Peach v.2i.33

in the Groove

16

Things We Love About Madonna

Interview: Disco Diva Linda Clifford

More Than Being a Bar Serving Chosen Family Vibes

CONTENTS AUGUST 15, 2018

V2-33

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EDITORIAL

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

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From the Editor This issue is all about celebrating. Madonna is turning 60, and is likely to observe this new chapter in her life by releasing some new music – and we are here for it! Scott King lists the 16 things that he (and we all!) love about her Madgesty – read more on page 34.

My Sister’s Room has been a mainstay in the Atlanta gay bar scene for the past 22 years – and that’s certainly worth celebrating! In conjunction with their anniversary this weekend, we spoke to Jen and Jami about what it means to be the most important lesbian bar in the city, and how they work towards being a safe space and inclusive hangout for all. Plus we give a shout-out to the key employees at MSR, who are all serving those unique chosen family vibes.

Additionally, we have a disco diva, a new, hot Peach of the Week, and so much more in this issue cum laude.

Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS Jamie Kirk Scott King Branden Lee Gregg Shapiro

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Time to celebrate! 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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NEW GAY IN TOWN: Cuffing Season Pre-Season

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.

It seems like Slutty Summer is wrapping up early. It had a good run. I had my fill of lovers, adventures, and exciting trysts. August marks the end of summer, and we’re heading into fall, and fall means cuffing season.

Fall is the perfect time to get a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend to experience Halloween, my birthday, and the holidays with.

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I had one last year, but the relationship was off and on. Plus my ex tried to ruin every single holiday for me.

We fought on Halloween, Thanksgiving, he dumped me on Christmas, and we weren’t even together on New Years. I’m not going to have another man ruin my favorite time of year.

it. We’ve only known each other for three months, but I know I want him to be my boyfriend. Boytoy is cute, sweet, takes care of me, is always there to help me out, and makes sweet gestures for me that no guy has ever done for me before. We both have our faults, but I don’t doubt that I want to be with him.

Boytoy and I reconciled. I ignored him for over a week after he threw a tantrum about reading my blog and about my sexual encounters with other guys. We weren’t even official when my other hookups happened, so he has no right to get mad about who else I’m hooking up with. I also didn’t like the disrespectful way he was speaking to me, and I’m not tolerating another disrespectful and unhealthy relationship. I think Boytoy got my point that I was being serious about what I will and won’t tolerate, and knows not to make the same mistake.

My friend that just got out of a 5-year relationship and I were having a discussion. Every couple has their hardships. No long-term relationship is easy, and we all have our hurdles and hiccups to get over.

It’s just how we choose to handle to those difficulties, and if we want to overcome them or throw the relationship away because of them.

I also realized how much I missed my Boytoy. I do really care about him and possibly love him. I think I do love him, but I’m scared to admit

It’s hard when you’re young to know if it’s better to fight for the relationship or take flight. Being young can give a sense of there’s always a new man to replace the old one. Just every man comes with their own baggage and issues, so no new guy is going to be Mr. Perfect. It all just depends on which guy you’re willing to stick it out for, and what guy

is willing to stick it out for you.

Some people do choose to stick it out and fight for the relationship for the wrong reasons. People in relationships do have certain privileges and are seen as more accomplished than those that are single, so it’s not surprising why some people are desperate to be in a relationship.

Even when they know the relationship isn’t healthy.

I’m willing to give Boytoy another chance. I deeply care about him and want to see how things go. I’m enjoying our time together, and want to make sure this relationship goes a lot better than my previous one.

I made mistakes in the past, and know I can’t put all the blame on my ex. Every relationship is a learning lesson, and I’ve learned my lesson.

I’m fortunate to have found love again, but I want to make sure this love is healthier, more functional, and non-toxic. Plus I want to have an enjoyable holiday/cuffing season with Boytoy.

peachATL.com | 11

MSR started in 1996 in Midtown with owner Susan Musselwhite. After residing in spaces in Decatur and East Atlanta Village, MSR moved back to Midtown to its current location after Jen-Chase Daniels and Jami Atlanta purchased the bar. MSR is the longest-running lesbian bar in the Southeast, and one of the few remaining.

Peach caught up with Jen and Jami to talk about the upcoming anniversarycelebrations and the importance of queer spaces in Atlanta.

Photo: McCall Studio

How did you get involved with MSR? Jen: In 2005 I was working in a corporate office during the week and loved going to MSR. I entered a drag king competition – and won! – which became a regular thing for me. One night, I was handed the microphone, and although I was shy at first, I ended up loving emceeing and hosting at MSR! I eventually gave up drag but still love to emcee. Jami used to flip houses but wanted another direction, so when the original owner approached her about being marketing director to create flyers and an online presence, she jumped at the chance. When Susan was ready to retire, she didn’t want to pass the torch to anyone but us. And the rest is, as they say, history.

Tell us about the upcoming MSR anniversary?

Jen: We plan on celebrating the weekend of Friday the 17th with Kia Comedy, Saturday, August 18th, and Sunday, August 19th with big drag shows, DJs, and drink specials.

