Valentine’s Day 2020 $45 per person
choose one selection from each course
first course BACON CRAB DIP with crisp pita chips LOVERS TRIANGLE bermuda triangle cheese, pickled mustard seeds, chocolate-covered almonds, french bread
second course 30 DAY DRY-AGED RIBEYE blue cheese rubbed ribeye, roasted fingerlings, char-grilled asparagus PAN-SEARED AIRLINE CHICKEN BREAST purple and sweet potato gnocchi, swiss chard, brown butter, parmesan STEAMED SEA BASS ginger/lemongrass fume, forbidden rice
third course vanilla risotto with balsamic strawberries dark chocolate raspberry tartlet
make your reservations at einsteinsatlanta.com
Contents
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
V4-05 PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925b Peachtree St. NE #168 Atlanta, GA 3030
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MANAGING PARTNER Brian Sawyer brian@peachatl.com
OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson Sales and Development Director
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jeff@peachatl.com
EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director
From the Editor
mikkel@peachatl.com Brian Sawyer
In a blink of an eye, February is here and ready to kick things up a notch with lots of events and happenings in Atlanta. Valentine’s Day is coming up, and as a little prelude, we spoke to Jerry Henderson, President of Joining Hearts, about their upcoming REVERIE Love On the Rocks event at the Frazer Center – a perfect way to get those cupids flying and share the love. February is also observed as Black History Month – a time to remember the contributions, achievements, and significant accomplishments of African Americans throughout the American nation’s history. We list some of the most essential facts about the observance, but also urge you to educate yourself even more on the importance of this month. Our celebrity interview this week is with Meghan Trainor, who marks her step into stardom at the Atlanta Pride in 2014, and the pop star also talks about her generous lesbian fans and tipping drag queens with Sam Smith’s money.
Graphics
Jessica Watson Graphics
SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com
CONTRIBUTORS Chris Azzopardi Mirza Muftic
That and so much more in this issue of Peach! NATIONAL AD REP
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The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.
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Calling All LGBTQ+ Businesses OUT Georgia Business Alliance (formerly AGLCC) kicks off the year with a largescale membership drive and networking event at the Coca-Cola headquarters. OUT Georgia invites you to the Coca-Cola headquarters for the organization’s first and free networking event of the year that will give you the chance to learn about how OUT Georgia proudly serves the community as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce.
WHAT OUT Georgia 2020 Kickoff & Membership Drive
WHEN Thursday, February 6, 5:30pm - 8:00pm
WHERE
Hosted by The Coca-Cola Company at its beautiful corporate headquarters, the event will be one of the largest LGBTQ+ and allied business networking events of the year.
Coca-Cola Headquarters 1 Coca Cola Plaza NW, GA 30313
You get the chance to network with numerous LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in Georgia while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and refreshing Coca-Cola products – and you get a chance to experience the Coca-Cola headquarters that have undergone extensive renovations during the past years.
Registration is free through Eventbrite (there may be a waitlist), and all attendees must be registered in advance to enter the building due to security. Walk-ups will not be admitted.
Registration to the event is free via Eventbrite, but due to security measures, all attendees must register in advance – no walk-ups are allowed*.
HOW
*At the time of deadline, there were only a few spots left. Registration may be subject to a waitlist.
About OUT Georgia
OUT Georgia exists to drive economic success for the LGBTQ+ business community and our allies and serves as the Atlanta LGBTQ+ leader and advocate for an inclusive business environment through networking, education, and business development initiatives for our members, partners, and sponsors. Learn more at atlantagaychamber.org. 8 | follow us @peachatlmag
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FREE HIV TESTING FREE PrEP LOW-COST STI SCREENING 678-365-4300 523 Church Street Decatur, GA 30030 PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org
That Dreamy Love OnBythe Rocks Mikkel Hyldebrandt Joining Hearts kicks off their annual fundraising calendar with Love on The Rocks that this year is themed REVERIE – a fantasy of how we can dream up a world where we lift each other up instead of bringing each other down. Peach talked to Jerry Henderson, President of Joining Hearts, about this year’s event and how they have switched things up once again. Love On the Rocks under the theme ‘Reverie’ is coming up on February 8. What kind of dreamy scenarios have you put together for us? We have partnered with a new DJ this year, as well as a new venue to switch things up. This year, the event is at the Frazer Center – what can we expect from the new venue? The Committee chose this venue due to the location and amenities that meet the needs of the organization, and we wanted to highlight the venue since it is a nonprofit as well and to give our guests a warm welcome appeal that they come to expect from attending our events. What are some of the highlights of this year’s Love On the Rocks event? Each year, our Host Committee spends countless hours planning and strategizing to make the experience fun for our guests. We have special entertainment in store as well as a live auction of items. We will have beats by DJ Eric James, delicious bites by Sun In My Belly, and specialty cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Our community needs our support more than ever to combat the stigma as well as the transmission of HIV. While other major cities are seeing substantial decreases in their rates, Atlanta rates are increasing at a rather alarming rate. We, as a community, must act now. We offer a variety of ways to support our organization. You can become a Patron where you get VIP access to all our events for a minimal cost that can be paid by various means or just make a monetary donation. Visit our website joininghearts. org for more information on how you can GET INVOLVED. How will the money raised at this event benefit our community? Every dollar that we raise through donations by way of admission sales and tips directly impacts our community to various organizations that provide services to those impacted by HIV/AIDs via a grant that each organization submits to the organization for review. Last year, Joining Hearts awarded grants to Jerusalem House, AID Atlanta, Project Open Hand, Hope ATL, and Lost and Found Youth. Get your last-minute tickets to Love On the Rocks: REVERIE, and learn more about how you can support Joining Hearts by visiting joininghearts.org.
