The Georgia Voice 7/23/10 - Vol. 1 Issue 10 by Georgia Voice

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07.23.10

OUTSPOKENIN THEIR OWN WORDS

NEWS Police chief: Gays not targeted in recent crime spate. Page 4

Photo via MySpace

Atlanta police LGBT liaison Patrica Powell proﬁled. Page 4 Lesbians make runoff for Fulton Commission. Page 6 Handel, Deal battle to face Barnes in governor’s race. Page 6 Results in other primary races of LGBT interest. Page 6 Obama unveils National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Page 11

VOICES Editorial: Roy Barnes for governor. Page 12 Speaking Out: Readers respond to Karen Handel, gay voters. Page 13

Photo via MySpace

Judge rules against Defense of Marriage Act. Page 11

— Tamara Haley, an inmate at Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood, Calif., on what actress Lindsay Lohan can expect during her incarceration there for probation violations. (New York Daily News, July 15)

A&E Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors.’ Page 14 Dining: Southern seafood delights. Page 16 Theater: Iconic musical ‘Hairspray’ still holds. Page 17 Events: ‘Backpack’ returns to Piedmont Park. Page 19

COMMUNITY Georgians go for gold at Gay Games. Page 21 Georgia Spotlight: Atlanta Queer Literary Festival, Project LifeVEST. Page 23 Business Spotlight: Gayborhood app. Page 23

CALENDAR Pages 24-26 Correction: The Best of Atlanta awards in the July 9 issue incorrectly listed the Atlanta Humane Society as the second place winner in the Best Pet Nonproﬁt/Rescue category. Second place actually went to the Georgia Humane Society. The Georgia Voice regrets the error and thanks both organizations for their hard work. facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice

“The gay inmates wear their shirts inside out to let others know they are available. So if Lindsay doesn’t want someone to grab her ass she’d better keep her shirt on straight. Women grab each other like animals when the guards aren’t looking. It’s disgusting.”

VIDEO of the week NUMBERS BY THE

Countries in South America that allow gay marriage: Argentina became the ﬁrst on July 15, 2010

Hours of debate in the Argentine Senate over whether to approve the same-sex marriage law backed by President Cristina Fernandez

60,000

Estimated attendance at a march against gay marriage organized by the Catholic Church and other religious groups the night before the vote

Countries in the world that now recognize gay marriage: Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland and Argentina Sources: Time, BBC

“When you look at the prevalence of HIV in the African-American community, it’s primarily young women who are getting it from men who are on the down low.” — Comedian D.L. Hughley, discussing HIV transmission on the June 22 episode of ABC talk show “The View” (CNN, July 14)

“The Centers for Disease Control has publicly disproven this myth. And since June 22, thousands of people have written to ABC, asking them to provide corrected information to viewers. … We ask ABC and ‘The View’ to keep the conversation going by correcting the record and elevating voices that can provide accurate information about HIV/AIDS for African American gay and bisexual men, African American women, and all viewers.” — A full-page ad placed in Variety last week by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the Black AIDS Institute and the National Black Justice Coalition. (Glaad.org)

OFFICER PATRICIA

POWELL

Atlanta Police LGBT Liaison

View the full interv iew

t h e GAVO IC E .co mat “I’m not going to say that I was one of those that ran around saying, ‘Hey, I’m out,’ but I didn’t have a problem with people knowing. When I had desk assignments, I always had pictures of my partner and our child. People knew.”

“Tired Gay succumbs to Dix in 200 meters” — Headline on a July 3 Reuters article about Walter Dix beating Tyson Gay in the 200 meters at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League track meet. (Reuters.com, July 3)

GA Voice July 23, 2010

News

www.theGAVoice.com

Police chief: Gays not targeted in recent crime spate

Town hall meeting between Atlanta police, LGBT community meant to build bridges By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Acting Atlanta Police Chief George Turner understands there is a rift between LGBT residents and his department, and he hopes a town hall meeting organized by the police and openly gay Atlanta City Council member Alex Wan will help mend that fracture. The meeting was scheduled for July 22, after Georgia Voice press time. For coverage, visit www.thegavoice.com. “We’ve not had a specific meeting for the GLBT community and so we felt it appropriate to building a relationship,” Turner said July 19. “We’re getting the LGBT advisory board back up and want to work on a partnership,” Turner said. The nine-member board may start meeting as soon as this fall, said Senior Patrol Officer Patricia Powell, the department’s new LGBT liaison. Turner, who was named Mayor Kasim Reed’s pick for the top police post but still has to be approved by the Atlanta City Council, said he wanted to wait for Reed’s selection before holding a forum with the LGBT community. And while Wan says the meeting is a result of recent anti-gay incidents, specifically the July 2 armed robbery of Rev. Josh Noblitt in Piedmont Park, Turner is quick to point out there has been no sudden increase in anti-gay crimes in the city.

“I don’t want people to think there’s been a rash of crimes and people are being sought out because of their sexual orientation,” Turner said. “The couple in the park — they had some context because of words used against them,” he said. Noblitt said a group of teens asked if he and his friend, Trent Williams, were gay before they were assaulted. Six youths, ages 13 through 19, were arrested shortly after the July 2 attack. The APD has classified the attack as a bias crime and asked the FBI to help in the investigation. The attack on Noblitt came a month after a June 3 “Screen on the Green” film in Piedmont Park was cut short due to violence. Several attendees said they heard anti-gay slurs after young people began picking fights, although no incident reports were filed with APD. The two incidents so close together, and two others that have followed, left some community advocates wondering if there is a wave of violence against LGBT people in Midtown. Turner said more police presence was implemented in the area after the July 2 attack in Piedmont Park and the APD continues to work with Midtown Blue and the Park Conservancy to ensure those who use the park are safe. There are four surveillance cameras up in Piedmont Park now and four more to go up by July 31, Turner said. Two other crimes impacting LGBT resi-

vehicle was found days later in the parking lot of the Atlanta Eagle, a gay bar on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Walker, 31, remains in a medically induced coma at Grady Hospital. Gregory Johnson, 30, confessed to the beating and police say it does not appear to be a random act. Powell said she thought the Piedmont Park incidents were likely juveniles who were lashing out and happened to encounter some gay people. “I don’t think that they’re [LGBT people] being targeted. There’s just a rash of juveniles being juveniles attacking some people who just happen to be gay people, but I could be wrong. But that’s what I think,” she said.

