Peach Magazine V4-18 - Let's Play by David Atlanta Magazine

Game Changers Immerse Yourself in These Accesories Supporting local Businesses One T-Shirt at a Time Patti Luponeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Goes to Hollywood Her Comeback During Quaruntine

YOUR WFH HQ

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE SPRING 2020 AVAILABLE NOW ABETTERBUZZBRANDGOODS.COM

PIAG - lgbtq+

Pea ch M

ia ed

Let Peach Media putLGBTQ+ Atlanta in Print

P�� M�� , ��, �� . W� �� LGBTQ-O��, �� , �� , ��, �� -�� , ��, �� . Call 404-814-3014 or email jeff@peachatl.com to hear more about what we can do for your business. Proud member

Peach Media Holdings www.peachatl.com

Contents MAY 6, 2020

V4-17 PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925b Peachtree St. NE, #168 Atlanta, GA 30309

MANAGING PARTNER Brian Sawyer brian@peachatl.com

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com

From the Editor

Brian Sawyer Graphics

There is no doubt that most of us are getting a little more screen time than usual because these times are pretty unusual. Video games have become a huge part of our lives, whether you play a simple game on your phone or engage in a full-on, online streaming battle - and right now, our video games have become a pretty significant distraction for us. So, we guide you to some pretty lovely accessories that will no doubt enhance your gaming experience, and we list those games that a lot of our readers are preoccupied with right now.

SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

We also have an interview with hot Helix model Seth Peterson, and we talked to Tom Landrus about his initiative to support local LGTBQ businesses one t-shirt at a time.

Joey Amato

And that is, as usual, not all in this issue of Peach – still in print, still online, and still here to support and entertain you!

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media

Mikkel Hyldebrandt

908.232.202

Editorial Director Instagram @hyldebrandt

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director IG @hyldebrandt ONLINE

SOCIAL

peachatl.com

At Distribution Points Across the City

FB:facebook.com/peachatlmag

The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

6 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

Supporting One T-Shirt at a Time

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

For more than ten years, Tom Landrus’ Big Frog franchise in Buckhead has created custom t-shirts and merchandise. Still, the recent pandemic has forced the business – like it has so many other small businesses – to refocus their energy and effort elsewhere. For Tom Landrus, that has resulted in a collection of custom ‘I Heart’ t-shirts and totes that celebrate and support local LGBTQ small businesses. Peach spoke to Tom about his initiative and hopes for the future. In these times of an ongoing pandemic, how has it impacted your business? Our business has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. A large percentage of our business is around events of some sort. The event business began to dry up in early March, which made March, by far, the worst month for us since we opened in 2010. Also, the uncertainty for the next months is causing more events to be postponed or canceled, therefore we had to change the way we market for business to replace at least a part of the lost larger event business. What have you done to adapt to this new world? Our employees, including myself, have been working remotely since the “Stay at Home” order went into effect. I had to reduce working hours and staffing as orders have been few and far between. Remote working brings its own challenges, but we have adapted fairly well to this. I have been the only one going into the store to complete the production of online orders, as I did not want to put the employees at risk. We are all spending a large amount of our time marketing and on social media in trying to bring in new customers and business during this time. We have a great online store tool that we are using more during the pandemic. It allows customers to purchase goods that we ship out to them, in most cases. Tell us about your initiative to support local businesses – how does it involve past and present LGBTQ businesses? We brainstormed ideas on how we could help other small struggling businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first focus

