What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. 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.
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
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We're open, not unprepared. We know who we are. And we make choices that fit our lives. TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. Learn more at truvada.com
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IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. • To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0153 07/17
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ELECTION NEWS
Atlanta mayoral candidates vie for LGBT vote as runoff nears Norwood, Bottoms courting community hard as Dec. 5 approaches By DALLAS ANNE DUNCAN And then there were two. After months of campaigning in a crowded field of candidates, Atlanta voted and narrowed its choices down to Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mary Norwood, who will face each other one more time in a runoff election on Dec. 5. “Both runoff candidates … surely have their sights set on getting [openly lesbian former candidate Cathy Woolard’s] endorsement and the voter support that might come along with it,” political analyst Tharon Johnson wrote for Insider Advantage on Nov. 14. “While the next mayor of Atlanta may not be a member of the LGBTQ community, she will likely not be successful in her bid without making overtures and commitments to this community.” Norwood and Bottoms are making numerous public appearances with the LGBT community and have been promoting the progressive ordinances and resolutions they supported while in Atlanta City Council. The top issues “The LGBTQ community brings so much to Atlanta in terms of contributions across the entire spectrum in business, in arts and culture, in civic life, in pushing for important issues,” Norwood told Georgia Voice. Some of those important issues include Fulton County’s HIV rates; HIV criminalization; inclusivity and safety of transgender Atlantans; gentrification; and youth homelessness — particularly due to LGBT youth being kicked out of their homes due to their sexual orientations or gender identities. During the original mayoral race, both candidates weighed in on these and other topics in a host of LGBT-led forums, and continue to answer associated questions today. Leading up to the runoff, both addressed inquiries from voters during events at lesbian bar My Sister’s Room and will participate in a candidate conversation led by Woolard on Nov. 28 at The Carter Center. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
After the Nov. 7 election, Atlanta voters narrowed a crowded field of mayoral candidates down to two: Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mary Norwood. The two face each other once again in a runoff on Dec. 5. (Photos courtesy of voteatl.org)
“While the next mayor of Atlanta may not be a member of the LGBTQ community, she will likely not be successful in her bid without making overtures and commitments to this community.” —Political analyst Tharon Johnson “I didn’t want the true diversity of this city to … be something [my son] encountered one day. I wanted it to be something that he lived each and every day so he could grow up with a respect for what diversity truly is,” Bottoms said during the MSR event. “I ask that if you see fit to support me as mayor that you see fit to be a true partner with me, meaning correct me when I’m wrong; educate me in the areas I’m ignorant of.” Bottoms said she wants her commitment to Atlanta’s diversity to be evident by ensuring the LGBT community and other minorities have a seat at the table. “That’s something I say to you as we talk about our LGBT community, it shouldn’t be something extraordinary. It should be a way of life for the city,” she said. Bottoms did not respond back to Georgia Voice’s questions by press time. Norwood said she wants to ensure At-
lanta is doing all it can to fight “the AIDS crisis,” including working more closely with Fulton County and ensuring Atlantans have access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. Other top issues for her are protecting the LGBT community from so-called “religious freedom” bills and facing the problem of homelessness for LGBT youth head-on. “I have said that I am going to have advisory councils for major issues in town,” she said. “I believe the people who are involved every day are the people who can help us craft, either legislatively or through city action, the best solutions. I will be making sure that there is a liaison, an advisory council to address how we deal with homelessness in general and LGBT youth specifically.” Party politics in a nonpartisan election Though the Atlanta mayoral race is,
in theory, nonpartisan, candidates across the board made it clear to voters that all were Democrats, except for Norwood, who is running as an Independent. She has straight and LGBT people on her campaign staff, some of whom vote Republican and are staunch supporters of President Donald Trump, whose record on LGBT issues has been under criticism since Election Day 2016. That hasn’t sat well with some Democrats, including the Democratic Party of Georgia, which endorsed Bottoms in the race. “Just looking at her platform and seeing over the last couple of months and dozens of forums, she is obviously the only candidate in this runoff that shares the values and priorities for the city of Atlanta,” said Michael Smith, the out communications director for Georgia Democrats. “[Bottoms] has always been an ally. … She talked about openly having discussions with her sons about LGBTQ issues, about how to treat people with the same respect as you would like to be treated and make sure that they are. It’s just obvious she has the values that definitely line up with ours.” The party even launched ads against Norwood that point out her heavy Republican ties. “It being a nonpartisan race is just a technicality with the law,” Smith said. “To be honest with ourselves, every race is a political race, and it does have to do with specific party politics as well. We’ve had a Democratic mayor for Atlanta since 1881 and it is incumbent upon us to make sure that that tradition continues.” Norwood told Georgia Voice those claims against her were “patently untrue,” citing her record of consistently showing up for the LGBT community. She was the first of the candidates to come out for marriage equality and the first to walk on the new rainbow crosswalks at 10th and Piedmont earlier this year, and said she aims to be the unifying candidate. “If you look at my views and my legislative record, it leans Democratic,” she said. “I am pro-choice. I am 100 percent for all rights for every individual regardless of nationality, ethnic background or orientation. And third, I voted for Hillary Clinton.” November 24, 2017 News 5
ELECTION NEWS
LGBT candidates still in the hunt in important down-ballot races City Council president, Fulton County chair, state House seat up for grabs By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com While everyone’s eyes are on the Atlanta mayoral race, there are still a good number of other important races that also went to a runoff — and still a good chance for major LGBT representation on the local and state level. Nearly 30 metro Atlanta races went to a runoff. Here’s a snapshot of four of them. Atlanta City Council President Atlanta City Councilmembers Alex Wan and Felicia Moore made it to the runoff against fellow City Councilmember C.T. Martin in the race for City Council president. But Wan — who was elected in 2009 and became the first Asian-American member and the first openly gay man on the Council — was the candidate who got the vital backing of Martin, who garnered a strong 26 percent of the Nov. 7 vote. “I know Alex Wan to be an honest, fair collaborator who can bring people together across geography and ideologies to get real work done for Atlantans,” Martin said in a press release. “Disagreements are natural in developing policy, and he and I have had our disagreements, but unlike Ms. Moore, Alex was always respectful, so we could work toward solutions on other issues at other times.” Wan said that the Martin endorsement is noteworthy because Martin has a longer history working with Moore, and that he and Martin represent directly geographic opposite districts in the City. “Our mutual desire to move Atlanta forward and find collaborative solutions unites us,” he said. Many LGBT voters haven’t forgotten about Wan’s attempts to rezone Cheshire Bridge Road in his first term, which would have put adult stores at risk if successful. Related or not, the candidate looks to shore up his LGBT support with a Nov. 27 campaign rally at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue — considered by many to be the city’s LGBT ground zero.
Alex Wan, Keisha Waites and De’Andre Pickett are the three remaining openly LGBT candidates to make it to a runoff in their respective races on Dec. 5. (File photos)
“I know Alex Wan to be an honest, fair collaborator who can bring people together across geography and ideologies to get real work done for Atlantans.” —Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. Martin in his endorsement of Alex Wan for City Council president. Martin came in third in the race on Nov. 7. Wan received the endorsements of Georgia Equality, Georgia Stonewall Democrats, the Human Rights Campaign and the Victory Fund, while Moore got the Georgia Log Cabin Republicans’ endorsement. Fulton County Commission Chair In the race for Fulton County Commission chair, lesbian former state Rep. Keisha Waites — who received endorsements from Georgia Equality and Georgia Stonewall Democrats — is up against former Fulton County Commissioner and Atlanta City Councilman Rob Pitts. Pitts garnered 38 percent of the vote to Waites’ 34 percent on Nov. 7, with Sandy Springs City Councilmember Gabriel Sterling missing out on the runoff with 28 percent. Sterling, a Republican, said he is considering whether to endorse one of the two Democrats. Waites or Pitts would take over for former Chair John Eaves, an LGBT ally who resigned the seat to make an ultimately unsuccessful run for Atlanta mayor. It’s unclear at this point if Eaves will endorse either of the two. Georgia House District 60 Openly gay civic activist De’Andre Pick-
ett made it to the runoff to replace Waites in state House District 60. Pickett received the endorsements of Georgia Equality and Georgia Stonewall Democrats and faces Kim Schofield on Dec. 5. If he pulls out a win, Pickett would become the first openly LGBT African-American man elected in Georgia (former state Rep. Rashad Taylor, a gay African-American man, was outed in office in 2011 and did not win reelection). Georgia Senate District 6 State Senate District 6 will flip from red to blue next month thanks to a runoff featuring two Democratic candidates, but it’s the inclusion of one of those candidates that is making this race stand out even more. Jaha Howard, the Vinings dentist whose anti-LGBT, misogynistic Facebook posts were uncovered last month, will face attorney Jen Jordan. Georgia Voice broke the story uncovering Howard’s Facebook posts made from 2011 to 2014, in which he said that he believes that “women should only teach other women” and wonders if there is a “a homosexual agenda in public education” and if the Girl Scouts “are
being used to push a [sic] pro-abortion and pro-homosexuality positions.” The discovery of the posts led to Howard’s campaign manager resigning and a queer state representative to refute claims of an endorsement. Howard apologized on his Facebook page several hours after the original story was posted, but in a follow-up dialogue with people in the comments section, he doubled down on some of the views, confirming that he believes being gay is a sin, that he doesn’t know whether being gay is a choice and that women shouldn’t be in the ministry. He refused calls for him to drop out of the race. The seat, which includes parts of Buckhead and Sandy Springs, has long been in Republican control and was left vacant when Hunter Hill resigned to run for Georgia governor. Howard came within four points of beating Hill last year. Howard’s opponent, Jen Jordan, received the endorsements of Georgia Equality and Georgia Stonewall Democrats. Visit www.thegeorgiavoice.com for an expanded version of this story, including endorsements from local and national LGBT groups.
