CONTENTS AUGUST 9, 2017 V1-5
PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925B Peachtree St. NE, Suite 168 Atlanta, GA 30309 404.439.9838
PUBLISHERS William Duffee-Braun william@peachatl.com Mike Fleming mike@peachatl.com
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ART Tanner Gill Art Director tanner@peachatl.com
SALES Russ Youngblood Senior Sales Representative russ@peachatl.com
28 GAY U
Jim Brams jim@peachatl.com
SAY IT
Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com
CONTRIBUTORS Buck C. Cooke James Hicks Matthew Holley Scott King James Parker Sheffield Chris Vizzini
DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon
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The content of Peach ATL Media 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 the Peach ATL Media 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 Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media 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 Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.
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The
age cage By Mike Fleming Peach ATL Co-Publisher ABOUT A BLINK AGO, I WAS 22 AND a buddy was dating a 40-something guy who told me, “I’ve been gay longer than you’ve been alive.” I thought it was funny, but mostly I thought my friend was a little off for liking someone “so old.”
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Freeing my mind so the rest will follow Whatever. They were into each other, so I just wandered back to the dance floor to let Madonna wash over me. Flash forward: another friend loves to retell a true story about a 40th birthday party.
As the clock struck midnight, the guests pulled a prank on the man of honor by turning their backs on him and walking out, shunning him from the gay world at the moment of his “big 4-0.”
don’t get that, it’s like a full-grown adult telling you he doesn’t remember Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus — love her or hate her, she’s inescapable.
new 30, and another says he wishes it was the new 25.
My friend who tells the story thinks it’s hilarious; he’s 34. But it always irritates me.
And just two days ago, I told a 20-something writer that Peach is always on the lookout for “smart, youthful voices.”
I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE: I’M over 50. Whew! I feel like I just came out as “older.” Why is being a certain age so hard to admit?
Wait. Just a minute ago I was 22, so how did a word like “youthful” come out of my mouth to describe an adult in his 20s?
IT’S TIME TO LET IT GO. SO WHAT if we’re revisiting fashions I remember from the first time they were popular? Who cares if TV ads use the songs of my youth to sell minivans?
Have I been holding back my age, even subconsciously, in fear of the proverbial boot? What’s that about? A 26-year-old friend told me last week that I discuss my age as if it were an affliction, but stuff keeps happening to support my paranoia.
I’M ASHAMED OF MY SHAME. PEOPLE who know me are keenly aware that I generally consider myself a rock star with no regrets and no apologies. So why am I so easily lured into the Age Cage?
Of course, they all rushed back in and had a good laugh — except the birthday boy himself, who got the joke, but was still a tad freaked out about it the rest of the night.
I had to catch my breath recently when I found out a gorgeous guy at Blake’s was born when I was already out of college. Ahem. That means this man came into the world right around the time that an “old man” was telling me he was gay before I was born. Then a super-cute little lesbian at Chrome Yellow asked me who Farrah Fawcett was. For those of you who
Just look at Peach Pits in the back of this magazine. Guys in their 20s bitch about older guys hitting on them; men over 40 bitch about younger men with “attitude.” We chide guys who date or dress without regard to age appropriateness. There’s a stigma attached to being over 40 that apparently even a rock star can’t ignore. A 50-something colleague assures me that life begins at 40. A 41-year-old friend says that 40 is the
At least I’m not alone.
Coming out of the age cage is like coming out of the closet. I trapped myself here, so I’m declaring myself free. Let’s all help each other come out of that rut. Younger guys: believe us when we say, “It seems like yesterday,” and realize that older guys still rock. Men over 40: admit that young men have fresh perspectives that are valid. It’s all good. We’ll catch up soon enough, when everyone reading this is exchanging eye rolls at the high school seniors of 2017. Meanwhile, I’m headed to the dance floor to let Madonna wash over me … again. My playlists span six decades. Cher is on all of them. Follow this, you bitches.
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lovingly refer to as the “Cock Ninja.” We went to dinner, had a few drinks and a decent conversation. Sounds good so far, right? I thought so too until he walked me to my car. I went to hug him goodnight, and he magically presented me a rockhard boner then shoved it in my hand. I have no idea how he popped a boner so fast. Apparently, it was a ninja supervillain boner cloaked by day, but by night pops into the hands of innocent bystanders. Do you think that guy would have behaved that way if a common friend had set us up? Perhaps, but the chances rise in our favor by accountability. Keep your hands in your pockets, boys! The Cock Ninja is out there lurking. He’s hiding behind a mediocre date just waiting to jump out and get ya! #CockNinja AND WHAT ABOUT FRIENDS? CHECK YOUR LIST, AND eliminate the douchebags. Identify which of your friends make you feel good about yourself, and whoever is left gets squeegeed off the table and into the trash bag.
