David Magazine v7_i49 | We've Got Her, Babe - CHER

V7-49 12.06.23

EXCLUSIVE! Cher Interview

Holiday Fashion For Your Men

The Santa Speedo Run

+ Photos & More

JAN 9 – 14 • FOX THEATRE BroadwayinAtlanta.com

ON SALE NOW!

Awesome Food & Drink Specials 7 Days a Week!

770.803.9990

Serving a Spirit of Tradition Craft Beers, Spirits, and fun 7 days a week!

WWW.ZUCCAPIZZA.COM

2860 Atlanta Road Smyrna GA 30080

Tacos T acos & T e qu i l a Tequila

Eat, Drink, Gather

Your Neighborhood Taco Stand 678-842-0050 6 78-842-0050 2860 Atlanta Rd. Smyrna GA 30080 www.thecornertaqueria.com

3280 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30305 www.industrytavern.com

©Disney

THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

DAVID I N

PAGE 8

T H I S

PAGE 14

PAGE

I S S U E

18

PAGE 28 ONLINE

davidatlanta. com

PRINT

At Distribution Points Across the City

DEC 06, 2023 V7-49

DAVID Magazine Peach Media 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093

MANAGING PARTNER & OPERATIONS 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

Marci Atl

CONTRIBUTORS Russ Bowen-Youngblood Jorge Trevino Chris Azzopardi

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

SOCIAL FB: davidatlantamag

IG: @davidatlantamag

The content of DAVID Magazine is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in DAVID Magazine are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through DAVID Magazine meets your specific requirements. DAVID Magazine is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to DAVID Magazine, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of DAVID Magazine may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Unauthorized use of DAVID Magazine may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in DAVID Magazine is strictly at your own risk.

WITH THE DRAGETTES A RAZZLE DAZZLE OF A SHOW!

HOSTED BY

Brigitte Bidet DECEMBER 8 • 15 • 22 BRUNCH DECEMBER 23 • 24 THE ULTIMATE IN DRAG DINING NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE 404-315-7711

We’ve Got Her, Babe

By Chris Azzopardi Photos: An Le

fter being introduced to Cher on the phone as her was a fan of mine just came there. Now, everybody A “old friend Chris” by Cher’s longtime publicist Liz is scattered. I can’t find people. This is just, please…

Rosenberg, there is only one sensible way for me to I don’t know. Don’t fuck with something that’s good, respond: “Hello, old friend Cher.”

OK? If you buy it, why ruin it?

Calling Cher an old friend to Cher feels completely That sounds like a good career motto. natural — well, almost. There is at least some [Laughs.] It always hasn’t been true, Chris. familiarity in knowing her off the phone too, through a treasure trove of a half-century’s worth of artistic How so? contributions, even if the icon is a higher pop culture This is the weird thing: People always say, “Oh, you power. But then, at the same time, the enduring gay keep reinventing yourself.” That’s not exactly true. I’ve icon has also been like an old friend to those in the probably been like this since I was about 5, but I have LGBTQ+ community, including me. valleys that are like, “What is going on here?” And then I do something, and it comes to the public and all Just a couple of years after coming out at 18, I saw of a sudden people go, “Oh my god, she reinvented my first Cher concert with my mom, who brought herself again.” No, I just got a job. Tell me, have I ever Cher into my world when I was a young kid, before been different?

I felt confident enough to tell her I was gay (weird to think that now even Cher knows I’m gay). The 2002 I feel like the essence of Cher has always been Cher.

Michigan show at the Palace of Auburn Hills, part Even on this album. It’s a Cher album. of her not-so-farewell “Farewell Tour,” is one of my earliest memories of finding other gay people outside There’s no “Silent Night,” right? of male-for-male AOL chat rooms — so many gay No, there’s no “Silent Night.”

Cher fans in one big space, a glittery, strutting pop goddess our master of ceremonies.

What songs were you eager to do and which ones did you say no to?

