Peach Magazine Issue v2_i39 | OUT ON FILM edition 2018

Gays On Film How To See Yourself On Screen

Out On Film’s Eclectic Offerings Interview: Mapplethorpe’s Ondi Timoner

NGIT: Dating Dilemma

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From the Editor Get out the popcorn because this issue of Peach has cinematic proportions!

Once a year Atlanta becomes the Southeast center for LGTBQ cinema when the Out On Film festival rolls across the silver screens of the city. This year more than 120 LGBTQ-themed films, shorts, and docs will be presented in the course of the 11 days the festival goes. That also means that, for once, there is plenty of representation to find for the LGBTQ community, which is still pretty hard to find in mainstream cinema - something Scott King explores in his column Gays On Film on page 32.

For this issue, we also worked closely with festival director Jim Farmer, who gives you a comprehensive guide to some of the major themes that have emerged with this year’s impressive lineup – see what you should see on page 20-21.

One of the movies that falls into the Retro Vibes category is Mapplethorpe – the biopic about the photographer whose homoerotic photographs of the male body made him famous in the 80s and beyond. Gregg Shapiro spoke to the movie’s director Ondi Timoner, and you can read the interview on page 14.

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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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6 | 09.26.18

Peach Night at The Movies Peach invites you to join us for a special screening of “Mario” on October 2 as part of the OUT ON FILM festival.

“Mario” is a film about a young soccer player whose hopes about advancing to the professional soccer league are shaken when he falls in love with a fellow player. The film stars Swiss actor Max Hubacher opposite German actor Aaron Altaras and explores the complex attitude towards homosexuality that prevails especially in the world of masculine-dominated sports.

The Peach Night at the Movies will be co-hosted by the All Stripes Fan Club, the LGBTQ group of supporters and allies of the Atlanta United soccer team.

About OUT ON FILM Out On Film is an 11-day cinematic journey of our lives, our culture, and our identity. The festival screens more than 120 LGBTQ-themed movies, docs, and shorts between September 27-October 7. Check out the full schedule and festival passes at outonfilm.org.

The What, When, and Where!

What: OUT ON FILM Peach Night at the Movies Screening of “Mario” When: Tuesday, October 2, 9:10 pm Where: Landmark Midtown Art Cinema Tickets and OUT ON FILM festival passes through outonfilm.org (individual movie passes are $11).

8 | 09.26.18

NEW GAY IN TOWN: Interracial Dating Dilemma

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.

One reason I was terrified to move to Atlanta was because of what I heard about interracial dating. I’d encountered guys from Atlanta when they visited Boston or Philadelphia where I used to live, and I talked to guys from Atlanta on dating apps. Every single one said that interracial dating was “taboo” or “rare” in Atlanta.

This terrified me. I mostly dated outside my race my entire life. I come from a diverse hometown where all my best friends were a different ethnicity.

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I went to college in Boston, which is a pretty diverse city in the sense that white people are still the majority, but there was a decent amount of people of color so that I could still date guys of all races, but mostly got with white guys.

I’d encounter black gay guys here and there for dates, and pretty much all of them were only into other black guys. Even going to NYC – the most diverse city in the country – I encountered guys who pretty much stuck to dating within their own race. My life has always been full of diversity. I love different cultures, backgrounds, and race has never been a prerequisite in picking out a partner. I was scared to move to Atlanta and feel limited to only one race.

I’ve been in Atlanta for over a year now, and the entire first year I only dated and hooked up with black guys. Even pretty much all of my friends were also black. Atlanta is definitely the blackest city I’ve ever lived in. It’s a bit of a strange transition going from maybe one of a dozen of my yearly hookups being black, to only getting with black men.

I’ve been hit on and approached by men of other races since living in Atlanta, just none of them were appealing to me. My type is big, beefy, brawny, butch, and bearded. Those qualities, especially in Atlanta, are more likely to be found among black men. The men of other races that were hitting on me were older than I’m into, too skinny, twinks, bottoms, etc. So dating only black men wasn’t my choice, but more so circumstantial to my environment.

I have missed diversity while living in Atlanta. I did feel myself constantly wonder when or if I’d ever hook up with a guy that wasn’t black again while living in Atlanta. Would I have to vacation out of town to experience a white guy again?

Finally, it happened. I had my first date with a white man. Chef Hungary and I met on Grindr. He just moved to Georgia from Maryland. He does live like 70 miles outside the city, which is inconvenient, but he’s willing to make the drive.

again after over a year of only dating inside my race. I felt a bit uncomfortable on our second date. We went to dinner at Joe’s on Juniper. The patio was filled with dozens of black gays, and I felt awkward there with my white date. I felt like eyes were on me, and I was being judged. I was not the only interracial couple there, but I’d never experienced this discomfort before when I lived in the North.

