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Swimwear Poolside Cool Screen Savor: Being Neighborly

Above and Beyond: Interview with Andy Bell

NGIT: Slutty Summer It Is

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CONTENTS JULY 04, 2018

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EDITORIAL

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From the Editor Pool parties are an essential part of summer in Atlanta. Whether it is a small, private gathering or a large-scale circuit pool party, you will likely find yourself in or near a cool body of water, drink in hand, and enjoying the summer to the fullest.

Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

To celebrate the pool party season, we guide you current swimwear trends, and we have a cute photo shoot from Australian swimwear brand, Supawear (available right here in Atlanta!).

Scott King Jamie Kirk Branden Lee Gregg Shapiro

We also have an exclusive interview with Andy Bell, lead singer from Erasure, who will perform at the Tabernacle July 10. Andy talks with Gregg Shapiro about going above and beyond both musically and personally – read the captivating interview on page 12.

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Finally, our team of amazing columnists offer wise words on body positivity, being slutty this summer, and much, much more.

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NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Enjoy, Peaches!

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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.

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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

Let’s Have a Luau Party

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This special Luau edition of bingo will be hula of a good time. The lovely queens will make you feel welcome and make sure you have plenty of fun – Bubba D. Licious will even make sure everyone gets lei’d at the door! The bingo night is sprinkled with special performances and carefully selected music in tune with the night’s theme.

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With this help, pets and owners may remain together to share the healing power of love and copanionship which flows from the human-animal bond.

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NEW GAY IN TOWN: Slutty Summer It Is

By Branden Lee Branden Lee is a writer and actor living in Atlanta. Follow Branden on Instagram and Twitter @Brandensss. Watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

10 | 07.04.18

I was torn about whether I wanted to have a summer of love or lust. Enter a new relationship or be free to hook up with as many guys as possible. Looks like the decision was made for me since the guy I wanted to date isn’t ready for a relationship.

There’s always a variety of reasons why relationships don’t work out. One person not being ready is a common issue. Some people choose to prioritize work/ money/school over love, and that’s their prerogative. I’m free to do me and have fun.

I don’t know yet what I have planned this summer, but I know that I’m enjoying it being single. I definitely want to travel. I’ve been in Atlanta almost a year, and now I want to explore the rest of the south.

I’ve never been to Florida or New Orleans. Both places are on my todo list, along with the male denizens of those places.

I’m also in a new phase of life. Atlanta is no longer brand new to me.

I’m settled. It’s home. I am finally over my breakup. There’s a plethora of possibilities out there. I’m free to love again when the time is right, without the baggage of still needing to get over my ex. I’m ready to explore the city. I’ve still not gone on that many dates since moving to Atlanta. Seems hard to try to find a

guy to take you out to dinner.

Even though it hurts that my failed love interest is choosing work over me, in a way I should do the same.

I came to Atlanta to pursue my dreams. I came here to write, produce, and act. The acting is going well, but I still have a lot of writing and producing to do. I need to focus on creating my art, and not being so obsessed with boys.

Love is important. No one is truly happy if they have a great job, lots of money, a degree, friends, but no love in their life. Love, romances, having a partner, those are integral to what I want for my future. So it’s important to pursue love just as much as any other part of life. I never could understand how others choose to neglect love in favor of other aspects. A boyfriend isn’t a distraction from my goals. A boyfriend should be there to help me accomplish my goals.

A boyfriend isn’t a distraction, but fuckboys are. These guys that just want to waste my time, lead me

on, only want to hook up, etc.. Even though it is slutty summer, I need to find a balance of productivity, along with promiscuity.

Another nice aspect of not entering a relationship is that I can keep hooking up with all the guys I recently hooked up with. It’s slutty summer; there are no morals.

Summer is also mid-year and the perfect time to set into motion how we want the rest of 2018 to go. Time to party, get wild and have fun - along with accomplishing my goals, build my empire, and conquer Atlanta.

I’m really grateful that I had the opportunity to start over here in the ATL. It really was the best decision I could’ve made. There’s so much I have experienced in my first year here, and still, a lot left to accomplish.

