David Magazine V7-i16 | Bear In Mind

Atlanta

Meet

+Photos & More

APR 19, 2023

V7-16

DAVID Magazine

Peach Media

6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093

MANAGING PARTNER & OPERATIONS

Brian Sawyer brian@davidatlanta.com

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief

Mikkel Hyldebrandt mikkel@davidatlanta.com

SALES | EVENTS

Josh King Josh@davidatlanta.com

Russ Bowen-Youngblood

SOCIAL MEDIA & MORE

Valiant Marketing

DISTRIBUTION

Some Cute Guy

CONTRIBUTORS

Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Sarah Bricker Hunt

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

RADIO PARTNER Meak Productions, Inc. www.meakproductions.com

Heretic Tea Dance Joe Whitaker Memorial and benefiting Lost-n-Found Youth more online@davidatlanta.com

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Queer Love Onscreen, In All its Weird and Wonderful Forms

By Sarah Bricker Hunt

Photos: Focus Features

“Of an Age” lingers languidly over a hot summer day in Melbourne, where practically nothing of consequence happens, except the complete implosion of main character Kol’s (Elias Anton) entire worldview and self-identity. Australian filmmaker Goran Stolevski is already winning prizes in his home country for the film, which streams on Peacock beginning April 7, and it’s easy to see why.

The movie focuses mostly on just a handful of hours, as we see 18-year-old, Serbian-native Kol (short for Nikola) meet and fall — hard — for his terrible bestie’s older brother, the more worldly Adam. It’s not much of a surprise twist for anyone but Kol; many of the film’s secondary characters assume he’s gay, and Adam clearly has an inkling from the start. But Kol hasn’t faced the facts yet, for a host of reasons, not the least of which is his deep-rooted, anti-queer immigrant family. By the end of their day and night together, he’s “come of age,” as they say. Love from this point forward will never be the same again. “Of an Age” is a little sad and quite beautiful, like many such tales.

Before seeing this latest entry in cinematic queer love stories, consider this mix of other movies focused on moments that follow queer characters as they navigate what love means to them.

‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower,’ 2012

Even the current woes of actor Ezra Miller can’t overshadow the enduring message of 2012’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” The film focuses primarily on Logan Lerman’s Charlie, a teenager experiencing post-traumatic stress related to childhood molestation. But it’s a subplot involving Miller’s character, Patrick, that makes this film one

1825 Clifton Road

Atlanta, GA 30329

wesleywoods.org

We want to introduce our community to your community. Meet Wesley Woods Towers, an Atlanta pioneer in easy-going, worry-free senior living priced to be within reach. If you’re thinking about or worrying about “what’s next” for you, we are here and happy to say

Wesley Woods Towers is owned by Emory Healthcare and managed by Wesley Woods Senior Living. Centrally located in the Morningside Neghborhood, our community is close to dining, shopping, entertainment, Emory Hospital and Emory University.

‘

of the best queer coming-of-age movies. Gorgeous, painfully earnest Patrick loves Brad, the closeted football hero. When Patrick’s father beats him after finding the two entangled in a loving embrace, Brad turns cold, Patrick suffers further physical assault from Brad’s teammates and Charlie jumps in to protect him. Ultimately, “Perks” is a story focused not just on the all-too-familiar pain of adolescent rejection within a homophobic high school culture, but on the importance of true, love-based friendship and reclaiming and actually loving the parts of ourselves that can be lost to trauma inflicted by people who are also in pain. As Charlie’s English teacher Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd) tells him, “We accept the love we think we deserve.”

‘Moonlight,’ 2016

Few films so clearly frame the distinct eras marking a single character’s life as definitively as “Moonlight.” The film, oft-cited as one of the best films of the 21st century (period — not just in the “queer film” category), explores the main character’s life in three stages: Little (his childhood, portrayed by Alex Hibbert), Chiron (his adolescence, played by Ashton Sanders) and Black (his adulthood, portrayed by Trevante Rhodes). Throughout each stage, we see Little/Chiron/Black wrestle with the very real repercussions of being a queer Black boy and, later, man. Love looks an awful lot like pain throughout. Still, at the heart of it is his true self, which exists no matter how far he tries to run from it. In Act 2, Chiron has a sexual encounter with Kevin, who later hurts him immeasurably (physically and emotionally), but love, as it so often does, endures, even when we try to wish it away. When Kevin reappears in Act 3, everything has changed, but as is so often the case in life, “wherever you go, there you are.” Black reveals that he’s never touched another man besides Kevin and while Kevin is shocked to learn about Black’s life experiences, it’s clear that the love between the two has only grown during their years apart.

