessica Johnson is the current appointed member for Seat 9. She received her master’s degree
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in public administration from American University, and she has lived in Southwest Atlanta for 15 years. According to her website, Jessica is the founder and executive director of the scholarship nonprofit The Scholarship Academy, which focuses on securing scholarships for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students. Nkoyoene Effiong Lewis is running against Johnson. She is a graduate of Brown University and the New York University School of Law. According to her website, she is the founder and Principal Attorney at the Effiong Firm LLC, a boutique education Atlanta law firm focusing on securing equity and education justice for communities of color. Over the past few years, the APS Board has developed new goals that elected candidates will be tasked to execute, with a governance manual centered around student-focused outcomes. The first is literacy proficiency, measured by Georgia Milestones scores of APS students in grades 3-8. There has been progress in Milestones scores in the past few years, but further improvements are needed to reach the Board’s goal of 47 percent of students scoring proficient or above in reading. The second goal, numeracy proficiency, needs similar improvements to reach the goal of 45.4 percent Milestones proficiency by 2026. This is why learning about candidates and voting in local elections — even when all candidates are running nonpartisan — are so important. Ensuring that Board members are adequately qualified and prepared to craft and carry out the policy necessary to improve APS students’ lives is crucial in solidifying the futures of Atlanta’s — and Georgia’s — next generation of leaders. Voting day is November 7, 2023. To check your registration, see which candidates will be on your ballot, and find your voting location, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov. Looking forward to next year, ensuring that all eligible Georgians are registered to vote is vital in preserving our democracy and electing leaders that will represent Georgia’s diverse interests most completely. The directions on how to register to vote– whether online or in-person–can be found at georgia.gov/register-vote.
OCTOBER 27, 2023 NEWS 11
COMMUNITY
Trans Bodybuilders, Powerlifters to Compete as ‘Authentic Selves’ During Atlanta Event Dyana Bagby
replacement therapies for those 18 and under.
This article is sponsored content.
Georgia’s laws are part of a national conservative movement against trans people in the U.S. More than 550 anti-trans laws have been introduced in nearly every state this year. Nearly 30 anti-trans laws have been introduced in Congress.
The International Association of Trans Bodybuilders and Powerlifters (IATBP) is bringing together athletes from across the country to compete at its ninth annual event in Atlanta on November 18. IATBP is the world’s only organization of its type. Its goal is to provide a supportive place for trans, gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary people around the world to compete in bodybuilding and powerlifting, no matter where they are on the trans spectrum. “We want to help create a world where trans, GNC, and non-binary people are accepted for who they are,” IATBP Executive Director Bucky Motter said, adding this year’s competition has attracted the most athletes since it was founded. “This growth is really a reflection of our commitment to ensuring bodybuilders and powerlifters of all trans gender identities around the world have a safe and affirming space where they can compete openly as their authentic selves.” In 2014, the first trans bodybuilding competition was hosted in Atlanta at the first annual FTM Fitness World Conference, created by Neo Sandja. The IATB was officially created by Sandja in 2018 as a separate organization from the conference. The P, for powerlifters, was added in 2019 to be more inclusive of the existing powerlifting meets. The IATBP, as of 2019, is a 501(c)3 organization. The first non-binary athletes, one in bodybuilding in 2018 and one in powerlifting in 2019, paved the way for a new generation of non-binary and gendernonconforming athletes to compete in these events, Motter said.
12 COMMUNITY OCTOBER 27, 2023
IATBP Powerlifters compete. COURTESY PHOTO groundbreaking changes in bodybuilding and powerlifting, Motter said.
