11/19/21, Vol. 12 Issue 17

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georgia VOL.12 • ISSUE 17

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EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

The Good Life Katie Burkholder

Read the full editorial online at thegavoice.com.

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Editorial Contributors: Dyana Bagby, Melissa Carter, Jim Farmer, Buck Jones, Ryan Lee

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4 Editorial November 19, 2021

I’ve recently taken to reading every morning, and one author I’ve enjoyed lately is Donna Tartt. After finishing her award-winning novel, “The Goldfinch,” I was inspired to look up interviews she had done about the book. I came upon an interview she did in 2014 with Charlie Rose, in which Rose asked her what “the good life” meant to her. She responded, “The two great salvations: love and work.”

Her answer stuck with me for days after.

Despite its straightforwardness, the contention that love and work were all you needed to be happy upset me. I finally realized that while it’s true that love and work are the basis of a good life, we live in a world designed around neither.

On Love bell hooks is another great author I’ve been reading, in particular her book “All About Love: New Visions.” In it, hooks argues that “lovelessness has become the order of the day” — in other words, it is the norm to embody not love but rather control, power, manipulation, fear, and exploitative self-interest.

Erich Fromm, the author of “The Art of Loving,” reflects this sentiment, saying, “The principle underlying capitalist society and the principle of love are incompatible.”

This is because love is necessarily collective and communal in nature. Unfortunately, American culture (i.e. Western capitalism and imperialism) is hyper individualist in nature, which is the antithesis of collectivism and, therefore, love. We are conditioned to see others first as our competition if not our subordinate or threat. Even those we say we love we lie to and hide ourselves from. We thrust conditions onto our care and respect, all in the name of self-interest.

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / EVGENY ATAMANENKO

However, treating others with lovelessness isn’t in our self-interest at all, as it starves us of the connection and satisfaction that honest and open love brings.

On Work The insistence that our society is lovedeficient isn’t a difficult argument to accept; after the last five years, it’s easy to see how commonplace fear, hatred, and exploitation have become. However, to say our society isn’t designed around work is more outrageous; the 40 hour+ workweek is the norm, and we are conditioned to view our career as our primary identity or life focus.

Work, in the way I believe Tartt meant, is labor that yields an outcome of progress.

You can see the fruits of your labor, even if you are not the beneficiary. You spend a day painting a house, then the house is painted. You spend a day writing, then you have something to be read. This kind of work is fulfilling; it makes you feel productive and responsible, both of which bolster self-esteem.

The problem is that capitalism is designed around profit, not work. The greatest thing to be is a capitalist, someone who owns in lieu of working. Because profit necessitates the exploitation of labor, satisfying and dignified work is a rare find — especially

when most useful jobs are underpaid and unnecessarily humiliating, and others are what anthropologist David Graeber deems “bullshit jobs,” which are bureaucratic, meaningless, or don’t produce the visible productive outcome I previously mentioned.

The Personal Pursuit of Fulfillment Luckily, we do not have to live our lives in accordance with the sociological structures that exist around us. It’s our personal responsibility to actively hold ourselves accountable for the way we choose to live.

With presence and focus, we can build a life for ourselves filled with both love and work, regardless of our circumstances. We can break generational trauma cycles, we can change career paths, and those of us who can’t can choose to recognize the simple joys in our jobs, take pride in doing our jobs well, or develop a sense of fulfilling work outside of income generation (like through homemaking or a hobby).

Every day, we make choices about how we’re going to be alive. Choosing to create a life worth loving is one of the greatest acts of resistance against cycles of abuse and systems of exploitation there is. But if we choose instead to live passively, to forgo the pursuit of active participation in love and work, we starve ourselves of life-affirming fulfillment.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

NEWS BRIEFS Staff reports Atlanta Pride Announces 2021 Grand Marshals The Atlanta Pride Committee (APC) has announced this year’s Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals.

Because Atlanta Pride was canceled this year, this year’s Grand Marshals will be given the opportunity to ride in the 2022 Atlanta Pride Parade.

The 2021 Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals are: Gerald Bostock Bostock received national attention when he was fired from his job in Clayton County after joining the Hotlanta Softball League, a gay recreational softball team. He sued the county for discrimination, and his case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The court ruled in his favor 6-3, effectively protecting all LGBTQ people in the U.S. from workplace discrimination.

Valeria Cantos After completing her medical school in Ecuador, where she was born, Dr. Cantos moved to Atlanta for her Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Emory University. She is an Assistant Professor at the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University. Her research focuses on HIV prevention in ethnic minorities, with a special focus on the Latinx community.

Gabrielle Claiborne Claiborne in the co-founder of Transformation Journeys World, an inclusion training and consulting firm with a transgender focus. As a former Executive Board member of APC, she currently serves as Co-Chair of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Transgender and Gender Expansive Initiative, Co-Chair of the Trans Affairs Committee on the City of Atlanta’s LGBTQ Mayoral Advisory Council, Inclusion Chair and Board Secretary of the OGBA, Chair of the OGBA’s TGNC360 Workplace Initiative, and Advisory Board Member of Out Front Theater Group.

Claiborne is also the author of “Embrace Your Truth: A Journey of Authenticity.”

Paul Conroy Conroy is the founder and producing artistic director of Out Front Theatre Company, dedicated to telling LGBTQ stories through TheGeorgiaVoice.com

My Sister’s Room

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

theatre and artistry. Since its inception in 2016, Out Front Theatre Company has existed to serve artistic excellence to the LGBTQ communities of Atlanta by producing outstanding theatrical experiences which focus on the voices of the LGBTQIA+ cannon.

Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative PAD was created from the work and vision of Atlantans who were directly impacted by policing and incarceration in order to take a new approach to community safety and wellness. PAD employs a two-fold strategy to divert individuals away from the criminal justice system: diversion for individuals who have been detained by law enforcement and are otherwise subject to arrest; and ATL311 Community Referrals for individuals who have been referred by community members through the City of Atlanta 311 nonemergency services line.

Renee Montgomery Montgomery graduated from UConn as a two-time All-American in 2009 and played on the undefeated team that went on to win a national championship. She was drafted fourth in the WNBA and won two WNBA championships while also being named an All-Star and Woman of the Year six times in her 11-year professional career.

She now serves as a Sports Analyst for NBA/ ESPN and is currently part owner and Vice

President of the WNBA Atlanta Dream.

Rhea Wunsch Wunsch is a 19-year-old organizer and activist. She is currently a sophomore at Georgia State University, where she studies Public Policy; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and Social Justice. She has organized for Stacey Abrams’ Governor campaign and worked with organizations such as March For Our Lives and Not My Generation.

