Peach Magazine V5-03 - Winter Moods

WInTER Moods TV In TRansiTiOn the 1St tRanSman StaRS In SeRieS

sHaKE, RaTTlE and ROll

good newS Bulletin foR 2021

FaVORiTE WinTER THings winteR faShion and muSt-haveS

DRIVE-UP

TESTING Free HIV testing • Results in 5 minutes • Safe & easy • No need to leave your car Offered by appointment at our Decatur Center: 523 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030

678.365.4300

positiveimpacthealthcenters.org

C

ontents

media & printing

jan 27, 2021 V5-03

PEACH MEDIA 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093

MANAGING PARTNER Brian Sawyer brian@peachatl.com

PAGE

8

PAGE 14

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson Sales and Development Director jeff@peachatl.com

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

PAGE 18 PAGE 30

Graphics

SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

fRom the editoR

CONTRIBUTORS

Even though we hardly ever get real wintry conditions here in the Southeast, the colder weather certainly puts me in that winter mood, where I just want to cuddle up a little more than usual – and Peach is the perfect companion for that!

We treat you to a hot cover model (who you get to meet inside the magazine), we have an interview with Brian Michael Smith, the first transman to star as a series regular on network TV, and we guide you to a bit of style when you’re working from home.

I also recommend a few of my winter favorites, and you get an overview of the good news that will propel you into the new year. And that is far from all, so get into the winter mood with this issue of Peach!

Chris Azzopardi Jamie Kirk

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media | 908.232.2021

COVER Model: Dominic Adriana Photo: Alex Jackson

MiKKEl HyldEBRandT

Editorial Director | IG @hyldebrandt

ONLINE

PRINT

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.

MEET THE cOVER MOdEl

dOMinic adRianO

Dominic is an American model and actor based in Los Angeles. He began his modeling career in New York City before moving out West to transition into film and television.

He signed with Meak Productions (the world’s first LGBTQ talent agency) in the late Spring of 2018. He was quickly awarded the signature title of Mr. Meak Productions 2018-19 with his debut in the Agency’s Annual Independence Day Campaign.

In 2019, he created a successful OnlyFans Page to showcase his Artistic Nude photo sessions for his growing fan base. Shortly after his permanent move out West, a coffee table book titled “The Study of Dominic Albano” was produced and released in print. Afterward, he started his first podcast, Jabbr, on Spotify and iTunes in October 2020. Dominic has plans to continue modeling, acting, and launching new personal projects in 2021.

For future bookings, contact Meak Productions at meakproductions.com.

dominicadrianoalbano.com IG @dominicaalbano OnlyFans/dominicalbano

8 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

MY FAVORITE THINGS

Winter Moods

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

The cold weather influences me to cushion myself a little and create a little cocoon of wellness and wellbeing. And even though I do well with enveloping myself in protective products, there are also safe options out there if you choose to let someone else pamper you.

Help to Heel

Mikkel Hyldebrandt is the editor of Peach ATL. Follow him on Instagram @hyldebrandt

The dry heat indoors can sometimes feel like an attack on my feet that will even crack a little under the strain.

After a few days with this product and I am walking on air again.

Origins Reinventing The Heel Mega-Moisture Foot Cream, $30

Dream Away Calming Cushion With the colder weather, your skin may need a little extra cushion to ward off the cold, and facial oil is the best at this. A few drops added to your moisturizer (for me at best at night), and your skin gets help to create the proper barrier.

Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Face Oil, $52

Isn’t it crazy how a scent can elevate your mood or transport you to somewhere else? Philip B’s products feel so indulgent, which is also because of their beautiful fragrances that envelop you in the shower.

Philip B Scent of Santa Fe Hair + Body Shampoo, $48

Massage Heaven Frank has implemented numerous safety precautions, including HEPAfiltered air purifiers, temp checks, and mask requirements to make your massage experience as safe and relaxing as possible – and it works!