I have no idea what awaits me on the next part of my Atlanta adventure, but I’m ready for all the brand new encounters.

peachATL.com | 11

Going Above and Beyond An interview with Andy Bell of Erasure

By Gregg Shapiro

It’s been 30 years since the release of Erasure’s third album The Innocents, the disc that aided the duo of gay vocalist Andy Bell and synthesizer mastermind Vince Clarks (formerly of Depeche Mode and Yazoo) into crossing over into mainstream success with songs such as “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love”. Of course, the gays (and the cool kids) had been dancing to them, and songs such as “Oh, L’Amour”, “Who Needs Love Like That”, “Victim of Love” and “Sometimes” for a couple of years by then. Since the release of The Innocents, Erasure has put out more than a dozen studio discs.

Bell has even released a handful of solo albums.

An interesting musical experiment if ever there was one, Erasure’s World Beyond (Mute) is a “classical reworking” of the 10 tracks from its 2017 World Be Gone disc. Given the subject matter of the album, the current chaotic political mood, the chamber music setting, backed by Echo Collective, is quite fitting. Songs such as “Be Careful What You Wish For!”, “Oh What A World”, “World Be Gone”, “Take Me Out of Myself” and “Lousy Sum of Nothing” in particular, actually benefit from these new renditions.

It’s not all doom and gloom as you can hear on “Love You To The Sky” and “Just A Little”. Nevertheless, it’s “Still It’s Not Over”, Erasure’s queerest and most overtly political statement, that is sure to have the greatest impact on LGBTQ listeners. I spoke with Andy Bell about the album before Erasure embarked on its US concert tour.

Photos: Andy Sturmey, Doron Gild

It was done over a period of six months. I was sitting on the songs for probably three months. I was hemming and hawing. I couldn’t come up with any ideas. Once Vince and I got together…we had three writing sessions; one in London, one in Miami and one in New York. Each time we met up, all of a sudden, my confidence came. I was singing into the mic. It was almost like I needed Vince there, as my muse, for the songs [laughs]. He’s kind of a confidence booster.

When I first heard the music, I thought, “Oh, wow, the music is so good, it doesn’t really need any vocals [laughs].” It sounded like a film soundtrack. It took me a while for the songs to settle in. I think I get a bit nervous when I first hear the music. I kind of don’t know what to do. You have to leave it for a while. You can listen to it, but the trick is not to listen to it too much. Otherwise you can kind of OD on the music.

You don’t want to overthink it.

Yes!

With the exception of switching the placement of the songs “Love You To The Sky” and “Oh What A World”, both albums are essentially mirror images in terms of the track listings. Why were those songs switched in the order?

When the 10 songs that appear on both World Be Gone and World Beyond were originally written, did they begin in electronic or acoustic arrangements?

The running order worked itself out on the electronic version. It was almost like a DJ list. It’s not like you’re telling a narrative all the way through. Each one finds its own place. When I redid the vocals for the orchestral version, I felt like “Oh What A World” was so strong. I think it had been a bit overlooked on the first version. Rather than overlooking it again, we should put it first so people notice it.

They were written electronically. Vince had sent me the musical parts and chord arrangements.

Continued on Pg. 14

12 | 07.04.18

Can you please say something about what was involved in the decision process to rerecord the songs on World Be Gone with the Echo Collective and transform them into what they are on World Beyond?

I think it was an idea that was sparked by Daniel (Miller of Mute Records) and Vince having dinner together. I think it was because I had been working on this “Torsten” project, which was two theatrical albums (Torsten the Bareback Saint and Torsten the Beautiful Libertine), and there’s a third part to come.

It was a thing of letting me explore my vocals more.

When you’re singing with electronic instruments, they tend to soak up a lot of the nuances in your vocals. I feel like I have to add backing vocals, just to emphasize the choruses and things like that on the electronic versions. On the orchestral versions, I think it’s much more about the character of the voice. It was kind of a bit of an experiment to maybe bring the “Torsten” project closer to Erasure.

You sing about “Sweet Summer Loving” in the song of the same name and “summer romance” in the song “Love You to the Sky”. Would it be fair to say that summer is your favorite season?

Well, it would be fair to say that my new husband (Stephen Moss) is from Florida. I associate him with the sunshine.

He’s got such a beaming smile. He lights up the room when he comes in. It’s about that and it’s a bit of salvation song. After I lost (longtime partner) Paul (Hickey), Stephen was instrumental in helping me through that. It’s still kind of tough.