Desire to ‘build connection’ Acting Atlanta Police Chief George Turner says despite recent crimes against LGBT people in Midtown, he doesn’t want residents to think ‘people are being sought out because of their sexual orientation.’ (Photo by Laura Douglas-Brown)

dents have been reported in the days following the attack on Noblitt and his friend. On July 9, a transgender prostitute was viciously attacked in Midtown by a john who beat her with a pistol, fired a shot that grazed her thigh and bit off most of her ear because he did not want to pay her. While this was not classified as a hate crime by APD, Powell was informed of the incident after the department was chastised for not informing her of the attack on Noblitt until three days after the incident. Then, on July 10, a state parole officer, George Walker of Marietta, was found beaten severely in Central Park near the Atlanta Civic Center; his

New police LGBT liaison: Job is ‘overwhelming but fun’ After a three-year stint in the the liaison post in May. Army, Patricia Powell was manag“They were looking for someone ing her brother’s barbecue resand Mayor [Kasim] Reed wanted two taurant, Hecky’s in Evanston, Ill., [LGBT liaisons]. Knowing I’ve been when she got a phone call from gay for many years and that I was her sister in Atlanta. comfortable being out and had es“She said I should move down tablished relationships in the departhere, they were hiring police offiment, here I am,” she said. cers. I said, ‘Me, a police officer?’ She “It’s been very demanding, oversaid you’d be good, you’re in shape,” whelming at times but fun also,” Powell said. Powell acknowledged. “And you Powell, who played basketball Officer Patricia Powell know, it kind of goes in waves. It’s up for the Army (position: guard), was and down because there’s so much to ready to move from the cold climate of Chicago and do in the community.” the restaurant business and try something new. A typical day includes answering phone calls So at 35 she packed her bags, moved to At- and checking emails and responding to requests lanta and began the process of becoming an APD for information. She also supervises 22 cadets — officer. Some 11 years later, she was named the young people ages 16-20 who receive public asdepartment’s LGBT liaison officer. sistance and who are mentored by the APD. Powell held several positions in the departThe summer cadet program ends July 31, ment — including patrol officer, security for meaning Powell will then be working full-time on Mayor Shirley Franklin, recruitment and training LGBT issues for the department. at the airport — before she was appointed to Powell has a partner of five years, who works

as a firefighter. She also has a 5-year-old son. Being openly gay on the police force was never a problem, Powell said. “I’m not one to go out and say, ‘Hey, I’m gay.’ But whenever I had a desk assignment I had a picture of my partner and our child. If people ask, I tell them. And then word gets out, you know, ‘Powell, she’s gay,’” she said. She said her duties include reaching out to the LGBT community by attending various social and networking events, and she now serves on the board of the Atlanta Executive Network. Her major project is developing a nine-member LGBT advisory board to the APD that she hopes will begin meeting in the fall and then meet each quarter. “I’m a people person. I’m not a standoffish person. I think that helps,” she said. “Of course not everybody’s not going to be happy and I know that, but starting fresh, were trying to move forward, and with the support from my superiors we are moving in positive direction.”

— Dyana Bagby

The APD currently has a strong lead in the attack on the transgender woman in Midtown, but Turner stressed that because she is a prostitute, this is not considered a bias crime. “This was not an attack specifically. This was an agreement that went bad. The attack was not because of sexual preference,” he said. Carlos Campos, APD public affairs manager, said investigators “have identified a possible suspect and continue to pursue leads” in this case. The state parole officer case is also not a crime that can be considered targeting gay people, Chief Turner said. But he added that it cannot be said the victim was not attacked because of sexual orientation. “This was not stranger on stranger,” he said. “I can’t get into details … there was an opportunity where the two people agreed to come together. During our investigation we found they made a connection and agreed upon a meeting — this was not someone preying on someone,” Turner said. “Anytime there is a crime we are concerned and we want to build confidence in the community — this was not a new attack on those who choose this lifestyle,” he added. Turner stressed he and Mayor Reed share a strong desire to ensure the safety of all Atlanta residents, including LGBT residents. Reed, who appointed Powell to be the second LGBT liaison on the APD, is speaking with Mayor Gavin Newsome in San Francisco to learn more about that city’s LGBT liaison unit, Turner said. Turner added he has reached out to the Washington, D.C., police department, which has an eight-member Gay & Lesbian Unit. “Our desire is to build a connection. We are looking to improve how we can move forward,” he said.

Other LGBT liaison still on leave

While Powell is named as the second LGBT liaison, the first liaison, Officer Dani Lee Harris, has not been at work since April when she was put on medical leave due to gran mal seizures. Harris said this week she was put on adminPlease see POLICE on Page 9

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Eagle inquiry almost finished POLICE, continued from Page 4 istrative leave on July 15 — which is different than medical leave — pending an outcome of a physical by the city doctor to see if she is “fit for duty.” If found fit for duty, she can return to work on light duty, but likely not able to drive. “I meet with the doctor on Monday. I have been being paid for administrative leave. I have been paid for other time off by using city borrowed time,” Harris said. Harris is not sure she will return as an LGBT liaison. Turner also indicated Harris may not return as the liaison. “There is no guarantee she will go back to that assignment, but there will be a second liaison,” he said. Harris declined to speak about the complaint she filed with the Office of Professional Standards against a civilian police employee other than to say it continues to be investigated. When and should Harris return as an LGBT liaison, Powell said their duties would likely be shared by discussing them rather than one person acting as supervisor. While Powell does not currently teach LGBT diversity training to police recruits and officers, she said she will start soon. She also wants to develop a new LGBT curriculum to be taught to all new recruits and officers. Turner, who has been with the APD for 29 years, said he took a diversity class that included LGBT issues when he was in the academy and has taken “several mandatory trainings” since then. “At least three different courses,” he said about instructions on LGBT issues and police. “I can’t remember what specifically what they were about, but it’s all about treating people like family, like you want to be treated. That’s the common thread of my life.”

Atlanta Eagle raid internal investigation nearing close?

It’s been 10 months since the Atlanta police raid on the Atlanta Eagle, in which more than 60 patrons were searched and held for more than an hour and eight employees were arrested for business license violations. Seven of the employees were acquitted or had their charges dismissed; one employee did not report to court and had a bench warrant issued for his arrest. Following citizen complaints, the APD launched an internal investigation into the raid. Turner said the reason the investigation is taking so long is because of the high number of complaints and the large number of witnesses. “If there are officers we find acted inappropriately, I will discipline accordingly,” he said. “It’s our desire to move this process quicker and I know they are aggravated, but we are close to completing it,” he added. Turner said he hopes the town hall meeting opens communication between the APD and

July 23, 2010

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Rev. Josh Noblitt was robbed July 2 in Piedmont Park in an incident that police are calling a bias crime. On July 18, Noblitt’s supporters held a ‘Transform the Park’ picnic in Piedmont to reclaim the space. (Photo courtesy Noblitt)

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com • Coverage of the July 22 LGBT town hall meeting • Video interview with Police LGBT Liaison Patricia Powell • Coverage of recent LGBT-related crimes

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Wan: Time to question APD

For City Council member Alex Wan, who represents District 6 including Midtown and Piedmont Park, the relationship between the APD and LGBT residents is seriously bruised, due in large part to the botched raid on the Eagle. Wan said the attack on Rev. Noblitt, and other public safety issues facing the LGBT community, inspired him to take an extra step to get everyone to come together in a town hall setting. “In light of the announcements of Chief Turner and Officer Powell to be the liaison, this is a great chance to have a community-wide meeting and ask questions of the sources,” Wan said. Turner attending the town hall shows he is serious about having a positive relationship with LGBT Atlantans, Wan added. “On one hand I feel with him as interim chief, especially in District 6, we’ve had one of the most improved crime rates. On the other hand there are some concerns and questions that haven’t been resolved — I’ve not seen anything conclusive about the Eagle raid,” Wan said. Wan said it is important all city residents understand they play a role in public safety and there needs to be a partnership between the police and citizens. People need to reduce their risks of being victims, he said, including not being out past dark where it may be unsafe. “We need to recognize a lot of work needs to be done on both sides,” he said. “It’s time now, let’s do it.”