Traditionally, you have revealed the theme of the main summer pool party event – will anything be revealed this year? Yes, we will be revealing the theme and DJs of the Main Event as well as other activities we have in store for the Joining Hearts Weekend. Save the date of July 18 for this always sell out event. If you can’t attend this event, are there other ways you can support Joining Hearts? 10 | follow us @peachatlmag
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Meghan Trainor Is Living Her Best ‘Yaaas, B*tch’ Life By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Hanna Hillier
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It’s not necessarily all about that bass. It’s also all about that time Sam Smith – yes, that Sam Smith – slipped Meghan Trainor some singles so she could tip some Meghan Trainor drag queens.
do love myself and my body. And I have been. I don’t know if you got a chance to see me on The Voice but I’m feelin’ my legs, and my butt was out.
Because even before Trainor captured adoration from the Grammy voting academy, who named her Best New Artist in 2016, the 26-year-old pop star had arguably already won an artist’s most valuable asset: the LGBTQ community’s enduring affection.
But there are times when you’re not as confident as your music makes you seem? I mean, I’m way more confident than I was. This career has actually helped me so much in that way, like feeling beautiful and seeing pictures of myself that I actually like. Being on camera and being on TV, I’m like, “Wow, guys, I’m pretty!” I say that way more. Everyone I think just works on it every day. But I definitely have learned a lot of lessons with this career; some good ones, like saying out loud how beautiful you are and saying you’re going to really believe it. If you just talk negative about yourself, that’s what your brain’s hearing and that’s what it’ll learn. So I try to stay positive.
Before dropping her third full-length, Treat Myself, Trainor rang to talk about the LGBTQ community’s influence on her new body-positive mentality, lesbians who want to go down on her for a very specific amount of time, and finally being old enough to go to the gay bars that play her songs. In fact, she got so much off her chest during our phone calls that at the end of our second one she raved, “Such great therapy!” When were you first aware of your LGBTQ fanbase? Oh, early in the beginning. “Bass” had just come out. (That Pride) Atlanta show (in 2014), I’ll never forget it. I had no fans, I was so new, and they made me feel like a superstar. It was, like, 9,000 people on this big lawn and just the coolest thing ever. I did that and a gay club in Florida, I think, in the early, early days and I remember that was the night this father yelled out, “You saved my daughter’s life,” and that has been with me ever since, because that’s not something you hear every day. I was so new and so not famous. Did you have this many queer fans as a kid growing up in Nantucket, Massachusetts? Not really, no. (Laughs.) A lot of people weren’t coming out in high school back in Nantucket that I knew of. I knew one friend that came out, but he came out when I moved away, so I never got to celebrate it with him. Now he dresses like a girl sometimes and he’s the prettiest woman ever. (The LGBTQ community) wasn’t as big as it is in Los Angeles, obviously. I love it though. I love being in a place where it’s fully accepted, and I keep saying this in every interview, but my entire team is gay. How did headlining L.A. Pride last year during the 50th anniversary of Stonewall standout from other Prides you’ve performed at? This one was really special on many different levels. It felt like a birthday that I’ll never forget. It was just so magical because my setlist was one of the best I’ve ever had: I threw in “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and that really got the crowd going, and I performed “Can’t Dance” for the first time and did this amazing dance with it (laughs). And the big reveal was my booty! My butt was out and about, and the only audience I would be comfortable showing off my body and my ass for is my LGBTQ community because they accept and love me for who I am. I’ve never had more screams! It made me feel so confident, and like a queen. That opened up a whole world of: I’m gonna wear more form-fitting outfits because I
