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Bianca Del Rio: Putting the Spice in Advice Big Peach Softball Tournament

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From the Editor Ah yes, Memorial Day Weekend is here, and apart from the more somber side to the weekend of honoring soldiers that have fallen while serving in the armed forces, it also marks the beginning of summer.

Pools will be open for frolicking, and a large part of Atlanta’s gay community will migrate to a beach (Pensacola, anyone?) for the three-day weekend. But don’t fret if you’re staying in the city, because there are still plenty of fun things to do – pools are open now, remember?!

Atlanta also hosts one of the most prominent gay softball tournaments – the 2018 Big Peach Softball Tournament - this Memorial Day Weekend, and with more than 50 teams competing, Atlanta will be accommodating hundreds of athletes from all over all the country. So again, plenty to do on the long weekend.

Have a safe Memorial Day Enjoy, Peaches!

Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS Scott King Jamie Kirk Branden Lee Gregg Shapiro

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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 | 05.23.18

Providers: Joel Rosenstock, MD, MPH • Quinton Robinson, MD •Dennis Melton, MD • Ann Hoos, MD •Anuj Malik, MD •Shalini Patel MD, •David Stahura, DO •Jewel Sawyer, PA-C •Mark Hebert, NP-C •Terry Hackworth, NP •Keith Hood, NP •Allene Harrison, NP-C • Rachna Gadhak, MD •Katherine Liang, FNP

GayDayS® Celebration in Orlando Since 1991, where it was just one day on the first Saturday in June, the GayDayS® celebration has grown to become the number one premier LGBTQ vacation experience stretching over the whole first week of June. Multiple events staged at world-famous attractions, gay and lesbian nightclubs, and incredible venues comprise a unique and all-LGBTQ-inclusive atmosphere that is hard to match anywhere. Attracting more than 180,000 people from across the globe, Gay Days is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes young, old, all races and beliefs, parents, straight allies and every other section of the community to partake in the celebration The extensive program includes a multitude of pool parties at the official host hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando At SeaWorld, the Gay Days Expo, drag performances, a leather competition, the Miss GayDayS® Pageant, and much more. Gay Days also has a longtime partnership with Disney World in Orlando and participants can experience special gay-themed events and access to attractions like Disney World’s EPCOT Center, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom.

It does take a little bit of planning to attend Gay Days, but luckily their website offers valuable ‘first-timer’ help, and you can download an app to keep track of the entire schedule as well as your passes and accommodation.

GayDayS® is not just another circuit party but an all-over town, something-for-everyone vacation extravaganza – and probably the best vacation you’ll ever have!

The What, When and Where!

What: GayDayS® Celebration in Orlando When: May 29 – June 3 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando At SeaWorld 10100 International Drive Orlando, Florida 32821 (Official Host Hotel) For more information, hotel booking, passes, and theme park tickets, please visit www.gaydays.com.

8 | 05.23.18

ATLANTA PRIDE’S

STONEWALL CELEBRATIONS

Wanda Sykes

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 20

Comedy Night

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NEW GAY IN TOWN: Gay Boys, Tramps, and Thieves

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

10 | 05.23.18

I’ve discussed the terrible reputation men in Atlanta have many times before. I still find it laughable that everyone I meet seems to have the same shared distaste and annoyance for the men in this city. Bonding about how terrible men, especially in Atlanta, is a great way to make new friends since it’s a common interest every gay man and straight woman have in common.

Everyone has a story about being lied to, deceived, and catfished by guys that refuse to be honest about themselves and their life circumstances. Even in my time in Atlanta which is still under a year I’ve had guys lie about their age, weight, height, sexual orientation, relationship status, how many kids they have, how many baby mamas they have, how much money they make, etc.

I’m attracted to honesty and authenticity. I live my life honestly and openly. I share my true stories on my blogs, YouTube, social media, etc. although social media seems to be where people love to falsely represent themselves the most. Yet in reality, they have no job, no education, no bank account, sometimes not even a home. Living a glamorous illusion on the ‘gram with nothing to show for yourself isn’t cute.

So many gay men I’ve connected with in Atlanta have told me about dealing with guys that were users, moochers, losers, and I’ve even got my own experiences with these

types of men. It’s really sad. I’ve also noticed domestic violence seems to be more common than not in gay relationships, especially among gay men of color.

Social media can have a dangerous impact on people’s realities and what they aspire to achieve. We do see these seemingly happy couples online. Doing cute couple things.

Kissing, traveling, living an enviable illusion. In reality, they may be broke, fighting, one is cheating, and the social media illusion is all a lie. Just like reality TV, you have to take social media with a grain of salt. It’s there to entertain you, but you never really know how much is real, and what really goes on behind the scenes.

I want someone that is honest with themselves. Don’t lie to me about your age, because then I won’t trust you to be honest about anything since that truth always comes out.

Deceiving them won’t make them love you. Don’t lie about your weight.