From her California home on a recent November I just picked all the songs. And I had some friends that day, Cher says this relationship she has with gave me songs and I took some of them. Like Rob us runs even deeper, though. That particular Dickins gave me “Run Rudolph Run” and then Sarah connection, she notes, began at 9 when she first Hudson, who I’ve known since she was 4, wrote “DJ,” felt like an outsider herself. Now, at 77, it has only “Drop Top Sleigh” and “Angels in the Snow.” strengthened after six decades spent growing a gay icon status built on music and film, live shows But I didn’t have anybody in the beginning. I wasn’t across the globe and the kind of loyal allyship that planning it either. I called Cyn and I said, “If I did feels like a mother’s love. “We’re family,” she tells me. something on my Christmas album and it was good I first interviewed Cher in 2018, just after she for you, would you want to do something?” And I released an album of ABBA covers in conjunction have no idea why I did it. But it happened really with with “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” which Stevie [Wonder]. Because I’d done the song [“What also starred the Oscar-winning actress. This Christmas Means to Me”] and there were parts that time, our conversation was prompted by a were just… I couldn’t find them. So I called Stevie and different project, one that she surprisingly has I was like… well, if I say something, will you not print never tackled until now: a Christmas album. it?

Titled simply “Christmas,” Cher does the holidays her own way, with a couple of Christmas party Off the record between us? songs — the “Believe”-style club romp “DJ Play That Yeah. I want to say this one word and it won’t sound…

Christmas Song” and the funky hip-hop track “Drop you have to swear to God or I will come and punch Top Sleigh Ride” with rapper Tyga — along with two your lights out! collaborations featuring fellow gay icon Cyndi Lauper and a duet with Darlene Love on “Christmas (Baby Can I say that?

Please Come Home).” On the poignant album closer, [Laughs.] All right. Anyway… oh, fuck. I don’t want to “This Will Be Our Year,” she, like the best of friends, say it. I’m afraid it won’t sound good. So anyway, I keeps the light flickering in the dark. “I won’t forget the was really, really frightened and I was saying, “Do you way you held me up when I was down, and I won’t think Stevie will remember that we knew each other?” forget the way you said, ‘Darling, I love you, you gave And so I called him and I was like, “Stevie? Um, this is me faith to go on.’”

Cher.” “Hi, Cher.” “Well, Stevie, uh, I did your song but there are parts in it that I can’t do and I need you to do An “old friend” can also get away with joking that it.” He said, “Is it one of my songs?” And I’m like, “Yeah, they’ll punch you if you print something that is said of course it’s one of your songs.” And so then he said, off the record, which Cher did during our wide- as we were hanging up, “Cher, you want me to play ranging interview on everything from the possibility harmonica?” And I passed out. And then I ran around of touring again, anti-trans hostility and being “so my room screaming and jumped on my bed, and I stupid” for not taking credit for co-writing “Believe.” was screaming, “Stevie Wonder’s going to be on my album!” Over and over and over. Until I fell down dead.

It’s wonderful to talk to you again.

I bet you didn’t think you’d be talking to me again. Is I love the idea of Cher being starstruck. It’s like, this the third time? you are my Stevie Wonder right now.

Yeah, but he’s a genius.

This is the second. Where are you going to be in your career the third time we talk?

And you mean the world to people like me who I’ll be singin’ in heaven, baby! I think that we could get are queer. a long extension cord.

I know, and I’m so angry. I’m so angry with America for every fucking thing — racism and anti-Semitism I heard you were just at the gym. and being anti-LGBT. Oh, did you hear about how Well, I was doing steps for “DJ,” and I was down in the the Pope came out? I mean, he didn’t come out, but gym earlier working out. So put some ketchup on me you know what I mean. [Laughs.] He came out with a because I’m fried! thing where he’s recognizing the LGBT community.

They can be godfathers and they can be whatever.

I miss you on what was formerly known as Twitter. I was so, so happy. Prejudice in this country is... I I just miss the constant witticisms. can’t find the word because I don’t know words bad Can I tell you something? I miss it. You have no idea enough. I mean, it could be an atomic bomb of a word. how I miss it. When Twitter was real, I did it through I just don’t know words bad enough to say how I feel.

