David Magazine v7_i35 | Black Pride '23

Dear Readers,

With great honor and excitement, I step into the role of Guest Editor for this special edition of David Magazine. As the Director of LGBTQ Affairs for the City of Atlanta, my journey has been one of advocacy, unity, and celebrating the rich tapestry of identities that make up our vibrant LGBTQ community.

This issue is a celebration of Black Pride weekend in Atlanta, a time when we come together to honor the intersection of Black identities and LGBTQ identities. It’s a moment to recognize the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black LGBTQ individuals who have shaped our community’s history. This edition seeks to broaden horizons, inviting everyone to explore the diverse narratives that enrich our lives.

As a lifelong Atlantan and a first-generation American, I stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way for me. My personal journey, much like that of many others, has been marked by self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s truth. Growing up in Atlanta, I learned the power of community and the importance of authenticity. It’s a lesson I carry with me as I work to connect the LGBTQ community with our city’s municipal government, fostering equity and driving systemic change.

The stories within these pages reflect the tapestry of our experiences, celebrating milestones and achievements while acknowledging the challenges that persist. From personal anecdotes to community achievements, this issue aims to inspire and inform.

In unity with wishes for a Happy Pride, Malik

Brown (he/him) Director of LGBTQ Affairs, City of Atlanta

HAPPY BLACK PRIDE, ATLANTA!

With great joy and enthusiasm, I wish Atlanta’s residents and visitors a happy Black Pride weekend! As we gather together in celebration, I am filled with immense pride for the progress we have made and the strides we continue to take towards a more inclusive and equitable Atlanta.

Throughout my tenure as your Mayor, my commitment to the LGBTQ community has only grown stronger. Building on the foundation of previous efforts, we have embarked on new initiatives to foster a city that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to live authentically. But our work does not end there. Together, with the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs and the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, we are determined to keep pushing for progress. We believe in a united Atlanta, where every individual’s rights and identities are respected and celebrated. Our actions have spoken loud and clear: We are committed to making Atlanta a city that welcomes and includes everybody.

In our pursuit of equality and justice, we have achieved significant milestones. The launch of a first-of-its-kind LGBTQ youth mentorship pilot will provide support and guidance to the next generation of leaders. Additionally, we have made the largest-ever financial investment in our transgender residents, ensuring they have access to vital resources and opportunities. Furthermore, the release of Atlanta’s first LGBTQ Historic Context Statement honors the rich history and contributions of our diverse community.

As we reflect on the journey we have taken thus far, we acknowledge that there is still much to accomplish. However, with each passing day, we draw inspiration from the resiliency and strength of our city. Atlanta is a place that influences everything and everyone, where diversity is not just celebrated but embraced.

Let us remain united in our efforts and continue to foster a city that thrives on inclusivity. Together, we will build a brighter future for Atlanta – one that belongs to all of us.

With gratitude and excitement,

MAYOR ANDRE DICKENS

AUG 30, 2023

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Go Ahead, Fangirl Over Samantha Irby Like We Are

By Sarah Bricker Hunt

Photo: Lori Morgan Gottschling

As I tore through a used library copy of Samantha Irby’s 2017 bestselling collection of essays, “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life,” in one sitting, I felt a kinship with the readers who came before me. The ones who collectively adorned the well-worn paperback with chocolate smears, left behind a series of coffee mug rings on the back cover, and who had dog-eared the corners of dozens of pages, no doubt to quickly find the passages they, too, felt compelled to read aloud to their unwitting life partners or passive pets. Before I’d finished, I’d ordered the others, “Meaty” and “Wow, No Thank You,” and pre-ordered Irby’s latest collection, “Quietly Hostile,” which came out in May.

Somehow, I’d missed Irby’s rise to the top of the humor memoir genre, perhaps distracted by things like the Trump era, a pandemic and warily considering what these new Nazis are all about. I asked her forgiveness while expressing my thinly disguised new fangirl energy during a recent Zoom call, where Irby joined me from the home she shares with her wife in Kalamazoo.

“Listen,” Irby begins, “I have incredibly low selfesteem and a massive ego somehow. So, be a fangirl if you like, and I won’t tell. I’m always kind of surprised when someone says, ‘Oh, I like this thing that you wrote,’ but then I’m, like, flooded with gratitude because sometimes it feels like you’re writing into the void.”