It feels like you’ve lost your home in some ways.

Even though me and Stephen are building a new life together. When you’ve been with someone so long, it leaves such a gaping hole. You’re not trying to fill it with the other person. You have to find a new way.

being HIV+ myself, you kind of felt a bit like a wild animal. It’s difficult to explain it. I think the song was a nod to that and a thank you to all of the people who have helped us. I know it’s tough – the amount of times we’ve been bashed literally to the ground, physically and emotionally. The amount of times we had to get up again, pick up our stuff and start from scratch.

And still we rise.

Yes! It’s never over. You think there’s going to be one day when you can take a sigh of relief, but it’s never going to be over, ever.

The World Beyond album is not the first time that Erasure has gone all-acoustic. That honor goes to 2006’s Union Street. What do you enjoy most about the experience of rerecording Erasure songs in these kinds of musical settings?

I really love it. Union Street was one of those albums that was quite misunderstood, especially here in the UK with all of the music journalists. I have a sincere affection for country music.

I was brought up on it where I grew up. When you’re singing to strings, whether it’s violins or guitars, your voice almost floats on it. That’s why I love harps [laughs], they’re very angelic. It’s like another voice singing a duet with you. I really do love singing with live instruments.

The new Erasure U.S. tour begins in Miami. Is this a nod to your fans in one of your home bases?

To my ears, “Still It’s Not Over” is one of the most overtly queer and political songs Erasure has ever recorded. The arrangement on the song really brings out the emotional power of the song.

It is now. We never used to play in Florida. We didn’t have the fan-base down there. I think it’s a natural progression because we’ve played there now a number of times. The gay community is so strong and it’s building back up again, especially in Miami Beach.

You feel like you’re a homecoming queen [laughs] in those kinds of places. It’s true! You’re almost adopted by the place. It’s a thrill for me to go and play there.

You’re in your home territory.

It’s about my love affair with San Francisco and New York City. Being out from the very beginning of my career, going to San Francisco was very hard. We were embraced by the city, by the LGBT community. At the same time, you felt the ghosts of all the people who had gone before us, especially in the U.S., who had fought to get HIV medicines and such. It’s about those polar opposites. I remember coming across an ACT UP demonstration in New York City. It was very exciting, but at the same time quite scary [laughs], because of all the things tied in with it. Especially

Erasure performs July 10 at the Tabernacle. ‘World Be Gone’ and ‘World Beyond’ (Mute) are both available now.

14 | 07.04.18

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Pool Essentials

By Mikkel Hylderbrandt

So, summer is here, and in case you’re confused about what to wear, it’s quite easy: swimwear!

The versatile Supasurf collection from Australian Supawear even lets you lounge in style with swim shorts that sport pool-ready motifs like hotdogs, watermelon, and ice cream!

All styles are available at Boy Next Door Menswear or online at boynextdoormenswear.com.

Supawear Supasurf Shark Swim Shorts, $62.99

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Photos: 2Eros/Supawear

Supawear Supasurf Watermelon Swim Shorts, $62.99

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Supawear Supasurf Ice Cream Swim Shorts, $62.99 Bottom Supawear Supasurf Wiener Swim Shorts $62.99

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Poolside Cool

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

As an unavoidable staple when you are chilling it poolside, your swimwear should be more than an afterthought. With these current trends, you will cover your style as well as your modesty.

Florals Adjust the print size to the size to your frame so if you’re small go for smaller flowers and vice versa.

Modern Amusement Hawaii Flower Swim Trunks, $37

Retro Styling Maybe it’s nostalgia; maybe it’s just because the old-school vibe still has it! Retro looks from the 70s and 80s are on point this season – pair them with retro sunglasses, and you’re ready to boogie.

Addicted Swim Rocky Shorts, $70

Camo Cool Enlist the power of camo in your style game when you are at the beach or the pool. Even the skimpiest swimwear gets a little manly ruggedness with a touch of camo.

Speedo Camo Crush Turnz Brief, $44

All Stripes Color-Block Your color game can be equally strong even though you are just wearing one color. Just make sure it fits your color scheme – and avoid black altogether.

Uniqlo Men Swim Active Shorts, $30

20 | 07.04.18

Stripes are in whether they are nautically inspired, bold, or from the streets of Paris. Add a little tilt and layering, and you have the striped trend down.

