2016ELECTIONNEWS
Shoo-ins and blowouts forecast for Georgia races Your local, county, legislative and statewide race roundup
ENDORSEMENTS
Here’s your cheat sheet. Listed are candidates endorsed by Georgia Equality (GE), Georgia Stonewall Democrats (GSD), Victory Fund (VF), and/or Georgia Log Cabin Republicans (GLCR). Note: Georgia Equality does not endorse in races where there is no opposition. And Georgia Stonewall Democrats does not endorse candidates who do not apply for one. Asterisk denotes an openly LGBT candidate.
By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com U.S. Senate Democratic newcomer Jim Barksdale has been polling around 10 to 15 points lower than his incumbent Republican opponent Sen. Johnny Isakson. But Isakson needs to break 50 percent plus 1 vote to avoid a runoff, and an Oct. 20 AJC poll shows him at 47 percent (Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley was pulling 11 percent in the same poll). There’s also the possibility of disaffected anti-Trump Republicans staying home on November 8. A runoff would drag out the race all the way to Jan. 10. House District 54 Openly gay candidate Bob Gibeling, treasurer of the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Georgia, has an uphill battle to fight against incumbent Republican Rep. Beth Beskin. If he’s able to pull out a win, he would become the first openly gay male to be elected to the Georgia legislature—Rashad Taylor was outed while in office and did not win reelection. Beskin is beating Gibeling tenfold in the money race, and there was a noticeable non-endorsement from Georgia Equality in this race. HD54 includes Buckhead and West Midtown. House District 58 Openly queer state Rep. Park Cannon can rest easy in HD58, which includes southwest Atlanta, downtown and Midtown. She beat former state Rep. Ralph Long in a special election runoff in February to replace Simone Bell, who resigned last November. Cannon had no challengers in the May primary nor has any challengers in November’s general election. Meanwhile, she’s been busy campaigning hard for Hillary Clinton. House District 60 Lesbian state Rep. Keisha Waites technically has opposition in this district covering southeast Atlanta, Hapeville and parts of Clayton and Dekalb counties. But she is expected to land a third straight term in
31-year-old gay Atlanta political newcomer Sam Park is running against incumbent state Rep. Valerie Clark in House District 101. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)
office when she faces off against Republican truck driver Ralph Nobles in November. For what it’s worth, Waites had raised $4,300 and had $2,200 on hand as of Sept. 30, while Nobles had raised less than $100 and had spent as much. House District 80 Now this is the one to watch. Rep. Taylor Bennett made his opposition to anti-LGBT so-called “religious freedom” legislation the centerpiece of his successful campaign in last year’s election for this Republican-leaning Brookhaven district. It was personal to him, seeing as his mother is gay. Bennett had raised around $125,000 as of Sept. 30, with his Republican challenger Meagan Hanson raising roughly the same. See accompanying story on this race on page 8. House District 85 Lesbian state Rep. Karla Drenner isn’t going anywhere. She faced no opposition in the May primary and has no opposition in the general and will be elected to her eighth term in office come November. HD85 includes Avondale Estates, Clarkston, Decatur and parts of Belvedere Park
Details
2016 Election Key Dates Early Voting Started: Oct. 17, 2016 Early Voting Ends: Nov. 4, 2016 Election Day: Nov. 8, 2016 Check your polling location at www. mvp.sos.ga.gov and Candler-McAfee. House District 101 One more LGBT candidate is in the running this November. Attorney Sam Park joins Bob Gibeling as the two openly LGBT males running for the state legislature, and either of them would make history by pulling out a win. Park, a Democrat, is running against incumbent state Rep. Valerie Clark, who has tripled him in the money race as of a Sept. 30 filing. Clark was first elected to the seat in 2010, beating out Democrat Lee Thompson by eight points. She won reelection in 2012 by beating openly gay Democrat Timothy Swiney (who ran as a Republican in the previous race) by 13 points. She was unopposed in 2014. HD 101 includes Lawrenceville and Suwanee.
STATE HOUSE District 11: Brandon Crisp (GE) District 22: Oscar Hajloo (GE) District 30: Michelle Jones (GE, GSD) District 38: David Wilkerson (GSD) District 40: Erick Allen (GE, GSD) District 42: Stacey Evans (GE, GSD) District 53: Sheila Jones (GSD) District 54: *Bob Gibeling (GSD), Beth Beskin (GLCR) District 56: Able Mable Thomas (GSD) District 57: Pat Gardner (GSD) District 58: *Park Cannon (GSD, VF) District 59: David Dreyer (GSD) District 60: *Keisha Waites (GE, GSD) District 64: Derrick Jackson (GSD) District 76: Sandra Scott (GSD) District 80: Taylor Bennett (GE, GSD) District 81: Scott Holcomb (GE) District 82: Mary Margaret Oliver (GSD) District 84: Renitta Shannon (GSD) District 85: *Karla Drenner (GSD, VF) District 86: Michele Henson (GSD) District 88: Billy Mitchell (GSD) District 93: Dar’shun Kendrick (GSD) District 96: Pedro Marin (GE, GSD) District 99: Brenda Lopez (GSD) District 101: *Sam Park (GE, GSD) District 105: Donna McLeod (GE) District 108: Tokhir Radjabov (GE) District 113: Pam Dickerson (GSD) District 111: Darryl Payton (GE) District 118: Spencer Frye (GSD) District 145: Floyd Griffin (GE) District 160: James Woodall (GE) STATE SENATE District 5: Curt Thompson (GSD) District 6: Jaha Howard (GE) District 22: Harold Jones (GSD) District 36: Nan Orrock (GSD) District 38: Horacena Tate (GE, GSD) District 39: Vincent Fort (GSD) District 42: Elena Parent (GE, GSD) District 44: Gail Davenport (GSD) District 55: Gloria Butler (GE) District 56: Patrick Thompson (GE, GSD) LOCAL AND COUNTY ELECTIONS Dekalb County Commission, District 7: George Chidi (GE) Dekalb County District Attorney: Sherry Boston (GSD) Dekalb County Solicitor General: Donna Coleman-Stribling (GSD) Fulton County Commission, District 4: *Joan Garner (VF) Fulton County Solicitor: Keith Gammage (GSD) Henry County Commission, Chair: Carlotta Harrell (GE) Towns County Sheriff: *Linda Curtis (VF)
4 2016 Election News October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
2016ELECTIONNEWS
Two allies fight for pivotal House seat in metro Atlanta Taylor Bennett, Meagan Hanson list pro-LGBT stances in battleground district
After a year’s experience, Bennett said he understands how legislation is made, and how significantly a handful of votes matter. “The first year in the House has been wonderful, it’s been a very enlightening experience, to see how everything works. But, it’s also been frightening to see that there is a handful of members making decisions that effect all of Georgia.”
By MATT SCHAFER Rep. Taylor Bennett (D-Atlanta), the attorney who broke the Republican supermajority in the Georgia legislature in 2015, faces his first test to defend a pivotal House seat, and a loss could hand a veto-proof majority back to Republicans. Bennett, whose mother is openly gay, won an upset bid to replace pro-equality Republican Mike Jacobs in 2015, after Jacobs took an appointment to the Dekalb State Court. When Bennett won, Republicans lost their two-thirds majority in the House and control of the Fulton and DeKalb legislative delegations. He is facing a well-funded, pro-equality, Republican challenger: Meagan Hanson. House District 80 encompasses parts of Fulton and Dekalb counties near the cities of Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and Chamblee, making it one of the most competitive in all of Georgia. Both candidates have raised approximately $120,000 in donations by the Sept. 30 filing deadline, and both are putting forth different visions on how to use that district to promote equality. Bennett said his win prevented Republicans from overriding Deal’s veto of the controversial “religious freedom” bill House Bill 757. His Republican challenger, Hanson, promises to change her party from within. Lessons learned in Bennett’s first year in office Both Bennett and Hanson support the Pastor Protection Act, and oppose HB 757. Bennett worked on the Pastor Protection Act to narrow its focus. “It came through our committee, and the original wording of (Pastor Protection Act), we felt that there was some room for discrimination in the third section, particularly in housing discrimination,” Bennett said. “We felt for certain that it was 100 percent sure to pass, and as a minority party, we can’t stop it…. So, we worked to make sure to make sure the language was air tight… so
State Rep. Taylor Bennett (l) faces off against well-funded, pro-equality Republican challenger Meagan Hanson (r) in House District 80. (Courtesy photos)
“Bills like (HB 757) are written behind closed doors, and if you’re not in the room then you don’t have a say in how it’s written. You can try and change the bill once it’s made public, but it’s a lot more effective to change the bill before it’s public. I feel like I can be the voice for the LGBT community in those rooms.” —Meagan Hanson it only related to pastors, religious organizations and some of the events that they do.” Both candidates said they would fight the return of HB 757 in 2017. In an unexpected move during the last legislative session, Republicans unveiled a new version of the Pastor Protection Act that could have allowed faithbased organizations to opt of serving anyone based upon the organization’s religious beliefs. The day was unexpectedly bittersweet for Bennett and his family, because that was the
first day his mother attended a session, not knowing that bill was on the calendar. “I gave a floor speech, an emotional one because my mother, who happens to be gay, was in there that day. So, she sat behind me and had to hear all of my (Republican) colleagues stand up in support this discrimination,” Bennett said. “It was very disturbing to watch colleagues of mine come up and apologize for it later, saying they didn’t agree with it, but had to vote for it.”
