Melissa Etheridge’s Guide to Joy, Resilience and Unity
By Chris Azzopardi
Photos: Primary Wave, James Moes
To quote Melissa Etheridge, ain’t it heavy? For some perspective on recent assaults on LGBTQ+ rights brought by the Trump administration, turning to a gay icon with decades of experience in resilience and unity is always worthwhile.
Enter Etheridge, who tells me she’s not quite the grandmother she once imagined herself becoming — though, in many ways, she is a grandmother to many of us in the LGBTQ+ community. Our community draws inspiration from her strength, activism and the unwavering fortitude she’s embodied since her highly public coming out in 1993. Through the unapologetic truth expressed in her music and embodied in her public persona, Etheridge’s voice has consistently carried a message of hope and authenticity.
For Etheridge, the stage is more than a place for entertainment — it’s a platform for healing and connection. Currently on tour, she’ll soon embark on what is bound to be one of the queerest tours of 2025, a co-headlining run with the Indigo Girls that kicks off in Colorado in July. Her message remains clear: through joy, music and inclusion, we can weather life’s storms together.
I caught up with Etheridge, 63, during a particularly trying week, as the L.A. fires left her and many others reeling. Power outages at her home almost forced her to reschedule our interview, but she and her wife, Linda Wallem, eventually found refuge at a hotel in Santa Barbara.
In this candid conversation, Etheridge opens up about the transformative power of rebuilding, her long history with the Indigo Girls and shares lessons learned from decades of being a trailblazer. She also teases new music inspired by both personal and global experiences.
We’ve connected throughout the years through some challenging times. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now.
Well, we are right on the edge. We’re in Calabasas, so that’s on the edge of the Palisades fire, and so my house is going to be fine. Our power’s up. We did evacuate, but my house is going to be fine. To know that the Palisades are gone, it is just like, ah. It doesn’t hit my head, and this is my city. This is where I eat. Restaurants I eat at once a month, they’re gone. And it’s overwhelming. I know it will come back so beautifully, and so I know it’s going to be a good thing
in the long, beautiful run as change is, but man, this is devastating. This is crazy.
Where do you go in your head in a time like this? Do you turn to music?
My wife and I were talking last night because we’re up in Santa Barbara — we got away far enough and we’re safe and OK— and then you turn on the news and you see it, and you can’t go backwards now. There is no backwards anymore. It’s not there. And when we think, wow, moving ahead, this is a city that was built on dreamers and their dreams. It was built to entertain the world. It grew because it was a place of dreams and hopes, and change and newness, and it’s quite a large industry now there, and a beautiful city that’s grown around it filled with many different industries. And I think this event and this change is going to influence what you see in the arts, in theater, television, sports.
I think in 10 years, we’ll look back and see how the change that came out of this happened because it takes little petty conversations about liberal and conservative and just throws that out the window. This little tug of war we’ve been involved in the last 10 years or whatever, it really blows that out, and it’s like, “Wow, as we move forward now, let’s make sure the institutions we create and the housing, and the infrastructure we create is what we’ve been spouting all these years.” That it’s a forward-thinking, diversified, embracing kind of city we want to build.
There’s no other way to rebuild but to unify.
Exactly.
Well, it feels almost awkward to talk to you about work. I know for me, it’s good for me to go into my writing head in difficult times, so maybe that’s also good for you.
That’s exactly what I did. I’m about to record my next album and I’m going into the studio in March, and so I’ve been really writing and just soaking everything in. And last night, all of a sudden, I was like, “Oh god, I want to write a song about this experience.” But then it’s like, “Where do you start?” And I think I need to absorb this experience a little bit. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a song about Los Angeles or Hollywood.
How did you and the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, decide on “Yes We Are” as the name of this tour?
Well, we did about 11 shows last year. It was part of my tour and their tour, and we worked it out, and we had such a blast together. We caught up. We loved the audience. The audience that came to see us was on fire. They were enthusiastic. It was very cathartic, like, god, everything we’ve been going through, let’s just remember the songs we love. Remember the songs that made us feel good, and we just soaked it in. And it was multi-generational, that’s what I loved. There were daughters with their mothers, with their grandmothers. The whole family would come, the husband’s wives. Of course, it was very queer, but it wasn’t exclusively queer at all. There were a lot of straight folks out there listening to that music they liked in the ’90s.
What conversations went into the name of the tour between you and the girls?
