David Magazine V7-i09 | Spring Ready

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Large and In Charge

By Tom Tietjen

Photos by Kinkmen.com

Micah Martinez made news earlier this month when it was announced that he was among the adult stars joining forces with the fetish porn studio Kink Men.

Kink Men has long been one of the most recognized brands in the gay adult world, but the rise of content platforms like OnlyFans and JustforFans has led to an abundance of amateur fetish works and a deficiency in quality content.

With his new role, Martinez aims to change that. While he will appear in some Kink Men films, much of his work will be focused on producing and directing. “We are actively moving into doing more storydriven scenes that have not only hardcore bareback BDSM but also contain riveting storylines and character development,” Martinez says.

He also actively seeks to recruit more men of color into his films. We spoke with the BDSM legend while he was in Atlanta this week.

How did you get into porn?

I started porn as a joke! I used to hook up with a guy in the gym showers, and we would leave the door open because I liked to show off. The guy said that since I was such an exhibitionist, I should do films. I jokingly told him if he got me a shoot, I would. He gave me a producer’s phone number; the rest is history.

What was it like shooting that first scene? Absolutely hilarious. I had fun, don’t get me wrong, but the premise was me bringing my boyfriend breakfast in bed, a breakfast sausage, and he then says, “Thanks, but I want your sausage.” I wish I could remember my scene partner’s name! The day was such a blur, and the scene was done so fast.

Did you know right away that you had found your calling?

I definitely didn’t think it was my calling at first. Acting was fun, but I wasn’t sure I was good at it. But then, the awards season came up, and I was nominated for a bunch of stuff, and I was kind of like, “oh… people like me… that’s cool!”

When did you begin experimenting with kink?

When I moved to LA in 2016, I had been in a terrible and sexless relationship for like four years. I remember saying to my friend

in AA -- I am sober, and it all started then -- that one of the things I was going to do differently while I get my life together was to find out exactly what I was into in terms of sex. I was in my early twenties and knew a minimal amount of anything aside from vanilla missionary. I wanted to try some things out! It was a very informative ho phase. I purposely tried everything legal and safe that I could think of, at least twice. A lot of it stuck, and my No’s List got shorter and shorter.

How would you classify your brand of fetish?

My interests are all over the place. Things from the milder side, like suits and ties, to literally licking an electric violet wand while tied to a chain link fence. And don’t even get me started on how much I love cosplay. I guess if I had to put a name on my fetish, it would be “Mild to Wild.”

What led you to your work with Kink Men?

When Kink Men announced they were coming back, I reached out to the powers that be and told them I was down to work with them in any capacity, from modeling to PA to casting. They said that they needed gay directors to shoot fetish scenes. I sent them the work I had made, and I guess it impressed them.

What is your role at the network?

My primary role is as a director for the site TakenRough, a story-based BDSM site that we launched on KinkMen. I book a lot of talent who are new to fetish work, and my team and I take the time to show the guys how to use BDSM Play equipment, everything from floggers to cattle prods. We ensure that it is a really fun and safe environment for everybody.

Are you actively looking to recruit more men of color into your kink Men films?

I am literally always looking for ways to bring in more men of color into my shoots in all aspects. If I am able to cast them, I do. I love working with Dillon Diaz and Jake Waters because they are quite literally the definition of professional. I also actively look to add people of color in the production and camera crews.

Who are some men of color that you would like to work with?

Isaiah Taye is stunning. Also, Tony Genius, Max Konnor, Andre Bradford, AJ Sloan, and Amone Bane. There are more I have my eye on. I just have to be sensitive to

who wants to come on in and get tied up. It’s not everyone’s thing and I try my best to respect that.

What is your advice to men interested in pursuing a career in adult film?

When I first started, a director had the nerve to tell my agent that I was not black enough. It made me want to quit the industry. But then it hit me that a white man in his late sixties was not an authority of my blackness, and I came back swinging. My next scene got nominated for an award. I learned that day that most people are talking out of their asses and should be paid no mind.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an adult film star?

The schedule changes. I’m flexible, but sometimes the last-minute changes get a bit crazy.

Do you have to spend hours in the gym?

I work out a minimum of two hours per day, five days a week, but not for the job; more so for myself. When I first started in porn, I was 155 pounds with a size 30 waist, but because of my body hair, I was nominated for the Best Bear award. I kinda read that as, “oh, cool, I can lean into being a bit heavier and not have to starve all the time.” I’m now 224 with a size 36 waist, and I get more work than I did back in the day, plus, I feel better. So while image is

important, sometimes the image that sells will surprise you.

