Alexander the Great
By Gerard Passaro
Photos: Marco Ontano, Martina Serra
Alexander Ananasso brings his signature blend of soulful intensity and Italian charm to the role of Marco in the eagerly awaited queer romance film, Sex Love Venice. The Rome-born out actor delivers a spellbinding performance as the charismatic Venetian who guides Michael, a man jaded by hookup culture, toward rediscovering intimacy and love. Set against Venice’s enchanting canals and iconic architecture, the film explores themes of desire, patience, and self-discovery, with Ananasso’s portrayal anchoring its emotional core.
It’s been a long road to this point. How excited are you about the release of Sex Love Venice?
I can’t wait to see myself on the big screen and I’m so hopeful that moviegoers will love the film as much as I do!
What initially attracted you to the role of Marco?
Marco is very different from the man I am, and he presented a challenge that I felt up for. He gave me the opportunity to turn on my magnetism and charm, but also tap into my vulnerability and quirkiness. I couldn’t make him come across as too self-assured! I think Marco’s playful and curious, which I am too.
Marco believes in the transformative power of cultivating desire, maintaining that the things we long for most are
infinitely sweeter when savored with patience and intention. Do you agree with him?
Yes, I do. I’m a very patient person. If something or someone is worth it, I can wait and put my energy into preparing and building up to a climax.
Have you tried the transformative power of cultivating desire in real life?
I think I have. Not sure I was as disciplined and determined as Marco is, though.
As an out actor, what does it mean to bring authentic representation to the screen in a love-themed film?
It is great to see real LGBT people on screen portraying LGBT characters. It is inspiring and motivational and makes me feel like I belong when, at times, I often feel like I don’t. As an actor, it’s not only a privilege to be the one chosen for a role, but also an honor. It’s incredible to think that someone out there might be inspired and touched by what I do and say on screen.
What was the most memorable moment on set during filming?
There were many! One scene I really enjoyed filming was the one we shot in the famous bookshop Libreria Acqua Alta. It is often visited by tourists, so we weren’t sure we were going to be able to get permission to shoot there, but that day, they opened the shop a half-hour earlier and kept the customers outside for us to shoot. The scene we shot wasn’t the one we originally had planned on doing. The dialogue wasn’t in the script! Daniel and I were able to improvise with each other and create on the spot, which was fun.
I’m surprised you didn’t say the bed scene.
Well, yes, I suppose if I had to pick one really memorable moment in the film, the bed scene would be it. It was really beautiful and powerful.
You and Daniel have wonderful on-screen chemistry. If you could pick any celebrity to star alongside you in your next romantic film, who would you choose?
Andrew Scott. He’s my favorite actor. He communicates vulnerability and emotions so specifically and powerfully. I love watching his work.
What do you hope audiences—both LGBTQ+ and beyond—take away from Sex Love Venice?
I hope the film stimulates them beyond their regular way of thinking and that it challenges them to be more open-minded and openhearted when meeting new people, whether they be potential friends, colleagues, or lovers.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I love theatre, and I would love to bring my solo show, A God Who Can Speak, to the States. I’m also writing a new piece about online dating and mental health.
Is mental health important to you?
Everything I do has to do with healing and personal growth. I’m a big believer in selfdiscovery and awareness.
Sex Love Venice opens in select theatres on Friday, February 14, as well as on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Beyond the Roses and Chocolates
Making Valentine’s
Day
Extra Special in the LGBTQ+ Community
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Valentine’s Day often comes wrapped in a glossy, heteronormative package— candlelit dinners, pink and red everything, and a narrow view of romance that doesn’t always reflect the beautiful diversity of love in the LGBTQ+ community. But love, in all its forms, is something worth celebrating. For many queer individuals and couples, Valentine’s Day isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about reclaiming the holiday to affirm relationships, chosen families, and the unique ways we express love.
Celebrate Your Chosen Family
So, instead of subscribing to the traditional script, why not flip the script entirely? Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, single and thriving, or surrounded by an incredible circle of friends, here are some unconventional ways to make this Valentine’s Day extra special.