Love, Simon,’ 2018

“Love, Simon” broke new ground as the first mainstream queer-centered rom-com to hit the big screen. By most accounts, the movie managed to maintain its charm while ticking all the expected rom and com boxes — we all knew what would probably happen within the first 15 minutes, but you couldn’t help but root for sweet Simon Spier, played by Nick Robinson. Simon is a high schooler living in the closet but, in a distinctly modern twist, has fallen in love with an anonymous stranger online. When a fellow classmate outs Simon, the moment pulls the audience out of its rom-com coma for a moment, and it’s that unexpected jolt of awkwardness that saves “Love, Simon” from fading into formulaic obscurity. Instead of playing it safe and keeping Simon’s pain on the surface, the film gets unexpectedly dark for a minute, forcing the audience to remember that this is a queer romance with accompanying challenges that just didn’t pop up in your typical ’90s Meg Ryan vehicle. Simon’s true despair in the moment when he realizes he won’t have control over his own outing makes his big kiss on the Ferris wheel that much sweeter.

‘Booksmart,’ 2019

In some ways, “Booksmart” may be the polar opposite

of “Of an Age.” While the leads are whip-smart teens headed for the Ivy League, the film is more Judd Apatow than Ingmar Bergman, brimming with high school hijinks, binge drinking (and the ensuing illtimed, iller-placed vomit) and random make-out sessions. But there’s substance here, too, and it’s Kaitlyn Dever’s lesbian character Amy that turns this one into a meaningful story about queer love between best friends. Amy’s queerness is baked into the plot, a refreshing and realistic portrayal against a seemingly modern high school backdrop. No one’s screaming “dyke” at her in the hall, but at the same time, no one seems to really know her, either. Partly, it’s because she’s been living in the shadow of her boisterously loving straight bestie, Beanie Feldstein’s Molly. The exploration of this relationship is at the heart of the film. Sometimes, the most loving thing to do for yourself and, even for the one you love the most, is to break free from what’s comfortable and familiar to make space to discover who you really are.

‘Ammonite,’ 2020

You could consider “Ammonite,” loosely based on historical fact, a kind of later-in-life coming-of-age story. After all, the leads, brilliantly portrayed by powerhouse actors Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, are full-grown women, but for Ronan’s character, Charlotte, a queer romance is altogether new. In fact, it’s not something she likely ever expected to experience in the 1840s, when the film is set. It’s certainly not what her husband, geologist Roderick Murchison (played by James McArdle) expects when he delivers Charlotte, who is suffering from “melancholy,” to the doorstep of a fellow geologist, Winslet’s Mary Anning. Perhaps Anning can perk up Charlotte’s mood with some time in the fresh air… As the two women enjoy a whole lot more than fresh air and digging up old rocks, Charlotte comes alive, as we all tend to do when offered the chance to live as our full, real selves. Did Roderick suspect, all along? Perhaps not, but maybe his most loving act was giving Charlotte the freedom to truly live, if only for a moment in time.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Atlanta’s Annual Bear Gathering

Atlanta kicks off its Spring pride season with Atlanta Bear Pride – a weekend jampacked with events and parties, whether you are into tea dances or after parties.

What started with a few private pool parties has now become a weekend full of parties supported by bars and clubs across Atlanta. The three days of bear-themed events and parties aim to showcase the diversity of bear culture and bring people from around the Southeast to converge on Atlanta for one big weekend. In addition to the many quality events at key venues across town, the Atlanta Bear Pride also supports various charities during the 3-day bear gathering.

Friday, April 21

Atlanta Bear Pride Warm Up Party

Time: 7 - 9pm

Location: WOOFS

Atlanta Bear Pride Kick Off Party

Bear Invasion with DJ Tony Moran

Time: 9 pm – 3 am

Location: Heretic

Tickets at hereticatlanta.com

Atlanta Bear Pride Afters

XION After Hours with DJ Rodolfo Bravat

Time: 3 am – 7 am

Location: Future Atlanta

Tickets at future-atlanta.com

Saturday, April 22

Atlanta Bear Pride Saturday T-Dance Randy T-Dance with DJ Arjun Reddy (Miami)