8 | follow us @ peachatlmag

was on LGBTQ businesses, but we have since expanded outside of the community. We came up with the idea of the I ♥ line. On April 10, we launched the fundraising program to help support local businesses. For every shirt sold, Big Frog Custom T-shirts Atlanta/Buckhead donates $10 to that given business. Big Frog of Buckhead is already helping a dozen businesses, as it has already raised more than $1,800 in a short period of time. We see this as only the beginning! Consumers who are wanting to purchase their own I ♥ shirt or custom tote bag to support their favorite local business can order at iheartfundraiser.itemorder.com/sale. This is a co-branded line with Big Frog Custom T-Shirts of Buckhead/ Atlanta for loyal customers in the community to show their support of these small businesses and their employees during this pandemic, and beyond. The goal of this fundraiser is the ability to sell hundreds of items, which will ultimately amount to thousands of dollars to support these local restaurants, bars, and other small companies in the area. We foresee this co-branded line expanding greatly to include many more local brands than those we currently are aiding. Anything you’d like to add? We don’t anticipate things getting back to normal for a very long time. There will continue to be a large number of displaced or furloughed employees that will continue to need help from sales of the I Heart items. Also, we see the I Heart brand continuing beyond the pandemic and can be used by the businesses to show support for the business as things begin to open up. Maybe a promotion for “Wear your I Heart shirt” in and get a free first drink or appetizer. Our goal is to add additional businesses each week to grow the fundraising support to help us all move through COVID-19 the best way we can. How can we get our hands on the t-shirts and merchandise? Go to iheartfundraiser.itemorder.com/sale to order your custom t-shirt or tote. If Peach’s readers have other favorite restaurants or small businesses, please email Buckhead@bigfrog. com, and we’ll be happy to reach out to them.

www.peachatl.com

HURT AT WORK?

CMY

#KELLIECARES! www.hensoninjurylaw.com kellie@hensoninjurylaw.com

Serving the Midtown community for over 15 years! Call Attorney Kellie Henson for your free consultation today!

404.795.5100

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deal with the insurance company alone -- let Kellie get you the benefits and settlement you deserve!

GAME Changers By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Whether you’re a solo player, a console conqueror, or online streamer, these accessories will all help to provide you with an even more immersive experience.

A simple and attractive rainbow design with mechanical and membrane keys will give you an advantage on the online battlefield. Razer Ornata Chroma Keyboard, $99.99 The curve of this monitor gives you a nice, immersive, almost 3D-like effect, and the resolution of the screen will enhance every detail. Acer XR382CQK Monitor, $999.99 If you spend hours gaming, you better make sure you have an ergonomically correct chair – like this ErgoChair, which doubles nicely as an attractive office chair. Autonomous ErgoChair 2, $389 With the upcoming release of PS5 at the end of the year, a new controller for your PS4 may not be top of your list, but boy, do they look good – and they’re possibly compatible with the PS5 too. Sony Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller in Berry Blue, $64.99 Comfortable, consistent, and wireless connectivity with excellent sound best describes this good-looking headset that you can easily use as your daily headset too. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset, $149.99 These glasses block blue light and UV light from your screen to relax your eyes so that you can play just a little longer. They can be customized to be your readers as well. Gunnar Vertex Reading Glasses, $49

A Comeback in Quarantine By Chris Azzopardi Photos courtesy of Netflix

In Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood, the wife becomes the boss, the “black screenwriter” is simply a screenwriter, and the gay leading man is just himself. Naturally, it stars Broadway icon Patti LuPone, who, in conversations like the one we had recently, thrives on brazen authenticity. In the seven-episode Netflix series, LuPone portrays Avis Amberg, the wife of a studio head, whose work is relegated to the kitchen. But not for long, thanks to Murphy’s 1940s corrective where power dynamics shift in favor of the underdogs and outsiders in this alternate reality, a fantasy depiction of Tinseltown’s Golden Age reimagined as diverse, inclusive and unabashedly queer. That LuPone, 71, portrays a grand Hollywood dame and housewife-turned-studio head – in, of course, only the most glam fur-fringed couture – should be no surprise given how she’s been commanding the stage through a variety of extravagant personas for a half century. In 1979, as Eva Perón, she won her first Tony for Evita; her second win came in 2008, for her portrayal of Rose in Gypsy. She’s also been nominated for roles in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, War Paint, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Anything Goes. On Broadway is where she was throwing back martinis in Stephen Sondheim’s 1970 musical Company, as Joanne, until the pandemic lockdown forced theaters to shut down. Now quarantined in rural Connecticut with her husband, Matthew Johnston, and son Josh, LuPone has been doling out delicious bits on social media. In one video she posted to Twitter, she channeled Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd., making a dramatic entrance from her basement steps (when Glenn Close got the role for the Broadway run of the show in 1994, LuPone said she reacted by trashing a dressing room). Other at-home videos of LuPone involve her giving aptly chaotic, hungover tours of her treasurefilled basement. When we connect via phone, I tell LuPone that she might actually be happy that, for once, this conversation is occurring between phone lines, not on Zoom. “You’re right,” she says, roaring with laughter. “It really is the Brady Bunch.” Do you have any more basement videos in the works? My problem right now is focus and structure. If I don’t do something in the morning, I’m in 12 | follow us @peachatlmag

