Givin g thanks Gay Gi� Giving 2020 The Ultimate Guide Good as Goulding Marvelous Monsoon Community Honors OUT Georgia’s Award Winners
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NOV 25, 2020 V4-44
PEACH MEDIA 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093
PAGE 10 PAGE 12
MANAGING PARTNER Brian Sawyer brian@peachatl.com
OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson Sales and Development Director jeff@peachatl.com
EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt
PAGE 16 PAGE 32
Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Brian Sawyer Graphics
FROM THE EDiTOR
The Holidays are definitely upon us, and true to tradition, we bring you our fantastic holiday gift guide – along with a few personal favorite things of mine – that are, of course, readily available online, so you don’t have to shop in-person. Yes, the Holidays are going to be very different this year, but one thing remains the same: It is a perfect time to be thankful for each other and all of the good fortunes in our lives, even though we may not be able to gather like ‘normal.’ Here at Peach, we are thankful that we have been able to support our community throughout this whirlwind of a year, and that you continue to make us your preferred guide to everything gay in Atlanta. Happy Thanksgiving, Peaches!
SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com
CONTRIBUTORS Jamie Kirk Mikey Rox Gregg Shapiro
NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media | 908.232.2021
MiKKEL HYLDEBRANDT
Editorial Director | IG @hyldebrandt
ONLINE
peachatl.com
At Distribution Points Across the City
SOCIAL 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.
The holidays are upon, and it is – as with just about anything else this year – going to look vastly different. We are still in a global pandemic, and maybe you don’t care to be around family members because of differences over the election results. Luckily, Midtown Moon is here to make sure that you have plenty to be thankful for. As a Midtown Moon tradition, the establishment will serve a full Thanksgiving dinner with plenty of turkeys and all the fixings. All meals will be pre-plated (no buffet), and for additional safety, masks and gloves will be readily available. The entire Thanksgiving meal is complimentary – you only pay for what you drink. And if you have allergies, Midtown Moon urges you to call ahead so that they can fix a plate just for you. How is that for giving thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving! WHAT
Midtown Moon’s Customer Appreciation Thanksgiving
WHEN
Thursday, November 26, 2 pm
WHERE
Midtown Moon Ansley Square 404-343-6514 8 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
HAPPY PRIDE
ATLANTA!
THE FUTURE IS
“WE” TQ+
LGIB S NES S IT BUM M SU
© 2020 · All Rights Reserved · OUT Georgia Business Alliance
JOIN US For an exciting three-day virtual event bringing Georgia’s LGBTQ+ and allied business community together to learn, support, and celebrate with each other.
November 17-19, 2020 Register today: outgeorgia.org/summit
MY FAVORITE THINGS
Gifting Delights By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
The holiday season is upon us, and if I had to gift myself right now, these are the things that would end up under the tree. From me to me!
On a Dental Note Mikkel Hyldebrandt is the editor of Peach ATL. Follow him on Instagram @hyldebrandt
Did you know that ALL toothbrushes you ever used still exist in the world? That they haven’t even begun to bio-degrade? So come 2021, I’m switching to a bio-degradable option! Bamboo Toothbrush from Public Goods, $4
Carafe Cool
Pod Proof
Yes, apparently, I’m turning into my dad, so now I prefer to decant my bourbon into a pretty carafe!
So, I jumped into a pool wearing my AirPods, so now the mic doesn’t work anymore for calls – a great reason to go pro, right?.
Brixton Decanter by Crate and Barrel, $40
Apple AirPods Pro, $249
Jogger No More In the new year, I wow not to always wear joggers while working from home, especially if they are these pants that combine the comfort of joggers with a perfect and stylish fit.
L’Estrange 24 Trousers, $125
Soooo Soft I recently discovered this brand, and I love the ultra-soft cottons they use for their joggers and sweatshirts. Blade + Blue Crewneck Sweatshirt, $69.50
A Little Flower Most definitely on the feminine side, but I have been gravitating towards bold florals lately. It is heavy on the rose to begin with but makes way for crisp, woodsy notes at the end. Byredo Lil Fleur, $180
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Between Two Passions:
Real Estate and Helping the Community
Marsha Siso REALTOR
M
arsha Siso, of ExP Realty’s Homes Sold By Siso, takes pride in serving the community she loves in Metropolitan Atlanta and the Suburbs.
A proud Georgia peach, when she’s not renovating her home or spending time with her family and friends, she’s helping make an impact on the community she calls home. She’s been recognized with top honors as an accredited buyer’s representative, a sellers representative specialist, and an expert in finance. She’s been awarded membership into the highly prestigious Million-Dollar Club from the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors to top that off.
by Daniel García
I’m fervently working in their best interests. I never shy away from chipping in to make the transaction go smoothly. Providing excellent customer service is the most important thing we can do. People want to know they are heard, taken care of, and can trust you with their largest investment. How important is diversity to you, and what does it bring to the real-estate world? Diversity is crucial to maintaining a balance in the community, and our generation has such an opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact. That’s one reason I listen respectfully and intently to my clients’ different needs and desires in homeownership. It’s the American dream, and it’s something that’s intended for everybody.