Race was never a factor or issue that I was conscious of while dating in the North. In Atlanta, it’s making me paranoid. I did try to avoid eye contact with anyone besides my date that night, but I did feel eyes on me when I did look around.

I’m not going to let my own insecurities of interracial dating in a new terrain hold me back. I’m enjoying Chef Hungary, so far. He’s been a perfect gentleman. Surprised me with flowers. He’s exactly my type.

We have a lot in common. After all, it’s cuffing season, and I’m ready to get cuffed!

We’ve had two dates so far, and it does feel a bit odd dating a white guy

peachATL.com | 11

Atlanta is Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBT film festival, opens Sept. 27 and lasts a whopping 11 days, spread out over three venues – the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, Out Front Theatre Company, and the Plaza Theatre. Peach ATL caught up recently with festival director Jim Farmer to get the skinny on this year’s line-up.

What are the big trends at Out On Film this year?

It’s funny – there are usually overt trends each season, but there really aren’t many this year. I’m happy that we have a big old all-you-can-eat buffet of movies. Our schedule is diverse and inclusive with films from around the world and from our backyard as well.

What’s sexy this year?

The Atlanta dancers from our opening night film “When the Beat Drops” are very sexy and know how to move. “Hard Paint” is sexy. The shorts program Sexy Silly Scary Funny includes “Penis Poetry,” which is exactly what you think it is. Matt Smith in “Mapplethorpe” is sexy and I think Paul Rudd is sexy as one half of a bickering gay couple whose lives change when a grandson enters the picture in “Ideal Home. “ And the soccer player romance/drama “Mario” – the Peach ATL movie sponsored – is very hot.

Anything else unique?

We have films for everyone, I think. I am a big horror movie fan and we have a gothic female lesbian werewolf movie called “Good Manners.” We also have a Horror Night Friday, Oct 6 at Out Front, with a women’s horror film – “What Keeps You Alive” and a men’s horror film - “Devil’s Path - followed by a series of horror short films. I am stoked about it.

Any guests that we should know about?

Jamal Sims, known around the world for his choreography and for being one of the couples who got married at the Grammys with Madonna and Macklemore officiating, will be in opening night for “When the Beat Drops” alongside the star of the film, Anthony Davis. Matt Montgomery, a very well-known actor, will be here for his directorial debut “Devil’s Path.” Mitchell Anderson, who now owns and runs MetroFresh, has returned to acting with “After Forever” and will be joined by his co-star Kevin Spirtas, who many people may remember from “Days of Our Lives.” A number of guests will be in for our Best of Men’s Shorts program on Sept. 29, including former Atlantan Justin Young with his film “That’s Me on the Right,” Timothy Ryan Hickernell with his “Foreign Lovers” film and Corey Camperchioli with his much discussed “Femme,” about a young gay man in New York having to deal with labels imposed on others and learning to find self-esteem. Among a lot of others guests, Jamie Chung of “The Gifted” is doing a Q and A after the AIDs drama “1985,” in which she stars.

Finally, why should people come to Out On Film this year?

Some people ask why they should come to an LGBT film festival when they can see gay films on Netflix, or other streaming devices, or even on TV. First off, some of these films will never make it to a Netflix.

Secondly, it’s an opportunity to meet and interact with some of today’s major LGBT voices and to see their new works. Finally, I think the experience of watching films by, for and about us is empowering.

Out On Film is a safe haven for people throughout the area/region, not just Midtown – and this year’s schedule is terrific.

Photo: IMDB

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Black and White in Color An interview with Mapplethorpe director Ondi Timoner

By Gregg Shapiro Photo: IMBD, Interloper

In a year when documentaries such as Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, RBG, McQueen, and Whitney are all the rage, it’s refreshing to see a biopic such as Ondi Timoner’s Mapplethorpe (Interloper). British actor Matt Smith, so well-loved for his portrayal of Dr. Who in the series of the same name, fully embodies and embraces the role of the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Timoner’s film follows Mapplethorpe after he drops out of Pratt Institute and embarks on his creative life in Manhattan where he meets and begins relationships with Patti Smith (Marianne Rendón) and Sam Wagstaff (John Benjamin Hickey), and ultimately leaves an indelible mark on the art world.

I’d like to begin by congratulating you on Mapplethorpe receiving the Audience Award for Narrative Film at The All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival (aGLIFF) in September. What does such an honor mean to you?