6 News November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
NEWS BRIEFS Transgender Georgia Tech student named Rhodes Scholar Calvin Runnels, a senior biochemistry major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the second-ever openly transgender American Rhodes Scholar. The scholarship is considered to be the most prestigious available to American students, and covers all expenses for two to three years of study at Oxford University in England beginning next fall. “I was absolutely floored when they called my name,” Runnels told Georgia Voice. “I had been steeling myself to congratulate two of my new friends from among the other 13 finalists — all of whom, I think, would have been exceptionally deserving of the scholarship.” Runnels’ research looks to advance crystallographic techniques of proteins and also investigates the origin of ribosomes, which are cellular structures that assist in building proteins. His research may provide insight into the origins of life, according to the Rhodes Trust. While at Georgia Tech, Runnels was recognized as the highest-rated teaching assistant for his work in undergraduate mathematics; organized rallies on behalf of the immigrant community and efforts to include more gender-neutral bathrooms on campus; and was appointed co-chair of Tech’s LGBT+ Action Committee. Runnels is joined as a Rhodes Scholar by another Georgian, Chelsea Jackson of Lithonia. Jackson studies at Emory University and is the first African-American woman from the institution to be a Rhodes Scholar. Judge set to rule in anti-LGBT former Atlanta fire chief’s case It’s now a waiting game in the case of former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran, who was fired nearly three years ago after distributing a self-published anti-LGBT book at work. Legal teams for both Cochran and the city met in court on Nov. 17 and now await a federal judge’s ruling. Cochran alleges the city discriminated against him because of his religious beliefs. However, the city says Cochran’s “defensive public relations campaign, which included a Georgia Baptist Convention call to action as the city was conducting its review of the book,” led to his termination, according to WABE. District Judge Leigh May told WABE she expects to rule within the month, but added that some parts of the case could still end up before a jury.
Transgender Georgia Tech student Calvin Runnels was named a Rhodes Scholar, considered the most prestigious scholarship available to American students. (Photo courtesy Calvin Runnels)
The book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked,” was available on Amazon and through Barnes & Noble in November 2014. It defined “uncleanness” as “whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, all other forms of sexual perversion” and included the phrase “Naked men refuse to give in, so they pursue sexual fulfillment through multiple partners, with the opposite sex, the same sex and sex outside of marriage and many other vile, vulgar and inappropriate ways which defile their body-temple and dishonor God.” The book was brought to the attention of retired Atlanta Fire Department Capt. Cindy Thompson, who is openly gay, after firefighters received copies at work and were disturbed by it, as well as by Cochran identifying his affiliation with the fire department in the book. New report documents rising anti-transgender violence A joint report issued Nov. 17 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Trans People of Color Coalition documents the rising amount of “often deadly violence” faced by the trans community.
2017 has been the deadliest year on record for the transgender community. At least 25 individuals, many of whom were transwomen of color, have been killed. Since January 2013, HRC documented 102 known transgender people who were victims of fatal violence. According to a news release about the report, these numbers likely underrepresent the violence, as not all victims may be properly identified as transgender. The report looks at contributing factors to this fatal violence, including anti-LGBT sentiment, racism, access to guns and political attacks on the LGBT community. The report includes ways lawmakers can address violence as well: enhancing law enforcement response and training; improving data collection and reporting; passing non-discrimination protections; and adopting commonsense gun violence protections. “Each of the stories featured in this report is unique, tragic and devastating,” TPOCC Executive Director Kylar Broadus said in the news release. “Unpacking these stories is a difficult but necessary process if we as a society want to protect the most vulnerable and address the root causes for their unjust and premature deaths.”
8 News November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
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Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Ashleigh Atwell, Cliff Bostock, Dyana Bagby, Melissa Carter, Dallas A. Duncan, Jim Farmer, Elizabeth Friedly, Shannon Hames, Just Toby, Bill Kaelin, Ryan Lee, Robbie Medwed, Ronni Radner, Matt Schafer, Dionne N. Walker, Simon Williamson
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FINE PRINT
All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. The editorial positions of Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.
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10 Outspoken November 24, 2017
Hear that sound? That’s you being courted. BY PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com
“I could go on about all of the other races in which LGBT candidates lost on Nov. 7, but there’s something to be said for what we definitely won: clout.” As much as we in the LGBT community are used to being let down and disenfranchised — especially since last November’s election — we do have our good days, and they need to be recognized and appreciated. Many might not have considered this November’s election one of those good days. Cathy Woolard — the first openly LGBT elected official in Georgia history and as good a chance as we’ve ever had to lead the city — lost. So did Liliana Bakhtiari, a queer Muslim business owner who generated a lot of excitement in the Atlanta City Council District 5 race. And Reese McCranie and Josh McNair, who competed against each other and a slew of other candidates in the Fulton County Commission District 4 race. McCranie’s and McNair’s entry into the race made for the rare occasion of two LGBT candidates in the same race in Georgia. Openly gay political newcomer Laban King joined the same rare company by his presence in the Atlanta mayoral race, ultimately finishing without any votes. I could go on about all of the other races in which LGBT candidates lost on Nov. 7, but there’s something to be said for what we definitely won: clout. First off, the Doraville City Council elected two LGBT candidates — Joseph Geierman and Stephe Koontz, who became the first openly transgender elected official in Georgia. And yes, Woolard lost in the Atlanta mayoral race. But she came in a strong third, garnering double the percentage of votes that many polls said she would gain. And with that, she gained a great deal of attention from the remaining two candidates. She was even able to have them participate in a public “con-
FEEDBACK Re: “Atlanta TV personality recalls time as iconic DeAundra Peek,” Nov. 8 “Oh boy, those Vienna sausage recipes used to crack me up. Partly because my dad loved Vienna sausages and mostly for their absurdity!” -Kenneth Harper via Facebook “I love DeAundra Peek!” -A. Richard Bunn via Facebook “She was hilarious. Watched and saw her out and about in Piedmont Park during Pride.” -Brenton Head via Facebook Re: “Dentist who posted anti-LGBT Facebook messages makes state Senate District 6 runoff,” Nov. 8 “Let’s pull off a win for Jennifer Auer Jordan!!!” -Antwon Stephens via Facebook “Hey folks in #Georgia #Senate District 6: Listen up. Whether he’s got a D or an R after his name, we don’t need someone in political power who thinks being #LGBT is a sin. #GApol #SD6” -Nirish via Twitter
versation” about the issues she ran on. Woolard’s narrow loss and the resulting attention on her since Election Day amplified the attention on the LGBT community as a whole. Bottoms and Norwood know we’re politically engaged, and they’ve shown their eagerness for our vote by attending and hosting events for us since Election Day. All of the candidates in the nearly 30 other races in the metro Atlanta area headed for the runoff are courting us as well. The LGBT candidates in those races include Alex Wan for Atlanta City Council president, Keisha Waites for Fulton County chair and De’Andre Pickett for Georgia House District 60, which covers parts of Atlanta, Hapeville, East Point, College Park and Forest Park. A win for Wan and/or Waites puts them in a high profile seat with a lot of (here’s that word again) clout. And with a win in HD60, Pickett would join Karla Drenner, Park Cannon, Renitta Shannon and Sam Park as the only openly LGBT members of the state Legislature. So while we may not see an openly LGBT person sitting behind the Atlanta mayor’s desk for at least the next four years, there are still other opportunities for our community to lead. The first one happens on Dec. 5.
Re: “Work It!: Noni’s owner Matt Ruppert on the restaurant’s path to prominence,” Nov. 10 “Do it, Matthew!” -Nate Mellor via www.thegeorgiavoice.com “Wonderful feature from @theGAVoice on Old Fourth Ward small biz owner Matt Ruppert.” -Jay Tribby via Twitter Re: “Backstreet, Jungle disco ball donated to Atlanta History Center,” Nov. 17 “I saw it today and was blown away with how big and heavy it was. It could have been plastic for all I knew back in the day when I did Backstreet. Amazing to see up close!” -Robin Davidson via Facebook Re: “Transgender Georgia Tech student named Rhodes Scholar,” Nov. 20 “Congratulations, Calvin! Way to go!” -Peter Ent via Facebook Want to be featured in Feedback? Leave a comment to a story via social media or on our website, or email editor@thegavoice.com with the subject line “Feedback.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com
OUT IN THE WILD
By Simon Williamson
Unfortunate bipartisanship on Capitol Hill Simon Williamson lives with his husband in heteronormatively-assimilative fashion in Athens, after a year of surviving rural Georgia.
