Peach v2 i10 issuu

GET READY Boystown: One for the Books

The Perfect Time to Spring Fling

Q-Music: Queer Sisterhood

Spruce Up Your Dating Profile

friday, may 4

jack white

david byrne • fleet foxes • courtney barnett • japandroids franz ferdinand • jimmy eat world • the black angels • rival sons the brian jonestown massacre • waxahatchee • ezra furman • the frights lillie mae • marlon williams • rolling blackouts coastal fever

the ghost of paul revere • welles • the war and treaty l.a. witch • liz brasher • *repeat repeat • amasa hines

saturday, may 5

queens stone age OF THE

the war on drugs • cake • manchester orchestra • matt and kim the distillers • parquet courts • circa survive • greta van fleet chicano batman • andrew w.k. • jacob banks • torres • broncho • bully charly bliss • mikky ekko • bayonne • the night game• teenage wrist the sherlocks • stop light observations • sun seeker

tickets on sale now at

SHAKYKNEESFESTIVAL.COM

the national

sunday, may 6

tenacious d • vance joy • nathaniel rateliff & the night sweats Lord huron • the voidz • all time low • black rebel motorcycle club alvvays • sir sly • the menzingers • basement • lukas nelson and promise of the real parcels • alice merton • mt. joy • the wild reeds • post animal • frankie rose

marshmello

friday, may 11

dillon francis • ludacris • g jones • herobust • quinn xcii london on da track • space jesus • minnesota • manic focus

CENTRAL PARK

atlanta, georgia

marvel years • thriftworks • buku • jack harlow

zedd

saturday, may 12

excision • playboi carti • san holo • borgore • whethan • K?D shiba san • ookay [live] • wolfgang gartner • bonnie x clyde louis futon • the him • bleep bloop • phantoms kidswaste • loosid • halogen • vandal rose

kygo

sunday, may 13

seven lions • louis the child • kayzo • troyboi • tokimonsta autograf • yehme2 • medasin • brohug • ofenbach • dr. fresch unlike pluto • billy kenny • parker • midnite panda

tickets on sale now at

SHAKYBEATSFESTIVAL.COM

CONTENTS MARCH 07, 2018

V2-10

PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925B Peachtree St. NE, Suite 168 Atlanta, GA 30309 404.835.2016

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

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EDITORIAL

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Rodney Belcher Graphic Designer

rodney@peachatl.com

SALES

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Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

From the Editor It is time to shake off the very last bit of your hibernating state of mind because March – the first official month of spring – is here.

To get you ready, Tyler Scruggs gives you a list of Atlanta patios for your mingling and meddling needs. But before you venture outside, may we suggest you refresh your online dating profile, so it matches the latest version of you? Branden Lee has the guide.

Jamie Kirk encourages you to do something crazy and spring flingy while Scott King gives you some sound advice on how to break new ground this spring.

Finally, we talked to Jake Biondi who is the author of the book series ‘Boystown’ – a can’t-put-it-down kind of read, and Gregg Shapiro gives you queer sisterhood in this edition of Q Music. So, get ready, because clearly, we are.

Scott King Jamie Kirk Branden Lee Tyler Scruggs Gregg Shapiro

DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Enjoy, Peaches!

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director

ONLINE

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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.

6 | 03.07.18

WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER a Peach Take-Over Event Peach presents the first of our take-over event series, WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER, created by Tom Thomas (Thomas Le).

The purpose of WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER is to celebrate and give back to our vibrant community by partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to create unique, monthly pop-up events that garner support and a renewed sense of togetherness that give love and life back to the businesses and community.

For the inaugural celebration, we are partnering with #IAmMidtown for a Sunday Funday event that both celebrates this organization that works hard to make Midtown thrive, and all of the people – you! – who are a part of our diverse Atlanta community.

The first WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER event will also feature an exclusive, new venue; the rooftop of 5Church on Colony Square (formerly Shout). The new space will open for the first time to accommodate the event.

The What, When and Where!

What: WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER – a Peach Take-Over Event*.

When: Sunday, March 11, 3:30-7:00 pm Where: 5Church Atlanta, 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361 *WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER is an open-invitation event and may be subject to a suggested donation or cover charge.

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SPRUCING UP YOUR DATING PROFILE FOR SPRING

By Branden Lee Branden Lee is a writer andactor now living in Atlanta. Follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram @Brandeness. and watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

With the cold drabby weather of winter coming to an end, people are exiting hibernation and are ready to be single and ready to mingle. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your dating profiles are up to date, and that you’re presenting your best self to attract a mate. Here are some tips to make your dating apps ready to snag you a man.