Tweetbot, and so when I came on, everybody that

Socializers Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood more @ davidatlanta.com official media partner

Holiday Party @ X more online@davidatlanta.com

Greg Barnard

“Luxury is a state of mind. mind.”

D: 706-453-6090 | O: 404-233-4142 Greg.Barnard@HarryNorman.com www.GregBarnard.com @GregBarnardRealtor.ATL

I wanted to ask you about how hard this year has think Joe’s doing a great job. Not in everything. I been for LGBTQ+ people because the community don’t agree with him on a few things, but he’s done a lot of good, and the thing is, no matter how bad is so close to your heart. any other candidate would be, it couldn’t touch the Do you know why? Do you have any idea why? hem of Trump’s garment with how horrible he is. We can’t use that as an idea because that has a religious I know you and the community go way back .

Way back to 9. But it’s because we’re both outsiders. connotation and I just forgot. I just meant no one is as bad as he is. I can’t fathom what it would be like We’re all outsiders. to be him.

You’ve always felt that way about yourself?

Always. And so I gravitated to these two [gay] guys While we’re talking about drag, a few years ago, and then I met my first lesbian and she was fabulous. you teased that you would consider going on She was a friend of my mom’s, and then as I started “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but you still haven’t been to grow up, I came in contact with everybody [in the on. community]. I said to some guy the other day, “You’re But you know what? I don’t know why, and I love him. my brother.” We’re brothers and sisters. We’re family. He’s the nicest person — really, really nice, and I’m It came out of me, but that’s kind of the way I feel. not just saying it. I really don’t know why. I just feel like the bar would be so high that I just don’t know.

In a lot of ways, it feels like I was raised by my mother, but I was also raised by Cher. What do you mean the bar would be so high?

Well, it doesn’t get better than that. You have two I mean, I’d have to go on and be I don’t even know what. I’d have to be 10 feet taller than I am. moms.

But what you’re saying about how hard things Do you, though? You just have to be Cher, right? have been this year, as a gay person, it has felt Yeah, but you know those guys; they’re so tall, so they make you look like a dumpy little thump. particularly harsh this year.

Babe, it’s been since Trump. Can I tell you a little And that’s not what you want to get yourself into? story?

[Laughs.]

No! Yes, of course.

Is that really why you’re avoiding it?

I had a friend and he had a friend and she was this little girl who worked in the FBI and she infiltrated a I’m never going to be that. I exaggerate; it was just white supremacist group. She was with them, I think, the biggest exaggeration I could come up with off the for a couple of years. She was saying they were top of my head. causing a lot of trouble and she said there were so many groups in the United States. And I said, “Well, Sounds like you’d still be down for it. then why aren’t they doing bigger things? Why aren’t Yeah. we aware of something gigantic?” And she said, “Because they hate each other.” And then she said, “It You and Chaz are co-producing a horror film won’t start until someone can come and unite them.” together called “Little Bites.” What can you say about that?

And someone did.

I had my hand over one eye and was just kind of As the mother of a trans child, Chaz Bono, I’m squinting because it was too scary. I don’t really like wondering how you process the anti-trans scary films. hostility in this country.

You know, how can you process it? I mean, it doesn’t What is it like to work with Chaz? process. It’s not like long division. You can’t do it. Chaz is really easygoing. And also, I stay out of it. It’s You have to just be open and loving and sometimes not my gig. I’m helping. you don’t get things right away, you know? You can’t understand things right away, but if you stay open, “Burlesque” is getting the musical treatment, with look, I was nervous and I was afraid, and Chaz is my Christina Aguilera co-producing. Are you involved child and I’m Cher and I thought, “This is going to be in that? a major spotlight.” But Chaz is so happy, and we have They asked me if I would have something to do so much fun together. Also, I have to tell you this, with it but I don’t know. I really don’t know how I feel and this might not be politically correct, but when you about it, you know? I mean, it’s not negative. It’s just have a trans child, you know the child you had, but questioning. you don’t know the new child. There’s a big difference.