We worked really hard on it. I wrote and developed it over 12 years. We had to shoot it in 19 11-hour days. It’s quite an ambitious project. I’m grateful to the whole crew, especially (cinematographer) Nancy Schreiber, my DP, and Jonah Markowitz, the incredible production designer, and of course (actors) Matt Smith, Marianne Rendón, John Benjamin Hickey, McKinley Belcher, our cast and crew.

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Carolyn McCormick, who played Joan Mapplethorpe, and Mark Moses, who played the father (Harry). An incredible group of talented people came together behind this film, and that’s what it takes.

I’m glad you mentioned Matt Smith. It’s as if he was born to play Robert Mapplethorpe.

I know! It’s so funny, too, because it was my son who thought of it. Matt was Dr. Who, and later Prince Philip in The Crown. My son was a Dr. Who fan, and he said I should cast Matt Smith as Robert Mapplethorpe. He just loved Matt and he thought he was the best Dr. Who. I couldn’t see that, because I’m not a Dr. Who fan. My son was nine at the time, and I kind of poo-pooed it, as one would. And then, serendipitously, Matt’s agents called a week or two later. They asked me if I would lunch with him and consider him for the role. I was met with a man who had such mystique and tension and kind of a quiet disquietude, if you will. I hadn’t seen that in anybody. James Franco was cast to play the role and was attached for a couple of years. Even James didn’t have that.

Matt had something else and it was a lot like the character that I’d envisioned. I asked him to read. He would probably never read today, now that he’s attached to the new Star Wars [laughs]. I knew right then, that there could be no one else; like you said, like he was born to play it. That’s what he brought every day.

Robert Mapplethorpe’s relationship with his younger photographer brother Edward may be a new subject to some viewers. Please say something about the importance of making that a prominent element of your film.

I think that Robert’s relationship to his mortality, his relationship to fame in regard to his mortality, is a real driving reason why his brother is so important. His brother becomes a photographer in his shadow; is inspired by Robert to become a photographer. Edward was just dying for his brother’s tutelage, mentorship and love, which his brother very reluctantly provided for him, but never really let on that he needed him as much as he did. He (Robert) became dependent on Edward. When he becomes sick with AIDS and has a death sentence, he’s justbecoming really famous. He finally accomplished everything he dreamed of, which was, “If they love my work and they worship my work, then they’re going to love me.” That’s why it’s so important that the coming of age story with Patti (Smith) is in there. As he discovers art, he discovers his sexuality and that he couldn’t turn away from men. He was fascinated with what was then considered the underbelly, that which was deemed obscene at that time. He couldn’t turn away from it, and, in fact he found it beautiful. He was going to show it in its sculptural form, clean it up and put it in a studio, and make it (something like) Rodin and Michelangelo, so that we would all worship it. He finally accomplishes this, and you’re not famous unless you’re photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe, and then bam! Mid-`80s, HIV positive, and guess who’s going to live on with the name Mapplethorpe? There’s another photographer, his brother. That scene (in the movie) of the joint show is true. He does ask him to change his name. In fact, he demands that he changes his name to Maxey (their mother’s maiden name). Imagine how painful

16 | 09.26.18

(it would be) to be told that you have to change your name.

The way Matt performs that scene, it’s chilling.

Mapplethorpe, like the FX series Pose and Rebecca Makkai’s novel The Great Believers, as well as the new documentaries about Susanne Bartsch and Studio 54, takes us back to the 1980s and the devastation of the AIDS crisis. Why do you think the subject of AIDS in the 1980s has returned to the cultural zeitgeist?

I think we’re facing a massive epidemic right now, with the opioid crisis. I think we’re at another point where shame and isolation and the spreading of a disease that’s out of control has gripped this nation. I’m certainly thinking about that a lot because I’m currently in production – and taking a break to speak to you – on a film about the opioid epidemic. It took us a long time to address (the AIDS crisis) as a nation and in that time, a lot of people needlessly died, and that’s what’s happening now with this. We are not showing compassion. We are putting short-term profit over long-term sustainability in the health of our brothers and sisters in the world and in this country.

We are only coming around now, and we need to throw a lot more resources at this. People can go from being a drain on the system to being a positive asset to our society.

I’ve seen it again and again. I’m filming the positive side of the recovery more so than the darkest side of it because we’ve got plenty about that. The way that Reagan handled AIDS caused the deaths of so many people. That’s why he gets a little cameo in the movie (Mapplethorpe), a little shot in there as we go into the `80s. I couldn’t tell this story without telling the story of AIDS. I don’t know why it’s coming back like this. I don’t think it ever left. My freshman year at Yale, I took a class called The History of HIV and AIDS. That was the early `90s. I feel like it’s always been present. I feel like, right now, LGBTQ culture and rights are at the forefront. There’s more acceptance than ever before, but there’s a long way to go.