Embrace Adventure Over Tradition
Love isn’t limited to romantic partnerships. Many in the LGBTQ+ community know the deep importance of chosen family—those friends and loved ones who have been there through thick and thin. Valentine’s Day can be the perfect opportunity to honor those relationships. Host a “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s” party, complete with love letters to your closest friends, a themed movie night (think “To Wong Foo” or “The Birdcage”), or a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite comfort food.
If distance is an issue, set up a virtual get-together with friends across the country. A trivia night, a heartfelt toast, or even a collective playlist where everyone contributes songs that remind them of each other can turn February 14th into a celebration of platonic love and community.
Forget the sit-down dinner at a fancy restaurant—shake things up with an adventure instead! Whether that means going on a spontaneous road trip, renting a cabin for the night, or planning a scavenger hunt across the city, making memories beats waiting for a reservation. For those who love the outdoors, a Valentine’s hike followed by a picnic (complete with champagne, of course) can be a refreshing and romantic alternative.
If you’re feeling particularly daring, consider trying something completely new together: take a dance class, visit an LGBTQ+ history museum, or even get matching tattoos (if that’s your vibe). The key is to make the day about shared experiences rather than expected rituals.
Write Love Letters—But Make Them
Love letters aren’t just for 19th-century poets or Nicholas Sparks movies—they’re a deeply personal and touching way to express how much someone means to you. But instead of a standard “I love you,” try writing about the little things: the way your partner laughs at their own jokes, how they instinctively reach for your hand in a crowded room, or the way your best friend always knows exactly what to say when you need a pick-me-up.
If writing isn’t your thing, think outside the box. Record a voice memo listing your favorite memories together, create a scrapbook of your best moments, or even make a short video montage. It’s these small, personal gestures that turn Valentine’s Day from commercialized fluff into something genuinely meaningful.
the community who may be struggling. Love is about lifting each other up, and there’s no better way to do that than by showing kindness and support to those who need it most.
For those who want to get hands-on, consider organizing a donation drive, attending a benefit event, or simply reaching out to a local LGBTQ+ center to see how you can help. Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action.
Redefine Romance on Your Terms
Support LGBTQ+ Businesses and Artists
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about mass-produced gifts. This year, consider supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, artists, and creators when choosing a present. Whether it’s handmade jewelry from a queer-owned Etsy shop, a book by an LGBTQ+ author, or artwork from a local queer artist, putting your money into the community makes the celebration even sweeter.
Ultimately, the best way to make Valentine’s Day special is to celebrate love on your own terms. That could mean staying in with your partner for a self-care night, filled with face masks, wine, and a queer-themed movie marathon. It might mean cooking a meal together, going to a drag show, or simply unplugging from social media to focus on quality time.
For those who are single, take the day to love yourself unapologetically. Treat yourself to a spa day, buy yourself flowers, or write yourself a letter about all the things you love about who you are. Valentine’s Day doesn’t belong exclusively to couples—it belongs to anyone who values love in all its forms.
Love, Without Limits
For an extra thoughtful touch, why not commission a custom piece of art, a poem, or a song for your partner or best friend? Personalized gifts have a way of making someone feel truly seen and appreciated.
Give Back to the Community
One of the most powerful ways to celebrate love is by spreading it. Valentine’s Day can be a perfect opportunity to give back to the community, whether through volunteering at an LGBTQ+ shelter, donating to an organization that supports queer youth, or writing affirming messages to members of
Valentine’s Day is what we make of it. For the LGBTQ+ community, it’s an opportunity to celebrate love in all its vibrant, unique, and powerful forms— whether romantic, platonic, or selfdirected. By rejecting rigid traditions and embracing what truly matters, we can turn the holiday into something that reflects the joy, resilience, and beauty of queer love.
So, this year, forget the rules. Love fiercely, celebrate boldly, and make Valentine’s Day your own.
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
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
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
ANSLEY
A
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
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
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS
urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY
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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