The first time I was really miserable when sion of him I had in my mind. a celebrity died was January of last year. I was While I was blind to the foibles of my sitting in my lounge drunk off my ear and the hero, I am not in society generally. Sen. Al news came through that David Bowie had died. Franken’s behavior toward women is one of I don’t know much about popular culture or the least surprising news stories I have ever music or anything of artistic value really, but I heard, because men in power have always asknew Bowie and I knew how he was and I knew sumed they have the right to do what they the freedom with which he lived his life and he want with bodies they desire. was one of the phenomena that hauled my sorry While Franken apologized, and his apology and miserable ass through my coming out years. was accepted by his victim, we know for a fact Turns out I didn’t even know Bowie that that harassment goes on around Capitol Hill well because after his death, it came out that because taxpayers have doled out $17 million he had statutorily raped a 14-year old girl in on behalf of our elected representatives to settle the 1970s. While there is contestation over sexual harassment claims and discrimination. the story, I saw no reason to not believe the Condemnation of Franken was welcome from woman who wrote about this experience Democrats who have sought to avoid criticizAF_ATL_Ad_GeorgiaVoice_HalfPageHor_10x5_Female_FINALOUTLINES_Print.pdf 2 9/26/2017 5:36:57 PM with Bowie, and it upset the glamoured vi- ing their own most notable politician of the
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“May we all see those privileged men who abuse their power and privilege for sex and rape and assault and harassment meet the public condemnation they deserve, and not defend them just because we like them.” ‘90s, President Bill Clinton, and stayed silent last year during Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign regarding how she helped destroy the reputation of a 20-something White House intern to save her husband’s political career. We know what Joe Biden did to Anita Hill during Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearings, but Biden still parades around touching young women inappropriately — one needs only see footage of him swearing in senators during his time as vice president, and his leering fingers and whispers into the ears of their young female family members. And I haven’t even touched Roy Moore, who is still odds-on to be the next junior senator from Alabama, nor the president, whose “grab ‘em by the pussy”
comments were actually all about how to manipulate women into not being able to say no. Bipartisanship is present on Capitol Hill, despite an alleged long period of divisiveness. It’s just this it manifests in helping out perpetrators when convenient, destroying the reputations of victims when politically expedient and wielding the immense power we give our elected officials over the women in their offices. Like Bowie, I turned on Franken easily when this story came out. May we all see those privileged men who abuse their power and privilege for sex and rape and assault and harassment meet the public condemnation they deserve, and not defend them just because we like them. May the universal condemnation of Al Franken be the first of many.
November 24, 2017 Outspoken 11
WORLD AIDS DAY
ARCA:
Insurance companies discriminating against Georgians living with HIV HIV/AIDS medications put on ACA’s highest pricing tiers, civil rights complaints possible By RYAN LEE Already set to charge higher health insurance premiums next year, most of the companies that provide plans via the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in Georgia are also trying to sidestep one of the tenets of the ACA in the coverage they offer to people living with HIV/AIDS, according to new data from the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta (ARCA). ARCA analyzed all of the health insurance silver-tier plans available through the ACA, which are the most commonly used plans and are intended to be the middle ground between low-premium, low-coverage bronze plans and more costly and comprehensive gold and platinum options. Researchers found that the four insurance providers in Georgia — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Alliant, Ambetter and Kaiser — placed most, if not all, of their HIV/AIDS medications on a tier that requires the most out-ofpocket contribution from consumers. “A lot of insurers say that they’re not discriminating because they’re not changing their premium based on a pre-existing condition, which is what they would have done before the Affordable Care Act,” said Callan Wells, who led the analysis of ACA silver plans for ARCA. “What we found is that one of the ways in which they are still causing higher costs for people who do have HIV or AIDS is they’re charging higher prices on the back-end,” Wells said. “The drugs that they are using — the ones that are recommended — the insurers, specifically Blue Cross Blue Shield, have put those drugs typically on the highest tier of drugs.” Premium increase on the way There is no standard for structuring coverage of medications, with each insurance
Dr. Melanie Thompson, principal investigator at ARCA, and Callan Wells, left to right. (Courtesy photos)
company developing its own tiers for drugs and how much coverage is included in each of those tiers. Most commonly, drug companies place generic drugs with a low copay on the bottom tier, and preferred drugs that have a flat co-pay on the second tier; non-preferred medications with higher outof-pocket costs are on the third tier, while specialty drugs that have a high, variable co-insurance obligation are placed on the highest tier. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Alliant and Kaiser placed all of their HIV medications on the highest tier, requiring between a 40-50 percent co-insurance payment by the consumer each month. “What they do when they put all of their drugs on the very highest tier is, in essence, discriminate against people with HIV by putting all of their drugs out of reach,” said Dr. Melanie Thompson, principal investigator at ARCA. In September, Georgia insurance officials approved a proposal from all four insurance providers to increase the cost of premiums
by more than 50 percent, meaning some 2018 plans require consumers to pay up to $400 per month just to maintain coverage. “HIV drugs are often hundreds of dollars for a 30-day supply, and so even if that drug was $500, that’s still leaving a huge chunk that the consumer has to pay,” Wells said. “Adding hundreds of dollars for the cost of the drug on top of increased premiums, we believe that it would become incredibly unaffordable, which is a way of still discriminating.” ARCA conducted the review of ACA plans in Georgia to help people navigate the federal marketplace, and has provided its raw data to ACA navigators at the Health Initiative and at Ryan White clinics. But the analysis was also a collaboration with the Harvard Law School’s Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, which is using data from 16 states to try to improve access to medications. Multiple civil rights complaints possible The placement of HIV medications in the highest pricing tiers could subject in-
surance providers to multiple civil rights complaints with the office of civil rights at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, which oversees the ACA’s non-discrimination provision, Thompson said. In 2016, ARCA and the Harvard center filed a complaint regarding HIV medication being restricted to the highest tiers against Humana and Cigna, both of which no longer participate in the Georgia ACA marketplace. That complaint included comparing whether drugs for other chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis were placed exclusively in the most expensive tiers. “Some of the things that go into the decision to file a civil rights complaint are not only how an insurer treats an HIV drug, but how other insurers treat those same drugs,” Thompson said. “For example, one of the insurers puts all of the drugs on the highest tier, another insurer like Ambetter has drugs on multiple tiers, at lower costs.” Blue Cross Blue Shield, which pulled out of the metro Atlanta marketplace and is the only ACA provider in south Georgia and other rural parts of the state, not only placed all of its HIV medications on the highest tier, but also does not include common HIV treatments in any of its coverage. Kaiser, one of the two providers covering Atlanta, also put all of its HIV drugs in tier four and five, with most having a 50 percent co-insurance payment. Ambetter, the other provider offering plans in metro Atlanta, stood out in ARCA’s analysis for the affordability of its drug prices, although Thompson said it’s important to remember that the value of an insurance policy is not solely determined by drug coverage. “Ambetter does spread out the HIV drugs onto a number of different tiers, and they have more drugs that have a flat co-pay,” Thompson said. “Some common drugs are actually on a much more affordable tier with a $50 flat co-pay, and their higher-tier specialty drugs, which is pretty much the rest of the HIV medications, either have a 20 percent co-insurance, or no charge after you meet the deductible.”
12 World AIDS Day November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
TAKE THE LEAD
Take an active role in your health. Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.
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WORLD AIDS DAY
2017 World AIDS Day event preview By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com World AIDS Day takes place Friday, Dec. 1, but there is a series events taking place throughout the week and weekend across the state to mark the day. Sunday, Nov. 26 Rev. Dr. James Brewer-Calvert, Rev. Paul M. Turner and Rev. Maressa Pendermon lead a World AIDS Day Service and Panel Discussion at First Christian Church of Decatur, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.facebook.com/ events/160494304550736 Tuesday, Nov. 28 SisterLove, Inc. will act as facilitators for HIV as a Reproductive Justice Issue, a community conversation featuring local experts. 12–2 p.m., Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/496696570699892 Wednesday, Nov. 29 Georgia Equality and the Georgia Coalition to End HIV Criminalization present Living With Injustice: A Community Conversation About Race, HIV & Criminalization. 12–2 p.m., Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/507963619574417 Thursday, Nov. 30 Georgia Equality and THRIVE SS present Race, HIV & Social Service: A Community Conversation. 12–2 p.m., Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook. com/events/369402066834715 Georgia Equality and The Counter Narrative Project host HIV & Race in Atlanta’s Art Community. 6–8 p.m., Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave.