We are coming up on the 30th anniversary of Robert’s passing. What do you think he would he would have thought about the movie?

When I was writing the film, I actually felt Robert sitting next to me. One time, on set, I felt him, as well. I always felt his blessing about not turning it away. When I finished my director’s cut, it happened to be his birthday. I feel like that was a good sign. It’s had to conjecture. I’ve never made a film about someone who’s no longer here. That’s why I wanted to make a scripted film. I wanted to make a film that would bring him alive onscreen. My documentaries tend to be very unfolding, suspense-driven stories that you can follow where the serendipity of life happens. I film things over time and take people on a journey. I wasn’t able to do that with Robert because I didn’t know him personally. But I really tapped into his life. I wanted to make something for artists. I wanted to make something they could watch and be inspired to take on the impossible like he did. I see him as an impossible visionary and I wanted to honor that. In many ways, in the face of fear, he became fearless. I think he would like it.

Mapplethorpe screens at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday, October 6 at 9 pm.

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Eclectic Offerings

Themes of this year’s Out On Film festival

By Jim Farmer One of the first things people ask me when the Out On Film schedule is announced each year is – what should I see? That’s a tough question. I like to think all our offerings are my babies.

I’m fiercely protective of all of them. I think this year’s line-up of 128 films (and a staged reading) is extremely eclectic.

Retro Vibes

Some of this year’s best films look back at the ‘70s and ‘80s. “1985” is an excellent drama about a young man (Corey Michael Smith of “Gotham”) who visits home during the beginning of the AIDS crisis. It’s a subtle, heartbreaking work also starring Virginia Madsen, Michael Chiklis, and Jamie Chung. “Studio 54” takes a look at the infamous New York nightclub that hosted every A-lister imaginable, as well as its co-owners, Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell, two friends from Brooklyn. “Doctor Who’s” Matt Smith (in a remarkable performance) appears in “Mapplethorpe,” about the legendary gay photographer who pushed the boundaries with his bold work. In “Canary,” a young man from South Africa, circa 1985, who worships Boy George joins the military as part of the South African Defense Force Choir and Concert group.

As with “Mapplethorpe,” real life subjects come into play with Rupert Everett playing Oscar Wilde in “The Happy Prince” and Molly Shannon portraying Emily Dickinson in “Wild Nights With Emily,” albeit a Dickinson we’ve never seen before. In “Larger than Life – the Kevyn Aucoin Story,” Cher, Isaac Mizrahi and supermodels galore remember the revolutionary make-up artist, while “The Ice King” looks at the life of John Curry, the first openly gay ice skater.

The Sexy Factor

A lot of people want to know what the sexy factor is.

“Mario” (sponsored by Peach ATL) follows the plight of two soccer players who become roommates (and more) and asks the question if love is allowed in a macho sports zone.

“A Moment in the Reeds” follows an unforgettable chance encounter over the summer for two men. Paul Rudd playing half of a bickering gay couple in “Ideal Home” is unexpectedly sexy. “Hippopotamus” and “Penis Poetry” are both part of the Sexy Silly Scary Funny program and neither skimp on full frontals, while “Hard Paint’s” central figure is a socially repressed young man who becomes extroverted in chat rooms as he paints his body with neon.

“Sodom” pits the handsome Jo Weil with Pip Brignail in the tale of a one night encounter.

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Horrific

The most unexpected theme this year is horror. In “Good Manners,” a lonely nurse from the outskirts of Sao Paulo comes to work for a wealthy woman, serving as the nanny for her unborn child. Things take a major twist in this unpredictable gothic, lesbian werewolf movie. Out On Film’s first ever, Horror Night features two films and a series of shorts. “What Keeps You Alive” is a thriller about a married female couple who visit a cabin in the woods to celebrate one year together. It turns out that one of the women is not who she claims to be. In “Devil’s Path,” prolific gay actor Matt Montgomery turns to directing in a suspenseful story of two men who get caught up in a murder in a gay cruising park.

Theater Lovers

Lovers of the theater will cotton to “Every Act of Life,” about legendary playwright Terrence McNally, the man behind such shows as “Love! Valour! Compassion” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” It’s enjoyable with interviews with the likes of Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Edie Falco, and Nathan Lane. Theater lovers will also enjoy a special event at Out On Film this year – a staged reading of the play “The Laramie Project” directed by Chad Darnell and featuring an all-star cast including Stephen Moyer of “The Gifted” and “True Blood,” and Randy Havens from “Stranger Things.”