bed till 4:30 in the afternoon. So my kid – we’ve come up with a couple more. We just have to get down to it. We have to get up in the morning and go, “OK, now we’re gonna do the video.” We have two plans. So we’ll see. The problem, Chris, is it has to be spontaneous. It’s the only way it’s funny. The day after my birthday when I was so hungover, I went, halfasleep, (slurring, drowsy) “Let’s … go … make … a … video, I’m ... re–a–dy.” (Laughs.) If it weren’t for COVID, you’d be throwing back martinis on Broadway in Company. So I’m happy to hear you’re still throwing back martinis – or something! Well, last night we had frozen strawberry daiquiris, but that was really the first time, because I was texting with a friend of mine, and she said, “Go have a daiquiri,” and I went, “You know what? That sounds like a good idea.” And we seem to have all the fixings for it! So my kid made daiquiris for my husband, himself and me. Then I had red wine, which wasn’t too smart. What I’m drinking a lot of right now is red wine. And I’m just trying … you know it’s really easy to let yourself go! Have you completely let yourself go? No! No! I’m holding it together. I have to! (Laughs.) Years ago, a friend of mine, when he was on unemployment, I said, “What are you doing, Tony?” He said I’m preparing for my comeback! So, Chris, I’m prepping my comeback! Let’s talk about Hollywood. Does it feel good to be part of a project that’s beaming with hopefulness in a time when hope seems harder and harder to find? Yes, yes, yes. And I hope that is translated across the board. It’s hard. It’s really, really hard. I mean, I’m having a hard time. We all are. I’m not unique. And my problem is, I don’t know who to believe anymore. I’m so confused by what everybody’s saying. It’s just … I just … ahh. And you can’t stick your head in the sand because any minute now we’ll be “hi Hitler”-ing (President Trump). So I’m just really confused. I’m confused, I’m lost. So how do you keep your mind straight? By drinking strawberry daiquiris? (Laughs.) How do I keep my mind straight? That’s the question! Because my problem has been structure, and I’m the kind of person that goes, “OK, you have to be on the set or you have www.peachatl.com

to be at the theater – OK, great. I know what my schedule is.” But without a schedule, I’m lost. I’m going, “I don’t know what to do.” I guess I am my work. For structure, what’s the first thing you do in the morning? I started working out remotely with my trainer. Just to do something, just to feel like something is done. And then as soon as the weather gets really nice, I’m gonna walk up our road, which is part of a mountain, and walk back down. And I have shows coming up, unless they’re going to be canceled, in January. I haven’t done them in a while, so what I started to do, because the weather still isn’t that great where I am right now, I’m listening to the shows that I have to sing in January, just to remember them. I haven’t sung them in a while. Then I’ll feel like I’ve accomplished something in the day and it hasn’t been – this is our lives! And our lives are being wasted! Not that work is the only thing, but if we can’t figure out what to do in the time that we have been given, that’s pathetic! It’s a blessing, really!

the statistics, and I would greenlight films and television shows that I thought were going to be beneficial for education and for parents as opposed to, “Well, that was a big hit; let’s make 9,000 more of those Marvel comics.” Is Hollywood the gayest thing you’ve ever been a part of? Is it? Let me think. Consider that pool party scene – all those naked men, penises hanging out. Yeah! And the thing that was kind of distressing to me when I was shooting it was: Why am I going home?! Why is Avis going home?! Yeah. Why doesn’t Avis get to go to the party? (Feigns weeping.) Why couldn’t she just sit there and ogle the penises? No. I go home early.