We caught up with Marsha to learn more about her passion for helping and serving clients in the community and obtain What makes Atlanta a great place to purchase some insightful real estate tips for today’s hot Atlanta market. a home in today’s market? Aside from property How did you first get values continuing to started in real estate? go up at almost 4% Believe it or not, my life over the last year, has been a stepping stone Atlanta’s got a distinct towards real estate. At first, blend of quintessential I ignored my calling because timelessness, while at I was too shy to speak with the same time being a people. I used my Business fresh, young community degree to take baby steps to that takes pride in its overcome my social fears. diversity. I started in bookkeeping at the age of 12, working my What’s one hot way into customer service real estate tip you at an insurance agency, and can share with us finally built-up my confidence today? to jump into real estate. Don’t shy away because Now, several years later, I’ve of minor cosmetic had the pleasure of being updates needed. Looking able to help a melting pot of past wallpaper, paint, hundreds of people and never looked back! and dated kitchens or bathrooms gives you an opportunity to get more house for the money. Are you involved with any volunteering or activism in the LGBTQ community? I enjoy running for charity events, and I’m always looking for new ways to contribute where and when I can to support my LGBT community. With such an amazing start to your career, how do you continue elevating your goals? Every year, my main goal is to help more and more people in the community with the largest investment of their lives; their home. Being well-informed in the market is of the utmost importance. I participate in podcasts, attend weekly sales meetings, read up on the news, and have attended all the big-name conferences, but honestly, I learn the most just being in the field and working with different kinds of people each day.
678.887.2584
You have a perfect 5-star rating in serving your clients. What’s your secret? I treat every client as an individual and personalize everything I do according to each client’s situation and needs. I’m always available to my clients 24/7, and I believe they know Sold By Siso LLC fully supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is indepentently owned and operated.
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GAY GiFT GiViNG 2020 BY MiKEY ROX
In a year filled with more craziness than any of us ever expected, at least we have the holidays. What will they look like this year? Bright, beautiful, and back to basics. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these come-on-be-happy presents hand-picked for LGBTQ+ friends and family.
Pot for Pot Kit Pot for Pot DIY cannabis growing kits produce up to eight ounces of ganj in 80 days so you can turn your kitchen, patio or desk with natural or artificial light into a money-saving personal dispensary. Ships to all 50 states – and states of mind. $100; apotforpot.com Craft Caribbean Rum You can file the bright and radiant Don Q Reserve 7 aged Puerto Rican rum under “Fucking Necessary,” and serve it on the rocks at this year’s six-feet-from-insanity holiday party. $25, donq.com Gummy Sweat Treat Tower Taste the rainbow of a foot-high sweets tower from Dylan’s Candy Bar – including bears (gummy ones, of course), Razzmataz rainbow bites, red Australian licorice, and sour poppers (not the kind you’re used to) – packaged in striped, tiered boxes and tied with a bow. $50; dylanscandybar.com 12 | follow us @ peachatlmag
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#FakeFacts Game No, this card game isn’t based on Donald Trump’s presidency – not entirely, at least – but it will provide hours of fun trying to identify and fools others with bizarre, surprising, and unpredictable trivia. Easy to play virtually over Zoom, too. $15; thegamecrafter.com Heated Towel Rack Spas and bathhouses were but a memory this year, but you can bask in hot hugs from the comfort of your own home. This heated towel rack keeps your fluffy terrys dry and 90 percent more hygienic between washes – an appreciated feature during a Covid-19 Christmas. $500+; bathroombutleronline.com Sustainable Swabs and Tissues LastSwab and LastTissue replace single-use Q-Tips and Kleenex for convenient, washable, good-for-youand-the-environment stocking stuffers. Because there is no Planet B. $12$24; lastobject.com Evil Eye Earrings Fourteen-karat-gold evil-eye earrings encrusted with .08 carats of diamonds will provide cheeky edge to a New Year’s Eve look that’s not lookin’ back. 2021 or bust, baby! $260; styletypology.com | 13
Holiday Icon Dessert Set Set your socially distanced dessert table in style with Molly Hatch’s modern heirloom ceramic plates and mugs featuring matching icon prints of candy canes, Christmas trees, gingerbread folx, holly, ice skates, and snowflakes. $16-$18 each; mollyhatch.com We Are Beautiful Ring There wasn’t much glitter or glam in The Year That Wasn’t, but you can change that. One-hundred percent of proceeds from Pharoun’s 22k gold, rainbow-edged We Are Beautiful cocktail ring (also available in sterling silver) will benefit civil-rights organization Southerners on New Ground. $115-$145; pharaoun.com Queer Agenda Card Game Made by and for the LGBTQ+ community, the Queer Agenda card game prompts players to participate in rowdy dares and answer inappropriate questions – because you’re goddamn right it should. $25; fitzgames.com Rainbow Safety Razor Iridescent anodized zinc and brass alloy add a splash of queer panache to your Dopp kit on a safety razor – cant be too careful in Final Destination 2020 – that changes appearance depending how light hits it. Just like you, boo. $30; shave.net
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Robot Vacuum Yeedi’s K650 automated vacuum – boasting bigger suction, less noise, high-efficiency filtration, and made of durable anti-scratch tempered glass – lessens the Cinderell-y workload while you work from home. $220; amazon.com Embossed Rolling Pin Imprint whimsical holiday scenes – including detailed snowflakes, trees and reindeer – onto sugar cookies, piecrusts, and even pastas from solid beech wood rolling pins that’ll give Martha a run for her baking-maven money. $35; embossedco.com Spongebob Pride Pop!