TONY AWARD

BEST AVAILABILITY ON WEEKDAYS! MARCH 13 - 18 FoxTheatre.org/Gentleman

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1. Choose A Clear Profile Picture No sunglasses. No costumes. No excessive makeup. The face is the most important physical feature. If someone doesn’t like your face, then they don’t really like you. Make sure you’re showing off what you truly look like. Shirtless selfies may snag a man, but they don’t keep a man. Your face should always be prominently visible and not obscured in your dating profile.

2. Only Use Recent Photos If you’re using photos that are over six months old, you’re basically catfishing. Especially if you know you have gained or lost weight in recent months. Keep your pictures up to date to show the real you. Lying about your appearance isn’t the way to a successful relationship, and it will

only disappoint the person you’re meeting up with as soon as they see the real you.

3. Honesty Is the Best Policy Don’t lie. Make sure you’re depicting yourself accurately. It’s a deal breaker if someone lies about anything about themselves.

Whether it’s age, height, weight, occupation, etc. If you lie about little things where the truth will obviously come out, you’ve already disqualified yourself from being datable. No one wants to date a liar. If you can’t be trusted to tell the truth about little things, how can someone believe you for bigger things? If you’ll lie about your age, how can someone trust you not to lie about your HIV status?

4. Short and Simple No one wants or cares to read your life story in your dating profile. Keep your profile description to no more than 2-4 sentences. The point of being able to message each other on an app is to get to know each other. If every detail about you is on your profile, then what is the point of even attempting to get to know you?

5. No Negativity It’s 2018. You should know better than to ever write “no fats, no fems, no black, etc.” on your profile. Yet there are still clueless idiots doing this. You’re entitled to your preferences, no matter how prejudiced they are. Instead of saying what you don’t like, say what you do like. It’s less offensive and makes you come across less hateful. Which is ultimately more attractive.

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One For the Books an interview with Jake Biondi, the author of the BOYSTOWN series

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

T

he popular BOYSTOWN book series is the continuing story of several couples living in Chicago’s famed Boystown neighborhood. Peach caught up with author Jake Biondi to talk about the strength of the books, and how it could possibly make the jump to become a TV series.

BOYSTOWN was born online, and then you made the jump from online to publishing the stories in book format. What made you choose publishing and books over for instance TV or web/streaming?

I originally wrote the first chapter of BOYSTOWN and posted it online to see if anyone would read it. My original plan was to release one chapter a month online if people seemed interested in the series. Much to my surprise, people started to read the first chapter right away, and I

immediately received emails from people demanding that I release the next chapter right away because they wanted to find out what happened next to the characters. As a result, I started writing installments much more quickly than I originally intended and posted them online so readers could continue following the lives of the characters. It was actually the readers who suggested that I stop publishing them online and publish them in book form instead. So, I published the first ten chapters as a book and then continued to release books, each containing ten chapters. The eighth book was just released on Valentine’s Day. Because of the popularity of the BOYSTOWN book series, several TV producers have approached me about turning the series into a TV show or web series. I am currently working with a few producers to do exactly that.

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Your cast of characters is very diverse and recently also includes a transgender character – do you create your characters with diversity in mind?

Absolutely Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood is a very diverse community that is constantly evolving. It’s important to me that the book series reflect that diversity so that readers get to know and celebrate Chicago’s diversity as well as the diversity of its famous gay n e i g h b o r h o o d .

BOYSTOWN’s cast of characters is diverse in terms of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity – and I’m very proud of that.

The way you present your book series is very much like a TV show (plus the series would fare really well if ever made into a TV/web series) – do you think that has helped the success of the books?

I have always been a huge fan of televisions dramas such as Dynasty, Knots Landing, Revenge, and Melrose Place. My writing style reflects that. I understand that it takes some readers time to get used to my writing style because it is not the style that appears in most novels; however, readers have told me that after reading a chapter or two, they get used to it and really love it. Because the series is written like a TV show, the plots move more quickly than in a traditional novel and readers have come to savor the twists and turns that are the hallmark of the BOYSTOWN series.

I think that in addition to the writing style, readers from all over the globe have connected with the series’ characters. They love them or “love to hate” them and, therefore, they are eager to find out what happens next.

What do you see as the greatest strength of BOYSTOWN? Why is it so compelling to readers?

As I mentioned before, I think the greatest strength of BOYSTOWN is its characters. I hear from readers all the time who are invested in these characters and, of course,

have their favorites. I’m always interested to hear which couples the fans are rooting for.