Sunday we have a water park and outdoor party, BBQ, and DJs hosted by Outsider Entertainment for a special edition of the Trois party.

How do you view the LGBTQ bar/club scene in Atlanta right now?

Jami: Jen and I work with other bars to create a support system like the Rainbow Pub Crawl. Atlanta has an enormous LGBTQ scene that is so much more than just the bars and clubs. I have been amazed at the mountains this community can move when we all work together. Even though right-wing politicians and evangelicals continue to vilify homosexuals, I believe our community is setting an example to the outside world that we are a positive force in the local community.

Why do you think Atlanta needs an establishment like MSR? Jami: Although we cherish the legacy of being one of the few “lesbian” bars left, our mindset has evolved to meet

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More Than Being a Bar

By Mik Hyldebrandt

the needs of a broader scope of the LGBTQI community.

There are no restrictions here if you are willing to open your mind and have a really good time. If you don’t like lesbians, this isn’t the place for you. It’s the same with gay boys, trans or any spectrum of the community including people of every color, religion, gender, etc. We are a place that insists on good vibes, acceptance, and no judgment.

It’s a meeting place for activist groups, and it’s about being more than a bar, but using our platform to create a safe place to meet and connect. We pride ourselves in being one of the most diverse bars in the country.

Why do you think queer spaces are so important right now?

Jami: First, I do believe our community still needs safe spaces. Not a place that “tolerates” our community, but that fully and enthusiastically embraces us. I also feel that queer spaces have always been a place to find people that we consider our chosen family. Also, just because we want equality, doesn’t mean we want to be apart of straight culture. I want to be with like-minded super gay people!

We are the most fun!

In addition, those who need these spaces are often the most disenfranchised in the community. Even if you feel comfortable at straight bars because you look a certain way or don’t “act gay,” there are others in the community that aren’t as welcome in straight places like our trans brothers and sisters or the ones that dress in a non-conforming way. There is also a responsibility for creating and maintaining spaces for them.

Anything you’d like to add?

Jami: Jen and I feel not only gratitude for the opportunity to provide a place like MSR, but also a heavy responsibility that we do not take lightly. We have big plans for MSR including growing and changing with the times, and we look forward to continuing another 22 years serving our community.

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Serving Chosen Family Vibes My Sister’s Room has been a favorite destination for Atlanta’s lesbian, LGBTQ, and gay-friendly community for 22 years. A big part of the bar’s success is the staff that embodies the sense of community and family you experience the minute you walk through the doors at MSR. Here are some of the people that make MSR a favorite and award-winning Atlanta bar.

Ryan aka Pussycat – Assistant Manager & Bartender I started at MSR in February, and I was greeted with open arms.

Jen and Jami saw the person I truly am, and it’s been history since. I am very outgoing, super attentive, always striving to have the best possible time and outcome in everysituation. My passion is to make people laugh and simply have a good time. I have never in my life blended in with a crowd, and at MSR that’s actually something they value. I can and will only ever be myself, which has always been accepted there. Every job has its ups and downs but to work for a bar and owners that accept you for you truly makes the work environment that much more amazing.

Alexx - Bartender Yes, that is correct, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you.

Double ‘x’ for double the fun. You can find me slinging drinks at My Sister’s Room on the weekends, and by day I’m a welder. After being around macho men all week, I love nothing more than the opportunity to ensure a room full of beautiful ladies enjoy their night out as they let their hair down and dance the night away at our club. My absolute favorite part as a bartender is, no matter what, we have the ability to change someone’s night or even week by simply taking that extra step to make my customers smile! Trust me; if anyone ever approaches the bar feeling down, the challenge has been accepted to ensure they walk out with that head high and loving every moment of their night.

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Dee Dee - Bartender I’m from Chicago, and I’ve been working at MSR for a little over one year. What I love most about working at MSR is that the owners welcome open conversation and allow room for growth. I started in the kitchen, and now I’m a bartender. I’ve done every job in the bar, and I love the flexibility.

Amanda – Club Manager Ten years ago I became a part of an experience that changed my life at the door of My Sister’s Room, where I had the pleasure of greeting everyone with a smile as they began their unforgettable night. From working the door to being a bar back, and then a bartender, it’s easy to see my favorite part of working at MSR is embracing the energy to be yourself without any judgment in a safe place that I get to call my home. Now as the club’s manager, I may have more running around to do, but I still have the pleasure of mixing drinks and sharing my favorite shot of fireball with all of you beautiful people!

Deb – Chef/Kitchen Deb is a one-of-a-kind veteran of spatula-wielding skills.

She possesses a certain air that brings harmonious culture and laughter to MSR. As MSR’s hidden gem she continues to bring joy to the community with the flair of amazing food for those late night alcohol induced cravings.

Natasha “Skyy” – Bartender Natasha, known as Skyy, is an accountant by day and a bartender at night. She is known for her hospitality and her phenomenal drinks – a lemon drop is her specialty. The Baton Rouge native has been bartending over 22 years in Metro-Atlanta. She started working the door at MSR in 2008 and then moved behind the bar to become one of the veteran bartenders and a big part of the MSR family.