My Sister’s Room to Move Locations My Sister’s Room has announced they will be moving locations for the third time.

The lesbian bar announced that the current location in Midtown (84 12th St NE) will be torn down on October 30 via Facebook.

“We were notified this week that MSR’s building is being torn down,” the post reads.

“As everyone knows [M]idtown is drastically changing with new construction, we will be looking to secure a lease that guarantees us a ten-year lease term. It is hard to find anything over a five-year lease. But no worries! Our landlord has given us one year to find a new location. They are being extremely cooperative in helping us find the perfect venue for MSR.” My Sister’s Room say they will not be closed during the transition into the new space.

November 19, 2021 News Briefs 5

NEWS

Atlanta Nonprofit Uses Compassion to Combat Stigma Toward Black Women with HIV Dyana Bagby

Americans represent only 12% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 43% of new HIV diagnoses in 2018 and an estimated 42% of people currently living with HIV, according to the CDC. Black women make up 13% of the U.S. population of women, yet they account for 58% of HIV diagnoses.

Black women across the country are diagnosed with HIV at much higher rates than any other group of women — 15 times higher than white women and almost five times that of Latino women, according to NBC News.

Gilead launched its COMPASS initiative in 2017. The drug manufacturer, which makes many HIV prevention medications such as Truvada, promises $100 million in funding to organizations over the next 10 years.

HIV/AIDS is also a leading cause of death for Black women aged 20 to 44, according to the CDC. The alarming numbers have led some activists to call for HIV prevention medication such at Truvada, typically readily available to gay and bisexual men, to be more accessible to Black women.

Compassionate Atlanta, a grassroots nonprofit, is heading up another effort to lower HIV/ AIDS rates that disproportionately affect Black people by asking the Black church — specifically Black female faith leaders — to get involved.

The group was recently awarded a $25,000 grant as part of the Gilead COMPASS Initiative Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Emory University Rollins School of Public Health is another COMPASS coordinating center.

The $25,000 is being used to educate and train Black women who are leaders in their churches and then to pass on what they learn to their members.

“Black women are the fastest growing demographic of those diagnosed with HIV in the South,” Iyabo Onipede, co-director of Compassionate Atlanta, told Georgia Voice. “We have brought together a cohort of 23 female Black clergy, including a Buddhist, and are asking them to define what does stigma mean to them personally, to deal with their personal stigmas. And then we want them to begin to think about how they can address stigma in their faith communities.”

6 News November 19, 2021

The company says it seeks to “eradicate underlying serious and systemic challenges that contribute to the HIV epidemic in Southern states by combating stigma, improving the quality of and access to health care services and increasing local leadership and advocacy efforts for those impacted by HIV.” Compassionate Atlanta co-director Iyabo Onipede with Lil Nas X during a party in Atlanta last month celebrating the success of his album ‘Montero.’ As part of the album’s release, Lil Nas X asked fans to donate to various nonprofit organizations, including Compassionate Atlanta.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COMPASSIONATE ATLANTA

Compassionate Atlanta’s program aims to “restore dignity” to Black women as they share their stories and empathize with others. Onipede believes that when these women feel compassion, they will feel the need to act on it by reaching out and helping those with HIV/AIDS. The goal is to raise awareness, eliminate the fear of HIV/AIDS and eventually lower rates of infection through education.

“When we break the issue down into common humanity, then we can start building it back up by having the leaders acknowledge, ‘These are our parishioners,’” Onipede said. “And they begin to think, ‘We wouldn’t turn them away if they had cancer, why would we turn them away if they are HIV-positive?’”

A change could be as simple as an

announcement in the church bulletin saying there is HIV testing as well as a blood drive after a service.

“We want places to create a sense of belonging,” said Compassionate Atlanta co-director Leanne Rubenstein. “And how do you create a sense of belonging? You understand what barriers you’re putting up and take those down.”

The Compassionate Atlanta program will culminate early next year with a play featuring five Black women telling their stories of facing stigma for being LGBTQ, disabled, HIV-positive, wrongfully incarcerated or single mothers.

Today, there are more than 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., including the 476,100 who are Black. Although Black

Compassionate Atlanta was one of the Atlanta-based COMPASS initiative nonprofit partners to be listed on Lil Nas X’s “baby registry” when his studio album, “Montero,” was released in September. The LGBTQ entertainer, who hails from Atlanta, asked fans to visit WelcomeToMontero.com and donate to various HIV nonprofits linked to different tracks on the album. “The Art of Realization” is the track linked to Compassionate Atlanta.

Lil Nas X was in Atlanta last month for a party to celebrate his album’s success and visited local HIV organizations to raise awareness about Gilead’s COMPASS initiative. The City Council approved a resolution making Oct. 20 Lil Nas X Day. Onipede said the star personifies what Compassionate Atlanta teaches and encourages everyone to do: “he is taking his compassion for others and putting it into tangible action.”

For more information on Compassionate Atlanta, visit compassionateatl.org.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

NEWS

Atlanta Elections Go to Runoffs LGBTQ Alex Wan Wins City Council Seat

INTRODUCING

Katie Burkholder Following Election Day on November 2, few elections have been officially called in Atlanta with many going to a runoff later this month.

Felicia Moore will definitely be on the runoff ballot for Atlanta mayor after accruing 41 percent of the vote, according to Fox 5.

It is not yet clear who her opponent will be, but it is down to either Andre Dickens or former Mayor Kasim Reed, who received 23 percent and 22 percent of the vote, respectively. All three candidates shared their plans regarding LGBTQ issues like the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) fund, Atlanta’s HIV epidemic, and the LGBTQ Advisory Board in a Q&A with Georgia Voice last month.

Antonio Brown, the only LGBTQ candidate on the mayoral ballot, came in fifth with five percent of the vote behind Kasim Reed and Sharon Gay. The Atlanta City Council presidential election will also go to a runoff with Doug Shipman and Natalyn Archibong. Mike Russell, the only openly gay candidate on the council president ballot, garnered 13 percent of the vote, putting him in fourth behind Courtney English.

There were a few LGBTQ victories. Alex Wan, an openly gay man and the first Asian American to serve on the Atlanta City Council, won his election for Atlanta City Council District 6 with 79 percent of the vote.