“Plus,” she adds, “I’m not gonna read reviews ever. I’m never gonna read anything anyone says about me online if I can help it. So it is really nice to hear from a real person with a voice and a verifiable identity. You like the book; you just made my day.”

Even as a newbie to Irby’s work, it seems reductive to reference it in one of the ways other outlets have: self-deprecating, vulnerable, scatological (rude — also, maybe true) or, especially cringeworthy, a “writer and comedy juggernaut.” Can a person even be a juggernaut? I do know that if pressed — if some dude caught me in an alley and demanded at knifepoint that I describe Samantha Irby in three words or less — one of those words would not be juggernaut. They’d be closer to “Honest. Hilarious. Survivor.” And I would maybe add “painfully so” ahead of each of these.

Because what Irby does on the printed page looks easy, but her breezy vibe belies a labor of love (and a fight against intense chronic procrastination, Irby tells me). Where other authors might hold back or couch their non-fiction confessionals in vague, guarded observations, Irby goes for it.

If she’s going to explain the real, literally messy details about living with chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (and she is), she’s going there. It might involve cleaning up after herself in socially vulnerable situations or a

focus on what it’s like to get a colonoscopy at the hands of a good-looking doctor. It could involve adult diapers.

She’s also going to share the visceral pain of growing up with an alcoholic sometimes-dad and becoming a caretaker at age 11 for a chronically ill mother and share all-too-familiar dating stories about the series of men who disappointed her before she found her person.

Writing is therapy for Irby, a cathartic exercise in trauma-informed recovery. “I work so much shit out in the writing,” she says. “And then I’m like, ‘Hmm, didn’t think about how I’m also working this out for an audience’ — but by then, it’s too late and I’m like, ‘Well, we may as well just go through this together.’”

The approach has garnered the author a fiercely loyal fanbase on one hand and the kind of internet gold we take for granted in 2023 on the other for example, a critical review on Good Reads written by Mary (a middle-aged white woman whose profile pic is encircled by a red feather boa): “What we have here, ladies and gentlemen,” Mary writes, “is an enraged black lady who had a lousy childhood, and has grappled with severe depression, isolation, racism and obesity all her life. It’s a perfect set-up for humor! Not.” It’s not a stretch to imagine why Irby isn’t devoting much energy to reading what the internet thinks.

Lately, some of the internet thinks Irby is responsible for the things they hate about the new “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That...” Irby sat in the (virtual) writers’ room for the show, an experience she said was a “joy — no, really. But, also, viewers get so mad and somehow, it’s all my fault.” (Since our interview, the Writers Guild of America, which includes television writers, has gone on strike — Irby has publicly stated that she fully supports the Guild and stands in solidarity with the cause.)

In reality, of course, writers’ rooms include multiple voices, and in the case of a show like “And Just Like That...,” there’s an overarching vision to be considered — in this case, it’s the vision of executive producer Michael Patrick King (“This show is his first born,” Irby explains). Irby also worked on the animated 2019 Netflix series, “Tuca & Bertie,” featuring Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong, and on Hulu’s “Shrill,” starring “SNL” alum Aidy Bryant. For “Shrill,” Irby lived in Los Angeles for two months, a “fucking dream, but also I had to live in Los Angeles for two months. I was feeling unsettled and discombobulated, but it was cool to be there for work. Still — I’m not thin and blonde and I don’t fit the stereotype, I don’t look like Hollywood, but I had trust in my brain. I knew I could write a script, I knew I could make a Netflix executive laugh. I was pretty confident in that stuff.”

Irby’s love of TV comes up frequently throughout her memoir writing. Like so many Gen X and older Millennials, she grew up at a time when something was almost always on in the background. Growing up, she remembers watching sitcoms like “Mr. Belvedere,” “Gimme a Break!” and “Family Ties.”

Even now, she says, she returns to certain “comfort shows” that play in the background of her everyday life. “I don’t even have to be watching it,” she says. “I just kind of like the drone in the background, and I have to have it on even if I’m not actively watching TV. I like to put on some sports or news or anything with a live person and just kind of have them narrating what I’m doing even though they’re not saying what I’m doing. TV is like my pal. Let me cuddle up with my TV.”

Now that Irby has peeled back the curtain and has an intimate knowledge of how the TV sausage is made, her perspective has changed a bit. “It’s the little shit,” she begins. “Like, where the cameras are behind a person who’s talking, but their lips don’t match with what they’re saying. I know it’s because this was the best shot of the person who’s listening, but now that’s bugging me. It takes me out of it a little bit — not to be too melodramatic, but it’s like, there’s no mystery now, right?”