Did you ever struggle with seeing yourself on TV? I was worried with (hosting reality-TV music competition) The Four because I had never done a TV show before. But I can’t stop watching that show, man! (Laughs.) I watched it and everything that I did – I was a fan of myself watching myself. I’m so lame! I was just like, “Yaaas, bitch. Say what you feel.” And I was like, “Look how cute she is.” Just talkin’ as if I were a different person. I hope everybody can someday feel as confident as you do. I never thought I’d be there, so it’s great. How much has the LGBTQ community influenced the empowerment sensibility in your music? So much. I remember I had a show in Atlanta, a gay Pride event, in my early career and I never had so many screams before. I’ve never had so many people just wanting to make love to me. These women were screaming at me: “I’ll go down on you for 45 minutes!” And I was like, “Wow! That sounds like a treat.” Nobody’s ever said that to me, you know? I was like, “Wow, you’d do that for me?! You really love me!” That was just the best compliment I ever had. Treat Myself was originally supposed to be released in 2018, but then got shelved because you went back into the studio and basically gutted the album and restarted. Where was your headspace when you originally recorded the album versus when you re-recorded it? I think I was just like so in love. I mean, obviously: I was getting married. I’m still so in love. But I was just so live, breathe, sleep just Daryl (Sabara, Trainor’s husband). Like, this is my world. So when I was doing the songwriting I was like, “Guys, I’m really boring. I’m just madly in love and everything’s so great for me and I don’t have anything fun to write about (laughs).” Then I started writing songs with my older brother because he would just videotape every session, and from that he learned, “Oh, I could be a songwriter.” He actually wrote on every single song pretty much, and his love life is way more interesting than mine, so I started asking him about his life (laughs) and we’ve been writ| 13
ing amazing songs together. I was like, “This is fun and relatable and not everyone is madly in love.” I gotta write for my sweet single souls out there! Were you happy with the first recording of Treat Myself? Yeah, I love all my songs. It just feels I’m writing too much about one topic, and then pop music was drowning. It was fading away; it’s because hip-hop and urban was having and is still having a moment, and I love that because I’m a fan and it’s magical and so cool to watch. But it’s like, where’s pop? Where’d pop go? We sent “Waves” to radio because I was like, “I’m putting my foot down; this is my favorite song I’ve ever written, and I think the production is powerful.” It was my favorite music video I’ve ever done. This one I had no complaints about. And we heard, I guess, from radio, and they’re like, “It’s just so different; we’re trying to wrap our heads around it.” Like, what? Growing up, who were the artists who instilled confidence in you? Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls and Rihanna. I love Pussycat Dolls! Why the Pussycat Dolls? Their lyrics – which is funny, ’cause they’re like the best dancers ever. But their lyrics, “Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me,” like man, I used to roll around in middle school with that and high school and just be like, “This is my song!” Which song on Treat Myself are you most looking forward to your LGBTQ fans hearing? “Genetics.” It was the first song I wrote with Mike Sabath and Justin Tranter, who are like gods at writing pop music. I went in, actually, with this chorus and I was like, “Everyone keeps wanting me to write another ‘All About That Bass’ and I wanna just flip ’em off (laughs).” So I found another way of saying I love myself and what I got is: My genetics are pretty dope, and I do have great genetics from my parents. Their skin and their body shapes are just spot on. Like, I was blessed with an hourglass body, which doesn’t happen all the time, you know. So I was like, “Fine. Let’s give them a genetics song.” So I thought it was sassy and sexy and fun, and something everyone could sing. I wanted grandparents to hear this and be like, “You’re welcome, kids.” And then when I heard it I was like, “This is so Pussycat Dolls,” so then I called Nicole (Scherzinger). She was like, “We should have a sing-off.” And I was like, “Excuuuse me?!” She was like, “We should have a battle moment where we both sing our hearts out.” And I was like, “Da fuck – OK!” At the end, before the last chorus, you’ll hear two vocalists just ripping, and it’s me and her back and forth. And she wins. What was it like to have your manager, Tommy Bruce, who’s gay, officiate your wedding? 14 | follow us @ peachatlmag
