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SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
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Over the past few years, Atlanta’s art scene has taken leaps ahead even for the discerning art aficionado. International ‘blockbuster’ exhibitions, a multitude of gallery spaces, a fashion museum on an international scale, and a bustling underground art scene provides plenty of opportunities if you wish to dive into the world of art. In this art issue of Peach, we talked to three local artists who present you with their views on the Atlanta art scene right now – and of course, you get to see their creative expressions as well. We also spoke to Marci Tate at the High Museum about the impressive upcoming season schedule at Atlanta’s main art center, and we highly recommend the Scad Fash exhibit of Chris Francis’ shoes that morph form and function into stunning pieces of wearable art. Our celebrity interview is with pop’s ‘anxious lesbian pope,’ Shura, on queering her once-coded lyrics, nearly retiring, and her Titanic musical. And that is, of course not all, so feast your eyes on this artful issue of Peach!
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THE FORM, FUNCTION, AND ART OF A SHOE Calling all shoe and fashion lovers! Step out with SCAD FASH as the fashion museum presents “Form & Function: Shoe Art by Chris Francis,” an exhibition of iconic footwear by the Los Angelesbased designer. Chris Francis blurs the line between fashion and art, crafting sculptural, even architectural, designs characterized by unconventional techniques, strong colors, bold shapes and sharp lines. Influenced by the early 20th-century Bauhaus school of design, he manipulates a wide range of uncommon shoemaking materials such as glass, concrete, metal and plastic. “Form & Function” approaches Francis’ work expressively as wearable art, presenting a selection of designs that channel the rebellious DIY spirit of the punk rock movement. A self-taught shoe designer, Francis is a former art student, graphic designer, and carpenter, and has tailored those skills to the shoemaking discipline. Unable to secure an apprenticeship within the contemporary shoemaking community in Los Angeles, he sought out time-honored, immigrant artisans, acquiring their vintage machines and tools to learn the trade for himself. This is the first time Francis’ work will be shown in Atlanta. Previously , he has had a solo exhibition at Craft Contemporary, Los Angeles, and has participated in group exhibitions at the Palm Springs Art Museum and Richmond Art Center, California. His designs have been featured in Vogue, Metropolis magazine, and Ornament magazine, among others. “Form & Function: Shoe Art by Chris Francis” is curated by Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions. Learn more at scadfash.org. 8 | 09.11.19
WHAT Form & Function: Shoe Art by Chris Francis
WHEN
On view now until December 8, 2019
WHERE SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film 1600 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, Georgia scadfash.org
In the spring, we’ll present speechless: different by design, an exhibition we’re co-organizing with the Dallas Museum of Art that merges research, aesthetics and innovative new design to explore the vast spectrum of sensory experiences and new approaches to accessibility in the museum setting. The exhibition debuts new work by six leading and emerging international designers and design teams — Ini Archibong, Matt Checkowski, Misha Kahn, Steven and William Ladd, Laurie Haycock Makela and Yuri Suzuki. Their installations will offer audiences unconventional multisensory experiences that foster understanding of the varied ways we experience the world through our senses.
You’re Making me HIGH By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Artwork: Virgil Abloh (American, born 1980) and Ben Kelly, Hacienda Columns, 2019. Courtesy of Virgil Abloh.
The High Museum in the heart of Atlanta continues to put Atlanta on the art map of the U.S. with international sensation and an incredible flair for seeking out and activating local talent as well. Peach spoke to Marci Tate, Manager of Public Relations for the High Museum of Art, about the upcoming year of exhibitions.
Also on view this year are the latest chapter in our “Picturing the South” photography commission series, a LiveLab photography residency and exhibition presented in collaboration with Magnum Photos, and Paa Joe: Gates of No Return, featuring the work of a celebrated Ghanaian figurative coffin maker. In the tradition of figurative coffins—or abeduu adekai (which means “proverb boxes”)—the structures represent the unique lives of the dead. The High Museum presents a well-curated intersection of exhibitions that range from local to international – how do you choose what goes into the High? Our leadership and curatorial teams intentionally develop an exhibition schedule of regional, national and international significance. The High has seven collecting areas (African Art, American Art, European Art, Decorative Arts and Design, Folk and Self-Taught Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, and Photography), so the exhibition schedule also reflects and complements those collections.