Didn’t you talk to Ryan about that? Trust me, I thought about that. But no, I didn’t. That was in the script and I went, “OK, I gotta leave the party.” But I’m trying to think – is that the gayest thing? Maybe it is. I’m trying to think of anything I’ve done. I can’t remember anything If you were running Hollywood right now, what that I do and that I’ve done. Maybe. I don’t know. changes would you make? I would listen to the artists, I would listen That party that Avis doesn’t get to go to – have to the writers. And I would not greenlight you ever gone to an industry party like that in pictures because of statistics. I would ignore your life? |

No. I mean, I’ve gone to pool parties with tons of When in your career have you felt slighted or like Broadway dancers who were gay, but they kept you didn’t get what you deserved because you’re their clothes on. a woman? Hmm. A lot of times. I would say the majority of That seems less fun. my career – not necessarily on the musical stage. Well, their bodies were incredible to look at, You know, I think I got what I deserve as far as but they were all clothed. Well, barely clothed! roles are concerned. I think I’ve had a varied Everybody had a speedo on! career. But in the development of them, I think that I’ve been stifled because I was a woman. If someone decides to reimagine your life in 70 The opinion that you have is not valued because years, what parts of it would you ask that they you’re a woman. That kind of stuff. I’ve always keep factually intact and which parts would you questioned authority and I’ve always spoken up allow them to reimagine? for what I perceived as injustice. Always. I think All of it! I think they should keep it all factually it’s just in my DNA. That’s just how I thought. intact! It’s been a rebellious life. And it’s been And it has nothing to do with being a woman or a interesting. I hope it’s not over – the rebellion man – it has to do with me being Patti. part, and the interesting part. No – they don’t have to reimagine anything. It’s been a lot of fun. It was different to watch you have that rough sex scene with actor David Corenswet because I was You’ve turned down diva roles in the past, like like, “Oh, wait – we don’t typically see this.” We one that Ryan offered you on Glee. Avis does don’t get to see a woman over 50 go at it in full have some diva qualities, though. What about view like you two do. her divaness made you say yes to playing her? Yeah! I hadn’t read any scripts when Ryan pitched it to me. All Ryan said was that I was going to be Did you relish that moment because for whatever the wife of a studio head stupid reason it’s and I would inherit the still so rare to see studio and make movies that onscreen? for gays, minorities and Yep, are you women. That’s all he told kidding? Gimme me. But Ryan is such a more Gina, as they champion, and I’m not say! I had a sex offered a lot of roles, and scene with Dylan I’m not going to turn down McDermott that Ryan or a role that he was rougher but offers me. He expanded that was cut! Yeah. the role for me in the That was sad. process, and of course (Laughs.) it’s the most stunning era for women. Every time I As we near would go to a costume the upcoming fitting, I was reeling with presidential delight because the stuff was stunning. You feel election, I was curious: What advice do you have so glamorous in that time period. I felt really, for LGBTQ people who struggle with the fact that really glamorous, and I’m just thrilled. some of their family members are still voting for I’ll tell you, even though I knew from a very early Trump? age that I was born for the Broadway musical Oh, I’m having a real hard time with that, Chris. stage, I was one of those kids who wanted to go I don’t have family members necessarily that I to Hollywood and be a movie star. Who doesn’t? discuss it with, so I don’t know if they do. But If you’re in the business, who doesn’t want to I have close friends and I actually had to cut be a movie star, especially when you go to a one loose. It’s heartbreaking. But I’m thinking of movie theater and see your idols up on the silver my own mental health and I’m not going to get screen? When I was 12, I saw Disney’s Swiss into an argument with anybody about that Piece. Family Robinson with Tommy Kirk and marched Of. Shit. I’m just not. I can’t. I have very dear out of that movie theater determined to go to friends; they’re Republicans; it’s really hard. It’s Hollywood and be his leading lady. At 12! really hard to talk to people. I don’t even want to talk to these people. To be challenging the patriarchy like Avis does – was that cathartic for you? This interview has been edited for space Yeah, I think so. Any time a woman gets to push purposes – read the full, unabridged interview back on any kind of male authority, it’s cathartic. at PeachATL.com. Push back and succeed. But I seem to have -done that all my life, just in life, and then in my career. But I’ve always kind of pushed back As editor of Q Syndicate, the LGBTQ wire because authority needs to be explained to me. I service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a need to understand, “Why do you have authority? multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl If it’s something you want me to do as a human Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work being, I’ll do it; but if you are authoritarian about has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity it, I need to understand why. Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @ chrisazzopardi. C

CMY

Grab a coffee, take the survey, make a difference.

Take the 14th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey

ÂŽ

LGBTQsurvey.com LGBTQ research helps non-profits, universities and businesses better understand and serve our community. Download survey results free of charge at cmi.info.

Your information is confidential, used for research purposes only. You will not be contacted for marketing purposes.

Proudly LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated A pioneer in LGBTQ research since 1992.

