David Magazine V7-i07 | Let's Get Down

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Medusa Does Atlanta

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Medusa Productions takes over Atlanta’s nightclubs with Medusa’s Magical World boasting their usual flair for over-the-top décor, an insane DJ lineup, and lots of parties to turn up the circuit all weekend long February 17-20.

If you’ve ever been to a Medusa party, you know that the team behind the parties goes all out to procure world-class DJ talent and create an atmosphere with décor and lighting that takes the party to another level.

Founders Ron Medina and Jay Musa have both drawn inspiration for their large-scale productions from their travels and experiences with massive circuit parties worldwide. The shared passion for circuit-style events spawned the founding of Medusa Productions in 2020, and the duo has produced and promoted circuit parties together ever since. “My inspiration and vision when throwing a Medusa party is always remembering why we ever began doing this in the first place. We both have been very fortunate to have traveled to so many different countries where we learned so much from many different brands that we always admired, including our own local brands right here in Atlanta,” says Jay Musa.

Although they produce parties all over the country, Atlanta is the epicenter of their event production – and with Medusa’s Magical World, they are ready to take over the city’s clubs and dancefloors for a weekend full of parties. “Medusa’s Magical World will be multiple events throughout the weekend with various themes, International DJs, shows, and of course PRODUCTION,” says Musa in anticipation of the back-to-back party weekend.

With the Heretic, Future, XION, and the Atlanta Eagle as collaborators, Medusa’s Magical World is bound to take you on a magical ride with six major parties starting Friday night and ending

and the early hours of Sunday morning. “We start the weekend Friday 17 at The Heretic with Arabian Nights. Saturday, we’re back at the Heretic with Medusa Kingdom. Sunday, we have two events: first with Medusa Tribal Tea Dance at the Atlanta Eagle for our debut Medusa Party at the Eagle, which we are excited for. That’s followed by an extended hours closing party at Future with Medusa Avatar: Queen of the Seas,” says Jay Musa. There will also be two Xion After Hours events at Future Friday and Saturday night (Sat and Sun AM). Finally, keep an eye out for a possible addition to the lineup of parties at a never-before-used venue – stay updated at medusaproductionsatl.com.

You can purchase weekend passes and individual tickets at medusaproductionsatl.com, and XION after-hours tickets are sold separately at future-atlanta.com.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

2023 TRIBUTES VOLUME 3

SEPTIMIUS

Septimius (the Great), born Marlowe Simms on June 8th in Baltimore, Maryland, is an International award-winning music artist, fashion model, and actor. During his years of performances, appearances, and leadership, Septimius has received numerous nominations and awards, including the Executive Award at Akademia Awards and Grammy FYC nominations. His inspiration comes from the unparalleled musical styles of icons such as Prince and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.

Now residing in Los Angeles, Septimius the Great is a thriving and formidable force in the world of dance and electronic music, establishing himself as an international multi-awardwinning entertainer. He is also known for his creative spirit, and musical prowess expressed beautifully in each electric composition and has contributed massively to the music scene.

Septimius started in the Pageantry circuit during his early years of performing and became a well-known figure in the LGBTQ+ community. In 2008, he founded the Mr. & Ms. International Pageantry System, which became the first global system of its kind to be partnered and funded by a major non-profit.

In the summer of that year, while preparing to further his career, Septimius joined Meak Productions. In 2009, he became the first African-American talent to hold the title of Mr. Meak Productions 09. He also became the third recipient of the agency’s CD Single Remix Project for his single “Tell Me Now” via their record label, Meak Pro Music. He was a significant force in the agency until his hiatus in the fall of 2013.

SEE THE FULL BIO AT DAVIDATLANTA.COM

All bios by Miko Evans for Meak Productions

Photos by Meak Productions, Mark Morin, Elijah Nicholasfor Meak Productions, Inc.

DR. JESSE SANDERS

Dr. Jesse Sanders, Ph.D. from Columbus, Ohio, is a mental health counselor, public figure, inspirational and motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. He is also a single, gay, and co-parenting father.

Dr. Sanders is the founder of Redefined LLC and Redefining Empowerment Center, providing therapeutic and social support to individuals and families living at the intersections of multiple oppressions. He aims to uncover the root of oppression & redefine their identities through positive, inclusive & expressive means.

Being born and raised in the church, Dr. Sanders had great impartation and sound wisdom from his grandparents, Quentin and Zoma Sanders. Dr. Sanders prides his ability to counsel, coach, and mentor others, not only from his extensive education and background but from his previous personal struggles, lack of self and sexual identity, and lack of trust. Dr. Sanders has three amazing children from an earlier marriage; Vincent Wells Jr., Brianna Sanders, and Brielle Sanders. He came out as a Black gay man and father in 2017.

