David Magazine v7_i38 | Meet the Next Mr. Gay America

SEPT 20, 2023

V7-38

DAVID Magazine

Peach Media

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Brian Sawyer

brian@davidatlanta.com

EDITORIAL & SOCIAL MEDIA

Editor-in-Chief

Mikkel Hyldebrandt mikkel@davidatlanta.com

SALES | EVENTS

Josh King

Josh@davidatlanta.com

Russ Bowen-Youngblood

DISTRIBUTION

Some Cute Guy

CONTRIBUTORS

Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Chris Azzopardi

NATIONAL AD REP

Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

COVER IMAGE

Photo: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Model: JaredLance H. Kerschner

Outfit: Brushstrokes

Meet the Next Mr. Gay America

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Photos by Russell Bowen-Youngblood

All outfits provided by Brushstrokes

JaredLance works in dentistry by day and by night he is a stage actor, most notably at Atlanta’s Out Front Theatre. He is also the reigning Mr. Gay Southern America, and at the beginning of October, he will be competing for a new title – the 40th Mr. Gay America – a national pageant system involving 18 candidates from all over the country. David caught up with JaredLance as he was preparing to snatch yet another title.

First, congratulations on your Mr. Gay Southern America win! Tell us a little about the process and journey of winning that title. Thank you! It means a lot to me. My process and journey were a little unorthodox from others. I found the Gay Southern preliminary from a Google search. Winning the title wasn’t easy either. I was up against someone who competed at Mr. Gay America the previous year as the reigning Mr. Gay Missouri. So, someone who knew the ropes against someone who didn’t, but that didn’t discourage me. I had the advice from the reigning Mr. Gay America, KC Sunshine, and my promoter, Monica Mitchells, throughout my entire prep process. Those two pushed me in a way that I needed so I could ultimately win the title of Mr. Gay Southern America.

Up next, you are competing for Mr. Gay America. Please tell us more about that title.

Mr. Gay America is our country’s longestrunning male pageant! Starting in 1983, Ron East was the first Mr. Gay All-American (the title at the time). The Mr. Gay America system had a brief hiatus from 2009-2017, but since 2017, we have had a new brother inducted each year, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic. Mr. Gay America is all about the excellence that a gentleman brings to the system as the face and the head administrator. The pillars of excellence are as follows: Integrity, loyalty, honor, optimism, and pride. Mr. Gay America must have all of these to be the Symbol of Excellence expected of him on and off the stage.

How do you prepare for a competition like that?

A lot of iced coffee! No, but seriously, without

giving up all of my secrets, I have taken it upon myself to reach out to many of the former Mr. Gay Americas to see what they expect from a contestant—everything from creativity in presentation to how to market myself. My promoter Monica has been awarded Promoter of the Year for the Mr./ Miss divisions, and for good reason: she knows what looks good. That goes to also venturing out and connecting with veterans of this industry. I have wanted to educate myself on every aspect of this system and pageantry, so I have made it a mission to go to the people who know what they are talking about.

That’s a lot of work and dedication! Why do you do it?

You’re right. It’s a lot of work and dedication. Every free moment I have is invested into this pageant through education or planning every detail. The payoff, for me, is making something out of nothing. I am technically a nobody in the pageant world, but for me to come into this industry having never competed before and truly believe I can win the whole thing on my first attempt? It’s bold, but I have enough confidence (and a healthy dose of delusion) in myself and my team that I can win it all and make my mark in the system and beyond.

What is the most unexpected thing that you have learned by competing?

I think it’s the sense of community. I have always had a strong bond with our LGBTQ+ community and my theatre community, but now I have found community in pageantry. Yes, it’s a competition at the end of the day, but the brotherhood I have found in the Gay America system is something I didn’t know I needed until I got it. I’m competing against 18 other gentlemen, but they are my brothers, and I have a special connection with them that no one

else will understand except them, and that’s really important to me.

pageantry. So this win will mean a lot to me, yes, but this win is for my mom more than anything.