Summer Event Flashback

16 | follow us @peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

Celebrating 30 years of Pets Are Loving Support

Hosted by Bubba Dee

Prom Night

Drag Queen Bingo May. 12, 2020

and Erica Lee

For tickets visit our website www.palsatlanta.org

Erectile Dysfunction or Peyronie's Disease Got Yo

u Do

Newest PATENTED Process and Treatment Program

• Atlanta's Trusted Leader • No Drugs, No Needles and No Surgery • Fast, Safe, Effective, In-Office Treatment Program • Non-Invasive Solution Natu • Natural, Long-term results • Improves satisfaction and performance • Greatly enhances sensitivity

Call 470-747-8400 x-105 To Set Up Your Consultation With Our Doctors Atlanta Health Clinic LLC 2480 WINDY HILL RD SE, STE 404 MARIETTA, GA 30067

www.AtlantaHealthClinic.com

FLASHBACK - LET'S GET PHYSICAL EDITION

CARSON COWAN REALTORÂ® c. 404.998.9944 / o. 404.874.0300 / carson@carsoncowan.com / CarsonCowanRealEstate

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

18 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

FREE HIV TESTING FREE PrEP PLUS, low-cost STI screening 678-365-4300 523 Church St. Decatur, GA 30030

50 TH ANNIVERSARY ATLANTA PRIDE CELEBRATION

OCT.10-12,2020 | atlantapride.org

    

wedding & commitment ceremonies • thirty years experience within our community • in-house award-winning metrotainment bakery • sustainable, local, seasonally-inspired custom menus • experienced, friendly staff of catering professionals • extensive network of award-winning local venues www.epiceventsatlanta.com | 404.991.9128

Justin Kelley

Justin is a Georgia native, and he currently resides with his mother, for whom he is a caretaker, in a queer household in Edgewood. Although Justin is reasonably independent and introverted, he does have a flair for showy looks when he goes out mostly to Deep South events and Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Besides creating looks, other hobbies include gardening, biking, nature, sewing, and swimming. Justin also has a strong affinity for those who have paved the way for the more open life we can all live now, so, during Pride, he often holds something in remembrance of LGBTQ family lost.

@JayleeKeylee

22 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

3 Ways to Reach LGBTQ Consumers in the NewÂ Normal

Joey Amato

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has turned consumer behavior upside down, but in recent weeks, we have seen states begin to devise and, in some cases, implement their strategies for slowly reopening. Although this will surely be a long and tedious process, it is important that your business develops a marketing strategy to get ahead of the curve, for lack of a better phrase. During a normal year, corporations compete for LGBTQ buyers using traditional and sometimes antiquated methods, such as gay pride events and circuit parties. However, this year many of those larger events have been cancelled or postponed. And even if a pride event is now scheduled for October/ November, chances are that attendance will be lower than in previous years. With more than $1 Trillion dollars of buying power and a lot of disposable income, the LGBTQ community will most likely come out in force when the country reopens for business. History and research have shown that this community is one of the first to resume travel and shopping after periods of uncertainty. Without large scale events as an advertising vehicle, your business needs to think outside the box to reach these customers. Here are some ideas to make your organization top of mind for the LGBTQ community. Start

Marketing

Now!

If everyone waits until the country is fully operational, your business will be competing with hundreds of others for the same customers. Why not be one of the first movers in the space and gain a bit of an advantage over the competition? Start your marketing and public relations efforts now, especially since you cannot count on a pride event to reach LGBTQ consumers. Advertising in local LGBTQ media are relatively inexpensive and a great way to support the community. Yes, people still read print publications, especially in niche markets.