Book at Franksantore.com.

60-minute Massage Session, $90

Gentleman’s Facial

Scent of Summer

In the capable hands of Patrick Smith, you will get a top of the line facial. He has also invested in additional safety measures so that you can feel secure during the service – book at skinquility. com.

Who would have thought that a deodorant can take me back to summers under exotic skies? Native’s new limited “Jungalow” collection does precisely that.

Skinquility Gentleman’s Facial, 60 minutes/$100

Native “Jungalow” Sandalwood & Fig Deodorant, $12

10 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

The

WORK FROM HOME Fashion Edit

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Working from home has its pros and cons. A considerable advantage is that you can wear pretty much whatever you want and be as comfortable as possible. On the other hand, you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed to take that Zoom call, so something in between is the perfect style compromise.

Indoor shoes? Why yes! Bare feet and slippers generally lack proper foot support, and wearing sneakers will make it easier for you to transition into a home workout.

Adidas NMD_R1 V2 Shoes, $140

12 | follow us @ peachatlmag

The innate informality of a video conference may have you skip the suit and tie, but a casual shirt will do wonders for your onscreen appearance.

Banana Republic Untucked Slim-Fit Flannel Shirt, $79.50

Comfortable and cozy but with a slightly snugger fit is a far cry from baggy joggers.

You could wear these outside the house without looking untidy. Blade and Blue Charcoal Grey Joggers, $69.50

www.peachatl.com

A light-weight vest will keep you warm on that walking meeting while giving you just a little bit of formal structure that will also look good on the zoom call!

Perhaps not as dressy as a blazer jacket, but pretty close!

Especially combined with a casual shirt that shows you put some effort into your look today.

J. Crew Quilted Walker Vest, H&M Shawl-Collar Cardigan, $39.99 $79.50

These days you are mostly wearing any sort of fragrance just for you, but it is a great way to give yourself little moments of aromatic pleasure.

If you have to get out of the house for a meetup, these chinos look like pants but have the comfort of a jogger.

Because who are we kidding? Will we ever wear ‘real’ pants again?

Since you live in comfier clothing, why not indulge in the softest cashmere that will look and feel great.

Club Monaco Cashmere Gradient Crewneck Sweater, $398

For those unfortunate hair days – or those days where you just haven’t hit the shower yet – a good cap will save the day without looking too informal.

Herschel Albert Cap, $35 Prada Infusions d’Iris Cedre, $160 Vuori Everything Chino Pant, $112 | 13

On TV, the Hero Is a Black Transman

By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Billy Small, Fox

Without any positive trans role models, Brian Michael Smith grew up in 1980s Michigan thinking a Black transman couldn’t be an actor.

He wasn’t seeing himself on TV, or anywhere. But now and then, things change for the better. Today, people are seeing him everywhere, most notably on Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star, a spin-off of the 9-1-1 firstresponders show, this time set in Austin, Texas.

It’s a history-making role: Smith, as Paul Strickland, with a Sherlock Holmes-type mind, is the first transman to star as a series regular on network TV. Before joining the procedural drama, Smith played Officer Antoine “Toine” Wilkins, another transman, on OWN’s Queen Sugar, which was executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay. His other acting credits include The L Word:

Generation Q, HBO’s Girls, NBC’s Chicago P.D. and Showtime’s Homeland. In the 2020 documentary Disclosure, Smith spoke about the historical evolution of trans depiction and representation in media alongside other Hollywood trans influencers and icons, including Laverne Cox and Matrix filmmaker Lilly Wachowski.

Smith is now the change he yearned to see as a kid, when he’d cut through the woods of Ann Arbor with friends to get to school, acting out scenes from movies and cartoons on the way. And hoping that, one day, the rest of the world would accept him as he is.

What kind of kid were you?