IATBP bodybuilders compete in Masc, Femme, Open, and Gender Non-Conforming divisions. There is also a Bikini category for femme athletes. PHOTO BY AMES BECKERMAN
All competitors will be judged equally, regardless of whether they have had sexual reassignment surgery (SRS) or are on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Non-binary and gender nonconforming people are especially welcome to participate in the competitions whether they are medically transitioning or not. In a 2022 survey conducted by IATBP, respondents indicated that a safe and equitable place to compete for non-binary and gendernonconforming athletes was desperately needed. New divisions based on gender identity and gender expression were added in both bodybuilding and powerlifting events in 2021 to reflect and respect the needs and wants of the community that the IATBP serves. These new divisions were crafted to create
Competitors can self-select based on their gender expression and HRT status if desired. This inclusivity is a feature that can’t be found at any other bodybuilding or powerlifting event around the globe, according to Motter. Bodybuilders compete in Masc, Femme, Open, and Gender Non-Conforming divisions. There is also a Bikini category for femme athletes. Providing a place for trans athletes to compete openly and proudly is especially important with the recent rise of state and federal legislation aimed at restricting trans athletes, especially women and girls. Last year, Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed into law House Bill 1084. The law enabled the Georgia High School Association, which oversees athletics in 465 schools, to require students to play on a team that matches the gender assigned on their birth certificate. This year, the Georgia legislature approved Senate Bill 140. The law bans gender-affirming surgeries and hormone
“Our fight for visibility and understanding is even more vital today as trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people face increasing marginalization,” Motter said. “We are deeply thankful to our major donor initiative for helping us create a world where all people are accepted for who they are.” The powerlifting meet is open to the public and will start on at 2pm at CrossFit Downtown Atlanta, 215B Chester Ave SE. Renowned bodybuilder and powerlifter Janae Marie Kroc, who is a champion in both disciplines, will serve as the powerlifting meet director. The bodybuilding competition takes place at 7pm at OutFront Theatre Company, 999 Brady Ave. NE. “The competition is fierce as these elite athletes take the stage to show their wares: their bodies at their best,” Motter said. The audience is encouraged to engage and support competitors as they pose in a compulsory round, as well as a round where each competitor poses individually to their own music. Count on an exciting “pose down” in each division as well. Tickets for the powerlifting meet and for the bodybuilding competition are $35. Visit iatbp.org to buy tickets online. Tickets for the bodybuilding competition can also be bought at the door at OutFront Theatre Company the day of the event.
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CULTURE
Jarvis Hammer
REPRESENTS ATLANTA IN “THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA” SEASON FIVE Katie Burkholder
I first saw Jarvis Hammer at a Halloween drag show at My Sister’s Room in 2021, and I immediately knew he was a star. The king of horror comedy perfectly blends artistry and comedy with a reverence for classic horror into a performance that is one of a kind. Hammer’s star power has only amplified, and he will be showing off his talent and penchant for all things creepy on the upcoming season of “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” premiering this Halloween. Ahead of the premiere, he spoke to Georgia Voice about the creation and backstory of Jarvis Hammer, his love for horror, and what fans can expect from the upcoming season. Quotes have been edited for clarity. Before we start talking about “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” I would like to talk about you and your history with drag. Can you tell me how Jarvis Hammer came to be? I had found out about king culture through local entity Mystery Meat. They were the first time I had ever seen an AFAB person doing drag in a way that was more creatureesque or horror-inspired, rather than sort of a Justin Bieber impersonation — no shade to it, it just wasn’t my personal bag. And
14 CULTURE OCTOBER 27, 2023
so, it kind of opened up this whole world to me. Through Mystery Meat I found out about Andro Gin, and then that sent me down a rabbit hole of research and searching through people’s Instagrams and reading up on dragkinghistory.com and realizing that drag kings date back time immemorial. Basically, we’ve been playing with gender for as long as we could play with ourselves. How long ago was that? I think I first went out to a club in face in May 2019, and then my very first performance was at MSR in June 2019. Like you said, the more traditional or mainstream kind of drag kings didn’t appeal to you as much as this kind of horror-inspired, weird form of drag. Can you talk a little bit about why this appeals to you and your relationship to horror in general? As a child, I used to be drawn to creepy-cute, Burton-esque stuff. I always loved “Emily the Strange,” and I loved goth music, but I could never really handle capital-H horror until — I think a switch flips when you enter your 20s and adulthood and life knocks you down a bit — these monsters started to seem more like confidants.