N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303, bit.ly/2mLLErC Friday, Dec. 1 HIV activist/advocate Kim Moon is the guest speaker at a free World AIDS Day Luncheon hosted by South Health District in Valdosta. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Patterson Valdosta, 101 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601, bit.ly/2izFq9V The new Decatur facility of Positive Impact Health Centers will make its debut at the AIDS service organization’s World AIDS Day Community Fair. 12–2 p.m., 523 Church St., Decatur, GA 30030, www. facebook.com/events/1373906246068308 See story on page 19 The Hangout celebrates its one-year anniversary as a drop-in center that provides HIV prevention programs for young gay and bisexual men. 6–10 p.m., 448 Ralph David Abernathy Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30312, www. facebook.com/events/496427764083946 The Chocolate Collective and The Brothers Purpose present Bow Ties, Bourbon & Belonging, a free World AIDS Day mixer featuring food and drinks, a DJ, a guest speaker and PrEP and HIV education info. 7–10 p.m., 22A Bennett St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/ events/2026718077564291 A staged reading of Larry Kramer’s critically-acclaimed AIDS drama “The Normal Heart” will be followed by a brief talk-back and free HIV testing. 7:30–11 p.m., Metropolitan Studios, 1259 Metropolitan Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30316, bit.ly/2z4jnhG Saturday, Dec. 2 The Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta host a Community World AIDS Day Forum at Henry County Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 166 Holly Smith Drive, McDonough, GA 30253, www.facebook.com/ events/1403134679808314
14 World AIDS Day November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.
What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).
Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:
Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?
Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.
Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).
Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you
What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.
What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.
Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com
Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.
Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. NP-390-14
• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. 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.
RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE
WORLD AIDS DAY
How to end Atlanta’s HIV epidemic By QUINTIN ROBINSON, MD
“As each of these factors is addressed, access to quality care and treatment can become more ensured, and we can move closer to ending the epidemic.” Absolute CARE Medical Center & Pharmacy’s Dr. Quintin Robinson is board-certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine, and is certified by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. The board-certified infectious disease providers and staff of AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy have been dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to those living with HIV in Atlanta for nearly 20 years.
HIV infection remains a serious public health issue in the state of Georgia. In 2015, Georgia was ranked the fifth-highest in the nation for new HIV diagnoses, after Florida, California, Texas and New York. There were over 2,500 new diagnoses of HIV in 2015 in Georgia and the majority were men. The highest percentage of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses was seen among those aged 30 to 39. Atlanta ranked fifth among metro areas for new HIV cases with a rate of 25.8 new diagnoses for every 100,000 residents — more than twice the national rate. Monitoring the HIV epidemic and understanding the burden of HIV in Georgia are essential for the 2020 National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals of reducing HIV infections, increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes for those with HIV, reducing HIV-related health disparities and achieving a more coordinated response to the epidemic. Opportunities to curb the rate of new infections in Georgia include: n Treatment as Prevention (TasP): prescribing antiretroviral medications to those who are living with HIV in order to reduce the amount of virus in their blood to undetectable levels so that there is less risk of transmission of HIV n Increasing the number of people who are
tested for HIV and made aware of their diagnosis n Access to quality health care, including insurance coverage, medication accessibility and increasing the number of qualified HIV providers available to give care n Addressing mental illness and behavioral health issues, poverty, stigma, homelessness, food insecurity, homophobia and health literacy, which will help with better health outcomes and access to health care n Decriminalizing HIV, which will lead to more people becoming aware of their diagnosis without fear of prosecution n Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): medication, along with a comprehensive prevention strategy, to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV n Awareness of PrEP among high-risk populations must be increased and affordability of this program must be explained n There also is a need for increased provider awareness, knowledge and willingness to prescribe PrEP, along with comfortably discussing sexual health with an affirming and non-judgmental approach As each of these factors is addressed, access to quality care and treatment can become more ensured, and we can move closer to ending the epidemic. As HIV healthcare providers, we work daily to ensure that we move closer to these goals.
16 World AIDS Day November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
WORLD AIDS DAY
Race, class keeping many from accessing PrEP By MATTHEW TERRELL Matthew Terrell is an artist and writer whose work has appeared in Vice, NPR, SF Weekly and Huffington Post. As a white, middle class, gay man, accessing PrEP was incredibly easy for me. I took a long lunch break from my full-time job and dropped by my doctor’s office for a pre-scheduled appointment. There was, of course, a requisite bit of “you know this can’t replace condoms” from my doctor, but he authorized me a prescription and scheduled me for a quarterly check in. I drove to my pharmacy where the prescription was ready and waiting for me. My employer-provided health insurance had a copay of $50, which I guffawed at. “You expect me to pay for this?” I thought. The pharmacist told me to pull up the Gilead site on my iPhone and sign up for their patient assistance program. Minutes later, I walked out the door with over a $1,000 bottle of pills for free.
I’m incredibly privileged in my access to healthcare and HIV prevention. There are few barriers between me and free PrEP, and I realize that some complex combination of health insurance and government programs are subsidizing my pills. For most of my milieu (white, middle class, gay, in-town residents), this is a very fortunate part of our reality. Some of the details for my peers may be different from my own — perhaps some take MARTA or Uber to the doctor office or their insurance copay was a bit higher — but the struggle to access PrEp for this class of gay men is nonexistent. This is why I always roll my eyes at privilege-blind gays who tout the bravery of their decision to take PrEP. It’s easy for you. Many of the most at-risk people in our
“If we want PrEP to be the medical revolution that it can be, it’s imperative we make the distribution of it more equal.” community face numerous barriers when accessing PrEP. Ultimately, these are issues of class. Lack of ability to afford the conveniences of middle-class society make it harder for lower-income people to access the same level of healthcare. In Atlanta, particularly, issues of class intersect with issues of race. The systemic racism of Southern culture that disenfranchises people of color further keeps them in a lower socioeconomic class, thus causing increased risk and rate of preventable diseases like HIV. Many people in our community simply don’t have the means to easily access and benefit from our profit-driven health care industry. The use of PrEP has skyrocketed, actually, since its release. But that’s among white men
over age 25. The people who can and are accessing PrEP are those with the privilege to do so. This is why whenever I see a white, middle-class gay man say, “I can’t believe more people don’t take PrEP,” I sigh and roll my eyes because they are blind to their own privilege. If we want PrEP to be the medical revolution that it can be, it’s imperative we make the distribution of it more equal. Having a free PrEP clinic is central to this, and a great first step. But we also have to remove the barriers people have in even affording to go to the clinic. When we talk about PrEP, we need to be talking about how class and race intersect with HIV in our community. When we talk about PrEP, we need to check our privilege first.
18 World AIDS Day November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
WORLD AIDS DAY
Positive Impact Health Centers to debut new facility Move from Midtown to Decatur allows for more space, tools to serve clients
facility in November. “There was trepidation of how would it effect our numbers — would we see a decrease, would we see an increase,” he said. “We haven’t seen any impact on our numbers and we haven’t heard clients complain.” In fact, the move has come with lots of benefits, said COO Joey Helton. “The reality is that the majority of our clients didn’t live in Midtown anyway; they commuted into Midtown to get our services,” Helton said. The single-story building is more accessible for clients with disabilities, he said. There’s on-site parking for clients who drive and MARTA is a block away.