Los Angeles, and even Irby’s hometown of Chicago, are vastly different from her current, quieter life in Kalamazoo. “It’s funny — when the street outside is quiet, it kind of feels like ‘I Am Legend,’ where’s there’s no one but me and a couple animals and some zombie hunter operations... but it’s good. I’m not built for city life anymore.” Laughing, she adds, “Any excuse to stay in the middle of the country where it’s flat is fine with me.” ”

Though Irby says she still calls Chicago home, being there at this stage in her life feels stressful. “I thought I’d feel more stressed here [in Kalamazoo], but it is much more stressful to have to fight for parking spots. And I don’t have to worry about pickpockets. I’m not, every time I go outside, playing a game of chicken. It’s slower, easier, better.”

Irby’s tumultuous young adult years in Chicago, as outlined in her essays about that time, stand in stark contrast to daily life now. “What do I do here? Well. I take the dog to his expensive daycare, three times a week. I cook meals sometimes because I have guilt for being a writer who’s been home while my wife was out being a social worker. I do have a few friends here... I go to the library... the bookstore. Um, these things all sound very boring.” Boring, though, doesn’t mean “bad.” In fact, she tends to prefer boring over the alleged excitement of fame.

Irby’s latest book, “Quietly Hostile,” focuses on the often uncomfortable duality of regular life tinged with the experience of being famous, or at least the kind of edge fame typically afforded to writers. Irby isn’t as likely to be recognized in a grocery store as a well-known actor, but she still has to attend social gatherings and events that smack of Hollywood from time to time, and she is more frequently accused of wielding power in ways she actually doesn’t.

“It’s been weird to absorb people’s ideas of what my career is like versus the reality,” she reflects. “And sometimes, they over-inflate it by accusing me of things in the show that I could never have done because I’m the last person on the call sheet.”

“I have been lucky in that people have enjoyed my work, but Hollywood is unpredictable. What’s not unpredictable is books. If they keep buying my stupid ass books, I’m happy.”

Sarah Bricker Hunt, a proud Eastern Michigan University alum and the managing editor for Pride Source Media Group, believes in the power of intentional journalism focused on people building their communities through everyday acts of love and service.

the Knot

By Jacob Brennan

Jake Waters and Dillon Diaz met in 2019 on the set of a porn film. At the time, Waters was still an industry newbie. In fact, it was only his second time filming an adult scene!

He was booked to film with another actor, but as things happen on adult movie sets, Jake and Dillon were paired together at the last moment. Sparks flew right away, and the KinkMen considered taking their play off-camera, but they lived on opposite ends of the country. Still, they exchanged numbers and kept in touch. It wasn’t until March of 2021, when both found themselves to be single and available that they decided to give their relationship a real go. This spring, they tied the knot. We spoke with the newlyweds from their home in Los Angeles.

Before we get into how you met, please tell us about who you each were pre-Kinkmen.com.

Dillon Diaz: I was raised by my mother. My dad and I weren’t close. I lived all over New York but consider myself a Brooklyn boy.

Jake Waters: I was a military brat and lived in lots of different places, but mostly in the Midwest. I was the oldest of three and felt a responsibility to be the upstanding golden child.

Were there hints that you were different from your siblings and peers?

Jake Waters: Sexually, I didn’t notice a difference until my sophomore year of high school. That’s when I started paying more attention to the male anatomy.

Dillon Diaz: I always had secret thoughts about the same gender. I didn’t feel safe acting on them, though, until I was eighteen. The crazy thing is my little brother is also gay, but he waited until he was forty years old to come out. As his gay big brother, I should have been the first to know, but I wasn’t; his boyfriend was. We are one big gay happy family now. I love having a gay brother. I only wish I knew sooner.

What was the coming out experience like for you both?

Dillon Diaz: My coming out experience was mostly a non-event. Everyone said they already knew, and they were just waiting for me to say it.

Jake Waters: Same. My parents were supportive but worried about me being a black gay male in the Bible Belt.

Jake Waters and Dillon Diaz Tie

What led you both to adult film?

Jake Waters: I had always been fascinated by the business of pornography. My mom used to sell lingerie and adult toys, and she took me to some of her sales parties. In 2019, I was single and thought I would give it a try.

