Peach Magazine V4-49 - Sight Set On 2021 by David Atlanta Magazine

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a better versIon of brandy R&B + LGBTQ ICON

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NOT-SO-PRiVATE DAMiEN ELLiS

mitzi P.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s InsPired thots HAPPY SPLURGE YEAR!

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dec 30, 2020 v4-49

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EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Brian Sawyer

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FROM THE EDiTOR

To say this year was unlike any other is an understatement. It has been the slowest and fastest year on record. Incredible and incredulous. When I look back at what I wrote in my editor’s note last year about my hopes for 2020, it was that we should get better at thinking in perspective instead of instant gratification. The universe responded by putting the world on a screeching halt and changing the way we live – how’s that for perspective! So, for 2021, I wish for a more positive outlook and the hope of returning to some semblance of normalcy – but also, knowing just how unpredictable and crazy 2020 was for us all, to arm us all with the right ballast for challenges ahead. One thing is certain: Peach will remain your go-to guide to all things LGBTQ+ Atlanta. Have a safe and Happy New Year, Peaches!

CONTRIBUTORS Marci Alt, Chris Azzopardi, Lewie Katzen Curtwright, Paul Hutnick, Mirza Muftic, Vince Shifflett

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

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Happy Splurge Year A New Year is upon us, and with all that the world has been through in 2020, a trip around the sun is just what we all needed. To celebrate the coming year, we should make 2021 the year that self-indulgence takes top priority. Forget the regular resolutions of getting fit, being more organized or spending more time with family. For this New Year’s Eve, make a list of every splurge you ever wanted to do for yourself and do each one! To help get the ball rolling on ideas, I asked a few friends who are experts in spending money selfishly and irresponsibly, what are some unique things everyone should do this coming year.

Follow Mitzi @itsmitzip

The most obvious thing you could indulge in is your own physical image. Sure, diet and exercise have been the way to start each year in the past; for 2021, my friend Joyce Relish recommends turning it up a notch and getting every cosmetic procedure you ever wanted. Joyce is a former beauty pageant contestant and living proof of how much surgery the human body can undergo but still function. Joyce suggests to get creative with plastic surgery. Don’t just go for the obvious procedures like liposuction or a face lift, but have fun and treat yourself to a more defined collar bone, or get knee implants. Getting surgery on those areas you normally don’t think of, can help you appreciate them a bit more. Joyce is currently undergoing having her eyes spaced further apart on her face. Another big-ticket item you can definitely treat yourself to next year is traveling. Yes, the world of travel has gotten weird with a new mutated strand of COVID spreading even faster than ever, but airlines have done their best to make flying safe(-ish). I asked my travel-buddy Phileas Verne what he suggests are fun ways to get out and see more of world. If once-a-month travel is what you have in store for next year, he recommends switching your mode of transpiration around to keep travel interesting. Start with a car ride to somewhere fun, then take a cross-Atlantic cruise, a 14-hour first class flight, and even a mountain-side train ride. Phileas notes trains can be especially fun since you never know if someone will get murdered on one. My dear friend Amanda Holler is the queen of collecting useless junk. She knows how to spend lavishly on just about anything. So, when it comes to the New Year, aside from the travels and plastic surgeries, Amanda suggests you go-all-out on everyday things as well. If you find yourself going out for lunch while working, why not swing by that Michelin 5-star restaurant you’ve been eyeing? Is it time for a haircut, hire a personal stylist to cut it and have them come to your home. Speaking of home, when was the last time you purchased one? Maybe it’s time to get a new house! Amanda says your imagination is your only limit when it comes to frivolous spending. So, for the New Year, let your imagination run wild. These are but a few starting points on helping you start 2021 the best way possible. If you’re asking yourself how you could afford constant splurging for an entire year, ask yourself: “how could you NOT?”. And remember, we might get another $1,200 check from the government to help out for another twelve months so things are looking up!

Yours in splurging in the new year,

Mitzi Pennington is the self-proclaimed sex symbol and advice-giving-guru alter ego of Mirza Muftic. She came from humble roots of middle America and married into money shorly after dropping out of college. Her late husband’s fortune allows her to travel the world andhave a sense of enlightenment one normally gets from actually working for their money. Mirza has had none of those experiences in his life. On occasion, Mirza will perform as around Atlanta. His other interests/day job include film editing, retouching, and stop-motion animation. 10Mitzi | follow us @ peachatlmag