But the person is the same. But Chaz has different What about it are you questioning? feelings about things, you know? Like, Chaz comes I don’t know if I should be involved. Does it make sense? What kind of power do you have? I mean, my from a guy’s point of view. experience with my musical [“The Cher Show”] was What would you tell people who struggle to a nightmare. understand or accept trans people?

I would tell them if I woke up tomorrow and I was a guy, “Burlesque” has embedded itself in the queer I would just lose my mind. [Laughs.] And that’s what community in a way you probably didn’t expect it I would tell people: “What if you woke up tomorrow to when that movie was first released. and you were in the wrong body?” Everyone can Are you kidding me? Come on. understand that. It’s like, if you woke up tomorrow and you were a different sex but you had no control, you Ha! OK, fair point. You knew exactly who you were making that movie for. would just want to kill yourself.

Come on, babe, don’t try to pull that old chestnut.

There’s been so many attacks on drag queens in the country, and I’m thinking about all the Cher Well, then I should say new generations of queers drag queens when I ask this next question. But are discovering what I knew was gay when I first what are your thoughts on how conservatives saw it. think that drag queens are trying to groom It really was a good film; it was just too long. It needed better editing. children?

Oh my god, it’s fucking insane, OK? Like, you’re just going to pull that out of you know where? I think Getting back to “Christmas” and your collabs with Democrats, they’ve got to get some show business. Cyndi, when did you know that you both stood for They’ve got to get something that’s not dry, because the same things when it came to LGBTQ+ rights they don’t really understand how to sell it. I mean, I and equality? Is there a history there? I mean, I

know there must be. uncredited.

Of course there is, but the thing about being close Nobody does except my immediate friends. But I with the community is that you kind of just are close. didn’t think I was going to be here this long. I’m upset We could talk about some specific thing, a problem or about it in a girl way, you know? I didn’t want to be a good thing or whatever. But we just know who we 25 years older in a minute. I turn around and I’m 25 are, you know? We don’t sit around and talk about it. years older.

Because I know who she is, I know how she feels. So no, we didn’t. It just is.

Do you ever consider touring again, or are those days really long gone?

When two of our gay icons come together, the gay We were just downstairs dancing and talking about it. fantasy is that you are talking about us all the time. I would have to change the show somewhat because Of course! I think everyone’s talking about me all the I just can’t run around constantly and do it. I mean, time too! No, I don’t. I really don’t. [Laughs.] today we were dancing, and it was like, “Whoa, what happened here?” So I couldn’t do the exact same But I don’t know what your interior life is like with show, so I don’t know how it would be received. I Cyndi Lauper. mean, I still can sing. I sing well.

No, but it’s really good. We’ve had great times and I respect her so much and she’s so funny How about something more intimate? Cher in a and she’s so crazy. We’re a good couple. chair.

Well, that’s what my sister said. She said, “You could It’s good to have you two singing together on this just tell stories about your life.” You know, all of the album. monologues I make up myself. I want to do it. I’m a Yeah, it was really great. And Darlene, how great professional and I want to be really, really, really good, is that? That history is crazy. When I was 17, I did because I think I have been. background on that song. Now we’re doing it together.

And I called her and went, “I’m not going to do this I heard you were close to finishing your memoir. without you. It wouldn’t be right.” And she said, “Oh, What’s the process for you in writing your I’ll be there.” memoir? Is it hard to go back through some moments in your life?