What shows would you personally recommend this next year? The schedule is amazing. I recommend that visitors break up their visit and pair an exhibition with an event we are hosting. This gives visitors an opportunity to really spend time with each of the exhibitions. They may want to plan a visit on a High Frequency Friday (the first The High Museum’s schedule of exhibition is always characterized Friday of every month) when we have a DJ, drawing on by diversity across genres and expressions – can you tell us a little the terrace and adult art making or plan a group outing with friends that incorporates a Friday Jazz (occurs the about the upcoming year of exhibitions at the High? third Friday of every month). We have a wonderfully diverse and vibrant schedule of exhibitions coming up this year at the High. This fall, we Tell us a little about what is currently on view at the High? invite Atlantans to experience “Something Over Some- In addition to shows opening this fall, please come thing Else” (opening Sept. 14), which features dozens check out Of Origins and Belonging, Drawn from Atlanta of collages from Romare Bearden’s autobiographical (through Sept. 29), the third in a series of exhibitions “Profile” series. Organized by the High, the exhibition at the High focused on work by Atlanta-based artists. is the first to reunite dozens of these works since they The exhibition features six artists who address issues debuted 40 years ago. related to place, belonging, and heritage in their work: Jessica Caldas, Yehimi Cambrón, Xie Caomin, Wihro We are also proud to present Sally Mann: A Thousand Kim, Dianna Settles and Cosmo Whyte. Also, don’t miss Crossings (Oct. 19, 2019, through Feb. 2, 2020), a Strange Light, an exhibition featuring more than 100 sweeping overview of Mann’s 40-year career featuring works by Clarence John Laughlin, the most important more than 100 powerful and provocative photographs, Southern photographer of his time who has been including new work. Mann is a Virginia native, and her dubbed the “Father of American Surrealism.” work is strongly influenced and inspired by her Southern heritage and examines important themes including Anything you’d like to add? Last fall, we completed a complete reinstallation of our history, identity, race and religion. collection galleries. If you haven’t visited those galleries In November, we’ll open Virgil Abloh: “Figures of recently, be sure to come see the many new artworks on Speech” (Nov. 12, 2019, through March 8, 2020), view – and the old favorites you love. You’ll also want to which debuted at MCA Chicago this summer. Abloh is a visit the newly redesigned and expanded Greene Family genre-bending artist whose wide-ranging designs meld Learning Gallery. We have something for everyone, and pop culture and streetwear with historical art and haute we want visitors to experience it all. We look forward to couture. He became creative director of Louis Vuitton seeing you in the galleries soon! menswear in 2018 and is also well-known for his wildly popular Off-White™ fashion label and collaborations Go to high.org for the current and future schedule of the with Kanye West. The show is the first museum exhibi- High Museum. tion devoted to Abloh, and the works on view offer an in-depth look at the defining highlights of his career. 10 | 09.11.19
By Chris Azzopardi
Album release week has Shura, synth-pop’s “lesbian pope,” feeling like Ice Age squirrel Scrat, whose acorn keeps getting away from him. “The acorn is representative of my well-being, my sanity,” says the 30-year-old British musician. “And it’s always a hair’s breadth away.” I am Skyping with Shura, who is calling from Rough Trade, a record store in Nottingham, England, just days after the release of her second album, Forevher, the follow-up to her 2016 debut Nothing’s Real. Named by her girlfriend, Pauline, who she met on the dating app Raya while living in London (the two were in a longdistance relationship until Shura moved to Brooklyn), the title represents “For Her,” “Forever” and “Forever Her.” And calling it simply Forever was out of the question; that name was already taken by the Spice Girls. During our chat, and without the video feature activated because “I’m literally in a cave and look like I haven’t slept,” Shura discusses playing dress-up with her gay twin, her infatuation with fun nuns, writing a Titanic musical from the perspective of the icebergs and being scared of Madonna. After
Photos: Hollie Fernando
Nothing’s Real, did you anticipate making another breakup album? When I finished writing Nothing’s Real, I was kind of like, “I don’t know if I can make another record again,” because it does take so much out of you emotionally. At that moment, I just didn’t f e e l like I felt anything at the end of that – (it) just really, really kind of sucks you dry. Not necessarily as a negative either. I was just exhausted. So I … I kind of imagined retiring! One and done. Bye! Exit stage left! I was finishing touring with Tegan and Sara and M83 and that’s when I started talking to my current partner and was like, “Maybe I can write some songs again.” I was attracted to someone and that was exciting, and I was writing about that. It wasn’t until maybe a year into the process of writing that I was beginning to decide what to record and I was like, “Oh, shit, this is gonna be a really different record.” I always love artists who do that, who make big leaps of faith and take risks; sometimes they pay off and sometimes they don’t, but the fun is in trying. How did you decide to include lesbian nuns in the “religion (u can lay your hands on me)” video? I love nuns. I had this calendar as a kid called Nuns Having Fun and it was images of nuns smoking a n d riding a
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rollercoaster. Images of women who are traditionally not meant to have any sort of worldly pleasure in that sense. It’s a life of: You make a commitment to God, and so you see these people doing naughty things and it’s something that does spark joy and makes you laugh and smile. So I’ve always loved nuns. And then I remember seeing Jude Law in The Young Pope and I thought he looked amazing, and I just went, “I want to look amazing.” I have this really great job where I can do that. And if you don’t do that as a pop star or as a musician, I think you’re missing out on one of the funnest aspects of the job. That’s something I learned from doing Nothing’s Real, because I was at a major (label) and maybe nervous about them turning me into something that I wasn’t, which they didn’t, actually. But I was still nervous about it. I really tried to cling onto, “I’m gonna wear a denim jacket and a beanie and I’m just gonna be me.” And actually, I was like, “But I can be anyone? Why wouldn’t I choose that? That’s fun.” I used to love dressing up as a kid. I’d dress up as Zorro and Peter Pan. I remember (my brother) Nick and I doing Beauty and the Beast with the dress and the beast costume and I cried, and then we swapped and he wore the dress and I wore the beast costume and we were like, “This is perfect.” So I’ve always loved inhabiting different personalities. After three years of silence, I was like, “I wanna come back and I wanna be the pope,” because I thought that would be hilarious. Anxious lesbian comes back and she’s the vaping, lesbian pope. In fact, you’ve envisioned the entire album as a lesbian musical of sorts with a similar queer, religious motif. Yeah. Oh my god, I still really wanna do it. Have you truly given this much thought? I want to get someone good to write the script, for sure. I was thinking that it would be absolutely hilarious if (Fleabag creator) Phoebe WallerBridge wrote the script for it; she’s just in my head right now because she’s sort of everywhere. I feel like she’d nail it. I started thinking about the story and was like, “Maybe it has to be someone who’s a girl growing up in a convent school.” That’s where it would start. I also just like the idea of it being a dream sequence with popes and lesbian nuns. And maybe a cameo from Sister Mary Clarence. Let her run the convent for lesbian nuns. In fact, maybe Sister Mary Clarence has been a closeted lesbian all these years and she finally has the opportunity to come out during your musical. I mean, that would be amazing. I feel like you’ve thought about this more than I have so maybe we should get you to write the script. Call Phoebe. We’ll collaborate. Yeah, perfect. Amazing. We’ll do one night on Broadway. One night only!