Pride celebrations were largely cancelled this year – because what wasn’t – but you can shine on anytime of year, queer, with a Funko Pop! Pride stocking stuffer in the form of verified gay-con Spongebob Squarepants. $11; funko.com Therapeutic Journal Stressed? Join the club – if clubs were a thing right now. Until then, try the Write Here & Tear therapeutic journal, which encourages users to jot down their troubles then tear ’em up. Journaling and paper tearing have proven results, too, with 55 percent of survey respondents reporting relief, and another 35 percent relaxation. $20; shop.nicolerussell.com Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He currently lives in his van, ho-ho-hoing around the country. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels
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GOOD AS GOLDiNG
AN iNTERViEW WiTH ACTOR HENRY GOLDiNG by Gregg Shapiro
In a relatively short period of time, actor and straight ally Henry Golding’s star has ascended, making him one of the most recognizable names and faces on film. Beginning with the double whammy of 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians and A Simple Favor, and continuing with 2019’s Last Christmas and The Gentlemen, Golding is a hot commodity. In addition to these high-profile movies, Golding also ventured into the world of independent features with Monsoon (Strand Releasing), written and directed by gay filmmaker Hong Khaou (2014’s Lilting). In Monsoon, Golding plays Kit, a gay man who left Vietnam for the UK with his parents when he was a young boy. He returns, 30 years, later to scatter their ashes. While there, he meets Lewis (Parker Sawyers, who played young Barack Obama in 2016’s Southside With You), an American expat with whom he begins a relationship. Golding was kind enough to answer a few questions in advance of the November 2020 release of Monsoon. What was appealing to you about the character of Kit in Hong Khaou’s Monsoon that made you want to portray him? I think for me, it almost mirrors my personal journey in a sense. I grew up in an expat community in Malaysia until I was about eight. Then I moved from Malaysia to Surrey in the UK, just South of London. I grew up, pretty much, for the rest of primary school, secondary school, up until I was about 21 and made the decision on my own to move back to Malaysia in a search of trying to kind of get into broadcasting. My experience of landing in Malaysia and just being kind of dumbfounded with how alien I felt. Thinking that because I’m half Malaysian, I’m going to feel right at home, it’s going to feel great. But it’s often [laughs] a very sharp slap in the face of, “Yeah, you’re definitely not used to this type of culture and culture shock. When I was reading (the screenplay for) Monsoon, it really resonated with me. With Kit, it has much more of a personal trajectory, in a sense, that his parents never told him so much about Vietnamese. He has so many questions bubbling under him that needed answering that his parents, before they
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died, couldn’t answer. So, he went with a mission of trying to figure out a little bit of his past. At the same time, he wasn’t really expecting the experience that he got. Had you seen any of Hong’s previous films, such as Lilting, starring Ben Whishaw? Yes, I did. I watched it pretty much immediately after I read Monsoon. I loved it! I think that was one of the things that drew me to working with Hong; his subtlety and beauty in being. That’s what he wanted from Kit. These moments of self-reflection, these moments of inner turmoil and these questions just whirling around like a vortex in his head. There’s this look on his face when he just kind of phases out. All this Vietnamese traffic! He’ll be in the middle of the street somewhere, but he has just a moment to himself. He’s had this sort of safety bunker within himself, growing up, and you see glimpses of that. To see him through the movie and his journey and have him come out of his shell; I think it’s such a beautiful thing. Like Lilting, Monsoon addresses loss, grief and family. For fans who know you well from comedies such as Crazy Rich Asians, Last Christmas and A Simple Favor, how do you hope they’ll respond to you in such a serious role?