Hanson claims she’ll be more effective ‘behind closed doors’ Bennett can argue that the only reason the legislature didn’t override Deal’s veto is because he took away the vote they needed. Hanson, however, argues that she can be a more effective advocate for the LGBT community because she will be in the room when decisions like HB 757 are made, “and raising hell while I’m there.” “I’m proud to be a Republican who also supports LGBT issues,” she adds. “I feel that I could become one of the LGBT community’s greatest allies, given that our state government is controlled by Republicans. Bills like (HB 757) are written behind closed doors, and if you’re not in the room then you don’t have a say in how it’s written. You can try and change the bill once it’s made public, but it’s a lot more effective to change the bill before it’s public. I feel like I can be the voice for the LGBT community in those rooms.” Bolstering her claim is that Jacobs, who held HD 80 for a decade, is widely credited with single-handedly killing state Sen. Josh McKoon’s (R-Columbus) so-called “religious freedom” bill Senate Bill 129 in committee last year by successfully introducing an amendment that supporters claimed gutted the bill. Hanson said marriage equality is a no-brainer, and credits an openly gay classmate at the University of Alabama law school for setting her up with her husband. She said she wants to use the bully pulpit and profile that House district gives a Republican to move her party towards universal support of marriage equality. “If I am a state House representative I think I will have a better platform to make changes in the party,” Hanson said. “If you’re not elected, sometimes you’re running your head into the wall trying make changes because people don’t listen to you.”
6 2016 Election News October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
2016ELECTIONNEWS
Clinton shines light on gay lawsuit against Trump Former maintenance worker alleges anti-gay harassment at Trump golf club By LISA KEEN KEEN NEWS SERVICE Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton updated her campaign stump speech Oct. 24 to highlight anti-gay discrimination alleged against a golf club owned by Republican nominee Donald Trump. Speaking to a large crowd at an outdoor rally on a college campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, Clinton said she had just found out that day that a gay maintenance worker has a lawsuit pending against a Trump golf club over anti-gay harassment he experienced on the job. Clinton noted that the man’s supervisors “did nothing” to stop the harassment and eventually fired him. Clinton said the harassment was the type of discrimination “too many” LGBT people face today and criticized the management
Hillary Clinton (l) commented on a lawsuit against Donald Trump (r) at an Oct. 24 rally. (iStockphoto.com/andykatz; scarletsails)
of the Trump golf club, saying “instead of stopping the tormentors, they turned on the victim.” Later in her stump speech Clinton reiterated her support for marriage equality. She also posed for photographs with openly gay Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who has been an active supporter of
Clinton’s campaign. Joining Healey for the photos and onstage at the rally were Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan. The gay man’s lawsuit against the New Jersey golf club was filed in May 2015 but apparently made public for the first time by a Slate.com columnist just an hour or two
before Clinton took to the rally stage in New Hampshire. The lawsuit, Eleazar Andres v. Trump National Golf Club, was filed in a state superior court in Camden County. The lawsuit says that Andres was hired in April 2014 as a maintenance worker and that he came out as gay to his fellow employees. Following that, his fellow employees taunted him with anti-gay verbal abuse and routinely threw objects, including rocks and golf balls, at him. Although a supervisor promised to do something to stop the abuse, the supervisor refused to provide the names of the fellow employees so that Andres could file a police report. The lawsuit charges the golf club with violating state laws prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. Attorneys from neither side had returned calls by deadline. Slate said Trump’s attorneys acknowledged that Andres’ fellow employees threw rocks at him, but they reportedly argued that his lawsuit is invalid because Andres himself was guilty of conduct that fostered or provoked the attacks.
Trump’s boasts ‘re-traumatizing’ for Oregon governor Brown, who’s bisexual, a survivor of domestic violence By CHRIS JOHNSON WASHINGTON BLADE Donald Trump’s recently unearthed 2005 remarks bragging about sexual assault were “re-traumatizing” for Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, who’s a survivor of domestic violence. The governor, who could become the first out LGBT person elected as governor in the United States, reflected in an interview Tuesday with the Washington Blade on the misogynistic comments from Trump that shook up the presidential race. “I think for all us who have been through incidents of domestic violence or sexual assault the words are re-traumatizing, and I
think, unfortunately, for women across the United States, it’s all too common to hear words like this from men in places of power,” Brown said. Asked what the remarks portend for a potential Trump presidency, Brown replied, “I’m certainly hoping that conscientious men and women will rise up and vote against Donald Trump.” Brown, who’s bisexual, came out as a survivor of domestic violence last month in response to a question about improving the lives of women during a debate with her Republican opponent William “Bud” Pierce. Referencing a new report from the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, which found women continue to face high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, Brown said of her experience, “I know what it feels like to be a victim of domestic violence.”
Gov. Kate Brown (D-Ore.) (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
In response to the same question, Pierce didn’t acknowledge the governor’s disclosure and said, “A woman that has great education
and training and a great job is not susceptible to this kind of abuse by men,” drawing boos from the audience. During her interview with the Blade, Brown said Trump’s remarks were emotional for her personally and the negative impact was compounded because they came days after her debate with Pierce. “It was re-traumatizing to me because [Pierce] clearly hadn’t listened to what I had to say, and it was just a very challenging next several days between that and Trump’s statement,” Brown said. “I don’t understand how anybody could consider voting for Donald Trump after what they heard him say.” The Brown campaign has confirmed the candidate was a victim of domestic violence, but declined to provide details other than to say the perpetuator wasn’t Dan Brown, her spouse, whom she married in 1997.
8 2016 Election News October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
2016ELECTIONNEWS
Clinton consistently outperforming Trump on LGBT issues Potential Supreme Court appointments, HB2 stance among major differences
Position on the issues
• Supreme Court: Clinton said she would make marriage equality a priority issue in choosing a nominee to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump said he would appoint someone in the mold of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who is perhaps the most anti-gay justice in history.
By LISA KEEN KEEN NEWS SERVICE Log Cabin Republican President Gregory Angelo said it early on: Donald Trump is the “most pro-gay” Republican presidential candidate in history. And following the deadly attack on an LGBT nightclub in Orlando last June, Trump himself suggested that he—not Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton—is the presidential candidate who is “really the friend of women and the LGBT community.” Clinton’s claim to the mantle as the Democratic Party’s most pro-gay presidential candidate in history has to compete with the party’s 2012 nominee, President Barack Obama. But even during this year’s general election campaign, when most Democratic presidential candidates typically grow subtle about their support for the LGBT community, Clinton prominently and repeatedly stated her support in stump speeches and debate answers. Asked to make their best arguments for their party’s candidate, gay Democratic and Republican leaders said this: Earl D. Fowlkes Jr., chairman of the Democratic National Commitee’s LGBT Caucus: “As a black gay man, I know that Mrs. Clinton will protect and work to extend LGBT rights gained under the Obama Administration. She will appoint Supreme Court judges who will not undo same-sex marriage, women’s reproductive rights, and more provisions of the Voting Rights Act. In short, Mrs. Clinton will be a president that will fight for all Americans.” “She is one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for the Presidency,” said Fowlkes. “As First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State, Mrs. Clinton has both the experience and temperament to handle the complex issues that our nation is facing.” Charles T. Moran, a prominent Trump delegate from Los Angeles to the GOP convention, offered this: “The strongest reason why LGBTQ’ers in our community should
• Equality Act: Clinton supports it, saying it will mean “full federal equality for LGBT Americans and stronger anti-discrimination protections for everyone.” Trump has declined opportunities to say where he stands on the measure.
Hillary Clinton has the backing of numerous LGBT groups, while Donald Trump failed to receive the endorsement of the Log Cabin Republicans. (Photo by Evan El-Amin/Shutterstock.com)
“As a black gay man, I know that Mrs. Clinton will protect and work to extend LGBT rights gained under the Obama Administration. She will appoint Supreme Court judges who will not undo same-sex marriage, women’s reproductive rights, and more provisions of the Voting Rights Act. In short, Mrs. Clinton will be a president that will fight for all Americans.”