Big Drama

Dramas with big hearts include “After Forever,” in which Mitchell Anderson returns to acting, the lovely “Friends in Law” and “Evening Shadows,” both of which feature mother figures who are unforgettable. For the ladies, there’s the nostalgic “Snapshots” and the award-winning “For Izzy.” “Riot” looks at a StoneWall-esque moment in Australia, while “Dykes, Camera Action” is an adorable documentary in which female filmmakers look at their queer identity through film.

Trans Features

Terrific trans features include local director T. Cooper’s “Man Made,” “TransMilitary,” a look at the personal and professional crises of four transgender individuals in the military, the haunting “Call Her Ganda,”about a mother’s fight to see the man who killed her transgender daughter get the jail time he deserves, the infectiously entertaining “TransGreek,” and “Venus,” about a transgender man who realizes he has a son. History buffs should love “ Cherry Grove Stories” and “50 Years of Fabulous” and drag is a huge part of “The Queens” and “Tucked.”

For Laughs

Need some laughs? Try the farcical “My Big Gay Italian Wedding.” “Freelancers Anonymous” is a screwball comedy about a woman who quits her job and joins forces with a ragtag team, all while juggling wedding plans with her girlfriend. “Two in the Bush – A Love Story” finds a recently dumped woman finding herself drawn to both a man and a woman who are themselves a couple, while “Ideal Home” has some broad, bawdy moments. “Femme” from Best of Men’s Shorts is a hysterical look at labels and self-esteem.

Jim Farmer is the festival director of Out On Film and has been coordinating the film festival since 2008. He is a graduate of University of Georgia, and also works as an arts and entertainment writer.

A full list can be found on www.outonfilm.org Photo: PR, IMDB peachATL.com | 21

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24,372 Backpacks Donated Since We Started

See you next year!

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING Yoga & Live Music, Car & Motorcyle Show - Lambda Car Club Comedy Showcase, AIDS Memorial Quilt, Poetry Slam, Sobriety Meetup Youth Liberation Space, Trans March, Dyke March, Shooting Stars Cabaret, Queer Your Gender Dance Party, Outworlders Gaymer Space, 18th Annual Atlanta Pride Brunch, Gray Pride, Family Fun Zone SWEET TEA: A Queer Variety Show, Starlight Cabaret FOR A FULL SCHEDULE AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERS PLEASE VISIT ATLANTAPRIDE.ORG.

OCTOBER12-14,2018 atlantapride.org

Antonio is from Guanajuato, Mexico, and he has lived two years in Atlanta. He studied law back in Mexico, but now he works in construction. His hobbies are going to the gym and spending time with his friends and boyfriend. Antonio also loves food, cooking, meeting new people, and going out to concerts – preferably Taylor Swift of whom he is a diehard fan and even has a tattoo in honor of her.

Future plans include getting married and finishing law school, so he can work defending human rights and represent the gay community. Follow Antonio on Instagram @antoniogro1989.

Antonio Guerrero

30 | 09.26.18

Gays On Film

Or How to See Yourself on Screen

By Scott King Scream queens. Shower scenes. Fade to black. Taste the rainbow.

I grew up in the 90s. Ellen DeGeneres wasn’t gay yet, but I sure was. My best friend was also LGBT. We rented a lot of videos. It was analog, and we were real proud.

Our favorites were the films of Gregg Araki, John Waters, Guinevere Turner, and Todd Haynes. It was called the new queer cinema. It still is. For a taste of the old queer cinema, there was a little documentary called The Celluloid Closet.

Based on Vito Russo’s groundbreaking book, this documentary, while high-quality and star-studded, is, today, dated and depressing AF. It charts the depiction of LGBT characters on film (celluloid - the visual equivalent of vinyl), from the beginning of motion pictures to the mid-1990s. I don’t know if any of you are history buffs, but there wasn’t much good news back then.

For some reason, my best friend and I watched this film over and over and over again, rather than the exciting and edgy new queer classics. I think it’s because there is something comforting about looking at the recent past, rather than the very present present. With the contemporary, there is always the tension of outcome. If we look at the past, that tension vanishes. We know that the Nazis lost. We know that the dude at the end of The Maltese Falcon is queer and that everyone knows it and that it’s okay in the room. But still, it’s kinda creepy and sad. Awww.

So, why was this? Why were there so few depictions of queers on film back then, even if only to be relegated to the categories of bloodsucker, killer, or freak show? If you guessed that it had something to do with hegemony and straight white men, you win again. Winner winner chicken dinner! Straight 32 | 09.26.18

white men were running every literal and metaphorical ship in showbiz until the very end of the 20th century.