Of course. It has to be one night only. If I make a musical that’s more successful than any album I’ve done, that would be amazing, especially given that I really didn’t like musicals growing up because I kept hearing my brother rehearse them and I was like, “Shut up. I don’t care about tomorrow. I do not care! Annie, leave me alone!” Do you have serious aspirations to pursue a musical? I’ve written a musical! I wrote one when I was at university. I can’t say it was very good. And it was very short, so I’d have to develop it. But I wrote a musical about the story of the Titanic from the point of view of the iceberg. It was this love story between two icebergs (laughs) in the Atlantic. And there was like the Greek chorus, so to speak, but they were seagulls. There was one bit where they ended up in Chile and there were penguins and there was a song called “It’s Chilly in Chile,” and the main iceberg was called Ferdinand and he ended up obviously dying because the Titanic crashes into him. So it’s a tragedy. I don’t think I’ve told anyone that before, so there you go. Exclusive. Based on the “religion” video, I assume you may have been a bit obsessed with Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” You reckon? (Laughs) We had The Immaculate Collection on VHS, which I suspect was a way of keeping my twin and I occupied for large swaths of time when we were being a bit hyperactive. We would sit in front of the television and stare, and that would just be us for a couple of hours. So she’s been a huge inspiration musically and absolutely (the “religion”) video is intended as a nod and homage. I discovered the other day that I released the record on her birthday, so that feels like a nice kind of full circle. I was tempted to be like, “Happy Birthday, Madonna!” and send her a link to my album but then got too scared because I thought she’d just scream at me. Forevher manages to be both explicitly queer and incidentally queer. And your queerness has been a major talking point during recent interviews. Did you expect the queerness of this album to be as big of a focus as it’s been while promoting the album? When you come from a queer perspective, you never really feel like what you’re doing is super gay because it’s just what you’re doing. It’s only when you start to see it through the eyes of other people – when you see fans and they’re so excited that it is explicitly queer and they’re like, “Oh my god, this is the album that I needed when I was a teenager that I didn’t have.” I did an interview recently and the headline was, “Shura sometimes forgets she’s a lesbian” (laughs). I just forget in the same way that I forget that I am a woman sometimes because I don’t really wake up every day going, “Where am I gonna take my vagina today?” If you are going to be openly queer, it’s always going to be a part of any conversation. For Nothing’s Real, actually, it was still a talking point even though I never used a pronoun. Even when I wasn’t being explicitly queer lyrically, it was still a part of the conversation.
How does it feel to be using specific gender pronouns on this album? It’s fun to be able to do it and be like, “I don’t care. I don’t care that someone might go, ‘Oh, shit, OK! Let me switch this off.’” How were you writing about being queer at the age of 16, when you first started writing songs? The language I would use was very decorative. I would use metaphors and allegories, and it would be much closer to poetry lyrically. I would never be specific about what was going on. I would kind of talk in… In code? Exactly. But I understood the code. And anyone who knew what it was about would know the code; anyone who was a fan, if they understood that I was gay, would also get the code. But I think just growing up in general as a writer, I’ve found where I thrive is in the really mundane and the really specific. That’s the thing: When you first start making music, it’s normally because you’re a fan, right? It takes you a while sometimes to discover what it is that you’re good at. Maybe you try to emulate some of your heroes and then over time you discover what you’re about. As a kid, I would’ve loved to have been a rock star. I would’ve wanted to be in a rock band and shredded (laughs), but I’ll let someone else be good at that and I’ll do this. One of the most important things about being creative is knowing what you’re not good at. What else are you not good at? My singing voice, I wouldn’t describe it as especially acrobatic. I have, I would say, a relatively delicate voice. Some of my heroes – some of the people whose voices I love, like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey – they are voices. You hear them and you know who it is straightaway, and I was just like, “Well, I can’t sing like that so I’m gonna stop trying and I have to find the way my voice works.” Another thing I’m not good at it, apparently, is buying presents, which was really tragic to discover.
record is about a three-year period, a little time capsule of a really lovely time ... before it goes wrong! And hopefully it never will (laughs). It’s made me sort of feel braver in terms of expressing my queerness, but then also makes me feel more vulnerable. Declaring being in love is putting yourself in a vulnerable position. But I’m somewhat used to putting my life experiences on record, so for me it’s maybe not as big of a deal because it’s just what I’ve always done. I guess it’s a bigger audience now (laughs) than when I was 16 and recording on a MiniDisc recorder for my friends at school, who were like, “Ugh. She just wishes she were Avril Lavigne.” What is Pauline’s favorite song on the album? Her favorite song is “The Stage.” I think she likes the rhythm of it because it’s quite weird. It’s quite a weird record. Quite a challenge. I was a bit nervous about putting it out before the record was released because, musically, it’s a demanding listen because of these huge shifts and chord progressions and key changes that never really materialize. I finished the record in January and was like, “I just delivered something. I don’t know what it is. I like it. But I don’t know what it is.” Do you know now? I definitely have a better handle on it now. And actually, this is (laughs) gonna sound awful, probably, but the more I get to know it, the more proud of myself I am. The more I kind of impress myself. Like everyone else, I’m still getting to know it. It’s like having a kid and when they get to be about 4, 5 or 6 and you start to realize they’re developing a real personality and you’re like, “Oh, I made one of these children! Great!” That’s kind of like me with my album. I’m like, “Oh, wow. This is all right. Well done.”
Who told you that you weren’t a good gift giver? My girlfriend! I thought I was brilliant at buying presents until this relationship. But I don’t know whether I’m not very good or she’s just very, very picky about what she likes. (Laughs) I used to buy Mariah Carey albums and give them to people as gifts even if they weren’t fans. When Nothing’s Real came out, my twin bought 10 copies of the album and gave them to everyone he worked with. (Laughs) How has love changed the way you approach queerness in your work? I’m exploring a different side of my queer romantic experience, which is like … joy (laughs). For a start! The queer stories we’re exposed to are quite dramatic stories; in film and music, we don’t get to see a lot of happiness or things working. This 14 | 09.11.19
As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
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Art in Atlanta If you live in Atlanta, you know that the art scene is bustling whether you are talking international exhibits or queer underground showings. Peach spoke to three local artists about what is moving in their creative space. .right now.