— Earl D. Fowlkes Jr., chairman of the Democratic National Commitee’s LGBT Caucus
vote for Donald Trump is that he’s constantly recognized our community and treated us with respect. In his business and philanthropic work, he’s always been supportive, even when it hasn’t been popular. From the money he’s given to HIV/AIDS causes in NYC, to opening the first private club in Palm Beach to allow open homosexuals to join, to just recently dismissing the dramatic debate in the GOP and stating that Caitlyn Jenner should use whatever bathroom she wants at his Trump properties, to bringing forward the issue of protecting our community against radical Islamic jihad and threats of violence against our freedoms, he has truly walked the talk, and that is a 30-plus year history of support, unlike Hillary Clinton’s zig-zag on our
issues over her 30 years in the public eye.” Log Cabin Republicans withhold Trump endorsement Log Cabin Republicans issued a statement Saturday, saying it would withhold an endorsement of Trump. “Mr. Trump is perhaps the most proLGBT presidential nominee in the history of the Republican Party. His unprecedented overtures to the ‘LGBTQ community’—a first for any major-party candidate in our nation’s history—are worthy of praise and should serve as a clarion call to the GOP that the days of needing to toe an anti-LGBT CONTINUES ON PAGE 12
• Marriage Equality: Clinton evolved over a period of 10 years to support marriage equality. In 2004, she said it was “a sacred bond between a man and a woman.” In 2007, she supported repeal of part of the Defense of Marriage Act but also wanted to leave the marriage equality issue to the states. Then, in a 2013 video after leaving her Secretary of State post, Clinton said she had “learned” and “come to believe” that LGBT Americans “deserve the rights of citizenship– that includes marriage….I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law.” On CNN, Trump said, “I don’t say anything. I’m just for traditional marriage.” But he has also said he would appoint Supreme Court justices willing to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell that struck down state bans on marriage for same-sex couples. • North Carolina’s HB2: Clinton issued a statement the day after the North Carolina legislature passed the law–banning local jurisdictions from prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people and prohibiting transgender people from using the public restroom that matches their gender identity. The statement said, “LGBT people should be protected from discrimination under the law—period.” When questioned about the law on NBC’s “Today Show,” Trump said the state should “leave it the way it is,” noting that there had been “very few complaints the way it is.” “People go. They use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate. There has been so little trouble,” said Trump. But three months later, he said he had spoken with North Carolina’s governor and “a lot of people” and he had changed his mind. “I’m with the state on things like this.” • Kim Davis controversy: A Kentucky county clerk named Kim Davis refused to allow her office to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples even after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban. Clinton said it was appropriate that Davis was jailed until she agreed to let her fellow clerks issue the licenses. Trump said Davis should either let her fellow clerks issue the licenses or have same-sex couples go to other counties to obtain their licenses.
10 2016 Election News October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
2016ELECTIONNEWS
Anti-Muslim views undercut Trump statement on Pulse shooting CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 line are now a thing of the past,” said the statement. “But Log Cabin Republicans have long emphasized that we are not a single-issue organization, nor are our members single-issue voters. Even if we were, rhetoric alone regarding LGBT issues does not equate to doctrine. As Mr. Trump spoke positively about the LGBT community in the United States, he concurrently surrounded himself with senior advisors with a record of opposing LGBT equality, and committed himself to supporting legislation such as the so-called ‘First Amendment Defense Act’ that Log Cabin Republicans opposes.” The group gave a “qualified” endorsement for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in October 2012, noting that, while he may not be the first choice for voters with LGBT issues as a priority, Romney was better qualified overall and not likely to “waste his precious time” in the White House with attacks on the community. In early September 2008, Log Cabin’s board issued an enthusiastic endorsement of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, calling him an “inclusive Republican” who bucked his own party by voting against the anti-gay Federal Marriage Act. Meanwhile, numerous LGBT groups have endorsed Clinton: the Human Rights Campaign, the Lesbian Political Action Committee, the Congressional LGBT Caucus political action committee, and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. She has also won the endorsement of several statewide LGBT political groups, including Equality California and Equality Pennsylvania. She has the backing of prominent LGBT elected officials, such as former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and five of the six current LGBT members of the U.S. House (only Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has not). The campaign rollercoaster Donald Trump’s most pro-LGBT moments in the two-year campaign came in reaction to the June 12 mass shooting this year at an LGBT nightclub called Pulse in Orlando. He immediately expressed sympathy over the 49 lives lost and 50 people injured. During his nationally televised acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention in July,
Additional points to consider • LGBTs in campaign: Clinton hired an openly gay man (Robby Mook) as her campaign manager. She also hired an “LGBT Outreach Director,” Dominic Lowell. Trump has not hired any openly LGBT people in his campaign leadership. • Vice President: Clinton’s choice, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, is a long-time supporter of equal rights for LGBT people. Trump’s choice, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, is a long-time opponent of equal rights for LGBT people.
Donald Trump expressed sympathy for victims of the Pulse shooting but undercut it with his stance on Muslims at the Republican National Convention in July. (Photo by iStockphoto.com/scarletsails)
“As Mr. Trump spoke positively about the LGBT community in the United States, he concurrently surrounded himself with senior advisors with a record of opposing LGBT equality, and committed himself to supporting legislation such as the so-called ‘First Amendment Defense Act’ that Log Cabin Republicans opposes.”
— Log Cabin Republicans’ Oct. 22 statement withholding a Donald Trump endorsement
he reiterated his concern to the GOP —a party whose platform has been notoriously hostile to equal rights for LGBT people. “Only weeks ago, 49 wonderful Americans were savagely murdered by an Islamic terrorist—this targeting the LGBTQ community. No good, and we’re gonna stop it,” said Trump. “As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful, foreign ideology– believe me.” Then, departing the text of his speech, Trump added, “And I have to say, as a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just had to say. Thank you.” But for many in the LGBT community, Trump’s statement of solidarity with the LGBT community was undercut by his insistence that the Orlando massacre was made possible because the U.S. allows Muslims,
who he said want to “murder gays,” to immigrate. Trump has called for a ban on allowing Muslims to enter the country (more recently, he’s called for “extreme vetting” of Muslims). Trump also confused and dismayed many by seeming to signal initial support of transgender people in the North Carolina HB2 (bathroom) controversy only to say later that the issue should be “left to the states.” And his repeated promise to appoint a Supreme Court nominee in the mold of Antonin Scalia, who had the most anti-gay voting record of any justice on the nation’s highest court, will not likely earn him any LGBT votes. Hillary Clinton has repeatedly included words of support for LGBT equality in her stump speeches. She addressed the 2015 national dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, unabashedly putting herself on record —early in the primary season—as supporting
• Proactive assist: As Secretary of State, Clinton spoke publicly about the need to address hostilities toward LGBT people around the world, saying “gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.” In 2011, Trump accepted the invitation of an LGBT Republican group, GOProud, to speak at the conservative CPAC conference. And he eliminated a beauty pageant rule requiring contestants be “naturally born female.” • Voting record: Clinton earned a 94 score from the Human Rights Campaign during her last Congressional session as senator; earned 89 and 88 in previous sessions. Trump has never held elective office and has no voting record.
numerous positions favored by LGBT voters. Among other things, she promised, “as president, I would push to cut off federal funding for any public child welfare agency that discriminates against LGBT people.” She visited Orlando to show solidarity with the LGBT community following the Pulse massacre. On LGBT issues, she stumbled twice: Once by saying that Nancy Reagan had helped lead public support for the fight against AIDS and a second time by saying that President Bill Clinton signed the “Defense of Marriage Act” as a way to head off a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples. Internal campaign emails made public by WikiLeaks this month show that LGBT Democratic activists moved quickly to urge Clinton to correct the record on both of those statements. She did correct her remark concerning Reagan and apologized. She said her DOMA statement reflected her recollection of “private discussions” she participated in. In one of the leaked emails, a staffer said Clinton would “never approve a true walkback” of the comment.