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Tee – Front Door and Security Hello, my name is Tee, and I am originally from New York City. I moved to Atlanta about ten years ago and haven’t looked back since. I have been working at MSR for the past 3.5 years; I began doing security then moved to the front door person. I enjoy working at MSR because of the variety of people that come here and because of the staff here. We make every customer feel like they are part of our extended family. Here at MSR, I have made friends that have turned into family.

Philip – Bark Back and Security I’m Philip, and I’m twenty-five years old. I graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice in December of 2015. I moved to Atlanta in 2016, and I chose to begin working with animals at several doggie daycares around Marietta. I started working at My Sister’s Room in February 2018 as the bar back, and occasionally I help with security. I really enjoy working at MSR because it suits my personality, which is energetic and hard-working. I love the people I get to meet and work with at the bar - it’s like my second family.

Jill – Head of Security Jill is a longtime resident of Atlanta. She is head of security at MSR and has worked for them for over five years. In addition to working at MSR, she is a physical education teacher and coach.

She enjoys softball and plays on two teams; The Nightriders in the Hotlanta Softball League and Have Mercy in the Root’s Women’s League. She is also involved in her church, The Gathering Place Worship Center Atlanta. She loves working at MSR because MSR is like her second family and she enjoys interacting with and protecting people within the LGBT community.

Kia – Event Host Atlanta entertainer and activist, Kia Comedy, hosts unique and engaging LGBTQ events at My Sister’s Room. As a member of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, Kia says her ultimate goal is to foster unity and diversity within the LGBTQ Community! If you visit MSR on any given weekend, you’ll see that in action! The myriad that makes up Atlanta’s LGBTQ melting pot is reflected, not only in the crowd but also on stage and with the staff. Kia shares diverse events like this across the country by producing her signature “Lez Laugh” comedy shows and the “Andro Fashion Show.” Simply put, Kia Comedy is not just jokes

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The Disco Diva’s Diva An Interview With the Legendary Linda Clifford

By Gregg Shapiro As disco divas go, few are as down-to-earth, warm and genuine as Linda Clifford. Forty years after the release of her breakout album If My Friends Could See Me Now was released, featuring with the chart-topping dance club hit title track, Clifford is still hard at work, regularly touring as one of the First Ladies of Disco (along with Martha Wash, Evelyn “Champagne” King and Norma Jean Wright) and performing at various festivals and fairs. Four of Clifford’s most cherished albums, the aforementioned If My Friends Could See Me Now, as well as 1979’s Let Me Be Your Woman and Here’s My Love, along with 1980’s I’m Yours, have all been released in remastered expanded editions from Blixa Sounds. I had the honor of speaking with Linda about her career and the new reissues in late July 2018.

Linda, I’d like to begin by congratulating you on the expanded CD reissues of your albums If My Friends Could See Me Now, Let Me Be Your Woman, Here’s My Love andI’m Yours. What does mean to you to have these albums available again?

Honestly, it kind of jump-starts your whole life.

At one time, certainly when I was younger, and these things came out -- what was it, two or three years ago [big laugh]…more like 40 – you’re young and you’re out there on the road, this is so much fun. When you get a little bit older, you realize, “Wow, I had some amazing things happen and I did some great things.”

Now, I’m so much more appreciative of the career that I’ve had and the love that I’ve received from people over the years. It means an enormous amount to me and I’m so grateful to the record company, Blixa Sounds, and everyone involved in putting everything together.

In the case of If My Friends Could See Me Now, it was originally released on the late Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom Records, and Curtis produced a couple of tracks and played on the album. Do you remember what it was like to work with a legend such as Curtis?

I remember very well [laughs]. We actually toured together for a while. That, in itself, is really something. Curtis was like his music.

Photos courtesy of Blixa Sounds

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If you think back to the things that he wrote, a lot of it was laid back, but forceful at the same time. It had so much to say without being in your face. Like the music that we listen to today. That was Curtis. He was just the coolest guy, a cool cat!

Was your cover of “If My Friends Could See Me Now” a nod to your acting career, when you played a dancer in the movie version of Sweet Charity?

That cover version was an actual surprise. The song was mentioned by one of the secretaries at Curtom. She said, “You should do a disco version of this song.” Nobody knew that I had been in the movie. She said that to me and I wanted to slap her, “I will not do that!” Here I am thinking Shirley MacLaine, Gwen Verdon, Broadway, fabulous people. She wants me to turn it into a disco song?

I said, “There’s no way you can do that and do it well!”

They went ahead and recorded the track and they played it for me. I went, “Holy crap! This is great [laughs]!”

That’s my song!

On Let Me Be Your Woman, you performed disco covers of “One of those Songs” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”.

Please say something about what was involved in selecting standards to get the disco treatment.

