A Dose of Mean Gay Medicine
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Mean Gays, the viral Atlanta-based comedy duo broke through at the end of 2023 with their stinging, situational takes on gay life. Now, they have over 3 million followers on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, and they are developing a series format based on their Mean Gays characters. David spoke to Aaron Goldenberg and Jake Jonez aka The Mean Gays about the sudden success, their upcoming comedy tour, and what lies ahead for them together and separately.
You’ve experienced a rocket rise to fame since 2023, but you were both involved in other projects before. Can you give us a brief overview?
AARON: I’ve been acting since I was a kid, so I’ve done a little bit of everything. Last year, I went on my first National Tour with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which included playing at the Pantages Hollywood with the Kardashians in the front row! Some of my most recent credits include “Bad Monkey” and “ME” for Apple TV+, “The Righteous Gemstones” for HBO, and “SWARM” on Prime Video.
JAKE: Before the Mean Gays really popped, I was in my comedic content creating bag. I was just being a silly goose online and had built a very cute audience for myself.
Where did the idea for the Mean Gays come from?
AARON: I think we’ve all experienced interactions with people who seem to put others down with every word out of their mouth. That was the “vague” inspiration. We shot two videos that first day, and to be honest, the initial caption was meant to be something like, “when you can’t tell if your gay neighbors are actually complimenting or insulting you.” Later in editing, I felt like that was too many words, so I condensed it to “The Mean Gays…,” and that just kinda became the characters identity.
What’s the inspiration for the main characters and the various situations? Is it personal experience or a case of “we all have that friend”?
AARON: Sometimes it begins with a single joke/punchline, and we write the video around that. Sometimes the inspiration starts with access to a new location (like the realtor
video). But mostly, the inspiration comes from asking “what’s the most awkward situation we can put these characters and their unfortunate friend in next?” Part of the fun is that I can see these characters existing just about anywhere.
JAKE: I also wanted to fully mimic the “mean gays” I have actually seen out in the wilderness, the tone of voice, the mannerisms, all of it.
Now that you have developed a viral comedy concept, you are in the process of creating a series based on the Mean Gays – can you tell us more about that?
AARON: We’ve partnered with Evan Mirzai at House of M Productions, who is also the Co-Chair of the WGA LGBTQ Committee. He also manages our day to day. We’re currently casting a wide net looking for LGBTQ showrunners and hoping for the right fit.
You are also currently on the road with an eight-city comedy tour that will take you to Atlanta on October 23. Tell us about what to expect at a Mean Gays comedy show.
JAKE: I’ve been telling people that this is straight up a variety sketch comedy show, but to be honest, it’s more. It’s wild, it’s a roller coaster ride. In the vein of Jake Jonez, it is a camp gay thrill ride.
AARON: Absolutely. If you come in gay, you will leave gayer. If you come in straight, you might question your whole life. But ultimately, you can expect way more cussing and booty dancing than a typical date night.
You also have some pretty special Atlanta Pride plans, because you will open the 6th Annual Atlanta Pride Reception at the personal request of Mayor Andre Dickens. How do the Mean Gays celebrate Pride?
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ELIAS CHAD
AARON: First of all, we are so honored and excited to be speaking at the Mayor’s Pride Reception in our home city. We will probably be the most inappropriate part of the evening, but hopefully not enough to get kicked out… The Mean Gays definitely celebrate pride by showing up late to every party, talking shit about the host/venue, and passive aggressively complimenting everyone’s “enthusiasm.”
JAKE: Aaron couldn’t be more spot on. Last but not least, A Mean Gay shows up to his Sunday pride performance as a very cutesy pop star ready to take the stage. Very Demure.
… and what will Aaron and Jake be doing for Atlanta Pride?
AARON: Last year, I had the goal to hit up all the late night parties, kiss lots of cute guys, and lose a ton of sleep. I feel like I did pretty well! Haven’t really locked down any plans for this year.
JAKE: After the Mayors event to kick off pride I will be relaxing with my girls, hitting the gym and getting back in my routine. A pride party is not my forte. After that, I will be gearing up for my pride performance on Sunday during Chaka Khan.
Riding the incredible success you’ve had with the Mean Gays, you are both heavily involved with some major, upcoming projects. Can you disclose a little bit about them?
AARON: I had the privilege to be a part of Jordan Peele’s reboot of “Scare Tactics” for USA and Peacock! That premieres on October 4th, and you can see me in a few episodes. You can also see me later this year in the films Festival of Trees, The Final Play, and We’re So Dead. JAKE: I recently released my debut music project (WHAT WE WANT.). I will be performing at pride as a part of the Chaka Khan line up. I will also be appearing in the finale of Brian Jordan Alvarez’s FX Comedy ENGLISH TEACHER.