DE-RECONSTRUCTION Sometimes the only way out of this mess you got into is to start completely over.
You might find yourself with surprisingly few friends after this process. Don’t let that frighten you. There are good-hearted people out there who enjoy building each other up rather than making thinly veiled snide “jokey” comments that make you feel like a side salad of earthworms and fish poop. NOW LET’S STEP IT UP! WHAT IF YOU HATE YOUR JOB and long for workplace happiness? This is the scariest of all, because happiness doesn’t keep Netflix streaming rad shit to your TV. Happiness won’t get you the coolest smartphone available. Happiness doesn’t keep that 22-year-old boyfriend of yours in hot-pants. Ask yourself: Are you an intrinsically happier person because of these “things?” If so, great – as long as you aren’t sacrificing yourself in the process. For me, it wasn’t worth it. For my seven years at my previous job, my boss would sweep in and make employees feel like dirt on a daily basis.
By Chris Vizzini DO YOU EVER GET SICK OF THE BULLSHIT LIFE LOVES TO fling at your feet? Have you stepped outside of yourself and what’s reflected back at you is a circus mirror freakshow that bears no resemblance to the life you wanted? You are not alone. In fact, I’m going to help you deREconstruct your life, so grab your beer can hardhat, toss a couple of PBR’s into that mother fucker and let’s get to work. Start small. You know those guys you liked who had no interest in you, but you still keep them on your phone? Delete them. Immediately. They are never going to call, and having them in your phone gives them a power they don’t deserve. Secondly, they are dumb assholes. You are awesome, and they suck big shining orange Orangutan ass. That’s not scientific, but it’s true. From there, only accept dates that come with references. Fuck match.com, Tinder and Plenty of Fish. Ask your friends to set you up. Men are much less likely to act like Romper Room rejects if there is some accountability involved. I WENT ON A DATING-SITE DATE WITH A MAN I NOT-SO
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He preyed on our confidence jugulars. His theory was that by making us live in workplace fear, we would appreciate our jobs. That’s like having a testicle crushing fetish then wondering how you wound up shooting blanks. It makes no sense! Staying isn’t always the best answer. I have a strong work ethic and have never walked out on a job in my life, but that’s exactly what happened. I wasn’t alone. Every employee has left but one person. People are not work robots; we are human beings that deserve dignity and decency. Good employees will eventually tire of mistreatment and leave you. You lose. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STEP BACK TO FORGE A BETTER life. I got a job at a restaurant while firming my Bachelor’s Degree with continuing education classes. That’s working and I’m happy. I’m grateful to wake up and not feel dread. I’m grateful I had a hand in my own destiny and didn’t accept abuse out of fear. If you relate to any of this, have faith in yourself. You are the master of your own destiny. Take the wheel!
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ATLANTA GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
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HOTLANTA CLASSIC VOLLEYBALL PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
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RAINBROS TRANS RIGHTS RALLY AT TEN PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
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He’s adorable as a summer survivor or in any of these other beautiful shots. Get an eyeful of this week’s sexy cover guy as you peruse the pages of our Dog Days of Summer issue.
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Photos by Alexander Image
SmartCare Welcomes Dr. John Destito as Our New Medical Director.
www.smartcareuc.com peachATL.com | 21
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: E R U C O N T AIN’ THE
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SUMMERTIME, continued 1. SLEEP IN.
not what was, but the here and now in this summer that is awesome.
Yes, really! You have permission. That blinding light through the window at the buttcrack of dawn may make sleeping sound impossible, but endless weeks of getting up with the sun could be taking its toll. Consider blackout curtains or a sleep mask to get those extra winks.
8. BRIGHTEN UP TO LIGHTEN UP.
It sounds like pop psychology, but surrounding yourself with light and color really helps you feel better. Wear bright colors, and your mood will follow. Get out into that sunshine, think about staying cool while using light therapy, or just sitting by a window. Even staying out of the heat, you can throw open the shades during the day. One study goes as far to say that sitting by a light box (Google it) for half an hour is as effective as an antidepressant.
2. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
Counterintuitive? Maybe, but building up summer in your mind can create a disconnect when compared with reality. Be ready for a pop-up storm on picnic day. Expect ungodly long lines at Six Flags. If you’re prepared for the worst, you can be pleasantly surprised when everything goes fine. Pre-set your attitude and ability to go with the flow.
9. EAT SMART & LOVE THE D.
This is your go-ahead to eat dark chocolate and drink coffee, in moderation. They elevate the mood and ease anxiety. But don’t be fooled; other candy, carbs and processed sugar ultimately increases despair after an initial euphoria.
3. BUILD IN RELAXATION TIME.
Hustle. Bustle. You know the drill. Even the fashions are louder and busier during summer. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you overdo any time, but burnout is even more possible during summer. Map out your down time, whether at one of Atlanta’s many gay and gay-friendly massage therapy outlets, or at your neighborhood gay bar. Cheers to your health!
Yes you should always eat well and take your vitamins. But did you know that your body gets most, if not all, of its Vitamin D3 from the sun? If you’re avoiding the heat like the plague, you could literally be starving for it. D3 helps with everything from digestion to the immune system, and 90 percent of Americans don’t get enough of it. Consider adding a D3 supplement if heading out is not in the cards for you.
Consider taking some of those vacation days and disappear to a dark movie theater, attend a class or workout group, or just close the blinds and luxuriate in a bath. A recent study suggests people who use all their vacation and sick days are healthier.
4. WORK IT OUT.
Getting the blood pumping keeps your mind sharp so the sads (and the SAD) don’t eat you alive. One study found that simply walking 35 minutes a day, three times a week, can stave off mild to moderate depression.
5. FACEBOOK REALITY CHECK.
No, girl. Everyone on Facebook and Instagram does not have a better dog, boyfriend or summer celebration schedule better than you. Pick your head up off the keyboard and smell the coffee. Stop comparing the movie of your life to their highlight reel. And while you’re at it, see our What Not To Do on Facebook in this issue. Of course, some people do have more resources than others to do vacay and parties in high style. If you really like
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10. CRANK THE TUNES. what you see on someone else’s feed, figure out how to make a version of it happen on your budget and in your way.
6. LOVE THAT BODY.
Warm-weather fashions may send you running for cover, literally. Stressing about your body every time you get dressed can make for a long summer. Focus on being the best possible version of yourself. Fit or not, love your body as it is enough to pamper it, and to feel good in your clothes. Find summer fashions that flatter parts of you that you like and camouflage the ones you don’t.
7. LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
Time seems to fly during summer, and while New Year and spring feel like beginnings, the quick passage of summer can feel like a reminder that your years are fleeting. Take your best shots of summer and put them on your wall to celebrate –
They don’t add soundtracks to movies because it’s pretty; they do it to enhance the mood. Create a playlist that does the same for the movie of your life this summer. Hint: Not Adele. It may look like a movie and sound like song, but that shit is depressing.
11. MAKE PLANS.
Looking toward the future can be one of the best spirit lifters there is. Find something to look forward to. Plan a vacation, a weekend, or just a night out on the town. And remember, autumn is coming. Just visualizing what you’ll do when it gets here can help.
12. TAKE ACTION.
Making plans and not seeing them through can be worse than having no plan at all. Don’t let it get you down. Busy yourself. Take a step toward a goal. Revisit a cast-aside resolution and try again.
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be focused and decisive and that it should not be burdened with the “tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.” [emphasis added] First of all, yes, you know we all need to stop that “transgender” in the military. That transgender is such a nuisance, always all over the map. Right? Second of all, fuck you. Fuck you, Mr. President. Fuck you hard and without lube. I’ve always wanted to see how big your hands really are. Third, “would entail”? Would? Really? They’re already serving openly and bravely in the military, dumbass. I was surprised to hear that you actually consulted with “your generals.” Oh wait, you didn’t? Quelle surprise. After Congress lifted the military’s gay ban on serving openly in our Armed Forces, my boyfriend President Barack Obama signed an executive clarification that this included transgender Americans. In July, for no apparent reason other than boredom and ego and a need to distract us from the impending Russia and/ or Scaramucci scandals, Trump attempted to end this policy and ban transgender Americans.