“I am grateful that my friends and neighbors in District 6 have again affirmed my track record,” Wan said in a statement emailed to supporters. “I am humbled and honored TheGeorgiaVoice.com

LUXURY REDEFINED Alex Wan

OFFICIAL PHOTO

by the broad base of support during this campaign; it’s a great springboard to continuing to fight for our shared issues, including public safety, city service delivery, and quality of life initiatives. Now I look forward to again serving the City and Council District I love.”

While she didn’t outright win the Atlanta City Council District 5 election and will be going to a runoff, Liliana Bakhtiari is expected to win the runoff after accruing 50 percent of the vote — just shy of the winning threshold. Should she win, she will become Georgia’s first LGBTQ Muslim elected official.

Other candidates who won their elections are Michael Bond for City Council Post 1 at Large, Matt Westmoreland for City Council Post 2 at Large, Dustin Hillis for City Council District 9, Andrea Boone for City Council District 10, Marci Overstreet for City Council District 11, Katie Howard for Board of Education District 1, Erika Mitchell for Board of Education District 5, Eshe Collins for Board of Education District 6, Cynthia Brown for Board of Education District 8, and Jason Esteves for Board of Education District 9 at Large. All other elections will be going to a runoff.

The runoff election will take place on November 30. To find your polling location, visit your Georgia Voter Page.

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November 19, 2021 News 7

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: 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, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. 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.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0369 04/21

BVYC0369_BIKTARVY_B_10X10-5_GeorgiaVoice_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

3/31/21 12:27 PM

GIFT GUIDE

Tech & Gadgets Rob Boeger

A. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO This elegant and simple turntable comes with a specially regulated motor, a thick metal platter, and a carbon fiber tonearm for near-perfect playback.

It sounds like it should cost much more than it does, which is why it makes the perfect gift for vinyl music lovers. You can get the Evo in several different colors: satin blue, satin green, gloss red, satin white, satin yellow, satin or gloss black, or satin walnut. $599, Crutchfield; online: crutchfield.com.

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B. FlyOrb: Boomerang Spinner Drone Meet the FlyOrb — the drone that spins, climbs, and floats before safely and automarically returning to your hand. Light up any room with this motorized ball of acrobatic tricks. Comes in red, blue, and pink/purple. $29.99, My Fly Orb; online: myflyorb.com.

C. Apple’s 2021 MacBook Pro The most powerful MacBook Pro ever is here. With the blazing-fast M1 Pro or M1 Max chip — the first Apple silicon designed for pros — you get groundbreaking performance and amazing battery life. The first notebook of its kind, this MacBook Pro is a beast. From $1,999, Apple; Apple at Lenox Square; 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE; 404-926-3085; in person and online: apple.com.

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D. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones With a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing, these open-air headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, offering a completely natural listening experience. They deliver spacious sound with superior highs and mids. The self-adjusting wing support automatically adjusts to your head size for easy-wearing listening comfort. $199.95, Audio-Technicha; online: audio-technica.com.

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E. Poliglu Translator This device is a brilliant new invention taking the world by storm. It lets you communicate in more than 36 languages, so you can have a conversation with almost anyone on the planet! You can take it with you anywhere thanks to its compact size. $89.00, Poliglu; online: poliglu.com.

F. MS. PAC-MAN Counter-cade Step right up to the counter and play away.

Arcade1Up’s next generation of counter-cases is a must-have for the holiday season! Take it right out of the box, plug it in and start gobbling up pellets. $279.99, Amazon; online: amazon.com.

10 Gift Guide November 19, 2021

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TheGeorgiaVoice.com

PICTURING THE SOUTH: 25 YEARS

KAEL ALFORD • SHEILA PREE BRIGHT • DAWOUD BEY • DEBBIE FLEMING CAFFERY • JIM GOLDBERG • EMMET GOWIN • ALEX HARRIS • SHANE LAVALETTE AN-MY LÊ • SALLY MANN • RICHARD MISRACH • ABELARDO MORELL • MARTIN PARR • ALEC SOTH • MARK STEINMETZ • ALEX WEBB

See works from twenty-five years of the celebrated photography initiative, offering a complex and layered archive of the region.

New commissions will debut alongside some of the most iconic photography projects of the last quarter century.

H IG H MU SEU M OF ART, AT L AN TA | T HR O U G H F E BR UARY 6 , 2022 | H I GH . OR G This exhibition is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta.

MAJOR FUNDING IS PROVIDED BY

Henry Luce Foundation

THE FORWARD ARTS FOUNDATION

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSOR

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Sarah and Jim Kennedy Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot Dr. Joan H. Weens Estate

BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Anne Cox Chambers Foundation Robin and Hilton Howell AMBASSADOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS The Antinori Foundation Corporate Environments Elizabeth and Chris Willett

CONTRIBUTING EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Farideh and Al Azadi Sandra and Dan Baldwin Lucinda W. Bunnen Marcia and John Donnell Helen C. Griffith Mrs. Fay S. Howell/The Howell Fund Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Jones The Arthur R. and Ruth D. Lautz Charitable Foundation Joel Knox and Joan Marmo Dr. Joe B. Massey Margot and Danny McCaul The Ron and Lisa Brill Family Charitable Trust Wade Rakes and Nicholas Miller The Fred and Rita Richman Fund In Memory of Elizabeth B. Stephens USI Insurance Services Mrs. Harriet H. Warren

GENEROUS SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Fay and Barrett Howell Exhibition Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, Isobel Anne Fraser–Nancy Fraser Parker Exhibition Endowment Fund, John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund, Katherine Murphy Riley Special Exhibition Endowment Fund, Margaretta Taylor Exhibition Fund, and the RJR Nabisco Exhibition Endowment Fund

IMAGE Richard Misrach (American, born 1949), Norco Cumulus Cloud, Shell Oil Refinery, Norco, Louisiana, 1998, printed 2012, pigmented inkjet print, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, commissioned with funds from the H. B. and Doris Massey Charitable Trust, Lucinda W. Bunnen, and High Museum of Art Enhancement Fund, 2012.6. © Richard Misrach 1998.

Courtesy of Fraenkel Gallery, Pace/MacGill Gallery, and Marc Selwyn Fine Art.

GIFT GUIDE

Fabulous

& Femme

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Katie Burkholder A. Spikey Heart Earrings These earrings take showing your love literally.

These gorgeous 14k yellow gold hearts are surrounded by small diamond spikes, perfectly blending class and edge. $429, Worthmore Jewelers; 500 L3 Amsterdam Ave. NE; 404-892-8294; in person and online: worthmorejewelers.com.