I think that at the time we were on the lookout for not just a standard, but a good song with which we could do something. If you listen to the very beginning of “One of Those Songs”, we start out with “what is the name of that song that keeps me dancing?” and immediately you think of the clubs, Studio 54, the Red Parrot and all of the jumping New York hot spots of the time and everybody dancing, and that lyric just felt so right. Before we event went into the verse of the original written song, we wrote something new to lead into it. When you take a song and you want to change it around a little bit, you have to be thoughtful and careful about how you put it together.

(Producer) Gil Askey was a master at that.

“Red Light” from 1980’s Isaac Hayes-produced album I’m Yours was also featured in the Oscar-winning movie Fame.

What did it mean to you have a song featured on a best-selling movie soundtrack?

To me, it was amazing. It meant the world to me. I actually recorded the song for the soundtrack when I was working with (Oscar-winning songwriter) Michael Gore. I was seven months pregnant. I was like, “Come on baby, help me push these notes out” [laughs]! When the movie came out, my husband said, “Before you go into the hospital, you’re going to see this movie so you can see your name on the screen [laughs]!” We went to see Fame and I had no idea where the song was going to be placed. I didn’t know if it was going to be background music or something. When they started the film and the intro came up, I was like, “Oh, my gosh! They’re actually auditioning to my song!” It was incredible!

Did you ever have a chance to meet Michael Gore’s sister Lesley Gore?

I never got to meet Lesley. She had so many wonderful songs that I used to sing [laugh]. No, I never got a chance to meet her. But he was wonderful to work with.

Chicago, where you have lived for many years, was the site of the 1979 Disco Demolition at Comiskey Park. As both a Chicagoan and a disco artist, do you remember how that made you feel?

Devastated. I was devastated. I thought, “This man doesn’t care what he’s done!” Aside from putting all of us out of work and totally dissing a major part of the music industry, he destroyed (the baseball) field. To this day, he still talks about it like he’s proud of it. I never met him, but I think if I did, I’d probably punch him right in the face.

Of course, the ultimate revenge is that disco outlasted Steve Dahl in popularity and endurance. As proof, we have the First Ladies of Disco, in which you, Martha Wash and Evelyn “Champagne” King (and sometimes Norma Jean Wright) perform in concert. What’s it like to work with these fellow disco legends?

[Laughs] it is so much fun! There are no words to explain.

First of all, I’m like the mom [laughs]. I first met Martha in Italy when she was still singing background for Sylvester.

We were all there at the Venice Music Festival. She was such a baby and so timid. I’m maybe six or seven years older than Martha, so I guess that makes me the mom of the group. But I’m also the silliest. We laugh, we have so much fun, we enjoy what we do so much. People who come to our shows add to the enjoyment. They want to be there and dance and have a good time. We make sure they do. It’s a great night. If you get a chance to come to one of the shows, do it. It’s amazing.

Over the years you have amassed a massive international following, which includes a sizable following in the gay community. Is that how the filming of your 1984 music video for “A Night With The Boys”, came to be filmed at Trianon, a gay bar in Chicago?

Honestly, I don’t think so. From the very beginning of my recording career, especially with “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, one of the things that we made a point of doing when I was doing promotional tours, we didn’t just go to straight clubs. We went to all the bars. I made so many friends. In fact, the godmother to both of my children is a gay woman. Someone that I met during that period. I had an older brother who was gay. Gay doesn’t scare me [laughs]. I ain’t scared! I would perform in these clubs and not be afraid. What was there to be afraid of?

These are my friends, my fans and they love me. They would protect me. I’m not worried about it. Doing the Trianon thing was just a boost. It made people think, “OK then, maybe she is real!” I just recently performed at the A Taste of Lincoln Avenue festival in Chicago. The guys came out! They had the albums and CDs. I talked to every single one of them. I love all my fans; gay, straight, black, white or purple. I don’t care.

Is there a new Linda Clifford album in the works?

I don’t have anything right now. I would love to stick around. Music has been my life for such a long time. I just love doing it. Going into the studio again to do an album would be a real treat.

peachATL.com | 21

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Anthony lives and works in Buckhead where he is a stylist at Jamison Shaw Hairdressers. Before going to cosmetology school, he was a professional dancer and danced with Royal Caribbean Cruises and many other dance companies. He has been happily single for about five years, but he loves to get out there and meet new friends – and maybe someday that special someone. Follow Anthony on IG @ anthony_stylistjsh.

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A Win Is A Win

By Jamie Kirk

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

Let’s be clear, small or medium or large; a win is a win is a win. We have to get to a place in life where we don’t just make a big deal about things that have a huge impact.

Impact is a relative term and means different things to different people. When you look at how one thing impacts another, you have to consider the value that is placed on the outcome. We tend to sacrifice more, give more, and tolerate more for those things that will bring us satisfaction or happiness. Two similar people may have two very different views on how things impact their lives.

For example, a person that has been touched by the big “C” is likely to go to a fundraiser that helps fund cancer research. This event and those monies would be considered impactful to them. A person that has been touched by homelessness would be impacted by attending a silent auction benefiting the Jerusalem House.