It was everything because he knows me better than anyone. He delivered the opening words, and I always joke that I want them to let me have my Britney Spears microphone, like attached to my ear, and my team is like, “No, they’re gonna hear how winded you get sometimes.” And I understand that. But he showed up to my wedding with one of those, and he also knows how much I love T-Pain music, so he had it on full Auto-Tune and was like, “We’re all gathered here todaaaa-yyy-yyy.” It was so everything. It was the best. What is the most impressive drag performance you’ve seen of a Meghan Trainor song? Oh, man, I went to The Abbey in L.A. and I was there with Sam Smith and it was one of the cool points in my life. (Sam) gave me dollar bills because it was my second drag show ever and I was like, “I don’t have the dollar bills! I didn’t bring ’em!” And (Sam) handed me a stack. They did a few of my songs and it was just the best time of my life being like, “Sam, that’s my song!” and throwing all the money on them! What’s the story behind you wearing a unicorn onesie when you guest judged RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2017? (Laughs.) Well, I was in the middle of a tour and had that onesie because I was wearing onesies for our meet-and-greets. Instead of doing what everyone does when they dress up fully and do the glam, I was like, “Let me show my unicorn pride, let me show what I bring around my tour.” I thought it’d be cute. Now when I watch it I’m like, “Oh, why didn’t you dress up?” What was your first time at a gay club like? Well, I remember the gay club called Play (in Nashville) was playing “All About That Bass” and I was 19 or 20. I was like, “Let me in, you’re playin’ my song!” And they denied me. I was like, “Man!” I couldn’t show proof. It was just released and I was like, “You (put) my song on but you don’t know my face.” Later, I went back and I was like, “Now I’m back and in the VIP.” And surely you’ve sung that song at Play by now. No! But I did dance to “Lips Are Movin’” with a drag queen! And I remember they had a razor and they made me shave this guy’s hair off. Do you remember that, mom? That was the craziest time in my life. I was like, “Um, are you sure?” Hi mom! She says hi! This interview has been edited and condensed from two conversations. ** As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). www.peachatl.com
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Get Ready, Set, DATE!
Get Ready, Set, DATE! If you’re going beyond all the apps and the internet porn, and you are actually meeting up for a one-onone date, good for you! So, now comes the part where you don’t screw it up, right? Here are a few things you can do to help make it a successful first date. Although there’s no control of whether or not the chemistry will be there, there are plenty of other things you can keep under check. Like your pe-date grooming routine! Not only will you put your best self forward, but you will also underline your confidence, so a few of the first date obstacles will be cleared out of the way.
Shower (No Shampoo!) No matter how pressed you are for time; you should jump in the shower before the date. It’ll not only freshen you up but also energize you for the date ahead. Consider skipping the shampoo so your hair and scalp won’t be dry and be susceptible to frizz. Although there’s no guarantee that you’ll get lucky, a shower also freshens you up down there.
Trim You know that confidence you get after getting a haircut or beard trim? Well, get it for your big date! If you’re not due for a haircut, making sure that your beard looks tamed and trimmed (no matter how big or small) will give your face an instant refresh.
Trim This and That Ears, nose, brows, or anywhere where hair can grow wild and unruly! You don’t need to a full wax treatment, just make sure they’re in check. 16 | follow us @peachatlmag
Moisturize Make sure your skin is clean, well-moisturized, and clear-looking. What makes your skin look good varies from person to person, so maybe it is making sure to combat shine, reducing redness, or simply applying another layer of moisturizer.
Check Your Nails Nails are one of those things that most people find borderline offensive if they’re not clean and well taken care of. Nice, short, and clean nails are, on the other hand, one of the things that most people notice as a desirable trait. You figure it out.
Spritz Lightly An excellent way to boost your confidence is to spritz on a little cologne. But whatever you do, don’t overdo it! No one wants to get close to someone enveloped in a cloud of cologne! One to two spritzes on your torso that is then covered by clothing is perfect for a date situation. www.peachatl.com
As a part of our mission to help friends keep friends, we are opening our doors in 2018 to anyone needing to get their pet vaccinated and heartworm tested. Not only is this a great deal for you, it is also a fundraiser for PALS Atlanta!!
Vaccine Clinic Pricing Full veterinary exam - FREE Dog or Cat Rabies Shot - $15 Dog or Cat Combo Shot - $15 Bordatella vaccination (dogs only) - $15 Heartworm testing (dogs only) - $25 Full year supply of heartworm medication AND a full year of flea/tick preventative - $100 (requires current negative heartworm test)
CHARLIE BROWN BENEFIT @ AMSTERDAM ATLANTA PHOTOS BY SNOW
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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO SUPPORT THIS ATLANTA DRAG LEGEND - THIS IS WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER!