I was such an Ann Arbor kid. I would spend so much time outside. I was born in ’83, so Stranger Things is a lot like how I spent my afternoons. I had a core group of four friends, and we would just get together after school and go play in the woods. Go walk in the woods to get to a certain playground, or go to the woods, just to go to another neighborhood; get in some mischief, knock over garbage cans, bike away. I was one of those kids. (Laughs.)

Did you know then that you wanted to be an actor?

Yeah, I loved to perform. My mom and her sisters all had kids around the same time and then they lived together for a while. They liked to get together and tell stories and have us tell stories, so it’d be a lot like, “Come here and do your thing.”

It was fifth grade when I wrote a play, and what was really cool was I got a chance to write this character. I (introduced) my character on stage, with all the attention on me, and nobody challenged that. That was really powerful for me.

Because when I was really little, I was telling people, “I’m a boy, I’m a boy,” and you know, having to defend

14 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

myself when I would say that. So I liked having that transformative power that I could be whoever I wanted to be when I was performing. When I went to school, I was only getting these female roles given to me in class and thought, “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do this.”

So it’s been challenging for me because I know how many people are going through what I would have been going through had this pandemic hit my life in 2018.

What was your experience growing up in Ann Arbor knowing you identified as a boy?

I was talking to a friend of mine at this event and I’m just like, “Oh, man, I’m having a good time and I’m performing but it’s not exactly what I want. I want to be a series regular on an actionoriented show.” I swear to God that as I’m talking to him, he goes, “Say what you want.” And as soon as I stopped talking I got an email from my agent: “Hey, you got an audition for the 9-1-1 spinoff.”

Then I read the character breakdown and it’s like, “Trans, roughneck, from Chicago, Midwest.” I was geeked! It checked all the boxes.

I didn’t even know much about queerness or queer identity. But I was able to be myself. I played football on the boys team at Pioneer (High School).

I scored a touchdown, and I’m technically the only female in the state of Michigan history to ever score a touchdown in football on varsity. I say that distinctly because it was Ann Arbor.

I remember how afraid I was when I was crossing that giant parking lot to go to the football practice field for tryouts that first day and thinking, “They’re gonna say no, I’m going to have to really fight for this.” So I walked right up to the coach and said, “I’m here to play football.” He goes, “OK, the equipment’s over there; go check in with that guy.” And the freshmen are up on the upper field and I’m like, “Oh, shit.” I think that was a uniquely Ann Arbor experience, the lack of resistance.

You’ve blown up in the last few years.

Does this feel like a breakthrough moment for you?

Absolutely. It feels incredible because a lot of what I wanted for myself has manifested this year. And it’s been kind of a challenge because this started to blossom the most (last) January and February. I was riding this wave after I got booked (on 9-1-1: Lone Star) in September of 2019.

We were filming and so much of what I wanted to experience, things that I sacrificed for the past 11 years, all this hustling and grinding in New York, started to come to fruition. Then the pandemic hit.

How did you get involved in Lone Star?

When I watched the pilot, I was really blown away that I was watching something as LGBTQ-inclusive as this, a show that feels like something my Midwestern mom and dad would watch, on Fox. Yes, that’s the thing. That is the thing. It’s an honor, for sure, to be working on The L Word and to bring that kind of authentic representation into a show that didn’t necessarily have the greatest history with transmasculine representation.

But it’s a Showtime show. I grew up watching network prestige dramas. I’m a huge fan of these cop dramas and medical dramas, and I’m aware that that’s what people gather around. Those are the fireside chats. These go to the homes in the Midwest. You have to look for Queer Sugar. You have to look for The L Word. But this is on Fox. This is going to reach so many people who may not ever have an opportunity to see anyone like this.

There’s a built-in audience for this kind of show already, and then they see a Black transman playing a Black transman on a network TV show getting | 15

to be as heroic as a cis white man gets to be on these kinds of shows. What does that feel like?