By DIONNE WALKER In the end, the call to save Robert Buntin’s life came from his beloved pet cats. Devastated by news that he was HIV-positive, Buntin, then 35, had spent a year spiraling into a drug addiction he’d quietly hoped would kill him. Nothing had budged him from his mission, until he heard one of his typically silent cats plaintively meowing. “I knew it was because she was hungry,” said Buntin, who was spending all the money he had on methamphetamine. The realization jolted him into action. “What kind of person was I to love these two creatures so much, but yet I am killing them by not feeding them?” he said. “I started thinking about finding help for them and for me.” Buntin soon walked into the Midtown location of Positive Impact Health Centers (PIHC) — one of the city’s premier providers of HIV specialty care and support services — and began the journey that would end with him clean, happy and working to help others find hope. The HIV services hub recently moved its Midtown location to Decatur — part of a sprawling revamp that includes plans for expanding the Duluth center and growing services at both locations. Both measures will enable one of the city’s largest providers of HIV services to LGBT and working poor Atlantans to dramatically increase the number of new clients, at a time when HIV caseloads continue to rise in the region. “The critical part for us is the new space
Details
Positive Impact Health Centers World AIDS Day Community Fair Friday, Dec. 1 Noon–2 p.m. 523 Church St. Decatur, GA 30030 www.positiveimpacthealthcenters.org
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
COO Joey Helton, prevention specialist William Wheaton and certified peer specialist Robert Buntin, left to right, standing outside Positive Impact Health Centers’ new facility in Decatur. (Photo by Dionne N. Walker)
“There was trepidation of how would it effect our numbers — would we see a decrease, would we see an increase. We haven’t seen any impact on our numbers and we haven’t heard clients complain.” —Positive Impact Health Centers COO Joey Helton allows us to add a pharmacy for both centers,” said PIHC CEO Larry Lehman, explaining that the on-site facility will help in getting people on medication and ultimately reducing viral loads in the city. “The more we can make it a one-stop shopping piece for folks, I think the more adherence you see,” he said. Downtown, Midtown expansion force two moves The nonprofit will debut its new Decatur facility with a Dec 1 community fair coinciding with World AIDS Day. “I am pleased to know that Positive Impact Health Centers [are] making a move to have a space that is more comprehensive,” said openly queer Georgia state Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta), who will be in attendance. “I want to partner with them to reach
more Georgians.” Atlanta is a known epicenter for new HIV cases. In March 2015, AID Gwinnett and Positive Impact responded to the crisis by combining to form PIHC. The resulting new agency serviced some 9,000 clients with a budget of $6.5 million and nearly 100 staff members, making it one of the largest HIV care centers in metro Atlanta. About a year earlier, expansion downtown forced Positive Impact to relocate to West Peachtree Street. Within 18 months of that move, agency leaders learned they would be displaced by yet another high-rise. When a year of looking yielded nothing with comparable space and rent, Lehman said they looked to downtown Decatur. The Midtown center moved in late September and the Duluth center will move to a new
More space, privacy for clients living with HIV And then there’s the matter of added space. The new facility is a sweeping 25,000 square feet compared to 14,000 square feet in Midtown. Inside, there’s room for a large pharmacy, several exam rooms and counseling spaces. Among the staff ’s favorite features is a private entrance and service area that allows clients living with HIV to maintain their privacy and dignity when seeking treatment. The need for that type of sensitivity is something Buntin understands very well. He was an emotional wreck when he learned of his own status in 2010. “There was a shame and guilt,” he said. “This wasn’t supposed to happen to me. But it did.” He drastically increased his recreational use of drugs in hopes that he would overdose. Rock bottom came when he was reduced to letting his cats wander the street to find food. Buntin got a friend to take his pets for a while and entered recovery in January of 2012. Five years later, he’s clean and working as a counselor at the center — with healthy, well-fed pets at home. His advice for anyone hesitant to make a change? There are people there who can help you. “What are their needs? What are their hopes?” he said. “It is reachable.”
November 24, 2017 World AIDS Day 19
AUTOS
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Put the pedal down on some of 2018’s hottest rides New year is shaping up to be exciting for auto aficionados By CASEY WILLIAMS
2018 Honda Accord www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Auto aficionados will tell you autumn is their favorite time of the year … because that’s when all of the new models arrive. Familiar names front redesigned models while all-new ones join our roads. From stylish mid-size sedans to re-imagined compact crossovers, uber-luxury coupes and spirited
electric cars, the new year is shaping up to be exciting. Here are five you might enjoy. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek If heading off into the wilderness for fun and adventure sounds enchanting, this may be your all-road ride. Completely redesigned with edgier styling, more upscale interior and enhanced rear legroom, the Crosstrek rides more like a baby Audi than a big compact. Passengers are spoiled by available Harman Kardon speakers, navigation and EyeSight crash avoidance system. A 152-horsepower “Boxer” 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sweats as if in the gym to accelerate, but 8.7 inches CONTINUES ON PAGE 26 November 24, 2017 Autos 25
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 of ground clearance and X-Mode hill descent control enable extreme maneuvers should a mountain stand in your way. Best of all, it’s sold by a famously LGBT-friendly automaker. BASE PRICE: $21,795 2018 Honda Accord Hondas were once as bland as rice in a bowl, then the automaker stepped up its fashion game beginning with the current Civic. Now the larger Accord gets its makeover. A wide stance and fastback proportions are accented by LED headlamps and foglights. More sculptural bodywork and unique rear window line add visual interest while soft-touch materials, available head-up display, wireless phone charging and 4G WiFi trick out the interior. It could just as easily be an Acura. Choose between 192-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four and 50mpg hybrid powertrains. BASE PRICE: $23,570 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Before you dismiss this massive Dodge swagger as old-school machismo, take a lesson in what it is. The Challenger’s basic architecture dates to the ‘90s Mercedes EClass, while the 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is pure Chrysler. Add in all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission for an all-weather muscle car that achieves 18/27-mpg city/hwy. Plus add in 19-inch wheels, projector foglamps, rear spoiler and heated/cooled Nappa leather seats. Throw in Alpine audio, bright pedals and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility too. It’s the contemporary muscle car with few compromises. BASE PRICE: $33,395 Tesla Model 3 Although it’s taking an eternity to start popping out the little whizzers, this smaller and sleeker Tesla is inciting an Apple-like frenzy. Why do we care? The base model offers 220 miles of electric range while a battery-fortified version travels 310 miles per charge. It can be replenished at the rate of 30 mph on 240 volts or 130 mph in 30 minutes with Tesla’s Supercharger. The dashboard is dominated by a 15-inch tablet-like touchscreen. Standard navigation, Wi-Fi, backup camera and automatic emergency braking accompany options like open pore wood trim and glass roof. Add Autopilot with full self-driving capability for $8,000. BASE PRICE: $35,000
2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD
2018 Tesla Model 3
2018 Bentley Continental GT 2018 Bentley Continental GT For classic and flashy style, it’s difficult to beat a Bentley. What car has more presence? Completely redesigned, the new Continental keeps traditional cues while updating themes with off-set round headlamps, tightly drawn creases, oval tailla-
mps and accentuated rear fenders. Inside, it’s all the finest materials with quilted leather, chrome and choice of exquisite wood veneers that include native Hawaiian Koa wood. There is no faux anything to diminish its coddling. Diamond-knurled clock bezel and air vents add detail. Crank
the optional Naim 2200 watt audiophile system for total nirvana. It’s fast too; the top 6.0-liter W12 engine delivers 626 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a 207 mph top speed! If you can afford it, get it. BASE PRICE (EST): $210,000
26 Autos November 24, 2017 www.thegeorgiavoice.com
AUTOS
Go for a drive in these suave crossovers By CASEY WILLIAMS
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
As may be obvious when you look at the roads, crossovers now out-sell sedans. Some are big boxes for carrying big families while others are barely large enough for a couple and their weekend luggage. Some are boring while others get your heartbeat racing. Right in that mix are crossovers that are fun to drive, efficient to operate and are as suave as any sleek sedan. Nissan Rogue Sport A solid example of smaller being better, Nissan offers a more compact version of its mega-popular Rogue. Compared to its bigger sibling, Rogue Sport’s styling is more aggressive with a lower stance. Rear seat space is a bit tighter but still adequate for club hops with friends or taking young offspring to the park. Load it with heated leather seats/ steering wheel, automatic climate control, moonroof and navigation. Step out with a 141-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 24/30 mpg. Tight handling is more Juke than Rogue — especially with available all-wheel-drive. BASE PRICE: $21,420 VW Tiguan I’m still not sure what the heck a Tiguan is, but it’s back for a second sexier generation. Stretched with available third-row seats, it’s roomier for all you haul and do. A larger interior translates into more expansive streamlined bodywork that channels Audi, looking great at the valet stand or parked at the outdoor mall. Getting you there is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 184 horsepower and 22/27 mpg — a bit less with 4Motion all-wheeldrive. Slip into the left lane and have at it! Like all Volkswagens, the new Tiguan drives like it was engineered to swallow miles of fast Autobahn. BASE PRICE: $25,345 Volvo XC40 If Swedish style and luxury are your preferences, you’ll have a great choice early next year. There’s a new Volvo XC60 coming, but check out this slightly smaller and more youthful expression of Volvo. The www.thegeorgiavoice.com
2018 Nissan Rogue Sport
2018 Range Rover Velar a fuel-efficient crossover that protects as beautifully as it looks. BASE PRICE: $33,200