H&M Swim Short, $18

MIDTOWN SMACKDOWN WITH MISTI SHORES AT OUT FRONT THEATER PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

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ALL Of Me Will Be At Your Pool Party

By Jamie Kirk

Shocker, this edition is filled with perfect bodies.

Hairless pits. Nice and manicured happy trails. V’s that start perfectly at the hips. Swimsuits that look like they are painted to the models’ shapes. Great, just what we all need: Another reason to wear a sweatshirt to the pool and board shorts.

Not this year. I say we make a pact and really bare it all this year. No covering up. No attempts at waiting until the sun goes down before we head out to the pool party. Not doing it. I say we all put on the SPF 15, 30, or whatever, grab the Yeti cooler, put on the Birkenstocks (this just in: they are back!), shower ourselves with a good ole fashion dose of self-confidence and make the best of a “not so great situation.”

I don’t know one person that is 100% pleased with their body. EVERYBODY - and I do mean EVERYBODY - is self-conscious about at least one part of their body. That one area they are hesitant to show anyone. We all have that area, that one thing or two things that just look a hot mess or just freaking abnormal. It’s way too small or way too big compared to others that we have seen. Over the years we have managed to find the perfect ways to hide the “issue” - but not this summer.

We are going to “lean into” whatever the area is. We are going to embrace the stretch marks, not wear socks and allow the corn on our left toe to get some air; we are going to take off the wife beater and let that pimple scar in the middle of our back get some sun this summer. We don’t have a choice... it’s time.

We need to stop being ashamed of how God created us or how he (or she depending on your belief system) allowed something to happen to us.

It’s happened, we gotta get over it and quickly.

Whatever we are ashamed of has too much control 30 | 07.04.18

over us. We are allowing this little “issue” to get too much attention and focus.

We can easily solve this by taking back control and taking away the power and owning whatever it is.

Whatever the little area of imperfection, it is likely not even noticed by anyone else. It’s like when you look in the mirror at the pimple on your nose and say to the bestie “this bump is huge” and they respond “I didn’t even notice it until you showed me.” That is typically how this plays out. We are stressing about something that no one else is even paying attention too.

So this summer season, we are gonna “lean into” out body issues. We are gonna own it and not shy away from it. Now, we do know if our little issue is really a big issue, and it is something we can control but aren’t - stuff like eating too many sweets, drinking a bit too much, visiting the tanning bed a bit too frequently or maybe just avoiding the gym and any physical activity altogether. In that case, cry a bit, be down for a bit, dust yourself off and get over it. This is the summer of “me, myself and I,” and all three of us are coming for you. All three of us are hitting up your pool party. Take all of us, as we are: scarred, bruised, chubby, flat-footed, small-nippled, hairy-backed, thinning hair, or flat-assed. People are attracted to confidence and this summer it’s all about showing confidence in whatever skin we happen to be in.

We will no longer be held captive to our less than perfect bodies. Watch how differently people treat you when they see you treat your body like the temple that it is.

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

Sink Or Swim

A Little Moonlight In a Summer of Eclipse

By Scott King

I am sick to my stomach. George Bush 43 stole the election in 2000. It happened. Then he started a war under false pretenses and used samesex marriage as a wedge issue and won reelection. Then Obama happened. And then Twitter happened. And the birther movement.

During this time, I was working on a political campaign and then for a non-profit. I spent a lot of time at hotels across the country. The lobby tv would invariably be on Fox News, and they would be investigating whether Obama was secretly Muslim or from Kenya or when and where and why he ate dog and why was he bowing to the Iranian chef.

This is the channel that was the first report Bush won Florida in 2000, for the record. All the other networks were saying it was Gore. Sometimes evil wins. It seems lately more often than not.

In 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia passed away.

Suddenly. I’m assuming that it was gay and feminist witchcraft that killed that disingenuous motherfucker. I was surprised. I assumed he would die with a pen in his handwriting something homophobic. Pen dipped in ink of course, from back in time when America was great and Dred Scott with the constitutionally sound law of the land.

It is disrespectful to talk speak ill of the dead. It is rude, trashy, and hateful. Do you have any idea how many times Justice Scalia wrote from the majority or dissenting opinion about how it was every American’s right to heal disdain on the gay community?