For example, fans of “Kemmett” (Keith & Emmett) were really upset with me when their relationship began to get rocky. When Cole and Derek got together, some readers loved it and others felt really sorry for Derek’s wife, Joyelle. Then there’s Justin, who readers have watched evolve from a bitter, angry man into someone more sympathetic. So, while BOYSTOWN fans celebrate all the crazy plot twists and turns that the stories contain, I really think it’s the characters that keep people connected to the series.

Would you accept the offer of Boystown being made into, for instance, a Netflix series?

Of course! That would be a dream come true. And that’s precisely what the TV producers that I’m working with are trying to accomplish. I have already written the TV scripts for the entire first season of a TV version of BOYSTOWN, and we are working to bring together an amazing production team to shoot the series and bring it to TV.

What’s up next for Jake Biondi? New projects?

New installment of Boystown?

I’m focused on three things right now. First and foremost, the TV producers and I are really making a push to get the TV series made. So that’s my top priority at the moment.

I am also working on the launch of my brand-new book series called MAJESTY. It’s a period piece about a royal family called the Chamberlains. Like BOYSTOWN, MAJESTY will have amazing characters and tons of twists and turns to keep the audience’s attention.

Finally, I am already working on the ninth BOYSTOWN book, which will most likely be released around Christmas. So, I’m a busy guy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

The BOYSTOWN series is available in paperback, audiobook, and all e-book formats. Autographed copies of the books are available at BosytownTheSeries.com.

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6

of Atlanta’s Best Patios to Enjoy Just in Time for Tank Top Season

By Tyler Scruggs

Deep End This is a new one—opening in late November of last year, Deep End has slowly but surely been picking up steam as Old Fourth Ward’s most intriguing and promising spot in quite some time. Locked and loaded with a Tex-Mex inspired menu, stylish lighting, and of course a huge patio to soak up sun-rays, you’ll be hard-pressed to have a bad time here. Also of note, be sure to check out Drag Bingo with Brent Star every Tuesday, where their delicious tacos are only $1.

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Bookhouse Pub This pub off Ponce de Leon toes an impossible line of being very clearly a nerd-themed bar while also having its own mythos and personality to it. Walking in, you’re struck with Game of Thrones banners, Funko Pop figurines, and framed art of iconic TV and film characters. But instead of feeling like a Hot Topic that serves alcohol, it’s a warm, cozy, and validating spot. The patio is tucked away and semi-secluded, but it may be just what you’re looking for. And if not, there’s nothing wrong with going inside the candle-lit pub and taking in a bourbon and a 20-minute chunk of Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Photo courtesy of @BookhousePub on Instagram

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Ladybird It’d be hard not to mention the patio of all patios, and Lady Bird just off the Beltline is one of the most popular around. Equipped with its own trailer for beer and ready-made drinks, Ladybird boasts not just ‘elevated campfire cuisine,’ but the atmosphere as well. Ladybird often feels like a night in the woods, oblivious to the fact that it’s sitting in one of the most booming part of Atlanta. If you’re not in it for the avocado toast, at least stick around for a beer.

Henry’s It’s clear Henry’s knows what it’s doing.

The well-constructed and clean patio is a must-visit for out-of-town gays and allies alike. With casual atmosphere and wide-ranging menu, it’s the perfect crowd pleaser.

Photo Courtesy of Henry’s on Facebook.

Joe’s on Juniper Golden Eagle Another new one to try, Golden Eagle in Reynoldstown, is a throwback to a simpler time for sure, but nonetheless innovative. They tout their food and cocktail menu, but their sophisticated atmosphere and bold sheen make this hipster spot one of the best. The patio is home to some of the most interesting conversations you’ve ever eavesdropped on. Atlanta’s bar scene could take a lesson from Golden Eagle. Their branding is strong, and their social media presence is distinct, alluring, and intentional. Try their Flannel Blazer drink; it’ll be sure to impress.

Photo courtesy of Golden Eagle.

Many are no strangers to these last few patios; Joe’s on Juniper especially. Say what you will about the varied experiences one can have here, but their huge corner patio is the place to see and be seen, and that has its own appeal. For those in Midtown with a mid-morning need for the brunch trifecta; water, coffee, and mimosa, you can’t quite go wrong with Joe’s.

Photo courtesy of @JoesOnJuniper Tyler Scruggs is a writer and musician living in Atlanta with his partner Mark. When he’s not churning out internet content, he’s paying too much for coffee and buying movie tickets weeks in advance. Follow him on Instagram @Scruggernaut and Twitter @TylerScruggs or on Scruff (you’ll know it when you see it).