NOW CIS-SY THAT WALK The petulant President, marching for trans rights, and what it feels like to be an ally. By Scott King I WAS INTO DYKE MARCH WAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. I was at the various Black Lives Matter rallies, looking for a husband and a sense of justice. Still, I do believe that July 29 was my first experience marching as an ally for LGBT rights. That’s because we were marching for the T in march. Trans rights are human rights. Human rights are trans rights. I’ve been saying it for years. Or, at least, a couple days. I can’t get that chant out of my head, because it’s so true. Hillary Clinton was the master of empathy. Women’s rights are human rights, she declared. Human rights are women’s rights. Hmmm. LGBT rights are human rights. And so on and so forth. Until her victory in the popular vote ended her career. I’ve always been mildly curious about the emotional complexity of straight allies of the LGBT civil rights movement. I mean, I don’t doubt their motivations, but seriously, skipping brunch to endure the sun and support a march? That’s hardcore. IT ALL CAME CLEAR ON JULY 26, WHEN FAKE PRESIDENT Donald Trump tweeted that he would no longer allow transgender armed service members, citing the need for our military to
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Finally, he apparently thinks it’s OK to inform hard-working and dedicated American soldiers that they are out of a job and that their career in the military is over via Twitter. TRANS PEOPLE ARE NOT A BURDEN. THEY’RE NOT A distraction. But they are a reason for me to get fired the fuck up. After the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando in 2016, my reaction was not necessarily sadness, but was a little more anger. Anger at the idea that one misanthrope with a good internet connection could kill 49 people in a matter of minutes, anger at the American idiom of having our cake and shooting ourselves in the face with it. But with Trump’s tweet-order, I felt a different kind of anger. A burning up. An I-want-to-punch-someone-even-though-Iknow-it’s-not-right kind of anger. A how-dare-you, fuck-you kind of anger. I’ve never felt like this before. Marching through the streets of Atlanta with hundreds of others in protest, I got a fresh sense of what it means and how it feels to be queer. We got lots of honks, and we also got lots of blank stares, plus a few threats by the police to get out of the street or we would be arrested. “We just want to watch our soccer game, don’t get all political on our ass,” the blank stares and sometimes frowns said. This is what democracy looks like. It was like a fresh coat of bright pink paint sprayed with relish all over bourgeoisie Middle America. We held the space. We held our ground. We held good energy. We held our heads high. This is what the freaks and allies look like. I couldn’t have been prouder.
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THE PROMISE OF
MONOGAMY
First we looked at cheaters, then at the men who stayed with them. This week, the possibilities – or impossibilities? – of monogamy between gay men. By Jason Mietelski Well, guys, this one’s sure to get everyone fired up. As we begin to settle into the relatively new norm of marriage equality, a unique situation arises as we decide for ourselves how our relationships will work. It seems that in the dawn of a new era we all apparently want to settle down and claim our equal portion of the (hetero-normative) American dream. Or do we? After scouring numerous sources, what we discovered is interesting. No, all men do not cheat, nor do all gay couples consider monogamy and sexual exclusivity one and the same. The first thing that becomes clear is that many of the numerous studies and statistics on gay male sexuality are skewed, because we are still newly evolving in our culture and views of ourselves and sexuality. In the past, we had no peer group or role models. We were taught by society that we were deviants and forced to seek out emotionless clandestine sexual encounters. Now we’re learning what it’s like to love ourselves and other men for reasons deeper than sexual validation and need. That means as our view and acceptance of ourselves begins to change shape yet again, and naturally, so will the direction of our relationships.
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MONOGAMY, continued According to Adam D. Blum, MFT, a licensed gay sex therapist in San Francisco, monogamy is more than possible in gay relationships. In fact, his research shows that roughly 50 percent of gay men in longterm relationships practice monogamy. To make these relationships last, he offers a few tips:
OPEN UP ABOUT SEX
Tell each other what turns you on! Be playful and flirt. Keep it sexy. Engaging in fantasies together increases intimacy.
BE CREATIVE
men, find out why. Many of us have an inner need for validation as sexual beings. Discuss your feelings with your man, and perhaps set rules for harmless flirtation. And make sure you validate each other. Tell your man how sexy he is, how horny he makes you and how much you love him. On the flip side, 50 percent of gay men are in long term, non-monogamous relationships. Can they work? Absolutely. Based on his research and experience,
Yes, longterm sex with the same person might become boring. Add variety by experimenting with roleplay or kink— newness is what’s exciting and keeps men interested.