You’re busy competing, but where can people find you? And will you be in Atlanta for Pride?

can people crown?

So the competition is coming up soon. In fact, you’ll be competing on October 4-5! How can people support you so you snatch that Fun Fact! I don’t even win a crown, but I do win a gorgeous medallion. People can support me by liking the Facebook pages “Mr. Gay America” & “Mr. Gay Southern America.” There will be updates given in realtime during the pageant and contestants on those Facebook pages. Another way is that if people feel inspired to support financially, they could donate any dollar amount to my Venmo or CashApp – both under “JLHuston.” Financial donations have been used for expenses and will be used for lastminute costs before and at the pageant. I am so thankful for every dollar donated, which has been used to ensure I present the winning package at Mr. Gay America!

What would a win mean to you?

You know, there are so many layers to what this win will mean, but above the title and making history being the 40th Mr. Gay America, I would be making my mother and my family proud. My mother unexpectedly passed away in early 2022, and her passing really wrecked me. After a year passed and some good therapy, I knew I wanted to make her proud of the son she raised me to be. She supported me in every way imaginable, leading me to theatre and, ultimately,

Please keep up with me online! My Instagram is @ItCouldOnlyBeJared. And yes! I will be in Atlanta for Pride! You can catch me in the parade as a certain Ken Doll in a car with my Royal Wife, Miss Gay Southern America, DeVida! I will also be at the David Magazine booth after the parade, meeting festivalgoers, taking pictures, and signing posters (hopefully) as your next Mr. Gay America!

Anything you’d like to add?

I’m thankful to all my sponsors, especially David Magazine, for being one of my top two sponsors alongside Out Front Theatre Company. I also wouldn’t have pursued this entire thing if I didn’t have the support from my husband, Dorian. He is my rock and the glue to my sanity. There is no one I would want more by my side. Plus, The First Gay Gent has a nice ring to it!

Pink’s Other Brave Act: Modern Pro-Queer Protest Singer

By Chris Azzopardi

Photos: Christopher Schwegler.

I watched in gasping awe on Aug. 16 as Pink spun through the cool Detroit air, a soaring trapeze artist with a soaring voice to match. Take, for instance, the way she zipped to all corners of Comerica Park during her Summer Carnival Tour, her firstever stadium show in Detroit, while somehow still singing her playfully cocky hit “So What” against the city’s skyline. That acrobatic entrance alone definitely earned her the glass of wine and bubble bath she took shortly afterwards, according to her post-show Instagram post.

Twenty-plus years into an enduring career built on reinvention — something to admire, especially when you consider Pink’s underdog status in the era of Britney and Christina — the singer-acrobat has become known for this circus act. It wasn’t until her second album that she dropped the R&B persona that defined her 2000 debut “Can’t Take Me Home” and went full on pop-rock. Though her path seemed clearer based on that album’s success, its followup in 2003, “Try This,” was a commercial flop. During that time, when she first made being a misfit look cool, who could have predicted that it would be Pink selling out stadiums across the country in 2023? Not to mention, breaking a Comerica Park record — her sellout crowd of 45,000-plus is now the biggest reservedseat attendance in the ballpark’s 23-year history, besting acts such as the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel and Elton John.

The first time I saw Pink was in Detroit at the State Theatre in 2002 for the Party Tour. There were no “holy shit, she’s flying” moments; she was on foot the whole time. Still I knew she had something even more daring than a circus act to give this fickle world — that’s real talk, no matter the consequences.

A few years later, in 2006, Pink released “Dear

Mr. President,” a joint effort with the Indigo Girls. The song, where she called out those opposing same-sex marriage, was coincidentally released the same year the Chicks released “Not Ready to Make Nice,” a song the country trio directed at those who blackballed them after speaking their mind about then-President George W. Bush. Pink didn’t let what happened to the Chicks stop her, however. In Pink’s song, she blasted Bush with her signature no-bullshit approach. I was already paying close attention to her as a fan of her music and a teenage misfit myself, but it was that show of direct allyship, a gesture she made as a relatively new artist at what seemed like peak fame, that gave me newfound respect for her. Years later, she’s still peaking. And her platform has changed — it is, fortunately, even bigger now. It is stadiums in Nashville, Cincinnati, Omaha — all places where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has passed in the last year — and Detroit, where I realized no one seems to be talking about the other gusty part of her Summer Carnival Tour.