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Queer Sisterhood is Powerful By:Gregg Shapiro Co-produced by Allison Zatarain and legendary songwriter/producer Richard Gottehrer, the 10-song vinyl LP Instant Love Volume 1 (Instant Records), is intended to celebrate “the power of love between women, mothers, sisters, friends, and lovers.” A reimagining of classic love songs by musical acts such as Billy Joel (“She’s Got A Way” sung by Lolo Zouai), The Beach Boys (“Don’t Worry Baby” done by Rachel Fannan) and The Kinks (“You Really Got Me” covered

by Cavale). Highlights include Erika Spring (of Au Revoir Simone) performing “Colours” by Donovan, Holly Miranda’s reading of Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man”, Irma Thomas’ rendition of “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison, Nicole Atkins singing “Amy” by Ryan Adams and jazz vocalist Karen Souza version of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Looking forward to volume two and others to follow.

While we’re on the subject of cover tunes, the always brilliant lesbian singer/songwriter and bassist extraordinaire Meshell Ndegeocello, who paid tribute to Nina Simone on 2012’s Pour Une Âme Souveraine and has been including covers on more recent albums, has just put out the cleverly titled Ventriloquism (All Points/Believe).

Ndegeocello reimagines 11 songs, originally released between 1982 and 1994, in her own distinctive style, and the results are breathtaking. Some renditions stick closer to the originals than others, as in the case of

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Ndegeocello’s readings of Prince’s “Sometimes It Snows In April” (from 1986), Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam feat. Full Force’s “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and Al B. Sure’s “Nite And Day” (both from 1988), and yet manage to maintain her distinctive style.

Some of the most exciting moments occur on deconstructed versions of George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” (from 1982), Ralph Tresvant’s “Sensitivity” (from 1990), Sade’s “Smooth Operator” (from 1984), Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)”, and “Force MD’s “Tender Love”. Brava, diva!

Is it too early in the year to begin assembling a “best of” list? If not, the Ndegeocello disc certainly qualifies. As does the devastating Rifles & Rosary Beads (In The Black/Thirty Tigers) by lesbian singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier. A product of Gauthier’s association with Darden Smith’s non-profit organization Songwriting With:Soldiers in which soldiers are teamed up with professional songwriters. For Gauthier’s album, she collaborated with male and female soldiers for a majority of the tracks. Two of the songs, including the devastating “The War After The War” were written by military wives whose soldier husbands returned from the battlefield wounded. Gauthier, who is a sort of queer Lucinda Williams, has a history of bringing listeners to tears (check out 2010’s The Foundling), but Rifles & Rosary Beads takes that ability to a whole new level.

Certain to earn queer musician Joan As

Police Woman (aka Joan Wasser) a larger devoted following, her new smoky and soulful new album Damned Devotion (PIAS), is the latest from an artist who follows her own inviting path. Arresting numbers such as the title cut, “Steed (for Jean Genet)”, “Tell Me”, “Wandering Bell”, “What Was It Like”, “Rely On”, “Silly Me” and “I Don’t Mind”, don’t sound like anyone or anything else.

Joan As Police makes indescribably delicious music, and she doesn’t need to flash her badge to do it.

No one could ever accuse Swedish pop goddess Tove Lo of slacking off. Two years may have passed between 2014’s Queen of the Clouds and 2016’s Lady Wood, but 2017’s BLUE LIPS (Lady Wood Phase II) arrived a year later continuing the frank (bi)sexuality of its predecessor. How frank?

Just listen to “shivering gold” and “bitches” as a couple of examples.

Featuring lesbian bass player Laura Lee, the trio Khruangbin touches down with its second album Con Todo El Mundo (Dead Oceans/Night Time Stories). A mostly instrumental affair that sounds as timeless as it does of the moment, Con Todo El Mundo could be the soundtrack to a night of passionate lovemaking, a hipster loft party or a dinner with old friends. Seriously, can’t you just picture your friends dancing in their brightly colored and patterned stocking feet to Maria También”, “Evan Finds The Third Room” or “Como Me Quieres”.

It might seem hard to believe, but Atlanta-based lesbian singer/songwriter Michelle Malone* has been putting out albums for 30 years (!). Her latest, Slings & Arrows (SBS Records), finds her getting political on “Love Yourself” and “Just Getting Started”. For someone who’s been at it as long as Malone has, it’s nice that she’s still able to surprise and thrill us as she does with her cover of Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, a duet with Shawn (“Lullaby”) Mullins.

On SweetSexySavage (Atlantic), the debut disc by queer R&B artist Kehlani, listeners go on a grand tour of the various styles of contemporary

black music, including hip-hop-influenced modern soul. It’s a strong and memorable first album, the best of which can be found on the songs “Thank You”, “Advice”, “Hold Me By The Heart”, “Get Like” and “Too Much”.