It was just a few texts sent back and forth. And I was like, “I don’t know, ‘Power of Three,’ maybe?” And actually my manager said, “What do you think about ‘Yes We Are’?” I thought, “Oh, that’s just a reference to me.” But Emily said, “Oh my god, I love Yes We Are.” And we both were enthusiastic about it, and we love the way it feels and what it brings back.
What do you remember from first meeting the Indigo Girls?
My first album [in 1988] was out when I met them, and their big album wasn’t out yet. And I remember they were such fans. They were just really, really sweet. Someone brought them over to my house once they knew them. I didn’t know who they were, and it wasn’t until I listened to them and went, “Oh, this is great.” I wore that “Closer to Fine” album out. It was a staple of that time, and I just loved seeing everything they did. It was just a really special time back then.
There were so few out queer people in the ’80s when you initially met. Did you bond over all being gay public figures?
Yes, and we both came from that deep women’s culture, lesbian culture and women’s music festivals. They came from the Southern coalition. I came from Southern California, the San Francisco kind of lesbian, gay, bi [world]. AIDS had really brought us all together. They were a big part of pretty much just the indie music movement that was coming out of Athens, Georgia at the time with R.E.M. So it was a very musically driven time and they just happened to be gay.
I always tell people that the late ’80s and early ’90s was, “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” We were all out, but we just didn’t cross that line publicly where we were saying, “I’m gay” until I finally did in 1993. We were more political, not so much about gay, but about women’s rights. And we did a lot of reproductive rights stuff back then with [women’s liberation activist] Gloria Steinem. So then the gay thing just developed, and we just followed the path.
It’s hard to believe that you came out over three decades ago. I have memories of seeing you just shortly after I came out and thinking, “Who is this cool lesbian? I want to be this cool lesbian.” So, if someone brings back Lilith Fair, I am there.
[Laughs.] Oh, well, sit tight.
Oh, really?
Who knows?
All right, we’ll leave it at that. Thinking back to your activism in the ’90s, did you think this is where we would be as an LGBTQ+ community in 2025? And how do you think you can bridge music and activism at this point in your career?
I remember speaking in 1994 about gay marriage, and it was a very foreign idea. It was just a weird thing to even say. And even in the gay community, we never even thought about marriage because we weren’t going to marry. It just wasn’t possible. Then the whole LGBTQ+ community went, “Wait a minute, I deserve that too. That’s right, I’m part of this ‘we the people.’ Hey, wait a minute.” The community came together behind that. As we grew up, we were all partying, having a really good time in the ’80s, but all of a sudden we’re like, “Oh, we want to settle down and have families.”
I always used to say, in the future, I think I’ll be telling my grandchildren — which I don’t have yet, so not yet — “Wow, back when I was your age, they didn’t even let us get married.” That sort of thing. And how strange they would think it was.
There is now a queer uprising happening in reaction to the current administration. What do you say to young queer activists having seen so much yourself, especially the ones who may think they’re fighting for something that is a new fight?
Well, is it a new fight? Is it or not? Because I think what’s always considered is, “Hey, I just want to be considered one of the many,” and this idea of “all of us —except for them,” is being tried in our society. That’s what we’re really saying, because people can’t even understand the many different layers and differences in our own community. So it’s just not even, “Give us these things, stop taking away these things, stop taking away the protections that you would give any other human being.”
We are just human beings, and it’s showing what being human means. And so I would encourage the activists now, people in the LGBTQ+ community, to work for something and not against something. It’s when we
work against it that we give more energy to it than it deserves, so let’s work for inclusion. Let’s work for unity. And let’s be an example of being a unified community ourselves, who may say, “Look, I don’t understand some things, but being a human being is a right. And you can make whatever choice you want, whether it’s to change your gender identity or to be a Republican and hate. I give you that. You have the right to do that.” And it’s very hard, but let’s be the example of that. Accepting and loving ourselves is the example. Let’s show how that looks, and that’s the best thing we can do to work for and fight for inclusion.
How do you feel about Trump leading the country for the next four years?
I don’t have any more F’s to give. The night of the election, I went, “That’s it, I am not even going to pay attention to him anymore. I’m not going to give him any of my fear, any of my disappointment. I’m not going to give any of that anymore.”
How do you plan on accomplishing that?
Well, I limit my social media time, and I stopped giving my attention to him and the weird ideology. I give my attention to things that bring me joy, to things that give me hope. Like I was saying, I want to be the example. And when I’m afraid of things that I have no control of, that’s a horrible way to feel. So start by taking care of myself. Start by giving the understanding and attention and love that I wish they would give. I’m going to give it to myself and everyone I see. I’m going to, again, be an example of what I wish to see in the world.