Fuck that. That motherfucker was a Satanist if I’ve ever seen one. Do as thou wilt.

Anyway, we all know the story of how the unfuckable Mitch McConnell got on camera for a few minutes and talked some pompous, pretentious condescending bullshit about how President Obama shouldn’t be able to nominate another Supreme Court Justice. It was like Animal Farm, turkey neck included.

Now Justice Anthony Kennedy is stepping down from the Supreme Court, and there will be a very solid very conservative block of the Court that will validate and perpetuate this nana nana boo boo you thought we were adults but actually we’re just petulant puerile tyrants put here on Earth to destroy every sand castle type of

34 | 07.04.18

thinking and jurisprudence.

So, do we jump in the water and play their shark game right along with them? No law no rules just blood and ambition? It’s tempting, cuz I love to vent and project, but I will resist. Liberals do the right thing.

Conservatives tell everyone what the right thing is to do.

And then don’t do it. Don’t be gay they say, and then they have sex with gay hookers. Don’t have an abortion, but then they pay for their mistresses’ abortions.

Conservatives look out for the wealthy, and for preserving traditional American values. That’s what conservativism means. You have to remember that when this country was started the deck was stacked because only white men could vote.

But we’re here. They brought us here. We built this country, and we made it beautiful. This will be a s ummer filled with beautiful parties. That’s what this issue a Peach is about.

I’m not saying don’t go to the party. I’m not saying don’t have a good time and enjoy the view. Just realize that we are quite possibly raving on the deck of the Titanic.

Dark, dark times. This new Supreme Court vacancy is not necessarily a sign of an absolute end to reproductive rights, or the right to same-sex marriage or LGBT Progressive equality. And even if it is, on the federal Judiciary level, we’re still here as citizens.

We can still fight back in the local state and federal legislatures, and on every level spiritually existentially circumstantially and politically.

It’s dumb as fuck that we’re going to have to do so, it’s also dumb as fuck that Trump got elected, but what can you do? Fight? Escape? Pour a drink?

All of the above. Just because the boat is sinking, doesn’t mean the party’s over. I know how to swim. Do you?

Being Neighborly

By Gregg Shapiro

Photo: Focus Features

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville has a talent for making riveting documentaries about unexpected subjects. He took home an Oscar for 2013’s “Twenty Feet from Stardom,” and 2015’s critically acclaimed “Best of Enemies.” Neville’s Mr. Rogers doc, ”Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Focus) is among the best documentaries of the year so far.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is as revelatory as it is entertaining, as uplifting as it is mournful. Opening with black & white 1967 footage of Fred Rogers, before his groundbreaking educational public broadcasting show went national, the doc makes reference to the way that Rogers became known for combining things that couldn’t be combined.

Rogers believed that children were being misled by TV. In other words, for someone in television, he hated it.

And yet, he earned the love of millions of children. Before his television career, Rogers was going to go into the seminary, was ordained as a minister in 1963. His interest in early childhood education and child psychology, combined with the spiritual dimension and “wideopen Christianity” that Rogers followed resulted in the inclusive “love your neighbor, love yourself” energy of his TV work.

Almost any question you may have about Fred Rogers and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is answered here.

The use of puppetry, born of the necessity of improv during a moment of technical difficulties, introduced viewer to Daniel Striped Tiger (described as “pretty much the real Fred”) and King Friday the 13th (representing conflict), who built a wall because he didn’t like or want change (sound familiar?). In fact, the show often drew parallels between the neighborhood and the outside world, dealing with grief (the 1968 Robert Kennedy assassination) and race (Rogers’ neighborly relationship with African-American Officer Clemmons).

Even something as seemingly simple as the consistent way that Rogers entered the set the same way each episode, put on one of his zippered cardigans, changed his 36 | 07.04.18

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Peach.

shoes and ended the show back at his house, singing a song, was thought out completely. It was a place for understanding and safety.

Additional informative details include Rogers’ symbiotic relationship with the puppets, how he was a sickly child who had to learn how to make his own fun, and his fascination with numerology (watch for the explanation of 143). Rogers, a lifelong registered Republican, also testified before Congress for money and got $20 million for the PBS network. Amidst his successes, we see less popular ventures such as his prime-time show for adults “Old Friends…New Friends”, in which he wasn’t able to connect with adults on TV the way he did with kids.