“Drop Top Sleigh Ride” could be considered You know what I have to do? I have to go back. I was camp, and so could the album’s cover. Do you still thinking about this the other day. Or no, I thought enjoy leaning into the campiness of being Cher? about it months ago. But I was thinking, “You didn’t Well, I don’t consider it camp. I consider it a really tell enough. You played this too safe. You’ve got to put good song. This is what I feel about the album: I just your ass more on the line and let the chips fall where picked songs, and when they were all done, I thought, they may.” How is that for all the stupid, cliché sayings “Oh my god, do these guys go together? How is that I can put into one sentence? [Laughs.] this going to launch?” And then, everybody around me loved it so much but then I thought, “But what if Is that because you learned that Barbra people don’t like it because it’s not what they expect, Streisand’s memoir is over 900 pages long? and it goes from one place to another place, and I [Laughs.] No. But do you know what it’s like? It’s made a wrong decision?” That was worrying me for a like two of the film scripts couldn’t be done because while. And then I thought, “Well, there’s nothing I can everyone says you’ve lived too long and done too do about it now.” I did what I wanted to do. That’s why much. Sorry. [Spoken unapologetically.] But it’s true.

I never did a Christmas album, because I wanted to It’s hard to get all my life in a book unless I came out just take it and make it and master it and hand it in. with volumes, like the encyclopedia. Not that anyone knows what that is anymore. It is really, really a lot. I’m And that’s what you did here? struggling. I want to do a better job than I did. I want Yeah. to do a better job. I want to pick up my big girl G-string and just do a better job.

Let’s acknowledge the 25th anniversary of “Believe” this year.

When do you think we’ll have the book?

Oh, do we have to? [Rosenberg chimes in: “Put a I don’t know, babe. Don’t ask. Well, you just did, but muzzle on her.”] I mean, do you know how fast 25 don’t ask me again. years has gone? Dude. It’s crazy. Also, I was talking downstairs about this: I wrote a part of that song, and I didn’t take credit for it because I was so stupid. That song was a monster. It was like… I don’t even know what. That song was like Trump in the beginning; it was horrible. What I thought, too, about the song is that a chick can be upset and crazy over her relationship falling apart, but she can only do it for the first verse.

So I’m sitting in the bathtub and I got my toe stuck in the faucet, and all of a sudden, what came to my mind was, “I’ve had time to think it through, and maybe I’m too good for you.” And Jennifer [Ruiz, Cher’s longtime personal assistant] said, “Oh my god, that’s perfect.”

And then she said, “You will get a writers [credit].” And I went, “No, no, I just want to do it for the home team.”

And of course, I was an idiot.

So you’re kicking yourself, as you should, right?

Yeah, but you know why? It was because it was so horrible. It was such an awful time. I was so depressed. I got into a fight, the only fight I’ve ever gotten into with Mark [Taylor, the producer]. And I just felt like such a loser because I couldn’t get it better. Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride That’s why I walked out. I just couldn’t make it better Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national because the verses were not interesting. So then the LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude whole thing happened with the pitch machine. of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in I didn’t know that you wrote that line in “Believe.” The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard.

I guess not a lot of people would, because it’s Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

Unwrapping Generosity: The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt

If you’ve ever dreamt of dashing through Atlanta organizations combating the spread of HIV in streets in your skivvies while donning a Santa hat, Atlanta. you’re in for a treat – it’s time for the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run! This 1-mile fun run, a cheeky As the runners prance through the streets, celebration of the season, has become a holiday their festive display symbolizes more than just tradition where participants shed inhibitions along holiday cheer; it represents a community coming with their layers, all for a cause that warms the together to support one another. Over the heart. years, this spirited run has raised an astounding $815,000 for Atlanta-area charities, leaving a So, what exactly is the Atlanta Santa Speedo trail of goodwill in its wake. Previous beneficiaries Run? It’s a festive and frivolous fundraising event have included a diverse array of local causes, benefiting Joining Hearts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit including CHRIS Kids, Bert’s Big Adventure, and organization committed to raising awareness and CURE Childhood Cancer, each contributing to funds for prevention, care, and housing assistance the broader mission of spreading love, awareness, to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. The and assistance. roots of this merry run trace back to Boston in 2000, and since its Atlanta debut in 2009, it has So, if you’re ready to don your Speedo with pride been a radiant beacon of joy and generosity. or sport a Santa hat that would make even Kris Kringle jealous, join the Atlanta Santa Speedo Participants, affectionately known as FunRun. It’s more than a run; it’s a joyful reminder Runners, are encouraged to embrace the holiday that even in our boldest and barest moments, spirit by adorning themselves in Speedos and we can make a significant impact on the lives Santa hats – though any spirited costume is of those in need. Let the holiday spirit and welcome. The emphasis is on fun, laughter, and, generosity flow as freely as the laughter echoing of course, supporting a cause that goes beyond through the streets of Atlanta – after all, that’s the surface. If you choose to show up in your what the season is truly about. workout attire, be prepared for good-natured teasing – unless, of course, it’s decked out with Learn more or register to run at sparkles and bells; then, you’re officially part of atlantasantaspeedorun.org. the festive brigade!