24 | follow us @ peachatlmag

Support LGBTQ Charities Sponsoring a gay pride event should not be your ultimate LGBTQ marketing initiative for the year. Yes, these events are particularly important to the community, however over the past decade or so, many LGBTQ individuals have noticed that corporations sponsor 1 event, 1 time in an effort to entice them to open their wallets. Savvy consumers have taken note and now would rather patronize a business that makes an authentic and long-term effort to support the LGBTQ community, all year round. National charities are great to support, but there are also many smaller LGBTQ charities in your city that need help as well. You may get more bang for your buck donating to local organizations. Trust me, the community will notice, especially in times like these. Designate an LGBTQ Liaison Some companies are lucky enough to have a person on staff who specifically works with the LGBTQ market. If your organization does not have this luxury, find someone on staff who identifies as LGBTQ or reach out to a few community leaders who can serve as a point of contact for the LGBTQ community. Better yet, create an advisory board which meets quarterly to discuss local community involvement. You would not have a Hispanic person talk on behalf of the African American community, nor should you expect a straight person to understand the wants and needs of LGBTQ people. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is important for your company to stay active and relevant. The companies who show support to the LGBTQ community during times of crisis will be the ones who will benefit the most when things return toÂ normal. Joey Amato is the owner of Agency33, a consulting firm specializing in LGBTQ marketing and public relations. He has spent over a decade in LGBTQ media and has implemented LGBTQ campaigns for numerous travel destinations, celebrities, corporations, and small businesses. For more information, visit agency33pr.com.

www.peachatl.com

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL AD - ONLY AT WOOFS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ABETTERBUZZ - GIVEAWAY MAY 20

You deserve Personalized Care & Individual Attention – that’s what we deliver at Family Health Care of Atlanta • Participating in many clinical trials • Certiied HIV Specialist, American Academy of HIV Medicine • 20+ years experience in Family & HIV Care SPECIALIZING IN DERMATOLOGY, STD’S, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, UROLOGY, PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

May 6 – May 13

Due to the ongoing pandemic, events on this page may be canceled or postponed on a day to day basis. Please, keep up to date by visiting Facebook pages and websites to keep yourself informed on the status of an event. Big Frog ‘I HEART’ Fundraiser for Woofs Show your love for at Woofs Atlanta Sports Bar and their amazing employees. Purchase an “I ♥ Woofs “ branded tee or tote the Big Frog Buckhead/Atlanta online store, and $10 of each purchase goes to support Woofs Atlanta. Visit iheartfundraiser.itemorder. com/sale. Friday, May 8, 9 am – 9 pm Woofs Atlanta

Drag Queen Story Hour The Atlanta Pride Committee has partnered with Atlanta Contemporary to bring us Drag Queen Story Hour with Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker. Bring the fam together (kids welcome too) and enjoy a drag queen story hour. Thursday, May 7, 8-9 pm Facebook Live & Periscope

Multiplay Tuesdays The Multiplay Tuesdays at the Eagle is tentatively back with their LGBTQ arcade and art gallery. Gaming stations include everything from Atari, TurboGrafx, NES, SNES, Genesis, NEOGEO, N64, Dreamcast, PS1, PS2, PS3, PSVITA, PS4, XBOX, and Switch. Tuesday, May 12, 9 pm – 3 am The Atlanta Eagle

GA Equality’s Lonely Cocktails Club COVID-19 got you feeling isolated? Join Georgia Equality’s Shannon Clawson for an online Cocktail Club where she will discuss the census, self-care, elections, mutual Aid, and how to find human connection over the internet. Thursday, May 7, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Facebook Livestream

OUT Georgia Virtual BBL: Perimeter OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly shares its Virtual Business Builder Lunch series as a great way to network on a smaller, more intimate level through Zoom – this time for the LGBTQ businesses in the Perimeter area. Register at outgeorgia.org. Thursday, May 7, 12 pm Agave Restaurant

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

Amsterdam Ave.

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

6 12th St. NE

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

10th St. NE

. NE

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

Monr

Charle s Alle n Dr . N E

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

P o n ce D e Leo n Pl . N E

Spring St. NW

4th St. NE

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

28 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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

www.peachatl.com

When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com

Cheshire 23

ansley 21

idg

tC ir .

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

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

36 38

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

ge Rd Brid hire Ches

25 r eB

BJ Roosters Sequel Tripps Woof's

42 The Den

BARS 20 21 22 23

hir

ll D

. NE

Pi e

idde

x Rd

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

42 L

Le no

Lambert Dr.

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 Louisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

30 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.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

Georgia Body Works.com Mobile Fitness and Massage “I come to you, so let’s get started!”

678-557-1780

Personal Training • Massage • Entertainment georgiabodyworks.com

Hannah’s Painting

678.850.1703 hannah.hannahspainting@gmail.com Interior | Exterior Painting Pressure Washing & more member OUT Georgia Alliance

ADVERTISE

HELP WANTED

FULL TIME DESK CLERK POSITIONS AVAILABLE

8-4pm and 12-8am

Please apply online at Flexspas.com

In Atlanta's premier

LGBT MAGAZINE for as little as

35 per week!