We learn about his mixed reaction to the parodies of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” such as “SNL”’s “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood.”

Especially revealing is the segment featuring François Scarborough Clemmons who portrayed Officer Clemmons on the show. Clemmons, who was gay, got married in 1968 because he couldn’t come out working in children’s television. According to Clemmons, Rogers eventually came around in regards to him being gay. Rogers’ widow Joanne says that they had many gay friends.

Sadly, when Rogers passed in 2003, Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church cult members picketed his funeral.

In addition to featuring wonderful animation, the doc includes interviews with Rogers’ widow Joanne, sons Jim and John, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, NPR’s Susan Stamberg, producer Margy Whitmer, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” cast members Elizabeth Seamans (Mrs. McFeely), Joe Negri (Handyman Negri), David Newell (Mr. McFeely), François Scarborough Clemmons (Officer Clemmons), and many others.

The answer is yes to “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

4.5 Peaches Juicy and ripe – sink your teeth into this one!

July 4 – July 11

DILF Atlanta “Strapped” Underwear/Jock Party by Joe Whitaker

Red, Bright, and Blue with DJ Neon the Glowgobear

Time to get strapped in for another edition of the DILF party – wear your sexiest underwear or jocks with a harness or suspenders and get dancing to the beats of DJ Tommy K (Seattle).

Celebrate independence and indepen-dance your way into the night with DJ Neon the Glowgobear.

On this rubber and gear night, pour yourself into something tight and shiny and let the red, white, and blue glowsticks light the way!

Friday, July 6 The Heretic STAFF PICK!

Saturday, July 7 The Atlanta Eagle

Wussy Presents: Legally Blonde at the Plaza WUSSY returns with their monthly campy feature fantastic with the campy classic Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon - prizes for the best law school look, preppy in pink, and constipated bi**h costumes! All ages event – tickets at Eventbrite.

Wednesday, July 11, 7pm Plaza Theatre

Luau Party Drag Queen Bingo

Erasure - World Be Gone Tour

Aloha Y’all!! It’ll be hula of a good time as Lips throws a Luau party benefiting PALS Atlanta. The night will be full of surprises and Bubba D will make sure everyone gets lei’d.

Tuesday, July 10, 7:30 pm

Erasure continues their world tour with an extensive American leg that takes them to Atlanta’s Tabernacle. The tour features new tracks from the 2017 ‘World Be Gone’ album, but the tracklist reveals that they will play some of their biggest hits too.

Tickets via Live Nation.

Lips Atlanta

Tuesday, July 10, at 8 pm The Tabernacle

38 | 07.04.18

BLAKES PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

40 | 07.04.18

THE UNITY BALL A BIG OLE DANCE PARTY AT THE DEEP END PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

44 | 07.04.18

peachATL.com | 45

DJ JOE PACHECO (NYC)

SCAN TO BUY TICKETS

595 NORTH EVENT CENTER 595 NORTH AVE NW ATLANTA GA 30318

595 “VENUE B” 3:00 AM- 7:00AM

MIDTOWN MOON PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

48 | 07.04.18

GAYKEYWESTFL.COM

800-405-4904 TROPICALHEATKW.COM

peachATL.com | 49

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

12th St. NE

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6

18

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

2

10th St. NE

10

. NE

19

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charles Allen Dr. NE

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

4th St. NE

8

13

BARS Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends The Model T My Sister’s Room Ten Atlanta

5

Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE

9 10 11 12

10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

50 | 07.04.18

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

’ Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

e

on

Rd

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

.

tC

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

e. nt mo ed

39 38

BARS 20 21 22 23

41

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28 20

25 ge

Av

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.

24

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Ches

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35

29

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Dr

Rd

40

32

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36

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31 er

Mo

Pi e

Ch

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27

33

. NE

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

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34

x Rd

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26

BL

Le no

30

Lambert Dr.

PU

St.

.