Again, yes, anyone with half a brain knows both of these events are “worthwhile” but will have different levels of impact when attending and/or giving money.

When we celebrate, we should celebrate at the most individual level. It’s perfectly fine to celebrate with others, but the personal satisfaction should motivate the intent of the celebration. When we celebrate our birthday, the day itself is personal to us! How and who we celebrate with should be shared with others. When My Sister’s Room opened their doors, they had no idea of the impact on the community. The owners likely just thought “how cool would it be to have a bar that served good drinks, had good music and allowed folks to leave all their troubles at the door.” They likely didn’t do it for the money or fame that has indirectly come along with the club. As they celebrate the establishment being operable for 22 years, the celebration has to be in overcoming the obstacles at a deeply personal level, instead of celebrating the pomp and circumstance, which are downstream impacts of their efforts. Winning does not guarantee success and success does not guarantee winning.

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Celebrations are indeed fun, exciting and most often involve lots and lots of congratulations. The celebrations often involve looking at the bright side of the endeavor. Highlighting the parts that worked and downplaying the elements that didn’t. Graduations didn’t mention the classes that had to be taken over.

Birthdays don’t mention the years of being depressed and lonely because you were so far behind in life than everyone you knew. Weddings don’t mention the nights you both went to bed not speaking. Baby showers don’t mention the miscarriages.

As we really think about winning and celebrating, we would be remiss not to mention the failed attempts that prevented us from success. That is why it’s important to avoid comments like “that’s not a big deal” or “really, I did that ten years ago” or “I’m not really impressed.” You have no idea the battle that someone overcame to get them to the point to celebrate a small win. A small victory for someone could mean the difference in being in a wheelchair the rest of their life versus being able to be approved by their insurance provider to order a prosthetic. Someone signing up and completing a 5K is HUGE to someone that was told they would never live beyond 13 years old. In addition to judging their outcomes, you don’t even know the options they had to choose from.

Summer is in full swing; Madonna is turning 60, My Sister’s Room is reaching national landmark status. All three are great reasons to pop the bubbly, break out the streamers and just be happy. But in doing this, let’s just not wait for the big things to happen. Be happy that we had a car to drive to work or school today. Celebrate being able to wipe up the dog poop from your pet. Smile at the thought of being able to get all sweaty from doing 20 minutes of cardio. Rejoice at having the irritating neighbor upstairs. We have to learn to be happy with a little so that we can be MEGA happy with a lot. It’s the little wins that lead us to the big wins. ... and remember the more you celebrate your life, the more your life will give you to celebrate.

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16 1

Things We Love About Madonna

Fuck. Whether she’s being criticized for talking about sex too much or for adopting children from AIDS-plauged regions of Africa, M makes sure to engage with her detractors, but, above all, she tells everyone that if they don’t like it, they can all go home and smell her pussy.

2

“Vogue” at the ‘91 VMAs

3

The “Ray of Light” Album

Show us your ankles, slut! At the height of her incendiary fame, Madonna rocked the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards with a Marie Antoinette inspired rendition of “Vogue.” Having grown weary of burning crosses and expressing herself with a subversive sexuality, Madonna showed us that the only real drags are the ones who refuse to be a queen.

There is no Madonna record quite like Ray of Light. In fact, there is no other pop or techno music quite like Ray of Light. Immersive, intoxicating, and alternatingly joyous and introspective, this 13-song soundscape breaths life into the machinery of night.

Just when you counted her out, Madonna proves there is no substitute.

The “Sex” Book

Sex is not love. Love is not sex. I may have plagiarized or paraphrased this awkwardly curated tome of titillating sexual liberation a time or two in this column. Among her other accomplishments, Madonna is still the world’s best-selling gay pornographer. This was 1992. The gay and lesbian community was pretty much considered the scum of the earth at the time.

Madonna was our only mainstream champion getting the job done. Thank you, Madonna. A decent amount of these photographs are really fucking sexy.

5

Like a Prayer

Life Is a mystery. Faith Is betrayal.

Love Is a paradox. Jesus Was black.

34 | 08.15.18

Here are 16 Madonna ...

By Scott King

She Doesn’t Give A ...

4

On August 16th, we celebrate the 60th birthday of the resplendent pop star formerly known as Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. On August 17th, we dance at Mary’s. Last year the DJ played Deeper and Deeper into Burning Up. Need I say more? reasons

we

love

Photo:Shutterstock.com

6

Desperately Seeking Re-Invention

7

Absolutely. No. Regrets.

8

A League of Their Own

Summer 2004. I was living in Atlanta and working at the Agnes and Muriel’s on Monroe, like most straight guys. Madonna brought the Re-Invention tour to Philips Arena for two sold-out shows. I was too distracted by dick to pick up extra shifts to pay for a ticket. So, I got out of town and hung out with a bunch of straight people at a pool party. After sobering up and drying my gay tears, I drove home and stopped for Red Bull and cigarettes. This girl walked into the gas station, with pigtails, henna tattoos and a vintage Drowned World Tour t-shirt. She happily regaled the gas station attendant, her friend, with details about how brilliant the concert was. In that moment, even if I had been born a Martian, I would have known exactly what she was saying. I could feel the energy of Madonna and the music and the love and the beauty and the rays of light all over her, they radiated onto us like the truth in that fluorescent palace of convenience and sugar-free energy drinks.