Hopefully they find that they enjoy it. I finished Crazy Rich Asians and I just got back from A Simple Favor, which we filmed in Canada, so I was in the middle of a point in my career where I had just gotten started. I had nothing that the world had seen. I think at that stage, I had always loved the idea of being involved with a much more personalized experience with filming a movie. That’s what an independent (film) allows you. So, the collaboration between myself, (co-producer) Tracy (O’Riordan) and Hong, it taught me so much. But yes, I think people are going to be surprised. Hopefully they see the range that I have as an actor. I’ve got Snake Eyes coming out next year. We have a little glimpse into this world before (I’m in) another studio film. I think I’ve had a taste of the nectar, to be honest with you. It was such a lovely experience to be so involved in a movie like that. It’s difficult because you have people to answer to when there’s a big budget and a lot of opinions to appease. But when you’re making a movie for yourselves it’s beautiful. Monsoon doesn’t shy away from the subject of Kit being a gay man, and includes intimate scenes with Kit and Lewis, as well a scene with a guy that Kit picks up while he’s in Hanoi. Can you please say something about the challenges and rewards of playing a gay character? For me, it was wonderful. Hong has a way of telling these stories. His sexuality wasn’t the driving fact or driving attribute to Kit’s personality or this story. It really centered around his personal struggle of identity. I think he’s so secure in his sexuality, that it takes a backseat in a way.
| 17
Right, it’s secondary. Exactly! I’ve had a lot of messages from people who have watched the film, especially young, gay Asian men who have never seen that type of movie, where it’s not even taken into account. It’s so normalized, which it should be. It’s so strange seeing what you perceive normality to be on the big screen, but be amazed by it. It just shows that there’s communities out there that are starved of normality in representation. For me, I think approaching it respectfully, approaching with the collaborative spirit that I, Parker Sawyers and Hong had on the set; there was real love on that set. There was so much trust, so there was never a question of “should be doing this?” It just felt so natural, in a way. It comes across that way. Kit returns to Vietnam after 30 years to scatter his parents’ ashes, even though, as you mentioned, his parents left the country and never expressed any interest in ever returning. Do you think Kit was doing the right thing? I think we rejigged the script a little bit to a point where he realizes this, and I think you see glimpses of this in the finished film. Kit had an understanding that he was bringing them home. But Vietnam was never their home for the past 35 years. Their home was where his family was. That was in the UK. We often do that as immigrants. Home is a distant memory. Home is really where the heart is. I think he comes to that realization; “I never needed to bring them back, but I needed to come back.”
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While in Saigon, Kit meets up with Lee (David Tran), an old childhood friend. Do you have a childhood friend that you haven’t seen for many years with whom you hope to someday reunite? Yes, from my time in Malaysia, when I was growing up with an expat kind of community. My dad worked on helicopters on the oil rigs and stuff like that. We had a very close community and all around the same sort of age. One of my best friends, his name was Mark. I think they were a South African family. I haven’t seen him since we left when I was like eight, nine years. They moved to the UK, as well, I think. Often, we have these best friends that we grew up with as a kid and we lose contact. Sometimes it’s how life is. It goes in chapters, doesn’t it? It doesn’t mean they’re closed. It’s not the end of the chapter, it’s kind of open-ended. Just another chapter. Your tattoos, including the one on your thigh, the one on your tricep and the ones on your shoulders, are visible in the movie. Do you have a favorite one of all of them? I think the most personal for me are my shoulder tattoos. I’m from a tribe in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, called the Iban tribe. It is the strongest identifier for our tribe. It is given to a young man who’s come of age after that they go out into the world. It’s almost to help you travel through life with safety and to bring you home from these journeys. Iban men around the whole world, back in the day, if you came across people in the jungles and they had these identifying tattoos on them, it would be easily recognizable. Otherwise, there could be trouble.
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OUT Georgia Community Honors
During a live virtual ceremony on Thursday, November 19, OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly announced their winners of the LGBTQ+ chamber’s 2020 Community Honors spotlight awards, highlighting Georgia’s LGBTQ+ businesses, nonprofits, and leaders who are charting significant impact for our community. “Congratulations and thank you to our winners and finalists on driving meaningful progress and impact during an exceptionally challenging year,” said Chris Lugo, Executive Director of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. “Our winners represent the best-of-the-best, and I ask you to join OUT Georgia in congratulating and recognizing our Community Honors award winners for 2020!” usiness Summit & Community Honors. As OUT Georgia’s official media partner for the three-day, we are thrilled to bring you the comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ Georgians who shape the community we live, work, and play in. We thank each and every one of them for their invaluable contributions, activism, and accomplishments.
Business Leader of the Year Matt Keith This award is given to the LGBTQ+ business leader in our community who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to their organization, as well as to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance and the LGBTQ+ business community. Ma� Keith is the Business Strategies & Initiatives Executive supporting the Local Market Organization at Bank of America, with a long-standing commitment to advancing the LGBTQ+ community, diversity, and inclusion. Matt previously served as Co –Chair and now serves as the executive sponsor for Bank of America’s LGBT + Pride Georgia chapter, along with the enterprise executive LGBT + Pride council. Matt is a member of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and active in Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community.