No, she’s not swinging from the top of a stadium, but Laura Ann Carleton, a mother of nine, was fatally shot in California recently, allegedly killed by a 22-year-old because of the Pride flag she proudly put in her store window. In 2023, it’s dangerous to even be an LGBTQ+ ally. So as I watched a soldout crowd of 45,000 people, surely some of them Trump supporters and others who may be oblivious to the threat of simply being LGBTQ+ or even an ally right now, I was also seeing Pink the pro-queer advocate — someone who has not backed down from the fight for equality, even as she commands her most massive audiences yet.

At Comerica Park that night, any anti-queer fans had to confront the reality of pervasive homophobia and racism in our country, not to mention the overturning of Roe v. Wade and gun

violence. The flying was a thrill to watch, but these days it seemingly takes even more guts to stand up for basic human rights. Pink did just that several times during her show in Detroit, performing her politically charged protest song “Irrelevant,” written and released last year. On giant screens were protest images from #MeToo, Pride and Black Lives Matter marches, many of which appear in the song’s music video. One said “Queer solidarity.” Many of the clips shown had rainbow flags, the same cheerful, defiant imagery that got Carleton killed.

I looked around plenty at the show to understand the crowd, and I couldn’t come up with many examples of pop performers who appeal to such a broad spectrum of people like Pink does, from gay men to lesbians to some sloppy-drunk small-town suburban moms and their husbands — the same ones who don’t think trans people should be able to pee wherever they choose. Well, not only did they get Pink’s 2017 anthem “What About Us,” a message to Trump on how to be a president for all people, but those husbands also got Brandi Carlile, an out lesbian and multi-Grammy winner who is also an unapologetically vocal LGBTQ+ activist.

I love this circus act because only Pink can do it, I have never seen anything like it in the pop music world, and it gets people who might not otherwise listen to how minority communities are hurting to perk up their ears. But also,

Pink is onto something by marrying the wide appeal of a carnival act with her more polarizing political views — through the art of flying, she’s made it impossible for anyone to look away.

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.

Uniting for a Cause

AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run & Music Festival

The AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run & Music Festival is more than just a walk—it’s a powerful community-driven event that brings people together and inspires change. In a world where the fight against HIV and AIDS remains ongoing, this event stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity.

Taking a step towards making a real difference in the battle against HIV and AIDS has never been easier or more meaningful. Lace up your shoes, rally your friends, and be a part of something that truly matters. Whether you walk, run, or simply show your support, every effort counts in the pursuit of a world without HIV/AIDS.

The AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run & Music Festival has set an ambitious goal for itself: to raise $1,000,000 in support of vital HIV prevention, treatment, and support services. This goal reflects the urgency of the cause and the dedication of the organizers and participants alike.

As of now, the campaign has already achieved significant progress, with $358,183 raised. This remarkable achievement speaks to the commitment and generosity of the community that comes together each year to support this crucial cause.

The funds raised during the AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run & Music Festival make a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. They support education initiatives, provide access to essential healthcare services, and contribute to ongoing research efforts to combat the virus.

Beyond the numbers and the dollars raised, this event symbolizes unity, compassion, and resilience. It serves as a reminder that when communities come together, they can drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for all.

So, whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or a passionate advocate, the AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run & Music Festival welcomes you to join the fight. Every step taken and every dollar contributed brings us one step closer to a world free of HIV/ AIDS. Together, we can make a real difference and bring hope to countless lives affected by this global health challenge.

To attend the AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run & Music Festival, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 23, 2023. The event kicks off at 9:00 AM when the site opens, followed by the opening program at 10:00 AM. The 5K run/walk starts at 11:00 AM, and you can groove to the beats of DJ Sed the Saint and live performances by Mýa and Ashanti throughout the day. Don’t forget your camera or phone to capture the moments, and be sure to tag your social media posts with #AWA5K and #AWA2023.