A l co

1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

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

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 MIDTOWN

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

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK MIDTOWN & EDGEWOOD BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK 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

barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

CHESHIRE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ANSLEY

BULLDOGS

Dining

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

MIDTOWN

boynextdoormenswear.com

friendsonponce-atl.com

10TH & PIEDMONT

GCB & PLEASURES

893 Peachtree St NE

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

communitashospitality.com

MODEL T

991 Piedmont Ave NE

modeltatlanta.com

EINSTEIN’S

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

einsteinsatlanta.com

MY SISTER’S ROOM

1077 Juniper St NE

Fitness

mysistersroom.com

FROGS CANTINA

MIDTOWN

TEN ATLANTA

931 Monroe Dr

tenatlanta.com

G’S

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

66 12th St NE

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

BJ ROOSTERS

frogsmidtown.com

communitashospitality.com

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

219 10th St NE

CHESHIRE

HENRY’S

GRAVITEE FITNESS

henrysatl.com

132 10th St NE

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

graviteeatl.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

bjroosters.com

joesonjuniper.com

Spas/Baths/Adult

OPUS 1

LA HACIENDA

MIDTOWN

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE 1086 Alco St NE

TRIPPS

1049 Juniper St NE

lahaciendamidtown.com 900 Monroe Dr NE

1931 Piedmont Circle N

CHESHIRE

WOOFS

LAS MARGARITAS

woofsatlanta.com

2425 Piedmont Road NE

lasmargaritasmidtown.com 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

FLEX SPA flexspas.com

76 4th St NW

CHESHIRE MANIFEST 4U manifest4u.org

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

ANSLEY

ROXX

MIDTOWN MOON

1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

THE DEN

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

ANSLEY

FELIX’S

2135 Liddell Drive NE

COWTIPPERS

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE

MIXX mixxatlanta.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

cowtippersatlanta.com 1600 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com

3011 Buford Hwy NE

OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

52 | 07.04.18

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

You may deny that you are on a cycle, but your pimply a** is saying that you are!

Gay sex is literally twice as manly as straight sex. Sometimes even more manly!

Me: I want to travel more Him: To where?

Me: Exotic places, new adventures!

Asking for a friend: At what age do you learn to cook pasta for one and not the entire village?

Him: The only trip I see you doing is to work and back

If you were to choose between drinking wine and being skinny – what would you choose? White, red, or rosé?

Gurl that jacket... come on, Melania, even a third grader would know better.

That “BABY ON BOARD!“ sign is supposed to make me NOT want to ram the back of your car?

My trainer told me I have to cut all carbs two weeks before the cruise then had the nerve to be offended when I immediately slapped him. I will never understand some people.

Every day I struggle between ‘I want to look good naked’ and ‘treat yourself!’

56 | 07.04.18

NO COVER

306 PONCE DE LEON AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA 30308

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

You have a very dynamic week ahead of you. You may feel the need to put all your energy into a group project. You will want to roll up your sleeves and get to work. You’re usually a meditative, pensive person, but now you’re looking for concrete results and actions. Who knows? This hard work might even help you relax a little.

You may have had a hard time lately reaching your objectives. Unfortunately for you, this week will be no different. You may begin to feel a bit dissatisfied with the way your life is going at the moment. You will ask yourself certain questions about your goals. Does your personal life live up to those goals? Can you express your wonderful creativity as much as you’d like?

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Have you ever thought of yourself as a CEO or any other kind of leader? This week is a great week to begin a project involving other people - with you in charge! The strong, assertive side of your personality will come out in your decision making and charisma.

Go for it! After all, this is the first day of the rest of your life.

Your sense of responsibility is probably the catalyst for most of your motivation. But what happens when events are beyond your control and you’re powerless to do anything about them? You may have to admit that sometimes you can’t control everything, especially your family and friends. This week you should think about letting things happen occasionally. Your life will be a lot less complicated.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

There’s a lot of tension in the air this week. Perhaps you feel like no one is listening to you, and that people are draining your energy. You may act defensively and even occasionally become very angry.

It’s possible that no one has seen in you in such a state before. Don’t be afraid to express your anger.

Repressed anger is like poison for your body and soul.

This week you could put a stop to your activities for a little while. You may take a good, hard look at things and realize that the climate of trust you need in order to be productive and creative is missing at the moment. It’s a good time to get some order back into your relationships and remind others of their responsibilities to you.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

As a Cancer, you have an innate gift for healing and calming other people in crisis situations. If this isn’t what you do for a living, you should think about doing something with this natural talent. The positions of the planets may be telling you to think about this in more concrete terms. If you’re interested in herbal therapy, for example, this could be the perfect time to learn more.