Community Leader of the Year Rev. Kim Jackson This award recognizes a Community Leader who demonstrates a commitment to serving and advancing the LGBTQ+ community by having created or contributed significantly to the success of one or more local nonprofit organizations or community efforts. Rev. Kim Jackson is first black, LGBTQ+ person ordained as a priest in the Episcopal diocese of Atlanta and now the first black, LGBTQ woman elected to the Georgia State Senate, serving District 41. As the Vicar at the Episcopal Church of the Common Ground, Kim co-creates Church with people who are unhoused in downtown Atlanta.
Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year Cox Enterprises This award is given to the Corporate Partner or Member that has shown exemplary support of their LGBTQ+ employees, LGBTQ+ businesses, the larger LGBTQ+ community, and to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. Empower People Today to Build a Better Future for the Next Generation Cox has always been committed to taking care of our employees, serving our customers and improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. We’re here because those who came before us were dedicated to building a better future, and we’re committed to doing the same for the next generation.
Member of the Year Bruce Logue, PalmerHouse Properties This award is presented to the LGBTQ+ or allied business owner that has shown innovation in their business practices resulting in the advancement of their organization. In addition, this award recipient will also have advanced the mission, goals, and purpose of OUT Georgia Business Alliance, resulting in a truly positive impact for the LGBTQ+ business community. I believe that the customer’s needs and concerns are my number one priority. My objective is to be available and readily accessible to my clients and to always work with their best interest in mind. As a highly skilled and licensed real estate sales associate backed up by experienced brokers, I spend my time focused on you and your needs. I’m dedicated to helping you achieve your real estate goals with rigorous standards and extraordinary integrity. Expect me to provide a sound and seamless real estate experience for you now and in the future!
New Business of the Year Glass House Guide This award is presented to the LGBTQ-owned small business that is less than two years old and already building a track record of excellence, innovation, and impact. Glass House Guide helps agents inform, excite and involve buyers to a whole new level. Our purpose is to help listing agents sell more homes and provide buyers with a more pleasant home buying experience. At Glass House Guide, we want to provide listing agents with the best possible tools to help them sell their homes. We allow our agents to put custom information about their listings into their Alexa device, helping them close more deals. We strive to make this process as simple as possible for the listing agent, and provide maximum transparency for both the buyer and the agent during the sales process.
NextGen - Emerging LGBTQ+ Leader of the Year
Dionne Kettl
This award recognizes a Community Leader who demonstrates a commitment to serving and advancing the LGBTQ+ community by having created or contributed significantly to the success of one or more local nonprofit organizations or community efforts. Rev. Kim Jackson is first black, LGBTQ+ person ordained as a priest in the Episcopal diocese of Atlanta and now the first black, LGBTQ woman elected to the Georgia State Senate, serving District 41. As the Vicar at the Episcopal Church of the Common Ground, Kim co-creates Church with people who are unhoused in downtown Atlanta.
Nonprofit of the Year ZAMI NOBLA This award is given to a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly in order to positively impact the health, happiness, and general welfare of those in the LGBTQ+ community. Founded by Mary Anne Adams, ZAMI NOBLA Na�onal Organiza�on of Black Lesbians on Aging is dedicated to building a national base of power for Black lesbians 40 + centering Service, Advocacy, and Community-Action Research. ZAMI NOBLA aims to empower, affirm, and serve the lives of lesbians of African descent as a resource for the latest research on the issues that affect us the most.
Pivot of the Year Out on Film COVID-19 has impacted all of us here in Georgia, especially our BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Minority-owned businesses. OUT Georgia’s Pivot of the Year recognizes the organization that not only navigated COVID-19, but one that did an exceptional job of adapting its business and positively impacting its community. The mission of Out on Film is to inform, entertain, educate, and enrich the LGBTQ culture by showcasing films by, for, and about the LGBT community and its allies. Out on Film promotes LGBTQ film, video and digital art forms and recognizes the creative work of artists and professionals, many with local connections, who tell the stories of all facets of the LGBTQ community.
Small Business of the Year Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours This award is given to the LGBTQ-owned business here in Georgia that has shown exemplary support to and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. First opened in late 2014, transitioning locations in 2016, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours’ first iteration was voted best new restaurant in Atlanta by the Georgia Voice, ranked among the best new openings in Atlanta by Thrillist and has been featured on the Cooking Channel’s ‘Late Nite Eats’ and Genius Kitchen’s ‘Carnivorous.’ As a female entrepreneur, helping to promote the paradigm shift of female and African American representation in the culinary industry, Chef VanTrece’s journey has become a 25-year career, but her passion for food and feeding people has always been the foundational piece of h
FALL NIGHT OUT @THE HIDEAWAY Photos by Snow
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
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CARSON COWAN REALTOR® 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.
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There’s No Place Like Home. Marsha Siso REALTOR
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Sold By Siso LLC fully supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is indepentently owned and operated.