It feels right and unreal, at the same time. Unreal given that I came from the Midwest and I never even knew that there were other people like me until I was 20. In the generation that I came up in, everything had to be a secret. So I was thinking for a long time that I’m not going to be able to do what I want to do: performance, being an actor and being fully myself. Then slowly I came to realize, because of trailblazers that went before me like Laverne Cox, that, “Wait, we can. And maybe I can be a trans actor and maybe I can play a trans character.” And not just a trans character who’s a victim or the butt of a joke, or a villain, or a side character. A whole series regular.” That was only six years ago.

What can other writers and creators learn from the way Lone Star depicts its trans character?

I think they do a great job of listening to trans people. There isn’t a trans writer in the room right now, but they’ve listened to the input that I have.

It’s also part of the Ryan Murphy universe, so I think they learned a lot from the Pose experience and how having actual trans voices and listening to other trans consultants and showrunners is what brings the authenticity to a role. Then writing to the humanity of the character and not just what feels sensational about them. The character can just happen to be trans. They can be all these other things, and that is just a part of who they are.

What can you say about character arc this season?

Paul’s

We get to know a lot more about Paul in this season that I’m excited about. What’s great is they’ve sort of built in the timeline, so time has passed and because of the quarantine the team is spending even more time together than they would just being firefighters who work 48-hour shifts together. They’ve changed up even how we respond to calls based on what COVID protocols would be.

What about Paul’s personal life and romantic life?

To be honest, what I know about his personal life so far is... I think dates are happening. I haven’t seen anything OK’d yet, but we get to know more about his family life, which is interesting.

Would you like to see Paul with a romantic interest?

Oh yeah, oh yeah. Yeah! Come on! Paul’s been getting in shape! He’s got his quarantine body together! (Laughs.)

When interviewing for the job in the first season, you tell the firefighter captain that being trans means you’ve had to be a step ahead of everyone simply because you’re trans, for survival purposes. Was that true for you in your own life as well?

I think to some degree, yeah. I didn’t know if I knew any trans people growing up. For a long time, I thought I was the only one. And the only real representation I had of an actual trans person was Brandon Teena, and he was murdered. And it was by people he trusted, or tried to trust. So I think in the back of my mind I’ve probably always had that:

“How much of this do I need to protect?” So yeah, just reading people, keeping an eye on people.

I grew up in a very Southern Baptist traditional household and a very heteronormative space, so when I did start to hear even just the word “gay” it was in the negative connotation that kids use in middle school. On talk shows and in tabloids all I saw were negative depictions of transwomen. I didn’t know an actual transman existed until I was 20. The first was Jamison Green on this website, and I saw this fully functioning adult man, a writer, and he’s all these things I was. Then when I saw that transmen existed, I knew exactly who I was. It was this very beautiful, eye-opening, tearswith-joy moment when I realized that there’s a future for me.

they know they can be a happy, functioning person because of the character and me, the person.

Children reach out and say, “You’re my hero and I can grow up and be like you.” Forty-year-old adults who have never seen anybody like themselves and now feel the courage to be themselves. Well, that’s why. That’s why I went through all that stuff.

That’s why I was born the way I was born.

During that same interview, the captain says to you, “Somewhere in this town right now is a kid who’s just like you were. Feeling scared, hopeless. I’d like you to show him, or her, or they it’s OK to be who you are.” That’s true of Paul, but that’s also true of you, Brian.

What do you hear from young trans and gender-nonconforming people who watch the show?

It was that line that really hit home for me. That was in the audition material that they sent to me when I wanted to audition. I read that line and felt like that was my life mission as a trans person. Knowing I was different and had all these struggles because I was different, I asked myself this question: Why? Why was I born like this? Just why, why, why?

Then I’m doing this and parents are telling me now that they don’t feel as afraid for their child because

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.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

By Jamie Kirk

WE MADE IT! We survived 2020. For a minute there in May, and okay June, I was not so sure. The pandemic was in full force, jobs were assessing the need of employee’s, the stimulus checks were hanging in the midst of being passed and pretty much everyone was quarantined and locked down. It felt like a very bad dream. However, we have so much good stuff to look forward to in the near future, we can’t help but lean into it.