FRIENDS NEW FACES @ FRIENDS ON PONCE PHOTOS BY SNOW
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UP TO 50% OFF on DESIGNER BRANDS
“Best of Furniture Stores Atlanta 2019”
Inspired by the real letters between Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks spanning from 1899 to 1937, this fast-paced comedy asks: What is revolution? What does it mean to be at odds with the world? How do we fulďŹ ll our potential? And how the hell do we grow old together?
JAN 30–FEB 15, 2020
Tickets: $15 and up Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta
www.OutFrontTheatre.com
Alternative Dating The season of love reminds us single people the importance, and hassle, of dating. Cold nights are best spent with someone else’s body heat keeping you warmer than your centralized AC ever could. But I’ve heard many people avoid dating, and they share the same reason why: they can’t think of anything interesting to do on a date. I went on a sabbatical to discover non-traditional date ideas that are sure to bring that spark back to your dating life! My first stop took me to Istanbul, home of funny-looking homes. While staying at the W Istanbul Hotel I ran into a man who says he’s had many satisfying dates in his life. His secret? Dates! Yes, the delectable ingredient of the sugary ensemble that is the Turkish Delight. You can get dates almost anywhere, and apparently, they’re good for you! My new friend, Doga Dynamite, owns his own confectionary shop called Doga’s Delicious Delights. A family business based around date-flavored foods, the DDD shop offers many treats you can give your date to ensure a fun night out. That last line should in no way imply the dates are laced with anything!... other than pure sweetness. Doga believes dates are an aphrodisiac so they’re perfect for dates!
follow Mitzi @itsmitzip
My next stop on the journey of a thousand dating ideas was Mexico. Home of Mexico City and many other cities! I met up with a longtime friend I haven’t seen in ages to talk about dating. Maria Congresskova, a retired supermodel who’s sick of most people’s shit, tells me there is a rise in popularity with people going on dates during the celebrated Bull Run. “Most people these days like to just Bull Run ‘n’ Chill, if you know what I mean,” Congresskova mentions. This activity is sure to be exciting as the thought of being killed by a runaway bull really raises your adrenaline. If you’re approached by a bull and are able to fend it off, it’s been said your date is more likely to go on a second date with you! I rounded-off my travels with a scuba diving trip to the lost city of Atlantis. I found it interesting that most people, my boat’s captain included, don’t know where the city lies. I mapped it years ago. Upon our arrival, I dove into the watery depths of this grand place and sat down for a cup of saltwater tea with my good friend, and mermaid activist, Ariel Korhonen. A native to Finland, and the fathoms below, Ariel explains the best date she can remember was going scavenger hunting. She explains the excitement she felt every time her date would scoop up a metal object, or someone’s bones. It’s definitely an idea for the more adventurous at heart, but if you have the gills and stomach for it, you do not want to miss out on such a fun time. My friends gave me some of the more exotic and fun dating ideas, but they can definitely elevate your chances of catching that snuggle buddy you’ve been looking for. If you have some out-of-the-box date ideas, chat me up at any of the weekday after-hours clubs scattered around the city!
Yours in dating alternatively,
Mitzi Pennington is the self-proclaimed sex symbol and advice-giving-guru alter ego of Mirza Muftic. She came from humble roots of middle America and married into money shorly after dropping out of college. Her late husband’s fortune allows her to travel the world andhave a sense of enlightenment one normally gets from actually working for their money. Mirza has had none of those experiences in his life. On occasion, Mirza will perform as Mitzi around Atlanta. His other interests/day job include film editing, retouching, and stop-motion animation.
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@ ok_kyron
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Kyron has lived in Atlanta for 18 years now, and he works as an indirect agent for Verizon. He describes himself as a bit of a flower child and a full-blown humanitarian who likes to take care of others. His self-prescribed medicine is going to the gym to honor his body, and another way he expresses himself physically is being a go-go guru: someone who enjoys connecting with the music and spelling it out through body movements and emotions. Don’t miss out on this flower child’s gorgeous Instagram either!