The song “Shameful Feeling”, described as being about “the journey of coming out of hiding, rising above painful adolescent memories, and learning to shut out fears and self-doubt” within a “queer context” is a powerful track near the center of the six-song EP Garage Sale (carryillinoisband. com) by Carry Illinois, led by lesbian singer/ songwriter Lizzy Lehman. “Goodnight”, the album’s heart-tugging closing track, deals with the suicide of original band member John Winsor and is a stunning tribute.

The five-song EP Freedom Girl (livlombardi.com) is the latest release by genderqueer singer/songwriter Liv Lombardi, who divides her time between NYC and Santa Fe. The all-female punk-blues quintet Jane Lee Hooker features two queer band members. The ten tracks on its new album, Spiritus (Ruf) are loud and proud.

Sue Quigley is a Seattle-based lesbian neoroots folk singer. Her new album is Little Wilderness (suequigley.com). Also based in Seattle, acoustic/electric duo Syrinx Effect creates what they describe as “interstellar folk punk jazz”.

Naomi, the queer half of the duo plays trombone, while straight band-mate Kate is on soprano sax.

Both women incorporate electronic elements for musical manipulation of the ten songs on the album A Sky You Could Strike A Match On (syrinxeffect.com/bandcamp/). *Atlanta’s own Michelle Malone performs on March 14 at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur and on May 18 at the Historic Desoto Theater in Rome.

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LEATHER & LACE AT ATLANTA EAGLE PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

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peachATL.com | 21

LOVE ON THE ROCKS PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

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AMENITIES, OPTIMIZED

Our 27-story high-rise in the heart of Tech Square features three levels of the most unique amenities in Atlanta (if not the U.S.!).

Experience our stunning collection of features and imagine your life, optimized.

Penthouse units will be available early 2018.

1/8 Mile Running Track Heated Saltwater Pool with Resistance Lane Membership-Class Fitness Center with Yoga Studio Internet-Enabled Fitness Equipment and Outdoor Crossfit Stations 95 8th Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30309 P. 855.208.3555 ModeraMidtown@MillCreekPlaces.com ModeraMidtown.com peachATL.com | 23

HORSEMEAT DISCO AT HERETIC PHOTOS: Brian McCall

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 24 | 03.07.18

ST. PATRICK’S DAY 03.17.18

Calvin was born and raised in the Bronx, NYC, and relocated to Atlanta three years ago, which he describes as his best move yet. He has a background in fashion and interior design and is currently a Design Specialist with Pottery Barn where creates furnishings and interior designs for clients. You will probably also recognize his handsome face from the Heretic where he works as a bartender – which also means you may have seen him shirtless more than a few times!

Calvin Fields

Preserving cultural and landmark locations important to gay Georgia

TO ALL OF OUR PATRONS, SPONSORS AND ATTENDEES: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

joininghearts.org

Mar 8 – Mar 14

Deep South + Music Room Presents Honey Dijon Deep South is switching up the venue from the Heretic to the Music Room, and to celebrate the new location, they have invited Honey Dijon to spin for the first time ever in Atlanta.Saturday, March 10

The Music Room

Queer Yoga with PJB A safe space for queer humans of all body types, the yoga session headed by Patrick Joseph Boston offers a positive and uplifting community environment. Register your spot for $10 or drop by the day of the event.

Saturday, March 10, 9-10 am Indigo Yoga Studio

STAFF PICK!

Bianca del Rio: Blame It On Bianca The self-professed “clown in a gown” is in Atlanta for one night only! Known for her foul mouth and unapologetic humor, Del Rio throws shade like the best of them in this revamped show that will thrill fans and newbies alike. Tickets on variety-playhouse.com.

Friday, March 9, 8 pm Variety Playhouse

Lucky Charms Drag Queen Bingo

Perfect Arrangement

Come out to Lips Atlanta for a round of bingo that is Dragishly D. Licious! This special St. Patty’s Day edition benefits PALS Atlanta. More info at PALSatlanta.org

Tuesday, March 13

In the socially stringent McCarthy era, two closeted couples, one gay and one lesbian, face exposure and a future grayer than Technicolor. The play by Topher Payne is a bubbly cocktail party-meets-TV sitcom. theatricaloutfit.org.

Lips Atlanta

Now through March 18 Theatrical Outfit

30 | 03.07.18

Spring Fling - Do Something Crazy

By Jamie Kirk

I

t’s about that time again. That time of year by which we can stop feeling guilty about not going to the gym when we should have. Feeling guilty about avoiding going home for the holidays, because we told our relatives we had to work or couldn’t afford it. No more guilt around not eating healthy, cleaning out the closets, taking the dog to obedience school, etc. Let thy guilt go away.