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VOICES OPINION & REACTION Roy Barnes for governor Let’s be clear: Roy Barnes is no great champion for LGBT rights. But at least he treats us like fellow citizens, not cannon fodder. Editorial By Laura Douglas-Brown In the days leading up to the July 20 primary, you couldn’t turn on the television without being inundated with ads from Republicans running for governor who wanted to tell you how anti-gay they are. This year’s election season has been particularly bad, largely due to the particular Republicans on the ballot. Karen Handel supported domestic partner benefits and was a member of the pro-gay Log Cabin Republicans during her campaigns for Fulton County Commission. But she denied those stands when she ran successfully for Secretary of State in 2006, and continues to deny her past support in her current bid for governor. Her GOP primary opponents, including former U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal and Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, also have extensive records on LGBT issues — and not good ones. As state insurance commissioner, Oxendine blocked companies from offering domestic partner benefits until a judge forced him to stop. Deal is no better on our issues, consistently earning scores of zero on the Human Rights Campaign’s congressional report card. He was the first to try to score political points via Handel and Log Cabin, and others quickly followed. But they missed the valid point that she has flip-flopped and lied, and focused only on how she once supported the gays. And when Handel finally fired back at the barrage, it was not at her opponents, but at us. When WXIA’s Doug Richards interviewed Handel recently, she made it clear that she not only opposes gay marriage, but also gay parenting. In fact, she even said she would consider banning gay adoption — a move that would put Georgia on par with Florida, and that would be particularly callous given the thousands of children languishing in the foster care system.

Horrid vs. horrible

In Tuesday’s primary, Handel garnered 34.1 percent of the vote, Deal placed second with 22.9 percent, and Oxendine came in fourth in a ﬁeld of seven candidates. Because no candidate garnered 50 percent plus one vote, the top two

will face off again in a runoff election Aug. 10. So now we can likely look forward to three more weeks of being in the crosshairs as Handel and Deal battle it out to see who will emerge from the runoff as the Republican nominee. It’s a choice between horrid and horrible, between someone who pandered for our votes then threw us under the bus, and someone who has been happily driving over us for his whole career. If either Handel or Deal win the governorship, we lose. And we lose big. Luckily, the primary played out differently on the Democratic side. Former Gov. Roy Barnes, who served one term before being beaten by Sonny Perdue, cruised through a similarly crowded field to take 65.8 percent of the vote, winning without a runoff. That means Barnes gets a head start on his GOP opponent, with extra time to raise funds and campaign across the state while the two Republicans continue to tear each other apart in a race to be the last man (or woman) standing. It also means we need to get involved in helping Barnes now. Since anything the Georgia Voice writes about Barnes is likely to be used against him in the campaign, let me be perfectly clear: Roy Barnes is no dream candidate on LGBT issues. But he does treat us like fellow Georgia citizens, rather than simply political cannon fodder, and that’s enough to deserve your vote. During his term as governor, Barnes signed a hate crimes bill into law (though it did not list protected categories and was struck down as too vague) and became the first sitting Georgia governor to address a gay group when he spoke to the Atlanta Executive Network on July 20, 2000. Barnes offered a general speech on issues he said “affect all of Georgia” like job growth, traffic and education. “I’m glad to be here to talk with you as Georgia taxpayers and Georgia citizens who just happen to be gay and lesbian citizens of the state of Georgia,” Barnes said. In a question-and-answer period, Barnes spoke of his support for the hate crimes law, expressed concern about all forms of bullying in schools, and said “people should be hired on merit, regardless of anything about them —

what color they are, where they came from, or anything else, sexual orientation included.” He did not address any specific gay rights measures, and hedged when asked if he would support a law affirming the right of gay people to adopt children. “I’m not going to lie to you, some things we agree on and some we don’t — I am not willing to pledge or state that I would change the law or enact an affirmative law until I had further time to consider it,” he said. Then, as now, Georgia law is silent on gay adoptions, leaving decisions in judges’ hands. Barnes was not asked, and did not tell, if he would oppose a law to ban gay adoption like what Handel now says she would consider.

Start now

At the national level, LGBT activists are rightfully debating whether we should continue to support the Democratic Party —especially with donations of time and money — when progress on our issues has been slow at best. Vote for Democrats as the lesser of evils on Election Day, the logic goes, but make them do more to earn our dollars and volunteer hours. But here in Georgia in the 2010 governor’s race, that argument doesn’t apply. It’s simply too critical that neither of the two Republicans becomes governor. Even if electing Barnes only results in Georgia keeping the status quo on LGBT rights — and remember, our status quo is currently no hate crimes law, no protection from being ﬁred based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and both a state law and a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage — that’s still better off than we would be under either Handel or Deal. Fighting a gay adoption ban would suck resources out of the LGBT community and hurt not only gay prospective parents, but also hundreds of kids who don’t have families, and hundreds of kids already being raised by gay parents who would not be able to have their families secured by adoption. So go out now and spend the next three months doing anything you can to help Roy Barnes retake the governor’s mansion. Get a yard sign. Get a bumper sticker. Volunteer for the campaign. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Donate money if you are able. Then come Nov. 2, vote like your life depends on it. If you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or trangender Georgian, it probably does.Photo by Laura Doug-

www.theGAVoice.com

SPEAKING OUT

Readers sound off on anti-gay political ads in run-up to primary Handel should focus on her own family, not gay families Re: “Karen Handel: ‘I would consider’ banning gay adoption” (blog by Laura Douglas-Brown, www.thegavoice.com, July 14) We’re clearly at the “say anything” point in the campaign. I hope people remember GED Jane and her quitting ways will not fix the serious and longterm problems this state has. Her TV ad boasts that at 17 she left an abusive home life. What does that say about her hetero parents? All of them are worthless, and I am a conservative, by the way. It’s time that gay bashing to get votes stop by these ultra conservative creeps. I hate Oxendine (who blocked insurance coverage of same-sex partners in Georgia) and Handel. I do like Roy Barnes.