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B. Dianella Coat This coat is perfect for the over-the-top drama queen who loves to make a statement — it's hot pink, it's zebra print, it's faux fur. What more could you want? $428, Trina Turk at Phipps Plaza; 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE; 404-949-1444; in person and online: trinaturk.com.

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C. Boobguard Liquid Powder Your busty gal pal needs this in her life. Boobguard applies as a soothing cream and quickly dries. It fights sweat, smell, and chafing on not only the breasts but also thighs, as well. $12, Ballsy; online: ballwash.com.

D. Gabor Sneaker 6.505 These sneakers are the perfect blend of sporty and sassy. With a sparkly metallic exterior (which comes in both silver and gold) and big satin bow, they're the definition of fun. But they don't sacrifice quality — they're genuine leather and imported from Europe! $219, M2 Mode Marche at Ansley Mall; 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE #266; 404-892-7463; in person and online: shopmodemarche.com.

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E. Atlannuh Long Sleeve For the Atlanta native who is sick and tired of nonlocals pronouncing that second t! Comes in white and gray. $45, Citizen Supply at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NW; 678-705-9145; in person and online: citizensupply.com.

F. Flame Beaded Clutch Did you know Intown Ace Hardware has an amazing gifts section? That's where you can find this red-hot clutch, the perfect special occasion accessory. $59.99, Intown Ace Hardware; 854 North Highland Ave. NE; 404-874-5619: in person.

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GIFT GUIDE

Marvelous and

Masculine Jim Farmer

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A. Fiorucci Scarf A limited edition, this beautiful tubular knit scarf in iconic red and white gondolier stripes has a “Fiorucci Fun” script logo and fringed ends. Get it for others — or keep it for yourself. $45, Boy Next Door Menswear; 1447 Piedmont Ave. NE; 404-873-2664; in person and online: boynextdoormenswear.com.

B. Johnnie-O Lloyd Top Shelf Button Down Shirt – Laguna Blue Deemed the perfect plaid to usher in a new season by miller Brothers, this light and luxurious cotton button down is bound to keep you warm and feeling confident. $148, Miller Brothers; 3207 Paces Ferry Pl. NW; 404-233-8000; in person and online: millerbrothers.com.

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C. Silver Black Tight Leggings These snazzy leggings will keep you warm and bring out the animal in you. A highly stylized zebra pattern covers the fabric in what Boy Next Door calls “scintillating silver, rippling with light every time you move.” $89, Boy Next Door Menswear.

D. Tom Ford T Icon Reversible Leather Belt It’s not inexpensive, but it’s so chic and gorgeous it’s worth it. Made in Italy, this is one of Tom Ford Atlanta’s signature items. The belt is 400mm in width, with a lining of 100% leather and hardware of 100% brass. It’s also reversible.

After the last year and a half, we all deserve nice things. $790, Tom Ford at Phipps Plaza; 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE; 470-237-3730; in person and online; tomford.com.

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E. Black Leather Zipped Shirt This sexy shirt is perfect for the leather daddy in your life.

It’s faux leather, so it’s fully washable and breathable with the perfect amount of stretch. $110, Boy Next Door Menswear.

F. Jolly Jewels Sack Pack and Boxers Self-care shouldn’t stop at the family jewels! This festive gift set will improve his daily comfort and skin health and will leave his Christmas package smelling good. The set includes Ballwash, Nut Rub Solid Cologne, Sack Spray, holiday boxers, and a scratch-off which includes a chance at a $1,000 vacation. $59, Ballsy; online: ballwash.com.

G. Rogue X Harness This neoprene harness is a must-have! It accentuates your back and shows off your check. Pair it with the matching Rogue X jockstrap to complete the look. $69, Boy Next Door Menswear.

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H. About Face Designs Socks What’s better than a useful pair of socks? These hilarious socks, of course! Pricing available in store, Brushstrokes; 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE; 404-976-6567; in person.

November 19, 2021 Gift Guide 13

GIFT GUIDE

Toys, Books, and Games Katie Burkholder

A. “The Ex-Girlfriend of My Ex-Girlfriend is My Girlfriend” This advice book covering all things queer womanhood — spanning dating, love and friendship — is the perfect gift for your young queer daughter, your little sister who recently came out as a bisexual, or your lesbian best friend who just can’t figure out how to navigate dating. $19.95, Charis Books and More; 184 S Candler St.; 404-524-0304; in person and online: charisbooksandmore.com.

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B. “Between Perfect and Real” This moving YA novel, which was a 2021 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, is about a trans boy finding his voice to come out and reveal his true self to his girlfriend, theater director, and himself. This book is perfect for young trans and gender non-conforming people navigating their identities. $18.99, Charis Books and More.

C. RuPaul Puzzle This 500-piece puzzle features iconic photos of RuPaul, making it the perfect gift for the lover of all things RuPaul’s Drag Race! $14.99, Posman Books at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE; 470-355-9401: in-person.

D. Zig and Go Big Boum Wall Set Zig and Go is like dominos on steroids. This 48-piece set includes wheels, ramps, and balls — everything you need to build your own chain reaction. Your kids can use the pieces to build one of the three layouts included with the set or get creative and make their own! $65.99, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE; 404-883-3306: in person.

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E. Game of Queens Enter the world of huge hair, sparkling makeup, fake eyelashes, and the tuck and tape with Game of Queens.

This card game includes all your favorite drag queens, including Trixie Mattel, the Boulet Brothers, and Latrice Royale. Pit queens against each other — who’s the most outrageous? The funniest? — and the fight for the most fabulous glamazon is on! $14.99, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop at Ponce City Market.

F. What’s Your Sign?

This game is great for the horoscope obsessed! From the makers of What Do You Meme?, the point of the game is to create the funniest horoscopes by filling in the blank of the prompt with one of the cards in your hand. $29.99, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop at Ponce City Market.

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GIFT GUIDE

Stocking Stuffers A

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E Jim Farmer A. CapaBunga Wine Stopper Ever get through half a bottle of wine and want to save the rest? This gift is perfect for those times — a silicone wine cap that doesn’t leak, in assorted colors. $6, Eco Denizen; 999 Peachtree St. NE #180; 678-705-9880; in person.

B. Mini Plant Pot Hunks Buff up your dainty potted plants with this set of four ripped and hunky figurines. $19.99, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE; 404-883-3306; in person and online; rhensnesttoyshop.com.

C. MATT & NAT Verasm Small Vegan Wallet Matt & Nat’s vegan and recycled products are all the rage now. They are fashion-forward and eco-friendly, made from different recycled materials such as nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork, windshield resins and plastic bottles. This

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wallet comes in four colors — cream, red, black, and brown — and includes 10 card slots, one bill compartment, and four slit pockets. $55, The Merchant at Krog Street Market; 99 Krog St. NE; 404-331-1200; in person.