How important is it for talent to be active on social media?

Woo chile, social media! I hate social media and let’s be real, most of social media hates us sex workers. But for this job, posting and engagement is basically a resume and cover letter. When I’m casting, I will go off of recommendations from other directors, but even then, I often go to social media to see if the model is a good fit for a scene. What do they look like, how do they play to the camera, are they dom, sub, or both? What kind of scene scenarios would they be good in, etc.? Social sites are insanely annoying, but they serve a purpose. Sadly.

What are you working on next for Kink Men?

Next up at Kink Men is a project I’m insanely excited about. I wrote, directed, and cast the project, and it is based on my favorite horror franchise, Silent Hill. It will be our next full series at Kink Men!

Visit

Get Your Skin Spring-Ready

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Heyday is expanding its footprint in Georgia – and that’s good news for your skin! As the seasons change, your skin needs to switch to Spring mode, which often means you must switch up your routine. DAVID spoke to Patrick Ryan-Southern, CEO of L5 Skincare and the L5-owned Heyday franchises, about how Heyday can help you build your ultimate skincare regimen to prepare your skin for Spring.

Heyday has made quite the splash in Georgia, opening several new stores. Please tell us a little bit about Heyday and this expansion. The decision to expand in Atlanta just makes sense. The Krog District, Midtown Promenade, and Perimeter’s Ashford Lane are bustling with foot traffic and likeminded retailers offering Atlantans places to shop, dine, and treat themselves. The Heyday experience is all about self-care and prioritizing your specific skincare needs, and Atlanta is the perfect city to introduce our innovative services and progressive products to diverse communities who can benefit from our accessible 50-Minute Facial. Enjoying a treatment at Heyday doesn’t require setting a whole day aside, and that’s what makes it a favorite destination for so many of our busy clients looking to prioritize their skincare routines in Atlanta.

With Heyday as an example, what is a good skincare routine?

Amidst all the products and treatments out there, getting customized treatments and personalized skincare advice regularly is the key to unlocking your best skin. We like to say that 80% of a consistent skincare routine happens at home, and 20% happens in our shop with our expert Skin Therapists. They’re trained to ask questions and work with our clients to determine what one’s skin needs on a particular day or during a particular season. They recommend perfectly specific facial treatments and the right lineup of products from our retail shop that empower clients to continue “getting their glow on” at home, no matter their schedule or budget.

Winter can be a rough time for your skin – cold weather, dry indoor climate – so what do you recommend doing to repair and boost your skin?

Hydrate and nourish, inside and out! While we recommend richer moisturizers and creamy gel cleansers (plus a solid lineup of oils and balms) in the winter, focusing on drinking plenty of water and eating nourishing ingredients is an important part of defying the dehydrating effects of winter. Additionally, a little massage goes a long way in the winter, so we encourage our clients and members to maintain their consistent monthly facial routine in the cold months. Facial stimulation and exercise deeply warms the skin, keeps healthy circulation and cell oxygenation going, keeps toxins on their way, and tones the muscles to keep you supple and lifted.

What are three great things you can do for your skin this Spring?

We can sum it up in three letters: S.P.F.! Our Skin Therapists will be the first to tell you daily sunscreen usage is essential in the spring and summer months. Our tips: Make sure the sunscreen you choose is at least SPF 30+, listed as “Broad-Spectrum,” and is a product you love to use every day.

What is your all-time favorite product?

I love all of the progressive products lining the Heyday shelves, but I never leave a facial without restocking on Chia + Moringa® Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil by Mara. It’s an oil-based cleanser that sweeps away makeup, dirt, and grime while hydrating and brightening the skin at the same time. It’s a must-have for me!

Anything else you’d like to add?

We love welcoming new guests at Heyday, whether you’re a skincare guru or it’s your first-ever facial! Book your first appointment at heydayskincare.com today for just $70 (normally $135) at our Midtown, Krog District, or Perimeter location.

Strong Johns

By Tyler Wynn

Photos courtesy of Addicted USA

Spring is long john season and Addicted USA is out now with the manliest pair of leggings we’ve seen, made of ribbed cotton fabric and featuring the brand’s logo prominently displayed along the wide elastic waistband.

Addicted USA began as a swimwear line but has expanded its designs and collections into other areas of men’s fashion, including underwear and sportswear. The long johns are available in red, white, blue and yellow.