Documentary Photographer and Mixed Media Artist Alli has documented Atlanta’s nightlife, LGBTQ Community, and art scene for the last 25 years and is a self-represented artist as the House of Sobolovitz.
Alli Royce Soble Ar t i n Every th in g
What is your creative expression? I am a documentary-style photographer. I sit back and watch the entire space, or I am right in the middle of it. Seeking out energy and moments. I want to capture the pockets of time. I am also a Mixed Media Abstract Expressionist working with moods and energy; texture, movement, and fluidity on paper, canvas, and wood. Is there something/someone/somewhere we should be paying close attention to? It really depends on your mood. There are many variations of what is creative and art-driven in Atlanta. You can go to galleries and art spaces throughout the city. Walk along the Beltline and see amazing murals from all kinds of artists. Art is all around us. I recommend you check out these spaces: Go by Susan Bridge’s Whitespace on Edgewood Ave to see works by Suellen Parker, Shana Robbins, or Ruth Dusseault. Visit Sandler Hudson Gallery on the Westside of the city and ee works by William E. Downs or Rocío Rodríguez. Blue Mark Studios for various curated shows and cool event space down on Jefferson Street in Northwest part of town. How could the art scene in Atlanta become even better? I was really excited to be a part of the Mayor’s Inaugural LGBTQ Gallery at City Hall this year. I was honored that one of my works was selected by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to be represented as a queer artist living, but also born, in Atlanta. Exhibitions such as these bring opportunities to artists, that are not represented by galleries, to shine. I am self-represented, so I hustle hard to get exposure. What are you into artistically right now? I go through phases while working as a full-time artist. I went through a huge drawing surge of production over the last three years. This became a full body of work. I had a solo exhibition on a small portion of the series, but it is still growing. It continues to change because I continue to change and grow. The work evolves. I work based on experience and mood. Drawing and painting is ebb and flow for me. However, photography is something I can and will do every day of my entire life. I am and always will be taking photographs. I see art in everything; photography is my truest passion. Currently, I am in sales mode. Being a full-time artist is more than just making art. It is producing, the networking, the marketing. I wear many hats. Gotta sell that art, so I can continue to make the art. Art is my Job. I get to live doing what I love. Where can we see/buy your work? My new website just launched at alliroycesoble.com of House of Sobolovitz. Here you can see my various forms of art and the services I offer. You can sign up if you want to schedule a photography session or come by for a studio visit to see the work.
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Art in Atlanta Artist, Photographer, Realtor, Art Creator and Enthusiast What is your creative expression? My creative expression is about appreciating our surroundings, the balance between negative and positive energy, exploring the unknown, and tapping into our unconscious feelings. Through my artwork, I try to capture this by creating atmospheric scenes that allude to a physical space but are not completely identifiable. I celebrate the range of cultural, gender, and sexual statements that add vibrancy to our world and try to bring more acceptance through representation.
Cameron Lee Pr ovoking Change T h r o ugh A r t
How would you describe the Atlanta art scene right now? I believe the Atlanta art scene is on the rise. I’m seeing more and more collaboration of art in public spaces, local artists displaying their work at restaurants and cafes, interactive installations, and a broad spectrum of performance art happening daily. Is there something/someone/somewhere we should be paying close attention to? I tend to pay attention to artists that are undervalued or misrepresented in society because they have a unique perspective that is worth understanding and help to break our misconceptions and insecurities. Living Walls is a nonprofit that does a great job of creating inspiring public art that can provoke change, which recently unveiled a mural on the Westside Beltline trail that honors those living with HIV. The mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, had an LGBTQ art show that was hanging in her office that I was a part of, and is doing work to include this community in more ways. The Bakery is an artist collective that also puts on many shows/performances that are a safe space for queer/POC/allies to come together and appreciate fun, creative experiences in ATL. Wussy Mag and Southern Fried Queer Pride are a few other groups that I follow that tap into alternative communities that deserve recognition. How could the art scene in Atlanta become even better? Atlanta could expand and better its art community by integrating more inclusive depictions of its society in public art, in my opinion. Atlanta is changing quickly as more people are moving here, and in these times, I think it is important to celebrate the diversity, history, and progress the city is experiencing. We need to invest in the voices of local artists by including them in venues and events at little to zero cost, buying their work so that the artists can afford to continue to make art and be able to live/thrive in the city. What are you into artistically right now? I’m into the idea that art should be functional and not just something static we see on the wall. Art can be on rugs, tables, headboards, lamps, apparel, etc. I think we underutilize a lot of space in our lives and I hope to explore more of this in my own work. I’m excited to be working on my first series with all ATL queer people that is set to be completed this fall and will be fun collages that hope to capture the diverse, vibrant community that this city has to offer. Stay tuned! Where can we see/buy your work? You can see my artwork on my website cameronleeart.com and can purchase at Rigelgemini.Bigcartel.com.
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Art in Atlanta Owner/Creative Director – ABETTERBUZZ Brand & Experience Design, ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods. Founder of ABETTERBUZZ, a gay owned and operated brand design studio and apparel company based in ATL.