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Not-SoPrivate Damien a former combat medIc fInds freedom In adult fIlm By Paul Hutnick “My main focus is to be free and an inspiration of freedom,” says the adult world’s newest star, Damien Ellis. Raised by a single mother in Stroudsburg, a small town in Pennsylvania, Ellis joined the army national guard when he was a junior in high school. By his senior year, he was a combat medic and after high school, he attended nursing school on an Army grant. While in nursing school, he realized a passion for fitness and he became a popular trainer in his local gay

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community. Soon after, he started producing and selling his own adult videos. That is how he came to the attention of Helix Studios, who currently stars with Alex Riley in studio’s latest film, Return to Helix Academy. How are you feeling after filming your first solo session with Helix? I’m feeling great! The crew made me feel comfortable. I’ve modelled for some time but the Helix team really helped me find the best angles to really show off my assets. I didn’t expect perfection for my first scene and I know it wasn’t perfect, but my job is to present my authentic self. It’s not always easy because naturally we all want to present a picture-perfect version on camera, but that’s not always what it’s about.

think twinks are under appreciated and it’s what I’m into. I consider myself a bit of a jock and I’m usually not into guys that look like me. Does that mean you wouldn’t date a black guy? I would love to find a black man that I can relate to, but where I live there are not many minorities. I’ve never dated within my race. Maybe if I lived in a city, it would be different, but by all means I don’t care what race a guy is. Does racism exist in the LGBTQ community? I know racism still exists in the LGBTQ community as it does in all communities. In my experience, the LGBTQ

community has been the most inclusive but I have heard from other black men that I don’t experience racism to the extent that darker black men do. There used to be a time when “No Blacks, No Asians” ran rampant on gay dating profiles. Do you still see any of that? I have never seen that and I don’t think anyone would dare put that on their profile. It would be deleted. Are there benefits to being black in the gay porn industry? I probably do get more work because my skin color makes me stand out from all the

Do you feel ready to do more scenes? Not only do I feel ready but I can’t wait! Filming is so fun to me. What do you hope to achieve in your film career? I aim to become a popular model like Blake Mitchell. Who would you most like to film with? A lot of my fans want me to film with Alex Riley and even though I think he’s so sexy, right now, I most want to film with Riley Finch. I’ve always had a thing for him. He makes me nervous when I see him. It’s hard to take my eyes off him. He is so my type. What is your type? I’m attracted to twinks. Many people on social media have been saying I fetishize white twinks but that’s not true. I simply | 13

other Helix Models. But honestly, I hope I stand out for more than just being black. My goal is to stand out for who I am beyond the physical. I would love my fans to love me for me. What were you like as a kid? I was a bible thumper. It was my dream to be a Christian missionary because I loved going on mission trips and helping others that were less fortunate. That’s sweet! Yeah, but I changed when I returned from basic training. I became really arrogant. All of a sudden, the popular kids wanted to be around me. I started getting invited to parties and having sex with girls. The party life took over. At 17, I was going to bars, using my military ID and having sex with older women who thought I was 21. I even had sex with a teacher that taught at my school. I ended up getting in trouble with a DUI. It cost me my college scholarship. Is that how you found your way into adult film? I eventually enrolled in another college and during summer vacation, I went to Vegas and met a guy that I fell in love with. It eventually led to my work in film. I talk about it in my Helix introduction scene. What is something your fans would be surprised to learn about you? I love my fans. Many porn stars are in it for themselves but I honestly put my fans first. What do you love to indulge in when no one is looking? (Laughing) Weed.

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Favorite TV show? Ramy on Hulu. It’s about a young Muslim guy that wants to find God and kill his ego but he struggles with a porn addiction. Movie? Juice starring Tupac Shakur. Book? The Power of Your Subconscious Mind: Unlock the Secrets Within by Joseph Murphy. Best advice you have received? “Don’t change, let the world change around you.” I forget who said that to me. Would you date a fan? Yes, I have some sexy fans! But if given the choice, I would probably rather date another model be-

cause we can relate to one another. What is your biggest goal/ dream in life? Health, Wealth and Happiness. Billie, Cardi, Dua, Ariana: who would you most like to hang out with? Ariana. She lives so effortlessly. She doesn’t let things get to her. I would sleep with her, too. (Laughing) That might sound creepy, but it’s true. Parting message to fans? I love my fans in the most genuine way. Check out my videos on Helix and find me on Onlyfans. I answer all dms on there. Visit HelixStudios.com

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A Better Version of

Brandy R&B icon talks loyal LGBTQ fans, returning to Pride and overcoming self-doubt BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI PHOTOS: DEREK BLANKS