Dr. Sanders has been educated and trained by the nation’s top institutions to achieve his goals of being a certified therapist and counselor, such as Liberty University and Metropolitan Christian University, where he received his Ph.D. Mental Health Christian Counselor, Master Coach University: Life Coaching Certification and The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology: CBT Practitioner.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Sanders has led people to find tenacity and strength to change their circumstances through positive self-inquiry and actions. As a result, Dr. Sanders has become an extraordinary visionary and is admired by many for his outstanding integrity, drive, transparency, and teaching.

After joining Meak Productions in 2017, Dr. Sanders introduced counseling options to the registered agency talents. He was also a workshop presenter at the Georgia Department of Public Health’s “Journey To Change” Conference and a guest speaker at Atlanta Black Gay Pride. During the pandemic, he partnered with key leaders in Columbus, Ohio, to create “Cocktails & Conversations,” which is centered around professional networking and personal, financial empowerment, and mental health topics.

Dr. Sanders’s daily pursuit is to walk in authenticity. He offers a stimulating word with practicality and genuineness. He’s a dynamic dream maker who is affecting lives in many ways. Dr. Sanders has concluded that he will partner with individuals, communities, and family units to shift beyond their mental construction zone and advance in their destiny.

MISS CLEO

(Known by her nickname Miss Cleo (August 12, 1962 – July 26, 2016), Youree Dell Harris was a TV personality, actress, and queer activist. From 1997 to 2003, she portrayed a psychic reader for a pay-per-call service called Psychic Readers Network.

Youree Cleomili, Youree Perris, Rae Dell Harris, Cleomili Perris Youree, and Cleomili Harris were some of the aliases she used. She was born in Los Angeles County Hospital to Alisa Teresa Hopis and David Harris. As a boarding student, she attended Ramona Convent Secondary School (a Catholic girls’ school in Alhambra, California) as a Catholic Afro-Caribbean family.

In 1996, Harris, as “Ree Perris,” wrote a play entitled For Women Only, playing a Jamaican woman named “Cleo” in Seattle. Under the stage name “Ree Perris,” she produced and performed two plays with the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center in Seattle. After moving to Florida, Harris met Steven Feder and Peter Stotz (the founders of the Psychic Readers Network), and started taking calls as reader No. 16153. Before that, she used her Caribbean accent and worked as a psychic for a telemarketing company. During this time, she was approached by Suzanne Bech-Hansen and Donna Lee Williams, the main managers of Psychic Readers Network, and became the star of Psychic Readers Network on LRP Network.

There were accusations of deceptive advertising and fraud on the part of the Psychic Readers Network around this time after Harris’ stage name, “Miss Cleo,” was used to send unsolicited emails to her. There were complaints that Miss Cleo’s “associates” answered calls from scripts and charged for calls advertised as “free.”

In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission charged the company’s owners and Harris’ promoters with deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices. Harris was not indicted. His successor dropped the charges. However, the damage had already been done.

As far as her personal life, Harris married at age 19, gave birth to a daughter, and divorced at age 21. She had a second daughter while in her late 20s. In 2006, she came out as a lesbian inspired by her Godson, Matt Rucker and became a dedicated advocate to the LGBTQ+ Community by participating in Pride Marches and other community initiatives.

Harris developed colorectal cancer and died under hospice care in Palm Beach, Florida, on July 26, 2016, at the age of 53. In December 2022, HBO Max released a feature documentary about Harris’ life titled Call Me Miss Cleo, which features various testimonies from her former partners, family, godsons, close friends, and noted celebrities such as Raven-Symone (That’s So Raven) and Debra Wilson (MadTV). The documentary tries to decipher whether the woman was a gifted “voodoo priestess” who could converse with the other side and what life was like for her after the scandal.

SEE THE FULL BIO AT DAVIDATLANTA.COM

At the Boiling Point

Photographer: Tarek Del Moreno

Daniel Shoneye | @danielshoneye

Melvin Myhre | melvinmyhre

Gael Jacob | @jacobs_90

The latest from ES Collection combines the sporty with the sexy in ways that will turn the heat up anywhere! Made from the finest fabrics with the perfect amount of stretch and support, you will look your very best whether poolside or cooking up a storm inside.

All styles available at ESCollectionUSA.com.

Sports pants by ES Collection USA.

ES Collection USA sportive trunk.

ES Collection USA Mesh Broad Tank Top

Sports shorts by ES Collection USA.

Shiny rib thongs and bikinis by ES Collection USA.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

By Darren Floro-Bryant

Rules to Eat By

Growing up, I was a chubby, awkward kid; I was constantly made fun of for my weight by friends, family, and strangers. That stuff really sticks with you. But now, many years later, I often get asked about my diet and what I eat to stay fit.