BE ON THE SAME PAGE
The Body Electric School offers workshops to help spice up your sex life. www.thebodyelectricschool.com
Resentments destroy sex lives and relationships. Be willing to compromise.
Most people enter into long term relationships for security and because they want to feel special to someone. Adding sex partners into the mix can be perceived as a threat, so once you’re on the same page with your man, TALK about it. Tell each other how you feel.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
SET RULES
RESOLVE CONFLICTS
If you have the urge for sex with other
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If you want an open relationship and he doesn’t, this is a recipe for disaster, no matter how much you love each other.
TALK, TALK, AND MORE TALK
Guidelines in an open relationship are
important. Most non-monogamous partners separate sex from emotional fidelity. They often set rules like: No kissing; no hooking up with the same guy twice; let me know where and when. What’s OK and what’s not? You can check out the book by Dossier Easton and Catherine Liszt, called The Ethical Slut, for ideas.
RECOGNIZE RESPONSIBILITIES
You might not be responsible for changing the way he feels, but you are responsible for listening to him and helping him process his feelings. If the issues that arise aren’t resolved, the relationship can fall apart. Basically, which type of relationship will work for you depends on your feelings, values, and your partner. Successful relationships are built on honesty, trust, and willingness to talk about—yep, you guessed it—sex! We’re guys; we love sex; we just have to know what we want, how to get it, and what it takes to keep it.
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HIGH SCHOOL 2.0
Not Another Gay Movie
Busting out of the archetypes that form a gay teen’s guide to a gay teen’s life. By Matthew Holley We all remember those glory days or days from hell depending on your periphery. High school was all about the cliques and trying to figure out where exactly we fell in the hierarchy of the Hunger Games. More and more of us are breaking the molds, but the substrata of today’s gay culture can be eerily similar to the emotional and sometimes physical battles of high school. We all had the Jocks, the Popular Girls, the Nerds, the Stoners/ Slackers, the Drama Geeks, etc. So here you are all grown up asking the same question: Where is a gay guy supposed to fit in? Just as in high school, today more people than desirable will still stereotype gays as hip switchers, wrist flippers and falsetto speakers – all with great taste
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hell bent on giving anything that moves a makeover or a blowjob. Ironically, gay men can fall into the same rut of categorizing themselves and others just as they were in high school. And just like gay stereotypes, the labels are simply false. Still, too many of us try to plug every guy we see into one taxonomy or another. While some of our own stereotypes for each other are accurate, others are just petty, and all need to be taken with a grain of salt. To claim that each gay man fits into one of these prototypes is illusory. It’s like saying that every man is either a Britney, Christina, Beyonce, GaGa, or Katy Perry. Why choose? In reality, some fan girls are hard for all those divas, and others only worship one or two. That is tot say, each of us is really a combination of types: You are a
beautiful rainbow, each color formed of the many of traits from one of the pre-assigned identities. If you’re stuck in one category – where you and your boys tend to hang around only with members of your related group, where you have your own exclusive bars, lingo, music, fashion, parties and sexual escapades – take a look below at some of the classic high school archetypes, see if it matches up to your too-basic gay category, and think about how to mix, match and ultimately break free.
THE JOCKS
We all had a crush on one and some of us were even lucky enough to be him. In high school, this gay rarely revealed he was gay. Now, however, he feels a little more lenient in discussing his sexuality, though he might still cling to outdated ideas of masculinity and femininity.
Not Another Gay Movie
HIGH SCHOOL 2.0, continued
He loves sports and physical fitness, so look for him at Woofs, on the playing fields of gay Atlanta, or at the gym.
DRAMA GEEKS
These boys were comfortable and open enough with their orientation that it might ostracize them from others in school. They sought refuge in the choir room. Like a real-life Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel, they devoted their lives to performing, choreographing a routine to every favorite song, and memorizing every word to the Wicked original cast recording. Today, they might still be the Theater Gays, in the audience with groups like Atlanta’s Gays for Plays, or still performing on stages across Atlanta.
THE NERDS
These smarties back then were studious, all academic all the time, achiev-
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ing types. Your golden boys, your goody goodies. Today, you call them boss. These overachievers are voted most likely to have few coins in the bank. They worked their asses off to get here, so look for the best of them to be spreading their knowledge via Rainbros mentoring or holding court at social and political gatherings.