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FEBRUARY MONTH OF MARDI GRAS MONDAYS COMEDY ON TAP $4 SLAP FIGHT DRAFTS TUESDAYS TRIVIA w/ DEWAYNE BAR TAB PRIZES $5 SMIRNOFF COCKTAILS WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS W/ NICH & ANDREW $2 OFF ALL JACK DANIELS SHOTS & COCKTAILS SHIRTLESS THURSDAYS W/ WILL & ANDREW $1 OFF ALL DRAFT BEERS $2 OFF WELLS 9-11 IF SHIRTLESS SOCIAL SUNDAYS W/ SHAWN, MOTHER & GARY $4 BON & VIV SPIKED SELTZERS 1544 PIEDMONT AVE, NE, ATLANTA, GA 30324 ANSLEY MALL BEHIND PUBLIX
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LEATHER SOCIAL @ WOOFS ATLANTA PHOTOS BY MH
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50 TH ANNIVERSARY ATLANTA PRIDE CELEBRATION
OCT.10-12,2020 | atlantapride.org
February 5 – February 12
Southern Sole Bootblack Weekend 2020
Love Is In The Air PALS Drag Queen Bingo
A whole weekend of bootblacking classes for beginner, Join Bubba D. Licious and the PALS queens (Erica Lee, intermediate, and advanced levels – plus a Saturday night Patsy Jon Benet, and Desiree Storm) at their Valentine’s party with DJ Daniel Weaver, who will be Raising the Bar with edition where they give lots of love, put on a show, and Southern Sole. Program info at southernsole.org. raise money for PALS. Tickets at palsatlanta.org. February 7-9 The Atlanta Eagle STAFF PICK!
Tuesday, February 11, 7:30 – 9:30 pm Lips Atlanta
Love on the Rocks: Reverie Joining Hearts kicks off their 33rd fundraising year with REVERIE: Love on the Rocks - their annual Valentine’s Day cocktail event. The theme is Reverie: dreaming about how the world would look if we spent the time lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down. Tickets via Eventbrite. Saturday, February 8, 5 – 9 pm The Frazer Center
Chunks of Love The Heretic is preparing to hit you hard with a weekend of massive parties that will keep you nailed to the dancefloor. First, Chunk on Friday night with Vicki Powell and Cakes, and Saturday with another edition of Glamorous: Love On Fire.
Oscars Viewing Party Join the Atlanta Film Society, Out On Film, Bronzelens, Women in Film and Television, and more for an Oscars viewing party. It’s going to big a big night on the big screen! The viewing party is free with RSVP and a suggested donation through Eventbrite.
February 7 & 8 The Heretic
Sunday, February 9, 6:30 – 11:30 pm Plaza Atlanta
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19
oe Dr
e. NE Piedmont Av
Juniper St . NE
Peachtree St. NE
3
Monr
Charle s Alle n Dr . N E
12 W. Peachtree St. NW
15
16
P o n ce D e Leo n Pl . N E
Spring St. NW
17
4th St. NE
8
13
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
4
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
BARS 1 2 3 4
Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends
6 My Sister’s Room 7 Ten Atlanta
Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE
10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S
991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE
clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
fitness
retail 8 Barking Leather
9 10 11 12
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
spa/bath 15 Flex Spa
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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
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When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com
Cheshire 23
ansley 21
idg
eR
tC ir .
NE
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
1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
Spa / bath 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 38 Eclectic Bistro
Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness
e. nt mo ed
d.
clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino
39
36 38
Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights
41
Pi
20
Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx
Av
ge Rd Brid hire Ches
28
25 r eB
E
35
24
BJ Roosters Sequel Tripps Woof's
42 The Den
26
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r.
Dr
Rd
BARS 20 21 22 23
40
32
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36
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on
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Mo
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Ch
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27
33
. NE
Pi e
29
idde
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31
IX
34
x Rd
Manchester St. NE
Piedmont Rd. NE
22
42 L
Fa
BL
Le no
30
Lambert Dr.
PU
St.
.