The event takes place at The Meadow in Piedmont Park, and you can find parking, walking, and MARTA directions on the event website. For convenience, consider public transportation or street parking in the area.

If you’re already registered for the 5K walk or run, your spot at the Music Festival is secured. After the 5K, head over to the concert area and enjoy the show. Music Festival tickets are available at the door for a suggested donation of $25. Just fill out a simple form with your contact information, make your donation, and you’ll be registered and ready to immerse yourself in the music. Your participation supports a vital cause in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Thank you for being a part of this impactful event!

Embracing Diversity and Culture

National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration that takes place from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. During this time, the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans are commemorated and celebrated. In this article, we will explore the significance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, delve into this year’s theme, and explain why this cultural event is crucial for promoting understanding and unity.

This Year’s Theme

This year, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the theme “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” This theme acknowledges the manifold contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to the nation’s

prosperity, their growing influence in positions of power, and their pivotal role in propelling progress across the country.

“Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America” inspires introspection into the significant ancestral roots of Hispanic and Latinx communities, recognizing the enduring impact of these roots on their contemporary lives and experiences. It also fosters a broader conversation about the incredible diversity and unwavering resilience of these communities within the United States.

Why September 15th to October 15th?

National Hispanic Heritage Month’s dates are symbolic and rooted in the anniversaries of independence for

several Latin American countries. On September 15, five Central American nations—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—declared their independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1821. Following closely, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18th. Additionally, Belize observes its Independence Day on September 21. This collective historical significance serves as a foundation for a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latinx heritage.

These dates also acknowledge the deep and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latinx communities on the United States, highlighting their contributions to the nation’s culture, economy, and society.

Why It Is Important

National Hispanic Heritage Month holds significant importance for several reasons:

Celebrating Diversity: Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States represent a broad spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. This month provides a platform to showcase this diversity, fostering greater appreciation and respect for these communities.

Recognizing Contributions: Hispanic and Latinx Americans have made substantial contributions to every facet of American society, from art and literature to science, business,

politics, and sports. Celebrating this heritage acknowledges and honors these vital contributions.

Cultural Preservation: National Hispanic Heritage Month encourages the preservation and promotion of Hispanic and Latinx cultural traditions, languages, and customs. It ensures that these aspects of identity are passed down to future generations.

Raising Awareness: The month offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges and issues faced by Hispanic and Latinx communities, including topics like immigration, healthcare, education, and representation.

Promoting Unity: By celebrating the shared heritage and experiences of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, the month fosters unity among all Americans and promotes the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Educational Opportunities: National Hispanic Heritage Month presents educational opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about Hispanic and Latinx history, culture, and contributions. Schools, universities, libraries, and cultural organizations often host events and activities to facilitate learning and dialogue.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Nicky Laczko

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

NEW ONLINE CALENDAR of EVENTS

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

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in DAVID & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

SNAPS

WESTSIDE

MARQUETTE

868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW

840ATL

840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW

ANSLEY

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

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

HENRY’S henrysatl.com

132 10th St NE

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

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

GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta.com

1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE

FITNESS

MIDTOWN

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness.com

500 Amsterdam Ave N

CHESHIRE

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SPAS/BATHS ADULT

FLEX SPA exspas.com

76 4th St NW

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Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.

The only person you can rely on is you. What a f*cking nightmare. I miss when being gay was just about listening to Erasure. Now I have to do ketamine and join a polecule.

Selling my college degree. Still in good condition. Never been used.

Where do I nd d*ck that will ruin me attached to a guy that won’t ruin my life?

Unless you ejaculate champagne and can make me shake like a broken washing machine, you are replaceable. Remember that when you’re acting up.

Whenever I feel my life is hard, I remember there is someone out there my age … with children!

Do you know what 50 Cent did when he got hungry? 58.