It’s hard to navigate what will work for each person. Everywhere you look, there are weight loss solutions, fad diets, pills, chemicals, gadgets, and scientific proof telling you how to lose weight, gain weight, tone up – you get the point. But rarely do any of them help deal with the underlying issue: your mental health.

For me, it’s pretty simple: I eat what I want when I want. That might be an oversimplification. The tricky part is knowing what I eat will do to my body, and how it will make me feel. It is also important for me to understand what my energy expenditure will be for the day. As a guidance, I apply these simple qiuestions or considerations to what I eat:

• Does it come in a box or a wrapper?

Cut out as much processed food as possible.

• Does it come from a plant?

Eat your veggies and fruits even when it’s “tough to swallow.”

• How much do I need?

Pay attention to your portion sizes, and think about what activity you will be doing that day.

• When did I last have some water? Drink more water, even if it’s one extra glass a day, until it becomes a regular habit, then start drinking more.

The bottom line is that I try to make healthy choices daily. Here are a few simple options you can change right away to start making things *easier (*I say “easier,” but it is still work; it is still a very conscious choice you have to make every single moment of the day, no matter what anyone says).

Some people say they are different, but, in truth, they are not. These four guidelines are true for everyone.

So is this a diet, or am I changing how I eat? It can be difficult either way you look at it. And I’m not always successful. But I’ve learned not to beat myself up over it. That has taken a long time to do, and I still struggle.

I understand these are simple ideas that you have probably already heard. And if one day you mess up with one, two, or all of these things, there is a new day in front of you to try again. Yesterday’s “slip up” is not an excuse to abandon today. It is work, and you are worth working for.

Obstacles LGBTQ+ Business Owners Face  - and How to Overcome Them

By Tarik Perkins, StartOut Director of Programs

Are you dreaming about starting your own business? If so, what’s keeping you from making it happen? If you identify as LGBTQ+, access to funding may be one obstacle you’re facing. It’s legal for lenders to discriminate against LGBTQ+ business owners in more than half of U.S. states, making it more difficult for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to start their own businesses in the first place.

LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs also struggle with access to capital. According to data gathered by StartOut, if everyone had equal access to funding and resources, there would be ten times more LGBTQ+ growth entrepreneurs in the U.S. Beyond access to funding and capital, a lack of representation and out role models hinder LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs from starting their own businesses as well.

How Discrimination Impacts LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs

As these numbers show, LGBTQ+ people are not provided the same opportunities to build their businesses and startups from

the ground up, limiting their ability to hire employees, purchase business equipment, and rent office space, among other critical expenses. What is also a great cause for concern within the LGBTQ+ community is how the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and gender further exacerbates the chances for members of our community to gain access to capital. There is simply not enough being said about these challenges.

It’s difficult for women, gender nonconforming, transgender, and LGBTQ+ founders of color to be out and have the same access as other members of the community. According to data gathered by StartOut, for example, “While 47% of gay, bisexual, or transgender male entrepreneurs raised more than $2 million to fund their businesses, 70% of their female counterparts raised less than $750,000.” Keeping these numbers in mind, how are all members of the LGBTQ+ community supposed to run successful businesses and startups when the playing field is so uneven? The answer lies in the power of community.

Tapping Into the Power of Community LGBTQ+ people understand the importance of community and supporting one another each and every day — from marching together during Pride Month to volunteering at shelters. Similarly, several nonprofit organizations are dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ people who want to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

StartOut, for example, accelerates the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment and build a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future.

The organization provides a 6-month startup accelerator, the StartOut Growth Lab, which offers top-quality mentoring, education, and networking opportunities for young companies that are founded by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. To date, 65 companies have graduated from the StartOut Growth Lab, resulting in $763 million in funding raised and the creation of more than 3,650 jobs.

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, one of StartOut’s community partners, is another resource for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who want to connect with other LGBTQ+ business owners for networking purposes. You may consider applying for the organization’s LGBTBE Certification, which opens the door to several supplier diversity opportunities.

If you’re ready to launch your own business, visit startout.org to explore helpful resources. You can also learn more about StartOut’s Growth Lab and how it empowers LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who want to drive inclusivity and social progress while doing what they love.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Dining

BARS

BARS not on map

BARS

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

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 fb.com/XMidtownX 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

10TH & PIEDMONT SOMETHING NEW COMING SOON

991 Piedmont Ave NE

G’S gsmidtown.com

219 10th St NE

HENRY’S henrysatl.com

132 10th St NE

LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com

900 Monroe Dr NE

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

1447 Piedmont Ave NE

GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com

1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE

FITNESS

MIDTOWN

URBAN BODY FITNESS

urbanbodyfitness.com

500 Amsterdam Ave N

CHESHIRE

GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

SPAS/BATHS ADULT

FLEX SPA flexspas.com

76 4th St NW

EMAIL info@D A vi DA t LA nt A .co M for fr EE BUSI n ESS LIS t I n G S t HE r E IS roo M for Y o U!