The light falling on R&B queen Brandy is casting tiny rainbows that dance above her head. She’s looking up at them, telling me what she sees. Little rainbows everywhere. On an ordinary day, sure, this would be special. But on this particular day, as I speak with a confident and ruminative Brandy on Zoom, in depth, about her eagerness to get back to performing at Pride and the loyalty of her LGBTQ fans, it’s impossible not to read into this extraordinarily timed meteorological phenomenon as some kind of gay magic. In case you didn’t know how much mad love there is between Brandy and the LGBTQ community, well, here are some rainbows haloing Brandy’s head while she’s addressing that very love, it seems to say. From her iconic sing-off with Monica on “The Boy Is Mine” and on through her remake of Cinderella with Whitney and her TV series Moesha, Brandy’s biggest LGBTQ fans have stood by her, their devotion never waning. In July, nearly 30 years after her self-titled debut made her an R&B star in 1993, she dropped B7, her seventh studio album, on her own record label, Brand Nu Inc. Now that Brandy is more in control of her identity and artistry, that bond has never been stronger. Promoting B7 in the middle of a pandemic on Zoom – what has that experience been like? It’s not like how it normally is, of course. I’m a people person; I love to interact, meet new fans, meet fans that have been with me for such a long time. But I am thankful for technology because we could just be on the 16 | follow us @ peachatlmag

phone and I wouldn’t be able to meet you like this. So (I’m) thankful in that way. But (I) definitely wish I could really be out there and socialize and hug people and shake hands, that kind of thing. I’m sending you a virtual hug. I’m sending you one too. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. We’re about the same age, but the difference is that I’ve watched you grow up. It’s beautiful to meet people who have followed me and supported me all this time, so I appreciate you jumping on the Brandy board and being a part of my journey. And even in you being interested in talking to me. Just to see you blossom into this independent woman where you get to make the calls, where you have autonomy, where you are a co-producer and co-writer. It’s extraordinary to see. Can you talk about how you got to that place? www.peachatl.com

I felt inspired this time around. I just wanted to follow the creativity, the flow, that was in me, that was inspiring me to use my music to tell a lot of the stories that I had gone through, my challenges with love and my mentality and where I stood with myself, and also just trying to find this new sound and this new way of approaching music. It took me a minute, but I’m so glad that I was able to really dig deep and pull the real feelings, the real emotion for this project. Real lyrics that are coming from my heart, from my own journal, from my own spirit. It just feels a little bit different when most of the music is coming from you. It feels good to be in this place. And I want to, of course, continue to collaborate with other writers and other producers, but it feels good to have a center where I can go to and pull from, that I feel confident with. When you have such a loyal fan base, do you get to a point where you can trust that they’ll go on any journey with you creatively? I would have to say I feel like my fans have been loyal from day one, especially the diehard fans; they’ve been very supportive from my first album, to me moving into television and me being able to step outside of music and do things that I never saw myself doing or imagined myself doing. I feel like people have grown up with me, and that started at the very beginning. But I could really also tell with the new project, just the anticipation, people wanting me to put out music and always asking, “When are we going to get new music?” When people still want to hear from you after you’ve been gone for eight years, that feels amazing. That people still have a yearning, have a want, have that feeling that they want to hear something from me… even if it’s “Happy Birthday”! (Laughs.) That feels amazing to have a loyal fan base like that. These lyrics are some of the most real lyrics of your career. And you go deep. I have friends who are experiencing their own mental health issues and saying this album has really connected with them because you’re so open and vulnerable. Are you hearing that from fans? I do. I know we have struggles, and we go through things that we wish we could change our behavior on, and things we have to face about ourselves, and I wanted to be

one of the people to come forward and say that I’ve struggled in a lot of areas with my mentality, with my sanity, just with the kind of life that I’ve had to lead. A lot of trauma. A lot of PTSD that I’ve had to battle and face. But there is light at the end of the tunnel because there’s work that you can do. You can talk to someone, you can journal. You can change the inner dialogue with yourself. It takes practice to get yourself on track, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I wanted to show people that no matter what you go through, you’re always bigger than your circumstance, and you can always work on your mental issues. Always. That’s such a thing that I think we all need to hear right now, Brandy. We’re all going through something we’ve never experienced before, so the PTSD, the anxiety, the depression is intense. How are you working through this current moment? I just have this deep empathy for everyone. My prayers for the world have increased. I’ve always prayed for world peace and togetherness, for us to be equal and unified, but my prayers have gotten longer and more frequent with what’s going on. But I just try to think maybe this whole entire moment is shifting us to a different level of awareness, a different level of consciousness. And maybe this thing that looks like a catastrophe is really the universe cleaning our mess up and helping us get to a better place. And, of course, my heart goes out to the people that we have lost in these tragic times, but I feel like I have to believe that everything works for the higher good. At some point we will be better from this because a lot of light has been shed on a lot of the things that this world has had to face. Even though we’ve seen a lot of division, we’ve all seen a lot of unity in this time. We have to think on those things, and I think when we focus on those kinds of things – and being grateful for the smallest thing; like, I’m grateful for the pillow that I have to sleep on at night – you start to appreciate the smallest of the smallest things in life. I think we’re moving into a better space for ourselves, and I just pray that that’s the case. I really do. What are you grateful for today? Today I’m grateful that I’m able to speak with you about life and to share what I just shared with you today. I’m grateful for my family that I saw this morning. I’m grateful | 17