Now is the perfect time to start with a clean slate and refresh, renew, re-think and revisit some of the goals we set. The goals we should have set. And more importantly the goals we ARE going to set as we gear up for the middle of the year (I know even as I wrote that it felt odd).

I think this is a great time to really re-calibrate and shift our thinking, but not so fast. We have about 90 more days BEFORE the middle of the year, so we need to play a little. Be a little silly and enjoy some spring fling time. Whatever that means to you.

Dating & Personal Stuff How about having a torrid and whirlwind affair (if you are single, heck even if you’re not and no one is gonna get hurt). Go out on a limb and meet someone different. Use a dating app. Date or hang out with someone that is outside of your comfort zone. Send a hottie an Instant Message on Facebook or (giggles) slide into their DM on Instagram.

Aquarium, just go. Maybe take MARTA downtown and just walk around and take pictures of what you see. Be present and explore the city.

Health and Fitness Don’t meal prep for a week, skip the gym, just relax. Still eat healthily, but maybe for about seven days you don’t count calories, maybe even get super crazy and drink whole milk instead of almond milk (gasp). Whatever you typically do, do it differently. If you go to the gym in the morning, go in the evening. If you run on MWF, lift on those days for a week. Just mix it up a bit and get crazy.

The best thing about spring flinging is that you don’t have to explain it to anyone. You don’t have to ask permission to take a little me time from all the time you are giving away to others. As we get our gym bodies ready, have to spend hours in the yard, clearing out the garage or perhaps getting ready to get our condo market ready; have a bit of fun.

Spring is such a great season. The days “feel” longer. Folks appear happier. We get to plan summer getaways. We can do outdoor activities.

Our pets can play in the park. Life is way too short not to take advantage of Spring 2018. Let’s commit to not let this one pass us by without being noticed. Spring my friend, we are coming for ya!

Work Stuff Take some days off and do nothing. Don’t even think about it, just pick a few random days (provided you have vacation time, heck even if you don’t) and just do NOTHING. Just sit around the house, go to the park, binge watch a few shows, go to the outlet mall, or perhaps take in the 32 | 03.07.18

Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad

Beginner’s Luck Or How to Break New Ground in Spring

By Scott King

New Beginnings: that’s the name of the queer bar in my hometown. There’s a reason why, but I don’t remember.

In the late 90’s, we were so busted. You remember that song, “Closing Time?” Something about how every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end? The halcyon homophobes tried to make a pejorative pun on butt sex from the “some other beginning’s end” bit. No dice.

I eschewed the radio. I would drive around, smoking pot and listen to Ani Difranco, trying to summon up the courage to talk to strangers and make them my friends, my community.

It worked.

When I moved back to Atlanta in 2010, the after-hours club for the chill pill crowd was called Spring 4th. Yes, that name was a pun on the address. Yes, the party favors put an artificial spring in the patrons’ designer sneakered steps.

Yes, I had my heart broken like cunty glass on the back patio, as the beautiful lights from the bubbly big buildings blurred my tears.

That’s life.

Even then, I knew that I had arrived. The whimsy and romanticism of my youthful poetry journals had come to three-dimensional life. It was all worth it. Even when it wasn’t.

But temptations though. Years later, I accidentally quit smoking pot. We went to see “Django Unchained,” under the influence, on January 1st of whatever fucking year it was. Trust me, gurl, it was HILARIOUS. A few weeks later, someone said to me, “Wanna smoke this?” After a minute of reflection, I said, “No. I don’t. But thanks!” And that was that.

What does all this have to do with the new season of Queer Eye? Let me tell you, honey. You don’t need product placement in order to be your authentic self. You caaaaan fix ugly, especially when it’s on the inside.

Last year, I vowed to get out of the house more often. I did.

This year, I vowed to talk less shit about people when they aren’t there. So far so good.

34 | 03.07.18

In a few short days, we will be setting our clocks an hour forward for Daylight Savings. You will be robbed of an hour of sleep that you never intended on getting anyway.

Imagine that in that hour the lowest minutes of the year ahead have been deleted, have been skipped over, erased from the matrix.

Take Daddy’s advice (that’s me) - use this hour you lost to learn the following lessons, the easy way:

Being nice is better than being clever When you go to a party, do you remember the person who is loud and trying to hold court and to be witty and cutting, or do you remember the sweet, cute dude in the corner who said hello and then buggered off? Obvs we remember them both, but which one do you want to have over for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? I thought so.