I was listening to your song “What Happens Tomorrow” shortly after Kamala Harris lost to Trump. It felt as relevant now as it did when you wrote it after Hillary Clinton lost to him in 2016. And it was released in 2017.
Unfortunately, and that’s all these years later, right? I wrote that song and I didn’t know when it might ever not be relevant.
Regarding your upcoming tour with the Indigo Girls, you both have extensive catalogs. How are you approaching the setlist?
I think I might be dipping into some of the more hopeful songs on my repertoire — not being afraid to be political, but to do it in a way that inspires.
I think there’s lots of people who are looking forward to experiencing some community in a space in which they feel loved and accepted.
Absolutely. Please, please, because it’s a safe space. It’s a loving space. And again, we’re not there pushing against a lot of stuff. We are showing love and inclusion, and really how we still feel joy and hope, and it’s still alive, and come sing the songs with us.
Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
10 Strategies to Thriving Solo
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
In a world that often prioritizes coupledom, being single can sometimes feel like a status to “fix” rather than celebrate. But let’s be real—living your best life doesn’t require a plus-one. Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, this is your time to shine, explore, and cultivate joy in ways that are entirely your own. Here’s how to make the most of your solo era while embracing everything life (and the LGBTQ+ community) has to offer.
1. Build Your Chosen Family
One of the greatest gifts of being LGBTQ+ is our ability to define family on our own terms. Whether it’s a tight-knit group of friends, a queer community center, or even online spaces where you feel seen, invest in relationships that uplift and support you. These connections will be your foundation for love, laughter, and those much-needed reality checks.
2. Romance Yourself
Who says romantic gestures are reserved for couples? Buy yourself flowers, plan a dream vacation, cook a candlelit dinner for one— whatever makes you feel special. Self-love isn’t just a buzzword; it’s
a necessity. Treat yourself the way you’d want a partner to treat you, and you’ll quickly realize that you are enough.
3. Pursue Your Passions
When you’re single, you have the luxury of making every decision based entirely on what excites you. Take up dance lessons, learn a new language, train for that marathon, or dive into LGBTQ+ activism. Exploring your interests is a powerful way to cultivate confidence and build a life that feels uniquely yours.
4. Make Your Space a Sanctuary
Your home should be your happy place. Create a space that reflects your personality and brings you joy. Whether that’s decorating with pride flags, curating the ultimate playlist for solo dance parties, or investing in a ridiculously comfy couch, make your home a place where you feel safe, inspired, and authentically yourself.
5. Date—If You Want To
Being single doesn’t mean you have to swear off dating altogether. If romance is something you crave, explore it in a way that aligns with your happiness. Try casual dating, flirting at queer events, or diving into the world of polyamory if that speaks to you. The key is to date on your terms without pressure to “settle down” if that’s not your goal.
6. Travel Without Limits
Solo travel is a game-changer. You set the itinerary, eat where you want, and experience places through your own lens. Whether it’s a weekend in a gay-friendly city or a solo backpacking adventure, traveling alone can be empowering, exhilarating, and a perfect reminder that your happiness isn’t tied to anyone else.
7. Prioritize Your Well-Being
Being single gives you the space to focus on your mental and physical health without outside distractions. Set fitness goals, explore therapy, take up meditation, or simply
commit to getting enough sleep. A healthy relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have.
8. Find Joy in LGBTQ+ Spaces
From drag brunches to queer dance floors to LGBTQ+ sports leagues, there are endless ways to engage with your community. Whether you’re an extrovert who thrives at big events or an introvert who prefers one-on-one connections, being involved in queer spaces can help reinforce that you’re never truly alone.
9. Celebrate Your Independence
Many people in relationships crave the freedom that single life provides—so embrace it! You can move cities, switch careers, or decide to stay in and binge-watch an entire series without consulting anyone. Your life is yours to design, and that’s a beautiful thing.
10.
Remember:
You Are Whole on Your Own
Being single isn’t a waiting room for love—it’s a full, vibrant chapter of life in itself. Whether it lasts a few months or a lifetime, being single is a gift that allows you to explore, grow, and create a life that’s fulfilling on your own terms. You don’t need a partner to complete you—you are already whole.
So go forth, fabulous and free! The world is yours to enjoy, no plus-one required.