Dillon Diaz: For me, it was the need for change. I had a great job traveling the world as a celebrity makeup artist, but after a few years, I was burnt out. I was in desperate need of something new. First, I tried go-go dancing, and I loved It. I was having the time of my life! The opportunity to do film presented itself over and over again. I had my reservations about it, but I decided to give it a try. I didn’t hate it, not one bit. In fact, it was a feeling of liberation! I decided to make a career out of it.

Does being an adult performer involve its own coming out process?

Dillon Diaz: I started working in porn in my late thirties. I was grown by then, and I never felt the need to explain myself to anyone. Even today, I choose to share my career and happiness with a few people, but I never feel like it is absolutely necessary. Nor do I feel the need to hide It. If someone asks me, “Is that you?” I will proudly say “Yes,” and I’ll ask, “Did you cum?”

Jake Waters: When I entered the industry, I was still living in the Midwest. I had to keep making up excuses as to why I was going to California all of the time. Three years ago, on Father’s Day, I finally told my parents the truth. They had questions, but they were cool with it. Today, I have told a lot of friends and family members. There are some who simply don’t need to know.

Dillon has had a long history working in kink with KinkMen.com. How did you discover your love of fetish?

Dillon Diaz: On set. I’ve had many firsts on the KinkMen set. It has provided me with a safe space to explore my diverse sexuality and my love of power play. It doesn’t matter if I am in the dominant or submissive role; each provides an electrifying pleasure.

You’ve participated in some intense scenes!

Dillon Diaz: I’ve done several scenes that include suspension, but the most intense was the time I had a zipper up and down my body attached to a Harley Davidson. I had no idea what was about to happen, and when they explained to me that the Harley was going to pull the zipper off, it seemed easy enough. Ha! You’ll have to watch to see what I mean.

Jake, you recently entered the kink world, too, in the KinkMen film Divine Bitches. Jake Waters: I am extremely impressed with myself! The team at KinkMen has offered

me roles in the past, and I had always turned them down due to a past abusive relationship. Since that first scene, I’ve done a handful of KinkMen scenes, and each time, I have continued to push myself to my limits. It has definitely helped me work through my past trauma.

Is kink something you do as a couple in your private bedroom?

Dillon Diaz: We have enjoyed exploring our own level of kink in the bedroom. It’s not as extreme as what we do on set.

Might we see you both starring in a KinkMen film together in the near future?

Jake Waters: You never know what the future holds. We’re open to it!

Dillon Diaz: I always love working with my husband, especially if it’s a threesome or a group. Being able to share that experience with him and then climb into our car and go home with my best friend just feels good.

Is there anything you’d like to try?

Dillon Diaz: I hope I don’t regret saying this: I’d like to give sounding and latex a try.

Do you have advice for couples who might want to introduce kink into their sex lives?

Dillon Diaz: Communication is key. Have an open and honest conversation about your interests and limits, and agree on safe words.

What is the biggest misconception of kink?

Jake Waters:That it’s dirty, rough, abusive, and one-sided. In most cases, it’s the sub that has the power, not the dominant, because once the sub uses the safe words, the activity is over.

What is the best part of being newlyweds?

Dillon Diaz: The stability. Knowing the hunt for ‘the one’ is over is such a relief.

Jake Waters: Marriage is easy work. We’re excited to buy a house with a big yard for our canine baby.

Are your younger selves proud of all that you have accomplished?

Dillon: My younger self never saw any of this coming. I was painfully shy and awkwardly proper. I still have a little of that left, but mostly, I’m fearless.

Jake: I, too, was shy, soft-spoken, and felt the need to be perfect at everything. Today, none of that is true.

Watch Jake Waters and Dillon Diaz in action at KinkMen.com.

10 Black LGBTQ+ Influencers You Need to Follow

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Curated by Malik Brown

In the dynamic landscape of social media, Black LGBTQ+ voices are rising as influential beacons of empowerment, education, and change. These ten remarkable individuals shape discussions on identity, love, and acceptance and amplify the community’s intersectional struggles and triumphs. From thought-provoking content to unapologetic selfexpression, these influencers are redefining norms and inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves.

DaShawn Usher

DaShawn is a writer, executive producer, community mobilizer, and culture curator. DaShawn founded MOBI, a series of curated social connectivity events for gay and queer people of color to see their holistic selves while promoting community, wellness, and personal development.