D. Color Me Drunk Drinking Activity Book This 21+ activity book is perfect for those who are bored of beer pong. Spend your happy hour coloring away! Pricing available in store, Brushstrokes Pleasures; 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE; 404-876-6567; in person.

E. Locally Made Candles Kaboodle in East Atlanta Village has a great collection of locally made candles from Lovely & Co. that are small enough to make the perfect stocking stuffer. Scents include lavender and white sage, red currant, vanilla musk and fire, sweet vanilla, and sandalwood. $19, Kaboodle; 485 Flat Shoals Ave. SE; 404-522-3006; in person.

November 19, 2021 Gift Guide 15

GIFT GUIDE

Biking, Hiking, and The Gay Outdoors Katie Burkholder A. “How to Camp in the Woods” Book Trying to make the upgrade from casual glamper to full-on woodsman? Devon Fredericksen’s complete guide to finding, outfitting, and enjoying your outdoor adventure has all the tips and tricks you need, from survival basics to stargazing essentials. $21.99, High Country Outfitters at Ansley Mall; 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE; 404-963-2618; in person and online: highcountryoutfitters.com.

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B. FLIKR Fire Take this miniature bonfire with you anywhere! With only five ounces of 70% or 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you have 50 minutes of fire for warming yourself or roasting marshmallows. $95, High Country Outfitters at Ansley Mall.

C. Recon 2.0 Mountain Bike Shoes These shoes are perfect for the serious biker in your life.

Recon 2.0 is designed with performance and comfort in mind, with STRIDE toe-flex technology for natural movement off-bike, a nylon outsole to create traction off the bike, and an L6-Snap Boa and Velco forefoot closure to ensure microadjustable comfort with secure fit. They come in a variety of colors, including orange, purple, and black. $160, Outback Bikes; 484 Moreland Ave. NE; 404-688-4878; in person and online: outback-bikes.com.

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D. EVOC CC 21 Hydration Backpack This handy and ultralight backpack provides easy access to hydration on bike rides and hikes. It accommodates up to two liters of water, includes a pocket for your cell phone, and comes in black, neon blue, and red. $70, Outback Bikes.

E. Align II MIPS Helmet Every biker needs to stay safe! This sleek helmet is budgetfriendly without forgoing protection. This helmet includes Tri-Fix web splitter, the Headset SX dial fit system for easy fit adjustment, 4th Dimension Cooling System for incredible ventilation, and three universal shell sizes to achieve the perfect fit. $50, Outback Bikes.

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F. Bike Tours Atlanta Gift Card Give the gift of an LGBTQ history bike tour through the city (or another tour, like Atlanta’s Journey for Civil Rights and Sustainability in Action) with a gift card to Bike Tours Atlanta. $65+, Bike Tours Atlanta; online: biketoursatl.com.

G. Serial 1 Step-Thru eBike Elevate your biking game with this electric bicycle, powered by Harley-Davidson. The sleek step-thru frame makes it easy to get in the saddle and stand flat footed at a stop. Reaching up to 20 MPH, this bike can totally change the way you get around the city. $4,999, ElectroBike Georgia; 2484 Briarcliff Rd NE #25; 404-400-7132; in person and online: electrobikega.com.

16 Gift Guide November 19, 2021

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November 19, 2021 Ads 17

GIFT GUIDE

For the Georgia

Sports Fan B A

C Katie Burkholder A. Braves World Series Champion 3/4 Sleeve T-shirt What better way to celebrate the Braves’ World Series win this holiday season than with a classic T-shirt commemorating the victory? $44.99, Atlanta Braves Official Online Shop; online: mlbshop. com/atlanta-braves.

B. Atlanta Braves World Series Champions Dugout Mug This unique gift is a perfect find for the Braves fan in your life. Drink a cold beverage and commemorate the Braves’ World Series win with this 12 oz. mug

18 Gift Guide November 19, 2021

D made from the barrel of a real baseball bat. $69.99, Dugout Mugs; online: dugoutmugs.com.

C. Georgia Bulldogs Sleep Set Who says you can only cheer on the Dawgs during the day? A real Bulldogs fan not only bleeds red and black, but sleeps in it, too. $49.99, Georgia Bulldogs Store; online: shop.georgiadogs.com.

D. Georgia Bulldogs Ornament Set Adorn your tree with these adorable Georgia Bulldogs ornaments to make cheering on the #1 college football team in the nation a little more festive. $15.99, Georgia Bulldogs Store.

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GIFT GUIDE

One-of-a-Kind

Finds

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Katie Burkholder

A. Custom Mirror Letter Earrings Capricorn Killjoy is a Black-owned local business handmaking custom earrings, pins, and necklaces. Pick a word or phrase (up to seven letters per earring) and colorway to create a completely unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Order by December 4 to ensure delivery for Christmas. $20–$50, Capricorn Killjoy; online: capricornkilljoy.com.

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B. Custom Cassette Tape Take it back to basics with this old-school present. This cassette is completely customizable — you choose the color, track list, and label and jacket art — making it an incredible, heartfelt gift for a loved one. $16, In the Clouds; online: intheclouds.io.

C. Create Your Own Reel Viewer What’s better than a scrapbook of photos? A modern take on one of the greatest gadgets from your childhood: the View-Master. Choose from one of four colors — red, blue, black, or white — and fill the reel viewer with photos of you and your loved one. $29.95, Uncommon Goods; online: uncommongoods.com.

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D. Green and Turquoise Glasses and Decanter This beautiful decanter and glass set is perfect for the frequent dinner party host. If these beauties have been sold already, don’t fret; Kudzu in Decatur always has myriad glassware on sale. $48 for decanter, $54 for glasses, Kudzu Antiques + Modern; 2928 E Ponce de Leon Ave.; 404-373-6498; in person.

E. Cowboy Salt and Pepper Shakers If there’s one thing we can learn from Brokeback Mountain, Lil Nas X, and Orville Peck, it’s that there’s nothing gayer than a cowboy. This magnetic antique salt and pepper set — featuring a saddle and a cowboy boot — is one of Kudzu’s huge collection of cute and kitschy shakers. $14.95, Kudzu Antiques + Modern.

F. Vintage Lamp What better gift for a new homeowner than a beautiful, one-of-a-kind vintage lamp? Kaboodle in East Atlanta Village has a wide variety of gorgeous light fixtures, including this modern buddle lamp. $149, Kaboodle; 485 Flat Shoals Ave. SE; 404-522-3006; in person.