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CULTURE
Jarvis Hammer represents Atlanta in “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” season five PHOTOS BY DANIELLE S. ROSS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 I fell in love with horror, especially the artistry, the practical effects of it, all the costuming, all the behind-the-scenes stuff. And so, I knew when I started drag, I wanted to be that horror-inflected cartoon character that I had been obsessed with since I was a kid. Are you pulling inspiration from more classic horror motifs, or are you pulling from anything contemporary? When I’m Jarvis, I am an entirely different character. His story is that he was a Z-list actor in swinging ’60s London who thought he was A-list. He died in a freak accident on set in 1973 when a spotlight fell on his head, so now he haunts wherever his film work can be seen, and he cannot be seen outside of the screen unless he possesses me. If I may be insufferable about my art, it’s sort of this metacommentary on performance. You go on stage. and you don’t know what takes over you. I just made it literal; I am the conduit for him. So yeah, I pull inspiration from that time
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period. I’ve always been a big fan of vintage fashion and the music, fashion, and culture of the ’60s and ’70s. So, I position him looks-wise in that peacock revolution era of masculine dandyism, of which some of the proponents were Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, and so on. That is the aesthetic I pull from, as well as the “Haunted Mansion.” I think that’s pretty apparent in my drag. I took the last name Hammer because I thought, well, I’m going to be creepy, campy, colorful, and cheap, just like a Hammer horror film. So that’s my brand of drag; I’m the king of comedy horror. Speaking of horror leads up into “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula.” We will tread lightly so as not to spoil anything, but I would like to hear about what you felt when you learned you were going to be on, and what the experience was like filming the show. Nobody should start drag seeking fame or fortune, because that ain’t the way, baby. I started purely because my soul was withering away in my nine-to-five job, and I wanted to express myself and have fun with makeup
and costume and building worlds around songs. But in 2020, something shifted. In the depths of quarantine and experiencing a loss of my own, it hit me that I didn’t want to do anything else, and it gave me a light at the end of the tunnel. I thought to myself that if I made it out of this thing alive, someday I’ll be on “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” and I will work toward that goal by getting my name out there, funding my own mini tours, and just getting better at sewing and lookcrafting. It was a long road to a beautiful hell. I’m glad you worked toward your goal, that’s really exciting. Obviously, with “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” it’s drag and then it’s also the more physical, frightening elements. Was that daunting at all before you went on? On the application, they asked you to list your fears, so I did a sort of two truths and a lie approach to that. I’ll let everyone figure out which one’s the lie. One of the most infamous extermination challenges was the jumping out of a plane on episode one of season three, and that was something I was absolutely terrified to do because I am genuinely very afraid of heights. So, it’s
terror on all sides because every day you go in and you want to do good art. But if you don’t do good art, that’s bad because you’re doing that in front of hundreds of thousands of people. But then also if you don’t do art good, you might get thrown out of a plane or covered in cockroaches or stabbed with 40 needles. The stakes are extremely high. Even watching it is terrifying, I can’t imagine. If you can share anything about what people can expect from the new season, what can they get excited for? There’s the new stage and the many new cameras. This season was filmed in all new locations. It’s in some ways the old tried and true “Dragula” formula, but there’s some new twists and turns mixed in there. We’ve also got one of the most diverse casts to date, so we each brought something very different to the table. Those will be fun dynamics to watch play out. “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” season five premieres on Shudder and AMC+ on Tuesday, October 31. You can keep up with Jarvis Hammer on Instagram @jarvis. hammer or online at jarvishammer.com.
OCTOBER 27, 2023 CULTURE 15
CULTURE
Creative Last-Minute Costumes
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A D
FOR THE PROCRASTINATORS Adalei Stevens Halloween, also known as, “Gay Christmas,” is a time for creative self-expression, getting scary or slutty, and dressing up with your friends. It’s beautiful, fun, and sometimes stressful. If you’re like me, you’re looking for last-minute costume ideas that aren’t basic or hard to find. Note: Amazon links have been included for ease and accessibility, but we encourage you to thrift the items needed for these costumes or shop in-person at local businesses like Psycho Sisters, Clothing Warehouse, Barking Leather, or Boy Next Door Menswear.