Good News Bulletin

Good News Bulletin

The Vaccine. Because the number changes hourly, it would be inaccurate to quote the number of vaccinations that have been currently administered. Happy to report that at least 400k residents in Georgia have at least received their initial round. The vaccine imitates the infection so that our bodes create antibody defenses to fight off COVID-19.

The holidays are over. The stress of decorations, gifts, cooking, hosting, parties (limited) and traveling is over. The holiday’s are filled with anxiety for some folks, but guess what that is totally behind us. To be able to show gratitude and thankfulness during the last 30 days is a blessing in and of itself.

#1

#2

Good News Bulletin

#3

It’s a new year. Let the new year/new me quotes begin. Many people do a dry January, there are people that do the Daniel diet, some folks commit to go the gym, or even set a goal weight to hit. All of these are a good way to press the reset button and start fresh. The coming of a new year gives us the chance to prioritize our lives and set the course for the incoming year with what we will accept and what we will not.

and democracy and a chance to change the downward spiral of our domestic and international standing, amongst all of the other leaders.

Good News Bulletin

#6

We all turned a year order in 2020. We all gained a little bit of wisdom and experience.

We are all doing the best we can, what the tools we have. We are learning daily about who we are, what we want and how to best selves, despite the outward circumstances. This year taught us that most of us have a life Good News Bulletin of excessive and that more does not always mean better. I sincerely think that in a year

we will be able to look back and say “2021 A Social Media pause. Looks like the social was better than 2021. Better is relative. The media platforms have had enough of folks improvements will be noticeable and will that use bullying, intimidation and spread 100% be taking significant steps forward. falsehoods to their followers. The voice that social media has in today’s society is the We have got to take the same approach we most influential way to get and/or change did like we were in kindergarten - tuck and the way people behave or think. Recently the roll. We have been on fire. We have been POTUS got his Twitter profile permanently through heck and back. We need to shake disabled because of the downstream impacts off the year, we need to rattle the cages and of the riots at our Nation’s Capitol a few take a stand that we are not gonna take it weeks back. Even individually people take anymore. We are going to stop looking back a pause from social media because of the and look onward and upward. 2020 is a number of unproductive logged hours of the think of the past. We have to release the time suck of posting gym selfies and peeking strong-hold and allow the present to guide us into strangers’ lives. into a positive and productive future. Let’s

#4

Good News Bulletin

#5

intentionally bounce back. Let’s internally not allow the winter blues to creep in and steal the anticipated joy of 2021. We got this. I just know we do.

Leadership change at the highest office.

Here’s hoping each and everyone of us has a I have always thought that one has to be healthy, hopeful and productive 2021. careful about broadcasting who they voted for, their party affiliation, etc. But given the course of events (regardless of your party affiliation, or the party you and your family have identified with for years and years, I think we all ( if we are being honest ), a change was necessary. A change for peace

20 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

| 21

POST-ELECTION PARTY @ BLAKE'S 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

NEW FACES IS BACK! @ FRIENDS ON PONCE Photos by Snow

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.

26 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

THE PLACE TO BE

E V O L S Y A D R U T A S

$6 ABSOLUT HOSTED BY TRISTAN HARTMAN COCKTAILS 10PM - CLOSE

DJ DARLENE

1544 PIEDMONT AVE, NE, ATLANTA, GA 30324 ANSLEY MALL - BEHIND PUBLIX

Atlanta’s ONLY Certified Printer

Let Peach Media putLGBTQ+ Atlanta in Print

Business Cards | Flyers | Graphic Design | Booklets |Postcards | Event & Tradeshow Banners | Brochures | Letterpress | 3d Print | Engraving | Embroidry |Tshirts | Hats | Authentic Letterpress and more