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Super Bowl Sunday: A Game for Everyone
How to Get Into the Super Bowl—No Matter Your Level of Football Knowledge
Super Bowl Sunday is nearly here, and whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or just here for the halftime show and snacks, there’s a way for everyone to get into the game. While football might not be everyone’s go-to sport, the Super Bowl is more than just a championship—it’s a cultural event, a social gathering, and yes, a perfect excuse to be part of a fabulous party. Here’s how to enjoy the game no matter your level of football knowledge.
Beginner:
Football 101—Understanding the Basics
If you’ve never watched a football game in your life, don’t worry—you’re not alone! The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the Super Bowl. Here are the fundamental rules to help you follow along:
If this still sounds confusing, don’t stress— just watch what everyone else is reacting to and go with the flow. The best part? Even if you don’t fully grasp the rules, there are plenty of entertaining aspects of the game, from the over-the-top commercials to the halftime performance.
� The game is played between two teams – the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles –each trying to move the football into the opponent’s end zone to score points.
� A game consists of four 15-minute quarters, with a halftime break in between.
� The team with the ball is on offense and tries to move down the field by running or passing the ball.
� The opposing team plays defense, trying to stop the offense from scoring.
Intermediate: Elevating Your Super Bowl Viewing Experience
For those who know a little about football but want to engage more with the game, here’s how you can level up your Super Bowl experience:
� Follow the Key Players: Keep an eye on the quarterbacks—they’re the leaders of the offense and make or break the game. Also, watch for standout wide receivers, defensive stars, and any players making big plays.
� Understand the Flow of the Game: The momentum in football can shift quickly. If a team starts making consecutive big plays, gaining yardage, or forcing turnovers, you know something exciting is about to happen.
� Points are scored in different ways: a touchdown (6 points) is the biggest score, followed by an extra point or two-point conversion, a field goal (3 points), and a safety (2 points).
� Learn the Strategy: Teams don’t just run random plays—they follow a game plan. Watch for when a team relies more on running
versus passing and how they adjust their defense in crucial moments.
� Talk the Talk: Want to sound like you know what you’re doing? Drop phrases like “That was a great play-action fake,” “They need to establish the run game,” or “That was a clutch third-down conversion.” Even if you’re not 100% sure what it means, you’ll sound legit!
Beyond the Game: Making It an Inclusive and Fun Event
Advanced: A High-Level Approach for the Seasoned Fan
If you already know football and want to impress (or school) your friends during the Super Bowl, here’s how to take your analysis up a notch:
� Read the Defense: Before the snap, analyze how the defense is lining up. Is it a zone or man-toman coverage? Are they blitzing? Predicting defensive schemes can make watching each play more exciting.
� Watch the Trenches: The offensive and defensive line battles dictate the game more than people realize. If the quarterback is constantly pressured, the offense will struggle. Conversely, if the offensive line is dominating, expect big plays.
� Break Down Coaching Decisions: Questioning when a team goes for it on fourth down, whether they challenge a play, or how they manage the clock can lead to some great debates.
� Stat-Driven Insights: Use analytics to make predictions. For example, teams that win the turnover battle almost always win the game. Understanding trends like this can help you anticipate key moments before they happen.
The Super Bowl is more than just football— it’s a social event, and that’s what makes it fun for everyone. If you’re hosting or attending a Super Bowl party, here are some ways to make it inclusive and enjoyable:
�
Create a Fun Atmosphere: Whether it’s a full-on party or a chill gathering, embrace the festivities with decorations, teamthemed cocktails, or a fun game like Super Bowl bingo.
� Embrace the Halftime Show: Let’s be honest—sometimes the halftime show is the real main event! Whether it’s Rihanna, Beyoncé, or another pop icon, it’s always a major spectacle worth watching.
� Get Into the Commercials: Super Bowl ads are legendary, and they’re often packed with humor, surprises, and celebrity cameos. It’s the one time people actually want to watch commercials.
� Support LGBTQ+
Representation in Sports: The conversation about inclusivity in professional sports is growing, and there are more openly LGBTQ+ athletes and allies than ever. Rooting for progress in sports is just as important as cheering for your team.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Game Your Way
Whether you’re here for the touchdowns, the halftime show, or just the snacks and drinks, the Super Bowl is an event that brings people together. You don’t need to be a football expert to have a great time— you just need to embrace the fun, enjoy the moment, and maybe pick a team to root for (even if it’s just based on their uniform colors). So, grab your game-day snacks, raise a toast, and enjoy the biggest sports night of the year!
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
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BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
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THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
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BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
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840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
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FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
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OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
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MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS
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CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
RETAIL
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BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
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BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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