12 2016 Election News October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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NEWSBRIEFS Atlanta nabs perfect score in 2016 HRC Municipal Equality Index The city of Atlanta scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2016 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) despite hailing from a state without LGBT-inclusive statewide non-discrimination laws. The city therefore earned one of HRC’s 37 MEI “All Star” designations, which recognizes cities nationwide excelling by advancing LGBT equality without relying on state law. Atlanta also earned a perfect score in last year’s rankings. Cities are graded based on five factors: non-discrimination laws, municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and relationship with the LGBT community. “This year, dozens of cities across the nation showed they are willing to stand up for LGBTQ people in their communities even when some state governments are not,” said HRC President Chad Griffin in a statement. “This builds on a trend we have long observed: that local governments are at the forefront of our fight for equality. Unfortunately, our opponents have witnessed this progress too, and in recent years, anti-LGBTQ lawmakers have pushed spiteful legislation aimed at pre-empting local protections. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to not only fight for equality at the state and local levels, but to enact comprehensive federal protections for LGBTQ people under the Equality Act.” The average score for cities in Georgia is 32 out of 100 points, which falls well below the national average of 55. Other Georgia cities graded included Athens (21), Augusta-Richmond (12), Avondale Estates (41), Columbus (38), Decatur (21), North Druid Hills (12), Roswell (11), Sandy Springs (22), and Savannah (44). Study: 11,000 transgender Georgia voters could be disenfranchised A new study estimates that due to strict voter ID laws, over 11,000 transgender Georgia voters could be disenfranchised in the 2016 election. The number represents 39 percent of the 29,000 trans people in Georgia who are eligible to vote. The study, authored by Williams Institute Scholar Jody L. Herman, Ph.D., shows that many trans people who have transitioned do not have identification
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (back right) and other City of Atlanta employees participate in the 2016 Atlanta Pride parade. (File photo)
that accurately reflects their correct gender. Transgender people of color, youth, students, people with low income, and people with disabilities are the most likely to be disenfranchised. Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham weighed in on the study, telling the Georgia Voice, “We’re certainly very concerned about the ability of trans folks to vote in Georgia. That’s exactly why four years ago we did create a resource guide for trans voters so they know their rights in Georgia.” Graham recommended voting absentee, saying, “If individuals are already registered, that’s an option for them to ensure that they’re able to vote without any sort of harassment. Absentee ballots can be requested from the state of Georgia between now and the end of October. When voting absentee, it has to be mailed by Oct. 29 to be collected in time for the Nov. 8 election.” Georgia Equality’s Transgender Voter ID Toolkit is available at their website. New Kennesaw State president defends anti-LGBT positions as AG Former Georgia Attorney General Sam
Olens gave his first interview since being named president of Kennesaw State University. Olens spoke about the backlash from the school’s LGBT students and faculty at the news of his candidacy and hiring, telling the AJC of his fighting marriage equality, “So they weren’t my positions, they were the state’s positions. I took an oath of office to defend the laws of the state and that’s what I did … So it’s not a personal issue. It was my legal responsibility. I have a meeting set with leading members of the LGBTQ community at Kennesaw already.” When asked about fighting transgender equality while attorney general, Olens responded, “I represented the state. There’s millions of dollars involved from the state. I had clients from the state that were very interested in that.” Olens added that he will take the lead from the Board of Regents on issues like transgender individuals being allowed to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, saying “My job as KSU president … is to make sure there is a safe and creative environment for all students on that campus … It’s a totally different position. It’s a totally different set of responsibilities.
14 News October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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Atlanta resident Pamela Stewart (right, with Michael Sam at 2014 GLAAD Atlanta) was named co-chair of GLAAD’s national board of directors. (Courtesy photo)
Pamela Stewart of Atlanta gay chamber named GLAAD co-chair GLAAD, the world’s LGBT media advocacy organization, announced Oct. 24 that The Coca-Cola Company executive Pamela Stewart has been appointed to co-chair of GLAAD’s National Board of Directors, serving alongside author and advocate Jennifer Finney Boylan. Stewart, the vice president of national retail sales at Coca-Cola, was named the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Woman of the Year at the group’s annual Community Awards Dinner last month. Additionally, President and Executive Director of the Ariadne Getty Foundation, Ariadne Getty and philanthropist Nicole Eisenberg will join GLAAD’s National Board of Directors. GLAAD also announced a $1 million gift from the Ariadne Getty Foundation to support the organization’s Transgender Media Program, which works to increase the quantity and quality of transgender representation in news, entertainment, and digital media. “GLAAD’s National Board of Directors bring vision and unrivaled expertise to our work of accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president & CEO in a statement. “We are honored to welcome these esteemed new members to GLAAD’s National Board of Directors and celebrate Pamela Stewart’s appointment as co-chair.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com
HLM Financial Group celebrates 30 years, welcomes new members HLM Financial Group is celebrating 30 years of providing accounting, tax, financial and business advisory services to the Decatur and Atlanta communities. Since 1986, HLM Financial Group has excelled in exceptional service, maintaining long-term relationships, giving back to the community and embracing diversity. HLM Financial Group has grown from a firm offering tax and accounting services, to one which offers accounting, tax, financial, business advisory services and legal services all under one roof. The firm was also awarded the 2016 Best of Decatur Award in the Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services category by the Decatur Award Program. This honor makes this the third consecutive year winning this award for HLM Financial Group. HLM also welcomes two new members to their team of experts. Deloyd Johnson is a CPA and a MBA with over 25 years of experience in public accounting, operations finance and controllership. As principal at HLM, he is responsible for business development and managing business advisory and CPA engagements for the firm. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Iona College Hagan School of Business. Cody Crowder joined HLM Financial Group in September 2016. Cody is a staff accountant responsible for providing accounting and financial reporting services. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting.
Join us for the Upcoming Four-Class Series
Pronouns, Potties & People: Transgender Studies 101
Sundays, Nov. 6-27 at 9:45 a.m. Facilitated by the Rev. Molly McGinnis
With Exclusive Screening of
Out of Order Nov. 5 at 5 p.m.
Executive director of More Light Presbyterians and star of the film, Alex McNeil, will host a Q&A
For more information please visit cpcatlanta.org
404-659-0274 | cpcatlanta.org 201 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 October 28, 2016 Community 15
2016 ELECTION BY
THE
NUMBERS
538
Total electoral votes at stake in the 2016 presidential election.
270
Electoral votes needed to win.
16
Number of electoral votes Georgia has.
3
Number of presidential candidates on the ballot in Georgia (Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson).
1992
The last time Georgia went blue in a presidential election.
4 POINTS
Number of points Donald Trump is leading Hillary Clinton in Georgia, as of a Real Clear Politics average of national polls on Oct. 24. An Oct. 20 AJC poll had Trump up by two points, within the poll’s margin of error.
578,539 VOTES
Number of votes cast in Georgia during the first week of early voting, per an Oct. 24 AJC article.
5,243,879
Number of registered voters in Georgia as of Oct. 24.
50 PERCENT PLUS 1 VOTE
The amount U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson needs to avoid a runoff against Democratic challenger Jim Barksdale.
47 PERCENT
The number Isakson is polling at in Georgia according to an Oct. 20 AJC poll, which was 15 points ahead of Barksdale.
JANUARY 10
The date Isakson and Barksdale would meet in a runoff if Isakson doesn’t break 50 percent plus 1.
6
Openly LGBT candidates running for the Georgia legislature.
4
Openly LGBT candidates expected to win out of those six (all incumbents).
16 Election October 28, 2016
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
2016ELECTION
The most important issue for Georgia Voice readers on Election Day is... “The most important issue for me is to complete the progressive agenda started by President Obama, and not having an unbalanced, unfit president that will take away the rights of women, LGBT people, and other minorities. Also as an immigrant myself, I want to make sure that America continues to be the beacon of light and hope for the oppressed throughout the world. Diversity is what made and makes America great.” —Pedro Aurelio “I’m voting early to make sure that nothing gets between me and the ballot box on Nov. 8. I’m voting for Hillary Clinton for president because she’s the most qualified person to run for president and because I believe she has more to offer Atlanta than the other guy. I’m also voting for the two sales tax options to fund transportation in Atlanta. Passage of these two amendments will finally give Atlanta some control over our future by providing resources for transit on the BeltLine, improved bus routes and circulation times and other projects we need to get Atlanta moving.” —Cathy Woolard, Atlanta mayoral candidate “As important as a I think so many other issues are, during this election cycle I’ve looked at candidates from the top on down the ticket to see where they stand on social issues, especially including civility and equality. The current climate of incendiary rhetoric threatens not only to stymie progress, but also to take us backward. I see the cycle like this: Allowing, enabling or encouraging hateful speech and actions seems to give people license to withhold basic needs and rights from others, such as economic opportunities and access to education and health care.” —B. Andrew Plant “Opposing the Opportunity School District (Amendment 1) means that we stand up for the continued local guidance of pubwww.thegeorgiavoice.com
lic education in Georgia. With a ‘no’ vote, we say that students of color and LGBTQ youth should be affirmed and not be denied resources for social and emotional growth across our state. Our teachers, faculty and staff deserve our support in keeping education out of the hands of partisan politicians and in the hands of community-approved school board members. Parents are speaking up about this takeover and now it’s time for us to use our voting power to show that we are listening.” —State Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta) “I’m paying attention to the amendments to the state constitution the most. There are some real policy changes that could profoundly affect lots of peoples’ daily lives, like whether or not the state should take over failing schools (Amendment 1) and remove control from local communities and whether or not the non-partisan oversight committee on judges should be disbanded (Amendment 3), which would pretty much be a catastrophe. Amendments 2 and 4 add new taxes on strip clubs and fireworks, but that money won’t go to solve the problems they’re trying to solve. I’m voting no on all four.” —Robbie Medwed
trickles down to the youth that we serve and makes the southeast a breeding ground of ignorance and hate. It is not all rainbows and unicorns that fart glitter, and that has never been more evident than this election. The vile and vitriol that spews openly, as well as the violence that we see constantly, confirms to me that things are only going to get worse before they get better.” —Rick Westbrook, executive director of Lost-n-Found Youth
“Safety of all! LGBTQ, #BLM, women, immigrants, homeless, senior adults, children, people in poverty.” —Kim Johnson
“Tax reform is my most important issue. Rather than punishing achievement by over-taxing people who create wealth and jobs, I’d like to see the government stop giving tax passes to churches and corporations. Also, we need to implement a Fair Tax system so that everyone is paying their fair share, including people who earn incomes that are unreported.” —Shannon Hames
“I will tell you that I have to go with who I think will continue to advance our rights and look out for our community. There are so many changes going on in the world that are positive and that is good for us but
“As a member of the LGBT Georgia community, I am concerned about the upcoming 2017 General Assembly and the possible reintroduction of RFRA and other anti-LGBT bills that will come up in this
session. It’s important to know where these candidates stand on our issues before you cast your vote. I would like to highlight two friends that I am supporting. State Rep. Taylor Bennett (District 80, Metro Atlanta-DeKalb) who has been an active voice of support for the LGBT community on many issues including his ‘no’ vote on RFRA, and candidate Sam Park (District 101, Metro Atlanta-Gwinnett) if elected will be the first openly gay man to serve in the Georgia State House. It’s important we all pay close attention to the proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot and be informed. Amendment 1 Opportunity School District (OSD), please vote no. This is a state takeover of our Georgia public schools and gives all school authority to the governor. Amendment 3 Reforms Judicial Qualifications Commission, please vote no. We need for this commission to continue to have its clear independent decision-making. If approved, the governor and General Assembly would make the judicial appointments.” —Glen Paul Freedman, Georgia Equality board chair October 28, 2016 Election 17
Outspoken PO Box 77401 • Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941; F: 404-963-6365
Editorial
Interim Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Ashleigh Atwell, Dyana Bagby, Cliff Bostock, Melissa Carter, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Bill Kaelin, Ryan Lee, Matt Schafer, Dionne Walker, Simon Williamson
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Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Managing Partner: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com
Sales
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Fine Print
All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice. com or mail to the address above.