There were gays in hair and makeup. There were gays in the mafia. But there were no gays in charge.

That all changed with David Geffen. Geffen was a flaming blade of a media mogul and came out of the closet publicly in 1992. Elegantly, casually, but forcefully, David Geffen ushered in the zeitgeist of the gay nineties.

Interview with the Vampire? Super gay, but not explicit. My Own Private Idaho? Super gay and explicit, but not mainstream, despite its starring two resplendent James Dean wannabes in Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix. Geffen’s record label, DGC records, signed overtly feminist and pro-LGBT bands like Hole, Nirvana, and Sonic Youth. They sold some records.

Then Ellen DeGeneres came out. Then Matthew Shepard was beaten to death. Then the Millenium happened. Then George W. Bush stole the White House. In the early 00’s, the gay community still did not know quite where it was headed. Wherever it was, it was nowhere near the wedding aisle, that’s for sure. The best we could hope for was another Emmy for Will & Grace.

Then, on June 29, 2007, two years after a little snuff film called Brokeback Mountain didn’t win the Oscar, the first Apple iPhone was released. The rest, as they say, is gay history.

Facebook, Twitter and then Instagram flourished on this new pocket-sized platform. Yes, Uncle Scott and some of his friends can remember a time when you had to walk all the way to the computer lab to check your Facebook. Oh my god, gurl, he poked me back!

Continued on pg. 34 >>>>

proudly supporting our community since 1991! we love you!

Flash forward a few years, and every single person on planet Earth with a couple hundred bucks in their pocket has the opportunity to create their own universe. Their own media, their own movies, their own music, and their own reality.

We all know the downsides of this solipsism. The election of Donald Trump. The absolute loss of the expectation of privacy. The Kardashians.

Sometimes I think we forget, overlook, and underappreciate the upsides. There is a whole generation (and a half) of kids and young adults who have come up at a time in which they had full access to LGBT culture 24/7.

I am okay with them taking it for granted. I’m okay with them feeling entitled to it. It has made a better world for queer people. Not a perfect world. Not a utopia. Maybe not even a world as exciting as those black and white films of the early 90s. But, overall, a better world.

Because of technology and progress, everyone knows lots and lots and lots of gay people. And most straight dudes - who, for better or worse, still run the world - have seen a decent amount of gay porn.

As we progress through The Birther Decade, more and more dreamy Hollywood actors are out and proud. Many of them begin their careers out and wonder why it’s a big deal. YouTube and Instagram, inventions of the 21st century, have made many an LGBT personality worldwide famous. These net celebrities’ sexual orientation is part of their brand and charm, but it’s not all there is to any of them.

Why would they not speak their truth? That’s what branding is.

I call it gays on film. Your life, your reality, your artistry, it is now archived digitally and completely within your hands. Literally. And in the hands of others.

34 | 09.26.18

They see you. They cannot deny that you exist. They cannot tell you to stop talking about it. Because who on this planet doesn’t talk about themselves and who they “are” all the fucking time? We can argue over who in this Facebook thread is the actual snowflake, but no one can tell us, with any authority, to shut the fuck up.

Which brings me to the upcoming Atlanta LGBT Film Festival, Out On Film. As a romantic, I’m most looking forward to the Robert Mapplethorpe documentary, entitled, in a nod to the eponymous old world, “Mapplethorpe.” I hope there’s a Patti Smith cameo.

Other than that, I’m most looking forward to feeling shocked. And disgruntled. And uncomfortable. And cynical. It’s my point of view. It’s my perspective.

I’m a Gen Y Xennial whose cultural heroes are Courtney Love, Tupac Shakur, and Gus Van Sant. All three of those queens are totally old school. But still hip, as far as I can tell.

I embrace the ‘I can see Russia from my house’ generation gap of the watchword and the zeitgeist. I do not expect Millennials or transgendered people or anyone else to teach me about their culture or their viewpoint. No. I am entitled to nothing. But I will be buying a ticket and soaking it all in. And, in a relative sense, holding my tongue.

I’m also looking forward to the next generation.

There are teenagers out there right now who are filled with hormones and who are confused about the world and their place in it. They may be sitting there silently trying to figure out what it means to be a beautiful young queer person in Trump’s America.

I hope they bring their cameras.

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.

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Sept 26 – Oct 3

Amy Schumer at the Fox

Kinked – Hardcore Leather Night

The standup comedian and actress comes to Atlanta with her show that will serve you a mix of self-deprecating jabs, uncomfortable sex talk, and charmingly inappropriate insights.

Shine up your favorite leather, and get your gear out for a hardcore leather night sponsored by ALP-SEBB Events.