Pretending to be smaller than you are alienates the guys that prefer bigger men and may actually be at-

tracted to you for how you actually look. I love a belly, thick thighs, and man boobs. Don’t lie about your height, since that will just make whoever you meet want to run away from you. Don’t lie about how much money you make. If you’re in your 20s or even early 30s, no one expects you to be living in a mansion, driving a Maserati, and to be a billionaire. We’re all struggling to get by and get ahead in life. It’s more attractive to be with a guy working towards his dreams, than dating a bum pretending to have luxury cars, when in reality he can’t even afford a Marta pass.

When you pretend to be something you’re not, you’re blocking out those that will love you for you. I don’t want a relationship that just looks good online. I want something that’s healthy, loving, lasting, and stable in real life. Which sometimes feels impossible to find in Atlanta, where many men would rather pretend to be the perfect man on social media than tell you a single truth about themselves if their life depended on it.

peachATL.com | 11

A Memorial Day Weekend to Remember!

During the Memorial Day Weekend, the Hotlanta Softball League (HSL) will host the 2018 Big Peach Softball Tournament, which is one of the biggest softball tournaments in the North America Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA). The tournament will host B, C, and D divisions, and in addition to the fun and competitive play tournament, the league will also have great events throughout the three-day weekend. Peach talked to Director Kyle Erickson about highlights and what to expect over the 2018 Big Peach weekend.

Tell us a little bit about the background for the tournament?

The Big Peach Tournament has played annually since 1985 when leaders of HSL created a tournament to promote Atlanta’s LGBTQ amateur softball community on the national stage. This year, HSL and the Big Peach welcome 50 teams from all over the country. HSL’s Atlanta teams welcome teams from Birmingham, Boston, Columbus, Fort Lauderdale, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Providence, Tampa, and Washington DC.

What can the competing teams expect regarding the whole tournament weekend?

The Big Peach Weekend kicks off at Midtown Moon on Thursday 25th with a Volunteer bag-stuffing and beer bust. Midtown Moon is giving the Big Peach participants the exclusive first-look at Atlanta’s newest hotspot! $10 beer bust and drink specials. This is a private party for volunteers and softball players.

The Big Peach Weekend continues Friday night at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown for the Registration & Opening Party! The party returns to the rooftop pool deck with hostess Ruby Redd with performances by several special guests Misti Shores, Angelica D’Paige Brooks, Myah Ross Monroe, and more. Ruby Redd will emcee the ‘Mr. Big Peach Hunk Competition’ with games and prizes. The pool deck will be bumping with the beats of the returning DJ, Mike Pope.

The Official Saturday Night Party returns to Midtown Moon. Another private party for all Big Peach participants, this event highlights drink specials and Atlanta’s newest drag show hosted by Misti Shores & friends!

Special guests include Myah Ross Monroe, Evah Destruction, Tristan Hartman Panuccit, and more!

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The Big Peach Weekend closes out the party at long-time tournament sponsor, the Heretic. Teams will be presented their tournament trophies at this joint Awards Ceremony. Misti Shores is the hostess with returning performances by Angelica D’Paige Brooks, Myah Ross Monroe, and more! DJ Mike Pope will keep the front patio alive as the tournament wraps up!

Where and how can you attend the games?

All games will be played between two complexes this year. The C-Division will play at Southside Sports Complex in Atlanta, and the B & D Divisions will play at Johnson Park in Conyers. Fans can check the game schedule on hslbigpeach.org and can follow bracket updates on www.facebook.com/groups/hslbigpeach.

Teams visit from all over the country – any particular team you’d like to highlight?

One of the returning teams is the Music City Beat that plays in the Metro Nashville Softball Association.

Even though the average age on their roster is ‘more mature’ than most teams in the league, they are a scrappy bunch that prides themselves on fundamentals and sportsmanship that excel in surprising their opponents with more wins than losses! The Beat is made up of a beautiful cross-section of culture, race, orientation, and gender represented by a variety of different backgrounds with the motto: “Play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back.” They finished 3rd at Birmingham’s Southern Shootout and are looking to Three-Peat at their league’s very own tournament this year. They’ve played in four of the six past NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series with a goal of Tampa this year!

What is it about this kind of tournament that is so important to our community?

The Big Peach Tournament has been a staple in the LGBTQ softball community for years: locally, regionally and nationally. It attracts and welcomes LGBTQ and allies from all over that are looking for a safe, all-inclusive place to play friendly and competitive softball.

Members become a family and a network that love and support one another. We grow stronger together regardless of the challenges the LGBTQ community faces.

Putting the Spice in Advice: An Interview With Bianca Del Rio

When I first heard that Bianca Del Rio had written a book, in true Bianca Del Rio fashion I thought, “Wrote a book? I didn’t even know she could read a book!” Cue the laughs.

Undoubtedly the greatest success story that RuPaul’s Drag Race ever launched out of the starting gate, Del Rio consistently sells out concert venues for her live shows, has graced the silver screen in Hurricane Bianca and its new sequel Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate (hurricanebianca.com) and now has a new book of advice, Blame It on Bianca Del Rio (Dey Street, 2018) to her name. I spoke with Bianca about the book, “insightful prying”, and Drag Race.