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Free • Results in 5 minutes • Safe & easy • No need to leave your car
Free HIV testing at our Decatur Center: 523 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030 Make your appointment:
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Emmitt is originally from Kingsport, TN, but he moved to Atlanta in 2019 for a career opportunity in project management with a commercial real estate company. He also met his boyfriend when moving to the city, who ended up relocating to Atlanta from Chicago – and now they’re buying a Midtown condo together! Emmitt enjoys being outdoors, hiking, or simply hanging out in Piedmont Park. He also loves working out, painting, cooking, and reading – and the fact that you can meet so many gay and queer folkx from the South in this city!
@emmitt.jackson
See more photos at
peachatl.com EMMiTT JACKSON
We Got This
By Jamie Kirk
We Got This. Whatever it is. We Got This. We GOT losing weight. We GOT working out more. We GOT mending broken relationships. We GOT getting a new job. We GOT getting a promotion. We GOT getting a new vehicle. We GOT just making it to 2021. This has been a shit year for most people in some area or another in their lives. It could be in the area of health, wealth, having to move, losing a job, unfortunately making a career change, having a favorite movie star pass away, perhaps not being able to run a marathon that you trained for, or travel to an exotic place that you had been saving for years to take. Just because we have been negatively impacted in one area of our lives does not mean there are others you are not thriving in. Sometimes we can get so focused on what is lacking that we miss the opportunity to be grateful for the things that are staring us in our face. We have to step back and really look at this past year as phases. And admitting that every phase of this year has not been thud.
Phase I
Coming off the holidays. The first phase of the year was kinda taking it easy, settling into the winter months. Staying bundled up. Staying in bed a little longer and missing the gym (with little to no regret). If you had a valentine, it was likely a nice dinner and a few gifts. And if you didn’t have a Valentine, it was putting yourself out there and really looking to find someone to spend quality time 34 | follow us @ peachatlmag
with. Coming out of the gate for 2020, things were moving a little slow as we prepped for Spring. Prep work for Spring included goal setting, planning, and thinking of your life strategy for the year. You know, proactively take charge of your life.
Phase II
Well, normally, this is a period to plant. Sowing good stuff so that you reap good stuff. Then, this phase of the year took a turn for the worse and became a buzz kill. For most office workers, this was the time of the year you were notified not to show up into the office on Monday. If you work in the hospitality industry, you likely saw your hours cut, shifts removed from the schedule, and everyone began to stock up on tissue and paper supplies. This phase, this year was painful. Looking at the COVID numbers, realizing that we have not made the strides we had hoped as a country was stressful, heart-breaking, and impactful. Phase II of this year, had there only been two phases per year, we likely would have ended the year with a huge thud. Almost everyone could easily forget this phase of 2020. No regrets, just wishing this phase could have been a little less painful this year.
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Phase III
The final phase of this year is our comeback phase. We are seeing a transition in our leadership, a change in power. Which regardless of how you voted, a change will be most certainly welcomed. This phase will unveil a vaccine to help us fight the Coronavirus, and finally, this phase will set us up for success. We have to use Phase III as a Lessons Learned phase. Really looking introspectively to get the lessons from the trials and tribulations we experienced so far in the year. What did we learn about our family after being quarantined for several weeks? What did we learn about our worklife balance after not going into the office? What knowledge have we gained from being with our kids 100% of the time? Or perhaps asking ourselves the question: Am I living my life or merely surviving? Obviously, Phase III is the most important phase of this year for us to concentrate on. We simply cannot continue to focus on what happened. We have to look at Phase I and Phase II and think hard about changing the narrative in our heads about where 2020 stands for us. We are present and standing in 2020, but we have to look at the horizon and think to ourselves: I GOT THIS. We need to overpower the negative thoughts of 2020 and replace them with positive thoughts of what WILL happen in 2021. Not the obstacles, not the challenges, not the missed opportunities,
but focusing on the lessons we learned, the relationships (romantic or not) that have been strengthened, and lastly, how much we have grown. As we round the bend of the final weeks of 2020, we have to remain steadfast and deliberate in our intentions to strive and thrive. Wishing and hoping that 2020 would not have happened depletes us from being grateful for all the work we did in Phase I. So yes, Phase II did happen, oh well. It would be unfortunate not to relish our efforts of attempting to have a successful 2020. It would not serve us to show a lack of gratitude. It could be viewed as selfish and unloving to feel that this year was a “waste” continually. Nothing that happens in our lives is a coincidence. We have to be committed to learning from the valleys as quickly as we are willing to be committed to the peaks. At the end of the day, 2020 is about done. 2020 shall be no more. 2021 is moving quickly upon us. Let’s be ready for it. Let’s not run from it, but embrace this new year with strength, tenacity, and a fresh outlook. Just because you look away and try to pretend it didn’t happen doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. 2020 did happen. Let’s move upward and onward a new year, rounding out phase III on a natural high.