2018 VW Tiguan crossover is distinguished by an optional color-contrasting roof, LED mood lighting, vertical swipe-screen, panoramic sunroof and large wheels. Not surprising in a Volvo, safety is fortified by standard pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle and large animal detection with autobrake. A 250-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be standard at first with hybrids and EVs to follow. Leave it to the Swedes to create
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Named for Italy’s challenging Stelvio pass, Alfa Romeo’s first-ever crossover is sufficiently roomy and imminently sexy. Built in Italy, Stelvio is based on the all-new rear-drive Giulia sedan and is offered with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that reaches 144 mph or, in Quadrifoglio trim, a 505-horsepower engine that romps 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Either engine is enough to put a dance into the Stelvio’s step. Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive sharpens cornering, adjustable chassis settings adjust for sport and comfort and Italian craftsmanship only enhances the drive. If the Stelvio is any indication, Alfa Romeo may finally have what it takes to
2018 Volvo XC40 compete against Europe’s best models. BASE PRICE: $41,995 Range Rover Velar Unveiled at The Design Museum in London, this is the meticulously-dressed, perfectly-coiffed sibling of the Land Rover family. Sharing architecture with the Jaguar F-Pace, it’s the right size for weekend flings and daily commutes. Streamlined styling with LED headlamps and flush deployable door handles resonate. Check the copper detailing on the hood vents, front bumper blades and fender vents. Twin 10-inch touchscreens and specially-developed leather-alternative upholstery spoil passengers. Moving it is a choice of 247-horsepower turbo-four, 380-horsepower supercharged V6 or 180 horsepower diesel engines. BASE PRICE: $49,990 November 24, 2017 Autos 27
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Suzanne Westenhoefer plays Out Front Theatre on Nov. 29. (Photo via Facebook)
Finishing Strong ‘Grindr The Opera,’ Frenchie Davis, Leslie Jordan coming to Out Front Theatre by year’s end By ELIZABETH FRIEDLY If you’re looking for a comedic pick-meup to 2017, you’re in luck. Tim Evanicki Productions presents a strong lineup of boisterwww.thegeorgiavoice.com
ous, often poignant shows through the end of the year at Out Front Theatre Company. Audiences can choose from an operatic parody, an intimate cabaret, a legendary one-man show and two heroes of queer standup. Running from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 is “Grindr The Opera.” This original, unauthorized parody of the gay dating staple makes the most of its ingenious concept. Grindr is personified as a drag queen with godlike powers. In the tradition of opera,
it is entirely sung-through. But the show is more in the spirit of pop music rather than Wagner or Strauss. Beyond the comical juxtaposition of Grindr and opera, it lampoons culture at large. The show fleshes out into something more substantial by having the personified Grindr toy with the love/sex lives of four main characters. “Everyone’s expecting it to be funny, which it is,” cast member Tim Garnham said. “But it also has a lot of poignant messages about
the dating world today. It’s for everyone who has used a dating app — gay or straight. It’s a funny story that also has a lot of heart to it.” “Grindr The Opera” is directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein, with words and music by Eric Ransom. In addition to Garnham, the cast includes Wes Miles, Eric Fagan and Chris Eastwood, with Alexei Barrios playing the character of Grindr. CONTINUES ON PAGE 30
November 24, 2017 A&E 29
‘American Idol’ alum Frenchie Davis plays Out Front Theatre on Dec. 6. (Photo via Facebook) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
Suzanne Westenhoefer returns to Atlanta Appearing at the end of November is comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer. She made history as the first openly lesbian comedian with an HBO special and the first openly lesbian comedian on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Westenhoefer has a commanding presence and a conversational delivery. She prides herself on never following a script, with 25 years’ worth of onstage credentials to back her up. Westenhoefer told Georgia Voice that her original act has changed a great deal since she originally came out in the ’90s. “I had this purpose. I was going to make it ‘OK’ to be gay!” she said. “I was going to educate the masses about how gay is the same as anything else. [Society] has progressed, that’s the point. So now I can get up onstage and talk about how I have two new kittens that 30 A&E November 24, 2017
I rescued and they’re 10 weeks old. Come on, they’re the cutest thing ever. But I don’t have to put some gay spin on it.” Westenhoefer has recorded three awardwinning albums, “Nothing In My Closet But My Clothes” (1999), “I’m Not Cindy Brady” (2000) and “Guaranteed Fresh” (2003) — each named Best Comedy CD by the Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards. Her recent sets have aired on the Logo network. Westenhoefer even dipped into acting with the Wolfe Media series “We Have To Stop Now.” “If you’ve only ever seen me once, you must come back, because you have no idea. You have nothing. If you’ve seen me twice, you must come back,” said Westenhoefer. “I’m proud that someone who works at a club or works at a theater can say ‘I saw you do three shows in a row and it was different every time! That was crazy!’ I love that.” CONTINUES ON PAGE 31
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Beloved actor Leslie Jordan has a three-night stand at Out Front Theatre Dec. 14–16. (Courtesy photo) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30
‘Idol,’ ‘Voice’ alum puts on cabaret On Dec. 6, singer-activist Frenchie Davis performs “The Frenchie Davis Experience,” a stripped-down cabaret. Her lauded mezzosoprano voice will be accompanied only by a piano. She recently performed to a sold out crowd at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in between wrapping “Dead 7” for the SyFy channel and pursuing her master’s degree. The openly bisexual diva has competed on both “American Idol” and “The Voice.” Davis made it to the semi-finals of “The Voice” season one and was mentored by Christina Aguilera. She went on to star in “Rent,” “Dreamgirls” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on Broadway. Outside of theater, she has performed at the National LGBTQ Task Force’s 25th National Conference on LGBT Equality in Atlanta. She was also awarded the 2017 Jose Esteban Munoz Award from the Center for LGBTQ Studies at The Graduate Center, CUNY for promotion of queer studies outside of academia. Looking ahead, beloved actor Leslie Jordan has a three-night stand at Out Front in the humorous-yet-heartwarming “Leslie Jordan: Exposed.” Jordan is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role on “Will and Grace,” as well as a range of projects from “Sordid Lives” to “The Help” to “American Horror Story.” He will be appearing Dec. 14–16. And to close out the year, comedian Julie Goldman comes to Atlanta with “Balls www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Details
“Grindr The Opera” Nov. 25 – Dec. 10 Tickets: $30 (Half-price Nov. 25) Tep.ticketleap.com or 800-202-1708 Suzanne Westenhoefer Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 general, $40 VIP seating plus meet-and-greet Tep.ticketleap.com or 800-202-1708 The Frenchie Davis Experience Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 general, $40 VIP seating plus meet-and-greet Tep.ticketleap.com or 800-202-1708 “Leslie Jordan: Exposed” Dec. 14–16 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $45 general admission Tep.ticketleap.com or 800-202-1708 “Balls Dropped: A New Year’s Celebration with Julie Goldman” Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 or VIP $30 with meet and greet Tep.ticketleap.com or 800-202-1708 Dropped: A New Year’s Celebration.” Goldman has become a queer comedy mainstay, from her time at the “Big Gay Sketch Show” to Bravo’s “The People’s Couch.” Catch her New Year’s pre-game party on Dec. 30. November 24, 2017 A&E 31
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32 A&E November 24, 2017
ACTING OUT
By JIM FARMER
‘God’s Own Country’ one of best LGBT romances in years A favorite everywhere it has screened this year, starting at its debut at the Sundance Film Festival (where it took home the World Cinema Directing Award), Francis Lee’s excellent new film “God’s Own Country” manages to be not only a drama about a young man growing up and taking responsibility, but also one of the best LGBT romances in recent years. Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor) lives on a farm in the English countryside alongside his ailing father (Ian Hart) and his grandmother (Gemma Jones). His days are spent working outdoors and his nights are devoted to drinking and indulging in quick, meaningless sex. Things change, though, when Romanian migrant worker Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu) comes aboard to lend a hand when the family needs help during the busy lambing season. There isn’t much between the two men at first, save for work, but after a few nights sleeping in the moors, an attraction begins and soon there’s spontaneous, mad sex. The two begin to develop feelings for each other. In a later (beautiful) sequence, Gheorghe teaches Johnny the power of taking his time and loving another man — and that he can have some emotion in his connections. Lee, a former actor himself, proves to be a natural filmmaker. This isn’t a rushed film. The director takes his time showing life on the farm, which is hard and suffocating, offering no escape for Johnny. The screenplay is lean, with characters who don’t talk a lot and a central one who doesn’t know how to communicate. The thick accents are authentic but do take a while to get used, however. The film has been compared favorably to Ang Lee’s groundbreaking “Brokeback Mountain” — and not just because it deals with a pair of shepherds. “God’s Own Country” doesn’t quite have as much emotional impact as that film does but it does have more of a sense of hope. Its optimistic ending is emblematic of another era but it never feels cheap — its happiness is hardearned and deserved. It’s certainly much bolder, too, than “Brokeback Mountain” and the upcoming “Call Me By Your Name”
Josh O’Connor and Alec Secareanu, left to right, star in ‘God’s Own Country,’ opening Nov. 24 at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema (Photo courtesy Dales Productions Limited/ The British Film Institute 2017)
Details
“God’s Own Country” Opens Nov. 24 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308 www.landmarktheatres.com
in its sexuality. Secareanu’s character seems at times too good to be true — the hunky older man who penetrates Johnny’s walls — but the actor brings a lot of depth and sensitivity to the part. It’s O’Connor who has the trickiest role, turning his Johnny into someone who can respect himself and others. He dares to make the character a bit unlikable at times. Without the love Gheorghe shows him, though, he would never be able to take care of his father after a return from the hospital. It’s subtle work and the character’s arc is convincing. Joshua James Richards, the cinematographer, makes the film look exquisite with its backdrop of Yorkshire skies and mountains. 2017 has been a banner year for LGBT films, and this is near the top of the list. It may not be the most celebrated, high profile LGBT film of the year — that would be “Call Me By Your Name” — but it’s a very close second. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