Follow him at @dashawnusher

Dominique Morgan

As an activist, speaker, author, musician, and recording artist, Dominique has a powerful platform for her mission is to dismantle the systems that perpetuate violence against Black Trans people. With a decade of changemaking artistry, advocacy, and background in public health, Dominique continues to work in spaces of sex education, radical self-care, and transformative youth development.

Follow Dominique @thedominiquemorgan

Victor Jackson

Victor Jackson has worked in entertainment for more than 15 years. As a choreographer and creative director, he has worked with superstars including Jennifer Hudson, Lil’ Wayne, and August Alsina and has appeared on several TV shows. Besides his incredible musical talent, Victor uses his voice to speak up for inequalities within his community.

Follow Victor @mrglamrocksoul

Chef Deborah VanTrece

Chef Deborah VanTrece is one of the South’s most recognized culinary personalities, best-selling author, and founder of the VanTrece Hospitality Group. As a female African American restauranteur, business owner, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Chef VanTrece is a passionate and vocal advocate for social justice, especially issues that impact marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Follow Deborah @ chefdeborahvantrece

Mary Anne Adams

Mary Anne Adams is the founder of ZAMI NOBLA, the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging. Deeply rooted in Atlanta, Georgia, the membership-

based organization is committed to building a power base for Black lesbians over 40 living anywhere in the country. Follow Mary Anne @ zaminobla

Alex Santiago

Alex is the Chief Executive Officer of Destination Tomorrow in Atlanta and the founder of I Am Human United, an organization committed to creating a safe space for individuals who are homeless, living with HIV, and trans youth, with a focus on those who experience discrimination due to their lifestyle or gender identity. Follow Alex and his organization @iamhuman_ foundation

Charles Stephens

Charles is the founder and Executive Director of The Counter Narrative Project (CNP). This non-profit shifts narratives about Black gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men to change policy and improve lives. Follow Charles @charlesdotsteph

Octavius Terry

Octavius is a realtor and CEO at the menswear lifestyle brand Octavius Marsion. He is also a noted stylist and fashion designer to the stars. Follow him at @octaviusterry

Malik Khalid

Apart from being a truly gifted yoga instructor, a lululemon ambassador, and the founder of the Amador yoga community, Malik has also been outspoken on social media about his gender expression journey. Follow them @ malikyoga_

Drew Friday

Known as one of Atlanta’s most well-known drag performers, Drew Friday, also known as Sevyen, has talked openly about her transition journey in the media. The self-proclaimed drag princess also stars on several YouTube shows, and her Instagram account is overflowing with fantastic content.

Follow Sevyen/Drew Friday @drewfriday_

Empowering Equality and Well-being: Black-Led Organizations Making a Difference

In a world marked by systemic inequalities, a group of remarkable black-led organizations is stepping up to reshape narratives, dismantle barriers, and empower marginalized communities. From advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health equity to fostering empowerment in underserved neighborhoods, these organizations are driving profound change.

Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative

With a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly transgender and gender non-conforming people of color, the organization advocates for resources, empowerment, and policies that replace punitive measures with holistic support, fostering true equality and social change. Through resilience, education, and unity, S.N.A.P works tirelessly to build a just and compassionate society for all. Learn more on how to join the collab and to donate, go to snap4freedom.org/thecollabo.

The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BEAM paves the way for accessible resources, education, and advocacy that redefine mental health support through an intersectional lens. With unwavering commitment, BEAM envisions a world where mental wellness is a fundamental right for all. To learn more about how you can support this organization, go to beam.community.

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Destination Tomorrow

BEAM stands as a vital, black-led organization that echoes the principles of “healing justice, radical acceptance, and intersectionality.” By prioritizing the mental well-being of Black communities, BEAM disrupts systemic disparities and cultivates safe spaces for holistic healing. Rooted in an understanding of the nuanced challenges faced by Black individuals, particularly

Destination Tomorrow embraces the keyword “empowerment” from its mission statement. Dedicated to Bronx LGBTQ+ community members, particularly from the Black and Latinx communities, the organization empowers through holistic support, education, and advocacy. By addressing systemic barriers, fostering resilience, and providing resources, Destination Tomorrow envisions a world where everyone can thrive authentically. With a focus on social justice, health equity, and community building, the organization paves a transformative path towards a more inclusive and empowered future.

To learn more on how you can support this organization, go to destinationtomorrow.org.