Here’s why candidates in state races don’t care about gay votes Re: “Candidates, where art thou?” (Blog by Michael Brewer, www.thegavoice.com, July 15) Because they don’t need the handful of LGBT voters that actually turn up at the polls. As a community we like to bitch and moan about issues but when it comes time to vote and give ourselves a voice with elected leaders people don’t show up. But those same people surely don’t mind bitching when it doesn’t turn out in their favor. We don’t demand their accountability to us. … If we re-directed things like say the Atlanta Pride parade from Piedmont Park to the steps of the Gold Dome, would we finally get a little respect in this state? But as a community it wouldn’t be as fun as the party. The Atlanta LGBT community’s ability to organize a rally and pressure the politicians in Georgia is questionable at best. There should have been outcry like the NAACP and other civil rights organizations the moment those hateful political ads hit the air. Where’s GLADD? Where’s HRC? There is always a cocktail party that is

Courtesy photo

Editor’s note: These comments on Georgia Voice articles were submitted via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thegavoice). Want to weigh in? Follow us there or submit comments on our website. more important to get to. Or a bar to support. If the gay community supported themselves like they support bars this would be a non-issue. I’m not criticizing because the good Lord knows I love to take a drink but on election day, that drink will still be on ice waiting for you after you vote. And guess what? Contrary to popular belief the bars won’t close should you not make it there one day out of seven. The community wants rights and wants to complain they aren’t getting them. Where are you when the decisions are being made? Drunk? Or looking for that perfect bronzer on aisle 7b at Target? If you are going to bitch about the talk then start walking the walk. Until we can come together as one, we won’t get the rights that are afforded to every single citizen under the constitution. United we stand (when it benefits our personal agenda) and united we fall when you choose not to vote. The difference between Atlanta mayoral and Georgia gubernatorial politics and campaigning is huge. Remember that as progressive as Atlanta as a city may be, it is still within a conservative state that outlawed gay marriage in 2004. On a state level, the GLBT community is a tiny minority and considered by rural Georgians as a “special interest group,” which most politicians try to avoid being associated with. You can’t get elected mayor of Atlanta without courting the GLBT vote, but I doubt you could be elected governor if you do.

Voices

July 23, 2010

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July 23, 2010

FIERCE DISHES

A&E

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by ROB ANDREWS

Sunday. It’s all brought by sassy servers who are as charming and sweet as their classic coconut iced box pie. On as serious note, please remember there are millions in the fishery and hospitality industry affected by the oil spill who don’t have access to the fresh seafood they once loved. Please support however you can.

Southern seafood

From hip & funky to down-home

I love the REM Song “Night Swimming.” I think of swimming in rejuvenating cool water on a balmy Southern summer night, as I watch a blinking yellow symphony of fireflies. Summer makes me crave things from the sea like wild Georgia shrimp so fresh it pops in your mouth. Here are some summer seafood faves. Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House has locations in Grant Park and Westside. The Grant Park location has a city vibe and is one of my favorite seafood joints for the money. The space is industrial with high ceilings and exposed brick, plus a roof top patio with a view of historic scenic Oakland Cemetery where you can see Twilight goth teens scurrying around at night. The scene is urban mixed which means no one cares if you’re straight or gay. Service is always friendly, efficient and congenial. I usually get the basket which will satisfy your fried cravings for weeks. It’s filled with fresh crispy

shrimp which I drench in horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce. I move on to briny fried oysters dipped in dill tarter. Next comes tender calamari with fried jalapenos or opt for the white, creamy, rich scallops. If you don’t want to deal with the dining room, Six Feet Under has a killer huge bar with cheap prices. They also have juicy burgers for non sea foodies, great veggies and jalapeño hushpuppies. If you want old-school seafood, The Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road has been serving our community for decades. It’s timeless, charming, kitschy and distinctly Southern — like a gay church social especially on Sundays. They have a really cute executive chef named Ryan Cobb who produces classic low country fried seafood, tons of Sunday supper veggies and old-fashioned fried chicken. Cobb keeps the Southern classics but also adds some contemporary tapas and specials like jerk seared ahi tuna with curry aioli and mango salsa. There’s an early bird special for $11 before 6:30 p.m. that’s a deal which includes salmon croquets or grilled tilapia. Pair that with cloud-like yeast rolls and cheap stiff

Oysters Rockefeller is just one of the seafood specialties on the menu at Six Feet Under. (Photo via Facebook)

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com • Grant Park 437 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-523-6664 • Westside 685 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30318 404-810-0040 The Colonnade 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-5642, www.colonnadeatl.com

cocktails and you’ve got a $15 feast. I crave the nostalgic golden fried shrimp served with foil-wrapped baked potato, melted butter and sour cream. *Poof* it’s the ‘70s and I’m back with my parents at Red Lobster on

Other places to sea food

Chops Lobster Bar (West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead): Special occasion or just feeling glamorous? This is a classic, opulent surf and turf with magnificent décor. If I had to have a last meal it would be the rich, luxurious Main lobster dunked in shiny drawn butter. Pair your crustacean with an aged rib eye and rich sauce béarnaise. You’ll spend $100 for a memorable dinner and see hot guys in power suits. Rosebud (Virginia Highland): Rosebud does an excellent version of one my favorite low country classics, wild Georgia shrimp and grits with andouille sausage. Or try crab ravioli with local chanterelle mushrooms, capers, baby fennel and sherry butter. For a deal get a plate of crispy calamari and a Yuengling lager. Farmstead 303 (Decatur): You have to try this trendy restaurant in the Historic Decatur Rail Depot. The reasonably priced seasonal menu focuses on Southern farm fresh fare. Try the fresh flounder sandwich or a grilled salmon club with avocado, bacon and green goddess goat cheese mousse – fierce.

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THEATER by Jim Farmer

‘Hairspray’ still holds

Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents iconic musical ode to acceptance

Gay performers Alan Kilpatrick and Glenn Rainey aren’t technically joined at the hip, but they’ve acted a lot like it lately. Their collaboration in the musical “Hairspray” (opening at The Strand Theatre this week courtesy of Atlanta Lyric Theatre) is their third in the past nine months. In “Hairspray,” they play husband and wife. Kilpatrick plays Wilbur Turnblad and Rainey plays the immortal Edna Turnblad. Rainey joins a list of heavyweights who have played that role onstage including Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, Bruce Vilanch and “Cheers” star George Wendt. Rainey actually auditioned to understudy for Edna when he was living in New York. Although he has played women before, this is unique. “I’ve had to tap into my feminist side, and I’ve done it before, but dancing in heels – that’s a different story,” says Rainey. “Hairspray” (based on the 1988 John Waters film) is set in the ‘60s, amongst racial unrest. “The Corny Collins Show,” the dance show of the time, is all white, save for one day a month, and spunky teenager Tracey Turnblad is determined to change that. Rainey feels that “Hairspray” works on so many levels, besides its great score. “You have a gay man playing a female character,” he says. “It’s about the struggle of black people being accepted; it’s about the struggle of overweight people being accepted. It’s an acceptance clause the entire show. That’s the message — no matter who you are, we are all here in it together.” Back in September, Kilpatrick directed Rainey in Aurora’s “Kiss Me Kate,” then they collaborated again in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at the Lyric last month. The duo will work together for a fourth time later this year in the Lyric’s “The Music Man,” where Kilpatrick will star and Rainey will direct. “When I heard that Glenn was playing Edna, I said I’d give anything to play his husband,” says Kilpatrick. “He’s a really sweet person and a true professional.”