The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run’s mission is twofold: to raise funds for local charitable service organizations and to provide a non-competitive athletic event that fosters community celebration. The primary beneficiary, Joining Hearts, has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS since 1987. Originally formed to assist those living with the virus, Joining Hearts has evolved alongside medical advancements, expanding its reach to collaborate with various

impact 2 0 2 3 PA R T Y W I T H

12/30

ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL • 8PM

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH

Bob The Drag Queen BENEFITS TICKETS & INFO POSITIVEIMPACTHEALTHCENTERS.ORG

Holiday Fashion ESCollectionUSA Has Something for Every Man in Your Life

By Jorge Trevino Photos by Tarek Del Moreno

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for all of the stylish men in our lives. Whether you’re shopping for your partner or close pal, ESCollectionUSA’s holiday collection offers a diverse range of underwear and swimwear with cutting-edge designs and modern silhouettes that are certain to make a statement. From bold prints to unique color combinations, you can find the perfect piece to help your trendsetting loved one stand out in style during the merry months.

For Mr. Glitter Guy

For Mr. Out, Loud, and Proud

For the Environmentalist

For the Guy Who Likes His Bling

For the Man Who Likes to Make a Point

For the Outdoorsman

These sexy bird-themed swim boardshorts are the perfect gift for men who love the outdoors! Bird images and illustrations are printed all over, from front to rear, in beautiful colors. The shorts also feature inbuilt U-Shape technology, a special pouch in the inner mesh area that will keep a man’s nest and eggs lifted, safe and comfortable. $132 at ESCollectionUSA.com.

For Mr. Glitter Guy

The Glitter Net is an outstanding brief, made from the finest stretchy thin net fabric and laminated with glitter all over! Crafted with performance in mind, the brief offers support and flexibility, making it perfect for workouts or simply maintaining an active lifestyle. The ES Collection silicone label in the middle of the brief’s waistband adds extra pizazz. $53 at ESCollectionUSA.com.

For the Environmentalist Who Wants a Little Shine

The beautiful Eco-Shiny trunks and briefs are made of recycled threads and feature semi-glossy fabric with no contrasts. They are available in multiple colors; all prominently displaying the ES Collection silicon label on the waistband. The seamless construction and ergonomic design in the brief and trunk – both feature big pouch capacity! - ensure that your glistening man will enjoy ultimate comfort and relaxation. Trunk is $55, and the brief is $49 at ESCollectionUSA.com.

For the Man Who Likes to Make a Point

The Zig Zag swim brief is perfect for the man in your life that appreciates angles and points. The understated gray of the chevron pattern accented by the teal blue stitching offers a timeless, sophisticated look. It is an antiwrinkle piece and comes with PackUp, ESCollectionUSA’s technological shapewear foam removable insert in XXL that gives a maximizing volume effect to a guys’ package, so he can really make a point! $92 at ESCollectionUSA.com

For the Guy Who Likes His Bling

Bedazzled diamonds, gems and jewels appear from front to rear in ESCollectionUSA’s new Diamond Rocky swim shorts. The eye-catching pattern and quick-drying fabrics are designed for men who love sun, sand, and surf at any time of year. The piece also includes KanGo Technology in the inner-mesh lining that helps keep a man’s hidden treasure in place, lifted, comfortable and secure. $86 at ESCollectionUSA.com.