Cigar party on patio, shooters, demos, and lots of hot men in leather.

Saturday, September 29, 7 pm

Saturday, September 29, 10 pm

The Fox Theatre

The Atlanta Eagle

STAFF PICK!

HRC ATL Day of Action for Stacey Abrams HRC endorses gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in the effort to turn Georgia and Atlanta blue again and invite you to join their ATL Day of Action to support their effort.

Saturday, September 29, 12-3 pm 2605 Ben Hill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30344

Miss Atlanta Pride Pageant

Troye Sivan: The Bloom Tour

The pageant makes a triumphant return to kick off the October pride in the city. Celeste Holmes will host the show to crown the queen of this year’s Pride. All proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Pride Committee.

The out and proud singer is bringing his tour to Atlanta to perform songs from his latest album ‘Bloom’ – get ready for some melodic queer-pop and his unique depiction of LGBT culture.

Sunday, September 30, 7-11:30 pm

Monday, October 1, 7:30 pm

Midtown Tavern

Coca-Cola Roxy

38 | 09.26.18

GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES PHOTOS: Jay Malloy

40 | 09.26.18

BRIAN WAGNER Thank you for Being a Friend

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH 4PM

Ansley Mall 1544 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30324 Behind Publix

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

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Piedmont Park

on

11

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6 12th St. NE

18

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

2

10th St. NE

10

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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

42 | 09.26.18

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

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Piedmont Park BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd

32 33 34 35 36

Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

805 Lambert Dr. NE, Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 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

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

NE

.

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

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39 38

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

41

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Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

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25

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

35

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32

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Manchester St. NE

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22

42 L

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34

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30

Lambert Dr.

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.

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1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

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

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

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 | 43

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

44 | 09.26.18

atldragshow.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

flexspas.com

manifest4u.org

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

THE DEN

thedenatlanta.com

2135 Liddell Drive NE

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In Midtown off Cheshire Bridge Rd CALL NOW ! Butch 404.494.6696 peachATL.com | 45

10 LGBTQ MOVIES THAT SHOW WHO WE ARE

BECAUSE REPRESENTATION MATTERS! PHOTOS: PR, IMDB

Carol (2015)

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

All About My Mother (1999)

Weekend (2011)

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Paris Is Burning (1990)

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Milk (2008)

Victim (1961)

46 | 09.26.18

Love, Simon (2018)

Playmates and soul mates...

Call 855-566-4448

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peachATL.com | 47

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

I want to be the girl with the most cake Asking for a friend: When will this hangover go away? (Actually I’m asking for myself) Me: It’s chilly in here! I’m freezing!

Him: You just want to wear a scarf inside, you’re not cold.

I miss the days when everyone wasn’t such thirst buckets.

Me: It’s cold being skinny.

You should try it some time!

For each cigarette you smoke, God takes an hour of your life… and gives it to Cher!

My Uber driver may look like a serial killer, but I got places to be, so I’m getting in this car!

This hurricane is acting is acting like a deadbeat boyfriend – are you coming by or not?

Has it occurred to anyone that age is not a number, it’s a word!

I can’t possibly be the only one who reorganizes everything in pretty color patterns?

48 | 09.26.18

NO COVER

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

Careful with finances today. Hard work has paid off nicely, and you’ll be tempted to spend. Go ahead and reward yourself. In the past you’ve been stung by impulse buying, so spend your money on something sensible. That mounted swordfish head won’t look as cool as you think.

Houseguests (perhaps unexpected) are likely in your future -- you can expect a ‘We’re coming to visit!’ email soon. Whether they’re second cousins or friends from college, be graciously hospitable. You’ll be rewarded.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Flattery will get you everywhere today, as you find that handing out compliments will open many doors for you. But it won’t take long for people to figure out that all your grandstanding amounts to little more than serious butt-kissing. Then those doors will be hitting you in your own butt as you leave.

You’re like Indiana Jones today, ambushed at every turn, chased by marauding packs of mercenaries and forced to make acrobatic escapes from tight situations with daring aplomb. And that’s just grocery shopping.

Keep your head down, and make the best of it today.

Wait until you see what’s waiting for you at work.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Don’t sidestep issues today, especially in your relationship. Face them head-on, even if it leads to a dust-up. Out of chaos comes order, and sometimes a little squabble is needed to clear the air. Work through your problems as adults, and see it as a growing process.