A. Britney Spears dancing in her house
Celebrate Britney’s new memoir “The Woman in Me” by dressing up as her favorite pastime: dancing in her house. All you’ll need is: 1. A black choker, Amazon (variety pack of 6, $8.99) 2. Low-rise bikini bottoms, Amazon ($18.99) 3. Puff-sleeve crop top, Amazon ($26.99) 4. Slouchy white boots, Amazon ($67-103) 5. Optional: a messy blonde wig (Amazon,
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C
$27.99) or visible tape-in extensions (Amazon, $49.90)
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6. Smudge some black liner or shadow around your eyes, and you’re ready to spin the night away!
B. PJ and Josie from “Bottoms”
The high school comedy about two lesbians starting a self-defense club and trying to hook up with the hottest cheerleaders in school has some of the easiest outfits to recreate for Halloween. Here’s what you’ll need: 1. Oversized, striped rugby Polo, Amazon ($33) 2. Baggy jeans or corduroys 3. Fake blood, a fake black eye, and some band-aids
C. Ross Lynch in the “One of Your Girls” Music Video Ross Lynch has one job: be hot. Troye Sivan’s “One of Your Girls” music video is the epitome of bi panic between Ross’ bootsand-jeans combo and Troye looking stunning in drag. If your face card never declines, this is the costume for you. Ross’ costume is easy:
Last-minute costume ideas for Halloween COURTESY PHOTOS 1. Lightly distressed jeans (Levi 501s are perfect), Amazon ($98) 2. Black motorcycle boots, Amazon ($79.99) 3. Silver chain, Amazon ($27.90)
Leather Dom
If you ever need an excuse to dress in leather, Halloween is it. Harness your inner dom with all the leather. Femme: 1. Leather bra and garter belt set, Amazon ($39.85) Non-binary/masc: 1. Leather half-harness, Amazon ($25.95)
D. Gren from “Cowboy Bebop”
Gren is a non-binary character in Cowboy
Bebop who once iconically said, “I am both at once, and neither one.” You can dress up as either the red-shirt anime or stunning liveaction version. Anime: 1. Burgundy button-down, Amazon ($26.99) 2. Black pants, Amazon ($28-$33) 3. Black belt, Amazon ($17.99) Live action: 1. Strapless, lace-up bustier, Amazon ($12.99) 2. Leather skirt with slit, Amazon ($42.99) 3. Gold statement collar necklace, Amazon ($15.99)
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CULTURE
Homo for the Holidays: RECENT LGBTQ VINYL RELEASES Gregg Shapiro In a year when an abundance of music by LGBTQ artists is needed more than ever, the following vinyl LPs are sure to please almost everyone on your winter holiday shopping list. When it comes to Sufjan Stevens and his recent official coming out, you could say the signs were there all along. I mean, what straight man could possibly write a song about serial killer John Wayne Gacy and his victims, and make it as gorgeous and chillinducing as “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” (from 2005’s “Illinois”)? Would a straight man have been able to create a song as sensitive as “Mystery of Love,” Stevens’ Oscar-nominated tune from the gay film, “Call Me By Your Name?” Additionally, the theatricality and the costuming (have you seen those wings?) of his live performances were among the least subtle hints. So, Stevens’ coming out in October 2023, at the time of the release of his masterwork, “Javelin” (Asthmatic Kitty), featuring the dedication to his late partner Evans Richardson (who died in April), feels less like a surprise and more like a confirmation. As for the music, it’s everything we’ve come to expect from Stevens and more. From the alternately exquisite and jarring opener, “Goodbye Evergreen,” to the lush choral vocals on “A Running Start” and the potential hit single pop of “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?,” Stevens continues to merge queerness and faith. It’s a daring move, considering the way the worship community continues to relentlessly pummel us, but it obviously works for him. Other worthwhile moments can be heard on “So You Are Tired,” “My Red Little Fox,” and “Shit Talk.” Additionally, the
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Sufjan Stevens PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK “Jackie Onassis” (not to be confused with the Human Sexual Response song of the same name), which Sammy Rae describes as “a love song to all young women.”