‘Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man’

Ed Howard, author of the popular “Greater Tuna,” which just finished a run at Theatre in the Square, has just opened “Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man” at the same venue. The play is adapted from the Fannie Flagg novel, loosely based on Flagg’s own life. Veronika Duerr stars in the one-woman show

The message of ‘Hairspray’ is ‘no matter who you are, we are all here in it together,’ says Glenn Rainey, who stars as Edna Turnblad. (Courtesy photo)

as the titular character. In the first act, the Daisy Fay character talks about how she — a snaggletoothed tomboy — finds herself competing in a beauty pageant. The second act is the aftermath as she comes home. According to Howard, there are gay characters and a plot development involved saving what turns out to be a gay bar. Howard met out lesbian Flagg in 1983 and they have remained friends, although their paths don’t cross often. “Daisy Fay” is Flagg’s first book, one that came out six years before her “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café.”

‘Cats’ returns

Finally, “Cats” returns to Atlanta in early August via Theater of the Stars. Gay actor John Jacob Lee performed in dinner theater versions of the show and finally decided to go after the real thing. After three failed auditions, he promised himself he would try one more time — and made it in. He plays Skimbleshanks. “Skimbleshanks is actually my favorite cat,” says Lee. “He is one of the adult cats, kind and considerate, but with a silly streak and enough leeway to play and have some fun.” Lee feels the musical deals with redemption and inclusion. “At first the other cats don’t accept Grizabella — we shun her but eventually we do listen and accept her,” he says. He laughs that the show itself is older than anyone in this cast.

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com ‘Hairspray’ July 23 – Aug. 8 at The Strand Theatre 117 N. Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 404-377-9948, www.earlsmithstrand.org ‘Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man’ July 22 – Aug. 1 Theatre in the Square Alley Stage 11 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA 30064. 770- 422-8369, www.theatreinthesquare.com ‘Cats’ Aug. 4 – 8 at Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 800-982-2787, www.foxtheatre.org

July 23, 2010

GA Voice

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GA Voice

July 23, 2010

YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD THE WORLD’S BEST RESEARCH AND CUTTING EDGE SCIENCE IS HERE IN ATLANTA.

LET’S MAKE HIV A THING OF THE PAST.

WE ARE SEEKING MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN BETWEEN 18 AND 45 YEARS OF AGE WHO DO NOT HAVE HIV TO JOIN IN OUR QUEST FOR A VACCINE TO COMBAT HIV. If eligible you will participate in a study to evaluate the safety and the potential efficacy of an HIV vaccine. The vaccine does not contain HIV. You will receive $75 per study visit for your time and travel expenses to the study location in Decatur, Georgia. This study is being conducted by Dr. Mark Mulligan of the Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, located at 603 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030.

WWW.HOPECLINIC.EMORY.EDU | VACCINE@EMORY.EDU HOPE…BE A PART OF IT. CALL 877-424-HOPE(4673) TO LEARN MORE.

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July 23, 2010

GA Voice

EVENTS by Matt Schafer

‘Backpack’ returns to Piedmont Park Summer tradition helps children in need prepare for new school year

After two years in drought-caused exile, Backpack in the Park returns to its original home in Piedmont Park on Aug. 1 with a bigger event and bigger goals than ever before. Backpack in the Park is one of two annual signature events hosted by For the Kid in All of Us, a nonprofit founded in 2003 to bring gay men, lesbians and gay rights allies together to help underprivileged children. Backpack in the Park provides thousands of students with backpacks and school supplies. After collecting 1,600 supply-filled backpacks last year in Grant Park, For the Kid President Jorge Esteban wants to beat that record this year. “Last year 1,600 was quiet a stretch, so if we get 1,601 this year we would be thrilled,” Esteban says. The vent will be held in PIedmont Park at Greystone and the nearby pavilion. “We’re going to try and make it a little more interactive for the participants. We’ll have music, a rock climbing wall, we’ll have the high strikers… we’ll also have the infamous wack-amole,” Estaban says. “We want to have something fun for all ages. Organizers ask participants to bring a new, unwrapped backpack filled with school supplies like rulers, crayons and spiral notebooks (see the complete supply list at www.forthekid.org), or bring a gift card valued at $30. Esteban asks that donors not give sharp objects, and unlike previous years, avoid three-ring binders. “We always want to make sure that the things we have on the list are relevant to the students, so there are a couple of changes,” Esteban says. They’ve also stopped collecting pens and highlighters and added requests for packages of 3” by 5” index cards. Donors are welcome to include other items in the backpack. “A few days after the event we’ll have a sorting party, and anything that’s not on the list we’ll take out and we’ll donate it to the teachers,” Esteban says. “Teachers are always needing supplies.”

Back to school

While For the Kid doesn’t have any specific requests, Esteban said pink backpacks were always welcome. “When you have one beneficiary, Cool Girls, that deals exclusively with girls, it’s always difficult to find enough pink backpacks,” he said. The nine beneficiaries also include Agape, AID Atlanta, The Alcove, CHRIS Kids, Camp Horizon, Lake Forest Elementary School, Nicholas House, and for the first time, Lutheran Services of Georgia.

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‘Backpack in the Park’ hopes to top last year’s record of 1,600 backpacks and gift cards donated to underprivileged kids. (Courtesy photo)

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THIS WEDNESDAY! JULY 28 “We have a wonderful range of programs where we serve children who have needs for these backpacks, and we work with people of all religions, so it’s not just Lutherans,” volunteer coordinator Bob Gibeling says. “Especially in the refugee areas these are people who just arrived in the United States and a lot of time all they have is the clothes on their backs, and maybe a suitcase if they’re lucky,” he says. “Often times they are from a refugee camp and they are starting over here and they just need everything.” For the Kid’s school of choice this year is Lake Forest Elementary School. Lake Forest is a Title One school, which means it gets additional federal funds because of the high number of lowincome students. “We’d really love to sponsor the whole incoming kindergarten and first grade class this year,” Esteban says. For the Kid will accept donations at the event and at 21 drop off locations, a list of which can be found at the organization’s website. Also new this year, For the Kid has teamed with Charitee Heart (chariteeheart.com) to offer backpacks filled with school supplies, with 10 percent of the purchase price donated back to For the Kid. In December, For the Kid in All of Us also hosts the popular Toy Party, which last year collected more than 5,000 toys and gift cards for children in need. Since its founding in 2003, Toy Party has distributed more than 27,000 toys and gift cards, while Backpack in the Park, which launched in 2006, has donated more than 3,700 backpacks filled with school supplies.

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COMMUNITY LOCAL LIFE

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July 23, 2010

GA Voice

Celebrating a MILESTONE? Share your engage-

ments, weddings, births, adoptions, anniversaries, birthdays and other events! Announcements can be up to 200 words and can include a photo. E-mail editor@ thegavoice.com with your milestone and contact info to see your name in print!