Listen Shut the fuck up for once. In addition, listen. Stop thinking about the next thing you’re going to say and stop being distracted by your peripheral vision. Just listen.

There’s a punchline in there somewhere.

Steal Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It’s also a killer way to learn things. Behavior, personas, grace. They can all be learned and adopted. I am my own unique snowflake, but I took a lot from three of my best friends. I’m still me, and I still don’t think that they know. Quelle dommage.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else No one can be you, even if you are pastiche. You are your own unique blend of Neapolitan, and your taste buds receive it uniquely.

It works the opposite way as well. Your problems are not lessened by the woes of the sad sack next door. And you’re not any prettier just because I’m so motherfuckin’ ugly.

Allegedly. You’re the one who needs the doctor, Blanche.

Scott King is an Atlanta-based writer, consultant, and political activist. He enjoys tennis, hiking, rock concerts, and having drinks with friends.

He is currently working on a novel about a hooker with a heart of Bitcoin.

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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

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

40 | 03.07.18

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

ge

R

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 42 The Den

32 33 34 35 36

Burkhart's 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 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

NE

38

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BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

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39

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BARS 20 21 22 23

41

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Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

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27

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26

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34

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30

Lambert Dr.

PU

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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

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

The Cockpit Atlanta Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta

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Bars & Clubs

OSCAR’S

MIDTOWN

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

AMSTERDAM 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

ATLANTA EAGLE

THE COCKPIT

amsterdamatlanta.com

atlantaeagle.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MODEL T modeltatlanta.com 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com

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MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE

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

SWINGING RICHARDS swingingrichards.com 1400 Northside Dr NW

Dining MIDTOWN

66 12th St NE

10TH & PIEDMONT

TEN ATLANTA

communitashospitality.com

DEKALB LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE

Retail MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

CHESHIRE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE

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communitashospitality.com 219 10th St NE

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

HENRY’S

OPUS 1

132 10th St NE

graviteeatl.com

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE

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GRAVITEE FITNESS

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BURKHART’S

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CHESHIRE

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burkharts.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

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1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

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42 | 03.07.18

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ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL Oct. 13-14, 2018 | atlantapride.org

10 THINGS THAT’LL GET YOU READY FOR SPRING IT’S IN THE AIR….

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Work hard and play harder

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Plan your vacation/getaways

9

Try a new look

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7

46 | 03.07.18

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3

Freshen up your Spring wardrobe

4

Stock up on sunscreen

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Text your Peach Pits to 256-60-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com Illustrations by: Jerel Ely

I betcha his lips aren’t that round from whistling.

Asking for a friend: how many times is it acceptable to text a guy when he doesn’t respond?

Him: Have you ever been handcuffed?

Me: Sexually or by Law Enforcement?

That moment you realize your ex and the date you ditched earlier are at the same bar – time to ghost.

If you don’t shut up, you will hear me rant, ramble and go out on a tangent!

The rain in Atlanta is like a man – you never know how many inches you’re going to get!

Gurl, you haven’t even been chewed up and spit out. You’re just the candy wrapper in the damn trash!

We praise destiny when things go right – but don’t forget, it’s probably the same bitch that made it all fall apart in the first place!

They say exercise makes you look better naked. Well, so does tequila! Your choice, honey…

48 | 03.07.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

You won’t take no for an answer, and your charming personality always has people saying yes. You usually get what you want, but are you using people for your own gain? Curb the selfishness today, and give back. As hard as it is to believe, it’s not all about you.

Today will be a great day to get out of the house or office, and breathe in the fresh air. Being in stagnant environments can have an oppressive effect on your mind and soul. So go for a brisk walk, or open the windows as you go on a long drive. You’ll be amazed how your energies will be revived when you let a little cool, clean water flow into that brackish pool.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

We’re living in a material world, and today you are a material girl. Your many possessions give you a strong sense of security -- add to them today by buying classy, tasteful things for the home. Persian rugs and Ming vases may be out of your price range, and you don’t have to travel to Bali for that bamboo room divider. Unearth treasures in you own backyard.

You’ve been pursuing that guy for some time now, and he’s proving to be quite elusive. Normally, you love the challenge of the chase, but your patience is wearing thin. Asking yourself the tough questions today may give you a new realization, and open you to some cold truths. Maybe he’s just not that into you.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Everything, and everybody, has two faces today and you’re not sure which one is real. There are shadows lurking behind every corner, so be careful with the people you deal with today. Think clearly and be sure of yourself. Don’t add to the confusion by wearing a mask of your own.