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NOV 25 - DEC 2
We believe in safety first, so this lineup features mainly virtual events or in-person events with limited capacity that enforce CDC guidelines. Holiday Artists Market Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is excited to offer a unique and safe holiday shopping opportunity that features the work of 35+ artists showcasing their incredible handmade goods like pottery and ceramics, jewelry, studio arts, holiday gifts, and more. Masks and physical distancing required. November 28 – December 4 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Deviant: Wild, Wild West Deviant returns to ATLANTA for Thanksgiving weekend with a sexy party with a wild west theme. Masks/bandanas (face coverings) are required for this circuit-party experience—tickets by Eventbrite. Saturday, November 28, 10 pm – 3 am 595 North Event Center
Heifer Review TG Edition Ruby Redd and her cast of camp queens close out the Thanksgiving weekend with a special show that is all for charity. Brunch specials and bottomless mimosas. Sunday, November 29, 1 – 3:30 pm Midtown Moon
Party With Impact Join Positive Impact Health Centers for a World AIDS Day online event that honors those we’ve lost and those living with HIV/AIDS. The event will be raising money for Positive Impact Health Centers and the work they do. Tickets via Eventbrite. Tuesday, December 1, 7 pm Online
AID Atlanta World Aids Day Aid Atlanta commemorates World AIDS Day with extended opening hours, a virtual Lunch & Learn, a Sip & Paint Prevention event, and a display of Bloch 3147 of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. For more information and to donate, visit aidatlanta.org. Tuesday, December 1 Online 36 | follow us @ peachatlmag
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MIDTOWN 1
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BARS
Dining
2 Blake's 3 Bulldogs 4 Friends
227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
6 My Sister’s Room 7 Ten Atlanta
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 BarkingLeather
9 10 11 12
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
spa/bath 15 Flex Spa
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
When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com
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ansley 21
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BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir 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
Fitness 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
clubs
30 Gravitee Fitness
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Retail
28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino
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26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights
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24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx
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1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE
Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness
1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
NOT SHOWN
Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta The T Woof's
1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE 494 Plasters Ave NE
A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl. com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE TEN ATLANTA tenatlanta.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE SEQUEL 1086 Alco St NE TRIPPS 1931 Piedmont Circle N
ANSLEY MIDTOWN MOON 1492 Piedmont Ave NE FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE SWINGING RICHARDS swingingrichards. com 1400 Northside Dr NW
DINING MIDTOWN 10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com 991 Piedmont Ave NE EINSTEIN’S einsteinsatlanta. com 1077 Juniper St NE FROGS CANTINA frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE
RETAIL MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE
HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE
JOE’S ON JUNIPER joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE
BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE CHESHIRE LAS MARGARITAS lasmargaritasmidtown.com 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ROXX 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE DEKALB LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
FITNESS MIDTOWN URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE
GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW CHESHIRE THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE
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10
ways to acknowledge trans people
Last week was Transgender Awareness Week, and although strides have been made, we still have a long way to go before trans people are not marginalized and put at risk daily. You can do your part by learning how to acknowledge trans people simply by the way you express yourself.
1. Refer to trans people as: People, trans people, trans folks, transgender people 2. Do not refer to trans people as: transgenders, transgendered, or any kind of offensive slur 3. Be attentive and use the pronouns they use 4. Do not use names they don’t go by anymore 5. You can refer to Trans Women as: Women, Trans Women
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6. You can refer to Trans Men as: Men, trans Men 7. Never assume a person’s sex or gender identity is based upon their appearance 8. Never ask a trans person about their body or genitalia 9. It is okay to ask politely about a person’s pronouns or name: “What would you prefer to be called?” 10. Respect the rights of transgender people to define themselves – that is never up to you or anyone else www.peachatl.com
Playmates and soul mates...
Atlanta:
678-528-2525
18+ MegaMates.com
We’re closer to Atlanta than you think!
Get the details on our website calendar.
Membership Required *Must be 21 to Enter
Happy Fall Y’all!
The River’s Edge is open and invites you to come, relax and enjoy an escape to gay, country camping. RV Sites, Cabins and Tent Sites Available!
706-213-8081 www.camptheriversedge.com
The Rivers Edge Campground, 2311 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose, GA 30634
I’m tired
E-mail your Peach Pits to mikkel@PeachATL.com
Aw, poor thing. Why?
I’m an adult, which means I don’t have any hobbies. If I have any free at all I will go lie down 2009: Spent hours assigning ringtones to everyone 2020: phone on silent and lets everyone go to voicemail
ByI’m cutting offtired! the sleeves just so of all your t-shirts? Well, have you tried going to bed earlier? Heavens no! And yet, you wonder why you’re tired…
Honey, if I could go back to the day, I met certain people, I would’ve stayed home and boiled rice one by one
So now cocaine is legal in Oregon, but straws are not. That must be frustrating Daddy Joke Alert Sex before marriage is a sin, unless you do it doggy style, all dogs go to heaven
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You’re someone’s reason to smile. Probably someone’s reason to drink heavily too. You’re all over the place
Every time I try a diet along comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Summer, Friday, Tuesday, dinnertime, and everything is ruined
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TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20) It could be that close friends or family members are in sharp disagreement regarding a certain issue. Try not to be too distressed by divisions among the people you love.