ELECTION WIND-DOWN @ WOOFS ATLANTA Photos by Snow

28 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

Sean was born in the Northeast and has lived in Atlanta since 2001. He lives in Midtown with his husband Patrick and their dog Paco. He works in risk management for a regional property management company, and his hobbies include running, swimming, and lifting weights. He also enjoys hiking and recently hiked the beautiful Oregon coast. Sean also enjoys practicing yoga, and he’ll be attending a yoga retreat in Costa Rica in February. Sean is also an avid gardener, and his favorite holiday is Nude Gardening Day. When the pandemic is over, Sean can’t wait to travel much more.

@seanersontop

Sean RuckeR

jan 27 - FEB 3

We believe in safety first, so this lineup features mainly virtual events or in-person events with limited capacity that enforce CDC guidelines.

Please keep yourself updated on an event’s status as it may change last-minute.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day The commemoration will feature Community members from different generations who will share their families’ stories in the Holocaust.

Wednesday, January 27, 5 – 6:30 pm Zoom Event (Register on Facebook Page)

2021 PULSE Art + Technology Festival Telfair Museums’ PULSE Art + Technology festival returns in hybrid form for pandemic times with exhibitions at the Jepson Center, virtual lectures by featured artists, a curator’s tour, workshop, and a free admission weekend.

January 27-31 telfair.org

OUT Georgia 2021 Kickoff & Annual Meeting OUT Georgia invites members, partners, and Georgia’s proud LGBTQ+ business community to come together during the 2021 Kickoff & Annual Meeting. Register for free at outgeorgia.org.

Friday, Jan 29, 5:30 pm Online Event

Gender-Creative Parenting Collective The Zoom meeting will support parents and educators of self-identified genderqueer and trans children, teens, or young adults, as well as children who are “gender creative,” gender non-conforming, or express themselves in ways that society deems non-normative.

Wednesday, February 3, 7 – 9 pm Zoom Event (Register on Facebook Page)

32 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

12th St. NE

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6

18

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

2

10th St. NE

10

. NE

19

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charle s Alle n Dr . N E

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

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

Spring St. NW

17

4th St. NE

8

13

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

BARS

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

Cheshire

ansley 21

idg

eR

on tC ir .

NE

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

e. nt mo ed Pi

Piedmont Park

Retail

28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

39

36

d.

Dining

26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

41

38

BARS

24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

Av

ge Rd Brid hire Ches

28 20

25 r eB

E

.

r.

.N

Rd

Dr

26 35

24

20 BJ Roosters 21 Sequel 22 Tripps

42 The Den

40

32

oe

er

36

nr

hir

31

Mo

dm

es

ll D

kn

27

33

. NE

Pi e

29

Ch

idde

ul

IX

34

x Rd

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

Fa

BL

Le no

30

Lambert Dr.

PU

St.

.

A l co

1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

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

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta The T 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

peach CLASSIFIEDS

Atlanta’s premier for as little as

LGBT MAGAZINE

35 per week! $

Email jeff@peachatl.com for more information.

 �� ��  �

Â

10 things to do in 2021

With a new outlook for 2021, and hopefully, many positive things in store, what are some of the intentions you will be setting for the new year? Here is a list of things to do in 2021.

1. It’s time to heal. Seek therapy if you need it 2. Stop having relationship problems with people you are not in a relationship with 3. Set your intentions and write down your goals 4. Live consciously 5. Stay away from people who gaslight you – especially after you have expressed your feelings

38 | follow us @ peachatlmag

6. Trust redirection and embrace the change 7. Measure your days by presence, not productivity 8. Stop pursuing people who are fine with losing you 9. Appreciate the small wins 10. There’s nothing “too good” for you –

remember that!

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

The River’s Edge is open and invites you to come, relax by a campfire and enjoy gay, country camping.