For Mr. Out, Loud, and Proud

These bright and beautiful swim shorts are made from super soft polyamide Tactel ® fabric, known for its lightweight construction, faster drying times and increased strength and durability. In the inside of the brief, U-Shape technology offers optimum support to keep everything in its place. Front cords for best adjustment, back small pocket and the ES Collection silicone logo is on the left leg. $106 at ESCollectionUSA.com

For the Outdoorsman

TOY PARTY 2023

more online@davidatlanta.com

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Yo ur Intow n Real E s tate E x pert

Associate Broker

Subscribe to @BruKrebs

BR U K R E BS. COM | 404.984.0243

WORLD AIDS DAY @ HIGH.org

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

CARSON COWAN REALTOR® c. 404.998.9944 / o. 404.874.0300 / carson@carsoncowan.com / CarsonCowanRealEstate

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

14

dm

on

tA

Piedmont Park

Pi e

6

ve .

J uniper St . NE

NE

14th St. NE

12th St. NE

1

Amsterdam Ave.

Monroe Dr. NE

MIDTOWN

9

16

10th St. NE

2

. NE

19

oe Dr

Ave. NE Piedmont

Juniper St . NE

Peacht r ee St . NE

3

Monr

Char l es Al l en Dr . NE

10

W. Peacht r ee St . NW

15

7

Ponce De Leon Pl . NE

Spring St. NW

17

4th St. NE

8

13

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Dining

BARS 2 Blake's 3 Bulldogs 4 Friends

th

227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

9 10 & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave NE 10 Campagnolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE 16 G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE 17 Henry’s 132 10th St NE 19 La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr NE

6 My Sister’s Room66 12th St NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE

fitness

BARS not on map

spa/bath

1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite 180

pg| 24

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE 15 Flex Spa

76 4th St. NW

DAVID Magazine

NEW ONLINE CALENDAR of EVENTS

User submitted .

See page for details

Cheshire

ansley

E .N

ve

41

28

Pi

20

ed

m

on

tA

ge R Brid Ches

hire

r.

E

eR

26

35

.N

idg

40

Dr

.

24

r eB

32

oe

Rd

36

nr

hir

e ll D

er

IX

Mo

dm on

es

kn

. NE

Pi e tC

29

Ch

Lidd

ul

31

33

x Rd

. NE

Manches t er St . NE

Piedmont Rd

22

Fa

30

27

BL

34

Le no

Lambert Dr.

PU

St.

d.

Alco

39

36 38

d.

ir .

Piedmont Park BARS

BARS

20 BJ Roosters

2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd

22 Tripps

1931 Piedmont Cir NE

Dining

24 Las Margaritas Closed Temporarily

Retail

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd

26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd

28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd

30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

clubs

Fitness

DAVID Magazine

32 Atlanta Eagle 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 33 Felix's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 34 The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 35 Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 36 Oscar's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave SE Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE The T Woof's 494 Plasters Ave NE

Retail

39 Boy Next Door 40 Barking Leather

Fitness

1447 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

41 Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

pg| 25

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

SNAPS

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

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

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

MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE

OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE

WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE

THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

CHESHIRE

MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE

ANSLEY

HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE WESTSIDE MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW 840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW ANSLEY

DINING MIDTOWN

NESS 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

RETAIL MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE CHESHIRE

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A

CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com

GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS

HENRY’S henrysatl.com

URBAN BODY FIT-

MIDTOWN

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

BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN

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 know everything happens for a reason. But what the f*ck?!

I’m not a party gay. I’m a couch a gay. A homosectional you could say.

I hate when people ask me to “explain thought process.” Like hell if I know!

If anyone asks me to participate in an icebreaker exercise, I will make then regret it.

Now if an airport pickup isn’t a sign of true love, I don’t know what is.

I’ve been blocked, unblocked, and unfollowed. But NEVER been told I was bad in bed.

I'm sorry, but gay guys should have a 4-day weekend permanently.

DAVID Magazine

pg| 29

NOW PLAYING ATLANTIC STATION