Gay Games bound

Georgians go for gold at international LGBT sports competition By Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com

There won’t be as many athletes marching behind the Team Atlanta banner when Gay Games VIII opens in Cologne, Germany, but participants say the spirit of camaraderie and competition remains strong. Some 160 athletes from Atlanta participated in the last Gay Games, held in Chicago in 2006. Thanks in large part to the longer distance — and therefore increased costs and vacation time requirements — only about 30 will make the trek to Germany for this year’s Games, which get underway July 31 and run through Aug. 7. About half of the Georgians attending the Gay Games are members of the Atlanta Rainbow Trout. That includes the 11-member water polo team and about six other swimmers, according to Sean Fitzgerald, a Trout member and secretary of the Federation of Gay Games, the international organization that puts on the quadrennial competition and cultural showcase. “This is really a worldwide event,” Fitzgerald says. “For the Rainbow Trout, we go to straight competitions all the time, and we are welcomed at those events and allowed to participate. In a lot of places in the world [gay athletes] don’t get that opportunity.” Some 9,500 athletes from about 70 countries will converge on Cologne for the Gay Games, Fitzgerald says. The Atlantans attending Gay Games VIII, all men, are competing in water polo, swimming, bodybuilding, tennis, running, bowling and DanceSport, he says. Openly gay Olympic diving gold medalist Matthew Mitcham will attend, though not compete, while pop singer Taylor Dayne will perform “Facing a Miracle,” the ofﬁcial song for Gay Games VIII, at the July 31 opening ceremony. Once the Games are underway, athletes participate in a variety of skill levels for 35 sports, ranging from more traditional offerings like diving, swimming, basketball, softball and track and ﬁeld, to contests in events like Bridge and Chess. And unlike the Olympics, which separate sports based on season, the Gay Games include

field hockey and ice hockey, inline speed skating and figure skating. Also unlike the Olympics, the Gay Games aren’t limited just to elite athletes. The motto for the Federation of Gay Games is “Participation, Inclusion, Personal Best,” while the motto for the Cologne Games is “Be part of it!” Both reflect the focus on friendly competition and reaching individual goals. “You don’t have to be good, you don’t have to be fast, you just have to want to do it,” Fitzgerald says. “You can come have fun and stand alongside Olympic athletes who are now out and at the Games.”

Friendly rivalries

Fitzgerald brought home a silver medal from the Chicago Gay Games for the freestyle 200-meter relay. In Cologne, he will compete in swimming events and water polo. “This is actually my fifth Gay Games; my first being in New York in 1994,” he says. “I can’t imagine missing one just because of the excitement of the Games, the fun, the camaraderie — it’s just a great event to be a part of. It’s all friendly rivalries.” Georgia bodybuilders Brian Dohner and David Sigler will experience those friendly rivalries first hand — the two are competing as a team in men’s pairs bodybuilding, and likely against each other in the individual bodybuilding event in the over 40 division. “It’s funny because he has been a friend of mine for years,” Dohner says. “It will be a nice rivalry and we are both very easygoing people.” At the Gay Games, “people are definitely a lot friendlier and more supportive of each other,” Dohner says. “Even when you are on stage you are cheering for each other, and that is what makes it really fun.” Dohner competed in his first Gay Games in Sydney, Australia, in 2002, where he participated in swimming and bodybuilding without earning medals in either, although he placed fourth in bodybuilding. But Dohner enjoyed the experience so much that he returned to compete in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago, where he brought home the gold medal in the men’s bodybuilding over 40 division. “My motivation is to stay healthy and to set goals for myself. I like to see continued improvements in my body,” says Dohner, who notes that training for a competition motivates him more than simply going to the gym just for a workout. “I like meeting others from around

• Clockwise from top: Atlanta resident Sean Fitzgerald, secretary of the Federation of Gay Games, is competing in water polo and swimming events. (Photo by ProjectQAtlanta.com)

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com Gay Games VIII July 31-Aug. 7 Cologne, Germany www.games-cologne.de

the world that are still competing in the various sporting activities.”

‘Just do your best’

Atlanta resident Larry Lucas has competed in ﬁve Gay Games. This year, he is competing in three sports: tennis (men’s singles, over 50 division), ballroom dancing (where he and dance partner John Richardson will perform Latin romance dances), and volleyball (division B). Because the rest of his volleyball team is unable to make the trip to Germany, Lucas is following in the community spirit of the Gay Games and competing as a substitute player on any team that needs an extra person. “That’s what the Games are all about,” he says. Lucas and other local Gay Games athletes encouraged Georgians who can’t make the trip to Germany to consider competing in the next Gay Games, slated for 2014 in Cleveland,

• Brian Dohner, from Vinings, hopes to bring home a repeat gold medal in men’s bodybuilding. (Photo by Tim Wilkerson)

• Atlantan Larry Lucas (right), shown here with dance partner John Richardson at a recent talent show at St. Mark UMC, has competed in ﬁve Gay Games. This year, he will participate in DanceSport, tennis and volleyball. (Photo by Ryan Watkins)

Ohio, regardless of their skill levels. “The Games are not about winning and losing,” Lucas explains. “Where in the Olympics you have to qualify and qualify and qualify and ﬁght to be there, the Gay Games are different. You just do your best.” The Games also give athletes in pairs events like DanceSport the opportunity to participate with a same-sex partner, something that wouldn’t be possible in mainstream competitions. “It’s an outlet for the dance that I love,” says Lucas, who also takes a month off each year to teach ballroom dancing on a cruise ship. As importantly is the statement of inclusion the Games sends for LGBT people. “That and marches on Washington are the two things that make you who you are supposed to be,” Lucas says.

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GA Voice

July 23, 2010

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presents our

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GEORGIA SPOTLIGHT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Gayborhood

www.gayborhoodapp.com After producing the Gay Community Yellow Pages in Atlanta and South Florida, Carma Productions recognized that customers are no longer turning just to printed directories to ﬁnd the businesses and services they need. But what started as simply an additional product for their existing print advertisers quickly took on a life of its own: Gayborhood, the company’s smart phone app, launched on May 15 and has already been downloaded more than 4,000 times. Gayborhood is currently available for the iPhone, and will come out on the Droid platform in August or September. It serves 38 markets in the United States, with the goal of reaching 300 cities worldwide over the next three years. For the gay-owned, Atlanta-based business, adding a mobile app to its existing print offerings was a natural progression, says Thomas Ryan, who is partners in Carma Productions with Marci Alt. “The other applications available mainly provide our community with an easy way to locate bars, restaurants, shopping venues, bathhouses, and community resources,” says Ryan, CFO and publisher for Carma. “While these features are great for some, our community needs more.” Gayborhood, which now features more than 4,200 advertisers, aims to connect users with gay-friendly businesses across a broad spectrum of categories — Ryan lists landscapers, auto repair, attorneys, childcare and pet grooming as just a few examples. In addition to the business listings, Gayborhood also has a Journeys feature focused on coming out stories, and is launching pages for Events and Giveaways. “We’ve designed the application in the spirit of its tagline: Your Life. Your Journey. Your Gayborhood,” Ryan says. — Laura Douglas-Brown

Project LifeVest’s Derrick Martin

Atlanta Queer Literary Festival The Atlanta Queer Literary Festival traces its roots to a one-day special event held at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library in 2006. From there, the event has blossomed: Last year’s festival drew a crowd of more than 500 to see 70 participating authors, including keynotes Staceyann Chin and Manil Suri. This year’s AQLF aims to surpass that milestone with keynote speakers Jennifer Finney Boylan and Cary Alan Johnson. The festival is set for Oct. 13-16, but organizing is already well underway. AQLF is hosting a beneﬁt on Aug. 12 at Eddie’s Attic featuring a who’s who of local LGBT musicians and comedians; organizers promise it will be “queertastic.” “As far as we know, we are the only queer literary festival in the country with a local identity,”