for the breakfast that I was able to eat this morning. I’m just grateful for oxygen. I’m grateful for these, like, rainbows that I see on my wall right now. Little rainbows on my wall. I’m just grateful for life and to have a purpose in life. To be here and not to feel like you have a purpose, that’s not a good place to be. And I want everybody to know that: If you’re alive, you have a purpose here. God, you’re gonna make me cry. Don’t you cry, Chris. (Laughs.) I’m a big fan of “Lucid Dreams” from B7; it seems to detail a very personal story of you losing yourself. And I think we’re all at risk of that right now. Can you talk about that song and how you were able to get back to you and the work that it took to get there?

There was a time in my life where I felt like I needed another person to complete me, and that is not the ultimate truth. The ultimate truth is that we are whole. We are a whole person, and when you become whole – and when you realize that – you share your wholeness with another whole person. “Lucid Dreams” is really about me losing myself in a relationship because I feel like I’m nothing without this person. So I’m addicted to sleep, chasing this recurring dream because in my dreams we’re together, but in reality, in the waking state, we had broken up, and that was a very, very hard time for me. And heartbreaks and hard times make for good songs, so I said, “Let me just go on and write about it and be honest about it.” If you listen to it, I’m making all of these healing sounds because I was using the song to heal a part of the leftover pain that I was 18 | follow us @ peachatlmag

feeling from that particular time in my life. But I’m completely over it, I’m free from that, which is great. I did the work to do it, and when you do the work, you do get results. I’m about to pay you to be my therapist. An hour a week – how much? (Laughs.) You know what, no one’s ever said that. Ev’rybody trying to send me to therapy! I’m kidding. (Laughs.) I love that, thank you. That’s a compliment. You’re a regular Pride performer, and Pride was not the same this year. You didn’t get to perform at Pride. What do you feel you missed out on? I absolutely love performing at Pride. The energy is just unmatched. And you can just tell the love for my music in the LGBTQ community is real. You feel like, “OK, they have my back. When I come on stage, they’re gonna give me that love I need. They’re gonna want me to do well. They’re gonna want me.” It feels like family. And I’m just so blessed to have the LGBTQ community to support me in such a way that I just… it feels awesome. And I miss that. I didn’t get to do anything for Pride. But count me in when it’s safe and ready to go, because I absolutely love it. I absolutely love performing at Pride. It was nice to see you on a stage, on the Billboard stage, to be exact, where you blew it up. What’s it like performing in that kind of environment, in a pandemic, without a crowd? It’s different. Because you feed off a crowd. And the applause. And the singing along. And the rooting you on. That is something that I definitely miss in terms of being on stage. But there’s also a focus that happens when there isn’t a crowd, where I’m only thinking of what I’m doing. But I would prefer a crowd over just being completely in my zone. I can get in my zone with a crowd, but it’s easier when the crowd isn’t there. But I miss the crowd. You don’t have that instant feedback, right? It’s hard to know, “Am I doing OK, everyone?” Yeah. And then the people that are there, that are working, they don’t act like a crowd, they don’t act like an audience. The 10 people that are separated doing camera shots, they’re not going to clap for you at the end. They’re not like your gay fans. They don’t www.peachatl.com

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was just me having a moment of just not knowing my place. I got through that, and I was able to make more music after that, and I’m going to continue to make music, and I’m in a place where I’m stronger mentally in terms of just learning to trust my creative flow. And if I trust my creative flow, I don’t have to think about anything else but that. And if I’m true to that, then I’m true to my fans and I’m true to my purpose and my work, and that’s what’s important. Do you think we’ll have to wait another eight years for the next one? No, no! It’s not gonna be another eight years. It was eight years for a reason; it was for a lot of different reasons. I’m in a really great place, musically, creatively. And I have so many great opportunities. I’m a free spirit. I have my own label, I am writing my own songs; it’s just a different version of myself. It’s a better version of myself.