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Gregg Shapiro: As someone who just published an advice book, what’s the best advice you ever received?

Bianca Del Rio: It was really good advice, but I didn’t take it. Which was “Don’t do drag. It’s a trap” [laughs].

I found out later, they were right [laughs].

GS: What’s the worst advice you ever received?

BDR: “Do drag [laughs]!” No. Advice is an odd thing, because you always think you know better yourself. In fairness, I think the best advice I truly did get was “Always laugh. Laugh at yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously and keep moving. I think for me, in particular, when I was much younger I would get hung up on things for a long period of time. Now, it’s like, “Fuck it! You’ll live.

Get over it! Have a drink. Life’s too short!” In the end, it’s that it’s not that serious. Or it shouldn’t be that serious.

GS: What percentage of advice column questions do you think are legit versus made up by writers?

BDR: I grew up without having social media. I’m old enough to remember that world. It’s quite fascinating to me how much of their business people put out in the real world. Whether it’s Facebook or Instagram. When I was doing this book – obviously I’m doing it as a joke to give the worst advice possible, because if you’re seeking advice from a 42-year-old drag queen, something’s wrong with you. But I’m fascinated by the stuff people would share. I don’t know if they’re doing it for attention purposes or if it was actually real. It was fascinating to see how people’s minds work. People have no shame at all, none, I must say.

GS: Can you please say something about the transition of your humor from the stage, where most people know you, to the page?

BDR: I think it’s a lot harder, as I realized when I was doing the book. There’s also an audio version. When I started to read it aloud (for the recording) [laughs], I started to get nervous about a couple of things. I thought, “This in print comes across differently than my stage show.” I think you can get away with murder on stage, in a moment, by delivery. Whereas when you have something in print and someone is reading it for the first time, it may come across a little differently. There are some things I fixed in the end where I thought, “Maybe this won’t translate”, unless you got the audiobook. My first reaction was, “Whoa, this seems too far or a bit much.”

Usually, for me, it’s no hold barred. Everything is funny.

But I thought, “In print, it’s a little serious.” Some things I was like, “Go with it! You asked a ridiculous question, you deserve a ridiculous answer [laughs]!”

GS: You mention “insightful prying” in the author’s note. In what ways can that be a useful tool?

BDR: I think sometimes the answer is usually there and people know in their hearts what the truth is. Of course, what I’m doing here is comedy. In fairness, there is a lot of truth in comedy. Usually the funniest stuff is what you can really relate to. A lot of people are attention whores at this point in the world and they put things out there that they know are wrong. Or they have an idea of what

the truth is, but they fail to recognize it. I thought that if I could give it to them in some inspirational way [laughs], it might actually help them. If it’s a real question. You never really know. When I posted stuff saying that I was interested in doing a book of this nature and “Send me your questions”, we had several duplicates. Usually drag-related. Everything from “What is RuPaul like?” to “What color is your eye makeup?” That kind of shit.

Some of them, I was like, “This is insane! The answer is right there in your question!” But I had to point it out for them because they’re probably not smart enough to figure it out themselves.

GS: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the experience of your recent return as a guest on RuPaul’s Drag Race?

BDR: I would say it was a 10 for me. I filmed the show originally in competition almost five years ago. It was like going back to high school. All the feels and smells were the same. When you film on the soundstage, there’s one side where the contestants are during filming. The other side is where the staff and Ru and guest judges stay.

It was interesting to be on the other side of the wall. I didn’t realize how fabulous it was until Audra McDonald was in the dressing room next door. That made up for it.

My little gay heart got excited and I realized that this is some legitimate shit!

GS: What’s the single best piece of advice you would offer this season’s queens?

BDR: Oh! In seriousness, the best advice would be to be as honest and as real as you are. Even though we’re wearing wigs. Just be yourself. I think the audience, especially with a reality show, gravitate to people that are real. Knowing the pattern of Drag Race in particular, now that they’re in their 10th season, some of the most notable characters were people that were true to themselves.

It’s very easy to get lost in the madness. It’s easy to get lost with cameras around you. To think, “I need to be this. I need to be that.” Shockingly, the audience can usually see through it.

GS: In addition to your first book hitting bookstore shelves, your new movie Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate is opening in theaters. What can you tell the readers about it?

BDR: It’s our second feature, which I’m excited about.

The first film actually dealt with gay rights and a schoolteacher who was fired for being gay, which is completely in America in 29 states, which is insane! He loses his job and then gets it back. My nemesis in the film is the brilliant Rachel Dratch. In the second film, we pick up where we left off. I ruined her life and now she’s determined to ruin mine. And I end up in Russia! So, it’s topical and fun. We have some great cameos and supporting players.

The fabulous Janeane Garofalo, Cheyenne Jackson and Wanda Sykes. We were lucky to gather a bevy of talented people. I’m really looking forward to it!

peachATL.com | 15

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) sex partners. is a prescription medicine that is used together ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for infection.

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TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA What is the most important information I without first talking to your healthcare provider, should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? as they will need to monitor your health.

Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? ® You must be HIV-negative before you start Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do tested to make sure that you do not already not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the positive, you need to take other medicines with risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not to be HIV-negative. a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become in a person who has recently become harder to treat over time. infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B could have recently become infected with infection.

HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before What are the other possible side effects of starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA TRUVADA for PrEP? for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure.

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HIV-1: ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right your partners. away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” infections. Other infections make it easier urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several for HIV to infect you. days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

I’m passionate, not impulsive.

I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

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Learn more at truvada.com

® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose.

These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

IMPORTANT FACTS

(tru-VAH-dah)

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected.

Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices.

Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

• See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. w

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• Bone problems.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

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• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design,TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0180 08/17

Getting Read

By Gregg Shapiro

Photo: Paramount Pictures

Have you ever started reading a book and within the first few pages you figured out everything you need to know about the characters as well as how it will end? That’s a fair description of the predictable and mildly amusing “Book Club” (Paramount). It’s the kind of “women of a certain age” flick that Nancy Meyers writes and direct (“It’s Complicated” and “Something’s Gotta Give”) with some degree of success. In this case, writer and co-director Bill Holderman is out of his league.

Four friends – Diane (Diane Keaton), Sharon (Candice Bergen), Carol (Mary Steenburgen) and Vivian (Jane Fonda) – have remained close during the 40-year existence of their book club. From Erica Jong’s “Fear of Flying” to Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild”. Throughout their long friendship, they’ve seen each other through good and bad times. That includes Sharon’s rise to federal judge and enduring the end of her marriage to Tom (Ed Begley Jr.), Vivian becoming a prosperous hotelier while refusing to settle down with one person, Carol’s career as a successful chef even as her marriage falls like a souffle and Diane enduring the death of her husband.

The introduction of E.L. James’ trashy “Fifty Shades” trilogy to the book club ends up igniting an unexpected spark in each of the women with initially varying results. Sharon explores the possibility of meeting men via the Bumble online dating site. Carol, on the way to visiting her two overbearing daugh20 | 05.23.18

ters – Jill (Alicia Silverstone) and pregnant Adrianne (Katie Aselton ) -- in Arizona has a “meet cute” moment (read: unintentional penis grab) with pilot Mitchell (Andy Garcia).

Carol, who is increasingly desperate to revive her marriage to Bruce (Craig T. Nelson), will seemingly do anything to rev his engine, including spiking a beer with Viagra. Vivian, who has proudly never slept in the same bed with any of the men she’s had sex with, gets a big surprise when she reunites with ex-lover Arthur (Don Johnson), who is a guest at her hotel.

“Book Club” relies heavily on sight gags.

The dressing room scene in which Sharon attempts to squeeze herself into Spanx or the entire Viagra sequence, for example. There is also plenty of unabashed product placement.

“Book Club” attempts to balance more serious moments (those belong to Keaton, who earns them) with those that want to be more comedic but ends up falling flat.

When it comes to “Book Club”, you’ll be able to guess the happy endings before you reach the last page or the credits roll.

peach rating: 1.5/5 Peaches: Peach Pit *The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Peach.

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Benjamin was born on Valentine’s Day and was raised in Indiana. He moved to Atlanta in 2016, and so far it has been his best move yet. By day he’s a surgeons assistant, and by night a single dad to two yellow labs, Frank and Duke. When he’s not hitting the gym, he loves hiking with his pups, soaking up some sun, biking, and hanging out with friends over a nice meal. Check out Benjamin’s Instagram @bnjmn87 where you’ll be able to see his progress at the gym (and a little more…).

Benjamin R. Herron

Only Yesterday

By:Gregg Shapiro

Not only has the eponymous debut by Roxy Music stood the test of time, it’s surpassed it. Officially disbanded (again) since 2011, Roxy Music remains one of the most influential (art) rock bands in the history of modern pop music, in spite of not having released a studio album since 1982 (!). Reissued by Virgin EMI/UMe in a triple CD + one DVD box set, accompanied by a 136-page hardcover book featuring rare and unpublished photos, as well as a Richard Williams essay, the band’s first album features longtime vocalist Bryan Ferry in the lead. This was also a time when Brian Eno was still a member of the band, alongside Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay, Paul Thompson and Graham Simpson and groundbreaking songs such as “Virginia Plain”, “Re-make/Re-Model”, “If There Is Something” and “Ladytron” made their way into our consciousness. In addition to the remastered album, this deluxe set includes a disc of 15 demos and out-takes from 1971 and 1972, a 14-track BBC Sessions disc and a DVD featuring live performances.

Like fellow queer label-mate Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas), Car Seat Headrest (aka Will Toledo) is making some of the most memorable and indispensable music of the 2010s. In one of the most arresting and ambitious musical moves made this year, Car Seat Headrest is releasing the double disc set Twin Fantasy (Matador). The first disc, Face to Face, is a 2016 re-recording of Car Seat Headrest’s original 10-song 2011 self-released debut Twin Fantasy. The second disc, Mirror to Mirror, is the original 2011 recording of the album. As much a historical document as it is a necessary component of Car Seat Headrest’s musical canon, including songs such as “Bodys”, “Cute Thing” (with its Frank Ocean shout out), “High To Death” and the Beach Boys-esque songs that bracket the album, “My Boy (Twin Fantasy)” and “Twin Fantasy (Those Boys)”, make for essential listening.