Cindy Wilson PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK 48-page book of Stevens’ artwork and essays is not to be missed. There are many people who can’t live without live albums. Remember, Peter Frampton’s “Frampton Comes Alive” is one of the bestselling albums of all time. When you hear the crowd’s reaction on “Follow Me Like The Moon,” the opening track on the double LP “Live: The If It All Goes South Tour” (sammyrae.com) by Sammy Rae & The Friends, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Led by queer singer/ songwriter and first-rate belter Sammy Rae, the band draws on a wide range of influences over the course of the 13 tracks (as well as the five bonus tracks available via QR code). Most notable (and queerest of all) is the song,
From the same fertile ground that gave us R.E.M., Pylon, Oh-OK, and, of course, the B-52’s, Athens’ Love Tractor was part of that bumper crop. Unlike the aforementioned bands, Love Tractor made its name mainly by performing instrumental rock with an Athens accent. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of 1983’s “Around The Bend” (Propeller Sound/DB Recs), the album has been remastered and reissued on limited edition orange and white swirl vinyl, making it the musical equivalent of a Dreamsicle. Led by out gay member Mark Cline, Love Tractor put an easily recognizable, jangly Athens spin on its sound, something that comes through strongly on “Highland Sweetheart,” “Pretty,” “Cutting Corners,” “J.E.B. Pharaohs,” and “Timberland.” If anyone deserves to be named an honorary queer, it’s Cindy Wilson. An original member of the queerest band of all time, the B-52’s, Wilson released her first (and long-awaited) solo album, “Change” in 2017. In many ways, it was a departure from the sound we’ve long associated with Wilson. For the
astounding follow-up, “Realms” (Kill Rock Stars), available on vivid turquoise vinyl for the first pressing, Wilson invites us to the club, and we’d be fools not to join her. Album opener, “Midnight” is an irresistible dance track that is far too short. We want more and we want remixes. The electro-vibe continues on “Delirious,” “Overboard,” “Daydreamer,” and "Blossom." There are also unexpected moments of beauty on “Realms,” including “Not Goodbye” and “Hold On.” “Realms” is so good that you might want to wrap one up for yourself. Almost everyone has a relative or friend on their holiday gift list whose musical taste borders on the questionable. Without casting aspersions, if that person’s interests run toward blistering speed metal crossbred with grunge, then “Find Out” (MNRK Heavy) by Seattle’s Filth Is Eternal could be their cup of limited edition 180-gram "milky clear vinyl." Led by Lis Di Angelo, who uses they/them pronouns, the members of Filth Is Eternal have been active in the LGBTQ community for years. Hard and heavy, although not as sludgy as its name might suggest, 13 of the 14 songs clock in at well under three minutes, and once the initial shock wears off, can be kind of catchy. Like the flu.
OCTOBER 27, 2023 CULTURE 17
ACTING OUT JIM FARMER
“The Prom” PHOTO BY SYDNEY LEE
‘The Prom’ Returns to Atlanta Jim Farmer When the LGBTQthemed “The Prom” held its world premiere at the Alliance Theatre in 2016, it received much attention, and a mere two years later it became a critically acclaimed 2018 Tony-nominated Broadway musical. It was also turned into a film with a cast including Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Ariana DeBose. For the first time since that initial bow, the show returns to the ATL this week via Out Front Theatre Company. With a book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Beguelin, “The Prom” follows four Broadway stars, all in something of career slumps, who decide to visit Indiana in support of a teenage girl who has been told she cannot bring her girlfriend to her high school prom. Initially seeking press, the group eventually realizes there’s much more at stake. The musical is based on the real-life story of Constance McMillen in Fulton, Mississippi. Out actress Wynne Kelly, who identifies as a lesbian, worked with Out Front on last
18 COLUMNIST OCTOBER 27, 2023
season’s “Kinky Boots,” in which she played Lauren. Here, she plays the lead character of Emma, and the part speaks to her. “I find it very important for myself to play a role in the telling of queer stories, as a queer woman myself,” she told Georgia Voice. “The story resonates with me personally. I grew up in a town that was small-minded, and I came out in high school. I was lucky to have super supportive parents, but there was some weirdness in the community, and I lost some friends. I identify with Emma’s struggle to be her authentic self in the space that she wants to call home.” According to Kelly, Emma is dealing with a lot of pushback from the PTA and the other students. She represents the queer struggle in the United States, as well as resilience. Emma also has to deal with bullying, says director Caty Bergmark, and the fact that she was kicked out of her home by her parents two years earlier and is living with her nurturing grandmother. She has had to deal with the loss of her parents, while her girlfriend Alyssa, a popular straight-A student and cheerleader, has not come out after a year and a half of dating, which contributes to Emma’s sense of isolation.