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18 Outspoken October 28, 2016
This is why Georgia Voice is with her By GEORGIA VOICE EDITORIAL BOARD After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last June that marriage equality was the law of the land, there was a sense from those outside of the LGBT community (and perhaps many within it) that the bulk of the mission for our rights was finished. We as a community knew otherwise, and we prepared for the backlash that eventually arrived six months later in the form of numerous anti-LGBT so-called “religious freedom” bills filed across the country. The state of Georgia even made national and international headlines as the critically dangerous House Bill 757 passed both chambers of the legislature and made it to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk. Thankfully, Gov. Deal vetoed the legislation, and our community prepared for the next fight. Then in June, a gunman killed 49 people at the LGBT Orlando nightclub Pulse. Add to that the ongoing presence of “bathroom bills,” lack of employment and housing protections, and the continuous and heartbreaking incidents of violence against transgender women of color and it should be painfully clear to everyone in and outside of the LGBT community—our fight is far from over. Which is why it was incredibly disappointing that, of all the questions asked during the three presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate this election year, not a single one was about LGBT people. And that was a vice-presidential debate that included notoriously anti-LGBT Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. People still think our fight is pretty much over, despite all evidence to the contrary. So we need someone who will carry on President Obama’s legacy of coming to the LGBT community’s aid, someone who realizes how much more needs to be done. We need to elect former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. You’ve read and heard ours and other publications and news sources lay out all of the stark differences between the two ad nauseam, so we won’t get into that here. You’ve heard all of the things that Donald Trump has
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been clear and consistent on her views on LGBT rights throughout her campaign. (Photo courtesy Krista Kennell/Shutterstock.com)
said about women, people with disabilities, veterans, and numerous others to the point where it’s almost painful to turn on a TV or jump online to hear anymore of it. So we’ll zero in on a select few LGBTrelated items. Secretary Clinton has vowed to support the Equality Act. Mr. Trump has refused to say where he stands on it. Secretary Clinton has come out against North Carolina’s anti-LGBT HB2. Mr. Trump did too initially, then changed his mind after speaking with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory. Secretary Clinton hired openly LGBT people to two prominent positions in her campaign. Mr. Trump has hired none. Secretary Clinton’s vice-presidential choice, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, is a long-time supporter of LGBT rights. Mr. Trump’s vice-presidential
choice, Gov. Pence, is most decidedly not. But perhaps the most glaring difference between the two is the one that would not only keep us from moving forward, it would actually set us back. Secretary Clinton has said marriage equality would be a priority when choosing a nominee to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Mr. Trump has repeatedly stated that he would appoint someone like the late Justice Antonin Scalia—one of the most anti-LGBT justices in history. So Mr. Trump would appoint justices that would roll back the LGBT community’s largest victory to date. At an Atlanta campaign stop in June, Mr. Trump famously said to “ask the gays” who they support for president. Well, we’re answering. Vote Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
OUT IN THE WILD Creepoftheweek By Simon Williamson
Misunderstanding ‘lewd’ Simon Williamson lives with his husband in heteronormatively-assimilative fashion in Athens, after a year of surviving rural Georgia.
“All we actually want is to be able to have our own goddamn sex. Being grouped with Trump’s molestations and pervasive behavior regarding children is sinfully wrong. Stop doing it. We might be ‘lewd’ but we sure as hell ain’t bragging as a collective about forcing ourselves onto people who don’t want it.” I suffered several near heart attacks as the national media spent the last fortnight using “lewd” to describe Donald Trump’s comments about sexually assaulting women. By now you have likely read multitudes of explanations about why mixing up “lewdness” and using your power to force women to accede to your expressive, rapey hands is a bad idea. One of the absolute dumbest takes on the whole thing was by a senior editor of a conservative website which read “Who knew it took Trump to make the left so conservative about sex!” This, my friends, is the fight we still have ahead of us. The concoction of “lewd” and rape-by-hand applies to those of us who believe that sex can happen outside the realms of heterosexual baby-making. While the world likes us a lot more than it did a few years ago, we are still on the spectrum of societally dodgy things. These things are wonderful, and should be embraced, as far as I am concerned, and it would be great if everyone had the option of fucking their way to happiness under any consensual circumstances, with PrEP and condoms falling from the sky for safety, and sex toys and batteries growing naturally to be picked at a moment’s whim. But this doesn’t sit as well with the rest of the world as I would like. The legal and political fights we have to continually endure are largely due to the fact that people don’t like what we do with, or how much we defer to the denotation of, our genitals. The fact that some of us openly discuss “lewd” things we like to do, and the idea that we might get our jollies in manners different from sex-ed www.thegeorgiavoice.com
recommended fornication gets us grouped, in the minds of many, with Donald Trump’s violation of the law. But, obviously, what we do isn’t that. There is a very clear line between “lewd” and sex devoid of consent. Sex without consent is, at minimum, sexual assault, an activity being bragged about by one of the two people who might next lead the world’s most influential country, and his minions, and, indirectly, headline writers around the country, are equating his activities to sex in the bum, bathroom or Berlin club. I do my best to listen to the dwindling conservative half of the country, because it is always important to hear why people think what they do. But I have found it difficult to forgive the multi-generational war waged against our people, which continues in many places (for example, the Republican primary) even today. We still have some holes to climb out of, like being linked to the Republican nominee for president, and his power to make women comply with being grabbed by the pussy, his penchant for deciding who is decent-looking enough to be sexually assaulted, his insufferable entitlement to think every woman needs to look how he wants and the manner in which he dotes on little girls. All we actually want is to be able to have our own goddamn sex. Being grouped with Trump’s molestations and pervasive behavior regarding children is sinfully wrong. Stop doing it. We might be “lewd” but we sure as hell ain’t bragging as a collective about forcing ourselves onto people who don’t want it.
Donald Trump’s misogyny matters whether you’re a woman or not By D’ANNE WITKOWSKI As part of the liberal media, I have been working night and day to rig this election for Hillary Clinton and I am exhausted. And I know what you’re thinking: “D’Anne (as we are on a first name basis), you’re not supposed to admit that! It’s all supposed to be done in secret.” But Donald Trump has exposed the plan, so the pussy is out of the bag. At this point 10 women have come out publicly claiming to be the victims of a whole host of sexual misconduct by Trump. The candidate denies it all, even claiming that some of the women weren’t attractive enough to molest in the first place. Look, Trump’s misogyny matters whether or not you’re a woman because misogyny is at the root of anti-LGBT animus. Gay men are hated for “acting like women.” Lesbians are hated for “acting like men” and not having sex with men or existing to please heterosexual men. Bisexuals straddle both of these worlds. And the very idea of being trans is the ultimate “insult” to heterosexist gender norms. As some people who don’t understand, or care to understand, see it, to be a man who wants to be a woman is
unfathomable in a world where women are considered inferior. So when Donald Trump brags about being able to grab women “by the pussy” and still Donald Trump (iStock) has people supporting him, it is alarming not just because it demonstrates Trump’s total disregard for women as human beings. It also reveals a sick and limited idea of gender roles that puts heterosexual men at the top of the gender hierarchy, and everyone else existing only in relationship to whatever heterosexual men deem them good for. We’ve made so much progress in this country when it comes to LGBT rights, but Trump is a painful reminder of how much more work we have to do. So get out there and “rig” the “election” by “voting” for “Hillary Clinton” on Nov. 8 at your “local” polling “place.” (As for the “quotes,” the liberal “media” and its “legions” know what I “mean.” Wink, “wink.”)