Buzz Busbee
T h e A rt o f V is ua l Storytelli n g
What is your creative expression? I am a trained art director, graphic designer, and printmaker. My design is expressed through visual storytelling and creative problem solving for clients and my personal work. My design style is bold and graphic through the use of color, composition, texture, and typography. I am a bit of a hybrid designer now; in 2016, I started ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods, an apparel brand that translates my designs and style onto garments and accessories to help people look and feel good. It’s been a rewarding challenge for me to learn how to source high-quality, comfortable garments and to shift my art direction skills that I typically used on press checks over to making custom hats and gear. It’s been a really fun, creative outlet for me, and I am having a blast doing it. How would you describe the Atlanta art scene right now? To me, the Atlanta art scene is quickly expanding. Community access to art and exposure for artists is more noticeable than ever with new additions like the BeltLine, Living Walls, Forward Warrior, etc. Also, companies and corporations in Atlanta are investing in local artists to create and install art in the workplace, where in the past, they would purchase stock/generic art for workspaces. Is there something/someone/somewhere we should be paying close attention to? Barry Lee is a local, queer artist/illustrator I’ve been following and inspired by lately. His work is a perfect combination of whimsical, colorful and weird. His own story and how he shares it openly and allows himself to be vulnerable inspires me to do the same with my story, my day-to-day struggles, and how that affects my creativity. How could the art scene in Atlanta become even better? I think we need spaces that foster artists, designers, small businesses, etc. and gives them space to experiment and collaborate to create new ideas, products, events, etc. Think incubator/lab type places for art and design. Also, keep expanding street art and murals around the city. When I have friends visit from out of town, they all tell me how cool it is that Atlanta has so much street art. It’s unique that you can see so much amazing art just by driving through the city. What are you into artistically right now? I’m obsessed with any and all things light-related. LED lighting has completely opened up a brand-new world where light integrates into and alters our surroundings. Lighting designers, engineers, and artists are doing really amazing things. Where can we see/buy your work? View my design portfolio and find out how I can help your business with design/branding at abetterbuzz.net. View/buy products from my retail company, ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods at abetterbuzzbrandgoods.com.
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CARSON COWAN REALTOR® c. 404.998.9944 / o. 404.874.0300 / carsoncowan@atlantafinehomes.com / CFCowanProperties
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.
24 | 09.11.19
BUCKS STUDS & SUDS CAR WASH @ MIDTOWN MOON
PHOTOS: SNOW
26 | 09.11.19
— French Riviera —
A dazzling night on the French Rivera awaits you at the Rainbow Ball 2019! Roll the dice and join us for an evening featuring a delectable dinner, endless cocktails, the hottest gaming tables, unforgettable entertainment and live and silent auctions to leave you speechless. We can’t promise a Full House of Aces and Kings, but we can guarantee more than a few Queens in your hand!
SEP 21, 2019 Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta
www.OutFrontTheatre.com
FREE HIV TESTING FREE PrEP PLUS, low-cost STI screening 678-365-4300 523 Church St. Decatur, GA 30030
Concert + Dance Party
October 5th, 2019 The Tabernacle with Martha Wash –
“It’s Raining Men”
152 Luckie St NW Atlanta, GA 30303
Doors open – 8 p.m. Show begins – 9 p.m. Tickets: PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org
BENEFITS
and Taylor Dayne –
“Tell It to My Heart”
Guillermo, or as everyone calls him, Memo, is from Mexico and recently moved to Atlanta, where he lives with his husband, Robert. He’s a proud Leatherman who works at Barking Leather inside the Eagle Bar. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his husband, eating out, watching TV, reading, and working out at the gym. He especially enjoys outdoor running and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, he enjoys the two so much that he decided to combine them; so, once a week, you’ll see him running in the streets of Atlanta while carrying the rainbow flag.
@ lthrguymx
Gullermo Sandoval (Memo)
30 | 09.11.19
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Sex, Singleness and the City By Jeff Fuller
When I moved to Atlanta from Nashville to take a new job, I had a boyfriend who stayed behind. One of my Atlanta friends warned me that “this city is the graveyard of relationships.” As predicted by my friend, my existing relationship didn’t live long after my move to the big city. Newly single, I assembled a group of single gay friends, living out a real-life gay version of Sex and the City, narrating our stories like Carrie, sometimes wanting romance like Charlotte, but usually behaving like Samantha, who I think we all admired for her sexual confidence.
As more time went by, I became very aware of my singleness, horrified at the ever-increasing amount of time between the end of my last relationship and the present date. Out of desperation, I started fixing anything I thought was wrong with me. I joined workout bootcamps, hired a personal trainer, redesigned my condo, and saw a therapist. Of all these efforts, the therapy sessions were probably the most valuable. It revealed to me that, deep down, I was refusing to love and accept myself.
In the end, I found someone, as the old cliché goes, when I was least looking for it. I was ready to move to Berlin and met the man who would become my husband just a few months before I left. Without the weight of expectations, I was able to live in the moment, be my authentic self and enjoy getting to know this amazing guy I had just met. After spending three months in Germany, I decided to return to Atlanta and be It was easy for me to blame the city of Atlanta with him. Ultimately, I believe that my happy for my relationship woes. There were just too ending came about because I had finally learned many options, too many distractions, too much how to love myself first. flakiness. Of course, I blamed everyone else for being distracted and flaky. I was focused on finding the perfect guy, but I didn’t realize that was part of my problem. No one person was going to have all of the characteristics of my ideal man, so I didn’t give a lot of guys the chance because they didn’t have it all. I also fell into the pattern of chasing after guys that were unavailable to me in one way or another. I thought it would be easy to find a new boyfriend in Atlanta, but my life seemed like an endless series of first dates that never led to anything lasting. While I had my share of horrible dates, most of the people I dated were wonderful, interesting guys. Sometimes the chemistry seemed right, but things just didn’t last beyond a few dates.
The GEN X Files
I think my problem was that, during my first several years in Atlanta, I didn’t really want a relationship and I wasn’t truly ready for one. I really just wanted to have my fun because I had lived a very conservative life almost up through that stage in my life. The guys I was interested in probably could see that and knew that they needed to look elsewhere to find the partner they needed. 32 | 09.11.19
Apart from being a Gay Generation-Xer, Jeff Fuller is an attorney, writer, travel blogger, historian, and military spouse. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Jeff went to college, graduate school and law school in the Southeast. He has called Atlanta home for the last decade but recently moved to DC to follow his husband on his military career. He occasionally blogs at journeyingjeff.com.