A l co
1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE
Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness
1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
NOT SHOWN
Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta The T
1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE
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
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO
1400 Northside Dr NW
ANSLEY
BULLDOGS
Dining
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
MIDTOWN
1447 Piedmont Ave NE
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
10thandpiedmont.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
MY SISTER’S ROOM
991 Piedmont Ave NE
66 12th St NE
einsteinsatlanta.com
mysistersroom.com
TEN ATLANTA
tenatlanta.com
990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T
modeltatlanta.com
EINSTEIN’S
1077 Juniper St NE
GCB & PLEASURES
brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE
BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com
1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A
Fitness
931 Monroe Dr
MIDTOWN
frogsmidtown.com
G’S
CHESHIRE
219 10th St NE
gsmidtown.com
HERETIC
HENRY’S
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
132 10th St NE
henrysatl.com
BJ ROOSTERS
JOE’S ON JUNIPER
2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
1049 Juniper St NE
bjroosters.com
boynextdoormenswear.com
FROGS CANTINA
465 Boulevard SE
hereticatlanta.com
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
joesonjuniper.com
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com
500 Amsterdam Ave NE
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SEQUEL
LA HACIENDA
Spas/Baths/Adult
TRIPPS
900 Monroe Dr NE
MIDTOWN
CHESHIRE
FLEX SPA
LAS MARGARITAS
76 4th St NW
1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Circle N
WOOFS
woofsatlanta.com
2425 Piedmont Road NE
lahaciendamidtown.com
lasmargaritasmidtown.com 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
flexspas.com
CHESHIRE
ANSLEY
ROXX
MIDTOWN MOON
1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
THE DEN
DEKALB
2135 Liddell Drive NE
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY
LIPS ATLANTA
thedenatlanta.com
atldragshow.com
3011 Buford Hwy NE
1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX
mixxatlanta.com
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S
oscarsatlanta.com
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
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LUXURY LGBT ALMAR RESORT TIMESHARE PLUS BONUS FOR SALE BEACH FRONT BEAUTIFUL BEACH HOTEL & FOOD CONTACT leonrri@hotmail.com
Massage Bodyworks by David $80 per hour 1st time $60 w/Peach ATL ad David cell 205-206-5218 cylondk1@gmail.com Located in Atlanta on Ponce De Leon Ave NE
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TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BLACK HISTORY MONTH
It is the celebration of African history and people Black History Month was initiated in 1926
Black History Month began as “Negro History Week”
Black History Month is also observed in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany
Several critics echo this sentiment saying black history is indeed American history
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It received federal recognition in 1976 by President Gerald Ford
February was chosen to coincide with Frederick Douglass’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays
Founded by Carter G. Woodson, AfricanAmerican historian, scholar, educator, and publisher
Founder Carter G. Woodson wanted to end the celebration as not to limit AfricanAmerican history to one month
The fact that the Black History Month is still celebrated underlines the need for the advancement of continued social change
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WE'RE HIRING WE ARE SEEKING Motivated, Hard-Working, Innovative People to be Our Next Superstar Ad Sales Representatives.
Playmates and Playmates and soul mates... soul mates...
Playmates and soul mates...
Jumpstart Your Career by Joining Atlanta's Newest Gay Media Company! One Year Sales Experience Required EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO
Jeff@peachatl.com
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Me: I’m doing pretty good in life
Text your Peach Pits to 540-30-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com
Him: Yeah, I’ve come to realize that I am too
Me: Except math – I’m not good at that
You tell me you used to have a crush on me? What am I supposed to do with an expired crush?
Him: I’m okay with that. If you’re 60% there, I’ll help you with the rest
Me: Great! I need that last 50% to pull through
Gays will see a man who’s married, straight, and has been dead for 50 years and think “that’s my type!”
200 thread count?! Why not just throw a bunch of razors in bed too
I’m single. But not as single as some of these married people
It’s flu season – so stop letting guys spit in your hole!
One minute you’re young and fun. And the next, you’re turning down the radio in your car so you can see better.
Remember when botox was so taboo? Now you bring it up and nobody even raises an eyebrow
ASKING FOR A FRIEND Can someone teach me the meaning of plethora? It would mean a lot
When someone says to me “great minds think alike”, I just look at them and think “you dirty bastard”
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CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22) A spat with your boss may leave you on the brink of explosion. Don’t allow professional problems to ruin your evening, though. Chant your mantra, take a few deep breaths and then follow them with some shots of tequila at happy hour with a few, very trustworthy coworkers. There’s no telling what you might say after a few cocktails.
LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22) You rarely make plans during the week because you like to roll with your after work moods. And besides, the good times usually come to you without much work on your part. Tonight is right for casual happy hour drinks that morph into a late night supper with someone particularly special.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
It’ll be like you’re hyper-charged with electricity today. That will make you extremely hard to handle for those who are attracted to you. Whenever they try to touch your voluminous power they will be zapped into nothingness. Kind of makes it hard to form meaningful relationships, doesn’t it?
You may be dealing with coworker problems, but let it go. The petty revenge you’ve been planning will only get in the way of completing that big project. And what could be better revenge, truly, than receiving a big promotion or raise because of the success of said project? Keep your eye on the prize and move on.
PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
You may have to start adopting fictitious names and phone numbers to keep guys from bugging you. You’re too nice to tell guys to piss off, and herein is the root of your dilemma. So pass out the old faux name and info today. Guys will be psyched when they see that they got Zac Efron’s phone number.