Project LifeVest In April, Derrick Martin, a gay teen from Cochran, Ga., was asked to leave home after publicity surrounding his decision to take his boyfriend to the high school prom. On July 12, Martin launched Project LifeVEST to help other LGBT people in similar situations. States the new group’s website: “Our mission is simple: ‘To be a helping hand, a life vest, to as many LGBTQ teens and adults as possible. We will carry out this mission through the establishment of safe places in as many cities as possible; through opening a call center with a qualified and well-educated and experienced team of counselors who can give advice and guidance where needed; through finding qualified and screened families who can, if the need arises, host rejected teens while they finish schooling or find a new place.’” Martin is founder and president. The website lists as its board of directors Aaron Fricke, Ar-

MORE INFO

Atlanta Queer Literary Festival atlqueerlitfest.blogspot.com • Beneﬁt Show: Aug. 12, 7 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic (see Page 25) • Festival: Oct. 13-16

says AQLF organizer and poet Franklin Abbott. “Atlanta has a vibrant community of queer writers and we hold a festival to support and encourage each other, to broaden our audiences and to enjoy and learn from queer writers we bring to the festival from other parts of the country.” The Atlanta Queer Literary Festival also aims to go global this year by streaming performances and readings over the Internet.

MORE INFO Project LifeVest www.projectlifevest.org

turo Beeche, Dave Higdon, Don Martin-Nielson, Leesa Nixon and Russell Phillip. On the website, Martin reﬂects on the trauma that came from his decision to take his boyfriend to prom in the small Georgia town. “One day I was living with my parents; the next I had no home. I found myself without much in terms of material possessions and comfort. I had a car; a low paying job with the school; and a few trash bags ﬁlled with my clothes and scarce belongings,” Martin says. “I have a very unique opportunity that I feel I cannot pass up. I have the spotlight needed to establish a name in activism. … That is why I have decided to form an organization dedicated to helping people like me, who are going through hard times because of discrimination,” Martin writes. — Laura Douglas-Brown

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July 23, 2010

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July 23, 2010

Calendar

BEST BETS 07.23 - 08.06 SPOTLIGHT

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ADD YOUR EVENT

There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.

Friday, July 23

Melissa Etheridge brings her “Fearless Love” tour to town. 7:30 p.m., Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, 770-916-2800, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Photo via Facebook

The kick-off for the Joining Hearts “Splash” party, which beneﬁts Jerusalem House and AID Atlanta, features DJ/Producer Eddie Baez from New York City. Cover is $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after. 10 p.m. Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Friday, July 23Saturday, July 24 Choreographer Lauri Stallings and gloATL present “Roem,” blending dance, music, multimedia and theatrical design as part of its continuing series. 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Woodruff Arts Center, Siﬂy Piazza, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.gloATL.com

Hotlanta Rubber Group is gearing up for the Southeast Rubber Weekend with Rubber Wrestling. 10 p.m. Atlanta Eagle, 10 p.m., 306 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com, www.hotlantarubber.com “Hairspray” opens tonight and runs through Aug. 8 at the Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060. 404-377-9948, www.earlsmithstrand.org

Friday, July 23-Sunday, July 25

Photo via Facebook

The annual MEGA Family Vacation travels to Lake Lanier Islands this year. Multiple events throughout the weekend. Visit www.megafamilyproject.org for more information.

Saturday, July 24

Photo via AmericanIdol.com

The Human Rights Campaign hosts Gospel & Unity, an afternoon of inspiring gospel music and speakers, including Rev. Kathi Martin. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m., First Metropolitan Community Church, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329

Sunday, Aug. 1 American Idol Live! Tour 2010 featuring the top 10 ﬁnalists Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban. 7:30 p.m., The Arena At Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30097, www.gwinnettcenter.com

It’s one of the biggest summer parties of the year and all for a great cause — helping those with HIV/ AIDS find affordable housing. Joining Hearts 23, titled “Splash,” takes place at the Piedmont Park Pool with DJ Roland Belmares manning the tables. Unfortunately, the event is sold out but you can still donate to the event that benefits Jerusalem House and AID Atlanta at www.joininghearts.org Joining Hearts 23 official after party with DJ Oren Nizri. Free with wristband. 10 p.m., Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com The Marietta Rainbow Festival celebrates its first gay pride event with live music, entertainment, food and drinks. The day begins at noon and is familyfriendly with adult events starting after 8 p.m. Drag queens and kings, outdoor movie screening at dusk. Free. LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, www.wix.com/jd4cm06/Rainbow-Coalition-site It’s time for the Sweet Summer Smack Down as the Atlanta Rollergirls take to the tracks. First bout with the ARG Dirty South Derby Girls vs. Rhode Island Riveters at 5 p.m., second bout between the Apocalypstix vs. the Denim Demons at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for one bout $15, for both bouts $25, Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantarollergirls.com

Friday, July 23

It’s Friday Night Live with Traxx and Traxx Girls in the renovated Atlanta Live space a.k.a. Mansion Elan Nightclub. Two ﬂoors, hip-hop and house music, go-go dancers. Cover charge is $10-$25. 11 p.m.-5 a.m., 3595 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, www. traxxatlanta.com, www.mansionelan.com

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Looking for more events? Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules and community organization meetings, provided by our friends at ProjectQAtlanta.com. DJ Jay McCracken spins at Deep House on Peachtree. 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Fresh 2 Order, 860 Peachtree St., Spire Building, Atlanta, GA 30308, 404-593-2333 The ﬁrst annual Trans-Health Beneﬁt in memory of Dr. Maxwell Scott Anderson raises funds to continue his documentary on transgender health issues. It features performances by Devin Liquor, Niko, Jackson, Kevin the Performer and Cooter Flame. Food for purchase and cash bar. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 10:15 p.m. $5 donation. 660 Irwin St., Atlanta, GA 30312 Brushstrokes, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, sponsors a fundraiser for Jerusalem House and the Grady Infectious Diseases Program. The “Mary Edith Pitts Underwear Fashion Show” with 20 male and female models will work the runway wearing items from the Frank Dandy line. 11 p.m., Burkhart’s Pub, 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts. com, www.brushstrokesatlanta.com

Sunday, July 25

After hours party for Joining Hearts with DJ/ Producer Martin Fry. 2:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. $10 presale, $15 at door. Spring 4th Center, 728 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.chriscolemanenterprises.com The Hotlanta Softball League’s B, C and D divisions vie for the second berth to the 2010 Gay Softball World Series. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., West Metro Softball Complex, 7301 Campbellton Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, www.hotlantasoftball.org

The Atlanta Dream take on the New York Liberty in a home game. 3 p.m., Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wnba.com/dream