EATING MY WORDS By CLIFF BOSTOCK
Toughing it through holiday meals of years past When the holidays rolled around when I was 18, I was a freshman at William and Mary in Virginia. The school closed for Thanksgiving and everyone in my dormitory left … except me. I was curled in bed, listening to the community phone in the hall ring for hours. I knew it had to be my father. I finally answered. He was at the Atlanta airport, understandably and furiously demanding to know why I had missed my flight. I don’t remember the lie I told him, but the truth was that I would have rather spent Thanksgiving anywhere than with my family. Seriously, it was this bad: My dormitory was next to the state mental health hospital. I worked in the autistic children’s ward part time and the nurses invited me to dinner with the kids. It was more appealing than going home. That’s really bad, right? At that time, it had not really occurred to me that I might actually be gay. The problem then was being a pot-smoking hippie active in so-called new-left politics. My hobby was breaking rules. I was everything my uppermiddle-class parents disliked. Of course, I got on a plane eventually and, as would become routine, my father dragged me to the airport barbershop before we headed home. This same unbearable scenario basically repeated itself at Christmas. Then, as at Thanksgiving, we were corralled into the dining room where everyone ate as if we were in a race to be the first to leave the table. I would like to tell you that this soon changed. It did not. When I turned 25, I finally accepted that I was gay — I had gotten married to a woman at 20 — and I didn’t go home for years at a time. I didn’t want to spend the holidays steeped in my shame and my parents’ shaming. I know that my parents loved me in principle and they certainly took care of my physical needs. But their searing disapproval suffocated my own capacity to love. Why am I telling you this in a dining column? Because I cannot bear to see so many others still unable to take a seat at a table, whether because of outright rejection www.thegeorgiavoice.com
Lost-n-Found Youth is serving free dinners at its youth center all day on Thanksgiving and Christmas. (File photo)
or their own shame. We tell ourselves that LGBT people are more accepted than ever. That’s true, but mainly in the cities. We tell ourselves that we form surrogate “chosen families.” That can happen, but when you’re paralyzed by shame, it’s difficult to reach out to anyone. Like me in my dormitory, pain weirdly becomes love’s surrogate. There are nearly a thousand homeless LGBT kids in our city with no table, no invitation, no solace. There is, however, a place for them to join others at the Lost-n-Found Youth center (729 Lambert Drive N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, lnfy.org). By the time you’re reading this, Thanksgiving has likely passed, but dinner is available 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. both holidays. Everyone is welcome, according to Rick Westbrook, one of Lost-n-Found’s founders. Those of you who aren’t on the street can make a donation to the amazing organization. Check out the website. I also urge you to be mindful that even those not rendered literally homeless may have been kicked out of their family’s heart. Open your own heart and understand that the person you’re inviting may feel like crying. It’s not always easy to say “yes” when your own family has in countless ways said “no.” Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or cliffbostock@gmail.com. November 24, 2017 Columnists 33
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Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events in Atlanta for Nov. 24-Dec. 7
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EVEN FRIDAY, NOV. 24
Don’t miss Black Friday Lesbo Bingo. The event features a free gift raffle, prizes and an after-party with dancers, drag shows and Kenzie Q spinning, 8:30 – 11:30 p.m., My Sister’s Room, 66 12th St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/events/160021891273607 DILF and MAN UPP present FuKR FRIDAY tonight, with a Men’s Jock/ Harness Party and DJ Corey Craig bringing hot beats, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., Heretic Atlanta, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/events/123388691668719
SATURDAY, NOV. 25
Indies First, held on Small Business Saturday, brings together authors, readers and publishers in support of independent bookstores. Charis Books and More is celebrating today by hosting a sixauthor meet-and-greet with some of their favorite local authors. Stop by and chat with Charlene Ball, Denene Millner, Hannah Palmer, Theresa Davis, Nic Stone and Kirsten Palladino. Charis will have snacks and giveaways, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.facebook.com/ events/131478294220178 Feeling overwhelmed by politics this holiday season? Join the Georgia Alliance for Social Justice for an evening of casual fun with like-minded social justice activists. Cash bar and full menu will be available. 7 – 10 p.m., Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.facebook.com/ events/1943735022533732
34 Best Bets November 24, 2017
FRIDAY, NOV. 24
The exceptional gay drama/romance “God’s Own Country” opens at the Midtown Art Cinema today, various showtimes, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.landmarktheatres.com (Publicity photo) Grindr and opera music … can a combination get any more delightfully outrageous than this? Tim Evanicki Productions presents “Grindr The Opera,”which combines a variety of genres from baroque to contemporary pop and uses one of the most popular dating apps in existence to peer into the ever-evolving landscape of gay relationships. This “unauthorized parody” runs tonight at 8 p.m. through Dec. 10 at Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.facebook.com/ events/712778018926560 For over two decades, Disney on Broadway has astonished millions worldwide with theatrical productions that both entertain and amaze. Now, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, audiences can experience the magic of Disney on Broadway with an unforgettable night of music. Performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, this major concert event features beloved songs from nine Tony Award- and Academy Award-winning scores by some of the greatest compos-
ers and lyricists in the world including Alan Menken, Phil Collins, Elton John, and Richard and Robert Sherman. Tonight and Nov. 26 at 8 p.m., Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/ events/644317782434274
SUNDAY, NOV. 26
In 2004, High Point, North Carolina, native Fantasia became the season three winner of Fox’s “American Idol” and has since become a superstar. The performer comes to the Cobb Energy Centre tonight to sing from her new “Christmas at Midnight,” 7:30 p.m., 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com
MONDAY, NOV. 27
The Atlanta Eagle hosts the Panther Levi/Leather meeting today from 7 – 10 p.m., 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY, NOV. 25
It’s a Ruckus! Celebrate the late Ria Pell with all the country heart and city soul she shared with others. It’s been four years since she left us, and this event will remember her the way she wanted — with bands, DJs, dancing, drankin’ and remembering, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m., Elliott Street Deli & Pub, 51 Elliott St. S.W., Atlanta, GA 30313, www.facebook.com/ events/334654460341651. (File photo)
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBT EVENT Submit your LGBT event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com
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TUESDAY, NOV. 28
Join Pride School Atlanta on #GivingTuesday at Henry’s Midtown Tavern for the first annual Dine Out Tuesday. Enjoy complimentary lite bites and a complimentary Tito’s cocktail while hobnobbing with the Pride School staff and parents. Two Caribbean trips (value $5400) and a home-catered meal (value $500) will be raffled off among other prizes, 6 – 9 p.m., 132 10th St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/ events/146205762678560/
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29
Fearless, bold and always hilarious, Suzanne Westenhoefer has traveled across America and beyond, entertaining audiences for more than two decades with her hilarious stand-up shows in which nothing — and no one — is off-limits. A multiple Gay and Lesbian American Music Award winner and Cable Ace nominee, Westenhoefer was the first openly gay comic to appear on Comedy Central, A&E, HBO and “Letterman,” and she’s starred in her own hourlong HBO special. She performs tonight at 8 p.m. at Out Front Theatre Company, 999 Brady Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.outfronttheatre.com
THURSDAY, NOV. 30
Tis the season for the Mix and Pour Holiday Mixology Class at Southern Art and Bourbon Bar. Discover the tricks of the trade with the head Bourbon Bar mixologist during an intimate, hands-on learning and tasting experience. Experience the art of creating two holiday-themed cocktails while noshing on complimentary bites from Southern Art. 6 – 7:30 p.m., 3315 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30326, www.facebook.com/ events/149270749160319 Do you want to read books by amazing black women writers? Do you want to
www.thegeorgiavoice.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 1
Indulge in the seasonal spirit at A Victorian Holiday at Oakland Cemetery today. Returning for its third year, A Victorian Holiday is a unique seasonal celebration that features holiday activities for the whole family. The program features a Holiday Tour of Eternal Homes and other special activities. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/events/141727686470013 (Photo via Facebook) discuss works from a black feminist perspective in a feminist bookstore? Then the Black Feminist Book Club is for you. Charis Circle board chair Susana Morris will be the facilitator of this group. This season’s theme is humor essays by black women and this month’s book is “You Can’t Touch My Hair” by Phoebe Robinson, 7 – 9 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Atlanta, GA 30309. www.facebook.com/ events/2033091746966799
FRIDAY, DEC. 1
The Atlanta Bucks will be hosting its last Rugby 101 for 2017, just in time to get the guys ready for spring season, followed by a social at Woofs. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Walker Park, 200 Memorial Terrace S.E., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.facebook.com/ events/483162065386339
Party with a purpose tonight at My Sisters Room and break out those ugly sweaters for the Ugly Sweater Party and Toy Drive. Organizers will have drink and food specials all night and will be collecting donations of wrapped gifts for kids in need. 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., hosted by Kia Comedy, with DJ Kenzie Q spinning, 66 12th St. N.E.,
SATURDAY, DEC. 2
Get a sneak peek of the new Pride School Atlanta Holiday Market today. Vendors from around Atlanta will be selling their art, homemade goods and personalized gifts, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Light, 3125 Presidential Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30340, www.facebook. events/1714095888652202