October 28, 2016 Outspoken 19
What is TRUVADA for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)?
TRUVADA is a prescription medicine that can be used for PrEP to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used together with safer sex practices. This use is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This includes HIV-negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex, and male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV-1. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP?
Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: uYou must be HIV-negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. uMany HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: uYou must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. uYou must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. uTo further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider tells you. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. uIf you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: uToo much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. uSerious liver problems. Your liver may become large and tender, and you may develop fat in your liver. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain.
uYou may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you
are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. uWorsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and take TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking TRUVADA, they will need to watch you closely for several months to monitor your health. TRUVADA is not approved for the treatment of HBV.
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you also take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA).
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: uKidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do
blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA for PrEP. uBone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. uChanges in body fat, which can happen in people taking TRUVADA or medicines like TRUVADA. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? uAll your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or
have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. uIf you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Pregnancy Registry: A pregnancy registry collects information about your health and the health of your baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take medicines to prevent HIV-1 during pregnancy. For more information about the registry and how it works, talk to your healthcare provider. uIf you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. The medicines in TRUVADA can pass to your baby in breast milk. If you become HIV-1 positive, HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. uAll the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. uIf you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA for PrEP, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include ledipasvir with sofosbuvir (HARVONI). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
Have you heard about
TRUVADA for PrEP ? TM
The once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when used with safer sex practices. • TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. • You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA. Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.
visit start.truvada.com
IMPORTANT FACTS (tru-VAH-dah)
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP
Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP.
TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Bone problems. • Changes in body fat. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: • You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • Tell your healthcare provider if you have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. • Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have HBV and take TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you become HIV-1 positive because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • You must practice safer sex by using condoms and you must stay HIV-1 negative.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) TRUVADA is a prescription medicine used with safer sex practices for PrEP to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults at high risk: • HIV-1 negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex. • Male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. To help determine your risk, talk openly with your doctor about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA).
TRUVADA, the TRUVADA Logo, TRUVADA FOR PREP, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and HEPSERA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2016 © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0067 10/16
• Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider tells you. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV-1 infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
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COMING OUT OF THE DARK Neon Trees singer Tyler Glenn on resisting suicide, losing his religion and being ‘unapologetically’ gay By CHRIS AZZOPARDI “To be honest…” Tyler Glenn begins, following a telling deep breath. Glenn’s lead-in could serve as the prologue to his new no-holds-barred solo debut album, “Excommunication.” Here, however, it precedes the heavy moment when Glenn, the lead singer of Neon Trees, reveals he’s considered suicide twice this year. Perhaps that comes as a surprise. The singer seemed vibrant and hopeful when he came out in 2014. At the time, Glenn was looking to reconcile his Mormon faith with being gay, and during our talk that same year he said, “I think that there’s a time and a place to come out, and I don’t know if waiting till I was 30 was the best thing, but it definitely has turned out fine, and I’m a happy person.” CONTINUES ON PAGE 24 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
October 28, 2016 A&E 23
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 A year later, Glenn received dispiriting news that left him feeling just the opposite: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enacted a policy that prevents children living with same-sex couples from being baptized until age 18 – also, they must “disavow” same-sex relationships before baptism – and proclaims members in gay marriages subject to excommunication. The church’s shameful decision had a destructive effect on Glenn’s well-being. “I tried to kill myself,” the singer confesses on the new album’s G.D.M.M.L. GRLS (i.e. “God Didn’t Make Me Like Girls”), “and I’m not the only one.” During our sobering exchange, the 32-year-old ex-Mormon spoke candidly about his descent into a life-threatening low and how his own fans pulled – and are still pulling – him through. When were you having these suicidal thoughts and what kept you from taking your life? (Sighs) To be honest, it was earlier this year. For me, I believed in Mormonism, and I knew I was gay, and then I tried to merge the two together. Then, when the church put out a policy that clearly put same-sex couples in their place and in a marginalized box, it was just clear to me it was a toxic space. I started looking at things that I thought I knew were true my whole life and really began to see that those things weren’t true. I looked deeper and I fell down a rabbit hole. I felt the rug had
Neon Trees singer Tyler Glenn released his debut solo album, “Excommunication,” this month. (Photo by Meredith Truax)
been pulled out from under me, and I didn’t know what to believe in. It became really dark, and I realized how it feels to want to sort of, you know, leave. And, to be honest, even two months ago I felt this thought and saw my life sort of – I don’t know. It’s been a long road. I totally recognize now what it’s like to be that dark and to think that that might be an option, and it freaked me out.
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
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How would you describe the feeling of being this beacon of light for young queer people, but at the same time experiencing the same struggles they’re going through? Is it conflicting for you? It is. (Sighs) A month ago I went to Wyoming for a weekend with LGBTQ kids to speak with Matthew Shepard’s mom, to hear my own mom speak about being a mother of a queer kid, and then I just got to hear from kid after kid and adults as well who were pouring their hearts out. But the day before was probably one of the lower points in my life – of this year, at least. I was on a plane and I was telling the lady next to me that I want to be able to tell all these people that it gets better, but I don’t know that for sure. Then to be able to go and spend a weekend in Wyoming and have my perspective and attitude change – those are the things that keep me from falling completely down that dark hole. So, it’s conflicting. It exhausts me because I’m actually just kind of an introvert. I know that about myself. But I am so in awe of other people’s strength, and I need them as much as maybe they need me sometimes. I need to hear that it’s gonna be good, that there’s a point to all this. So, I feel really bonded to my gayness, I feel really bonded to the community more than I ever have, and I’m really exploring that. That, I think, is one of the most rewarding things about this record so far for me. What were you feeling during the process of writing and recording the songs for “Excommunication?”
I felt pretty out of my mind when I was writing a lot of it because I just felt compelled every day. I woke up and paced my apartment, manically writing beats so that I could sing the melody in my head. There are a few songs that didn’t make the record that are even more raw and pointed, but what ended up making the record is a body of work that showcases the highs and lows of this transition, as well as this coming to terms with identity. In that way, writing it was really effortless, but exhausting. Recording it was one of the most creative, joyful experiences so far in my musical career. That’s what makes it worth it. It’s really rewarding. I hate to sound like this guy who’s like, “I don’t care if it’s No. 1,” or, “I don’t care if I have a hit off of it” – those things are important – but what’s driving this record is the real-life crisis that I’ve gone through and shining a light on those who are also going through it. To know I’m not alone is really exciting. So, if the record reaches the audience I made it for, then I’m stoked. To me, that’s success. You’re sending a lot of messages to a lot of people with this album. But what message do you hope to send to Mormons who’ve condemned you and other LGBT people? I want them to recognize that it’s not a tantrum, and that there are thousands upon thousands of voiceless LGBT people within even just the Mormon community who feel like they can’t ask questions and can’t have doubts and can’t be themselves. I want to be able to give a microphone to those people.
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‘Cabaret’, ‘Cowboy’ bring the iconic and erotic to Atlanta Two major theater offerings are on tap next week in Atlanta, one featuring a well-known gay actor and the other a prominent international gay couple. Broadway in Atlanta offers up a national tour of the musical “Cabaret” with “Queer as Folk” alum Randy Harrison while 7 Stages brings the erotic “Cowboy” to town courtesy of dancers Niv Sheinfield and Oren Laor, who came to town for their acclaimed dance piece “Two Rooms” several years ago. In their new work, an all-male country line dance turns into something more evocative. We caught up with Harrison, Sheinfield and Laor to chat up their new shows. Hello, Randy. How did the “Cabaret” tour come about for you? I auditioned for it. I knew the production really well. I had seen it a bunch of times and I knew about the revival so I went for it.
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This program is supported in part by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency—the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for this program is also provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
Any hesitation of doing a national tour? I think I’ve auditioned for a national tour once or twice but it was a perfect time for me to do something like this. I was scared about how difficult it would be but I knew it was a rite of passage as an actor that I wanted to do. How is the tour going so far? It’s amazing. I love it. It can be exhausting but it’s an incredible way to see the country. What I like about this version is that it’s very stripped down and I think there is less separation between the audience and onstage.
Openly gay actor Randy Harrison (center) stars in “Cabaret” playing Nov. 1-6 at the Fox Theatre. (Courtesy photo)
political fear and hatred. Much like the Jews were in Germany at the time. There are so many minorities or political factions that are used to turn into a talking point. We are aware of how that conversation can happen without calling it, ignoring the fact that something is happening
Tell us about your version of the Emcee. It’s the Emcee as created in the version by Alan Cumming and Rob Marshall. There is a huge amount of liberty you can take, a lot of opportunities for improvisation. I feel like the role is a vessel created by the play and production itself, a vessel that the more you fill with yourself, the more of my own sense of humor and intelligence, my sexuality and joy and pain, the play works.