Your two key words for today should be fun and laughter. And nothing’s more fun than laughing. So take in a comedy club, watch your favorite episode of The Simpsons or read the latest book from David Sedaris. Best yet, learn to laugh at yourself. As a wise writer once said, he who laughs, lasts.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Starting new projects may prove to be a challenge today, as people with other ideas stand in your way.

Your first reaction may be to retreat, but that would be giving up, something that goes against your nature.

Instead, find a like-minded pal who supports your views and ideas and tag-team your adversaries. Brilliant minds often think alike and together, the two of you can get the job done.

You’ve been so focused on work lately that you’ve been ignoring the friends who’ve been trying to reach you. Your dedication to your job is admirable, but you know what they say about all work and no play. Screw the overtime and reconnect with friends instead today.

Having fun in your social life will rejuvenate your work life.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

You’ve met someone who is kind and supportive, and who enjoys being in the company of your largerthan-life personality. Your friends agree that you two seem made for each other, so what are you waiting for? You have no problem taking the lead, so ask him out on a date. Take it slow, but let him know how you feel about him. He will love seeing the gentle side of the mighty lion.

That new guy in your building seems like a loner, not the type of person an ebullient guy like you would associate with. Still, there’s something fascinating about him. If you want to meet him, you will have to break the ice. There are many ways to do that, and some don’t involve stalking. Just knock on his door, and welcome him to the neighborhood. He may surprise you by inviting you in.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You’ve been hanging with the beautiful people lately, and you’re on the A-list for all the big social events.

You love being part of the glitterati, but even you have to admit there’s something shallow about that scene. Your old friends have been wondering where you’ve been. Go back to them today. They’ll have a way of reminding you of who you really are.

A down-on-his-luck friend may owe you sum of money you know he can’t pay back. You could find ways for him to repay you short of making him your personal manservant. Still, this is putting a strain on your friendship. Be a humanitarian today, and absolve him of his debt. Never make money more important than the people in your life.

50 | 03.07.18

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and we’ll give you the answers served straight up and with a little ice.

I recently found out my boyfriend has a past in porn – and I’m having a hard time with it! We’ve been together for a couple of years now, and I’m surprised that he hasn’t told me before – and quite honestly, I’m struggling with why he did it! I’m not at all against porn, and I don’t want this to affect our relationship, but I have so many burning questions. What should I do?

Sincerely Scorn Star Dear Scorn Star From what it sounds like, you need to ask him those burning questions, or they will simply just nag at you forever. Alternatively, you can do a little research and watch the scenes yourself – maybe that will ease your mind or de-dramatize the whole situation. Maybe he did it to get over someone, maybe he was excited about having people watch, or maybe he needed the money.

There is a multitude of reasons for this, and the best thing you can do for you and him is to have a grown-up conversation about this. You don’t want it to affect the relationship? Get it out in the open as soon as possible.

Dear Drunken Rant Well, the answer to your questions seems pretty simple: either you don’t get drunk together, or you vow not to discuss anything while under the influence!

Communication is good, but unless you are sober, then STFU! Before you go out next time, talk about what triggers these fights and how you can prevent them from even happening. If you do start to get into an argument, then agree on a safe word that can be called, so the other person knows that things are getting heated and need to cool down. Alcohol can easily magnify even the smallest of issues, and since you know that you tend to approach the issues when drinking, you also know that whatever issue you may have is best discussed while sober!

This really hot guy, I have been pursuing has finally hooked up with me a few times. But he only wants to top – in fact, he is ONLY about topping me – and since he has a very large penis, that just isn’t happening. So the sex has been somewhat awkward, and he is definitely signaling that all he wants to is top - and I fear he will move on if he doesn’t get it. How do I keep him in my fold?

Sincerely Bottom-Less Dear Bottom-Less

I’ve been seeing this guy for a while now, and I kind of want to take it to the next level, but whenever we go out and get drunk together, we end up in these horrendous fights where we say all terrible things to each other. It sets us back every time because we then need time to heal and absorb what was said and done. How can we break this vicious cycle?

Sincerely Drunken Rant

First of all, no one should pressure you into doing anything sexually that you don’t want to do. If he’s all about topping with no flexibility, he might not be the right person for you – especially if he is putting pressure on you to bottom. If you really want to try it, you will need to set some boundaries first, so he doesn’t go too fast or hard and ends up hurting you. And then there’s preparation: use plenty of time to loosen you up and get you relaxed, use plenty of lube, and above all, go slow and little by little. He may be a catch to you, and a big dick may be very appealing, but you have to careful so you don’t break anything, ok?

NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS VIA OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.

52 | 03.07.18