I’m not sorry. It’s human nature.

This from a woman who has been to bed with both Vanilla Ice AND Mark McGrath. I wish I could say the same. Both to absolutely no regrets and to, well, Mark McGrath. He’s not as cute as the guy from Third Eye Blind, but who is?

A League of Their Own Madonna is my favorite Madonna. With her Like a Prayer brunette lewk still smoldering, her charisma in this film is infectious and inviting, and she is lit up by her new BFF Rosie O’Donnell. At the time she even read Rosie on The Arsenio Hall Show for not being out. Watch it on the internet.

It is the funniest example of hiding in plain sight that you will ever see in the analog world. There’s no crying on chat shows!

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9

Not suffering fools in interviews

Bitch, I’m Madonna. Don’t ask Madonna a question that isn’t a question. She’ll say, “What are you asking me?” This dude asked Madonna, in 1997, “How is your girl power doing?”

“It’s good,” she said. Next!

10

Ricky Martin

In 1998, I went on a school trip to Paris, France, during the World Cup. There was this pretty boy on the radio all day long singing, “Go go go! Allez allez allez!” We were like who is this queen who keeps telling us to go go go in all these different languages. Flash forward to September. I’m sitting at home in Tennessee watching the Grammy’s. The go go guy comes on stage, and the world goes la vida loca. Madonna wins four Grammy’s that night. Ricky Martin wins three. Backstage she kisses him hello and says, to the assembled press, “I just had to say hello to Ricky Martin. He’s so cute!” Bitch had already worked with him.

11

Truth or Dare

During her trek across the world with the Blond Ambition Tour, Madonna was the most famous woman in the world. This was 1990. So obviously she decided, that summer, to release a black and white independent film about her gay backup dancers. During the titular scene, two of the male dancers are dared to kiss each other. Those qweens couldn’t have gotten their lips together more quickly. The entourage goes wild.

Madonna, none too keen on being upstaged, shouts out, “I’m getting a hard on!” I cry every time.

12

13

The New Album

14

Justify My Love

15

What it feels like for a girl

16

Gay Pride

I know this guy. About a month ago we sat up all night on his porch and listened to this thing called fado music, of which I had previously never heard. I was enthralled. Turns out Madonna’s new record is going to be totally out of time and heavily influenced by fado. Twenty years after Ray of Light, M is about to prove once again just how hip I can be.

I can watch this video over and over and over again. It is the most satisfying of disappearing candy.

Turkish deliiiiiiiiiiights!

I almost had sex with a woman once. It was because we were in this hotel room with a TV with no sound and this video came on and I was dancing and acting out the song for her and then I fell on the bed drunk. Close call.

Nothing makes me happier to be gay than when a treasured Madonna song comes on and I squeal like a precocious revolutionary.

Thank you, Madonna. Thank you for your music. Thank you for your light. Thank you for appreciating the LGBT community way before we were deplorable. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in. Thank you for always being into the groove, and for all the fellas who were in the mood.

We L.U.V. you. We really, really do.

The Confessions Tour

I’m not married. I don’t have any children. The Confessions Tour in Hartford, Connecticut, my first Madonna concert, was the best two hours of my life.

Erotica, you thrill me.

36 | 08.15.18

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.

peachATL.com | 37

Aug 15 – Aug 22

Juicy Fruits with The Vixen

Madonna-Rama at Mary’s

JUICY FRUITS returns to the Heretic featuring The Vixen from season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race! Wear your most colorful and bold neon pops of color for the dancefloor and photobooth.

The Grand Dame of Pop is turning 60, so Mary’s is throwing a bigger and better birthday party in her honor. Come out and celebrate this gayest of holidays with an entire evening of her music served to you by DJ Headmaster.

Friday, August 17, 10 pm The Heretic

STAFF PICK!

Friday, August 17, 10 pm Mary’s

Rosé All Day Patio Party Join the Human Rights Campaign, Barcelona Wine Bar and VinoTeca for a rosé tasting for LGBTQ equality. VinoTeca sommeliers will be offering four types of rosé and Barcelona will serve delicious hors-d’oeuvres. Tickets through act.hrc.org.

Sunday, August 19, 2-5 pm Barcelona Inman Park

DEEP SOUTH featuring Manu Miran

GAGA LGBTQ Rally

Deep South is proud to welcome DJ Manu Miran to Atlanta for the first time! His hot beats with a Latin flair is sure to make this queer, underground dance party a must. Opening sets by DJ Esme (La Choloteca) and Brian Rojas (Deep South).

In order to prevent Atlanta’s diversity diminishing and to support the LGBTQ-owned businesses and venues in Atlanta, Gay Georgia (GAGA) is organizing a rally at the City Council Meeting. More info at Gagapac.com.