Hi Oren and Niv. What can you tell us about “Cowboy?” Oren: It’s four men, the two of us plus two more. We started out playing with our masculinity, and what is examined from us as men with our gay sexuality. We were very influenced by American culture. We also took the cowboy image – the American icon. We saw “Brokeback Mountain” a long time ago but the influence remains, the aspect of the lone ranger, being secluded, being an outsider, having to prove masculinity. That is the area we were swimming in when we did “Cowboy.”
Why is this so iconic for gay audiences? I think gay people are extremely used to being used as something that can motivate
Is this the premiere of the show? Niv: We premiered it in August of 2015 after a year of putting it together,
Details
‘Cabaret’ Broadway in Atlanta November 1 – 6 Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 www.atlanta.broadway.com ‘Cowboy’ November 3 – 6 7 Stages 1105 Euclid Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 www.7stages.org but this is the U.S. premiere. You two have never hesitated to include sexuality in your shows. Niv: It’s our identity – that is who we are. It would be weird to create something that didn’t include that. But in the new piece we are doing, the gay issue isn’t really even a part of the show.
26 A&E October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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I admit it: I’m an inside-the-Perimeter homosexual. During the years I dined out three or more times a week to review restaurants, I was infamous for avoiding the hinterlands of Atlanta. Lately, though, three weekly dining pals who live north of the city have convinced me to journey to Marietta. Frequently. Last week we visited La Carreta (1252 Roswell Rd., 770-579-2963, www.lacarreta.co). This popular restaurant is confusing. Its Facebook page identifies it as Mexican. Its website says it features a fusion of Central and South American cuisine. All of this is true, actually, but the most interesting imprint is the owners’ native Colombian cuisine. If I were a sarcastic asshole, I’d say La Carreta’s popularity is evidence of Mariettans’ ignorance of Latin cuisine, because, frankly, much of what I sampled here was pretty meh. The fact is, though, that the area is densely populated with Latinos and there are some uncompromisingly wonderful holesin-the-wall like La Duranguense. So we can’t blame the Marietta palate. I’m guessing part of the appeal is the full-service, comfortable dining room. We ate on the patio, a big plus since we were able to not hear the live music. It wasn’t raucous, but friends tell me they’ve been there when a mariachi band played. You know – the Mexican bands that stand by your table, blaring “Besame Mucho” until you pay them enough to go away. Back to the food. A disappointing example was a Colombian-style tamale, a fistsized hunk of steamed cornmeal containing green peas, carrots, potatoes, chicken, and big hunks of pork. The problem for me was the texture. The outer edges were fine, but where the contents clustered, it turned into a super-gooey mess. A smaller, Mexican-style tamale with the same pork (chicken available too) was better. Tacos – available with seven fillings – were average. I was disappointed to learn that the restaurant’s al pastor – pork seasoned with adobo and pineapple – was not prepared authentically on a spit. Nonetheless, flavor was decent. Ditto for the carnitas – not the real thing exactly, but good enough. Both tacos were topped with an avocado salsa. If you’re
The al pastor (l) and carnitas (r) tacos at La Carreta. (Photo by Cliff Bostock)
vegetarian, you can get a taco made with tofu al pastor. Try it. Let me know. A mystery on several plates was an arepa quite different from the fluffy-ish Venezuelan ones I’ve eaten. These were like biscuits compressed by geological forces over several thousand years. My favorite dish was my beloved, heartclogging chicharrones – hunks of deep fried, crispy, juicy pork belly (in urgent need of a strong tomatillo salsa). A deliciously seasoned skirt steak was grilled and tender. I’d call it the best entrée-sized dish on our table. While I can’t recommend the restaurant’s watery cheese dip or bland salsa, I loved the tostones (fried, smashed plantains) with guacamole. We did not try the restaurant’s most popular item, the Colombian bandeja paisa. It’s a grazing plate with rice, beans, a fried egg, chorizo, chicharrones, avocado, and an arepa. The restaurant also serves three very popular soups, each available only on a weekend day. The most compelling is Saturday’s sancocho, a Colombian stew made with beef ribs, potatoes, plantains, yucca, and corn. Is it worth visiting? Yes. I doubt I’d make the drive from Midtown again – except for Saturday’s stew – but if you live in the area, do visit. Send your intown friends a postcard. Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or cliffbostock@gmail.com.
28 Columnists October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events in Atlanta for Oct. 28-Nov. 10
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
The highly acclaimed, gay-themed film “Moonlight,” adapted from a play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, opens in the ATL today at Phipps Plaza and the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, various showtimes (Publicity photo)
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
The famous dishes, wine, tango and folklore of the Pampas will be available for the first time in Atlanta at the Argentina Food, Wine & Culture Festival, beginning Friday at 11:30 a.m. and lasting through Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Piedmont Park, www.argfoodfest.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) hosts its Fourth Friday Networking Night at No Mas! Cantina, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 180 Walker St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 ART Station’s spooky “A Tour of Southern Ghosts,” now in its 31st year, runs through October 30 at Stone Mountain Park, from 7 – 9:30 p.m. tonight, www.artstation.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
Dine out at one of your favorite coffee shops/community spaces today – Hodgepodge – and help raise money for Charis Circle. 10 percent of purchases will go to Charis Books. 3 – 7 p.m., Hodgepodge Coffee House, 720 Moreland Ave St., Atlanta, GA 30316 “The Changers” Book Three release party is today with authors T Cooper and Allison Glock-Cooper and special musical guest Laurie Ray. “Chargers” is a three-book series for teens, young adults and anyone who remembers what it was like to struggle to fit in. The premise is simple – what if every year of high school, you woke up in a new body with a new identity and a new set of challenges. GlockCooper and T Copper are bestselling and award-winning authors who have published
30 Best Bets October 28, 2016
eleven books, raised two children and rescued two dogs. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com A celebration of both food and music, the Laid Back Festival has a dynamic list of performers, including Georgia’s own out artist Michelle Malone at 9:45 p.m. Other artists include Mother’s Finest, ZZ Top and Gregg Allman, Lakewood Ampitheatre, www.laidbackfestival.com Legendary Children present Shalloween party and costume contest with host Christeene, DJs Father Figure and King Atlas and a bevy of other hostesses, 10 p.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com Enjoy the Atlanta Eagle’s Kinked 2016 Halloween edition with a costume contest and cash prizes beginning at 1 a.m., with DJ Pat Scott. The party lasts from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., www.atlantaeagle.com My Sister’s Room presents its “American Horror Story”-style Halloween with DJs Liz Owen and Tina V, a costume contest and a spooktacular show at midnight, www.mysistersroom.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
Join OnStage Atlanta for The Witching Hour, an evening of spooktacular entertainment, with songs and scenes from the spooky season, 7 p.m., www.onstageatlanta.com Actor’s Express presents a reading of the comedy “Ivanka: A Medea for Right Now” tonight. Directed by A. Julian Verner, this performance is free and open to the public. As her blustering father gets closer to the White House, Ivanka has finally had it with his terrifying rhetoric. When she publicly disavows him, he throws her into exile, forcing her to take drastic measures in this savage satire by out playwright Joshua Harmon, of “Bad Jews” fame, 7 p.m., www.actorsexpress.com
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31
In the mood for a non-traditional Halloween night? Bring your furry friends to Otters, Cubs and Bears, Oh My! at the Hideaway Atlanta, beginning at 2 p.m., www.atlantahideaway.com
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
Seth Breezy spins as part of the Halloween edition late night party at Xion Atlanta 3 a.m., www.xionatlanta.com (Publicity photo)
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBT EVENT Submit your LGBT event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Make your lunch break a networking opportunity and connect with business professionals, small business owners and community sponsors to expand your circle of influence and grow your business at Connecting Atlanta, a networking lunch by MAAP (Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals). Join MAAP at Egg Harbor Café the first Tuesday of every month from 11:45 to 1 p.m. for a networking lunch. There is no set price, just pay on your way out. The event is limited to 20 participants. Please pre-register by emailing harborlunch@maapatl.org, 1820 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
It’s Hump Night with performer extraordinaire Regina, 8 p.m., Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
SAGE Atlanta’s social hour begins at 10 a.m., followed by a program/meeting at 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.rushcenteratl.org EXPOSED, a six-week contemporary dance and physical theater festival featuring Israeli and local artists including gay couple Niv Sheinfled and Oren Laor, runs through November 19 throughout the Atlanta area, including the erotic “Cowboy” at 7 Stages November 3 – 6, www.exposedfestivalatl.com Building on the activist tradition of consciousness-raising groups, each month Charis invites community members to join The Personal is Political: Feminist Vent, a lightly facilitated group to talk about personal issues or societal issues they are trying to deconstruct. The group will use intersectional feminist strategies as tools to talk through these issues. 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com The Pretty Girl Hideout Thursdays is tonight, hosted by Mook Dahost, Soul
32 Best Bets October 28, 2016
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
“Queer as Folk” veteran Randy Harrison returns to Atlanta to play the Emcee in the national tour of the classic musical “Cabaret,” running through November 6 at The Fox Theatre, with a performance tonight at 7:30 p.m., www.atlanta.broadway.com (Publicity photo) Bar B Pal’s Lounge, 254 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.traxxgirls.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6