Expect your day to be like the arms of a metronome, constantly swinging left to right, pausing briefly at one extreme before racing back towards the other, never stopping anywhere in between. It could be a wild ride, and don’t expect the tempo to change any time soon.
ARIES (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
You will be ardently into the joy of life today! You see each moment as a blessing and you’ll want to make the most of all of them. What could be the source of such boundless bliss? Perhaps there’s a handsome man waiting for you in your very near future, and he’s not wearing pants.
You’ll be prancing and preening today, with so much high energy you’ll need to work it off somewhere -- so why not the gym? Let the stress of the workday roll off your shoulders when you break a sweat and ground yourself for the rest of the week with some deep stretches. Don’t forget to check out who else is working off some excess energy, though. You two may have more in common than you think.
TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Don’t let fast-paced people knock you off your game today. Some might call it plodding, but you prefer meticulous. In either case, you’ll be holding up traffic and not only because of the wide load. Did I say that in public? Let them know that rushing you won’t make you go any faster.
Today you’re feeling like a macho, macho man. You swagger with the confidence of a rock star yet with the refined manners of an English gentleman. You’ll be quite a catch for some lucky guy who doesn’t mind having his moon continually eclipsed by your sun.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
You talk a good game, but can you really hit the bulls-eye? Be careful of exaggerated boasts today, as some may challenge you on them. It’ll be cool if they dare you to make a killer cheesecake. But if they ask you to drop your pants you may not be so self-assured.
You may have to rally the troops with strong words of motivation. Whether they buy that drivel depends on how forcefully you deliver it. But you better start working it because the clock is ticking, and once they go off on that extended lunch, nothing will get done.
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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.
I am 25 years old, and I quite honestly have a lot of anxiety when it comes to dating. With all the apps and the hookup culture in the gay community, it is so difficult for me to gauge whether a guy just wants a hookup or if he actually wants to get to know you. And now, so many couples are opening up their relationship, which makes it even harder to figure out what they are into because all the lines are being blurred. I really want a deeper connection with someone, but I am both a little put off and a nervous wreck at the same time – are there really no genuine guys left out there anymore? I want to break my negative thinking, and I want to find love ultimately – but how? Sincerely Missing Connections Dear Missing Connections Regardless, it is always challenging to put yourself out there. The first step for you is to admit that you are indeed anxious about dating! Anxiety is perfectly normal, but the moment you let go of your judgment of having anxiety, you will also relax a little bit more. You’ll be more relaxed in yourself, which could ultimately be transferred to a date. Another thing you can do is to evaluate if the hookup/dating apps are hurting or helping you. If you’ve had it with biased preferences and rudeness from strangers, then take a break – apps are not the only way to meet guys! If you do feel the need for an app in your life, stay clear of the sex apps and go for one catered more towards dating. Create a profile that is honest and realistic, which is the best basis to spark the initial online conversation with someone. No matter how you meet someone, start by communicating and get to know the person even before you meet up in person for a date. Some good indicators for you would be how good a communicator the other person is and how the conversation flows and such. And it is totally okay for you to voice your concerns and fears about dating. Being open and honest about feelings and expectations will create the basis for a deeper connection. Yes, dating can be time-consuming and anxiety-inducing, but if you put in the effort, it will eventually pay off. You know, most people ultimately want an intimate connection with someone else – a connection that transcends just hooking up. 42 | follow us @ peachatlmag
I have learned that I have the best sex with total strangers. Quick hookups, preferably nameless, get me off like crazy, while sex with someone I am into quickly becomes boring, and I completely lose interest. Will I forever be single and have fantastic sex, or will I be in a relationship where the sex is just mediocre? Sincerely Stranger Danger Dear Stranger Danger There is nothing wrong with sex with strangers. The thrill of it all is part of why a new partner is so exciting, and it is the perfect opportunity to let inhibitions go and really savor a moment. But sex with a stranger can be problematic if it means that you can’t really connect with people on an intimate level once the sex is over. If great sex is only experienced with people you don’t connect with on an emotional level, I would be worried too. Have you asked yourself what you feel when you have sex with someone you care about? Is it anxiety, vulnerability, loss of control? Could there be an underlying reason like a past breakup or an episode that is still taking an emotional toll on you? Once you start digging into what is messing with your inner life, you may be able to move past the issues you have with intimacy. This is also quite a handful, so you should really talk to a therapist about some of these things. That would be a perfect hookup for you and your feelings.
NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.
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