RV Sites Heated Cabins Tent Sites

1/2 off winter rates continue January - February

706-213-8081 www.camptheriversedge.com

The Rivers Edge Campground, 2311 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose, GA 30634

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

hfgue uwifj hfwhf What?!

Turns out I feel terrible because I don’t drink water or sleep enough.

Not because 2020 was cursed…

I really only post selfies when I look bomb. So don’t expect me to look that good on a regular basis. Ya’ll asking for too much!

By cutting off the sleeves I can’t text with tese thins of all your t-shirts?

Let me guess, you’re wearing nails?

Yes, torble texting lok Ok, call me instead – you can still hold your phone, right?

My aunt asked about my girlfriend and I told her I’m gay.

She said, “so you can’t a man either, huh?”

You can’t be “daddy” if your parents still pay your phone bill Daddy Joke Alert I tell dad jokes, but I don’t have any kids. Is that a faux pa?

40 | follow us @ peachatlmag

I’m not always a bitch. Sometimes I sleep!

I never wanted a sugar daddy.

A queso daddy on the other hand…

www.peachatl.com

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22) Starting new projects may prove to be a challenge today, as people with other ideas stand in your way. Your first reaction may be to retreat, but that would be giving up, something that goes against your nature. Instead, find a like-minded pal who supports your views and ideas and tag-team your adversaries. Brilliant minds often think alike and together, the two of you can get the job done.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22) You’ve finally met someone who is kind and supportive, and who enjoys being in the company of your larger-than-life personality. Your friends agree that you two seem made for each other, so what are you waiting for? You have no problem taking the lead, so ask him out on a date. Take it slow, but let him know how you feel about him. He will love seeing the gentle side of the mighty lion.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

That new guy in your neighborhood seems like a loner, and not the type of person an extrovert guy like you would normally associate with. But the last many months have taught you something about loneliness, so you are fascinated with him. If you want to meet him, you will have to break the ice.

There are many ways to do that, and some don’t involve stalking. Just don your mask, knock on his door, and welcome him to the neighborhood. He may surprise you by inviting you in.

You’ve been hanging with the beautiful people lately, and you’re on the A-list for all the social events. You love being part of the glitterati, but even you have to admit that the liberties taken at these events, shake your sense of responsibility. Your old friends have been wondering where you’ve been, and it may be time to go back to them. Take some time to make sure you are healthy, and then reconnect as a way of reminding you of who you really are.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

A friend may owe you sum of money you know he can’t pay back just yet being down on luck during the pandemic. You could find ways for him to repay you short of making him your personal manservant. Still, this is putting a strain on your friendship. Be a humanitarian today and absolve him of his debt. Never make money more important than the people in your life.

Today will be a great day to get out of the house and breathe in the fresh air. Working from home can have an oppressive effect on your mind and soul, so go for a brisk walk, or open the windows as you go on a long drive. You’ll be amazed how your energies will be revived when you let a little cool, clean water flow into that brackish pool.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You have learned that your persuasiveness stretch way beyond the computer screen and working from home. You won’t take no for an answer, and your charming personality always has people saying yes. You usually get what you want, but you need to consider if you are using people for your own gain? Curb the selfishness today, and give back. As hard as it is to believe, it’s not all about you.

You’ve been pursuing that guy for some time now, and he’s proving to be quite elusive. Normally, you love the challenge of the chase, but your patience is wearing thin. Asking yourself the tough questions today may give you a new realization, and open you to some cold truths. Maybe he’s just not that into you.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

We’re living in a material world, and today you are a material girl. During the lockdown you have cemented the fact that your many possessions give you a strong sense of security. Add to them today by buying tasteful things for the home.

Persian rugs and Ming vases may be out of your price range, and you can’t travel to Bali for that vintage keepsake. Unearth treasures in your own backyard – or online for added safety!