Dear DAVID

QI have come to the conclusion that I have the best sex with total strangers. Quick hookups, even with no names exchanged, get me off like crazy, while sex with someone I am into is never that exciting and fizzles out quickly. Will I forever be single and have fantastic sex, or will I be in a relationship where the sex is just meh? Help!

AThere is nothing wrong with having sex with strangers. The thrill of it all is part of why a new partner is exciting, and it is the perfect opportunity to let inhibitions go and really savor the sexy moment. But sex with a stranger can be problematic if it means that you can’t really connect with people on an intimate level–you know, once the actual sex is over. If great sex is only extended to people you can’t connect with on an emotional and intimate level, I understand why you are worried.

Have you asked yourself what you feel when you have sex with someone you actually care about? Is it anxiety, vulnerability, loss of control? Is there a root cause as to why you have trouble breaking that intimate barrier? Is it a past breakup or an episode that is still taking an emotional toll on you? Once you start digging into what is messing with your internal life, you may be able to move past the issues you have with intimacy for someone you care about. This also seems like a bit of a handful, so may I suggest you talk to a therapist about these things? That’s the hookup I would recommend you do next.

MEDUSA FESTIVAL 2023

@ Atlanta| February 16-20

Atlanta is about to enter Medusa’s Magical World! Get ready for a circuit music party cavalcade featuring music by Shane Marcus, Miss RC, Rue-D, Theo, Paulo Fragoso, Yordy, Kurtis Jose, Pagano, and Arno Diem! Presale individual tickets and weekend passes for Medusa Events available at medusaproductionsatl.com.

Glitz! The Competition

@ Mary’s | February 16, 7 pm

12 drag competitors are going head-tohead in this weekly drag competition put on by the queer and quirky folks over at Mary’s in East Atlanta Village.

Men In Masks

@ The Hideaway | February 17, 10 pm

F*ck It Fridays brings you DJ Mister Richard and the best No Cover party with Beads and Deeds. Let The Good Times Roll!

Robin Fierce Live

@ X Midtown | February 17, 8 pm

X Midtown presents the FIERCEness from Connecticut and RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 – Robin Fierce!

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

@ Domaine Atlanta | February 17, 9 pm

Let the good times roll! DOMAINE is bringing New Orleans to Atlanta. Start your Mardi Grass weekend off right with Cajun delights, traditional New Orleans-style drinks, stilt walkers, and more!

Mardi Gras Midtown Block Party

@ X Midtown | February 18, 6 pm

Carnival season is on at Midtown’s Mardi Gras BLOCK PARTY outside with 20+ bars, clubs and restaurants participating in the heart of Midtown’s entertainment district!

A Very BEYONCÉ Drag Brunch

@ ATL Comedy Theater Underground

February 19, 1 pm

Okay, ladies, now let’s get in FORMATION! It’s time for a Drag Brunch like you’ve never experienced before dedicated to our Queen, Beyonce! Performances by Drew Friday, Dotte Com, Canzara SZN, Ellasaurus Rex, Ivy, and JayBella Banks

It Ain’t Over till the Phat Lady Karaoke @ Felix’s Atlanta | February 21, 9 pm Happy Fat Tuesday, Atlanta! We’ve got Karaoke with Luke Smart for y’all! Karaoke starts at 9PM every Tuesday!

Miss Atlanta Grand Diva

@ Lips Atlanta | February 20, 7 pm

Miss Atlanta Grand Diva 2023 honoring Nikki Diamond Simone will be held at the fabulous Lips Atlanta! For Ticketing and contestant information contact David via text at 423-316-8438.

PALS Mardi Gras Bingo

@ Lips Atlanta| February 21, 7:30 pm

It’s Fat Tuesday so come join Bubba D. Licious and special co-host Wild Cherry Sucret for Mardi Gras Bingo benefitting Pets Are Loving Support (PALS) at Lips Atlanta where we are bringing a little bit of Bourbon Street to Buford Highway!

We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.

I heard you were having a mental health episode. Can I come watch?

Sorry I told you about my trauma – do you still think I’m hot?

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure the world revolves around me…

It’s better to be late than to arrive ugly.

I was wondering where all my irrational anxiety came from, until I realized I was told things growing up like, if I swam after I ate, I would die.

I can be in my bed and still be busy. I’m busy gathering strength!

We all have that one friend who’s a little too obsessed with poppers