THE STONERS AND HIPSTERS These guys were hella cool, so why change now? In high school, you found him under the bleachers lighting up with his friends and talking music or philosophy. He was fluid with his fashion as well as his sexuality, and not afraid to take risks. He may have tempered his snobbishness against the less-cool-than-him as
he got older, and the best are even able to harness that slacker mentality and translate it into a productive and interesting career. Look for these artist types—photographer, fashion designer, writer, and designer coaching design school students by day and mixing with the cool kids at the best parties by night.
THE MEAN GIRLS
They were cute and skinny and looked down on everyone. They thought that would get them through life. Then Heather woke up one day in an age-inappropriate crop top and a chip on her shoulder. Now all this jaded gay man has are his memories, a permanent seat at the bar, and his harsh judgment of others – and himself.
HSL WILD AT LAS MARGARITAS PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
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DJ ROLAND BELMARES AT JUNGLE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
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MEGAMIX PARTY AT EAGLE PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
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CONGRATULATIONS TO 2017 TEAM ATLANTA Elite / Aggression / Cockpit Showstoppers / Primetime Elite / Wild Reign C / Wet Demons / Grey Wolves / Reign D / Thunder / Nighthawks
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Project Q
Aug 10 - Aug 16
STAFF PICK!
Southeast Black & Blue
DILF Party
A weekend of BDSM is just what gay Atlanta ordered each August. Visitors from all over visit for some demos, some hobnobbing and some leather and other gear with the weekend’s signature Pig Dance with DJ Diablo Rojo open to all comers.
Joe Whitaker of Manupp and New York’s beloved DJ Corey Craig head up this event celebrating the motto ‘Daddies Do It Better’ with men of a certain age, their admirers, and every gay who’s any gay in between that enjoys a Saturday night dance party.
SATURDAY, AUG. 12
ATLANTA EAGLE 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE | atlantaeagle.com
FRIDAY, AUG. 11
HERETIC 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE | hereticatlanta.com
Rugby 101 Oh, those bighearted, burly Atlanta Bucks. Luckily for us, they’re always up to something. Recruiting for the upcoming fall season, the squad hosts this skills session for anyone interested in joining the ranks of their charitable, fun-loving sporty crew.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
BOULEVARD CROSSING PARK 500 Englewood Ave. SE | atlantabuckrugby.org
New Faces
An American in Paris
Regina Simms and Charmaine Sinclair host the contestants looking to become Atlanta drag’s next big thing. Big looks, big numbers, and all the bigness you’ve come to respect from Regina Boom Boom Simms and the gang at this hidden neighborhood gem.
The Gene Kelly movie that made striped tees and pocket bulges all the gay rage in the 50s first enjoyed a Broadway makeover, then the tour that is about to set your musical-loving hearts on fire. Come see the numbers, the vintage goodness, and yes, the bulges for yourself.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
THROUGH AUGUST 20
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR 736 Ponce de Leon Ave. | friendsonponce-atl.com
48 | 8.9.17
FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. NE | foxtheatre.org
MIDTOWN 1
Monroe Dr. NE
14
Amsterdam Ave.
12th St. NE
NE ve . tA
Piedmont Park
on
11
dm
6
18
Pi e
Juniper St. NE
14th St. NE
7
9
2
10th St. NE
10
. NE
19
oe Dr
e. NE Piedmont Av
Juniper St . NE
Peachtree St. NE
3
Monr
Charles Allen Dr. NE
12 W. Peachtree St. NW
15
16
4th St. NE
8
13
BARS Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends The Model T My Sister’s Room Ten Atlanta
5
Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE
9 10 11 12
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
50 | 8.9.17
991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE
fitness
retail 8 Barking Leather
4
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Ponce De Leon Pl. NE
Spring St. NW
17
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
www.SavedAndGay.com NEW COVENANT Church of Atlanta
404.929.1400
Cheshire 23
ansley 21
37
eR
on
Piedmont Park
ir .
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 Jungle
2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2115 Faulkner Rd NE
Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
Spa / bath 31 Manifest 4 U
32 33 34 35 36
Burkhart's Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's
2103 Faulkner Rd NE
1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Dining 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro
Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights
NE
d.
tC
BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's
e. nt mo ed
39 38
BARS 20 21 22 23
41
Pi
28 20
25 idg
Av
ge Rd Brid hire
.