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G. Prema Painting Kaboodle also has a collection of works from local abstract artist Prema, whose distressed and rustic work is truly one of a kind. $795, Kaboodle.

20 Gift Guide November 19, 2021

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The Carlos Family in Honor of Thalia N. Carlos Presents

returns to live performances December 4–29, 2021 | For tickets visit atlantaballet.com or call

at 800.982.2787.

Groups of 10+, email groupsales@atlantaballet.com

Sponsors

Illustration by T. Dylan Moore

GIFT GUIDE

For Your

Furry Family A

D Jim Farmer A. Cosmic Catnip 24 Karat Carrot Cat Toy This carrot-shaped toy will keep your cat preoccupied chasing and cuddling it. It’s made with North American-grown catnip and boasts a strong, aromatic fragrance as well. $7.99, The Pet Set Midtown; 976 Piedmont Ave. NE; 404-249-6668; in person and online: thepetset.com.

B. Farm Hounds Turkey Wing Flat Dog Treats These treats are air-dried, dehydrated, and oh so appropriate for the season. Beware: there’s a strong possibility that your dog will want more than one. $4.99, Whole Dog Market Piedmont Park; 985 Monroe Dr. NE; 404-549-2727; in person and online: thewholedogmarket.com.

C. Tasty Tinsel Crunchy Cat Treats This treat for cats is a crunchy pumpkin & white fish combo, all natural, made with

22 Gift Guide November 19, 2021

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E upcycled sunflower seeds, and promises to be a feline favorite. $3.99, Pet Supermarket at Ansley Mall; 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE; 404-879-0580; in person and online: petsupermarket.com.

D. Kong Wobbler Treat Ball Most pets have lots of toys already, but this is one of the Pet Set’s best sellers. Aimed to present a new way to entertain and challenge your dog, the Kong Wobbler is a food dispensing toy and feeder. The toy remains upright until pushed with a dog’s paw or nose, then it wobbles, spins and rolls, dispensing treats through a hole near the top. $21.35 for small, $28.38 for large, The Pet Set. E. P.L.A.Y. Royal Crest Lounge Dog Bed This Victorian Lounge Bed is described as high-brow, with elevated sides, soft black suede on both sides, and an ivory black trim. Comfortable as heck, it’s a perfect gift to pamper your furry loved one. $75, The Pet Set.

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Find Your Way Home!

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November 19, 2021 Ads 23

BUCK JONES THE FRENCH CONNECTION

France’s Trump Buck Jones France is gearing up for its presidential election that takes place next spring.

Unlike in the United States, the voting has two rounds. The first round is open to all eligible candidates, for which the biggest hurdle is getting the signatures of 500 mayors who will publicly support the candidate. For most political parties — and there are plenty of parties — once they designate who their candidate is, they can then turn to their bench of elected officials across the country and gather the required signatures from the more than approximately 34,000 mayors in France easily. The top two finishers from the first round of voting then face off for the final round two weeks later.

The current president, Emmanuel Macron, ran as an independent in 2017 and created his own political movement that is now a political party. His “La République En Marche” (LREM, which roughly translates as “The Republic Works” implying that things are moving forward) is a fusion of dissatisfied former members of the Socialist Party from the center-left and former members of the conservative Republicans on the centerright. When he emerged as a contender in 2017, his predecessor was Socialist François Hollande who was polling at about three to five percent (and he was Macron’s former boss; Macron had been the Minister of the Economy under Hollande). Hollande was so unpopular that the Socialist Party essentially collapsed and today it attracts only about five to eight percent of voters with its new candidate, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Macron today polls between 23 and 26 percent, which puts him in first place for the first round. For many people who are more liberal and progressive, such as myself, Macron is viewed as someone who is unapologetically “neo-liberal” and capitalist, which are generally 24 Columnist November 19, 2021

Eric Zemmour

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK / MACRI ROLAND

not compliments in France. Outside of Paris, in what is called “la France profonde” where the country’s heartland is found, the French are pretty conservative. They tend to vote based on economic issues, support a strong French cultural identity. They are antiimmigrant, and pro-law and order. In short, they are in many ways similar to America’s Republican voters.

for almost 20 years. She has toned down the xenophobia and conspiracy theories of her party and has largely successfully mainstreamed it and her own persona so that leading up to next year’s election she was almost certainly guaranteed to be the finalist again in round two facing off yet again against Macron.

outside Paris to a family of Jewish Algerian immigrants. Despite his origin story, however, he is now the poster child for the reactionary conservatives in France who are antiimmigrant and, by implication, anti-Muslim, and viewed by many on the political right as a more electable candidate than Marine Le Pen.

The past two presidential elections (2012 and 2017) had Marine Le Pen run as the candidate for her extremist right-wing “Front National” Party. She was able to make it as one of the two finalists in 2017, but lost with 33 percent of the vote (better than her more polarizing father did in 2002 when he got just 17 percent as a surprise finalist against Jacques Chirac). Since her loss in 2017, she has rebranded her party. It is now called the “Rassemblement National” (RN), which harkens back to the old Gaullist party of Charles De Gaulle that used “Rassemblement” as the name of their party

But the real surprise since the end of summer vacation has been the sudden rise of a new player this election cycle.

With Zemmour now viewed as “fresh” and “exciting” by the roughly one-third of the country who is culturally and politically conservative, he has moved past Le Pen as the new number two to face off against Macron next spring.

Eric Zemmour is not a handsome figure.

I’m sure many “The Simpsons” fans have noticed an uncanny resemblance between Zemmour and the decrepit tycoon, Mr. Burns. He has been a long-time polemicist, writing books and newspaper articles for the right-wing Le Figaro and appearing as a regular commentator on France’s equivalent of Fox News (called CNews). Zemmour was born in a working class neighborhood

Zemmour has a media-savvy team built around him and they are currently busy garnering those precious mayor signatures required to appear on the ballot for the first round. The fact that many are calling him “France’s Trump” is a worrying sign for the future of the country.

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JIM FARMER ACTING OUT

In Time for the Holidays Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour and Lesbian-themed ‘Marie and Rosetta’

MORE INFO Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2021 November 26 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre www.cobbenergycentre.com

Jim Farmer

“Marie and Rosetta” November 30–December 30 Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company www.TrueColorsTheatre.org

As the holidays approach, theater companies are getting back into (semi) normal routines and special events appealing to the LGBTQ community are returning.

Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll — as she broke the barriers she faced in the music world in the ‘40s. She is credited for inspiring the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, and Ray Charles. The drama also focuses on her relationship with Marie Knight, a young singer she recruited from gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson.

This year marks the 24th annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour. Last year, the gay saxophonist was forced to skip touring because of COVID-19 and pivoted to live stream entertainment.

“It was a challenge for anyone who was a musician,” Koz told Georgia Voice. “We were all sidelined. In true fashion, we found ways to connect through live streams and Facebook Live and Instagram Live and stay connected to our fans. That was one of the nice things about the pandemic for me.”

This season’s guests include South African guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Richard Elliot and vocalist Rebecca Jade.

“This one captures the mood of our country,” Koz said. “It feels like inviting concertgoers into a living room party with close friends.

We’ve all been through a lot, and we are here together and celebrating all the great things in life, making memories and adding meaning to our life. That is the way we are approaching it.”

He never anticipated that his tour would still be going strong after two decades.

“As a nice Jewish boy from Southern California, the last thing I ever thought I’d be doing would be a Christmas tour and seven Christmas albums,” he said. “I love the 26 Columnist November 19, 2021

Dave Koz

PUBLICITY PHOTO

music. These are some of the greatest songs of all time They lend themselves to new creative directions. You have to really try hard to screw these songs up; they are that good.”

Koz’s influence on the industry as a gay artist has been huge. “I have heard from other gay jazz artists that it meant a lot to them,” he said. “For me, it was about becoming a whole person. I was expecting the worst and every time I have pushed myself to be more authentic it has been rewarded. The greatest gift I could have ever given myself was to come out.”

Koz has received nine Grammy nominations over his career. He released two albums during the pandemic, including “A New Day” in October 2020, 30 years to the week after his debut album, and then “The

Golden Hour” this summer.

The performer said he loves the warmth of Atlanta audiences and acoustic excellence of Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Atlanta gig kicks off the holiday tour, which wraps up just before Christmas in San Jose.

“Marie and Rosetta” is a new play opening at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company next week. Like Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour, it was postponed from an earlier engagement because of COVID-19. It’s directed by Andrea Frye, who has been a force in Atlanta theater all over town for decades, including work at True Colors before.

Written by George Brant, the play follows Sister Rosetta Tharpe — recognized as the

Frye knew very little about the central couple before she came aboard. “That was the delight of it,” she says. “Here was this woman who for a while really ruled the community in African American music and church music all rolled into one. She was a spiritualist who sang with her mother and did religious music and became obsessed with another beat, another passion. She jazzed up these religious songs and they became irresistible.”

Tharpe and Knight became a celebrated musical duo. The two became lovers when they met and had a “long lovely relationship before they broke up,” says the director. The pair had to face a lot during the time, such as Jim Crow laws, but Frye is not aware of any particular stigmas they faced in being together. “But one can assume because they had a love for each other and were out there in the world, there may have been.”

This production features an entire cast and team of Black women, which the director says is a rarity. Amitria Fanae stars as Rosetta Tharpe and Jasmine Renee Ellis portrays Marie Knight.

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November 19, 2021 Restaurant Guide 27

BEST BETS OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ATLANTA Katie Burkholder Happy holidays! Join in the season’s festivities with some of Atlanta’s best arts organizations and fill your calendar with cheer.

A Christmas Carol

Now through December 24 Alliance Theatre Alliance’s beloved production of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol returns to the Coca-Cola stage this year. Don’t expect the same show of years past; this year’s production is a new adaptation, complete with a reimagined set and stunning new costumes. Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased at alliancetheatre.org.

“White Wig” Exhibition

Now through December 12 SCAD Museum of Art Those in the Savannah area shouldn’t miss this incredible exhibit by queer artist Mehryl Levisse. The exhibit uses gendered imagery consisting of wigs, makeup drawings, and paintings to question commonly accepted conceptions of gender.

Learn more at scadmoa.org.

Dave Koz and Friends

November 26 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Santa Koz is coming to town! The Grammy nominated and Platinum selling saxophonist kicks off his Christmas tour in Atlanta with guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Richard Elliot, and vocalist Rebecca Jade. Koz and Friends will perform renditions of timeless Christmas classics — and a Hanukkah medley — making this a holiday must-see. You can buy your tickets through Ticketmaster starting at $41.

Home Alone in Concert

November 26 through 28 Atlanta Symphony Hall Experience Home Alone in a way you never have before as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs the score live over the fun-filled holiday film. Tickets start at $39.50 and can be purchased at aso.org.

Ginger Minj’s Winter Wonderland

November 27 and 28 Out Front Theatre RuPaul’s Drag Race icon Ginger Minj kicks off her holiday tour in Atlanta with her bestie Gidget Galore. This nondenominational musical romp through the holidays promises to be festive fun.

Tickets and VIP packages (which include

28 Best Bets November 19, 2021

EVENT SPOTLIGHT The Nutcracker

December 4 through 29 • Atlanta Ballet The Atlanta Ballet’s production of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker finally makes its return! Described as “one of the most entertaining [Nutcrackers] out there,” this larger-than-life ballet is a must-see this holiday season. Tickets start at $54 and can be purchased at atlantaballet.com. early entry, an autographed tour poster, a photo opportunity with Ginger Minj, and more) are $30 each and sold separately.

Buy your tickets at gingerminjlive.com.

An Evening with Chevy Chase November 28 Fox Theatre What better way to enjoy the Christmas classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation than with a screening followed by a Q&A with the Clark Griswold himself, actor Chevy Chase? Chase will share stories from his career and insight into the making of his classic movies and TV appearances. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at foxtheatre.org.

The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus 40th Anniversary Holiday Concert

December 3 and 4 St. Philip’s Cathedral The holidays aren’t the only thing to celebrate; it’s the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus’ 40th anniversary! This incredible holiday show will feature favorites like “Lux Aurumque,” “Betelehemu,” and “Ave Maria.” Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at voicesofnote.org.

Swing Into the Holidays with the MetroGnomes December 3

Vista Vibes Restaurant Don your best gay apparel and join Atlanta Freedom Band’s 16-piece band and featured vocalists for this event. Listen and dance along to hot holiday jazz and swing tunes while enjoying chef-inspired menu selections and handcrafted cocktails. Cover is $10, payable at the door or online at atlantafreedombands.com.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

December 7 through 12 Fox Theatre You can’t miss this Christmas classic.

Rediscover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ holiday tale as it comes to life onstage with hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at foxtheatre.org.