Central Presbyterian Church begins a four-class series titled “Pronouns, Potties and People: Transgender Studies 101,” facilitated by the Rev. Molly McGinnis. The series will kick off with a screening of the documentary “Out of Order,” revealing the complex and painful struggles faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer faith as they confront entrenched bigotry and work to build loving support within their churches. 5 p.m., in the church sanctuary. Classes begin November 6 at 9:45 a.m. in the atrium of the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center. The film and classes are free and open to the public, www.cpcatlanta.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Don’t miss the first concert in the Atlanta Women’s Chorus’ fourth season. The Atlanta Women’s Chorus opens season 4 with a musical journey through the seasons. “Follow the Sun” will offer a variety of musical genres that will carry audiences through the moods of winter, spring, summer and fall, along with a little taste of the holidays. From popular Beatles
tunes to those made unforgettable by the incomparable Frank Sinatra, from Broadway classics to challenging choral works, this show is sure to delight its audiences. 2 and 8 p.m., Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 1026 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308 Out Front Theatre company, dedicated to producing LGBT-themed theatrical work, opens “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical,” based on the cult classic movie about drag queens Tick, Bernadette and Adam, 8 p.m., through November 6, www.OutFrontTheatre.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Enjoy free pool and rotating DJs at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. Whether silently or aloud, please come ready to consider your own gender in a transient world. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz and is co-sponsored
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
What’s better than birthday cake? Birthday cake and a book signing with one of the funniest women on the planet Luvvie Ajayi, aka Awesomely Luvvie, who will join Charis to celebrate the bookstore’s 42nd birthday. Ajayi will be reading from her new book “I’m Judging You: The Do Better Manual.” 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com (Photo via Facebook)
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LGBT ADVOCACY THROUGH ECONOMICS
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children, 7 – 8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Vote today – please – and attend an election party near you, www.mvp.sos. ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do J’s Lounge is the home for Rainbow Tuesdays, with Dymond Onasis and Nicole Paige Brooks leading the fun and DJ Destin providing house music, 1995 Windy Hill Road #1, Smyrna, GA 30080
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Angelica and Malibu guide you through The AM Show competition at 10:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents a version of the classic musical “A Chorus Line,” directed by the openly gay Ricardo Aponte and running through November 6, with an 8 p.m. performance tonight, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com (Publicity photo)
34 Best Bets October 28, 2016
Does the level of structural racism and violence in our country keep you up nights? Do you want to connect with more people who want to implement actual solutions for racial justice? Then come to #Facing Race: A National Conference, a chance to meet like-minded professionals, organizers, creatives and activists who want a better
future for the nation. The keynote speakers include Roxane Gay, a writer, professor, commentator, editor and author of “Bad Feminist.” The track includes some LGBT panel discussions as well. Hilton Atlanta, 255 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facingrace.raceforward.org
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Join national and state LGBTQ healthcare advocates, providers and policy makers to discuss what’s working and what lies ahead at the State of LGBTQ Health Roundtable and Reception. From 3:30 – 6 p.m. will be the keynote address by Dr. Scout, a national LGBTQ healthcare policy advocate, followed by a roundtable panel discussion with Georgia providers and policy makers. From 6 – 8 p.m. will be a donor’s reception. Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, thehealthinitiative.wufoo.com
UPCOMING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets today from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, 1730 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
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My cursing Mini-Me
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Ever have a kid embarrass you or someone you know in public? One of my favorite such stories comes from a former colleague, whose son was just a few years old when they went to see a movie at a local theater. After grabbing their tickets and making a customary trip to the concession stand to grab some popcorn and drinks, they headed to their seats. When his son tried to place his kid soda in the cup holder, it was too small to stay in and fell right through to the floor, smashing his drink beneath them. The little boy then proclaimed, “G*****n cup,” to which my friend was mortified. He said it was then he realized how much he cursed at home. Let me correct myself. It was one my favorite stories, because at the time it happened I was not a parent. Now I relate to this story. The other day I was attempting to clean up after my toddler, which those in the know can tell you is a monumental task. While doing the bend-and-walk to gather unused toys, I wasn’t able to get a good hold on one and kept dropping it. After the third attempt I became frustrated and said, “Well hell,” and continued in my attempts. A small voice behind me began to repeat my bad word in a very cute, Southern way: “Hey-yewl.” Granted we weren’t in public, but I immediately realized I too curse a lot at home and now that he is in mimicking mode, I need to curb the habit before it gets worse. Or should I? You are taught not to curse because doing so gives others the impression you are less intelligent. Sailors in particular are guilty of it for some reason, so cursing like one seems to be quite a blemish on your reputation. Now science has proven sailors and I are actually smarter than our cleanmouthed counterparts. Why? We simply have a larger vocabulary. The study comes from psychologists Kristin Jay and Timothy Jay of Marist College and the Massachusetts College of Lib-
“While doing the bendand-walk to gather unused toys, I wasn’t able to get a good hold on one and kept dropping it. After the third attempt I became frustrated and said, ‘Well hell,’ and continued in my attempts. A small voice behind me began to repeat my bad word in a very cute, Southern way: ‘Hey-yewl.’” eral Arts. Their hypothesis is people who are well-versed in curse words are more likely to have greater overall language fluency too. In other words, the more words you know the more uniquely you can express yourself. So all those surprised looks from family and friends over the years at how an on-air personality like me could have such colorful language should have instead exchanged a collective gaze of awe at the capacity of my brain. It’s okay, I understand how intimidating me and my internal dictionary must be. So if we run into each other on the street, and Mr. Carter drops an accidental f-bomb or declares where something can go if he doesn’t like it, try not to clamor for photographs at his genius. Just thank his mother for being so progressive. Melissa Carter is one of the Morning Show hosts on B98.5. In addition, she is a writer for the Huffington Post. She is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and one of the few in the country. Follow her on Twitter@MelissaCarter
36 Columnists October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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SOMETIMES ‘Y’ By RYAN LEE
A non-driver’s road rage I don’t like the people that cars create. I subject myself to this judgment, remembering the 65 pounds I gained in the two years I owned an automobile in the early 2000s, when I could feel the laziness accumulating in my midsection as I folded myself into the driver’s seat. Go ahead, give it a test: I’m willing to bet one of the worst versions of yourself is the one that holds a steering wheel. You’re likely more stressed, less patient, more entitled and aggressive, a bigger bully yet a perpetual victim. And you might not be too bright, either, if you’re among the majority of drivers who constantly complain about gas prices and traffic, as if those aren’t two guaranteed burdens of car ownership. Some folks say Americans’ addiction to gasoline funds terrorism and destroys the planet, and all we care about is getting a few more gallons for fewer pennies. Drivers seem enraged by every other car on the road, every pedestrian, every red light, every construction cone, every yield sign and everything else that interrupts their forward progress. As hopeless as Donald Trump’s election prospects are, he could win the White House by promising to equip every American’s automobile with a button that would unfurl a nuclear landscape that allows drivers to reach their destination without impediments (which is totally something Trump would instruct his Secretary of Transportation to implement for those who can afford it). While drivers loathe the universe with which they are forced to share the road, most feel uniquely venomous toward bicycle riders, as has been previously discussed in these pages. Drivers’ main gripes against cyclists is that many bike riders run red lights, which is illegal. However, it’s disingenuous for drivers to pretend they care about traffic violations. I’ve never had a driver scream, “Same rules, same road!” when I break the law by riding on the sidewalk during an extended uphill, so as to not delay the cars behind me. Drivers only hate cyclists when they’re in
“Go ahead, give it a test: I’m willing to bet one of the worst versions of yourself is the one that holds a steering wheel. You’re likely more stressed, less patient, more entitled and aggressive, a bigger bully yet a perpetual victim.” the way, when the driver has to waste 5-20 seconds to pass the bike rider. Here’s a pro tip about life: you ain’t that busy, so calm down. The bitterness drivers have toward cyclists is so irrational that many feel if a bike rider faces no punishment for running a red light, a driver should face no punishment for mowing a cyclist off the road. The same people who ignore the dozens of laws they break in their daily commute – from surpassing the speed limit and not yielding to pedestrians, to texting and being buzzed while driving – are ready to impose the death penalty on someone who pedaled past a stop sign. Atlanta’s status as a car-centric city is evident in the soulless growth we’ve experienced over the past two decades. How many Atlantans have never walked more than two blocks from their residence or the places they drive to regularly, whose primary interaction with this city is from a front door to their parking space? The BeltLine promises to boost Atlanta’s pedestrian/street culture, but the trend in development is “urban campuses” such as Atlantic Station and Ponce City Market. These centralized hubs of “city life” that most people drive to (including the BeltLine itself ) are chic, but they are far from the best version of Atlanta. Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer.
38 Columnists October 28, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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