Time: 3 – 8 pm

Location: Heretic

Tickets at hereticatlanta.com

Bearracuda Atlanta

Featuring DJ Manny Lehman

Time: 9 pm – 3 am

Location: Heretic

Tickets at bearracuda.com

Atlanta Bear Pride Saturday Afters

XION AFTER HOUR with DJ Nina Flowers

Time: 3-7 am

Location: Future Atlanta

Tickets at future-atlanta.com

Sunday, April 23

Atlanta Bear Pride Sunday Funday

Time: 4-7 pm

Location: WOOFS

Atlanta Bear Pride Sunday Tea Dance

Featuring DJ Neon

Time: 7 pm – midnight

Location: Atlanta Eagle

Atlanta Bear Pride Closing Party

Featuring DJ Karlitos

Time: Midnight – 4 am

Location: Future Atlanta

Tickets at future-atlanta.com

Tears know no race nor gender. Pain knows no boundaries. It’s not always easy to exist. It can seem hard to live. Where do you go when home isn’t home anymore? If you’re lost, our drop-in center can help. Shower, laundry, get a warm meal and allow our outreach coordinator to help guide you towards a brighter tomorrow. We are more than a thrift store, we offer hope.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

MADONNA KITTY

Meet the Titans

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Currently, the queens from “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans” are touring the world, and on an April Tuesday night, The Boulet Brothers, Dracmorda and Swanthula, descended on Atlanta’s Center Stage, along with season favorites Melissa Befierce, HoSo Terra Toma, and the winner of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans, Victoria Elizabeth Black. David got a quick chat with the monstrous queens about the season, the tour, and what’s next for them.

HoSo, this is the second time you’re doing the tour. Has it changed for you?

HoSo: I’m so grateful to be doing it again. It’s pretty much similar, but this time, I get to do it with people I have known for a little bit longer, so it’s more chill.

I imagine the show prepares you for the tour, right?

Victoria: That’s what the season prepares you for, really. You learn how to roll with the punches, which truly prepares you for something like this.

Melissa: Especially with a season like this!

So what was your favorite moment from the season?

Victoria: Well, besides winning (laughs) getting crowned in Orlando, the energy was amazing and what we had all been waiting for. And from that point of winning, people have just been so sweet and amazing, and I couldn’t be happier than that.

HoSo: For me, it was just doing the tour again. After the filming and after Titans airing, I got to do an exhibition of my work back home in Seoul, which was a huge milestone for me.

How is Atlanta treating you so far?

Melissa: When we first got here on Thursday, it was pretty humid. I got here from LA with a jacket on, and I stepped out, and I went, ‘Oh sh*t.

Victoria: Today is very nice, a lot less humid!

So talk a bit about your experience being on ‘Titans’? First off, congratulations to you, Victoria, for winning the season!

Victoria: Thank you! She came back from the grave, and she did kill the competition, I guess, right? It was, you know, summer camp from hell that summarizes it pretty well.

HoSo: Reality TV is always so intense, but it’s so worth it though. Afterward, you get to meet all the fans and do the tour, and it’s all worth it.

Victoria: You make so many new friends, and it’s such a great experience when you get to be creative together. And once you go on tour, it’s all love from there.

Melissa: Very that, it’s a really great experience.

Melissa: With me, it was coming back to film Titans from season one. It was such a big difference, and getting the opportunity to meet and work with this wonderful talent has just been amazing. Just being part of this whole season with sets, cameras, and mics, it’s been so much bigger. So coming back and getting to tour for real this time.

So you’re touring right now, so what’s next for each of you?

Victoria: I have a lot of creative projects in the works. Special events, things I’ve wanted to do for years – you know, spooky things! In time, you’ll see.

HoSo: I’m ready to rest for a second after doing the first tour, then filming Titans, and then touring again. But I am building towards doing my own collection of pieces and garments. I’ve grown as an artist and feel I have the platform to do it now.

Melissa: I have a little tour with Hard Candy Events coming up on May 16-23, and I’ll be back here on the East Coast doing a lot of gigs, so there’s my plug for you to come to see me again!

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans tour continues across the US and Canada until May 12 before going to Australia in June. For upcoming shows and tickets, please visit dragulalive.com.

Photo: MH [Photo credit: From left to right: Victoria Elizabeth Black, HoSo Terra Toma, and Melissa Befierce]

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!