You’re so focused on the big picture that you don’t see the stuff right under your feet that keeps tripping you up. This affects how you deal with men. You’re so fixated by Mr. Dreamy in the distance that you don’t see Mr. Right standing there in front of you. Narrow your field of vision today. You’ll be amazed at what you can see.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

You’ve a bunch of crazy ideas in your head. What’s even crazier is that people like them, and are giving you the resources to start developing them. Jump on this excellent opportunity, and follow through on their offers. Sometimes crazy is just another word for innovative.

Money is tight, and you may find yourself shopping at second-hand stores. You’ll be queen of the discounts as you cleverly find ways to save money while maintaining a semblance of the lavish lifestyle you’re accustomed to. It will take some legwork, and snafus should be expected. So what if that cut-rate hair dryer burst into flames? It only cost five dollars.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Today will be as chaotic as an old western town, with no rules of right and wrong, where the smallest squabble could lead to a shoot-out. You will be expected to pin on the badge, and restore order to this mess. But it’s a daunting task. Their guns are bigger than yours, and they know how to use them. It might be time to vamoose, cowboy.

You’ll be like a space-walking astronaut today, floating freely through the cosmos. The feeling of singularity and freedom will give you a Messiah Complex, and you may want to untether yourself from the mothership to be one with the universe. Don’t do that. Can you hear me, Major Tom?

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You feel the urge to experience something foreign today, without all the hassle of traveling. You don’t have to head to exotic places to experience the exotic, because the world is in your town. There’s bound to be plenty of foreign films, restaurants, boutiques and men right in your back yard to satisfy your sense of wanderlust.

Make yourself a good dinner today. A healthy and organic meal will do wonders for the waistline, and give you the peace of mind of knowing you won’t feel like a blimp in the morning. So rattle those pots and pans, set the table with candles and the good china and find someone to share it with.

50 | 09.26.18

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.

Is it just me or do people have no manners when it comes to breaking up? I’ve been seeing this guy, and for a while, there were subtle signs here and there, but we still hung out and had a good time together.

I thought this could actually go somewhere. After a few days of not communicating, he comes to my house, we share a homecooked meal (that I made!), he drinks my liquor, we have cute conversation, and then he proceeds to give me the ‘it’s-not-you-it’s-me’ speech and leaves! How does anyone think that that’s alright?!! Should I just toughen up and expect that in the future?

Sincerely Moved On Dear Moved On First of all, it is pretty clear that most people have much better manners when it comes to breaking up than this guy! We’ve all had situations where we react in the moment, but this seems a little bit more calculated than that. What a dick move to be honest, and I’m sorry you had to go through that. Even though break-ups suck, they still serve as a valuable lesson as to what you want in a future partner. With this one, maybe you should learn not to ignore even subtle signs, or perhaps weak communication is a no-go for you with the next guy you are dating? Take some time to heal and assess the situation – and do your best to come out on top of this situation! Because you know what? It was him and not you – and you are the one who will grow from this situation even though it may suck right now.

I went out with a friend, we went to the Eagle to hear this DJ, and even though the music was good, I was totally grossed out by the leather bears or daddies or whatever they call themselves. I just can’t relate to any of it. My friend got really mad at me when I voiced my opinion, but I’m just fine hanging out where there are normal gays. Does that make me a bad gay?

Sincerely New Normal Please 52 | 09.26.18

Dear New Normal Please No, it doesn’t make you bad gay – it makes you a bad person! The gay community is based on a few hard-won principles: there is no normal. Right after that follows the principle of inclusiveness, which means that this community strives to accept everyone for who they are. We are coming up on Pride in Atlanta, so why don’t you do yourself a favor and read up a little on why we celebrate Pride in the first place? You may party hard in Midtown, but the celebration stems from the hardfought rights to love who you choose and still fighting to be fully accepted in this world we live in. You should learn a little about that acceptance, and even though you may not identify with certain groups within the community, the same community is far larger than the bubble you have created for yourself. It’s time to pop it, and learn a lesson!

Through my sexual explorations, I have found out that I have a thing for smells - and I don’t mean perfume!

Armpits, pubes, underwear, and anything that emits a ‘body odor’ is a huge turn-on for me. I fantasize about even worse stuff, but I still want to explore this side of me – is it ok for me to be a freak like this?

Sincerely Mr. Pits Dear Mr. Pits What you have is a sexual fetish (which is actually called Olfactophilia). Sexual fetishes are more normal than you could even imagine, so you need to change your way of thinking, so you don’t associate your fetish with being a ‘freak.’ There is nothing wrong with having a fetish, and if you look online or log into a hook-up app, you will quickly learn that there is an enormous spectrum of fetishes out there. The same approach could also help you explore your own fetish more and find like-minded people, which again could lead you to people or places where you can live out your fetish. Have fun and be safe!

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

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