Alyssa’s mother is the head of the PTA and wants to protect her daughter, but takes her concern out in what Bergmark says is a nonproductive and hurtful way. The director is happy not only to see the show return to its local roots, but also to showcase a rare lesbian storyline. “Bringing it back to Atlanta is a joy, and to do it at Out Front is such a special thing,” Bergmark said. “It is right in line with their mission. It’s also nice to have a musical about a young lesbian. There are so many musicals about gay men, and they are wonderful and I love them, but this is the first one I’ve gotten to work on that features a woman. That has been exciting. The show is also so important to the dialogue of the day.” For Kelly, it’s an opportune time for the return of the musical, because of the political climate surrounding queerness in states, specifically people who identify as trans. “There is a lot of anti-LGBTQ legislation that is happening around the country and the South specifically,” Kelly said. “With both the censorship of the arts and education and the suppression of queerness in the United States it’s a great time to re-introduce
this story and also to highlight queer joy and queer love. I think there are a lot of stories that talk about the struggles of queerness. That is important, but there is a huge need to remind people that there are successes in the queer community at the same time as struggle and pain.” Paul Conroy, founder and producing artistic director of the company, agrees that it’s the perfect time to program the musical. “Bringing ‘The Prom’ back to Atlanta at this moment holds immense significance,” Conroy said. “Out Front Theatre Company has long been committed to uplifting LGBTQ voices, and ‘The Prom’ resonates with the struggles many queer individuals confront, particularly in light of the current wave of homophobic and transphobic legislation. We believe it’s of paramount importance to highlight the production’s themes of resilience, love, and hope, offering comfort and inspiration to our community.”
MORE INFO “The Prom” runs October 26 to November 11 at Out Front Theatre Company. THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM
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OCTOBER 27, 2023 ADS 19
LGBTQ NIGHTLIFE FORECAST OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 10 Katie Burkholder
Taylor Alxndr. No cover.
Queer Bait
Queer Bait
Gay pop videos with DJ Headmaster. $ 5 cover.
Gay pop videos with DJ Headmaster. $5 cover.
October 27, 9pm Mary’s
November 3, 9pm Mary’s
Getting Knotty October Rope Practice La Jvngla October 28, 1pm Atlanta Eagle
November 3, 10pm District Atlanta
Getting Knotty is a quarterly rope practice and knowledge share hosted by members of Atlanta's Men in Rope, Hitchin' Bitches, Rope Bite Atlanta, Atlanta Leather Pride, & Southeast Black and Blue. This is a safe space for all identities and orientations to participate together in Erotic Rope Arts regardless of their skill level. $5 preregistration required; register at givebutter.com/ GettingKnottyOctober2023.
This is a forward-thinking club experience that acts as an immersive journey involving all six senses. Featuring Flagrant Drvms. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX Rated Cougars October 28, 9pm Atlanta Eagle
With Misti Shores, Lena Lust, Amber Divine, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover.
Ron Pullman
November 3, 11pm Atlanta Eagle $5 cover.
Hotlanta Rubber and Gear Night November 4, 9pm Atlanta Eagle
Join the HRG crew on the back patio in your favorite latex, rubber, sports gear, uniform, or whatever makes you feel hot, sexy, and ready to party! $5 cover.
Karaoke Night
Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX Rated Cougars
Trivia Night
With Misti Shores, Lena Lust, Amber Divine, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover.
October 29, 7:30pm The T October 31, 8:30pm Atlanta Eagle With DJ DeWayne.
Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo November 1, 8pm Atlanta Eagle
Karaoke Night November 2, 9pm The T
Rock Haus Karaoke November 2, 9pm Atlanta Eagle
Hosted by Raqi.