know every word to “Have You Ever,” “The Boy Is Mine,” “Almost Doesn’t Count,” “Sittin’ Up in My Room.” Right! And the unreleased stuff. Your gay fans know your unreleased (stuff); that’s when you know you’re a real fan. When in your career did you feel the most creatively stifled, like you couldn’t be who you wanted to be creatively? I would have to say after the Full Moon album I kind of lost my way. And I say this in the most humble way, but so many artists started to approach music the way that I did. I started to hear a lot of my sound with so many different artists; I heard a lot of songs that sounded like the work that I had done, and so a part of me felt like, “Where’s my place? Do I have a place? Because everybody is starting to sound a little bit like me. And I don’t know what I can do now, like, ‘Do I take it to another place? Do I try not to sound like myself? What do I do?’” So I was a little bit confused as to the direction that I should go in. Or if I was even needed, if my music was even needed. But that was nonsense, that was negative thinking, that

Of course I want to do other things outside of music, but I don’t think it’s fair to wait another eight years to put out music when the studio is right down the street. (Laughs.) People need music, people need music, and people that have the talent to share music should be doing music and that’s how I feel: It’s my responsibility. So I don’t want to wait eight more years. And I won’t. That’s a promise. It sounds like you’re in a place where nothing is holding you back right now. Nothing. Nothing is holding me back. And I have such great supporters. Like you today. Your energy is beautiful. You represent a whole community of people that love me, and you’re speaking for them to let me know that I’m loved out here and that feels… that’s an amazing feeling. So I owe you. I owe the LGBTQ community. I owe my fans music. And it’s a beautiful place, to be loved. This interview was lightly edited and condensed for clarity. As editor of Q Syndicate, the LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

By Marci Alt

Dear Lesbo, I hate New Year’s. It seems I never have a partner this time of year, so when midnight strikes, I have no one to kiss. My dilemma this year is that all my friends are going to be at a house party, most of Because we all need which have partners; even though I was invited, I a wise, Lesbian BFF! have no plus 1. Should I just go anyway and hide in the bathroom at midnight, or should I stay home Sometimes you just need the advice of a seasoned lonely and watch NETFLIX??? queer woman in your life! Happy holidays to all of Lonely @ Midnight you, and I hope your holidays were safe and always GAY. I also want to take a moment to thank Peach ATL for this opportunity to be our community’s next Dear Lonely ‘Dear Abby’! Remember, if you have a question you I understand your dilemma; however, don’t let becan’t seem to answer, or you just need some ad- ing single stop you! Come outside of the bathroom vice, please reach out – I’d love to give you some and embrace your single self! Really, is it New Year’s you hate, or just being single? My advice to help. you is to go to your friend’s party and at Midnight declare yourself a new Boyfriend for this year!! Dear Lesbo, I am writing to you to hear some good advice on a Loneliness is not fun, so remember, pee way before very delicate situation I am in. About a year ago, midnight this year, and hopefully, this year, you will my now ex-boyfriend and I did a video of us in bed. find your TRUE LOVE! He promised after we watched it, he would delete it – stupid me for believing him. Last week, I found out this video is on TikTok. I tried calling my ex, and unfortunately, his number is disconnected! I relentlessly asked TIKTOK to take this down, as I never gave consent. Not only have they not taken it down, I still haven’t heard back. My problem now is how do I tell my BOYFRIEND. I am afraid of the consequences if I tell him. Sexual Video Released Sex Scandal First, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I have never videotaped my sexual experiences, and you just gave me reassurance in why not. I truly believe if your boyfriend now loves you, he will be understanding and compassionate. Honesty is always the best policy. Just remember, if he asks you to do another video with him, this time, PLEASE JUST SAY NO.

........................................................................

Marci Alt is a household name within the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community – she created the The Gay Community Yellow Pages and runs the popular Gayborhood online platform. Being part of the community does not give her the experience alone to answer the questions on this page, but many years owning and running several successful businesses and being the parent of two amazing children certainly quantifies her knowledge, that she so generously shares with you in this column.

Do you have a question to Ask the Lesbo? Please email your questions to marci@peachatl.com.