Christmas with the ASO

December 9 through 11 Atlanta Symphony Hall The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus promise to inspire holiday cheer with this evening of holiday carols, hymns, and more. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at aso.org.

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes — Holiday Edition December 10 through 19 Out Front Theatre

Celebrate the season with the hilarious Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia! This seasonal romp promises to fill you with the holiday spirit and leave you aching from laughter. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at outfronttheatre.com.

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure

December 10 through January 2 Synchronicity Theatre This family-friendly show is a combination of rock concert and live theatre, adapted form Lewis Carroll’s famous stories Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There. The story follows a young Allice as she journeys through self-doubt. Tickets start at $15 (for children) and are available at synchrotheatre.com.

“Remembrance and Joy” by the Atlanta Women’s Chorus

December 18 Morningside Presbyterian Church The Atlanta Women’s Chorus brings back a favorite holiday tradition with their fourth annual holiday concert. The performance will feature an arrangement of the Fauré Requiem along with some beloved holiday classics. Tickets are $25 and available on voicesofnote.org.

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Remembrance

& Joy

DECEMBER 18 @ 2pm & 8pm MORNINGSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

40th Annual

Holiday Concert DECEMBER 3 @ 8pm DECEMBER 4 @ 1pm & 6pm THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP

For information and tickets visit

www.VoicesOfNote.org

MELISSA CARTER THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK / STUART MONK

Little League Inspiration Melissa Carter We’ve had a special time in our family the last couple of months. Katie Jo served as our son’s head coach in Fall Little League. After their final game last week, she wrote this post that I’d love to share with any baseball fans: After we signed Mr. Carter up for his fourth season of Little League, I got the email that our community was low on head coaches this season. I ignored that email and the one that followed. I didn’t ignore these emails because of lack of baseball knowledge.

I played softball from the time I was 7 until I was 19. I played on travel teams and church teams and rec leagues after college. I love baseball. I cry at baseball movies. I still have all my Topps baseball card sets that I asked Santa Claus to bring me for Christmas when I was little. I have scars on my knees and elbows from playing.

I told myself that the reason I ignored those was for typical reasons: “I have plenty on my plate; committing to be at every practice and game would be hard; etc.” But deep down, there was another reason I was hesitant to volunteer to coach what I knew would likely be an all-boys baseball team. I had not seen another mom who was a head coach of a boys’ little league team in our town. I was irritated with myself for letting that fact have any influence on me.

But it had. I didn’t respond to the email.

30 Columnist November 19, 2021

Finally, I decided enough was enough. I loved baseball, I had always wanted to try coaching, and I could find the time. The fact that I am a woman was not a good enough reason to ignore that third email. When I arrived at my first practice, I experienced what can only be described as a baseball miracle.

Halfway through the first practice, every one of these kids was calling me “Coach,” and I have loved every minute of it. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I didn’t know any of these kids (other than my own) on the first day of practice. Because of them, I fell in love with baseball all over again. They gave me a new appreciation for all the coaches of my life.

But more than anything, these kids gave me the opportunity to do something that scared me, and I am so thankful for them. We don’t do things that scare us often enough as adults, and we miss out on so much when we skip the scary stuff. Kids do scary stuff every day. These kids did it at every practice and every game. For some, it was staying in the batter’s box with the baseball coming at 37 miles per hour. For some, it was standing under a fly ball. For some, it was playing infield. We lost all but one of our first five games and then something clicked. They won their last three games handily. They all promised they were coming back to play next season. And no matter where their lives take them or what kind of team they are on as they grow into amazing men, it will not be a big deal to them at all if the person they call Coach is also a mom.

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

RYAN LEE SOMETIMES ‘Y’

Am I My Fuck Buddy’s Keeper?

Ryan Lee A semiregular sex partner sent me a message Friday saying he was horny, but then went ghost after confirming what I’ve sensed since we first fucked about six months ago.

“You don’t party, do you?” he asked.

PHOTO BY SHUTERSTOCK.COM / CYPHIX-PHOTO

“Just weed,” I replied. He hit me up again late Saturday night asking if he could come over when the bar closed and I left my door unlocked as we’d arranged, but no one was beside me when I woke up Sunday morning.

His delighted, post-sex glow faded into somber relief as he sighed and said, “Thank you. I really appreciate you saying that.”

Lest you mistake my weekend as lonely and neglected, he barely popped into my mind during those days because he was one of a couple dozen sexual encounters I had planned while my roommate was out of town. When he finally came over Sunday afternoon, he had to wait outside my apartment for 16 minutes until a more punctual hookup ended.

He talked about how his occasional partying had turned into daily usage since July and expressed both a 20-something’s fear that he was doing adulthood wrong and an African American queer person’s fear that he had done being Black wrong. He lamented how most of his sex partners and associates had zero concern for his well-being, and how even his family and close friends seemed to ignore his struggle.

Our sex was intense and uncomplicated, with no need to discuss his shadiness or my sluttiness. The physicality and passion in his lovemaking always make it easy to forgive his erratic communication and ignore the sound of his grinding teeth during intercourse.

Although our bond is based on nothing but orgasms, I like him enough to worry about his serenity and outlook. While we were dressing and still buzzing with satisfaction, I gently initiated a booty call-based intervention.

“I’m not trying to bring the mood down or anything, but you asked me about partying,” I said. “That’s not something I do, and I don’t want you to feel judged if it’s something you enjoy. I will say, though, that I know that scene can get hectic and overwhelming, and I know it can feel like there is no way out and that everybody is out to use you. If you ever need to unplug, or catch your breath, or get away from that energy, I want to offer you a space to separate from all of that for a while, to simply chill with no expectations and no questions asked.”

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

“I haven’t been to the gym in two months, I’ve lost so much weight,” he said. “I look at myself in the mirror and it’s so obvious that something’s happening, but everybody acts like they don’t notice. I’m late all the time now, that’s not me — but no one says anything.”

“And I don’t know how to ask for help,” he continued. “I try to let people know that I haven’t been all right, or I haven’t been myself, but I don’t know how to say, ‘Hey, I think I’m addicted to crystal meth.’”

Few people know how to ask for help, and far beyond the context of drug recovery.

However, addiction exacerbates the isolation many gay men become accustomed to — from their family and communities, the gay dating scene and society in general; and while there is a risk of misreading a situation or trying to manage someone’s life, we must do better with designating ourselves as exit ramps for our friends, brothers and fuck buddies who might want to get out of the fast lane.

November 19, 2021 Columnist 31