Saturday, August 18, 10 pm The Music Room

38 | 08.15.18

Monday, August 20, 12 pm City Hall

BAR WARS AT COWTIPPERS PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

40 | 08.15.18

A T N A L T A K OFF C I K L A I C OFFI

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M60 AT THE HERETIC PHOTOS: Brian McCall

44 | 08.15.18

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SUGAR AT LOCA LUNA PHOTOS: Brian McCall

48 | 08.15.18

- since 1997 -

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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 | 08.15.18

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

Pi

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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36

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31 er

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27

33

. NE

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

ul

IX

34

x Rd

Fa

26

BL

Le no

30

Lambert Dr.

PU

St.

.

A l co

1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

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

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

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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

MARY’S

MIDTOWN

amsterdamatlanta.com

1287 Glenwood Ave SE

AMSTERDAM

502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

ATLANTA EAGLE

marysatlanta.com

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

sisterlouisaschurch.com

CHESHIRE

SWINGING RICHARDS

BARKING LEATHER

1400 Northside Dr NW

805 Lambert Dr NE

BULLDOGS

Dining

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

MIDTOWN

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

communitashospitality.com

atlantaeagle.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK

blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

893 Peachtree St NE

friendsonponce-atl.com

466 Edgewood Ave SE

swingingrichards.com

10TH & PIEDMONT

MODEL T

991 Piedmont Ave NE

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

einsteinsatlanta.com

modeltatlanta.com

EINSTEIN’S

MY SISTER’S ROOM

1077 Juniper St NE

66 12th St NE

frogsmidtown.com

mysistersroom.com

TEN ATLANTA

tenatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO

ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

GCB & PLEASURES

brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

FROGS CANTINA

Fitness

931 Monroe Dr

MIDTOWN

G’S

communitashospitality.com 219 10th St NE

HERETIC

HENRY’S

2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

132 10th St NE

BJ ROOSTERS

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

hereticatlanta.com

barkingleather.com

henrysatl.com

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com

500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

bjroosters.com

joesonjuniper.com

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

1049 Juniper St NE

OPUS 1

LA HACIENDA

Spas/Baths/Adult

900 Monroe Dr NE

MIDTOWN

1931 Piedmont Circle N

CHESHIRE

FLEX SPA

WOOFS

LAS MARGARITAS

76 4th St NW

2425 Piedmont Road NE

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

CHESHIRE

ANSLEY

ROXX

MANIFEST 4U

MIDTOWN MOON

1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

ANSLEY

FELIX’S

COWTIPPERS

1086 Alco St NE

TRIPPS

woofsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

lahaciendamidtown.com

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

cowtippersatlanta.com

THE HIDEAWAY

1600 Piedmont Ave NE

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

MIXX

LIPS ATLANTA

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

3011 Buford Hwy NE

mixxatlanta.com

OSCAR’S

oscarsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

52 | 08.15.18

atldragshow.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

flexspas.com

manifest4u.org

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

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10 PERFECT TRIPS FOR YOUR LABOR DAY WEEKEND AFTER ALL, IT’S A THREE-DAY BREAK!!!

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P-Town for A-House Dance Club

SoCal (LA or San Diego) New Orleans for Southern Decadence

Cancun, Mexico

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Atlantis Labor Day Caribbean Cruise

Burning Man in Nevada 54 | 08.15.18

Toronto for Labour Bear Weekend

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

A best friend is someone you ask about what to text back

Oh, so you’re dating my ex? I’m eating a sandwich – do you want those leftovers too?

Him: OMG I may need another piece of tres leches!

Me: What’s that?

Him: It’s like a cake with 4 types of milk!

When someone asks how I’m doing, I usually respond: ‘Gay and tired’

Me: I know virtually zero Spanish but …

Isn’t it funny how you weren’t supposed to get in the car with strangers but now you order yourself a stranger on your phone to get in a car with…

I did not slap you. I just high-fived your face!

I swear some people must have been conceived through anal sex, because they are such assholes!

School is back in and my commute just got ten times worse - is education really that important??

Asking for a friend: is it premature to think about a wedding location when we’ve only dated for three weeks?

56 | 08.15.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

All those hours of hard work and overtime have paid off with a paycheck the size of Dolly Parton’s ... hair.

Take some of that windfall and spend it on yourself today. The world is your high-end department store.

Plan a well-deserved trip abroad, or buy some expensive possessions for your home. So what if you’re only there six hours a week?

Things may seem smooth, but problems with friends are simmering just beneath the surface. There’s a tension in the air that’s palpable, and it’s what’s not being said that is speaking volumes. Sooner or later things will reach a boiling point, but try to keep your cool today. Go about your business, but gather your allies; you’ll need them when the roof blows off.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Romance will come knocking today, and it plans on staying a while. Will you be ready? Check your look in the mirror, use plenty of deodorant and start eating those egg whites. Its flight has been delayed, but it’s on its way. And it’s coming for you.

Your partner has suggested opening up your relationship, and you couldn’t be more hurt or insulted. It may be time to think about your place in this partnership. It’s supposed to be one-on-one, not the one and the many.