Monday, July 26

Gay Outreach at AID Atlanta hosts Happy Hour, a new program for ﬁrst-time participants. This program is focused on Caucasian gay and bisexual men and their allies. 4 p.m.-6 p.m., Burkhart’s Pub, 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-870-7763, www. aidatlanta.org, email steven.igarashi@aidatlanta.org Meak Productions presents Same Gender Loving Expressions Radio Show every Monday at 8 p.m. The show is broadcast live from Atlanta with host Miko Evans. www.exceptionalradio.com

Tuesday, July 27

Fourth Tuesday reintroduces its Fourth Tuesday Dinners. Fourth Tuesday is the social arm of the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative. Drinks at 6 p.m., dinner at 7p.m., Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.thehealthinitiative.org The Sophisticated Ladies of Atlanta Cabaret Show featuring Nicole Paige Brooks, Brent-ta Star and the Lady Phoenix. 10:30 p.m., Shout, 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.h2sr.com/

Wednesday, July 28

The Queer Literary Fiction Book Group meets to discuss “The Big Bang Symphony: A Novel of Antarc-

Calendar

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tica” by Lucy Jane Bledsoe. The story involves three women working in Antarctica and how their lives are transformed by their time on the ice. 7 p.m., Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org Gay Fathers of Atlanta support meeting. 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 W Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Broadway Diner on Peachtree Street at the corner of Peachtree and North. www.gfoatlanta.org Devo is back, so whip it good. Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Doors open at 7 p.m., show is at 8 p.m. 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327. (at the intersection of Powers Ferry Road and Stella Drive), www.classicchastain.com

Thursday, July 29

Sarah Peacock gives a solo acoustic performance. 8:30 p.m.-11 p.m., Bellissima, 560-B Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306 404-917-0220, www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge It’s Xplosive Thursdays with the Atlanta Xplosion every week. Free entry and free drinks until 11 p.m., $5 cover after 11 p.m. Hookahs for $15. Hosted by the “Beast” Jersey Moulin and music by DJ JRO. 11 p.m., My Sisters’ Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Friday, July 30

Atlanta freelance photographer Laurie Edward Matthews celebrates the launch of his 2011 “Body Beautiful” calendar. Proceeds from sales will go to Atlanta Pet Rescue and Jerusalem House. 7:30 p.m., Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.outwritebooks.com Joan Baez performs at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. 8 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org Jill King performs in a live concert at Bellissima. $5 cover. 8:30 p.m., 560-B Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, 404-917-0220, myspace.com/bellissima_lounge It’s the Leo Party where the lions’ roar. Featuring DJ Vicki Powell, DJ Jay McCracken and DJ Mike Pope. Go-go dancers and red carpet entry. Donations accepted at door for CHRIS Kids. 9 p.m., Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, www. facebook.com/amsterdam.atlanta, www.chriskids.org/programsRainbow.htm London Calling dance party with Susan Bird. 10 p.m. $5 cover. DJ KT spinning. Free drinks if you wear your English ﬂag. My Sisters’ Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Saturday, July 31

Noni’s celebrates its second anniversary with DJs Vicki Powell, Jeff Meyers of Sound Table, Kimber & Doppelganger, Chad of Rareﬁed, William Roman and Kyle Keyser. Free tacos from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. 358 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.nonisdeli.com The annual Atlanta Team Tennis Association Variety Show is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and this year beneﬁts Positive Impact and

Saturday, July 31

DJ Isaac Escalante returns to Atlanta via Carioca Productions. 10 p.m., Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com YouthPride. $5 cover fee or table near the stage for six for $100. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.slice.atta.org Dog Daze Launch Party for Lu & Coco features hostess Bubba D. Licious and is a fundraiser for Pets Are Loving Support. Cyndi Lauper ticket giveaways. 7 p.m. The Artmore Hotel, 1302 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.artmorehotel.com The Music of Queen, a Rock & Symphonic Spectacular, with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327 (at the intersection of Powers Ferry Road and Stella Drive), www.classicchastain.com Fetish, a night about gear and those in it. Wear your rubber, leather, biker or sport gear. Demos from Alan Penrod, Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2009; and Chandler Bearden, Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2010. 10 p.m., Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Sunday, August 1

Backpack in the Park with For the Kid in All of Us brings the community together to gather school supplies for children in need. To attend, bring either a $30 gift card or a new unwrapped backpack with six folders, two spiral notebooks, one ﬁller paper 150 sheets, three pink erasers, one ruler, one glue stick, one 12-pack of No. 2 pencils, one 24-count crayons, one 12-pack of colored pencils, one pencil sharpener and one pack of 3”x5” index cards. 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Piedmont Park, www.chariteeheart.com, www.forthekid.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

July 23, 2010

GA Voice

July 23, 2010

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GA Voice

Thursday, Aug. 5

Atlanta’s homegrown country duo Sugarland performs at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta. 7:30 p.m. at 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009. www.ticketmaster.com

EVENTS UPCOMING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Monday, August 2

Tom Mendicino signs his book “Probation,” the story of a married man who is arrested at a highway rest stop for an “indiscretion in a men’s bathroom” and is forced to reevaluate his life. 7:30 p.m. Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.outwritebooks.com

Wednesday, Aug. 4

“Epidemic Chronicles” screens at Midtown Art Cinema. Filmed in Atlanta, the movie chronicles the lives of ﬁve African-American men from ﬁve cities who have contracted HIV from the same person. Tickets are $15. 7 p.m., 931 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.epidemicchronicles.com

Thursday, Aug. 5

A Very Dirty Thirty birthday for Justin Ziegler and fundraiser for AID Atlanta. Beats by DJ Vicki Powell, underwear contest, special appearance by Nicole Paige Brooks of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” as well as performances by Bubba D. Licious, Wild Cherry Sucret, Atlanta Cotillion debutantes, some of the Armorettes and more. 9 p.m.-midnight. $10 minimum donation. Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324

Friday, Aug. 6

Cyndi Lauper joins forces with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and David Rhodes. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.classicchastain.com. After the concert, join Chris Coleman Enterprises for an after party at Compound. No cover with wristband from concert. A portion of each ticket sold will go to Pets Are Loving Support. DJs Sean Mac and Mike Pope will be spinning. 1008 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.compoundatl.com, chriscolemanenterprises.com

Saturday, Aug. 7

The National Organization for Marriage — you know, the group that said a “gathering storm” was brewing because gay people who love each other want marriage rights and is headed up by the infamous and not-so-nice Maggie Gallagher — is coming to Atlanta to protest gay marriage. A counter protest is planned. The protests are set to take place beginning at 2 p.m. at the State Capitol, Washington Street side. facebook.com/ QJL.Atlanta

Thursday, Aug. 12

Atlanta Queer Literary Festival Fundraiser is part music, part comedy and all very queer. Lineup includes KenJ, Lucas Mire, Bucky Motter as well as keyboardist Andy Ditzler and Guyton Maurice. There will also be the debut of Julia Carroll and Amy Lashley’s band, Without a Net. Comedians participating include Alyssa Barnett-Schott, Mindy Dawn Friedman, Sanders Hulsey and Vivian Alford. Proceeds beneﬁt the fourth annual Atlanta Queer Literay Festival in October. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515 B North McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com, atlqueerlitfest.blogspot.com Photo by Lynn McStatts

July 23, 2010

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