Email jeff@peachatl.com for more information.

Hot Tub and Swim Spas

60% OFF RETAIL AquaLivingStores.com 404-382-5329

10 games that we are playing right now Whether console, handheld, mobile, or computer, a lot of us are spending much more time playing games right now as entertainment or distraction.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Final Fantasy VII Remake Dead by DaylightÂ Allbad.cards Assassins Creed Odyssey Doom Eternal Red Dead Redemption 2 PUBG Mobile Merge Dragons PokĂŠmon Shield 32 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

WE'RE HIRING WE ARE SEEKING Motivated, Hard-Working, Innovative People to be Our Next Superstar Ad Sales Representatives.

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

Atlanta:

678-528-2525

18+ MegaMates.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re closer to Atlanta than you think! Get the details on these and other great upcoming events on our website calendar.

Membership Required *Must be 21 to Enter

The Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge is open and invites you to come, relax and enjoy an escape in the country. We practice social distancing and work to provide a safe environment.

RV Sites and Tent Sites Available! 706-213-6105 www.camptheriversedge.com

The Rivers Edge Campground, 23111 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose, GA 30634

Did you eat the whole apple Fritter? No, are you kidding?! E-mail your Peach Pits to mikkel@PeachATL.com

Netflix asking me if I’m still there when, honestly, I’m not so sure anymore…

Well, can I have a bite? No ... You ate the whole thing, right? Yes..

Paranoia has reached absurd stages – I sneezed in front of laptop and the anti-virus started a scan on its own

... ...

I hope you find HapPENIS this summer Asking for a Friend

Is it just me or is Justin Bieber now looking like Joe Exotic’s next husband?

Daddy Joke Alert

I know a lot of jokes about retired people but none of them work!

Now that I’ve live through a modern-day plague, I understand why most Italian paintings are just people kying around with their tits out 34 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22) Look at the big picture today as details won’t matter. Analyzing things will make them more complex than they need to be. Sometimes you just have to take things at face value, and that includes guys. Let your gut tell you if seeing is believing.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21) Money may not be coming in as smoothly as you’d like, so you may have to start cutting some corners. Only saving grace is that you have already cut back on your social life, and that is saving you some money. The bright side is that you are ready to get back into the social scene with a renewed luster and not just a s a tedious exercise.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Be tolerant of strange and unusual people today. They seem to be lured out in abundance these days, like the inmates are running the asylum. Learn to laugh with them and be overbearing of their evident double standards. They always seem so happy, careless, content. But then again, that may be the Xanax at work.

This could be a lucky day for you as good fortune smiles down on you. So don’t be afraid to take some romantic risks. Call a few guys you haven’t spoken to in a while and reconnect. You may find that some of them will be happy to hear from you again, while others still haven’t dropped the restraining orders.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

No wonder our flag is a rainbow, because there’s so many colors in our world. You’ll experience a sense of belonging to a more diverse group of people you would not associate with under normal circumstances, so celebrate that today – and when our normal lifestyle returns. It’s our diversity that makes us strong, and it’s our differences that make us united.

Tired of running the show, you may have to teach others how to take control over the Zoom meeting today. Sometimes people close to you need to learn how to think for themselves, and not depend on someone else. What happens if that other person is no longer there? It’s called tough love and they’ll be better for it.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Show some restraint when throwing money around today. Sure, you’ll be able to afford it, but are you being blinded by a fat price tag, a lot of bells and whistles, and the urge to shop as an outlet under the COVID-19 crisis? Bigger and better often translates to trashy and cheesy when money is in the wrong hands.

A warm and giving environment often promotes creative collaboration. And not just in the workplace. Show your partner some TLC and things could get quite creative. Sometimes long-term partners forget how easy that can be.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You shine like the sun, and you rarely share your warmth with just one person. You may be a man of the people but what you need is a one and only. So today, spread your light on a special fella. Everyone else will just have to get used to being in the dark.

You may have too much going on today, so take some ‘me’ time to just sit and visualize. Entertaining your fantasies can be a nice break in the day, and you may have to finish some of them when you’re in front of your computer – luckily, some fantasies are more easy to fulfill than others…

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

You may have to show your fangs to overbearing people today. With their drama and ignorant way, they’ll make your day a nightmare if you don’t. Flash your claws as well if needed – just do what you have to do to get them off your back and running for the band-aids.

Your virility could be put to the test today. You may want to throw yourself into the arms of a Daddy with a dominant personality, but you’ll need to find another outlet for your desires. So be a man and rise to the occasion by being responsible, stay at home, and delve into the Daddy Dom fantasies on your own..

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.

My boyfriend and I have been together for almost two years, we don’t live together, and right now, we’re doing a kind of a long-distance thing because of this shelter in place thing – and I fear we are struggling! We do get together occasionally – we have both self-isolated, so it’s safe to see each other – but when we’re together, things are okay but not exactly fireworks. But it is more when we are apart that I think something is off. More specifically, it is the sexting – or rather the lack thereof! At the beginning of this quarantine life, we engaged in lengthy sexting and phone sex, but that has completely subsided now. I hardly get an ‘I love you’ or ‘I miss you,’ and at times I have to wait for hours to get a reply. Is our relationship dying a slow death of not texting? Help me. Sincerely Digital Distance Dear Digital Distance In some ways, this social distancing is like a long-distance relationship – and they are almost pre-disposed of being complicated. But we do live in unprecedented times, and we all deal differently with our new world order, so first of all, you should give this some time and communicate with him about it. Maybe he is having trouble dealing with this new situation, or perhaps he is just downright lonely. You could also suggest that you become each other’s quaran-tine, so you shelter in place together even more instead of the occasional sleepover. Even though you don’t live together yet, this could be an excellent way of probing how it would be to live together for real! If you want more sexting, don’t just text him saying that you miss him let him know you’re horny, re-hash past sexual encounters between you, and use that phone to send him pics and vids!

I am sheltered in place with my boyfriend, and we are dealing with the crisis in extremely different ways. He is constantly horny and aroused and wants to initiate sex many times a day, whereas I am marred by anxiety and have lost just about any sort of libido. It is so bad that even when we do foreplay, my mind wanders and I think about family members that can get sick, next month’s bills, when I can return to work, et cetera. Several times, he has finished on his own because there is no way that I can get off. I feel very guilty for denying my boyfriend of sex and also for underperforming when we do have sex, but I just don’t know how to let go of all my ‘stuff’ during this pandemic. Any advice? Sincerely Iso Not Sexy Dear Iso Not Sexy A quick scroll through social media feeds confirm what you describe – either people tend to shut down sexually or the global crisis lights a fire under people’s sex drive. Both a widespread and understandable – and you shouldn’t feel any less because you experience diminished interest in sex. It is totally okay, and your partner should be better at understanding that you are not horny right now! Even though sexual intimacy is important in a relationship, there are many other types of intimacy that you can focus on right now, like quality time and loving, non-sexual touch. For the time being, it may be better for your boyfriend to focus on masturbation on his own, so he doesn’t add any pressure on you to perform sexually. He may need the sexual release to get his mind off of things, but he has to understand that it doesn’t work for you that way. So give each other some space and then come together in mutual support that – for now – is non-sexual but loving and caring. Who knows, maybe the added pressure on you will awake your desire? Or he will appreciate the comfort of non-sexual intimacy? Please keep in mind that this will not last forever and that you are lucky to have each other during this.

NEED ANSWERS? SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM

36 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

WE WILL REOPEN SOON BIGGER AND BETTER

WELCOME

TO YOUR BEST LIFE. OUR UNIQUE SERVICES INCLUDE: • EMSCULPT • MALE FACIAL SCULPTING • MALE FACIAL REJUVENATION • MALE HORMONE OPTIMIZATION SEXUAL WELLNESS & • SEX ENHANCEMENT • HAIR RESTORATION WITH PRP • BOTOX & DERMAL FILLERS • LASER HAIR REMOVAL • HYDRAFACIAL & CHEMICAL PEELS

INTRODUCING

BODY CONTOURING A STATEOFTHEART, NONINVASIVE BODY CONTOURING TECHNIQUE THAT BUILDS LEAN AND TONED MUSCLE 3235 ROSWELL ROAD, SUITE 400 ATLANTA, GA 30305 404481668557 REGENMEDSPABUCKHEAD.COM