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Salt Hotels Sans Salty Personalities
By Kevin Assam David Bowd is the co-founder and CEO of Salt Hotels, currently comprising boutique properties including Provincetown’s Salt House Inn and Eben House. He has no problem steering the next generation of hospitality managers and hoteliers having had his own mother sit in on his fifteen year old self’s interview for a position within a hotel. David discusses his work with Salt School, the characters of his properties, and how exactly one should behave when cavorting with an extramarital love interest on the Cape. What was the deal with Kay Thompson’s fictional character, Eloise? How would you handle a precocious seasonal kid in your inn with a fairly useless nanny? Luckily, we don’t have kids in our two inns in Provincetown for that reason. We have seen it many times. Our other hotels do have children and when they become too intrusive to our other guests we generally have a good chat with the parents or nanny and they usually help us out. Speaking of youth, would you disapprove of a teenager bringing their mother with them to an interview for a front desk agent position? Much to my horror, when I was a 15 year old being interviewed for my first hotel role they asked my mum to join the interview. They wanted her to also understand that it involved long hours and hard work so she would be supportive. I would never mind. Everything we do is transparent and I would happily encourage both mum and teenager asking as many questions as they like. Who’s the stud muffin you wound up with and what sort of four star travails were involved? It was quite plain sailing. We both worked for Ian Schrager. Him in design and me running operations. We met in Scottsdale, Arizona. I was still in London at the time so it was a long distance relationship for eight months before I relocated to New York. He’s also the co-founder of Salt Hotels so we still work and run the company together. Tell me about your venture and the properties you would both go on to acquire and create. Salt Hotels was very organic. We decided to buy a hotel together. I would run it long term. Kevin would design it. Then it was massively successful and we thought let’s do a second. Eben House. Again, it just did really well. Our guests loved it. It was something new for the town and then we continued to grow organically. We only partner with great people who care about the guests and the experience and who want to create interesting hotels. We just opened our fifth hotel and next year will be London. After that another four hotels will open over three years bringing us to 10 hotels. We both have specific responsibilities within the company so we don’t have to live and work together 24 hours a day. 34 | 09.11.19
Are you trained now to spot a pseudonym from the get go? Be it for a mistress/sir or someone high profile? Oh yes. That’s the easiest part of the job for me now. I can tell how people act whether they are with their actual spouse or not. Some people go to extreme lengths to cover it up not realizing it happens every day and we really don’t mind. Are there certain steps you would advise one to take if they’ve found love with someone who is not their partner for a few weeks in Provincetown? Keep off social media and stay away from the town photographers. Is education one of the first major constructs a young individual encounters that highlights how much socioeconomic background can matter? Why did you start Salt School? Salt School was started as your early life should not define your life. Many people don’t do well at school especially LGBTQ youth as they have so many struggles. Salt School was started to allow someone at any age to learn about hospitality and what it takes to be in the business. We have trained over 400 people and employed over 75% of them across our five hotels. At Salt School, everyone mixes with everyone and age, sexuality, and socioeconomic backgrounds don’t matter. As they don’t in any of our hotels. Do you and Kevin get a kick out of staying in one of the SALT properties? An in-work adventure. Every time. It’s so fun to see other people enjoying the experience and us also being guests. Of course, we then come up with hundreds of new thoughts but generally we love it. Are there overrated hotels and inns you really wish would just go away at this point? [Laughs] Yes but none I would say publicly. If you chose an individual, fictional or real, who came close to capturing what each property stood for, who would it be? Captain Eben Snow for Eben House who was the Captain who built it. You feel him around. The Chequit would be an old Victorian lady who likes everything in place. Salt House is an artist and beatnik who populated the dune shacks at the turn of the last century. The Asbury is Antoni from Queer Eye, great to look at and fun. Ocean Club is an old English gentleman who likes the finer things in life like a good cigar or a great claret. How would you describe humanity’s reaction to the correct way of folding a fitted sheet? Like most things in life it’s not that hard. Take a moment to think about it and it’s easy.
wedding & commitment ceremonies • thirty years experience within our community • in-house award-winning metrotainment bakery • sustainable, local, seasonally-inspired custom menus • experienced, friendly staff of catering professionals • extensive network of award-winning local venues www.epiceventsatlanta.com | 404.991.9128
FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING Yoga & Live Music, Car & Motorcyle Show - Lambda Car Club Comedy Showcase, AIDS Memorial Quilt, Sobriety Meetup Bi + Pan March, Drag Queen Storytime, Burlesque Show, Trans March, Dyke March Shooting Stars Cabaret, Queer Your Gender Dance Party, Outworlders Gaymer Space 19th Annual Atlanta Pride Brunch, Gray Pride, Family Fun Zone SWEET TEA: A Queer Variety Show, Starlight Cabaret
ATLANTA PRIDE CELEBRATION OCT. 11-13, 2019 | ATLANTA PRIDE.ORG
September 11 - September 18
Swinging Richards 10th Annual Underwear Auction Voices of Note Showcase To kick off Atlanta’s October Pride right, Swinging Richards and Boy Next Door present the 10th Annual Underwear Auction hosted by Wild Cherry Sucret. All auction proceeds benefit Atlanta Pride, Inc. Entrance is $15 before 10 pm, $20 after 10 pm. Friday, September 13, 9 pm – 12 am Swinging Richards
The fundraiser is an evening of music and cocktails as Voices of Note presents some of their most inspirational and talented soloists in a cabaret format. Go to voicesofnote.org to get your ticket and come support Voices of Note. Saturday, September 14, 8-11 pm Out Front Theatre Company
STAFF PICK!
DJ Neon the Glowgobear at the Eagle DJ Neon the Glowgobear will light up the dancefloor while the Southern Bears man the back bar. True to style, DJ Neon will have the dancefloor packed and LIT. Saturday, September 14, 10 pm – 3 am The Atlanta Eagle
The Return of ROME
Pretty in Pink Drag Queen Bingo
Saturnalia Productions is celebrating the first anniversary of their fantastic ROME party, and invite you to come dressed in your best Roman empire gear to dance the night away to the beats of the incredible DJ Warren. Tickets by Eventbrite.