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2020 in Perspective

By Vince Shifflett

The year 2020 has certainly been one for the record books. It has been full of challenges and triumphs for the LGBTQ community and beautiful people of color. Then, of course, 2020 brought us COVID. So terribly saddened and sorry for everyone who has lost loved ones to this pandemic. Although there have been many challenges, I am going to choose to focus more on the victories of 2020 that moved us one step closer to equality. In addition to that, I am hopeful that we will see an end to COVID now that we have a new administration capable of dealing with challenges from a compassionate, intelligent, and inclusive viewpoint. Let’s start with a few of the positive facts from 2020 that we all can be grateful for. According to the US Census Report for 2019, the total number of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual citizens was approximately 11.3 million, in addition to about 1.3 million Transgender citizens. The Hispanic/Latino population in 2019 was 18.5%, Black or African-American was 13.4%, and the Asian population was 5.9%. We matter, and our voice was heard loudly during the 2020 elections. LGBTQ and persons of color voter turn-out was at an all-time high with 81% of our votes going for democracy. Despite all the rhetoric and divisiveness, we made great strides that we all should be 34 | follow us @ peachatlmag

proud of. Strides toward equality. Strides toward inclusion. Strides toward a more loving, compassionate culture. One-hundred and sixty LGBTQ candidates and candidates of color won their race in the 2020 election at the local, state, and federal levels. Let’s take a look at just a few of them that make us proud. • • •

• •

•

Mondaire Jones- One of the first black gay congressman. (Move over, Lady G, you’ve got company.) Jared Polis- Gay Colorado Governor Karine Jean-Pierre and Pili Tobar- Two Lesbians of color named to Biden’s White House Communications Staff. Ryan Fecteau-First Gay House Speaker in Maine Shaw Skelly- One of Biden’s Trans Veteran appointments will be part of the team reviewing the Department of Defense. Sepi Shyne- Lesbian IranianAmerican. First queer woman of www.peachatl.com

color on the city council in West Heterosexual, we are continuing to move forward. We are moving forward knowing Hollywood. • Todd Gloria- Gay San Diego that ALL deserve equal rights under the law regardless of race, sexual orientation, or Mayor • Carlos Elizondo- Biden’s new religious belief. In summary, 2020 brought historic wins White House Social Secretary • Sarah McBride- First openly among transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and people of color. Putting 2020 in Transgender State Senator • Kamala Harris- First female perspective, I am thrilled to see the progress. and first person of color elected Of course, we still have a long way to go. I am to the office of Vice President- confident that by pulling together, and each Elect of these United States of of us putting love and inclusion into practice, America. I know you can’t hear we will arrive. Let us continue to use our me, but I’m screaming right voice to create a better world that unlocks now. I am deeply moved by this opportunities for ALL. Let us continue to use win. This win brings me hope. our vote and our voice to champion policies that give the people power and address I could go on and on but just wanted to discrimination and systemic racism. mention a few of the LGBTQ and persons of color that WE THE PEOPLE put in office. As stated earlier, we voted in a total of As we move into 2021, let us all represent 160 people that represent ALL and not just love and kindness even in the face of hate and division. Love truly does conquer all. certain ones. Let’s look toward the light at the end of the Despite the fact that we have struggled tunnel as opposed to looking at the dark through name-calling, mockery, killings, tunnel itself. Let’s look at the light that shines beatings, and the repeated attempted brightly inside each of us. Turn it on and let legislation to completely abolish the rights it shine bright as your beautiful, unique self. of anyone who isn’t white, Christian, and Happy Holidays and Happy 2021

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dec 30 - jan 13

It is not advisable, but if you choose an in-person event to celebrate NYE, please get tested before and after the event, and make sure you isolate before and after as well. And of course, maintain social distance and wear a mask! Stay safe and happy new year!

Bearracuda Virtual NYE The virtual NYE Dance Party lets you get down and a little dirty in the comfort and safety of your own home. The suggested donation that will go to support DJs and go-go dancers is $10 at PAYPAL.ME/BEARRACUDA (donations secures a link to the eve naughtier after party). Thursday, December 31, 9 pm – after midnight Link provided day of event at Bearracuda.com Light Up the VOTE! Experience a different way to celebrate the privilege of voting with an event that brings together artists, musicians, food trucks, and voters of all ages on the Beltline. Make your voice heard at this live art activation event! January 3, 12 – 5 pm The Beltline at the Hosea Williams Mural

Georgia Senate Runoff Election No candidate in either of Georgia’s Senate races won a majority of the vote on Nov 3, triggering a runoff for both seats. Control of the Senate now hinges on the outcome of these two races. Early voting is over, so if you haven’t voted yet, this is your last chance to cast your vote. See where you can vote at iwillvote.org. January 5 All Across Atlanta SCAD Virtual Tour Join SCAD FASH’s assistant director of fashion exhibitions, Christina Frank, for an exclusive virtual tour of the museum’s new show “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design”. Go to scadfash.org to learn more and register for the Zoom event. Tuesday, January 12, 12 pm Online Event (Zoom)

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MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

Amsterdam Ave.