Your Guide to ATLANTA BLACK GAY PRIDE

By Miko Evans for History of Black Gay America

Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt for David Magazine

On Labor Day Weekend, the world’s second-largest Black Pride event returns for another round of cultural celebration, community recognition, and various nightlife events. The 27th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebrates activism, inclusion, and excellence in the city’s African-American queer+ movement. The host organization, Atlanta Black Pride, and veteran event producers, non-profits, and nightlife promoters continue this long tradition to provide a beacon of hope and inspiration during a political anti-LGBTQ climate, especially in the South. Initially established in 1996 by In The Life Atlanta, the annual holiday event provides workshops, seminars, performing and literary arts, award ceremonies, concerts, and nightlife events for all members of the Black queer community.

To kick off the weekend, the State of Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, OUT Georgia Business Alliance, will present the second edition of Power Connect, in partnership with The Gathering Spot’s LGBTQ Circle Group, on Wednesday, August 30, at 6 p.m. visit outgeorgia. org for more info.

Also, the fourth Annual Black Pride Mayor’s Reception, presented by the Mayor’s Office and the City’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, will take place Thursday, August 31, at Atlanta City Hall.

During the holiday weekend, the LGBT Greek Weekend will return, brought to you by Real Bois Talk and ABP, featuring their annual brunch, Greek Fashion Show, Greeks in the Park, and other events.

The third Annual TransLife Awards (in partnership with Swank Entertainment) will occur at the Center for Civil and Human Rights on Friday evening, September 1, starting at 6 p.m. Visit thetranslifeawards.com for details.

The office of Councilwoman Keisha Waites will present the second Equality & Unity Interfaith Pride Celebration on Friday, September 1, at City Hall at 7 p.m., with a pre-reception for faith leaders hosted by Bishop Sonya Williams starting at 5 p.m.

The Legends, Traxx Girls, and veteran promoter Rockstars Production host Labor Day Weekend events at various venues in Atlanta, including the host hotel, The Starling by Hilton at 188 14th Street NE.

Created by DJ, reality TV star, and entrepreneur Melissa Scott, Traxx Girls, and the new brand Pure “EnHergy,” is the number one Pride event for Lesbian and bi Women in the Southeast, featuring various parties with celebrity tars and the Black Pride Booze Cruise at Lake Lanier on Labor Day.

Rockstars Annual Labor Day Rock continues to excel with events for gay and bisexual men. The Upgraded Events will feature celebrity guests such as Sexy Redd and Saucy Santana, along with the Influencers Dinner, paying tribute to icons in the Black Queer community such as Derek J, Earl Fowlkes, Jr, Vaughn Alvarez, David Graves, Tori Cooper, Dedrick Tillerson, and more. Also, RockStars’ newest event, Men Empowerment Brunch, takes place on Saturday from 12 p.m.

The “Artists In The Afternoon,” presented by Rethink The Narrative Media Company & The Esteem Awards, will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 3, at 1 p.m. at the Atlanta Public Library on Metropolitan Avenue located at 1332 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta 30315. This event is free to the public and will highlight written and spoken word, music, art, and more.

JT Events returns with various events in partnership with the 2021 HBGA Hall of Famers, the legendary Marquette Lounge. This year, JT brings the ATL Black Pride Skate Party to the Cascade Skating Rink in the Adamsville community on August 31 at 8 p.m. And, as always, The Marquette turns things up with their block party indoors and outdoors in the parking lot all weekend long. Follow JT Events and the Marquette on IG @868marquette and @jteventsatl for more event info.

to 3 p.m. Visit the websites atlantablackprideldr. com and rockstarsproduction.com for details. The weekend climaxes with the Pure Heat Community Festival created in partnership with The Vision Church & Community Foundation at Piedmont Park on Sunday, September 3, from noon - to 8 p.m., featuring various vendors, celebrity guests, and performers. The highlight will be the LGBTQ Youth Festival, which will focus on workshops at various Atlanta venues and a Kiki Ball, DJ, karaoke, games, and more for queer youth. Visit pureheatcommunityfestival. org for details.

Blue Diamond Entertainment’s PRIDE25+, Black Pride for mature women, introduces a new “invitation only” experience. The legendary Blue Diamond will bring class and style back to the ladies while partnering with other female promoters for various day and nightlife parties for the weekend.

Legendary RT Parties ATL, in partnership with Mixx Atlanta Lounge, home of Destination Fridays and Parties for the Grown & Sexy on Sundays for men over 30, will hold their festivities at the host location with the all-you-can-eat BBQ on Monday, and the bonus Swagg Out Tuesday.