Why it seems like it was only 2017 when The Shins released Heartworms, its first album in five years. On The Worms Heart (Aural Apothecary/Columbia), James Mercer and the band offer a different perspective on the predecessor’s 11 songs by flipping the order, as well as the arrangements. It’s an interest30 | 05.23.18

ing experiment that pays off on songs such as “So Now What”, “Heartworms”, “Dead Alive”, “Rubber Balls”, “Name For You” and “Mildenhall”.

If there was anyone who could challenge John Mayer in the sexy/sensitive songwriter arena of the early 21st century, it was Mr. A-Z himself, Jason Mraz. Mraz’s 2002 debut album Waiting For My Rocket to Come (Elektra), now available on vinyl for the first time in a three-sided double LP edition, arrived a year after Mayer’s first studio effort.

Mraz, whose output was less consistent than Mayer’s, really hit his stride on later albums such as Love Is A Four Letter Word and Yes!. But there was definitely something about Waiting For My Rocket to Come that caught listeners’ (especially frat boys and sorority girls) ears. Song such as the hit single “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)”, “Curbside Prophet”, “Too Much Food”, and “On Love, In Sadness” might have something to do with that.

A “supergroup” led by studio session musicians David Paich and Steve Porcaro, Toto released its self-titled debut album 40 (!) years ago. The 17-track greatest hits compilation 40 Trips Around The Sun (Columbia/Legacy) opens with two newly recorded songs that sound like the band has no interest in diverting from its trademark. This is truest of “Spanish Sea” which sounds like a direct descendant of an earlier Toto hit, “Africa”. Regrettably not in chronological order, the album includes the band’s first hit single “Hold The Line”, as well as “Georgy Porgy” (featuring Cheryl Lynn!) and “I’ll Supply The Love” from the first album, as well as the obscure but irresistible “99”, the Grammy-winning “Rosanna”, the new song “Struck By Lightning” and more.

With the current state of things in Trumpworld, the timing of the release of Yiddish Glory: The Lost Songs of World War II (Six Degrees) takes on even more significance. Performed by a group of nine musicians, the 18 songs on Yiddish Glory were “created during the darkest chapter of European Jewish history, composed by Jewish Red Army soldiers, Jewish refugees, and survivors of Ukranian ghettos, men women and children”. The Soviet Jewish Folk Music songs were discovered in unmarked boxes by librarians at the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine during the 1990s, now have a chance to be heard and enjoyed by a wide audience. Highly recommended!

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Mick Swagger An Ode to Southern Men

Scott King’s milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. He could teach you, but he’d have to repeal and replace. Scott King is, like, a really smart person.

“Welcome to the show.”

AND ... THAT’S A WRAP

“Thank you for having me, Stephen. I’m so excited to be here.”

That’s the transcript from a dream I had the other night. Don’t you dare call me a megalomaniac. I prefer the term “visionary.”

“Now, we have something in common, something that I like to talk to my guests about. We’re both Southerners. We’re both from the South.”

“Isn’t my accent adorable?”

[Pause for laughter and light applause] “It is! It is. It’s very charming. I lost mine during the war.”

“I gained mine during the war.”

“Haha! Is that so?”

“Yes.” “Well, good for you, young man. I guess that makes sense. You still live in the south, don’t you?”

“I do. I live in Atlanta. I see no reason to live anywhere else.”

[Applause and cheers from members of the audience from Atlanta] “Wow. That’s quite an endorsement. What do you like about the South?”

“The biscuits. [laughter] I love the biscuits. I love the people, too. The laid-back culture. I love the trees, and the vegetation. And I love the men.”

“You love the men?”

“Yes. I love Southern men. They have swagger. They all walk around like they’re the sheriff.” [laughter] “But doesn’t that get complicated? All those sheriffs?

How do things get sorted out?”

“That’s where I come in, Stephen. I’m the motherf****** deputy.”

34 | 05.23.18

I have no idea what project I was trying to promote, but Stephen Colbert and I had a great chat. He’s not my kind of Southern man tho. He belongs in New York, enlightening the masses and returning to Carolina at Christmas to bake biscuits and wear fluffy sweaters.

That’s not what I’m talking about, at all.

I’m talking about pickup trucks. That’s where you used to be able to find all the hot dudes. I loved summers in the South. All the hot virile rednecks driving around shirtless looking for trouble. They never found any, though. Just dirt roads. And biscuits.

City life isn’t much different. The roads are paved and a little cracked, but the men are pretty much the same. Regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, dudes in the South are always up for adventure.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the North, and I lived in New England for a few years. Guys up there are always worried about something they refer to as “paying the bills.” Or shoveling snow. It never made any sense to me.