This edition of drag queen bingo is “Pretty in Pink,” so wear pink like you are P!nk, as a nod to the ‘80s film, or simply to get in the spirit of the night! Pets Are Loving Support and Planned Parenthood Southeast will split the proceeds of this special Drag Queen Bingo event. Tickets via palsatlanta.org. Tuesday, September 17, 7:30-9:30 pm Lips Atlanta
Saturday, September 14, 10 pm – 3 am Heretic Atlanta
38 | 09.11.19
COMEDY ON TAP@ THE HIDEAWAY PHOTOS: ANDREA DWYER
40 | 09.11.19
MIDTOWN 1
Monroe Dr. NE
14
Amsterdam Ave.
NE ve . tA
Piedmont Park
on
11
dm
6 12th St. NE
18
Pi e
Juniper St. NE
14th St. NE
7
9
2
10th St. NE
10
. NE
19
oe Dr
Piedmont Av e. NE
Juniper St . NE
Peachtree St. NE
3
Monr
C h a r l e s Al l e n D r . N E
12 W. Peachtree St. NW
15
16
P o n c e D e L e o n Pl . N E
Spring St. NW
17
4th St. NE
8
13
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
4
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
BARS 1 2 3 4
Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends
6 My Sister’s Room 7 Ten Atlanta
Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE
10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S
clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
spa/bath 15 Flex Spa
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991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE
fitness
retail 8 Barking Leather
9 10 11 12
76 4th St. NW
16 17 18 19
G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda
219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE
billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio
When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com
Cheshire 23
ansley 21
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Piedmont Park BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE
Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx
1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd 805 Lambert Dr. NE, Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd
clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino
2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd
Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
Spa/bath 31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den
32 33 34 35 36
Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's
2103 Faulkner Rd NE 2135 Liddell Drive NE
1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Dining 38 Eclectic Bistro
Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights
NE
39 38
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BJ Roosters Sequel Tripps Woof's
e. Pi
28 20
BARS 20 21 22 23
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1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE
Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness
NOT SHOWN
Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta The T
1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE
A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
Bars & Clubs
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
Retail
MIDTOWN
MARY’S
MIDTOWN
amsterdamatlanta.com
1287 Glenwood Ave SE
AMSTERDAM
502 Amsterdam Ave. NE
ATLANTA EAGLE
marysatlanta.com
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
sisterlouisaschurch.com
CHESHIRE
SWINGING RICHARDS
BARKING LEATHER
1400 Northside Dr NW
805 Lambert Dr NE
BULLDOGS
Dining
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
MIDTOWN
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
10thandpiedmont.com
atlantaeagle.com
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK
blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
893 Peachtree St NE
friendsonponce-atl.com
466 Edgewood Ave SE
swingingrichards.com
10TH & PIEDMONT
MY SISTER’S ROOM
991 Piedmont Ave NE
66 12th St NE
einsteinsatlanta.com
mysistersroom.com
TEN ATLANTA
tenatlanta.com
990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T
modeltatlanta.com
EINSTEIN’S
1077 Juniper St NE
ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES
brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE
Fitness
931 Monroe Dr
MIDTOWN
frogsmidtown.com
G’S
CHESHIRE
219 10th St NE
gsmidtown.com
HERETIC
HENRY’S
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
132 10th St NE
henrysatl.com
BJ ROOSTERS
JOE’S ON JUNIPER
2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
1049 Juniper St NE
bjroosters.com
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO
FROGS CANTINA
465 Boulevard SE
hereticatlanta.com
barkingleather.com
joesonjuniper.com
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com
500 Amsterdam Ave NE
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SEQUEL
LA HACIENDA
Spas/Baths/Adult
TRIPPS
900 Monroe Dr NE
MIDTOWN
CHESHIRE
FLEX SPA
LAS MARGARITAS
76 4th St NW
1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Circle N
WOOFS
woofsatlanta.com
2425 Piedmont Road NE
lahaciendamidtown.com
lasmargaritasmidtown.com
flexspas.com
1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ANSLEY
CHESHIRE
ROXX
MIDTOWN MOON
MANIFEST 4U
1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
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
44 | 09.11.19
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA
atldragshow.com
3011 Buford Hwy NE
manifest4u.org
2103 Faulkner Rd NE
THE DEN
thedenatlanta.com
2135 Liddell Drive NE
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TEN THINGS TO SATISFY YOUR THIRST FOR ART
International exhibitions to locally sourced showings
SCAD FASH
High Museum
MODA Museum of Design
The Goat Farm
Fabric steamer
Atlanta Contemporary
Alliance Theatre’s Renovation
Woodruff Arts Centre
Center for Puppetry Arts
Art on the Beltline
46 | 09.11.19
Michael C. Carlos Museum
WE'RE HIRING WE ARE SEEKING Motivated, Hard-Working, Innovative People to be Our Next Superstar Ad Sales Representatives.
Playmates and Playmates and soul mates... soul mates...
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Jeff@peachatl.com
Atlanta: Atlanta:
678-528-2525
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We’re closer to Atlanta than you think! Get the details on these and other great upcoming events on our website calendar. Membership Required * Must be 21 to Enter
Text your Peach Pits to 540-30-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com
Him: Let’s go for a hike today
Thank you to the straight pride movement for birthing LGBTQ+ babies! Without you there wouldn’t be an us!
I don’t sext. I’m grown. Come f*ck me and stfu.
Be kind and full of love – but have boundaries like a mother f**ker!
If you were a child when “Red Red Wine” was released, UB40ish now!
Me: No, I just showered
Him: That’s okay, you can shower again
Me: I just put on this cute outfit!
Him: Well, change so we can go!
Me: Listen, I smell nice, my hair’s on point, I’m dressed for the gods – there’s no way I’m participating in physical activity today.