24
r eB
E
Ches
.N
35
29
r.
Dr
Rd
40
32
oe
hir
36
nr
dm
es
31 er
Mo
Pi e Ch
e ll D
kn
27
33
. NE
Manchester St. NE
Piedmont Rd. NE
22
Lidd
ul
IX
34
x Rd
Fa
26
BL
Le no
30
Lambert Dr.
PU
St.
.
A l co
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
1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
NOT SHOWN
The Cockpit Atlanta Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta
465 Boulevard SE 1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE peachATL.com | 51
A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
Bars & Clubs
MIXX
MIDTOWN
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
COWTIPPERS
AMSTERDAM
OSCAR’S
cowtippersatlanta.com
oscarsatlanta.com
1600 Piedmont Ave NE
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
DEKALB LIPS ATLANTA
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK
THE COCKPIT
amsterdamatlanta.com
mixxatlanta.com
502 Amsterdam Ave. NE
ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com
blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MODEL T modeltatlanta.com 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
TEN ATLANTA tenatlanta.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com
thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com
ANSLEY
atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
Retail
465 Boulevard SE
MIDTOWN
MARY’S
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK
marysatlanta.com
barkingleather.com
1287 Glenwood Ave SE
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch.com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
SWINGING RICHARDS swingingrichards.com
CHESHIRE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE
1400 Northside Dr NW
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO
Dining
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
MIDTOWN
ANSLEY
10TH & PIEDMONT
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR
communitashospitality.com 991 Piedmont Ave NE
EINSTEIN’S einsteinsatlanta.com
boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta.com
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
1077 Juniper St NE
1510 Piedmont Ave. NE
JUNGLE
FROGS CANTINA
Fitness
jungleatl.com 2115 Faulkner Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
OPUS 1 1086 Alco St NE
TRIPPS 1931 Piedmont Circle N
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 2425 Piedmont Road NE
frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr
G’S communitashospitality.com 219 10th St NE
HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE
JOE’S ON JUNIPER joesonjuniper.com
MIDTOWN URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com
1049 Juniper St NE
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
LA HACIENDA
Spas/Baths/Adult
lahaciendamidtown.com 900 Monroe Dr NE
MIDTOWN
BURKHART’S
CHESHIRE
FLEX SPA
burkharts.com
LAS MARGARITAS
76 4th St NW
ANSLEY 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
52 | 8.9.17
lasmargaritasmidtown.com
flexspas.com
1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
CHESHIRE
ROXX
MANIFEST 4U
1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
manifest4u.org 2103 Faulkner Rd NE
HELP WANTED
FOR 2017 SEASON
Timberfell Lodge Men's Resort and Campground is seeking energetic team players for the 2017 Season. Base wage, tips, housing and meals included for staff position.
Please contact us at
800-437-0118
or at timberfell@timberfell.com
FULL BODY MASSAGE by Walter @ 404-872-5671 (8th St. @Monroe Dr.) Only $40..Shave too License No. MT003122
Hot Tub and Swim Spas
60% OFF RETAIL AquaLivingStores.com 404-382-5329
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Peach ATL Media Sales Representatives Contributing Writers Event Photographers Email your resume or qualifications to William@peachatl.com
peachATL.com | 53
10 SUMMER
ESSENTIALS KEEP GAY GUYS COOL
1
2
3
4
5
Canvas Slip-Ons
6
Backpack or Bag
7
Swimsuit
8
Polos
9
Over Shirt
Sunglasses
Tank Top
Short Shorts
Graphic Tees
54 | 8.9.17
10
Flip Flops or Sandals
We dare you to come try our new menu! refreshing COCK-tails, Tacos, sandwiches, Burgers & More
Text your Peach Pits to 256-60-PEACH, or e-mail Mike@PeachATL.com Illustrations by: Jerel Ely
Is vodka a carb? Because if it’s not, I’m crushing this diet. You can never build a kingdom with someone who still craves attention from the village.
Hey Orbit Gum Whore. Maybe I like my dirty mouth.
Uh oh. Did I just roll my eyes out loud again?
Our relationship is like a house. When a light bulb burns out, you don’t go buy a new house. You fix the light bulb.
When people say Zima makes them think of high school, and you’re like, yeah… I was 30.
That time everything fell apart but you held it together. That was my whole July.
Hey. You. You’re amazing. Shine on.