Southern men take their time. Back in the previous century, they used to chew and smoke things. This helped punctuate their charisma as they loitered in parking lots. Even in modern life, I still can’t get enough. In the city, you can’t stand in one place for too long without attracting real trouble.

So I walk. Slowly. I walk through your neighborhood. I walk through my neighborhood. I look at the southern trees and their strange fruits. Sometimes I take selfies. I’m not looking for trouble, though. I’m just looking. For biscuits. Hot, fresh, readily available biscuits.

Y’all know what I mean.

Showing Gratitude

By Jamie Kirk

As I considered what topic to write about, it literally hit me like a ton of bricks, and the word gratitude and being grateful just kept playing over and over in my head. It wasn’t even the word of the day in yoga class recently. The word itself is so powerful and means so much; I felt compelled to drill down on what it actually means in relevant and practical terms.

When you place yourself in a position of being grateful for where you are and what you have, you put yourself in a position of power. I don’t think you wake up being a grateful individual. I think it has to be taught. I remember a quote my sister used to always teach my niece and nephew: “It’s not yours until you say thank you.” I love that.

It is so difficult to look for the lesson or look for the meaning in times of disappointment. Being grateful means that you are literally side-stepping grief, disappointment, death, betrayal, being broke, being lonely, being overlooked, and sometimes feeling like you have no purpose and no reason to go on.

being envious of someone’s else ENTIRE social media profile(s), be grateful that you have family and friends that love and honor you. Instead of being envious of their six-pack abs, be grateful that you may have overcome a health crisis. Instead of being envious of their life, be grateful you have simply been able to survive.

Being grateful is essential to (two) universal laws. The Law of Attraction and the Law of Reciprocity. These two laws are significantly impacted by our ability to be thankful and grateful for people and situations that are in our paths. In my opinion, these two laws cannot be reinforced or allowed to manifest if we are not practicing gratitude.

Yes, it is extremely easy to say “you need to be more grateful and thankful” when you are in a good “season” of your life. When you are dating someone awesome, you have just paid off your car, or a recent promotion at work. But the real challenge of being grateful is being grateful in spite of a downward time in your life.

When the bills are piling up, the mortgage is behind, you’re waiting for the doctors’ report, or losing a pet, etc. These, my friend, are the rough times where we struggle to be thankful in spite of our circumstances.

For example, the Law of Attraction is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on. It is believed that regardless of nationality, age, or religious belief, we are all susceptible to the laws which govern the universe. It is the Law of Attraction which uses the power of the mind to translate whatever is in our thoughts and materialize them into reality.

The second law is the Law of Reciprocity. It basically says that when someone does something nice for you, you will have a deep-rooted psychological urge to do something nice in return. You may even reciprocate with a gesture far more generous than their original deed. Therefore, if you are not reaping and sowing seeds of thankfulness to others, then it is not possible to plant seeds that are full of goodness and abundance.

Using practical examples that we all face today. Instead of being envious of someone’s looks, be grateful for our health. Instead of being envious of someone’s position, be grateful for our place of employment.

Instead of being envious of someone’s relationship status, be grateful that we are independently enough (alone or partnered). Instead of being envious of someone’s home, be grateful that we have a roof over our head. Instead of being envious of vacation pictures, be grateful that we perhaps are living debt free. Instead of

36 | 05.23.18

I am not going to get all preachy and pretend I’m a certified life coach. But I will share with you a lesson I learned many, many, many (okay, that’s enough) years ago. Just like the Apostle Paul, who experienced life without many comforts, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

The above is not meant to take this article down a religious path, but one of conscious, present living, and being able to accept the life that has been handed to us with thankfulness, gratitude, and understanding.

We are only going to pass through this life one time, so we might as well make it a good ride. One that is filled with smiles and limited regrets. Today, I challenge each and every one of us to inhale peace and exhale joy. And with every breath going forward, realizing how much goodness exists in our daily lives. Being grateful is just a small price we can pay to get more “good stuff” directed our way in the future.

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

As a part of our mission to help friends keep friends, we are opening our doors in 2018 to anyone needing to get their pet vaccinated and heartworm tested.

Not only is this a great deal for you, it is also a fundraiser for PALS Atlanta!!

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May 23 - May 30

Scene and Song Presents “But I’m A Cheerlanta!”

On Wednesday We Drag: Drag Wars –The Shade Awakens

Atlantans perform original music, comedy, and writing The recurring drag night at the Heretic has a special Star about LGBTQ films - proceeds from the show will benefit Wars theme for one night only. Guest hosted by the illusLost-n-Found Youth. Tickets at Freshtix.com. trious Nicole Paige Brooks.

Wednesday, May 23

Wednesday, May 23

Highland Inn & Ballroom Lounge

The Heretic

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May 24-27 (Memorial Day Weekend) Midtown Moon (formerly Burkhart’s)

The Championship Tour with Kendrick Lamar

Atlanta Disco Society

Friday, May 25

The Basement

Anything goes on the light-up dance floor, and everyone who’s anyone will be there. Saddle up your white horse, The first rap artist to ever win a Pulitzer, Kendrick Lamar, find your most fashionable jumpsuit, and prepare for a is coming to Atlanta along with the whole TDE crew in- night to remember. Let’s disco, Atlanta. cluding SZA, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Lance Skiiiwalker, Sir, and Jay Rock.