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20) There is a great deal of emotion and drive to the day, just the way you like it. Make sure you don’t get stuck with the short end of the stick as the day comes to a close.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) You may be barking up the wrong tree this week. Before you waste all your energy on your podium proclaiming your thoughts to the world, it would behoove you to stop, look around, and notice your audience.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19) In an attempt to merge with infinity, you might overlook some basic life principles. Be careful about being seduced by those who want you to be involved in their drama. You may not even realize how deep a hole you’ve dug until it’s too late.
CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22) You’re going to be a valuable asset to others today because of your rational mind and ability to think things through clearly. Do your best to avoid fights, even though it will be tempting for you and others to want to let off some steam.
LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22) In your attempts to always be the nice, helpful one, you might find that you’re compromising some of your values. Know that balance and harmony are wonderful things, but they aren’t always worth the price of self-sacrifice.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22) AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) Feel free to stand up for yourself, a cause, or another person this week, even if you know it will cause tension among the others around you. A heated argument is likely to ensue, and it wouldn’t be surprising if you were the catalyst.
Actions could be quick and intense this week. Things may hit you like lightning, so be prepared for just about anything. Mentally stabilize yourself before interacting with others. Dress to demonstrate your power.
LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22) PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) Your mind is apt to be fixed on one thing this week, and you won’t rest until you’ve obtained it. Don’t be surprised if you have to put up a bit of a fight in order to accomplish this goal, whatever it may be.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19) Things may happen right under your nose this week, and you may not even be aware of it. The thing that will be obvious is your reaction to the situation when this hidden event suddenly comes to light.
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Your playful attitude is apt to be opposed by someone who refuses to see things your way. Walk away from those who aren’t committed to helping the situation. Prove to others that even though you may be happy, it doesn’t mean you’re gullible.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21) This is one of those weeks where you’re trying to paint a large area, but you only have a small brush. Go easy on yourself and get a large brush. Make your strokes gigantic so you can cover more area with less effort.
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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 have been a relationship for over two years. It’s a great and committed relationship, but the issue is that our sex drives are completely different. Sometimes, I feel he wants more of a friend/ companion than a romantic partner. We did agree about six months ago that we were to have sex twice a week – it has now been seven weeks since we had sex. He says stress affects the sex drive and makes up all these excuses for not being intimate with me. And when I bring it up, he gets angry and very defensive with me. What is happening to us? Sincerely Getting Off Course Dear Getting Off Course It is pretty clear that you are experiencing two sides of the same relationship “battle.” On one side, there’s you with a functioning sex drive and a need for a fulfilling sex life. On the other hand, there’s him with another notion of how intimacy is played out between two people. So how do you achieve a compromise between you, so you get your sexual needs fulfilled, and he doesn’t feel obligated to get it on? How does he let his lack of sexual drive not be a reflection of a lack of involvement? Maybe you need to rebuild the intimacy between you because it somehow got lost in the day to day-ness of life? This represents an opportunity to examine your relationship which, in turn, can rekindle your spark. Maybe he is indeed overly stressed at work, or his libido is simply ebbing instead of flowing right now? Create an environment where you can talk it out without anger or getting defensive – maybe the key to the lack of physical intimacy lies in rebuilding that emotional intimacy first? As for yourself, don’t rely solely on sexual experiences with your partner. Explore a little ‘self-love’ and create a sexual environment where you can get a release for your sexual desire, so you are not inadvertently pressing your partner for sex all the time. Either way, compromising on when and how many times to have sex is not the compromise you should make! When you learn about each other’s priorities instead, you’ll get a clearer picture of the state of your relationship. It’s a tough one, but if you are both committed, you can definitely make it work.
The other day when I was at the gym, I jumped in the shower, and the guy across from me engaged in the good old ‘gap in the shower curtain’ game. I was feeling frivolous and played along, and soon we were jerking off across from each other. Hot and all, but since I was so focused on his body parts and not his face, I failed to realize that I know this guy – I recognized him as he stepped out of the shower as the husband of my boss, who I met briefly at last year’s company Christmas party where she introduced us. He’s a total dish, which is why I remember him, and now I don’t know what to do with this knowledge. What if he knows who I am? What if I see him again at the gym? Should I let him know that I know who he is? Can we do this again (he was HOT)? So many questions. Please help. Sincerely Boss Play Dear Boss Play Sure, you had a hot encounter at the gym. Probably everyone with a gym membership has had something like that happen to them. Except for the part with your straight boss’ husband – that’s pretty damn unique! And I think you know what to do here too. Even though this is clearly an indiscretion on the husband’s part, you should in no way pursue this. Not even if he did recognize you and started to actively pursue you. So if you find yourself in that same shower stall, and he starts easing that curtain open, I suggest you close your curtain tight, rinse off (in cold water!), and leave the premises as fast as possible. This is not a good idea.
NEED ANSWERS? SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM