11/21/14, Vol. 5 Issue 19 by Georgia Voice

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

IN THIS ISSUE OF GA VOICE

11.21.14

THE GEORGIA VOICE

PO Box 77401 | Atlanta, GA 30357 404-815-6941 | www.thegavoice.com

Deputy Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com

NEWS

Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Jim Farmer, Vandy Beth Glenn, Shannon Hames, Bill Kaelin, Ryan Lee, Steve Warren

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

BUSINESS

Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

Managing Partner: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com Sales Manager: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Anne Clarke aclarke@thegavoice.com Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group

National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

OUTSPOKEN

Photo via youtub

In loving memory of Mike Ritter, 1965-2014

For the 16th consecutive year, Horizon Theatre stages the fan favorite and hilarious ‘Santaland Diaries.’ (Courtesy photo)

FRIENDS & FOES IN THEIR OWN WORDS

FINE PRINT

“All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he’s gay would’ve been a double tragedy.”

“I’m not gay no more!” —Andrew Caldwell, who claimed

to have been “delivered” from homosexuality at a church conference in St. Louis, Missouri (Towleroad, Nov. 10)

33 | Gay WABE reporter Jim Burress always on lookout for next story 34 | Charis Books & More’s 40th anniversary photo gallery

A&E

36 | Mind the ManShaft with DJ Diablo Rojo 38 | Theater: ‘Santaland Diaries’ a holiday tradition for Horizon Theatre 39 | Books: Children’s book tackles transgender story 40 – 42 | Best Bets calendar

COLUMNISTS

45 | That’s What She Said: Melissa Carter on how the U.S. is a late bloomer to real maternity leave 47 | Sometimes ‘Y’: Ryan Lee on building traditions with your chosen family this Thanksgiving

—”The Simpsons” co-creator Sam Simon, who donated nearly

$8,000 to save the life of Benjy the gay bull (BBC News, Nov. 18) Photo via Facebook

Photo via Facebook

All material in the GA Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the GA 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 the GA 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 the GA Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the 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 the GA Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. The GA Voice is published every other Friday by The GA Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of the GA 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 the GA 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.

COMMUNITY

“I went into it like a regular game. I’ve been here before.”

—Derrick Gordon, on becoming the first

Join us online: facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice

openly gay athlete to play a game in Division I men’s basketball (New York Times, Nov. 14)

YOU DESERVE

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11.21.14

NEWS

NEWSIN BRIEF

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said he is ‘proud’ of the city’s perfect score from the HRC in its third annual Municipal Equality Index. Atlanta was the only Georgia city to score 100. (File photo)

ATLANTA AGAIN SCORES 100 ON HRC’S MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX

The city of Atlanta notched a perfect score for LGBT equality for the second year in a row as the Human Rights Campaign notes in the third annual Municipal Equality Index. HRC graded hundreds of cities across the nation, including eight Georgia cities, on nearly 50 factors under six broad factors including non-discrimination laws, relationship recognition, city employment policies, inclusiveness in city services, law enforcement, and city leadership on matters of LGBT equality. The results were released Nov. 12. “This city has a rich history of upholding human rights and providing equal opportunity to all people,” said Mayor Kasim Reed in a prepared statement. “It is my duty and honor to uphold this tradition. My administration works to recognize and protect the dignity of all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I am proud that the city’s accomplishments have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and am committed to earning a perfect score each year I am in office.” In 2013, Reed appointed Atlanta Law Department Chief Counsel Robin Shahar as Mayoral Advisor on LGBT Issues. “Mayor Reed created this position in order to identify and address the equal treatment and quality-of-life issues experienced by Atlanta’s LGBT residents and workers,” said Shahar in a statement. “Achieving a perfect MEI score for the second consecutive year reinforces the significance of Atlanta’s equality work and emphasizes the importance of continuing these efforts in 2015.” There were some surprising results as Decatur’s score jumped nearly 20 points over

last year’s score, but still stands at a mediocre 46. Augusta-Richmond took a step backward from last year’s 12 score and stands at a 10. And the North Druid Hills area held firm in the LGBT equality gutter with them, going down from a 15 last year to an 11 in 2014. Avondale Estates, Athens and Columbus held steady with similar scores from last year, with a 58, 46 and 21 respectively. The average score for the eight Georgia cities was 39 out of 100 points, a far cry from the national average of 59. “Georgia Equality is once again pleased to work with HRC and the Equality, Federation to support the Municipal Equality Index,” said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality in a press release. “While Atlanta has achieved a milestone with a perfect score, there are many smaller municipalities who are working to put policies in place to protect and respect their LGBT residence. The MEI is a great resource for these municipalities to know how they measure up with their peers and it provides local advocates with a tool for working with local elected officials to create the change we need in the communities we call home.” The 359 U.S. cities that HRC ranked included 50 state capitals, the 200 most populous cities in the country, the four largest cities in each state, the city home to each state’s largest public university and what HRC calls “an equal mix of 75 of the nation’s largest, mid-size and small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples.” — Patrick Saunders

ESTRANGED WIFE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR KILLING LESBIAN EAST POINT POLICE OFFICER

A woman accused of killing her estranged wife in a fit of jealousy was sentenced to life

www.theGAVoice.com in prison last week. Danielle Alexis Parker, 32, was sentenced to life for the July 4, 2013, killing of East Point Police Corporal Crystal Parker. Danielle Parker pleaded guilty Nov. 5, the day jury selection was to begin in her trial. Danielle Parker was charged with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Crystal Parker was a seven-year veteran of the department. “According to the investigation, jealousy was the apparent motive for the murder. Defendant Parker and the victim had separated in December 2012, Danielle Parker but the victim allowed the Defendant to remain in the home until she could find a place to live,” according to a press release from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. “However, at the beginning of June 2013, the victim asked the Defendant to move out permanently. The victim later began dating another woman. Defendant Parker was enraged because of the victim’s new relationship. Just one day after the victim returned from a trip to visit her new girlfriend in Florida, the Defendant shot and killed Corporal Parker using the victim’s personal handgun. The victim’s gun and cell phone were never recovered,” the press release further states. During a preliminary hearing on July 31, 2013, Det. R. Hudson from the Fulton County Police Department described how Crystal Parker was found in her bed with a bullet wound to the back of her head. Crystal Parker’s two-story home is located on Creel Road in unincorporated Fulton County. Hudson said the wound was a “close contact” wound, meaning the gun was either pressed against Crystal Parker’s head when fired or no more than an inch away. — Dyana Bagby

SIXTH CIRCUIT GAY MARRIAGE PLAINTIFFS FILE APPEALS TO U.S. SUPREME COURT

Plaintiffs from all states in the Sixth Circuit have filed petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ recent ruling upholding bans on samesex marriage. The Sixth Court of Appeals’ ruling Nov. 6 upheld gay marriage bans in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Sixth Circuit is the only federal court since the 2013 Windsor ruling striking down a major portion of the Defense of Marriage Act to uphold bans on same-sex marriage. Recent decisions striking down bans on same-sex marriage from the Fourth, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth Circuits have led to legal marriages for same-sex couples in more than 30 states. The nation has reached a “tipping point” when it comes to same-sex marriage and it is time for the Supreme Court to step in, said a representative from Lambda Legal. — Dyana Bagby

GA VOICE | 8

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11.21.14

www.theGAVoice.com

Atlanta and Georgia honor World AIDS Day From symposiums to vigils, residents continue efforts to ‘get to zero’ By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988 and is recognized each year on Dec. 1 with numerous events to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, honor those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died. This year’s theme is, “Getting to Zero: Zero new infections, Zero new AIDS deaths & Zero discrimination against people living with HIV.” Approximately 35 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS including 1.1 million people in the U.S. living with the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in six people in the U.S. do not know they are HIV-positive. While rates of infection continue to drop worldwide and stabilize in the U.S. at close to 50,000 new infections a year, infection rates among gay and bisexual men continue to rise, especially among young African-American men.

An Emory study conducted from 2010 to 2014 among men who have sex with men (MSM) revealed that percentage of black gay and bi men over the age of 30 who were living with HIV was higher than 60 percent. Georgia and the Southeast continue to be at the epicenter of HIV rates. Some statistics from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC: n Georgia ranked fifth among the 50 states in the number of HIV diagnoses in 2011. n In 2011, an estimated 2,520 adults and adolescents were diagnosed with HIV in Georgia n Approximately 55-61 percent of all new HIV or AIDS cases reported in Georgia are in the category of gay or bisexual men. n African-American gay and bisexual men account for 63 percent of HIV and AIDS cases reported in Georgia among MSM (and 43 percent of the overall state total), but African-Americans comprise only 28 percent of the state population.

EVENTS PLANNED

n World AIDS Awareness Weekend When: Friday, Nov. 28 - Sunday, Nov. 30 Where: Georgia World Congress Center & the Intercontinental Buckhead www.worldaidsawarenessweekend.com

n The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus hosts the Georgia Sexual Health Policy Symposium When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Where: Georgia State Capitol Purpose: To educate state legislators, policymakers, public health professionals, advocates, and activists. www.georgiaworldaidsday.org n World AIDS Day- Atlanta Youth HIV “Bootcamp” When: Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Grady Infectious Disease Clinic on Ponce Purpose: Clinical frontline staff at AIDS service organizations working with young people at risk for or living with HIV and school nurses at Atlanta, Dekalb and Fulton schools. At this half-day workshop, attendees will learn about working with young people at risk for and living with HIV and how to integrate youth-friendly standards into clinical practice. This will also be our first step in reaching Atlanta school health personnel with important messaging about teens’ HIV risk. n World AIDS Day- Atlanta Let’s Talk about HIV Parent Workshop When: Dec. 1, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Frederick Douglass High School

(225 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30318) Attendees: Parents and families of students attending Atlanta, Fulton or Dekalb Schools Program Overview: GCAPP and Grady IDP Pediatrics will team up to talk to parents about how to talk to teens about sex and discuss the basics of HIV among youth. n World AIDS Day Atlanta Love and Light Night Vigil When: Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m. Where: Historic Old Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Purpose: “This heartfelt vigil will honor those we’ve lost in the fight, but also celebrate young people’s rights to learn about testing and treatment for HIV. Youth musical performances will take place and we will stand together in solidarity in front of the beautiful Atlanta skyline.” http://tinyurl.com/m4wkmqs

Gay promoter sentenced to federal prison for drug smuggling Chris Coleman to serve 41 months in Alabama prison camp By DYANA BAGBY dbagby@thegavoice.com A well-known Atlanta gay party promoter has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for smuggling drugs, including methamphetamine and ketamine. Chris Coleman, 48, of Chris Coleman Enterprises, pleaded guilty to three counts of intent to sell methamphetamine and ketamine after a federal investigation found he was smuggling the drugs to Israel wrapped in packages of candy. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, acting on tips from Israeli law enforcement, began surveillance of Coleman in June 2013. “The Israeli agents had developed evidence that several packages, originating from Atlanta and containing the controlled substances GHB and methamphetamine, had been sent by Coleman,” according to court documents. The agents watched Coleman drive to the U.S. Post Office on Briarcliff Road and mail a package. After Coleman left the post office, agents got a search warrant for the package and found 12.9 grams of meth inside.

Chris Coleman

On July 8, 2013, Coleman told an undercover agent he had recently mailed 28 grams of meth and was paid $2,000 via Western Union. Agents found this package at a post office on Moreland Avenue. Inside this package, addressed to be mailed to Israel, were several bags of candy, and buried in the candy was a small Ziploc bag containing 28.2 grams of meth. On July 10, 2013, agents with a federal drug task force executed a search warrant on Coleman’s home. They found bags of candy similar to the ones seized at the Moreland Avenue post office, an eye dropper contain-

ing Butanediol (similar to GBH, and also known as a “club drug” or “date rape drug”), 6.2 grams of cocaine in baggies in the pockets of Coleman’s jacket, plastic bottles filled with ketamine and a sandwich bag labeled “empty capsules & Mollie & Xtacy” that contained empty gelatin capsules. Court documents show that in July 2013 the DEA seized $38,400 from an Atlanta Wells Fargo bank safe-deposit box and noted the money came from “illegal drug distribution” by Coleman. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles A. Pannell sentenced Coleman on Sept. 4 to 41 months in prison with no possibility of early release. Coleman reported voluntarily to a federal minimum security prison camp in Montgomery, Alabama, on Maxwell Air Force Base, on Oct. 13 of this year. He will be on probation for three years after his release. Friends and family members submitted letters to the court on Sept. 3 as character references to ask the judge for a lenient sentence. One letter submitted was from Dino Thompson-Sarmiento, CEO of Spotted Dog Agency and a member of GLAAD Atlanta’s leadership board. But Thompson-Sarmiento told the GA Voice he wrote the reference last summer for a Kickstarter campaign by Coleman. “I had no idea about this case. I was not

aware of it and I never submitted an email as a reference to this case. That’s a complete lie that I submitted that,” Thompson-Sarmiento told the GA Voice. “What I did get was a request from Chris Coleman that was a request for a business reference to start a Kickstarter program. I said sure. He had done great work with the community in the past so I had no issue doing that. But the fact that it was used for a court case? I am completely shocked they used that in that capacity,” he added. Coleman’s attorney, Donald F. Samuel, also wrote on behalf of his client, telling the judge Coleman was diagnosed with HIV in 1989 and has struggled with depression and drug abuse. Samuel also noted Coleman has worked with groups in the local LGBT community for many years, including AID Atlanta, Jerusalem House, Joining Hearts, and GLAAD. Michael Morrison, COO of Inserection on Cheshire Bridge Road and the Tokyo Valentino men’s club at the same location, said he is Coleman’s “best friend” and recently worked with Coleman on promoting the space as well as on other events. Morrison told GA Voice that Coleman could have given up names to authorities in exchange for having his sentence completely erased. “What he didn’t do is take the feds up on their offer and took it on the chin,” Morrison said. — Patrick Saunders contributed to this story

World AIDS Day December 1

n Remembering the Departed

n Honoring the Living

n Empowering Those at Risk

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NEWS

11.21.14

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Georgia HIV stats ‘sad and alarming’ Recent CDC study shows state lagging in prevention care By DYANA BAGBY A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Georgia is lagging behind other states when it comes to linking those with HIV to care and retention in care but ranking among the highest for death rates for those with AIDS. The CDC’s 2014 State HIV Prevention Progress Report looks at each state’s successes and failures in the area of HIV prevention. Released in September, the report paints an abysmal portrait of how Georgia is doing to help those with HIV as well as lowering numbers of new infections. “The nation’s Ryan White system of HIV care for the uninsured is stretched thin. Patients have lots of hoops to jump through,” said Greg Bautista of JSI, a public health advising firm in Atlanta. “They can make dozens of trips in one year if their medical exams, quarterly labs, case manager appointments, eligibility, and monthly medication pickups are not in sync. They can get fatigued and drop out.” And these hoops and traversing a complicated health care system contribute to Georgia’s poor ranking by the CDC, Bautista said. “It’s sad and alarming, especially to see the death rate for Georgians with HIV is one of the highest in the country,” he said. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was funded at $2.32 billion for fiscal year 2014. The majority of funds go to support primary medical care for those with no medical insurance. In 2013, Georgia received just under $96 million in Ryan White funding.

CAPUS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Combating the stigma surrounding HIV/ AIDS is a priority for the Department of Public Health when it comes to working to prevent the spread of HIV in Georgia, according to a state public health official. “Since becoming a standalone, cabinetlevel agency in 2011, and before, we at the Georgia Department of Public Health have been exploring ways to reduce the burden of HIV and AIDS in our state and connect more people with care,” said DPH spokesperson Ryan Deal. “Addressing the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS is the center of our work as stigma alone often prevents individuals from being tested or seeking treatment.” And a new initiative, dubbed the CAPUS (Care and Prevention in the United States) Care Portal, is underway to try to ensure people with HIV are connected to care as soon as possible, Deal added. The CAPUS project is a three-year cross-agency project led by the

DETAILS Georgia Care and Prevention in the United States www.gacapus.com CDC that aims to reduce HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. “Finding sustainable HIV treatment and care is the single, most important connection HIV positive individuals can make. But for many, navigating through different and confusing systems can become so frustrating that a connection to care is never made. Instead, everyday challenges like housing and employment become life’s priority,” he said. “Georgia’s CAPUS Care Portal is positioned to change the landscape of HIV and AIDS care, and knowledge, in Georgia.” Georgia was one of the eight states to receive CAPUS funding, which directly aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. The program launched in October. “The online portal will serve as Georgia’s clearinghouse for HIV/AIDS information and, for the first time, will allow users to securely and privately determine their pre-eligibility for Ryan White services by answering a few simple questions,” he explained. If eligible, the user’s connection to care begins almost immediately, he added. But what about PrEP? “PrEP is not covered by Ryan White. Yet, for negative partners of HIV clients covered by insurance or Medicaid, DPH often prescribes PrEP,” Deal answered.

‘NEED A MORE UNIFIED HIV PREVENTION PLAN OF ACTION’

For Bautista, concerns about Georgia’s poor rankings in HIV prevention persist. “Since our legislature funds only a small fraction of Georgia’s HIV budget, much of what happens locally is shaped by the rules set forth by federal funding agencies. For a long time, federal agencies were disjointed in their approach to HIV prevention,” he said. “With the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, federal funding agencies are now giving states a more unified and cohesive set of expectations. The mandate for prompt linkage to care and viral suppression is part of that. Things have been getting better in Georgia compared to 10 years ago but improvements have been gradual. Leaders have been working hard to reform and improve public health in Georgia, starting with making the Department of Public Health a cabinet-level agency, he added, but lots more still needs to be done. “We need a more unified HIV prevention plan of action for our state and more visible and vocal leadership on HIV prevention at all levels,” he said.

From the CDC report n 27.4 percent of Georgia residents diagnosed with HIV in 2011 were already at the third stage of infection, known as AIDS, compared to 24.9 percent nationally. This is considered “late-stage HIV diagnosis.” If these patients had been receiving HIV testing on a more frequent basis, such as annually or every six months, their HIV infections could have been detected much sooner. This would have made it possible for them to receive medical care and delay the onset of AIDS. n Only 71.6 percent of Georgia residents diagnosed with HIV in 2011 were linked to medical care within three months after diagnosis. Furthermore, the report indicates Georgia had the worst statistic for linkage to HIV medical care within three months when ranked among the 19 jurisdictions (18 states plus District of Columbia) that have data for comparison. The top three jurisdictions with the best statistics for prompt linkage to HIV care were North Dakota (100 percent), Wyoming (93.3 percent) and South Carolina (91.9 percent). n Only 43.6 percent of Georgia residents diagnosed with HIV in 2011 were retained in HIV care, giving it the seventh worst ranking for retention in HIV medical care when ranked among the 19 jurisdictions (18 states plus District of Columbia) that have data for comparison. The top three jurisdictions with the best statistics for retention in HIV care were Iowa (58.8 percent), California (58.3 percent) and New York State (58.3 percent). n Among HIV-positive Georgia residents who received HIV care at least once in 2010, only 54.9 percent had achieved viral suppression. Also, Georgia had the second worst statistic for viral suppression when ranked among 19 jurisdictions that have data for comparison. The top three jurisdictions with the best statistics for viral suppression were North Dakota (81.3 percent), California (77.7 percent) and New Hampshire (77.1 percent). n The average death rate among Georgia residents 13 years of age and older living with HIV in 2010 was 28.4 (per 1,000 Georgians living with HIV), indicating Georgia had the third worst death rate when ranked among the states with a similar burden of HIV disease. The jurisdictions with the lowest death rates were Illinois (15.3 percent), Virginia (18 percent) and California (18.3 percent).

Other Georgia HIV/AIDS stats n Georgia has the fourth highest annual HIV incidence rate among the 50 states. n Metro Atlanta has the eighth highest annual HIV incidence rate among large metropolitan areas in the U.S. n Metro Atlanta also ranks as the city with the third highest HIV incidence among males age 25- 34. n African Americans face a disproportionate burden, accounting for 71 percent of all new AIDS cases diagnosed each year of local HIV cases despite the fact that African Americans account for only 31 percent of the Metro Atlanta population. n Metro Atlanta is home to approximately 60 percent of all Georgians living with HIV. Within Metro Atlanta, the vast majority of HIV cases are concentrated in a cluster of 157 census tracts centralized in downtown Atlanta and the HIV prevalence rate in this cluster meets the World Health Organization’s definition of a generalized epidemic.

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NEWS

Truvada:

THE NEW MORNING BEFORE AND AFTER PILL? Preliminary study results show success in ‘on-demand’ PrEP regimen By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com The scientific community and HIV/AIDS activists are abuzz about the preliminary findings of a new PrEP study showing not only the effectiveness of the treatment overall, but the success of an innovative regimen wherein participants took PrEP only when they anticipated having sex instead of taking it daily as it is currently prescribed. Participants in the IPERGAY trial, which occurred in France and Canada and closed early due to high effectiveness, took two pills of Truvada in the 24-hour period before anticipated sex and, if sex occurred, then took two separate one-pill doses of the drug in the two days following sex. IPERGAY investigators did not release any effectiveness figures or other data, but will do so once a complete analysis of the results has been completed, which they say should be sometime in early 2015. HIV/AIDS activists in Atlanta are cautiously optimistic. “I think it’s significant. It adds a way of protecting those who are at high risk, especially MSMs who are sexually active,” said Ronnie Bass, executive director of HIV/AIDS outreach organization Someone Cares, who also warns, “It’s not a Band-Aid toward having unprotected sex, it’s not a quick fix.” Other activists echo Bass’s sentiments. “We think it looks real promising, but we will need to look at the details once more information comes out. There are a lot of if’s,” said Michael Baker, director of advancement at Positive Impact. “As far as our clinic goes, we will have to adhere to whatever the CDC is advising. I will tell you the CDC is moving very strongly in the direction of PrEP.” The U.S. Public Health Service released new federal PrEP guidelines in May, developed by a working group led by the CDC, which recommended PrEP for people who are at a substantial risk for HIV, including gay and bisexual men. The announcement led to criticism from Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, who has called PrEP “a public health disaster in the making” and Truvada a “party drug.” This week, Weinstein’s organization launched a national advertising campaign in LGBT media using the headline “What

if you’re wrong about PrEP?” The group has also sent press releases about the campaign to LGBT media organizations across the country, including the GA Voice. However, Weinstein doesn’t appear to have many allies on this issue. HIV/AIDS groups across the world, including here in Atlanta, have blasted him for his comments. “I think it’s really unfortunate to have someone in his position to make the comments he’s making,” Baker said. “I’ve read the same studies and they say the exact opposite of what he’s saying. I think he’s doing the community a major disservice by not backing up his claims. From Positive Impact’s position, we don’t believe in sex shaming.” In the meantime, in the wake of this latest study, the CDC is taking a wait-and-see approach. “It is important to point out that while these announcements are encouraging, at this point we do not have any data or other critical details from these trials,” said Dr. Eugene McCray, director of the CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, in a statement released shortly after the findings were announced. “More specifically, we have no data on factors that may have informed these announcements including rates of HIV infections, PrEP adherence or risk behaviors among trial participants. We also do not yet know what IPERGAY will tell us regarding the frequency, timing, or exact dose of PrEP required for protection.” The IPERGAY trial will continue in non-randomized form for at least another year to gather safety data and show that “on demand” PrEP can have long-term benefits. The CDC urges gay and bisexual men and other groups at higher risk of HIV infection to continue to follow current CDC guidelines, which recommend the FDA-approved regimen of daily oral Truvada for HIV prevention.

11.21.14

GA VOICE

What is STRIBILD? STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. It combines 4 medicines into 1 pill to be taken once a day with food. STRIBILD is a complete single-tablet regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. 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 STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD 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.

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking STRIBILD, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. STRIBILD is not approved for the treatment of HBV.

Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you: • Take a medicine that contains: alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil when used for lung problems (Revatio®), triazolam, oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb St. John’s wort. • For a list of brand names for these medicines, please see the Brief Summary on the following pages. • Take any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, or the medicine adefovir (Hepsera®).

What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? Serious side effects of STRIBILD may also include: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do regular blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with STRIBILD. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD. • Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines. • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking STRIBILD. The most common side effects of STRIBILD include nausea and diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start any new medicines while taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider. • If you take hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc). • If you take antacids. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Also, some medicines in STRIBILD can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if this can harm the baby.

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 Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

I started my personal revolution Talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment. STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 treatment in 1 pill, once a day. Ask if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you.

Patient Information STRIBILD® (STRY-bild) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. What is STRIBILD? • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD is a complete regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. • STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. • Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • feel very weak or tired • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing • have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • feel dizzy or lightheaded • have a fast or irregular heartbeat 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take STRIBILD. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time. 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone

• Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider • If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking STRIBILD Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: • adefovir (Hepsera®) • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • oral midazolam • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 medicines, including: • Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, Viread®, Truvada®) • Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or ritonavir (Atripla®, Combivir®, Complera®, Emtriva®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Norvir®, Trizivir®, Truvada®) STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old. What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD? STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects: • See “What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD?” • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: • Nausea • Diarrhea Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of STRIBILD. For more information, ask your healthcare provider. • Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including: • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis B infection • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. - There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. - Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can pass into your breast milk. - Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements: • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines: - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) - Antacid medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD - Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high blood pressure - amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®) - atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®) - bepridil hydrochloride (Vascor®, Bepadin®) - bosentan (Tracleer®) - buspirone - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®) - clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®) - clonazepam (Klonopin®) - clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®) - colchicine (Colcrys®) - medicines that contain dexamethasone - diazepam (Valium®)

- digoxin (Lanoxin®) - disopyramide (Norpace®) - estazolam - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) - flecainide (Tambocor®) - flurazepam - fluticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent® Diskus®, Flovent® HFA, Veramyst®) - itraconazole (Sporanox®) - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) - mexiletine - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) - perphenazine - phenobarbital (Luminal®) - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) - propafenone (Rythmol®) - quinidine (Neudexta®) - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) - rifapentine (Priftin®) - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) - salmeterol (Serevent®) or salmeterol when taken in combination with fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) - sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away. - tadalafil (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension - telithromycin (Ketek®) - thioridazine - voriconazole (Vfend®) - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider. Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com. Issued: October 2013

COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. STBC0111 10/14

$3000

OFF MSRP

AND 0% FINANCING FOR 72 MONTHS

ON ANY 2014 NISSAN MURANO

1625 Church Street • Decatur, GA 30033

888.652.5080 • NalleyNissan.com CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF I-285 INSIDE THE PERIMETER With approved credit and must finance with NMAC. 2 or more available at this price at each location.Dealer discount excludes tax, tag, title, registration, Georgia Lemon Law and includes dealer and electronic filing fee. Model#23314. Stk#EW405045, Stk#EW418948. Offers end 11/30/2014.

14-04201_Nalley_Nissan_GA_Voice_Print_Ad_November_10x10.5_9-26-14.indd 1

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

FEATURED LOCAL RETAILERS SHOWCASE INC. PHOTO AND VIDEO PAGE 22 • BRUSHSTROKES PAGES 22, 24 WORTHMORE JEWELERS PAGE 23 • BOY NEXT DOOR PAGE 26 • CHARIS BOOKS & MORE PAGE 29 • PET SET PAGE 30

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

11.21.14

AT L A N TA

G AY

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

GA VOICE

CHORUS

Tied Up The 34th Annual Holiday Concert

December 5 & 6 The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta

Tickets $35 & up For group rates, please contact info@agmchorus.org

AGMChorus.org

GA VOICE | 20

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Help those helping others By PATRICK SAUNDERS

The holidays are a time for buying presents to give to loved ones. But don’t forget the many nonprofit organizations in Atlanta and Georgia doing the hard work in our fight for equality and helping those of us less fortunate. They, too, need gifts—typically gifts of cash—to help them continue their work. Here are some of those deserving groups.

Holiday Donations Does your friend or loved one have a favorite cause? Make a tax deductible donation in their name to show them you care!

The Arts Actor’s Express: www.actors-express.com Atlanta Freedom Bands: www.atlantafreedombands.com Fabrefaction Theater: fabrefaction.org OurSong: www.oursongatlanta.org Out On Film: outonfilm.org

Lost-N-Found Youth Brick By Brick Campaign $125 for a 4X8 brick, $250 for an 8X8 brick lnfy.org/brick-by-brick/ Help Lost-N-Found build their new transitional housing facility and Youth Center and get homeless LGBT youth off the streets in the process. It’s a win-win.

Charis Circle 40th Birthday T-Shirt $15 To buy, visit the store in Little Five Points or call the store at 404-524-0304 Help the nation’s oldest feminist bookstore celebrate the big 4-0 by snatching up this special edition 40th anniversary shirt, with proceeds going to Charis Circle.

LGBT Rights ACLU of Georgia: www.acluga.org Georgia Equality: georgiaequality.org Human Rights Campaign Atlanta: hrcatlanta.org Lambda Legal: www.lambdalegal.org Southerners on New Ground: southernersonnewground.org Spark Reproductive Justice NOW: www.sparkrj.org

HIV/AIDS/General Health AID Atlanta: www.aidatlanta.org AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta: arcatlanta.org Aniz, Inc.: www.aniz.org The Evolution Project: evolutionatl.org The Health Initiative: thehealthinitiative.org Jerusalem House: www.jerusalemhouse.org National AIDS & Education Services for Minorities (NAESM): www.naesm.org Open Hand: www.projectopenhand.org Positive Impact: www.positiveimpact-atl.org Ric Crawford Clinic/AID Gwinnett: www.rcclinic.org Trans Initiative at the Atlanta Feminist Health Center: www.transhealthinitiative.org Transgender Individuals Living Their Truth: www.tiltt.org

Community Atlanta Pride: atlantapride.org

LGBT Youth CHRIS Kids: www.chriskids.org For the Kid in All of Us: www.forthekid.org JustUsATL: justusatl.org PFLAG Atlanta: www.pflagatl.org Pride School Atlanta: www.prideschoolatlanta.org Real Youth Atlanta: www.realyouthatl.org

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Tech geek

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR w/ 24-105mm Lens Kit $3,999.99 Showcase Inc. Photo and Video 2323 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Atlanta â&#x20AC;˘ 404-325-7676 www.showcaseinc.com

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR comes with supercharged EOS performance and stunning full frame, high-resolution image capture. Advanced professional-level high definition video capabilities make it possible to capture beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality. A newly designed 22.3 Megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, and shooting performance up to 6.0 fps provide exceptional clarity and sharpness, even when capturing rapidly-unfolding scenes.

T 70 p

Sound Core Bluetooth Speaker $59 1510-J Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta â&#x20AC;˘ 404-876-6567 www.brushstrokesatlanta.com

This premium fusion of style and sound is portable to give you music on the go with a long-lasting battery that gives ou up to seven hours of playtime. It comes with a rechargeable Lithium battery.

Crosley - Memory Master II CD Recorder Turntable $328.47 Best Buy www.bestbuy.com

Play your vintage vinyl collection while also nodding to modern technology with this CD recorder that allows you to easily transform your records and cassettes into CDs. Listen to your favorite radio stations via the built-in AM/FM radio.

www.theGAVoice.com

Premium Tesla Hi-Fi headphones $569 north-america.beyerdynamic.com The T 70 p premium headphones have fully metal sound transducers with powerful neodymiumannular magnet to ensure maximum performance and high fidelity. The closed design efficiently eliminates ambient noise. Even at a low volume the finest details can clearly be heard: controlled, analytical and balanced from ultra-deep bass to crystal-clear highs.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Bedazzled & Bejeweled

11.21.14

GA VOICE

Pair of 3.5mm White Gold Pave Diamond Disc Studs $249 Pair of 4.5mm Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Disc Studs $339 Pair of Yellow Gold Diamond Accented Dagger Earring Jackets $939 These are sold individually and can be worn by themselves or all together as shown.

www.worthmorejewelers.com 500 Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta • 404-892-8294 117 East Court Square • Decatur • 404-370-3979

Zina Sterling Silver Prism Necklace $389

LEGAL NOTICE Pride School Atlanta admits students of any race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, affectional preference, sexual orientation, marital or relationship status, gender identity or gender expression to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Pride School Atlanta does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, affectional preference, sexualorientation,maritalorrelationship status, gender identity or gender expression. This policy applies to all aspects of the educational environment including admissions, hiring, educational programs and services, tuition reduction and extracurricular activities.

http://www.prideschoolatlanta.org prideschoolatl@gmail.com

Single Ear White Gold and Diamond Ear Climber $1,029

Worthmore Jewelers

Nixon Watch $450 Shown with William Henry Bracelets Ranging from $325 - $595 each

Shinola Watch $600 Shinola Small Leather Wallet $80

We've stuffed so much into our holiday party, we're having two! It's time for our Annual Holiday Blast!! This year, we've included so many special events, we don't want you to miss any! Celebrate December 6, 10am to 6pm in Midtown and on December 7, noon to 5:30pm in Decatur. Here's just a sample of our holiday festivities: • Our annual Antique Jewelry Roadshow. • Gingerbread House-Making Competition. Enter your own creation or vote for your favorite! You could win a $250 Worthmore Gift Card—all proceeds beneﬁt Lost-NFound Youth. • Several Designer Trunk Shows including Designer Nina Nguyen, Lew Ingwer and his 1939 antique-inspired collection and Reactor Watch founder, Jimmy Olmes. • Special Worthmore holiday snacks and beverages For complete details, check out worthmorejewelers.com/blog

Amsterdam Walk . 500 Amsterdam Ave . Atlanta . 404/892-8294 Decatur Square . 117 East Court Square . Decatur . 404/370-3979 www.worthmorejewelers.com

Zina Sterling Silver Toggle Necklace $289

GA VOICE

11.21.14

Burly boys

The Shave Barbershop Atlanta

Price varies www.theshavebarber.com 630 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta • 404-565-0730 An Atlanta based barbershop catering to modern day cutting edge techniques paired with traditional services, the Shave Barbershop offers both a style and community experience as a true “neighborhood shop.”

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Mustache Crew Socks $9.95 www.brushstrokesatlanta.com

If you’ve been looking to add some class to your feet, look no further! These socks are more hip than you could ever ask for! When you put these on, the well groomed mustache will show your friends that you’re sharp and dashing!

Tantalizing tattoos

Jack Black Core Collection Gift Set $52 1510-J Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta • 404-876-6567 www.brushstrokesatlanta.com

This gift set Jack Black contains: Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser—a unique 2-in-1 facial cleanser and toner that removes deep-down dirt and oil; Beard Lube Conditioning Shave—a revolutionary pre-shave oil, shave cream and skin conditioner in one easy step; Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20—a lightweight, daily facial treatment that offers UVA and UVB protection.

Price varies www.triedandtrue.com 2289 Peachtree Road Atlanta • 404-725-8282

With over 15 years of experience tattooing and piercing, Tried and True Tattoo can give everyone that comes in the best experience while getting the work done. Here there’s no “tattitude” to endure. The experienced staff give the best southern hospitality and transfer the best work to your skin.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

11.21.14 GA VOICE | 25

Dapper Dames Tie One On

$30 JoJo and Sofia www.jojoandsofia.com There are so many ties out there to choose from, but how to make yours distinctive? Nothing like a retro Brash Stache tie clip.

Style It Up

$16.95 Bubbles Salon www.bubblesatlanta.com 1579 Monroe Drive NE Atlanta • 404-876-7745

Buckle up

$52 www.tomboyx.com Buckle up with this belt and buckle hand made in Boise, Idaho, using local metals. This look is tough tomboy—but not enough to lock out your tender side. TomboyX is a community brand with a showroom in Seattle, Washington, and caters specifically to gender nonconformists.

Short hair with an androgynous style is smoldering for the holidays. Make sure not a hair is out of place with American Crew Pomade. This extremely versatile water-based formula rinses clean and offers smooth control with shine to stand out at parties.

Boxer Briefs $27 www.tomboyx.com

Stylish Shoes

Tired of shopping in the men’s department for stylish boxer briefs? TomboyX also offers a variety pack of its specially designed and modified briefs for a woman’s body, up to size 4XL. Made with high-quality cotton and just a bit of spandex to keep them snug but not binding.

Finding women’s sizes in masculine style shoes, such as Oxfords and Monks, can be frustrating. Men’s sizes tend to run too big for women with small feet and boys’ shoes don’t always offer trendy options. Online, however, there are plenty for the butch who wants to look good from head to toe. The Lorne by Dr. Martens and its leather design make this an instant classic. Women’s sizes begin with 3.

$110 www.drmartens.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Look, underwear

Nasty Pig Take Down Jock Foxy Fashion (Above left)

$35.98 www.focx.co.uk

Bam! These superhero boxer shorts are sure to make the wearers feel like they can conquer anything that crosses their path. FOCX is a UK brand that offers women’s and unisex boy shorts and boxer shorts both with and without the keyhole opening. FOCX underwear come in a variety of colors and as well as a variety of lengths.

Short Shorts (Above right) $25 letsbebrief.mybigcommerce.com

Let’s Be Brief gender neutral boxer briefs and briefs embody a masculine look, paired with innovative style, to flatter sizes XS to XXL. These Lady Riders say it all. A percentage of the company’s sales is donated to support LGBTQ organizations each year.

Coat chic

$25 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta • 404-873-2664 www.boynextdoormenswear.com Masculine, athletic, and snug enough to show off this festive package—no need for a bow—complete with the iconic Nasty Pig logo.

Randy Dandy $59 Boy Next Door

Looking for a way to keep warm while also looking hot for the holidays? These Frank Dandy long johns are exactly what a guy needs to thwart an arctic blast while still arousing an interest from the cute guy at the Hanukkah party.

Stand Out Special Edition $299

Silky Fleece

Patagonia is known for its dedication to preserving the environment, and for also creating some of the best in outdoor clothing. Stand out and stay snug in this men’s Copper Ore Ultralight Down Jacket made with 800 fill goose down and its special edition ripstop shell. (green bow)

This woman’s Patagonia Conejo is a silky bomber style high pile fleece sure to keep you warm while rushing through the city to that next party or event and making sure you are fashionable doing so. (green bow to show environmental friendly)

REI 1800 Northeast Expy NE Atlanta • 404-633-6508 www.rei.com

$149

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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11.21.14

GA VOICE

The Lexus

PERFECT UPGRADE PROGRAM

UPGRADE TO A NEW, SAFER, MORE RELIABLE VEHICLE NEW 2014 LEXUS

IS 250 LEASE FOR

$359 FOR 27 MONTHS

NEW 2014 LEXUS

ES 350

The Lexus

LEASE FOR

PERFECT UPGRADE PROGRAM

ZERO DUE AT SIGNING

4-Door Sport Sedan Auto. Stock# 40837. Offer based on MSRP of $37,688 including delivery, processing and handling. Net selling price $32,888. Residual value $26,382. Zero due at signing. 27-month lease with 10K miles per year allowed, $0.25 per mile thereafter. Security deposit is waived by Lexus Financial Services and included in the $359/month offer. Based on approved credit to a very well-qualified buyer through Lexus Financial Services. Excludes GA TAVT tax and registration fees. Expires 11/30/14.

LEXUS SOUTH ATLANTA

855-593-2304

LexusofSouthAtlanta.com

$379 FOR 36 MONTHS

ZERO DUE AT SIGNING

4-Door Sedan Auto. Offer based on MSRP of $37,858 including delivery, processing and handling. Net selling price $32,558 (includes $1,350 lease cash). Residual value $21,958. Zero due at signing. 36-month lease with 10K miles per year allowed, $0.25 per mile thereafter. Based on approved credit to a very well-qualified buyer through Lexus Financial Services. Excludes GA TAVT tax and registration fees. Expires 11/30/14.

4025 Jonesboro Road Union City, GA 30291

GA VOICE | 28

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

11.21.14

www.theGAVoice.com

Typical gay guy gifts DSW Gift Certificate Price varies Locations across the city

Fitbit Flex

$94.95 1210 Caroline St. NE Atlanta • 404-827-0137 www.bestbuy.com

What gay man doesn’t love shoes, whether it’s Chucks, wingtips, running shoes or otherwise, every kind can be found at DSW.

Slap a Fitbit around your wrist and track every step of your day wirelessly to an app on your phone, plus track your sleep, set fitness goals and keep a diet log.

Magic Razorless Cream Shave

$3.99 Drug stores across the city

This razorless cream shave originally intended to keep bald heads hairless has in recent years been repurposed by gay men as a way to keep … other parts hairless. Ahem.

Sapphic offerings Stone Butch Blues

Charis Books & More 1189 Euclid Ave. Atlanta 404-524-0304 www.charisbooksandmore.com

“Stone Butch Blues” should be required reading for every LGBTQ person and has become a classic especially among queer women and transmen and transwomen who found their lives reflected back at them for the first time. Written by warrior activist Leslie Feinberg in 1993, this book has stood the test of time and will continue to inspire and educate. Feinberg died Nov. 15.

Vegan Variety

MAC Attack

For women who love women and also love the environment, vegan wallets and clutch purses are sure to be a gift that makes you feel good giving it while also making you feel good for helping protect animals and the globe.

A woman always wants to look her best and there’s no denying a holiday gift package from MAC Cosmetics is guaranteed to impress. Gltter is always a good option, too, and make sure to get boxes adorned with the cameo medallion.

Toro Clutch by Big Buddha $35 Camden Wallet $24 www.veganchic.com

Prices vary MAC Cosmetics Lenox Mall 3393 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 404-233-7575 www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

www.theGAVoice.com

11.21.14

The Revolution Will Be Organized

$16 Charis Books & More

“Sleeps with Dogs: Tales of a Pet Nanny at the End of Her Leash” is a delightful book by Lindsey Grant as she shares stories of her days caring for other peoples’ pets and their oftentimes bizarre customs. There’s no denying people will do nearly anything to make their pets happy.

Slingshot Organizers are a must-have for punks, radicals, free thinkers, and the young at heart. Pocket planners and desk organizers help revolutionaries keep track of meetings, events, fundraisers, and more as they work to make the world a better place. They’re also very cute.

$30 Barnes & Noble • Edgewood Retail District 1217 Caroline Street at Moreland Ave. Atlanta • 404-522-0212

Pet Peeves

$6-$12 Charis Books & More 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta 404-524-0304 www.charisbooksandmore.com

Terror Tome

GA VOICE

shop terrific thursdays

this holiday season

Stephen King, a master storyteller of suspense, returns with his first true horror book since 2006 with “Revival.” Described as having “the best opening he has ever written” and also billed as having the “most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written,” this book about organized religion is sure to grip readers.

Makan

Squash Blossom

Fabu Face Spa

Mac McGee’s

Boutique Karma Raging Burrito

decatur-ga-voice-nov21-2014.indd 1

Amy Poehler’s “Yes Please” is everything you’d wish from this funny woman: hilarious stories, candid thoughts, goofy lists, and even some haikus. This book is a must-have for any fan of the talented celebrity.

Do your holiday shopping – and dining – here. Find festivities and local cheer throughout December, and special deals on Terrific Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, and 18.

A OC L ED

$28.99 Charis Books & More

Yes, Ma’am

it’s time to get gifty! PROV

visitdecaturga.com 11/13/14 12:25 PM

GA VOICE | 30

11.21.14

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

www.theGAVoice.com

Pampered pets The Pet Set

www.thepetset.com 976 Piedmont Ave. Midtown • 404-249-6668 2480 Briarcliff Road Loehmann’s Plaza • 404-633-8755

Tuff Guys $22 and up

Furrari Bed $249

As a boy, he was highly involved in music and joined “DoWop,” a boy band of five harmonizing hunks. After their one hit, “Layers of Love,” Tony grew concerned that his music wasn’t manly enoughwhich led to his rebellion. He was eventually kicked out of the band for his constant refusal to wear a shirt. He took to the gym to work out his boy band woes and started competing in the World’s Strong Dude competition. He won three years in a row! He’s still invested in competitive strength training. Today, you can find him pulling buses up and down the streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Size: Approximately 18-inches long and 10-inches wide

This plush Furrari Bed is for pampered pups who love to go fast asleep. Zip off cover for easy cleaning.

Cookies $1.99 and up

Mirrage $20 and up

A one-half inch wide faux leather collar with two rows of handset Czech crystals, and a decorative O-ring. Collars feature high-quality brass or chrome plated hardware. Pair these fabulous collars with our Clear Crystal Leashes.

Your pooches will be wrapped up in a state of bliss when they get a bite of these yummy Howl-i-day Giant Christmas Green Woof Paw cookies! These delicious treats come packaged in an individual cello bag with a cute bow. They will surely please the most spoiled pooch! Made in Canada.Feed as a treat or reward! Ingredients: whole wheat flour, spelt flour, peanut butter, applesauce, honey, sodium bicarbonate, canola oil, carob, vanilla coating (sugar, palm oil, vanilla, colour, soy), sesame seed, peanuts, coconut.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

www.theGAVoice.com

11.21.14

GA VOICE

For the One Who Has Everything

Cube Terrarium $49 www.westelm.com

Think inside the cube with this eye-catching way to house ferns and small flowers anywhere in your house.

Drive a Stock Car at Atlanta Motor Speedway

From $499 www.cloud9living.com/atlanta/drive-a-stock-car Give them the thrill of a lifetime as they take control of a Sprint Cup style stock car and reach 150-plus MPH at Atlanta Motor Speedway!

Smartphone Projector

$27 www.uncommongoods.com

Add an extra dimension to any party by slipping your smartphone into this handy projector and queueing up your favorite YouTube video playlist.

Custom Embosser Natural Wooden Watch $69.99 shop.gifts.com

Turn heads with this hypoallergenic, chemicalfree, natural wood watch with Miyota Japanese precision movement to ensure accuracy.

$60 www.papersource.com

The recipients gets their very own customized embosser plate so they can seal any envelopes with the ultimate personal touch.

Celebrate 25 years of this magical family tradition.

Share your memories!

Visit acc25.tumblr.com

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Tickets

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Don’t miss Family Nights!

Learn more at alliancetheatre.org/christmas

November 21–December 24 Tickets @ 404.733.5000 Family Series on the Alliance Stage

alliancetheatre.org/christmas | Plan your holiday party 404.733.4690

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

By Charles Dickens Adapted by David H. Bell Directed by Rosemary Newcott

COMMUNITY

www.theGAVoice.com

Gay WABE reporter always on lookout for next story Jim Burress an Atlanta fixture for radio listeners

GA VOICE

The Life of a WABE Story EARLY AUGUST Jim Burress was walking from a downtown parking garage to an appointment when he noticed one of the city’s red panhandling prevention “giving meters” and got to thinking about how the program was going since it was introduced several years ago.

THROUGHOUT AUGUST

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com

Burress does an open records request with the city to find out where the money was going and who is responsible for keeping track of it. This takes the city several weeks to process before the request comes through. The verdict: the money is sitting in a city bank account and hasn’t gone anywhere.

One day in late March, WABE reporter Jim Burress toured a Liberian hospital where the first three people in Guinea diagnosed with Ebola had come for treatment. The next day, he found himself back in the same hospital—but this time in a bed, showing signs of the deadly disease that’s gripped the world’s attention. “They diagnosed it as malaria but it wasn’t, it was something I ate I think,” Burress says. “So yeah, that was the scary part.” The openly gay reporter and local host of the station’s “Weekend Edition” got home safe, healthy and armed with another story to add to an award-winning career. The opportunity to cover such hard-hitting stories in depth wasn’t always present at WABE, the local NPR affiliate, but circumstances have changed over the years—and they’re about to drastically change over the next several months for Burress, the WABE staff and the Atlanta radio community.

SEPTEMBER THROUGH EARLY OCTOBER Burress talks to city officials who tell him Central Atlanta Progress was behind the marketing. But, they tell Burress, they just handled that at the beginning of the program. Burress talks to a manager of a business in the area that was one of the first to place the meters downtown. She tells Burress she was told the money was supposed to go to a local homelessness non-profit. It hadn’t. Central Atlanta Progress tells Burress it doesn’t matter if the meters are defective because the panhandling problem is much better than it used to be and that police figures can back that up. Burress talks to officials at the Atlanta Police Department, who admit the meters haven’t solved the problem. City officials tell Burress it’s up to the Atlanta City Council to divvy up the funds. Burress calls City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, who was unaware of this responsibility. Mitchell tells Burress that now that the council knows the money’s just sitting there in a city bank account, the council will look into how to put it to its initial use. Burress has all the sources he needs for the story and is ready to write.

A MAGIC PHONE CALL

The WABE newsroom is a long way from Wabash College in tiny Crawfordsville, Indiana, where Burress worked at a student radio station while getting his bachelor’s degree. After graduation he went to work for a television station in Terre Haute, where he came to a realization. “Eventually I decided TV was just awful. I still think that,” he says. “It’s fun but it is an awful industry. Everybody seems to be in it for the complete wrong reasons. From the top end, it’s so business driven. So it’s all about making money.” He got out of the TV business and went to grad school at Murray State University in Kentucky, where he started his public radio career at NPR affiliate WKMS. He found his way to Atlanta after that by moving here to work on his PhD, but after a year away from reporting, he was itching to get back in. “The final week of class I knew I was not going back, but I had no idea what I was going to do,” he says. “I’d actually applied [at WABE] when I still worked in Kentucky two years prior. Magically I get a phone call out of the blue. ‘We have your resume here. We need somebody. Are you still looking?’ It was

11.21.14

Counterclockwise from top: WABE reporter Jim Burress will spend several weeks writing up the panhandling story. Burress reads the panhandling story for news director John Haas for the first time. Burress records his voice tracks for the panhandling story after he and Haas finish editing. (Photos by Patrick Saunders)

MID-OCTOBER THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER

like manna from heaven. I started work that very next week. That was 2008.”

NOV. 6

‘I’VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH ATLANTA’

Things were much different at WABE back then, and Burress didn’t see himself sticking around long. “My plan was to be here for two years to get the credentials to go to KQAD in San Francisco. I saw this as a stepping stone,” he says. “There were four of us in the newsroom when I came and every day was awful. We had to get the same amount of news on with just four people doing it. I started to burn out.” But he hung in there and after a couple of years, more funding came through, the station started to hire more people and WABE’s name recognition within Atlanta’s news community grew. The station has since tripled the size of its newsroom staff.

“I got to do a lot of the reporting I like to do. We kind of became a family,” Burress says. “Now I’m at the point where I don’t want to leave. I’ve fallen in love with Atlanta.” WABE got another shot in the arm with the Nov. 6 announcement of a four-years-inthe-making plan to cut back classical music during the day, expand its local news, talk and arts coverage and nearly double the size of the news staff. Burress considers the growth a necessity, thanks to the demands of the Atlanta radio audience. “They expect a city of this size to have a station of a higher caliber,” he says. “So we’ve asked them to put their money where their mouths are and they did. During our pledge drives, we’ve really seen a lot of success. So the station is investing in the newsroom because that seems to be driving most of the interest.”

Burress writes and rewrites the story up for radio into a five-minute segment.

Burress reads the story for WABE news director John Haas for the first time, and the edits begin. Burress and Haas spend an hour fine-tuning the story. “Haas is brutal but brutal in a good way,” Burress says. “He’s like a listener advocate. If you can tell that story in three-and-a-half minutes, tell it in three-and-a-half minutes. Don’t waste the listeners’ time or bore them to death. But if it takes five minutes to do it, he’ll keep it there.” With a finished script in hand, Burress heads to the studio to record his voice track, then back to his computer to take the best cuts and piece all the audio clips together. This takes about an hour-and-ahalf. After the audio is done, Burress writes the story up for the web, which takes another hour.

NOV. 10 The story airs with a final running time of just over four minutes.

GA VOICE | 34

11.21.14

COMMUNITY

Charis Bookstore celebrates 40 years Charis Books & More, one of the few remaining feminist bookstores left in the nation, hit a major milestone with its 40th anniversary last weekend and celebrated with a birthday bash on Nov. 8 at the Marianna venue space above the Wrecking Bar in Little Five Points. Edie Cofrin, who donated the original seed money that started the bookstore in 1974, spoke at the VIP reception, and said her longstanding friendship with Linda Bryant, an original owner of the store, led her to believe in the mission of the store decades ago and also today. Charis was founded by Bryant and Barbara Borgman and has the best selection of LGBTQ, feminist, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and anti-racist books in Atlanta. On hand for the party were current owners, Sara Look and Angela Gabriel, as well as Elizabeth Anderson, executive director of Charis Circle, the nonprofit arm of the store that produces numerous educational programs throughout the year.

www.theGAVoice.com

TEL S

W E K E N D G E TA

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

11.21.14

www.theGAVoice.com

MIND THE MANSHAFT DJ Diablo Rojo brings his ManShaft Leather-Levi edition to its new venue at the Heretic in Midtown on Saturday. The ManShaft honors fringe queer events and the men in gear who love them. (File photo)

DJ Diablo Rojo builds a party with ‘true grit’ By DYANA BAGBY Atlanta’s nightlife scene has no shortage of national and international DJs playing at signature events in the city’s clubs, but local beat master DJ Diablo Rojo wants to make his mark and pave the way for others. Already, Atlanta’s own DJ Neon the Glowgobear headlined the new “Glitter Ball” party at Heretic earlier this month and he’s returning to open up the anticipated inaugural ManShaft party created by DJ Diablo Rojo on Saturday, also at the ‘Tic. What to expect at the ManShaft? The red devil himself says this party is for men into leather, bulging Levis, harnesses, daddies and their boys, bears, furry chests and faces, with “manly beats” to cater to the cruising the event is known for. DJ Diablo Rojo answered a few questions ahead of the big party about excitement over moving to a new venue, the party’s humble beginnings at his home, and future events where man-on-man activity is celebrated. Oh, and brush up on your hanky code. The ManShaft has been located at a few places, including Mary’s in East Atlanta, so how did the move to Heretic come about? DJ Diablo Rojo: The Manshaft originated at Mary’s, then moved to Cockpit to take advantage of more space. Soon, followers found themselves having to pick and choose attending the quarterly event due to its continued

DETAILS Read the entire interview and watch a promo video for the Manshaft at www.thegavoice.com

growth in size. The Atlanta Heretic stepped up and became just the solution we needed for adequate space with multiple service areas, and a bar layout catering to the man-to-man proximity and cruising the event is know for. The Heretic is known for bringing in national and international DJs. Are you hoping to help local DJs with ManShaft? Yes. I particularly appreciate the effort the Heretic and other venues have done to bring national and international acts to our weekends. Atlanta venues need to consider featuring, promoting, headlining, and being known for local entertainers and signature events. The Heretic was eager to bring the ManShaft to their space. To date, their bigger, monthly rotating events are by promoters from outside Atlanta. The Heretic felt they were over due to have a signature, Atlanta “born and bred” event to add to their impressive stockpile of events. Collaborating with Alan Collins, the Heretic’s general manager, has been nothing short of amazing for this event. How did the theme and overall style of ManShaft come to you? And how about that name? Attending fringe queer events in other cities, particularly those in San Francisco, inspired me. The fall of 2006 was when the idea of ManShaft was hatched. The first dry run was an event at my home called “Fetish’ween” with an attendance of about

200. The owners of Mary’s attended and with the house bursting at the seams, I turned to them and said, “We are having this at your bar, are you ready?” They said, “Name a date!” As for the name, “The ManShaft,” it’s a twist on an iconic men’s bar in New York, back from a day and age we’ll never see the likes of again. It was called “The Mineshaft,” located in the meatpacking district just West of Greenwich Village. It was “removed” from the concentration of mainstream gay bars. Wikipedia it and check it out. Folks often ask, “Why is the ManShaft event not in Midtown, it’s so ‘far’ to go to East Atlanta?” Its removed location was by design. I wanted to build a very specific clientele, one with true grit and both Mary’s and East Atlanta complimented the vision. The ManShaft has several parties a year. What are they? The “themes” or as I call them “editions” are tongue-in-cheek and gratuitously macho and iconic. Here’s the run down: February/March - “Lumberjack”; Spring - “Sports/Jock”; Summer (around Memorial Day) - the “Military”; Early Autumn - “Truck Stop”; and the final event of the year is “LeviLeather.” The men gear up for these unapologetically iconic male “ideas” deliciously. Also, a special edition is held annually called “The Red Light District” party. It’s at The Rivers Edge Campground usually the first Saturday in August. The attire is red socks and a red jock, or leather, or simply clothing optional. What kind of music do you spin?

The ManShaft has a very specific sound with rock ‘n roll overtones, electro, alternative, nu/old disco, and a dash of smart mash ups. It’s as eclectic range of music just like the mix of men who come to the event. I’ve been spinning around 10 years. One of my entertaining highlights in 2014 was spinning for the Atlanta Pride Kickoff party at the Georgia Aquarium. John Walker was amazing to collaborate with and his teams made my concept for the music video setup really come to life. It was a great opportunity to entertain our community as a whole. What should people expect at a Manshaft party? ManShaft is notorious for unearthing men who simply don’t go out but do make it to this quarterly event. Manshaft brings together a friendly, approachable crowd of men who are there to actually drink, fraternize, and play nice with each other. They are men of all shapes, sizes and a wide span of ages—there is no dominate subgroup at the event, which is refreshing. Don’t expect just local Atlanta faces attending, it regularly draws men from Tennessee, Alabama, and North or South Carolina.

Tickets

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$18

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PREM WORLD

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Dad’s Garage invades the Hertz Stage in a parody of It’s a Wonderful Life —where the audience plays a part of each night’s invasion.

Dinner & Show with TAP

On Thursday and Saturday evenings, one low price of $44* gets you a ticket to see It’s a Wonderful Laugh featuring the Dad’s Garage Ensemble at the Alliance Theatre and dinner at TAP (1180 Peachtree St.).

7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. performances!

November 28–December 20 Tickets @ 404.733.5000 alliancetheatre.org/wonderfullaugh | Groups 404.733.4690 *Available on Thursday & Saturday evenings for 7:30 and 8:00pm performances (11/29, 12/4, 12/16, 12/11, 12/13, 12/18, 12/20). Not to be combined with other offers and not valid on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Gratuity and alcohol not included. NO late seating on the Hertz Stage.

Series on the Hertz Stage

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

By The Dad’s Garage Ensemble Directed by Kevin Gillese

GA VOICE | 38

11.21.14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

www.theGAVoice.com

THEATER BY JIM FARMER

Christmas elf Crumpet returns to Little 5 Points ‘Santaland Diaries’ a holiday tradition for Horizon Theatre It was never envisioned as a holiday staple, but it’s become one. For a 16th consecutive season, Horizon Theatre is bringing back “The Santaland Diaries” with out actor Harold Leaver, opening this week. For those who’ve never seen it, “Diaries” is adapted from out writer David Sedaris’ best-selling book “Holidays on Ice,” made famous when it aired on National Public Radio. It’s a comedy about a snarky gay man who has to become a Macy’s department store elf named Crumpet one holiday season to bring in some money. Leaver, who has been with the production since it was just a reading, is joined by sidekicks Enoch King (in his ninth year) and recent Suzi Bass award winner Lala Cochran (in her third year). “The years have gone by so fast,” Leaver laughs. When the three performers come together alongside director Jeff Adler for rehearsals

DETAILS ‘The Santaland Diaries’

Horizon Theatre 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 Nov. 21 – Dec. 31 www.horizontheatre.com

Harold Leaver plays the classic character Crumpet the Christmas elf in the 16th consecutive year of ‘Santaland Diaries’ at Horizon Theatre. (Courtesy photo)

each fall, they throw out ideas. “I started a list immediately after the show closed last year of any kind of story that has legs,” says Leaver. “Things are happening right now we are figuring out ways to incorporate, such as the election. It will definitely have some play in the show. What has happened in the past, something has always happened in the world. It helps us out. It’s pretty fun. We are never really hurting for pop culture stuff to incorporate.” He also promises that this season will

feature “more Christmas, more elves” and that it will be “a lot merrier.” It’s also gotten gayer each season, he admits. Other than negotiating the financials of each season, there haven’t been any diva demands from the actor each year in coming back. He and Horizon have agreed to a yearto-year basis. “I don’t know if I am going to have as much fun each year,” Leaver admits. “That is one of the wonderful fringe benefits. So far I have been having a really good time. Last year I had as much fun as I’ve ever had. Rehearsals have been a blast—I get a kick out of it.” He has been told by Horizon that they wouldn’t do the show without him. Taking on the role has meant doing more than learning lines and showing up each night. “The character of Crumpet has really become the face of Christmas for Little 5 Points,”

he says. “It’s very much a part of that. When I participate in their parade, that is always a trip. Dressing up as a Christmas elf at Halloween is just bizarre. He is very well known. It’s just so different to be part of tradition, part of people’s holiday expectations. It has a bit of a cult following. You don’t get that kind of longevity with another show.” Each year he sees return patrons, some of whom see the show more than once, but there are also new faces each season. Groups of senior centers come to the production, and this scared him initially. “I think they are not going to get it, but they do,” he says. “I think there is something there for every audience. It’s a very sweet, inclusive show I think.” It also gives him room to improvise. “Usually we do it the way we rehearse, but that does include some freedom for me,” says Leaver. “You never know what you’ll get from an audience. Sometimes you get something back from an audience that is unexpected. I have been lucky to have ad-lib responses for it.” The theater advertises that the show is not appropriate for children, although Leaver’s nephew began coming when he was eight years old. “He’s been there every single year,” Leaver says.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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BOOKS BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

A different girl Children’s book tackles transgender story You are a one-of-a-kind kid. There’s nobody else like you. Nobody has eyes like yours, or fingers like yours, or ears that fold like yours. You think for yourself, have your own likes and hates, and people love you just the way you are. In the new book, “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, with illustrations by Shelagh McNicholas, you’ll read about a girl who’s just like other girls ... only different. Jazz is a little girl who loves the color pink. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember; she also loves silver and green, maybe because they’re sort of mermaid colors and Jazz loves mermaids, too. Like many girls, Jazz spends her days doing “favorite things.” She likes to dance and sing and pretend she’s someone famous. She draws, plays soccer, swims, and she loves makeup and playing dress-up. But when Jazz was a very little kid, there were people who didn’t want her to do any of those things. That’s because Jazz has, as she says, “a girl brain but a boy body.” She’s transgender. For sure, this fact caused much confusion when Jazz was small, because her family didn’t understand. Though she looked like a boy, she had to remind them she was really a girl inside, and reminding made her sad. Her brothers told her mermaids and the color pink were “girl stuff.” Her sister laughed when Jazz talked about “girl thoughts.” Their parents made Jazz wear boy clothes until they took her to a new doctor told them Jazz was transgender—and since Jazz’s parents love Jazz “no matter what,” they decided to let her be herself, to wear pretty pink clothes and play with the toys she liked. That wasn’t an easy thing for others to accept at first, but it’s getting better. Some people understand, while some kids still tease Jazz and call her names. She reminds herself those are the ones who don’t really know her very well. Those are the kids who can’t see the important parts of a person;

Jessica Herthel (Photo courtesy of author)

the kids who can’t understand different, and that “different is special!” I really liked this book. I liked its perky, friendly cover and the kid-magnet colors artist Shelagh McNicholas uses in the interior illustrations. I like the basic premise, and the answers it offers to curious children, parents, and teachers. Those are the things that struck me immediately about the book. Looking deeper, I discovered what truly makes “I Am Jazz” so valuable: it’s a unique, nosecrets tale written in a kid-friendly, easy-to-grasp, matter-of-fact way, told in part by author Jazz Jennings herself. That, with co-author Jessica Herthel, makes this story glow with a personal, upbeat and spirited touch that’s relatable for all children. Meant for 4-to-8-year-olds, I think kids up to age 10 could very much appreciate this book, especially if there’s a transgender child in their school. For them—and for any adult who may need it— “I Am Jazz” is a one-of-a-kind tale.

11.21.14

GA VOICE

BEST BETS BEST BETS

11.21.14

Event spotlight

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Publicity photo

11.21.14- 12.05.14

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SATURDAY, NOV. 22 International superstar DJ Jack Chang spins at Jungle, 10 p.m., www.jungleatl.com Photo via Facebook

FRIDAY, NOV. 21

Trans Day of Resilience is hosted by Lambda Legal and includes a film screening of “Black is Blue,” a film short about Black, an Africa-American transman and security guard living in California. Free, 6-10 p.m., The Phillip Rush Center, RSVP to hsimmons@lambdalegal.org

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26 Ten Atlanta presents its first annual Turkey Ball with DJ Rob Ansley spinning on the patio, www.tenatlanta.com

(Photo by Britney Almaguer

SOMETHING GAY EVERY DAY!

Bookmark www.thegavoice.com to get your daily dose of local LGBT events. FRIDAY, NOV. 21

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3 The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) hosts it annual holiday party, Out in the Kitchen, with Chef Patric Bell—Good of Max’s Wine Dive 6 – 8 p.m., W-Atlanta Midtown, www.atlantagaychamber.org

The Second Annual Coming Out Monologues at Spelman College is a production put on by Afrekete that highlights experiences of the LGBTQIA community through poetry, story telling, dancing, singing, performing monologues, and/or many other creative outlets, 7 p.m., free, Science Center Room 134, http://tinyurl.com/pmcwvww Co-sponsored by SisterLove and the Social Justice Guild, The Third Friday Film Series presents Jim Hubbard’s “United in Anger: A History of ACT UP,” about the birth and life of the AIDS activist movement from the perspective of the people in

the trenches fighting the epidemic. The film starts at 7:30 p.m. with popcorn and refreshments available, First Existentialist Congregation, www.firstexistentialist.org

birthday gift (limited supplies), 9 p.m., Mary’s, www.facebook.com/mary.heylady

Harold Leaver returns as Crumpet in Horizon Theatre’s version of David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” tonight at 8 p.m., www.horizontheatre.com

Femme Fatale hosted by Destiny Brooks and Shavonna B. Brooks takes over Burkhart’s every Friday with a cast including Phoenix and Mariah Balenciaga from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and also Angelica D’Paige, 10 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Mary’s in East Atlanta celebrates its 16th birthday with DJ Headmaster spinning the best beats from the past two decades and beyond. And get to the party early so you can your own collectible

Funny as Fork is a night of stand-up comedy with Brent Star and many others, 11 p.m., 10th and Piedmont, http://www.communitashospitality. com/10th-and-piedmont/

BEST BETS

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Photo by Dyana Babgy

SATURDAY, NOV. 22

Who will be crowned Miss Dixie 2015? Doors open at 6 p.m., pageant begins at 7 p.m., tickets $8 in advance and $10 at the door, Jungle, http://tinyurl.com/k6f87t5 With the holiday and winter season coming, the burden of finding a meal can be a tough challenge for those in need. Lost-n-Found Youth is collecting donated non-perishable canned goods tonight, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m., Oscars Atlanta, www.oscarsatlanta.com Check out the Alliance Theatre’s just-opened annual crowd-pleaser “A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. www.alliancetheatre.com It’s time to dust off your gear and get your daddy complex on for The ManShaft: Levi-Leather Edition. Expect bulging Levi’s, leather, rubber, daddies, bears cubs, furry chests & faces, vintage men’s films and much more. Neon the Glowgobear spins at 9 p.m., with a “Kink It Up” cocktail hour, and then DJ Diablo Rojo picks up at 11 p.m. Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com Featured DJs get the joint moving at Mixx tonight, www.mixxatlanta.com Hot Mess! is a weekly dance party at Mary’s, www.marysatlanta.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 23

The Sisters of Sequins, hosted by Bubba D. Licious and Justice Counce, offers up drag extravaganza, laughs and a gospel brunch special. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. with a 1:30 p.m. program, Lips Atlanta, www.lipsatl.com Enjoy a matinee of Actor’s Express’ terrific musical “Murder Ballad” today at 2:00 p.m., www.actorsexpress.com

MONDAY, NOV. 24

Writing With Intent is a monthly writing class led by Charis Circle Executive Director Elizabeth Anderson. The focus shifts from month to month but the specific goal is to provide artistic accountability in a busy world and offer some academic insight outside the academy. All are welcome to attend. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center Literary Program and the suggested donation is $10. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com Play Texas Hold’em Poker at 7:30 p.m. at Woofs, www.woofsatlanta.com

TUESDAY, NOV. 25

“Nobody puts Baby in the corner!” The new musical “Dirty Dancing” opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Nov. 30, Fox Theatre, www.foxtheatre.org Get your inner Bette Midler revved up for Karoake Night at Le Buzz, www.thenewlebuzz.com

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26

The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Com-

SATURDAY, NOV. 22

My Sister’s Room presents a night of comedy with the likes of Brent Star, Ian Aber, Julie Osborne and more. The show begins at 8:30 p.m., $10, www.mysistersroom.com

merce (AGLCC) hosts its Business Builder Lunch today with a South Side edition, from 11:45 a.m – 1 p.m. A $20 (cash only) preset menu includes four premium entrees, a side item, appetizer, beverage and gratuity. RSVP to Pam Schloemer at pam@ schloemerbookkeeping.com, College Park’s The Pig & The Pint, 1583 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337 Enjoy $5 taco plates at Amsterdam Atlanta tonight from 6 – 11 p.m., www.amsterdamatlanta.com Get your bingo on tonight at Joe’s on Juniper at 8 p.m., www.joesonjuniper.com Ruby Redd hosts bingo at 8:30 p.m. at the Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com Spend Thanksgiving Eve with the men of Traxx Atlanta hosted by Samantha James and including a Hip Hop/House music stripper battle and sexy dancer, 10:30 p.m., Club 708, www.facebook. com/TraxxAtlanta

THURSDAY, NOV. 27

Every Thursday is 3 Legged Cowboy Night with free dance lessons from 8 – 9 p.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com Sing along with your hairy friends at Bear-aoke at Hideaway, from 9 – 11 p.m, www.atlantahideaway.org

FRIDAY, NOV. 28

Edie Cheezburger, Jaye Lish and cast bring “The Other Show” drag event weekly to Jungle,

9 p.m., www.jungleatl.com

www.facebook.com/10thAndPiedmont

Traxx Girls night at My Sister’s Room offers drink specials, great music and lots of beautiful women, 10 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com

MONDAY, DEC. 1

SATURDAY, NOV. 29

“Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Ken, is on tap tonight at Friends on Ponce, 6 – 10 p.m., www.friendsonponce-atl.com Southeast Black and Blue presents “Nerds and Jocks,” a quarterly fundraiser with cocktails and Jello shooters, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com DJ Luis Perez cranks it up at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com Glitter Bomb is 75 minutes of high energy illusion, hosted by Genre, 11 p.m., Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 30

Hometown DJs Travis and Eric keep the late night crowd going at 3 a.m., Xion Atlanta, www.xionatlanta.com $2 well drinks are on tap all day and night at Sunday Funday at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 Atlanta’s Angelica D’Paige and friends — including Brent Star and Destiny Brooks — purr up fun at Sex Kitten Sundays, with $5 burgers and Smirnoff cocktails, 8 p.m. at 10th and Piedmont,

In the past five years, over 4,400 young people in Atlanta have been diagnosed with HIV. This vigil World AIDS Day Atlanta Love & Light Night will honor those we’ve lost in the fight, but also celebrate young people’s rights to learn about testing and treatment for HIV. Youth musical performances will take place as participants stand together in solidarity in front of the beautiful Atlanta skyline. 6 – 8 p.m., Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 A silent auction to benefit AID Atlanta is tonight with a gallery open house as well. 6 – 8 p.m., MarketPlace 120, 562 Wylie Rd SE, Suite 24, Marietta, Georgia 30067 The Atlanta chapter of PFLAG holds its monthly support group meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m., United Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org The Stars of the Century drag show is every Monday at Jungle, 10 p.m., http://tinyurl.com/matzdvf

TUESDAY, DEC. 2

Drageoke with Angelica D’Paige begins at 10:30 p.m., Burkharts, www.burkharts.com

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3

The Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2014 brings holiday merriment to the Cobb Energy Centre, 8 p.m., www.cobbenergycentre.org

THURSDAY, DEC. 4

SAGE Atlanta hosts its social hour, with games and conversation from 10 to 11 a.m. then a regular meeting, Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.com From openly gay Brian Clowdus, artistic director of Serenbe Playhouse, comes the new “Snow Queen.” In this world-premiere adaptation by Rachel Teagle, audiences will join brave Gerda on her epic quest to save her brother from the icy allure of the mysterious Snow Queen and the chill creeping into his own heart. The show runs through December 21, tonight at 8 p.m., Swann Ridge at Serenbe Playhouse, www.serenbeplayhouse.com

Join Woof’s for a trifecta of holiday overload tonight. Lost-n-Found Youth will be the beneficiary for a great line-up. First is the standard night of bingo and raffles, then a coat drive helps homeless LGBT youth keep a little warmer this winter. There will also be a special Santa’s Surprise Gift Auction - the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be joining with the Big Easy Sisters in a gift exchange. Each house will be donating ten gifts from local LGBT bars & businesses, 7 p.m., Woof’s, www.woofsatlanta.com Onstage Atlanta debuts its new version of Merry Holiday Shorts at 8 p.m., www.onstageatlanta.com

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Decadence: A Night of Drinking and Debauchery is every Thursday starting at 10 p.m., hosted by Adam Bland and Ashley Mitchell with beats by DJ Daryl Cox. A wet underwear contest begins at 11 p.m., with a cash prize and dancers galore, TEN Atlanta, www.tenatlanta.com Phoenix of RuPaul’s Drag Race brings her sass to her Dancefloor Divas show, 11:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

UPCOMING FRIDAY, DEC. 5

The likes of Ruby Redd, Angelica D’Paige, DJ Stitch, La Boom Boom, Norwood, Sean Van Meter host a Holiday Party/Art Review from 7 – 10 p.m. at Lost-n-Found Thrift and Consignment, 2585 Chantilly Drive NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30324

SATURDAY, DEC. 6

Worthmore Jewelers hosts a holiday gingerbread-house competition to raise money for Lost-n-Found Youth. The first 25 individuals interested in competing can pick up a free gingerbread-house-kit, courtesy of Trader Joe’s, from their local Worthmore Jewelers store by Nov. 29. Completed houses should be submitted back to the stores by Dec. 4 for display and judging. Attendees will then be able to purchase “votes” for their favorite gingerbread-house during the event — $5 for one vote or $20 for five votes — with all proceeds benefiting Lost-n-Found Youth. Each vote will also enter the individual into a drawing for a chance to win a $250 Worthmore Jewelers gift. Out musician Lucas Mire returns to Eddie’s Attic for his fourth CD, “Heyday,” 7 p.m., www.eddiesattic.com “So You Think You Can Dance” brings its high-flying moves to the Cobb Energy Centre, with Season 11’s top 10 finalists, 8 p.m., www.cobbenergycentre.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 7

It’s one of the biggest events of the holiday season – the Toy Party, presented by For the Kid in All of Us. It’s a holiday party and toy drive, with a large silent auction. 21 nonprofit organizations will benefit from the 12th annual event. Guests need to bring a toy of appropriate monetary value for admittance, 5 – 9 p.m., Americasmart 3, www.forthekid.org Free pancakes and jokes are on the menu at Flat Jokes: An Early Evening of Hot Cakes and Hot Jokes, hosted by Ian Aber, with guest JohnMichael Bond and other comics, 5:30 p.m., The Hanger, 151 Sampson Street, Atlanta, GA 30312

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

Warm up your vocal cords, as well as your vocal chords, and come out as Blake’s hosts a Christmas Carols and Showtunes Singalong, 8 p.m., www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

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THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID Get Carter U.S. a late bloomer to real maternity leave My girlfriend, Katie Jo, and I welcomed our son into the world October 1st, and this week I returned to work after six weeks of maternity Leave. Well, I call it “maternity leave,” because otherwise explaining the complicated issues surrounding my time off is much more confusing. The truth is I wasn’t on maternity leave, because I didn’t qualify for it. Katie and I used a surrogate for medical reasons, and since I didn’t physically give birth to Mr. Carter, I was unable to receive time off with compensation. Under federal law, I was able to take 12 weeks off without losing my job under the Family and Medical Leave Act, but they would have been unpaid. This knowledge made me realize I misunderstood what maternity leave really is. I always envisioned maternity leave as the time for a mother to get a handle on her new position in life. How often do I feed this child? Does he get sick easily? How soon will he sleep through the night? Should I pick him up whenever he cries, or force him to self-soothe? There’s a lot to figure out before going back to work, and I thought giving a new mother time off was an employer’s way of allowing that adjustment to take place before bringing her back into the 9-5 grind. Nope. The reason for maternity leave is to allow time for the mother’s physical recovery, and has nothing to do with emotional support for her or the child. That’s why paternity leave is unpaid; the father’s not the one who went into labor. And the cost of the mother’s absence from work is paid for through her Short Term Disability benefits. So how did I get to take time off? My company allowed me to cluster vacation and sick days, and gave me the opportunity to broadcast from home briefly when those days ran out. I am very grateful for their generosity, even though six weeks

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

is just a blink of an eye in regard to Mr. Carter’s development. And when compared to the rest of the world, so is the standard three months of paid time off many mothers receive from their companies. The U.S. government offers no mandated paid maternity leave. According to an International Labor Organization (ILO) analysis conducted this year of 185 countries and territories, the United States and Papua New Guinea are the only countries that don’t offer cash benefits to women during maternity leave. Deepening that divide with the world is the fact that most of those other governments also offer paid paternity leave. If we’re dead last in this competition, who does the ILO say is in the lead? The United Kingdom, with 40 weeks mandated paid maternity leave. Vietnam and Ireland give 26 weeks, while Singapore and Bangladesh offer 16. Women next to our borders also get paid to take time off with their new families: Canada offers 15 weeks, while Mexico provides 12. There is a strong effort underway to change the way our country handles this issue. In June, at the White House Summit on Working Families, President Obama called for the U.S. to play catch-up and offer paid maternity leave. According to the Summit’s website, the June event was the beginning of a larger movement to create change in our laws, our business practices, and our society, “Because all Americans should be able to have both a job and a family.” We’ll see, Mr. President. Until then Katie Jo and I will continue to run the gauntlet of following professional ambition while figuring out the mysteries of motherhood, all on no sleep. It is, of course, the American way.

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There’s such a harsh judgment in the peal from a Thanksgiving smoke alarm. The already unnerving siren assaults a cook’s dignity on the most hallowed day in American dining, the meal on which legacies are built in the kitchen. It warns of burnt pie crust and dry turkey breast. In the silence between humiliating beeps, neighbors can be heard thanking God that they’re not eating in that household tonight. I’ll have to remember to take the batteries out this year. It’s a slanderous overreaction by the alarm, I assure you, caused by an oversight while cooking in my former roommate’s newish condo. There ought to be a holiday mode on smoke alarms, where a droidish voice nudges you with, “Think it’s ‘bout time we turn on that hood fan, Cap’n’?” Instead, it’s become a mortifying tradition for me to scurry for a broom to beat a pocket of air near the alarm’s sensor, which apparently is uber-sensitive to savory, delicious aromas. The blaring alarm is a throwback to my clownish early attempts to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I didn’t go home for the holiday my freshman year in college and wound up buying a turkey, some spices, corn meal, Kraft mac-n-cheese and canned cranberry sauce to try to prepare a meal in my campus apartment. Any sadness I may have felt spending the holiday alone was overcome by my gratitude for there being no witnesses to the culinary abomination I plated just after midnight. I had three guests the next year, two high school friends from Chicago, and a guy I introduced to them as one of my best friends at Auburn. Since no one died or sought refuge at Waffle House, I considered the dinner a success. However, the holiday marked the start of an estrangement from one of those high school friends after I explained to him that my Auburn buddy was not only my friend, but also someone with whom I was in love.

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By the time I settled in Atlanta, I had become an expert Googler of turkey and dressing recipes, and could recreate them authentically enough to fool folks into believing they had been passed down through generations of family. This year marks the 10th holiday since my onetime roommate and I started spending Thanksgiving together. One of our earliest dinners was crashed by a couple of stoner neighbors with a hyperactive case of the munchies, and ever since our little gathering has been dubbed, “Hosea Feed the High.” Our celebration is little more offbeat than the typical family gathering, but now that it is a decade old, it is rich with tradition. There is always Wednesday night prep, and Thursday morning football; but whereas some families’ ritual is to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “The Polar Express,” our holiday classics include “The Wiz,” “Addams Family Values” and “The House of Yes.” The spirited company we have for dinner is always as delicious as the food, although it’s a bit sobering to think about some of the faces that have come and gone. Best friends move to different cities for new jobs or to return home to family, former lovers fade away while new partners settle in. And sometimes loved ones die, as we will be reminded this year by the absence of our dear friend Mike Ritter. One of my last memories of Mike is last Thanksgiving when he was eating my family’s legendary frozen maple mousse dessert (that I stole from the internet), each swallow accompanied by indulgent moans and orgasmic facial expressions. Mike’s absence makes me cherish my friendships and traditions all the more. I was recently texting my high school friend with whom I have since reconciled, and reminded him of that Thanksgiving in Auburn 15 years ago. “Damn, it’s been a long time,” he replied. “We’ve come a long way.” “We have,” I wrote back, “and I’m very thankful.”

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