Spring into action with Addicted USA’s long johns at AddictedUSA.com.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Dining

BARS

BARS not on map

B

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 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 GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

SPAS/BATHS ADULT

FLEX SPA exspas.com

76 4th St NW

EMAIL iNFO@DAViDATLANTA.COM FOR FREE BUSINESS LISTINGS THERE IS ROOM FOR YOU!

Dear DAVID

QI am in a committed relationship, but I cheated on my boyfriend, and I told him about it because I wanted to be open and honest. Here’s the kicker: When I came clean, he admitted to having cheated on me numerous times. We are semi-open, which means we have slept with other people before but always together, but my boyfriend apparently had sex with some of those people on his own.

Now that he has gotten this off his chest, he is all happy and relieved, but I can’t help but feel a little cheated. Sure, I cheated on him, but I felt so bad that I thought I had to tell him, while he kept quiet for I don’t know how long. He seems to believe that we are all even and squared now that we kind of cheated on each other, but I don’t quite feel that way. Am I wrong for feeling a little deceived?

AYour question says nothing about how long you have been together to be in a ‘committed’ relationship, but it is obvious that there is a disconnect somewhere – and it seems to be in the relationship rules department! Having an open relationship opens up to many exciting opportunities, but the most important thing is to set up some ground rules first. And then enforce them. It seems like you (both) have failed to do that.

So before talking about commitment, get settled on what you both want with the relationship – especially if you want to keep it open AND stay together. Now that these feelings of being cheated on have made their way into your relationship, you need to work through them together. Ask hard questions like why it was necessary to go behind each others’ backs? Why did you cheat in the first place? Chip away at those insecurities in yourselves and the relationship and move forward and past the feelings of deceit. Once and if you get past that, you have a real shot at commitment.

MAGAZiNE DAVID

Glitz!

@ Mary’s | March 2, 7 pm

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

First Friday Happy Hour

@ Urban Tree Cidery| March 3, 7 pm Please join All Stripes for a happy hour with Resurgence at Urban Tree Cidery. Special discounts and freebies for members.

Cholo

@ The Basement| March 3, 10 pm

La Choloteca and the Basement are bringing you the first ever Cholo – a queer Latinx dance party. La Choloteca resident DJs La Superior, Geexella, Nena Linda, and Brian Rojas will head up the first edition.

MANHOLE!

@ Noni’s| March 3, 9 pm

Mr. Elle Aye & House of ALXNDR present MANHOLE, Atlanta’s only all drag king show - now happening monthly!

Gear Swap

@ The Atlanta Eagle | March 4, 2-4 pm

Our styles and sizes are constantly changing, so come sell some of that preloved gear you’ve been hanging onto – and maybe find something new to buy.

BLUF

@ The Atlanta Eagle | March 5, 4 pm

For all fans of breeches and full leather

uniform, come out to the first BLUF leather social at the Eagle. BLUF Atlanta Leather Socials will be held the first Sundays of each month.

Angels

@ MSR | March 5, 9 pm

My Sisters Room and Ivana Presents ANGELS. Performances by Ivana Humpalot, Ivy Fischer, Ivee the Amazon and fire performing by Renegade Roxy!

Betty Who

@ Variety Playhouse | March 7, 8 pm

The Australian-American trailblazer comes to Atlanta with Shea Coulee as her side gig. Tickets vi AXS.com.

Twisted Broadway

@ Lips Atlanta | March 8, 7 pm

Not only is AID Atlanta back with Twisted Broadway, but the show, hosted by Brigitte Bidet, is back at Lips Atlanta. Enjoy the celebrity servers: Thomas Barker, Shannon Bradley May, Stacy Brown, Crystal King, Krystee Manifold Spencer, Tiffany Roan and Tim Webb along with a magnificent show. Tickets at aidatlanta.org/twistedbroadway.

Troop Beverly Hills at The Plaza

@ The Plaza Theater| March 8, 7 pm

Wussy Wednesdays is back with a screening of the 1989 camp(fire) classic, Troop Beverly Hills!Don’t miss the pre-show starring your favorite Atlanta wilderness girls, Molly Rimswell and Dotte Com!

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.

Dating based on looks is boring and shallow. I try considering other things, like do they have a lot of money.

My toxic trait: Being productive for 20 minutes, and then giving myself a two-hour break.

At least I’m a fun hot mess. Like fireworks full of pizza and glitter.

You gotta appreciate a drunk text: Someone is absolutely off their face and still thinking of you.

No, babe – yours is perfect. The tight ones hurt.

If you were a cookie, you’d be a whoreo.