12th St. NE

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

Pi e

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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

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

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Cheshire

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

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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

e. nt mo ed Pi

Piedmont Park

Retail

28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

Dining

26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

BARS

24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

ge Rd Brid hire Ches

28 20

25 r eB

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20 BJ Roosters 21 Sequel 22 Tripps

42 The Den

hir

ll D

. NE

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idde

x Rd

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

42 L

Le no

Lambert Dr.

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

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

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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

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FITNESS MIDTOWN URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N

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Things to Ask Yourself as 2020 Wraps Up

As the year comes to a close and a new one begins, it is natural to reflect over what has transpired and what is to come. Here are a few questions for you to ponder before 2020 wraps up.

1. From last year to now, how have I grown? 2. What did 2020 teach me about myself? 3. How did I cope with all the stress of 2020? 4. What can I do differently to manage my stress? 5. What limiting beliefs am I holding on to?

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6. What would be different if I let go of those limitations? 7. What do I need to do more of? 8. What do I need to do less of? 9. What are my boundary issues with other people? 10. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one small thing I can do now to change my life?.

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So, we’re going to the same NYE party Yeah, so we are!

E-mail your Peach Pits to mikkel@PeachATL.com

My New Year’s resolutions have stayed the same since 2010: Get fit, lose weight, get a better job, get a boyfriend, be kinder, and make resolutions that you can keep!

BySo, cutting sleeves what off arethe your plans when of the all your clockt-shirts? strikes midnight? Probably make out With me?

It is getting harder to tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen and pour myself a cup of ambition

Maybe but probably just with alcohol

If you think a minute goes by really fast, you’ve never been on a treadmill, have you? Places you can stay for absolutely free 1: your lane Daddy Joke Alert Is Buttcheeks one word or should I spread them apart?

44 | follow us @ peachatlmag

You weren’t created to be liked by everybody. You are not chicken fingers

When people ask me why I’m like this, I can either send you my birth chart or I can tell you about my childhood. It’s up to you

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Tomas is from Grand Forks, ND, and moved to Atlanta in 1996. He is a registered hatha yoga instructor and certified clinical medical assistant. He considers himself a mystic and encourages others to see the beauty in life and the power that connects us. He connected with Atlanta’s spiritual communities after his trip to Peru in 2017, and he joined Meak Productions’ Talent Agency in the Fall of 2019 to pursue his childhood dream of modeling and voice acting. He is currently featured as Mr. Fall Quarter 2020-21 in the Fall/Holidays campaign, on view now at meakproductions.com.

@cosmekal FB: @tomascosme

See more photos at

peachatl.com TOMAS COSME

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20) Have some good earthy fun today by going out and getting your hands dirty. Not on the social circuit, mind you, but in the garden where you’ll tap into that green thumb and dig your way to new-found inspiration. A walk outdoors could also do it, and you’ll find opportunity at every turn – maybe a handsome flirt that could blossom and grow into something more if that’s what you want.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20) You have no problem communicating with your friends, and the chatter could go on all night. Your family, though, is a different story. Perhaps you still haven’t come clean to them, or they’re still dealing with your orientation, but family conversations are uncomfortable. Try opening lines of communication with them. You may have to be the catalyst in helping them understand the true you.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) People will drive you crazy today, and you’ll prefer to go back in isolation and being in the company of animals. This means you wouldn’t have to listen to the details of their each and every petty drama. That may not be possible, so deal with the humans in your life as best you can. Be cordial and pretend to listen attentively as you daydream about strolling hand in hand along a beach with Henry Cavill.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19) Like a surgeon, you have honed your ability to expertly cut away to reveal and remove the offending parts after months marveling at people’s behavior during this pandemic. Use this talent in your business life today and you will see the details that will help your day run smoothly and efficiently. In your personal life, you will be able to get in deeper by removing bothersome things like shirts and underwear.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22) You have regressed a little into your shell, so squint your eyes and get out the magnifying glass today, as the small details will be larger than life. This will be true in all parts of your life, as your analytical mind won’t leave anything to chance. Take advantage of this by making plans, especially those dealing with travel. You’ll have all your bases covered, and you can relax when the day of the trip arrives.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22) A recent surge of rare optimism in you has thrown you into spending splurges, that now will have you cutting back, and cutting corners, as your bank account has gone from riches to rags. Being a little more conservative in your spending, and putting yourself on a smart budget, will have the coffers healthy and strong again in no time. So, keep you r lavish lifestyle in check and call in few favors from when you were generous.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22) AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) In a world marred by the threat of fake news, tread with caution when dealing with others today, because they may not have the same clarity of vision.This can lead to misunderstandings, especially with boyfriends, who always seem to hear only what they want to hear. Make your intentions known to them today. By using simple logic, and small, easy-to-understand words, they might just see things your way.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) Even though we are somewhat limited in what we can do right now, sometimes it’s best to just let your freak flag fly, and live life on the run. Making it up as you go along can bring about a spontaneity that can lead to fresh and original ideas. So, don’t mull over the tiny details today; they will only slow you down.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19) New opportunities have you thinking your workday is something out of a movie: Fast-paced action on the most exciting and challenging projects, after which you get the guy and a happy ending. In reality, you are still working from home, and things couldn’t be duller, and mundane projects are laden with frustrating details that only slow you down. Make the best of it at work today. Your excitement will come after work, when you will get the guy.