Where do you hope and dream that the Mean Gays will be in a year from now?
JAKE: I truly hope we are deep into the development stages on an original scripted series, and touring with our wild comedy sketch show.
AARON: I definitely hope we continue the momentum and fun. It’s been a blast growing an entire new fanbase from these characters, and we’re hoping to take them on future tour stops, as well as on your screens sometime soon!
Finally, tell us where we can find you both in person and online.
AARON: You can find me everywhere online @aarongoldyboy. In person, you can likely find me at Dad’s Garage Improv or doing improv somewhere else in Atlanta.
JAKE: You can find me everywhere @jjakejonezz and in person most likely at the gym getting on my fitness and/or dancing.
You can experience the Mean gays Live in Atlanta on October 23 at City Winery. Tickets can be purchased at citywinery. com/atlanta.
Not So GLAAD: Uncharitable Greed
By Mark Segal
Photo: Diarmuid Greene / Collision / Sportsfile, Courtesy Philadelphia Gay News
What would you suggest if a politician used public funds to rent a sevenbedroom Swiss chateau, remodel their home office with public money, rent a vacation home in Provincetown for their family, and enjoy first-class air travel and Mercedes car service at their whim? You’d likely call for their resignation or at least an investigation to determine if any laws were broken.
The same standards should apply to leaders of our LGBTQ+ non-profits. All the examples I just mentioned were actions taken by GLAAD’s head, Sarah Kate Ellis, who has led GLAAD since 2014. While she has built a formidable organization, raking in millions in your donations, she seems to have become excessively comfortable with your donations. There used to be a term for those overpaid within our community: “Gay Inc.” Her spending is nothing less than — and I’m being polite here — gay greed.
This is a subject I know well, having fought mainstream media’s depictions of and censorship of the LGBTQ+ community — a field that I, along with others, pioneered in 1972 long before GLAAD existed and when Sarah Kate Ellis was a 1-year-old. We did this by disrupting live TV shows like “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.” These actions led to agreements with CBS News (thanks to Walter himself) and an agreement with Av Westin at ABC in 1973. Further along, we worked with Cathy Reena, who at a new organization called GLAAD was the National News Media Director, and
we secured their first victory by canceling a nationally syndicated show. Through these and other efforts, we fought to give visibility to our community and lift us out of the darkness of invisibility. We did this out of passion for our community, making it possible for many of you today to have the privilege to be your true selves. It was a labor of love. We did not receive chandeliers; most of the time, we ended up in jail.
A New York Times investigative report published on Aug. 1 under the headline, “A Pattern of Lavish Spending at a Leading L.G.B.T.Q. Nonprofit,” reveals that GLAAD’s Sarah Kate Ellis has lived a life of luxury on your donations — into the millions of dollars. This includes renting a sevenbedroom Swiss chateau, a vacation home in Provincetown, remodeling her home office at $20,000, enjoying Mercedes car service and flying first class — along with a salary listed in 2021 (three years ago) as $575,000, with additional compensation over $27,000. That’s $600,000 without travel, for an organization that has a half-million-dollar yearly travel budget. But there’s one item in the Times report that stands out and should tell you all you need to know: That $20,000 remodeling of her home office included a chandelier.
Non-profits should not operate like this, and such behavior would not be tolerated in other communities. Even right-wing organizations have been targets for similar practices — just think of the National Rifle Association. Can you imagine the executive directors of the NAACP or Amnesty International behaving similarly?
Of course, GLAAD spokesperson Richard Ferraro attempts to defend her, stating lines similar to, “She’s going to comply with new rules,” “She needed the lavish housing for meetings,” and “We don’t think she can get that bonus in her final year of $1.3 million.” Nothing is said about the $150,000 signing bonus, a $250,000 exit bonus, nor how her yearly bonus system works. For a group focused on communications, Mr. Ferraro gets an F.
Mr. Ferraro wasn’t even transparent on the issue of yearly bonuses. In the last few days, I’ve spoken to many LGBTQ+ pioneers who’ve been fighting for equality for over 50 years. We request that Sarah Kate Ellis never again describe herself as an activist since many of us view her as a profiteer.
The word about GLAAD is that they are more interested in hobnobbing with celebrities to bring in donations. When you misuse those donations for home chandeliers, Swiss chateaus and vacation homes, you start morphing into the lifestyles of those
celebrities, which makes you part of their world and not our world.
There is value for our community with GLAAD, but for it to be reputable again, it has some house cleaning to do. That means sweeping out the disreputable Sarah Kate Ellis and searching for someone who will bring transparency and honor back to the organization.
This article is courtesy of Philadelphia Gay News as part of a shared media partnership.
Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column “Mark My Words,” including best column by The National Newspaper Association, The Society of Professional Journalists and Suburban Newspaper Association.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
How to Bring Sunshine Into Fall
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cool down, it’s easy to feel like the carefree vibes of summer are fading. But just because the season is changing doesn’t mean the energy of summer has to end! For a community, where self-expression, adventure, and joy are always worth celebrating, carrying that sun-soaked spirit into fall can be a meaningful way to stay connected to what makes us feel most alive.
Keep the Outdoor Vibes Alive
There’s something magical about spending time outside during the summer—the fresh air, sun on your skin, and feeling of freedom. But fall is just as perfect for outdoor adventures! With cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes, it’s the ideal time to go for hikes, take weekend camping trips, or even have casual picnics in the park. Make the most of those crisp autumn days by enjoying nature with friends or your partner.
How to start:
Find local LGBTQ+ outdoor groups or create your own regular weekend gathering with friends. A brisk morning walk through fall foliage or a bonfire night under the stars can keep that summer magic alive.
Maintain Healthy (and Fun!) Eating Habits
Summer often inspires us to eat fresh, vibrant foods—think grilled veggies, fresh fruit, and colorful salads. But fall has its own incredible harvest, and it’s the perfect time to embrace seasonal foods that nourish your body and keep that summer glow alive. Squash, pumpkins, apples, and leafy greens are abundant during fall, making it easy to eat healthy, seasonal, and delicious meals. You can even get creative by incorporating summer favorites into your fall dishes—grilled peaches on a fall salad, or a refreshing berry smoothie to start your day, are great ways to mix it up.
How to start:
Visit local farmers markets for fresh, seasonal produce and experiment with new recipes. Make mealtime fun and social by hosting dinner parties or potlucks with your chosen family, where everyone brings their favorite seasonal dish.
Take Spontaneous Trips and Keep Exploring
One of the best parts of summer is that sense of adventure—the road trips, weekend getaways, and new places to explore. Fall can be just as spontaneous, with scenic drives through changing leaves or spontaneous day trips to nearby towns and cities. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to give up on those spur-of-the-moment adventures!
How to start:
Plan a few weekend escapes in advance or keep an open mind for last-minute adventures. Apps like Airbnb or LGBTQ+ travel sites can help you discover queerfriendly destinations that are just a short drive away.
Stay Spontaneous and Playful
Summer is all about living in the moment, whether it’s impromptu beach days or lastminute brunch plans. Don’t let that sense of spontaneity slip away as fall approaches! Keep your schedule open to say “yes” to unexpected plans, try new activities, and continue being playful in your everyday life. Plan surprise dates with your partner, have impromptu dance parties at home, or show up to that LGBTQ+ art exhibit or drag show you’ve been eyeing. Keeping that carefree attitude alive will help make fall feel just as exciting and adventurous as summer.
How to start:
Create a bucket list of small, fun things you want to do this fall. It could be something as simple as checking out a new queer-owned business, attending a pop-up market, or even hosting a cozy fall gathering for your closest friends.
Wear Your Summer in a Scent
One of the quickest ways to transport yourself back to sunny beach days or warm summer nights is through fragrance. A favorite summer scent—whether it’s a coconut-infused perfume, a refreshing citrus body spray, or even a sunscreen-inspired lotion—can instantly evoke memories of those carefree days. Even as fall brings cozy sweater weather and pumpkin-spiced everything, you can keep spritzing that signature summer fragrance to hold onto that warm, sun-kissed vibe.
How to start:
Don’t pack away your favorite summer scents with your beach gear. Layer your summer fragrances with richer fall notes like sandalwood or amber to create a new seasonal blend that still gives you those summer feels.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Summer often inspires us to take a break from constant screen time—whether it’s ditching the phone for a day at the beach or being too busy at a Pride festival to scroll through social media. But just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your devices again. In fact, fall is a great time to step back from the digital world and reconnect with yourself, your friends, and nature. Plan tech-free weekends, have phone-free dinners, or simply take time to unplug during your favorite fall activities.
How to start:
Set aside designated tech-free times throughout your week. Consider going on phone-free nature walks, reading physical books, or planning activities with friends where everyone leaves their phones at home.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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 at the age where I can either do a day activity or a night activity. I can’t, under any circumstances, do both. God’s plan for me does not involve LinkedIn at all.
I like when people tell me about their physical insecurities because I can all like woah I never noticed before – but yeah, I totally see it now…
e closest thing I have to a hobby is lasagna.
Is someone just giving out those vizor sunglasses to gay men over 30?
How great it would be to fall in love with someone who doesn’t know what ‘situationship’ is.
When he’s on one knee with a ring is when I’ll delete Grindr.
I know we’re not exclusive. I just want him to stop f*cking my friends!