If you love someone set them free. And if they come back, it means no one else wanted them, so you probably should re-evaluate...
DADDY JOKE ALERT Four bottoms go into the gay bar and there’s only one barstool. What do they do? Turn it upside down.
48 | 09.11.19
Telling everyone you’re the most woofed on Scruff is like telling people you were eliminated 5th on a season of drag race.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) While it may not yet be the “age” of Aquarius, it certain is the week for Aquarius. Your desire to party may be very strong this week and you should act on that impulse for it will lead you to new and unexplored territory socially. This may be the week that you find yourself in a new social standing.
PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) All your hard work will finally pay off this week, but not, of course, for you. Escape the daily grind and find yourself a new and interesting situation to find growth. Maybe it’s that bar you’ve never been to, but always wanted to go to. The possibility exists for you to meet a great love of your life, but that love may or may not be a person.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)
Your continuing quest for cleanly perfection may go overboard this week. Maintaining friendships with “filthy disgusting troglodytes” as you would put it is just not in you this week. Take some space from these people as you will inevitably frustrate yourself, but also may simply ruin friendships altogether.
Aries rarely say one thing and do another. They usually do the wrong thing and don’t discuss it. Fight that continuous inner struggle this week and be willing to be vulnerable. The results of this bit of inner growth will have positive impact not only for this week, but for the future as well.
LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)
TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)
You constantly worry about what other people think. If you really paid any attention, maybe people would like you more. Being such a malleable personality has it’s upside, but this week you will be faced by a situation that requires strength and resolve. Stop being so wishy-washy.
Stop psychoanalyzing your friends. You most likely don’t have any real experience with it. Instead turn that bull-head of yours around and look within. This week you will find strength of character yet weakness of soul. Find activities that enrich your soul and replenish that weakness.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)
Your attempt to stir something up this week may blow up in your face. Take the stinger out of your sign and find a way to exist without being such a bully to your friends. They will appreciate you more if your not constantly forcing them to go to the bars that only you want to go to.
Everyone loves a Gemini because everyone loves a schizophrenic. This week your duality is in full force pulling on the power of Uranus (I can’t make this up). While it’s fun to play both sides of the fence on some issues a decision in your romantic life will need to be decided upon
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)
CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)
You would sooner sustain a crippling injury than do anything the easy way. This week is no different. You will find yourself with an easy problem and yet somehow find the most difficult way to solve it. Why, oh why do you do this to yourself Sagittarius? Escape your modus operandi and learn a new problem solving method. I beg you.
People walk on you often. Actually, not often all the time. If you think someone is screwing you, you’re probably right this week. Look to your business associates for truth on these issues, your friends are most likely not going to be much help this week. It’s time to whip those claws out and show people how crabby you can be!
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)
LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)
This week you will be offered a great opportunity in your mind. Your friends may tell you it’s a waste of time, but you know better. Follow your instincts to fortune and glory. At the same time, stop being so tight-assed and nitpicky or you may find yourself alone at the top.
You may find yourself in an all out drag down fight with an Aries this week. These fights have been going on since the beginning of time between these signs. If your smart, you’ll try to subvert your opponent by plying that person with ample alcohol before continuing your argument.
50 | 09.11.19
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and you’ll get answers served straight up and with a little ice.
hen I came out, I was mainly a top. Then y boyfriend and I have been together W after about six years, I met this guy who Mfor almost two years, but right now we was very well-hung, who proceeded to turn are doing the long-distance thing because me on to bottoming – I actually got so into it that I didn’t top for years even after we stopped seeing each other. Now, I’m feeling like topping again, but after experiencing what spots a really big d**k can hit, I am suddenly very self-conscious about my own average-sized erection. I have even had problems getting hard when presented with a willing bottom! I have never gotten any negative feedback (except for those who block you on the apps for simply being ‘average’), but I find myself doubting if I can ever please a man like that again. Please help me get out of this negative loop! Sincerely Size In-Between Queen Dear Size In-Between Queen The first thing you need to do – like your sphincter when you met that big dom-top – is to relax! Try and flip your argument around for a minute: Although you enjoy getting it from a well-endowed guy, I bet you still find a lot of pleasure getting fucked by someone who matches you in size. So you know from experience that size doesn’t matter that much. For your feeling of insecurity, put on a cock ring or take ED meds to ease your mind. You also need to bear in mind that although you enjoyed getting those deep spots tickled, all guys aren’t built like you, so they may very well get sent over the edge by what you have to offer. Trust your own experience in this area! When you hook up with a guy, don’t go for a pushy bottom, but instead go for a guy who identifies as vers or mostly top – that way, it isn’t potentially all about you topping. Plus, a lot of those guys who rarely top tend to be so hungry for it that they get off a lot quicker, so you don’t have to perform like a porn star on the first go-around. 52 | 09.11.19
of a work relocation, and I think we are struggling! We don’t see each other that often, and when we do things are okay, but not exactly fireworks, but it’s more when we are apart that I think something is off. More specifically, it is the sexting – or rather the lack thereof! We used to engage in lengthy sexting and phone sex, but that has completely subsided now. I hardly get an ‘I love you’ or ‘I miss you,’ and at times I have to wait for hours to get a reply. Is our relationship dying a slow death of not texting? Help me. Sincerely Digital Struggle Dear Digital Struggle Long-distance relationships are always kind of pre-disposed for a bit of struggle. Almost like a pre-existing condition! You need to determine if his lack of communication is a sign of deeper issues in the relationship. He could be really busy with his new job, overwhelmed by being alone, or simply unhappy with his new situation! There are so many things that could explain why he doesn’t seem to be in it. Be ready to have an honest and open conversation with him – not just about what you feel, but also about how he feels things are going. The lack of sexting can easily be remedied if things are all good. Just don’t beat around the bush by texting that you miss holding him. Let him know you’re horny, re-hash past sexual encounters between you, and use that phone to send him pics and vids!
NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.
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