Wassup N’ ATL’s Manual Labor (trailblazers of exotic entertainment since 2002), will present the Club Django’s Reunion, featuring legendary district House Mutha, DJ Sedrick, and DJ Brice, along with other events at Future Atlanta in Underground Atlanta. Exotic dancers and music performers will be in appearance. The Embassy Suites Atlanta Buckhead is the official host hotel for Wassup N’ ATL. Check out wassupnatl.com and atlantablackpride. info for more.

Romeo Michael and Fab5ATL, home of the weekly IN DA CUT, returns with Colors Black Pride, a variety of events featuring celebrity special guests, in partnership with Sean Karta Promotions and others. This year’s highlight will be the Chaparral Reunion, featuring the return of legendary promoter Mario Young and My ATL Productions.

Joining Fab5 ATL, the Iconic Superman & Friends (of the city’s most popular exotic entertainment revue) along with club 840 ATL will present the Savage Saturday Only Fans Mega Party, featuring Atlanta’s hottest male dancers and OnlyFans Stars, plus sounds by the legendary DJ Angel X and others. For more info, follow @Fab5Atl, @romichaelworld1, and @seankarta.

Additionally, here are some new events on this year’s Labor Day weekend itinerary:

Newcomer Classy Connections (queer events for Women) introduces their Caribbean Fete, Scarlet Night, and the Sassy White Affair (all featured throughout the weekend).

Trans Activist/Entrepreneur and founder of 100 Black Trans Men, Dr. Elijah Nicholas, will present the inaugural reproductive/sexual/social justice think tank in partnership with Positive Impact Health Centers in Decatur, GA, on Saturday, September 2.

Three Plus Media Events will present their Atlanta Black Pride Showcase on Saturday, September 2, in South Atlanta, which features a fashion show, a male dance revue, music performances, and reality TV stars.

Meak Productions, in partnership with History of Black Gay America, will present the inaugural Literary Artists & Entrepreneurs’ Spotlight Brunch featuring Dr. Jesse Sanders on Sunday, September 3, at 11 a.m. at Saltbox, West Midtown.

The Atlanta Eagle hosts a Black Pride weekend full of music with DJ Kurtis Jose and two nights with legendary DJ Ron Pullman of Pullman Soul.

Finally, the nationally known Deviant Events brings their sexy circuit party, “Milk,” to the Heretic on Saturday, September 2, and their BBQ Day Party at the Luxe Galore Studio on Monday – visit deviant. live for more info.

For more information on additional events and updates about the Atlanta Black Pride during Labor Day weekend, please visit davidatlanta.com.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

NEW ONLINE CALENDAR of EVENTS

The Queen of Funny: It’s Lady Bunny!

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

The original creator of Wigstock, superstar DJ, and queen of all things ubercamp: Lady Bunny, is coming to Atlanta – and DAVID got a chance to talk to the legendary queen and former Atlanta local about the current state of drag, big wigs, big careers, and her show at the Atlanta Comedy Theater Underground.

First of all, welcome back! You had to cancel your show in April because of a foot injury – so I gather all’s well and you are back in heels?

I did break my foot, so last Easter, Bunny wasn’t hopping at all. She was limping! But I am back in heels. A year before that, Covid caused us to cancel. So thanks to ticket buyers and the promoters at Wussy Mag for their patience. I haven’t performed in ATL for about five years, and I have loads of new material to tickle, delight, and horrify you with!

Your career in drag spans over decades – besides a big wig and (always) lashes, what makes Lady Bunny, Lady Bunny? My pronouns are slutty and Sugar Tits. And my sexual preference is often! I grew up in Chattanooga, where I got to see great performers like Taisha Khan, Daisy Dalton, and even Lady Chablis when she came through town. If you want to find out what makes me Lady Bunny, just google Trixie Mattel—she stole my entire look! And she made me thinner and younger!

Tell us a little about your time in Atlanta as an up-and-coming drag superstar. Honestly, RuPaul and the other queens in our crew were the town boogers back in the 80s. We shopped in thrift stores since that’s all we could afford. We loved the Charlie Browns and Yetteva Antoinettes, who starred at the big venues, but we were too artsy to fit in with that crowd. I can’t overstate this. I am very proud to be a southern drag queen. Despite living in NYC for several decades, there’s something extra about southern queens, which I adore. You do not get up on that stage with nothing.