56 | 8.9.17
58 | 8.9.17
ARIES (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
Life has been too intense lately and nobody who knows would blame you for letting off steam, but most don’t know. Try to pour that energy into work or exercise. Puttering around your home will also help keep your mouth out of trouble.
Friends can help promote you, but be clear about what you want. Being too nice can encourage disastrous dysfunction. Opportunities for advancement and the chance to quietly accomplish a lot may pull you in different directions. Balancing both could take some juggling.
TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
Share good news unless it involves money. Friends are too likely to exploit your good nature. Stash that cash where it will be safe and collect a bit of interest. Your own charms should be enough to hold your pals’ interest.
Your ruler Mars, coming home to your sign, boosts your energy. It may be hard to focus at first. Accept guidance, even criticism from your friends. Blowing off some steam in the bedroom can actually help.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Flirtation (in the right places), affability and your best manners will open doors for you. Turn up the charm. Think ahead about what doors you want open. Social temptations can be a real distraction from big opportunities.
Take a chance on love, or even just sex. New opportunities await for a grand romance, or new thrills with your old love. Breaking appointments with platonic friends can cause trouble. Reschedule with respect.
CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22)
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Daydreams can be a serious diversion from work that needs to be done. That would just feed your worries and undermine your health. No, you can’t do everything so do what’s most important.
With recent pressures abating you may feel a bit adrift. Your partner can help provide direction and focus. Your natural instinct for work and accomplishment will also point you in the right direction.
LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
Keep your energy from being wasted through your mouth and you can accomplish a lot. Prioritize home, family and community in that order. If there’s a more economical way to do anything you can find it.
New ideas may show where you need to step back a bit, take a broader view and find opportunity. New connections at work can prove helpful. Balancing cooperation with subtle individual initiatives can challenge your integrity and new friendships. Some wit is necessary; too much is disastrous.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
Trust your instincts to do and say the right thing. You can hardly go wrong. Friends and authority figures will prove helpful. Don’t waste this gift but be very mindful of your long-range goals, professional and otherwise.
Nobody lives up to your ideals, but neither do you. Don’t blame them for not keeping your universe perfect. Your helpful suggestions are taken more as annoying criticism. Keep the focus on quiet, meditative self-improvement and you will be much admired.
Playmates or soul mates, you’ll find them on MegaMates
Sunday Funday =
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Atlanta:
(678) 528-2525 www.megamates.com 18+
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peachATL.com | 59
I mumbled something but basically couldn’t get out of there fast enough. How can I find a doctor who doesn’t flirt and gets my Southern sensibilities? So Humiliated Over Clearly Kinky End to Decency
Dear SHOCKED: This is where some queens might say, “Get over yourself.” Instead, I’ll just welcome you to the big city – and to a doctor who’s not afraid to be clear about the health matters of sex. Most doctors wouldn’t risk their livelihoods to hit on you, despite what you found on PornHub. Secondly, Southern Sex Shame like yours contributes to rising STD rates. Your doctor keeps it real so that he can gear testing, prevention and treatment to your needs. Go back and tell him that you mistook your own embarrassment for a shortcoming on his part. My bet is that he’ll appreciate the bluntness.
Hey, Daddy!
KEEPING IT REAL
My husband and I are monogamous, but we’ve all but stopped having sex. He cut back at the gym and since gaining 30 pounds, he won’t get undressed with the lights off, much less have sex. How do I tell him that I still desire him? Haven’t Orgasmed Right N Years
Dear HORNY:
Hey, Daddy! I wasn’t ready for him to ask me if I take it up the butt. I mean, talking dirty is one thing, but at the doctor’s office? I’m new to Atlanta from Alabama, and I chose a gay doctor who came highly recommended. But I was aghast that getting to know me included the question, “So do you participate in anal sex, either giving or receiving?” “Um. Excuse me?” “Do you have sex in your butt or other guys’ butts?” he repeated with a deadpan look.
60 | 8.9.17
This is no time to mince words. Like I told SHOCKED above, frank talk is human code for “listen up.” You’re not helping him worry about his weight by tiptoeing around the issue. Acknowledge it and lay your desires on the table.
DADDY LOVES HIS BOYS He knows the answers you need, and you’re going to get them. Reach out to him with your burning questions via our editor, Mike@PeachATL.com. Warning: Advice given in this column is intended for entertainment and novelty purposes. Please proceed at your own risk.