Amen! Drag Show
November 4, 9pm Atlanta Eagle
InvAsian
November 4, 10pm District Atlanta Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of EDM, with a unique twist of Chinese inspiration. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Karaoke Night
November 5, 7:30pm The T
Trivia Night
November 7, 8:30pm Atlanta Eagle With DJ DeWayne.
November 2, 11pm Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
WussyVision: Labyrinth
Starring Dotte Com, Jaybella Bankz, and
Wussy Mag presents this screening of
20 LGBTQ NIGHTLIFE FORECAST OCTOBER 27, 2023
November 8, 7pm Plaza Theatre
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Hotlanta Rubber and Gear Night November 4, 9pm Atlanta Eagle Join the HRG crew on the back patio in your favorite latex, rubber, sports gear, uniform, or whatever makes you feel hot, sexy, and ready to party! $5 cover. Photo by Shutterstock.com Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth.” Tickets at plazaatlanta.com.
Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo November 8, 8pm Atlanta Eagle
Karaoke Night November 9, 9pm The T
Rock Haus Karaoke November 9, 9pm Atlanta Eagle
Hosted by Raqi.
Yotto
November 10, 11pm District Atlanta Tickets at bit.ly/YOTTOATL2023.
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HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS EVENT CALENDAR 7 Stages Theatre
Katie Burkholder
You’re invited to the Spoopy Cabaret, a ghoulish variety show of terrifying proportions featuring Landon Cider, the winner of “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” season three; Hayly Elman; JayBella Banks; Saliva Godiva; Stella Pearl Fontaine; and more! Doors open at 7pm; tickets via Eventbrite.
Boo! Get ready for the gayest holiday of the year; put on your best costume, grab your ghoulfriends, and head out to some of these fabulously frightening Halloween events happening in Atlanta!
Haunting on Howell Mill Now through October 31 Urban Tree Cidery
Creatures of the Night October 28, 10pm Mary’s
Urban Tree Cidery as completely transformed their tasting room into a Halloween delight! Expect Halloweenthemed cocktails and shooters, multiple photo-ops, Halloween-themed events, board games, food trucks, music, and more! No purchase or reservation required.
Dance the night away with DJ Neonhorror and wear your most ghoulish getup for the chance to win the costume contest! $5 cover.
Monster Ball at Underground
The Wicked Pig
October 28, 10pm 50 Upper Alabama St.
Now through November 4 128 East Andrews Drive
Best and most creative costume wins two party packages and an all-inclusive stay to Festopia Weekend in the Dominican Republic! Everyone in and drinks free before 11pm with RSVP. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Eat, drink, and be scary at this Halloween pop-up bar! Enjoy cocktails like Rosemary’s Baby, a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, or Poison Apple Pie in a space dressed to the nines in the spookiest Halloween décor! Reservations are recommended; reserve your table at theblindpigparlourbar.com.
Halloween in the Underground October 30, 10pm Future Atlanta
Expect live performances, music from DJ Him and MC Laurent, a sexy costume contest, and plenty of candy! Tickets at bit. ly/UndergroundAtlanta.
Halloweenie
October 27, 10pm Mary’s Dance the night way to horror disco, goth bangers, and scary candy pop with DJ Seyonce. $5 cover.
Midtown Halloween Block Party
EVENT SPOTLIGHT The Spoopy Cabaret
Sips Under the Sea: Halloween: Part II October 31, 7pm Georgia Aquarium
October 27, 6pm Politan Row at Colony Square
October 28, 8pm
Atlanta’s largest Halloween party takes over Midtown with 30+ participating bars, clubs, and restaurants! Tickets at bigtickets. com/e/abt/Midtown-Halloween-BlockParty-2023.
You’re invited to the Spoopy Cabaret, a ghoulish variety show of terrifying proportions featuring Landon Cider, (pictured) the winner of “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” season three; Hayly Elman; JayBella Banks; Saliva Godiva; Stella Pearl Fontaine; and more! Doors open at 7pm; tickets via Eventbrite. Photo via Facebook
A Live! Halloween Party: Heroes and Villains October 27, 8pm Live! at The Battery Atlanta
Head to The Battery for a night of exhilarating suspense, where the forces of good clash witht eh shadows of evil for an epic showdown of costumes and fun. With some of your favorite music and memorable photo ops, you and
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7 Stages Theatre
your crew are in for a great time. Tickets include admission and one drink ticket; for tickets, visit liveatthebatteryatlanta.com/ events/20231028-a-halloween-party.