Saturday, May 26

Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood 38 | 05.23.18

FRIENDS NEW FACES PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

40 | 05.23.18

THERE ARE NO STRANGERS HERE, ONLY FRIENDS WHO HAVE NOT MET

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MIDTOWN SPRING OUTINGS PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt & MH

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MH

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

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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

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

’ Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

eR

on

d.

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

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 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

NE

39 38

tC

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

e. nt mo ed

20

BARS 20 21 22 23

41

Pi

28

25 idg

Av

ge Rd Brid hire

.

24

r eB

E

Ches

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35

29

r.

Dr

hir

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40

32

oe

dm

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36

nr

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31 er

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Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

kn

27

33

. NE

26

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34

x Rd

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BL

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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

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

Retail

MIDTOWN

THE COCKPIT

MIDTOWN

thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK

AMSTERDAM

amsterdamatlanta.com

502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

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

BULLDOGS

465 Boulevard SE

MARY’S marysatlanta.com

1287 Glenwood Ave SE

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

SWINGING RICHARDS

barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

CHESHIRE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO

swingingrichards.com

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

1400 Northside Dr NW

ANSLEY

friendsonponce-atl.com

Dining

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR

MODEL T

MIDTOWN

1447 Piedmont Ave NE

modeltatlanta.com

10TH & PIEDMONT

893 Peachtree St NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

communitashospitality.com

MY SISTER’S ROOM

991 Piedmont Ave NE

mysistersroom.com

EINSTEIN’S

66 12th St NE

TEN ATLANTA tenatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

BJ ROOSTERS

einsteinsatlanta.com

WOOFS

Fitness URBAN BODY FITNESS

frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr

urbanbodyfitness.com

G’S

500 Amsterdam Ave NE

communitashospitality.com

CHESHIRE

219 10th St NE

HENRY’S JOE’S ON JUNIPER

1931 Piedmont Circle N

1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

MIDTOWN

OPUS 1 TRIPPS

brushstrokesatlanta.com

FROGS CANTINA

henrysatl.com

1086 Alco St NE

GCB & PLEASURES

1077 Juniper St NE

bjroosters.com

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

boynextdoormenswear.com

132 10th St NE

joesonjuniper.com

GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spas/Baths/Adult

1049 Juniper St NE

MIDTOWN

LA HACIENDA

FLEX SPA

lahaciendamidtown.com

flexspas.com

900 Monroe Dr NE

76 4th St NW

2425 Piedmont Road NE

CHESHIRE

CHESHIRE

ANSLEY

LAS MARGARITAS

MANIFEST 4U

woofsatlanta.com

MIDTOWN MOON

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

manifest4u.org

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

FELIX’S

ROXX

THE DEN

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

THE HIDEAWAY

ANSLEY

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

COWTIPPERS

MIXX

cowtippersatlanta.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

mixxatlanta.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

52 | 05.23.18

1600 Piedmont Ave NE

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Call 404.439.9838 or email jeff@peachatl.com for more information. peachATL.com | 53

10 THINGS TO PACK FOR MEMORIAL DAY

BEACH TRIP, BARBECUE, AND HONORING AMERICAN SOLDIERS!

A flag

Sunglasses

Denim Shorts

Sexy tank top Portable speaker

Waterproof phone case (or phone)

A cooler

Sunscreen

A sun hat

Swimsuit PHOTO: PR, SHUTTERSTOCK, BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR

54 | 05.23.18

Sunday Funday = Playmates and soul mates...

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peachATL.com | 55

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

Yes I heard you. I just wasn’t listening to you.

Whatever anyone says, deodorant is necessary on a plane.

Him: Good Birthday?

Me: Yes, thank you!

Him: Lots of men?

Me: No!

I feel like I have been personally victimized by tequila!

Him: A potential husband?

Me: No, not either …

Him: Hurry! You’re not getting any younger you know!

It’s probably my age that tricks people into thinking I’m an actual adult.

Why does Eureka, the largest queen, not simply eat the other queens?

You know you’re a local when the cement pouring guy asks you for directions.

Asking for a friend: Are there any drawbacks in summoning demons to destroy your enemies?

Before calling me, ask yourself this: Is this textable?

56 | 05.23.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

You won’t be hospitalized this week, but things may not go as planned. Things might be made all the more difficult as your motivation could limp along on Thursday and Friday. You’ll need to summon your energy and make a determined effort to face up to whatever is bothering you. It’s party time over the weekend!

Deja vu is not that Thai dish that you had two weeks ago. At times you could hit up against communication problems that might not yield easily to discussion or compromise. However, with a fabulous social scene showing up, time spent with friends can help ease any heartache.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

There may be a power struggle going on, so be careful what you say if you want to come out of it looking good. All of that which you experience this weekend will be catalogued under “things not to do in public again”. Seems like damnation awaits you from every angle.