What are you after in life, Capricorn? Deep down, does the kind of work you do satisfy your most intimate desires? The little problems you encounter in your professional life over the next week could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Take a look around to see if the work you do and the people in your life take your profoundly spiritual nature into account.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

You seem to be a specialist at relationships, and you’re very sensitive to the ups and downs in your own. But you may wonder if people love you less than they did before. This is rather an odd question, but another one may be hiding underneath. Do you really have to make such a big effort in order to be loved? Only you can answer that question.

It’s possible that you’re trying to do too much. If look at the days you spend working, you may realize that too much of your energy goes to some very meager results.

Consider taking some time off to take advantage of life.

Why not go out for a nice dinner with friends, or even better, go on a little vacation? Try and let things happen.

You deserve time just for you!

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You’re usually full of energy, but this week you may not feel so vivacious. There’s nothing to worry about.

In fact, you may have the time to do some thinking about your personal life and what you expect to get out of your relationships. You might also want to think about how you intend to go about getting it! Perhaps some of your motivations have changed lately.

It’s possible that you could be in conflict with people of the opposite sex today. You may feel as if they put obstacles in front of you and slow you down. But instead of getting into conflicts that could eventually escalate into full-blown confrontations, try and ask yourself what they think you’re doing wrong.

Does your personality take into account both your masculine and feminine sides?

58 | 07.04.18

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

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

Am I cheating on my boyfriend without even realizing it? I chat to guys on apps, and sometimes things get heated, and even though we never meet in person, I still feel this is cheating. So, is it cheating if I talk to other guys online?

Sincerely Online Thrills Dear Online Thrills A really, really easy way of checking if this is overstepping boundaries is to put yourself in his situation:would you be ok with him chatting with guys online, and perhaps even getting off with them (things getting heated, as you say)? Would you be ok with it? Or would you get jealous or upset?Then again, your boyfriend is not you, and he may react totally differently to the whole situation. This is a golden opportunity to actually talk about what is OK in the relationship – and what is not. In this instance, the only one who can tell you whether this would be considered cheating or not is your boyfriend, so no matter his reply, you need to respect it. So even though you may use online flirts to get your rocks off, the consequence could potentially be that he wants you to delete all your apps. Or this could be the beginning of an even more open relationship. The focal point is that you need to build that trust between each other, and setting mutual boundaries is part of that. So, for now, get off the apps and get talking – who knows? New thrills may await from being more honest and open with each other.

I think I’m a good catch, and I go on plenty of dates with great guys – but way too often, I never get that second date. I am quite picky so every time I think that this is a perfect match. But busy schedules, being referred to the friend zone, and no spark seem to be the most common excuses (or whatever) as to why these guys don’t want to see me again. What can I do to get that second date?

Sincerely First-Time Offense

Dear First-Time Offense There is no set formula on how to snag that second date. So even though you have had bad luck, it isn’t you! Remember, when you go on a first date there is a multitude of expectations and aspirations that follow.

Not to mention the insecurities that overwhelm anyone in a precarious situation like a first date. So, in a way you are not just on a date with one guy, but all the guys he has already been on a date with – and the same goes for you! That can seriously mess with any kind of spark or chemistry that may or may not arise from the initial meeting. You also mention that you are picky, and that could very well be the issue here. Maybe your expectations could simply be too high for these guys, so maybe it’s time to widen the net, and let go of your picky checklist when selecting date-worthy prospects. Be a little spontaneous and try not to go for guys that fit your perfect mold – you could be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are plenty of great guys out there even they aren’t perfect on (your) paper.

I very often get spontaneous and quite noticeable erections. It can happen anywhere, but especially at the gym when I get ready to shower, I get a full-on boner that will not go down, and it seems a lot of people notice it too.

Is this normal?

Sincerely Principal Erector Dear Principal Erector There is nothing wrong with getting spontaneous erections. They can occur even when you are not sexually aroused – and sometimes even the slightest turn-on can cause a boner, which seems to be your case.

You could maybe start to shower at home or at work to avoid the embarrassment, and underwear like briefs or boxer briefs do an excellent job of keeping things more contained. Other than that, you should be happy that you get these because they are a sign of a good health, good testosterone level, and a good sex drive. So keep it up (see what I did there?)

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

60 | 07.04.18

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