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You have so many details on your mind you can’t keep track of them all, and you’re as unfocused as a showing of abstract performance art. Today could be a good one to just let go, and let your mind drift. When you emerge from your selfimposed exile, you will find that your clarity will return. Dealing with the details will be much easier.

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22) Distanced socializing will put you in contact with people with whom you may have had shaky relationships, like ex-boyfriends and jilted lovers. This prospect always has you nervous, but you will be amazed that they are happy to see you, and the troubles of the past have stayed there. Holding grudges is silly but be careful that that bad seed isn’t trying to creep into your life again.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21) You’ve dug up some dirt on a rival that you’re probably not supposed to know. How you came across the info is strictly confidential, but disclosure could be quite damaging. You’re tempted to get back at him for his many offenses by quietly leaking the news to a public who will eat it up. But something is holding you back. What if it were you? Keep it to yourself.

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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. A friend of mine was asking me for weeks to hang out, and I finally agreed. We had settled on a restaurant with outdoor seating, but we had to move inside because it got too cold. His boyfriend then joined us, and we had more drinks, and the night turned way drunker than expected. We then end up making out at the restaurant, and we go to their place and have an insanely sexy threesome. Now, I’m in a state of regret – not about the sex, which was incredible, but about me losing any precautions about the ongoing pandemic! I have isolated and gotten tested, and I’m clear. Now, my friend wants to hang out again (with a not-so-subtle hint of a threesome again). How do I tell him that I am not really comfortable hanging out again? Before this, I was so strict with my interaction with other people because of Covid, and I’m just afraid that he will get the wrong impression if I tell them I don’t want to ‘hang out.’ Because I really do, but there’s a pandemic! Help me here! Sincerely Risque Dear Risque At this point of the pandemic, your scenario is likely shared by many: you got drunk, you made a decision while drunk that you wouldn’t have if sober, and you’re still very aware of the consequences – and care enough about other people – not to repeat this mistake. You actually make all of the best points in what you wrote here! Start by saying that you really enjoyed it and that you have no regrets about the sex. Acknowledge that physical and social needs have been neglected over the past many months, so it is only natural to crave these things deeply. Say that you would love to do it all again, but in the light of the pandemic, you are just not ready for that, and you have decided to resume your stricter quarantine measures. The fact that you are taking your own and their health into consideration, plus your willingness to continue where things left off once this is over, gives you an excellent chance to do just that.

Last year, a friend of mine went to rehab to get over his meth addiction. When he got out, he was on a very good path, and I really liked it for him – it looked good on him, and it felt outstanding in the friendship. Since then, I have witnessed how he has slowly but surely regressed. It started with him drinking alcohol, and I know from friends who have done harder drugs with him. Then, since Covid hit, he has continued to date and travel and acts almost as nothing is out of the ordinary. We’ve had several big confrontations about this, and right now, we are on a ‘friendship hold’ because he told me he doesn’t need me in his life right now. I grieve the potential loss of a friend, but I have such a hard time watching him post photos not wearing a mask at restaurants and hearing from mutual friends how he thinks the virus is all a hoax or at least not as bad. I can see he is hurting, but I am in no position to address this with him – it would be fruitless. What do I do? Sincerely Losing a Friend Dear Losing a Friend It seems like the pandemic has had the power to lay bare people’s true intentions. Your observations about your friend come as you have already gone through a dramatic shift in your friendship, so you are hyper-sensitive to even minor fluctuations in the relationship. Quite honestly, your friend doesn’t sound like he is a particularly good specimen, so you have permission to take a break from him for now. Or forever, who knows? You are not the one who has chosen to put the friendship on hold. You are also not the person to guard his sobriety. Unfollow, unfriend, or block him on social media, and let your mutual friends know that you don’t need to be kept in the loop. Maybe the friendship will persist, perhaps it won’t, but for now, you put it on hold.

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