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT TUESDAY, NOV. 28
Bring out your “Poker Face” to Icon, a Celebration of Lady Gaga, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., The Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook.com/ events/1374447079277562 (Photo via Facebook)
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events/278289589319075/
Atlanta Prime Timers meets the first Saturday of each month at 3 p.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.rushcenteratl.org
MONDAY, DEC. 4
The Georgia Bulldogs take on a TBD opponent in the SEC Championship football game, with a college playoff game awaiting with a victory, 4 p.m., Mercedes Benz Stadium, One AMB Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313
SUNDAY, DEC. 3
Ruby Redd and special guests highlight the monthly Cowtippers Heifer Review, featuring a Sunday lunch and show. 1 – 4 p.m., 1600 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/ events/130089817698077 OnStage Atlanta presents the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” by Philip Grecian, directed by Cathe Hall Payne and based on the movie by Jean Shepherd, running through Dec. 17, 3 p.m., 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.facebook.com/
Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. 7 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets tonight from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1605 Interstate 85/ Frontage Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.uuca.org
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6
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CONTINUES ON PAGE 37
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
SATURDAY, DEC. 2
It’s one of the biggest events of the holiday season benefiting area charities. For the Kid in All of Us hosts the Toy Party and Silent Auction at AmericasMart 3 tonight from 6:30 – 11:30 p.m., 75 Portman Blvd. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 (Courtesy photo)
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 of Spector’s inimitable off-the-cuff commentary. 8 p.m. City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Ponce City Market, Atlanta, GA, 30308, www.citywinery.com/atlanta
THURSDAY, DEC. 7
Woofs has a visit from Bad Santa tonight, 5 – 11 p.m., 2425 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook. com/events/147659572515312 The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Out in the Kitchen event, featuring chefs from all over town, 6 – 8 p.m., W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30308 Building on the activist tradition of consciousness-raising groups, each month Charis Books and More invites community members to join The Personal is Political, a lightly-facilitated group to talk about issues in their personal lives or in society as a whole that they are trying to process or deconstruct. The group will then use intersectional feminist strategies as tools to help talk through those issues, 7:30 – 9 p.m., 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
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UPCOMING THURSDAY, DEC. 14
Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals hosts its annual holiday party from 6 – 8 p.m. at Industrious Atlanta West Midtown, 976 Brady Ave., N.W. Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30318 Roswell Winter Puppet Series presents “The North Pole Fa-La-La-La-LaFollies.” This sparkling holiday production combines music, live vocal performance and a zany and colorful cast of characters including a wisecracking fruitcake, tumbling teddy bears, the “not-so-abominable” snowman and much, much more, 10 a.m., through Dec. 16, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell, GA 30075
SATURDAY, DEC. 16
It’s the annual prom-themed Hanukkah party, Promukkah 5778. Enjoy drinks and noshes, music and dancing, a photo booth (with take-home magnets), corsage- and boutonniere-making station, vintage promthemed movies and live entertainment. 8 p.m., Industrious, eighth floor of Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308. More information can be found at bit.ly/2AdvUQ6
TUESDAY, DEC. 5
Topher Payne has taken over the role of Crumpet in Horizon Theatre’s annual, snarky “The Santaland Diaries,” based on David Sedaris’ “Holidays on Ice” and running through Dec. 31, 8 p.m., 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.horizontheatre.com (Publicity photo)
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Have you ever realized just how much we adults have been separated from our childhoods? I’m not talking about our more mature bodies, it’s more about our minds and how we automatically react to the world around us. The fact I have forgotten how to be a kid becomes quite evident when my son, Mr. Carter, wants to sit down and play. My son loves trains, and just about the only thing he wants to do when we’re home together is play with them. Currently we have amassed quite a collection between our small finds at Target or Toys “R” Us, his grandmother’s treasure hunting at Goodwill and his aunt’s contributions from Nashville. My living room has become a train depot, and anyone who visits must take care not to step on a random tender or railroad sign that might have become the projectile during my 3-year-old’s spontaneous throwing fit. When my true adult status comes into play is when my son begs, “Sit down, Mama.” I say adult status because my first thought to his instruction is not, “Oh, boy I get to play with trains!” Instead, it’s that I need to load the dishwasher while he’s distracted, or this gives me a chance to feed the animals, change clothes, check my phone, grab some tea, go to the bathroom, find an adult-themed show on TV, etc. And what a shame it is that over the years I’ve allowed my thoughts to adapt to that of a busy woman who fills any empty space with an obligation. I remember I felt the same way about my mother. Millie Pete was a kind, loving mother who could never sit still. I recall frustration and anxiety knowing that if I did get her to sit down with me to do something, it wouldn’t last long, and the cycle of attempting to get her to slow down long enough to play would begin all over again. And here I am, just like her. My son’s prompting to sit down on the floor and play trains has helped me understand Millie Pete better, because if she didn’t do what was needed at the time, it wouldn’t
“How did we as adults get to the point that play is not a natural reaction for us anymore? When did random tasks like laundry take on such an emotional meaning?” get done. It has also made me sadly realize I learned the same behavior as her. If my son has to ask, then he’s noticed I don’t automatically play with him and he’s trying to change that. And, since I don’t see him every day of the week because he’s with his other mother then, my distraction is an even bigger violation. How did we as adults get to the point that play is not a natural reaction for us anymore? When did random tasks like laundry take on such an emotional meaning? I don’t want Mr. Carter to worry about the wrong things; I want him to enjoy the right ones. So yes, son, I will stop everything to push this little train down its wooden track and leave the adult world behind for now. Choo choo! Melissa Carter is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and has been heard over the years on B98.5 and Q100 and can currently be heard daily on the Progressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter. www.thegeorgiavoice.com
SOMETIMES ‘Y’ By RYAN LEE
Boys in the barbershop Having been single for all of this decade, my closest and most enduring relationships with other men have been with my barbers. This is not uncommon, as there are few platonic relationships more intimate than between a man and the man who makes him feel his most handsome. The bond contains a physical and emotional closeness that can trigger closeted gay men like one of my childhood friends whose overcompensation is painful to witness. He recently made a belligerent social media post about how he cuts his own hair because he doesn’t want another man’s dick rubbing on his arm, and had I been in one of my trolling moods, I would’ve asked, “But in your mouth is OK?” Despite my friend’s lack of self-awareness, he’s right in recognizing the unique nature of barbershops, which, if not fully homoerotic, provide an environment where some of the rules that restrict the way men are supposed to interact with other men are ignored or temporarily suspended. Perhaps that’s why there’s typically a surplus of alpha male energy in barbershops, where everyone is the coolest version of themselves, and an expert on whatever sport, god or type of pussy is being debated. The very act of barbering flaunts the general prohibition against a man recognizing another man’s attractiveness. Getting my hair cut, I see men arriving to other barbers’ chairs, and whether the customers are refined pretty boys or scraggily street trade, I watch the barbers assess how to bring these men’s best appearance to the surface, how to make them their sexiest and most desirable. The barbers’ evaluations of before-and-after beauty are done silently, of course, and it feels like we’ve all agreed to not notice this part of their craft. The straight men getting their hair cut play along, most pretending like they’re ever aware of how eminently sexy and desirable they are; but if they looked beyond themselves, they might see how barbers are able to extract handsomeness from the most parched sources. In all my years of getting haircuts, I’ve www.thegeorgiavoice.com
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“I’m content with the benign touching that goes on throughout the entirety of a haircut: my barber’s calloused fingers gripping my chin, the torque of my neck as he guides my head in every direction, how he stretches my lips to get the most precise trim of my mustache.” felt a barber’s penis press against my arm no more than twice, although my biceps are braced to savor that contact should it ever happen again. Until then, I’m content with the benign touching that goes on throughout the entirety of a haircut: my barber’s calloused fingers gripping my chin, the torque of my neck as he guides my head in every direction, how he stretches my lips to get the most precise trim of my mustache. I experience this tenderness despite my barber being a heavy-handed construction worker who takes shots while cutting my hair, and on several occasions I’ve considered finding a new barber due to his tipsy abrasiveness. But I absolutely adore the barber stationed two chairs down from mine, and any nick my ear or neck have suffered are worth those moments when my barber twists my chair into a position where I’m able to stare at my crush through the safety and discretion of several sets of mirrors. The end of a barber-client relationship is when its intimacy is most exposed, with both parties experiencing feelings akin to a breakup. Plenty of men will admit to feeling unfaithful when getting their hair cut by someone other than their regular barber, and it’s always uncomfortable when a man runs into his former barber for the first time postbreakup, when they both recognize someone else is making the man feel pretty now.
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Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer. November 24, 2017 Columnists 39