Go off by yourself today, and ask yourself some tough questions. If you’re not man enough for him, surely you are for someone else.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Bigmouth strikes again as busybodies are very busy spreading gossip and rumors about you. There’s something slightly flattering about being the focus of such attention, but keep some perspective today.

Protesting and defending your name will only fuel the fire. Your true friends will recognize it as the idle chatter of empty minds, and pay it no mind.

Life will need a magnifying glass today, as the small details will present the biggest problems. Seeing the forest for the trees isn’t always easy; there’s always distractions lurking in the woods, and they’re rarely wearing clothes. It won’t be as hard as you think if you keep your mind on the minutia.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

You’re a true original. As such, some of your ideas are rooted in an originality that can only be called unique.

Okay, maybe the electronic dog walker didn’t quite pan out. There were people who thought Michelangelo was a kook, too. Keep the fires of the idea factory stoked today. Great minds think alike, and there are people who will be receptive to your ideas, and want to take them further.

Your discipline will be sorely tested today as a sexy, magnetic stranger tests your fidelity. He’s smooth and he’s suave and he’s oh-so persuasive. Look past the muscles, the tight jeans and the tired come-on lines.

The one who really loves you is waiting at home, and that’s where you need to be. Right now.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Your almost celebrity-like status has you the belle of the ball today, and everywhere you go you have hot men vying for your attention. Be careful of overindulgence, as there can’t be enough food, enough wine, enough everything. Get a little exercise in today. Too much of the good life will eventually settle in your waistline, and you can’t lose that boyish figure. You just can’t.

While others yawn while elders tell stories of their past, you hang on every word. There’s so much you can learn from their tales; they’ve been places and done things you only dream about. Live vicariously through them today by using their words to fuel your own imagination.

They could give you inspiration to write, or to travel to the places they’ve been.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You’re a practical guy, and sometimes there’s no room for spontaneity in your well thought out and deeply analyzed world. You bring these admirable aspects to your love life, and maybe that’s why you’re not having enough naughty fun. Drop your inhibitions today. Your pants might just go with them.

Throughout history people have used beautiful words to woo other people, whether an individual or a mass audience. Either way, it’s all about exposing your soul to someone else, and that puts you in a vulnerable place.

The risk will be worth it today, so tell Mr. Special how you feel. Write him a letter or poem that he can keep and cherish. Or eliminate the middle process, and just tell him.

58 | 08.15.18

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.

A friend of mine just went through a horrible breakup, and I was there for him to get through it all. Here’s the kicker: I am the one cheating with his now ex. They are over now, and so is the fling between me and the (double) ex, so is there even a point in telling him?

Sincerely Summer Lovin’ Dear Summer Lovin’ Unless you are emotionally numb, you would have to realize that this move was not a classy one. You are acting as your friend’s emotional support while you are actively a part of his misery in the first place.

You may just have reached a new level of being a self-serving ‘friend.’ You not telling your friend is only proof that you know very well, that this will likely shatter the friendship, and that you are the ultimate culprit here. My suggestion to you is that you distance from the whole thing and do a little soul-searching on what it means to be a friend – and a better person in general.

My boyfriend and I have always been a little kinky in the bedroom. A little leather, a little bondage, and a little BDSM have definitely spiced things up for us! But recently my boyfriend disclosed that he is interested in doing even more kinky stuff, and he revealed that he is into some really dirty stuff – and quite honestly, I am a little spooked by it! I thought we were already pushing boundaries, but his limits far exceed mine. How can I begin even to handle this?

Sincerely Maximum Restraint Dear Maximum Restraint First of all, you have to appreciate the fact that your boyfriend feels comfortable and confident enough to reveal some of his deep and inner desires to you 60 | 08.15.18

– that in itself speaks volumes. It is a natural reaction to be a little intimidated when faced with unchartered territory, so give yourself a little time to adjust – and since he has been honest with, you have the full prerogative to disclose your discomfort to him too.

Tell him you are a little spooked, but also let him know that you are taking some time to wrap your head around it. This is also an excellent time to engage in conversation about why these things (whatever they are) are appealing to him. That will also lead you on the way to understanding your boyfriend even better.

As you have already learned by exploring kink, you can get used to many things by mere exposure alone, so in this case, time is your friend. Educate yourself, talk it out, and maybe give it a go – but only if you are comfortable with it. Because one thing about being open and honest with each other is that either party has the right to say no and not be forced to anything they don’t want to.

I have been texting/sexting with this guy for month’s now, and even though we connect through our phones, it seems he is hesitant to meet in person. It has me thinking – is he even who he says he is?

Sincerely Chat-fished Dear Chat-fished Sometimes the text flirt and sexting is all it amounts to. If you really feel a connection with this guy, then be more adamant about meeting in person. You have his number and presumably photos of him too (at least body parts, right?), so there is a person out there. If he continues not to want to meet, may I suggest you shut it down and pursue other options? If you want an in-person connection, you shouldn’t waste your time on your phone.

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