And on the subject of drag: Drag is being weaponized in politics right now. What is

your take on that whole thing?

Drag and trans issues are a wedge issue, which the GOP can use to gin up their base to vote for them. They can’t focus on the economy, since the GOP’s only answer has been Reagan’s failed trickle-down economics. We’ve tried that for decades, and it hasn’t worked. Democrats also like to focus on the drag/trans wedge issue, because if they had a fix for the economy, they would’ve used it over the last two years. And they did not.

Why do you think drag queens are the subject of so much conservative vitriol? Conservative/evangelical voters are often two-issue voters: stopping abortion and gay rights. That gets them to the polls. Attitudes have softened towards average gay people even among GOP voters—the world didn’t fall apart (as some predicted) when gays could get married or serve in the military. And even GOP senators felt they had to vote with Dems to vote for light gay marriage protections after the Supreme Court overturned Roe and said the ruling could be applied to same-sex nuptials. I go into this in my show because there’s something else which strikes me as odd. I’m a drag queen, as are half of my friends. I know none who wake up and think “We’ve got to read stories to more kids.” So

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who is setting this agenda for the community? GLAAD and HRC? They’ve both been very wrong about other stuff.

Since I perform in clubs where underage people can’t get in, I’ve never had to deal with kids at my shows. I don’t want them there because my act is dirty. I put on the ticket links to my shows not to come if dirty humor offends you—cuz I’m too dirty for some adults. And definitely not PC enough for some pride events. That doesn’t mean that all drag is inappropriate for kids, or that queens are sexually grooming kids at these story hours. But I say the same thing about whoever is pushing trans people and pronouns. Do you know any trans people? In my world, it would be an insult to ask a trans person their pronoun, because that implies that I can’t tell what sex they are, or that they aren’t “passing.” So if most drag queens aren’t pushing for story hours and a lot of trans people aren’t concerned with pronouns—who is creating this movement for us?

Drag gone mainstream: good or bad? It’s mixed bag. There are more opportunities for drag queens, but mainly for the queens on Drag Race. And bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. I agree with what Drag Race queens like Sasha Velour have said, that if you don’t know your local performers’ names, yet you obsess over Drag Race challenges, you’re not actually a drag fan. You’re a Drag Race fan. Big difference. Drag Race de-emphasizes performance skills by only making the losers lip-synch. And many young queens just copy what they see on the show. So we’ve got lots of young queens with incredible make-up, costumes, and wigs, but who sometimes lack talent. If a queen walks on to stage looking like she spent hours on her make-up and hair, I‘ll clap for her. But that’s just the look. Now entertain me!

The word “shade” is being thrown around a lot among the younger queens (especially on drag race). Now, as the queen of throwing shade, can you tell us the correct definition?

I mainly know that term from the voguing community in NYC. Throwing shade” means insulting someone. Or you might call someone with unethical business practices “shady.” Drag Race has appropriated so much of ballroom lingo that they should be credited! Shade, slay, fierce, gagging, bring it to the runway—all that’s from the ballroom community portrayed on Pose. C’mon now, Ru, give those girls some credit. Cuz they also came up with “You better work.”

What about the word “camp”?

It’s hard to define. There’s an element of outrageousness, humor and sometimes a gay sensibility to camp. So, Liberace was camp. Charo is camp. Carol Channing was high camp. Grace Jones put a high-fashion spin on camp. Today, I’d say that Jennifer Coolidge characters are camp. It’s a vibe which gays love, and don’t always know why!

For people who have never experienced a Lady Bunny show, what can they expect when you come to Atlanta to perform at the Atlanta Comedy Theater Underground?

I sing a lot of song parodies, with new ones by Ariana Grande, Adele, Bruno Mars and Kylie Minogue. I also like to read celebrities and spread vile gossip—especially about RuPaul, Bianca Del Rio and the Drag Race crew. There’s a teeny bit of politics, an original song or two, costumes changes, two hysterical videos, and even a Broadway showstopper! And I’ve re-written Cardi B and Meghan Thee Stallion’s WAP for us older gals, who just don’t get as moist down there as we used to!

Will you have any special guest stars?

Yes! A different queen for each show. I believe the only one I’ve met is Bridget Bidet and she’s a hoot!

Lady Bunny’s Pig in a Wig - One Woman Show is playing September 1-3 at the Atlanta Comedy Theater Underground. For more info and tickets, please visit atlcomedytheater.com.