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT

Dear DAVID

QI am 25 years old, and I quite honestly have a lot of anxiety when it comes to dating. With all the apps and the hookup culture in the gay community, it is so difficult for me to gauge whether a guy just wants a hookup or if he actually wants to get to know you. And now, so many couples are opening up their relationship, which makes it even harder to figure out what they are into because now all the lines are blurred. I really want a deeper connection with someone, but I am both a little put off and a nervous wreck at the same time–are there really no genuine guys left out there anymore?I want to break my negative thinking, and I want to find love ultimately–but how?

AIt is always challenging to put yourself out there. The first step for you is to admit that you are in- deed anxious about dating! Anx- iety is perfectly normal, but the moment you stop semi-judging yourself for having anxiety, you will be more relaxed in yourself, which could ultimately be trans- ferred to a date. Another thing you can do is to evaluate if the hookup and dating apps are hurt- ing or helping you. If you’ve had it with biased preferences and rude- ness from strangers, then take a break–apps are not the only way to meet guys! If you do feel the need for an app in your life, stay clear of the sex apps, and go for one catered more towards dating. Be honest and realistic, which is the best basis to spark the initial online conversation with someone. No matter how you meet some- one, start by communicating and get to know the person even be- fore you actually date. Many red and green flags can be hashed out that way. And it is totally okay for you to voice your concerns and fears about dating. Being open and honest about feelings and ex- pectations will create the basis for a deeper connection. Yes, dating can be time-consuming and anxi- ety-inducing, but if you put in the effort, you are much more likely to succeed. Most people ultimately want the same as you: an intimate connection with someone else that transcends just hooking up.

TONY AWARD®-WINNING BEST MUSICAL IS BACK

MAGAZiNE DAVID

Atlanta Bear Pride 2023

@ Atlanta | April 21-23

The 8th Annual Bear Pride is back, so join the fun to celebrate a big weekend of events, entertainment and showcase all of what Atlanta has to offer for the bears, cubs, otters, chubs, chasers, and friends from around the globe (see full event listing here in David).

All Stripes First Friday Happy Hour

@ Urban Tree Cidery | April 21, 7-10 pm

Check out Atlanta’s gayest ATL United fan club, and can join All Stripes for a happy hour with Resurgence at Urban Tree Cidery.

Disco Dollz featuring RAJA

@ Future Atlanta | April 21, 8-11 pm

Meet RAJA, the season 3 winner and the Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses from AllStars 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Meet & Greet at 8 pm sharp, and show at 9 pm.

JOCKS & SOCKS

@ Atlanta Eagle | April 21, 11 pm

DJ Moose sets the mood and the beats for a night of sexy dancing.

Atlanta Titans Beer Bust

@ Atlanta Eagle | April 22, 4-8 pm

Hotlanta Softball League’s legendary Atlanta Titans invite you to join them for a day of fundraising and fun!

Anetra from RuPaul’s Drag Race

@ MSR my Sister’s Room | April 22, 10 pm

You better walk that f*cking duck!

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 runnerup— Anetra – is coming to headline at My Sister’s Room.

Gear After Dark

@ Atlanta Eagle | April 22, 10 pm

This event is for all the night-owls who like to go long and hard into the night! All gear types are welcomed – If you don’t have any, come out anyway and connect with kinksters who can help you discover the gear and fun times our community has to offer.

Bottom’s Up! Drag Brunch with Anetra

@ City Winery| April 23, 1 pm

WUSSY Mag and Tito’s Vodka present this boozy drag brunch featuring special guest Anetra from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15.

Felix’s Turnabout Show 2023

@ Felix’s | April 23, 9 pm

Come watch your favorite bartenders go from slinging drinks to serving fish all in benefit of Positive Impact Health Centers. Hosted by Nicole Paige Brooks.

80’s DayParty

@ The Hideaway | April 23, 3 pm

DJ Devon Rex presents an 80’s Sunday DayParty, so get ready to party down to totally eighties all day.

Ali Wong: Live

@ Tabernacle Atlanta | April 24, 7 pm

The stand-up comedian and actress currently starring in Netflix’s Beef is coming to Atlanta.

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’m not as mean as I could be, and I want everyone to be grateful for that. My Apple Watch accidentally called my mom while I was bottoming. Long story short: I’m not going home for the holidays this year.

I love irregular texters ‘cause there’s a mutual understanding between us that it’s okay to text back 5 days later with no bad vibes.

I’m more than a pretty face, I’m also a terrible person. Stable? at’s for horses!

Sure, the earth is getting hotter every day – but so am I.

I may be sad, but at least I’m not straight!