Halloween on The Roof October 28, 11am Ponce City Roof
From 11am to 7pm, families are invited to indulge in the annual trick-or-treat event
and costume parades at 1pm and 4pm. Then, as the sun sets, the Roof transforms into an exclusive 21+ adult event. Look out for slashers and scream queens and dance the night away at the Scream Queen Prom under the Terrace. Tickets at poncecityroof. com/halloween2023.
The Spoopy Cabaret October 28, 8pm
Slither by on Halloween night to find out what’s lurking just below the surface. Face your fears and discover what makes the ocean such a mysterious and unexplored place at the Georgia Aquarium. This afterhours event includes three free cocktails, a live DJ from AMP’D Entertainment, and access to the Aquarium’s main galleries. Tickets at georgiaaquarium.com/events/ event/sips-under-the-sea-halloween.
The Groove: Halloween Night October 31, 9pm The Basement
The best R&B party returns for one night only! Expect sets form Hourglass, Jeremy Avalon, and Jash Jay. Tickets at basementatl.com
OCTOBER 27, 2023 HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS 21
CREEP OF THE WEEK D’ANNE WITKOWSKI
Rep. Scott Allen Co-sponsors Bill to Ban Trans-affirming Care for Young People D’Anne Witkowski Read the full column online at thegavoice.com. The routine dehumanizing of transgender people by right-wing extremists in the United States is alarming. Attacking this tiny minority of already marginalized people has become a major priority for the Republican Party, even while the party seems to be falling apart. The party can’t keep a Speaker of the House on the job, but Republicans across the country seem to have all the time in the world to make life harder for trans people. In Wisconsin, Republicans are laser-focused on anti-trans legislation. Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, has promised to veto all antitrans bills.
It’s wild that the people who are pushing these kinds of bills through legislatures nationwide seem to think that kids decide to be transgender on a whim.
“To any transgender individual who may be listening today,” Allen said at a hearing on the bill, according to the Wisconsin Examiner, “I want to say you matter, and you contribute to the state of Wisconsin.”
“It’s not like it’s something where kids just one day decide that they’re trans and the next day they suddenly have surgery,” Stephanie Budge, an associate professor of counseling psychology at the UW-Madison, told the Wisconsin Examiner. “That’s not how it works. There’s a big process that happens for youth and how they discuss their identity and the kind of work that they do with their therapy team, their pediatricians or endocrinologists. There are a lot of people who are involved in this process, and it’s not easy or quick decision-making.”
Oh, hell no. He’s giving some real “love the sinner, hate the sin” energy, and I am not here for it. You absolutely do not get to cosponsor an anti-trans bill and tell the people you’re hurting that you care about them.
A favored argument against gender-affirming care is that people grow up to regret it. But such regret is rare, Budge tells the Examiner, calling the difference for clients who have access to care “night and day.”
Allen then went on to describe the type of care that he’s trying to ban as “experiments,” even though gender-affirming care is far from experimental. He said he wanted young people to “consider the long-term consequences of gender transition and make an appropriate choice for them when they become a legal adult.”
“I’ve seen people go from me, like feeling like this person probably will not live for another six months, to having that person become completely joyful and be able to be themselves, to actually be a kid and to be a person,” Budge said.
Rep. Scott Allen is a co-sponsor of the bill to ban trans-affirming care for young people.
Tell me you know nothing about genderaffirming care works without telling me you know nothing about how gender-affirming care works. Actually, he did tell us. He made it very clear.
22 COLUMNIST OCTOBER 27, 2023
Rep. Scott Allen PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Gender-affirming care saves lives. Republicans want you to think that doctors are slicing and dicing kids’ private parts, but that is not the case. What is the case is that trans kids deserve to “be a kid and to be a person.” Dedicating yourself and your power as an elected lawmaker to deny them of such a thing is sick.
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