A fortunate trend provides freedom of action and the chance to showcase your skills and abilities to good effect. With a sizzling focus on career, opportunities abound for enhancing work and business success. Fun is a word that will score you few points in scrabble...but then when was life all about scrabble?

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

If you pick yourself up by your shoe-strings you are likely to fall flat on your ass. The good and the great come together today and miss you entirely during all their endeavors. Which is a bit sad, really.

However there’s a lively social undertone this week encouraging you to pursue contacts, friendships, and memberships.

The urge to get away is strong, which could mean getting lost in a daydream, fantasy, good book, or movie.

Equally, you’ll be eager to travel to new places and explore new horizons. Whether or not you can take a trip now, contemplating one for the future may give you something to look forward to.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Directing your energy into the right channels brings opportunities for success. In this case, brainstorming moneymaking ideas and coming up with creative outlets for your talents could substantially increase your income. Butter your bread on both sides so that if the bread falls, you’ll be screwed no matter what.

Whether you want to or not, this week will have a journey in store for you. In addition, your social life looks livelier than has been in some time. Use this opportunity to network with folks who pull the strings and make the decisions.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

My gift to you is this wisdom: he who makes love at awkward angle, gets back problems for next day.

You’re vibrating to the social buzz of summer and eager to mix and mingle with pals and associates.

And you’re truly in your element with your astrological ruler, the Sun, in your sign.

While it won’t all be clear sailing in your career, a more focused and incisive frame of mind can make solid headway possible. When talking to others, you might need to ignore their words and instead go with your gut feelings, particularly when sussing out deals or job opportunities.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

Harmless fun may come back to harm you over the coming weeks. Tailors and Bodybuilders may have a surprise in store for you this week. Also keep on the lookout for butch hairdressers. Meditating and reflecting on your goals and dreams could be particularly rewarding, especially if you’ve been feeling uncertain about a course of action.

Where your job and lifestyle are concerned, whether you feel a restless stirring within or circumstances beyond your control provide the motivation, it’s to your advantage to embrace the notion of change. Regret can hurt you over a long period. Lament today, but tomorrow must be a day for anger and retribution.

58 | 05.23.18

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 was called into an interview the other day, and I was told the candidate was a recommendation from the boss, and that this person is pretty must a shoe-in for the job. Lo and behold: In walks my ex who is the biggest mess, dramatic, and non-committal person you can imagine. The interview went fine, and maybe he would be ok (not great!) for the job, but do I disclose my relationship to this person to my boss? I wish he wouldn’t come work here, so should I throw that wrench in the wheel?

Sincerely Me and My Ex Don’t Mix

Dear Me and My Ex Don’t Mix If you feel that he is not qualified for the job and it wouldn’t be an added value to hire him, it is certainly ok to talk to your boss. There’s no need to disclose details, but you can say that you used to know him on a personal level and you could imagine some issues could arise in light of the way he has behaved before. There is nothing wrong with a little warning – your boss can then decide if this is something he wants to address with the candidate or not. Under all circumstances, it is ok to disclose that you have a history and that putting the two of you together in a working relationship wouldn’t be good. Maybe those subtle hints and circumstances will tip the scale in your favor.

My friend recently came out to me as trans, and I was happy, honored, and thrilled that she confided in me on her way to live her truth. But her family, especially her parents, are really shitty, and it hurts me to see how much she suffers living under these circumstances.

What can I do to support her more?

Sincerely Transition Support

Dear Transition Support What you are doing right now is actively being your friend’s support system. Even though there is a lot of pain associated with being disowned by your family, there is also great beauty in going against conventional social norms and choosing your own family and support system. Your reaction to her coming out has already shown her that even though she may lose some people in her life, there are also friends and chosen family to be gained. So keep it up! If you feel she needs even more guidance and support, there are many organizations in Atlanta that can help youth that has been displaced by their family or have other issues from being gay or trans. Check out Lost-n-Found Youth, Georgia Equality, The Evolution Project, Atlanta Coalition for LGBTQ Youth, and Real Youth Atlanta.

My straight friend keeps cock-teasing me by not wearing underwear, pointing out to me when he has a hardon, and talking about how many times he jerks off.

He knows I’m gay and says he does it to tease me, but sometimes I suspect he wants a little more. Should I try to act on an impulse with him or will it jeopardize our friendship?

Sincerely Cock-Teased

Dear Cock-Teased How great to have a friendship where sexual orientation isn’t a factor. You obviously already have a somewhat sexualized rapport with each other, so if you tread carefully, there is nothing wrong with sending out a few sexual signals of your own. Many friendships have a sexual exploration stage, and you’d be surprised to learn just how many friends have engaged in sexual activity together whether it be jacking off to porn together or actual sexual activities. The most important thing is that it doesn’t damage the friendship, and whatever happens, is built on trust. After all, getting off is not as important as losing a great friend.

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

60 | 05.23.18

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