Your mood has been fluctuating wildly lately with everything going on, so your two key words for today should be fun and laughter. And nothing’s more fun than laughing. So watch your favorite episode of The Simpsons or read the latest book from David Sedaris. Best yet, learn to laugh at yourself. As a wise writer once said, he who laughs, lasts.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

With misinformation running rampant these past months, everything, and everybody, has two faces today and you’re not sure which one is real.

There are shadows lurking behind every corner, so be careful with the people you deal with today – especially online. Think clearly and be sure of yourself. Don’t add to the confusion by wearing a mask of your own – except the one you wear for your safety!

You’ve been so focused on work lately that you’ve been ignoring the friends who’ve been trying to reach you. Your dedication to your job is admirable, but you know what they say about all work and no play. Screw the overtime and reconnect with friends instead today. Having fun in your social life will rejuvenate your work life.

42 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

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 a great doctor who is gay, so I can really talk to him about anything. Plus, he is super hot, which is where my dilemma arises.

After not having seen a doctor for almost a year, I finally went to see him, and during the physical part of the consultation, I got very aroused in my state of undress – and couldn’t help but notice that he was ‘excited’ too.

Nothing happened, but there was a definite sexual tension. At first, I thought that would be it, but then a couple of days later, he hit me up on one of the apps. We chatted for a while, which confirmed that we had both been very aroused by the situation, and things got kind of sexy. I kind of really want to hook up with him, but I’m also hesitant because he is a great doctor, and finding a good gay doctor is hard! So, can I sleep with him and keep him as a doctor?

Sincerely Physical Education Dear Physical Education The American Medical Association would deem this behavior unethical because sexual interactions between patient and physician could detract from your treatment goals, and, worst-case, exploit the vulnerability of the patient (not that there are any indications that he would in this situation). So basically, there you have it – you can’t have your doctor and eat him too. In fact, if your doctor is really as great as you say he is, he should terminate your doctor-patient relationship immediately and refer you to someone else.

You can emerge from this situation by just acknowledging this as a flirt, but the clearest path would be for you to see each other as sexual or romantic partners and get a new PCP. At this point, that scenario is doable, but anything beyond that, and you have lost your great doctor – but maybe gained a new romantic partner? Question is: is it worth the risk?

I’m in my twenties, and during this pandemic, I have developed a little bit of anxiety when it comes to online dating. Because there is no in-person and physical contact, it has become so hard for me to gauge whether a guy is genuine or not. It seems like whenever I feel there is a good connection, the guy just ghosts or the communication dies down. And now, so many couples are opening up their relationship, which makes it even harder to figure out what they are into because all the lines are being blurred. I really want a deeper connection with someone, but I am both a little put off and a nervous wreck at the same time – are there really no genuine guys left out there anymore? I want to break my negative thinking, and I want to find love ultimately – but how?

Sincerely Online Lover Dear Online Lover It is always challenging to put yourself out there. The first step for you is to admit that you are indeed anxious about online dating! Anxiety is perfectly normal, but the moment you let go of your judgment of having anxiety, you will also relax a little bit more. You’ll be more relaxed in yourself, which could ultimately be transferred to your ‘dating’ activity.

Another thing you can do is to evaluate if the hookup/dating apps are hurting or helping you. If you’ve had it with biased preferences and rudeness from strangers, then take a break!

Or maybe stay clear of the sex apps and go for one catered more towards nurturing a connection. Create a profile that is honest and realistic, which is the best basis to spark the initial online conversation with someone. No matter how you meet someone, start by communicating and get to know the person even before you meet up in person for a date – especially now with a raging pandemic! Some good indicators for you would be how good a communicator the other person is and how the conversation flows and such. And it is totally okay for you to voice your concerns and fears about dating. Being open and honest about feelings and expectations will create the basis for a deeper connection. Yes, dating can be time-consuming and anxiety-inducing, but if you put in the effort, it will eventually pay off. You know, most people ultimately want an intimate connection with someone else – a connection that transcends just hooking up, so right now you have the best circumstances for just that.

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