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12 Years Later: Sigourney Weaver Reflects on ‘Prayers for Bobby’ The U.S. of Gay

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12 Years Later: Sigourney Weaver Reflects on ‘Prayers for Bobby’

Weaver says the movie about LGBTQ+ activist Mary Griffith is ‘in the top three’ of her career

By Chris Azzopardi

Sigourney Weaver almost didn’t make it to Michigan to film “Prayers for Bobby.” In fact, the star of “Ghostbusters” and “Alien” didn’t think she could even make time to shoot the TV drama, which has resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences everywhere since it premiered on Lifetime in 2009.

At the time, the actress had another job, and her daughter was about to graduate from high school. But Weaver couldn’t say no once she read the Lambda Literary Award-nominated book — a harrowing and inspiring true story, written by out journalist Leroy Aarons — and Katie Ford’s script about the real-life Mary Griffith, a Christian woman who becomes a devout LGBTQ+ crusader after her gay teenage son, whom she once vehemently condemned, commits suicide. (Griffith died just last year at the age of 85.)

In addition to portraying Griffith, Weaver also co-produced “Prayers for Bobby” alongside executive producers Daniel Sladek, Chris Taaffe and David Permut, who had been trying to get the film made for 11 years before it finally aired on Lifetime.

“I just felt it was so important,” Weaver told me when we spoke in June 2008, during a break from shooting.

“Prayers for Bobby” has gone on to be screened globally, at festivals, conferences, universities and faith-based organizations. It was even, by invitation of European Union Parliament then8 | follow us @ peachatlmag

Vice President Ulrike Lunacek, screened by members of Parliament on International Day Against Homophobia in 2015. To this day, both PFLAG National and the Trevor Project consider the film a valuable educational tool. As for Weaver, in addition to receiving Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations, she was honored with the Trevor Life Award from The Trevor Project for her participation in the film.

An encore presentation of “Prayers for Bobby” is available to watch during Pride season on Lifetime on demand for cable subscribers. The movie is streamable through the end of July.

Without her even saying it, it’s clear the film is still important to the veteran actress, who tells me at the onset of our conversation that she’s “really glad” we get to reconnect about the film 12 years after its premiere. During our interview, Weaver talked about why she considers “Prayers for Bobby” one of the most significant films she’s ever made.

It means a lot that you’d take time out to talk about this movie still, after all these years.

Well, unfortunately, it’s still as relevant as ever. Maybe even more so during this weird year where they’re trying to pass so many antiLGBTQ laws. They need to see the movie.

(Laughs.)

Well,

recently

in

Michigan,

Governor

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Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that will bar state or federal funds to be used for conversion therapy in the state.

I read that. I’m so shocked that conversion therapy was being done in Michigan, which I think of as a very (laughs) sophisticated place. And even state funds were being used to conduct conversion therapy against teenagers, which is heartbreaking because I believe that the attempted suicide rate for kids who have been through that is higher, understandably. I think that after this COVID year where there was so much more isolation for LGBTQ youth, it’s really the opposite of what one would hope would happen this year.

The governor’s executive order, though, is a positive step forward. Hopefully, other leaders follow in her footsteps.

Very positive. I hope it’s being picked up all over, you know? Because good for her. Start banning conversion therapy instead of banning LGBTQ youth from sports teams and bathrooms.

I had such an emotional response the first time I saw “Prayers for Bobby.” I rewatched it two nights ago and felt it just the way I felt it 12 years ago, which is to say that I was just in a puddle of tears the whole time. As a gay man, it hurts so much to see a young gay person in pain.

The irony is that when Mary Griffith was conducting her campaign against her own child, she was also in terrible pain. So this whole business of trying to keep people from being who they are is such a pointless exercise for everybody. I mean, part of the point of doing this movie for me was this idea that you watch it as a family, and it just prepares you to tell your story to your parents.

I bet when you made the movie 12 years ago, you didn’t realize that you’d be talking about it every June for Pride Month, but it sure seems that way.

Yeah, and I’m glad because I think it’s taken the producers quite a bit of work to continue to get the movie out there. It wasn’t shown enough when we first did it, and I think they’re constantly working on showing it all over the world. Every time Pride Month rolls around, I wish we could show it more than once, but at least it’s playing on Lifetime and that’s great. I don’t know if it’s available on Netflix or on any of those other venues. I’ve never looked. Do you know?

It seems to be available on YouTube, at least.

It should be available on Prime, that’s ridiculous.

neighborhood shooting, and I felt everyone that I came across seemed to be there for a personal reason, fighting for the same thing.

You know, a crew member would have a member of the family or a good friend who was LGBTQ. Everyone was trying to make a movie that would help in some way. And I felt that also about just where we were in Michigan, even though it has this reputation, I guess, of being a very corporate state. It’s such a complex place, Michigan. (Laughs.) We just had the best reception there. I imagine there were states that probably didn’t want us to shoot there. And I think it would still be the same, unfortunately.

Did shooting in Midwestern Michigan towns that aren’t all that big provide the film with benefits that maybe shooting in a big city sprawl like LA or Atlanta couldn’t have?

Oh gosh, yes. I felt that very much. I felt that it contributed to the intimacy of the story. Here they were, this family that was so close, and Mary idealized family life and she felt that Bobby’s being gay went against that. But I hope that other mothers who are conservative would have a different outlook, ‘cause it seems to me that even all across the political spectrum, people are wanting more recognition of LGBTQ problems and solutions. I think that’s across the board because I see these state legislatures trying to pass very punitive, insensitive laws against the LGBTQ community.

I remember being on the sidelines of the Pride parade scene that was shot in downtown Royal Oak. What stands out to you most about shooting that scene?

It was at the end of the shoot, and it was at the end of the film story for Mary. Mary’s evolution was such a powerful thing. I think her being there was so healing for her, and it was so healing for any of us who watched the story: We can’t save Bobby. We’ve lost Bobby. But there’s all these Bobbys all around us, and so that’s what Mary dedicated the rest of her life to.

I think the movie is still very, very relevant.

I hope that more things are being made specifically about a young person coming out.

I feel like there should be many more stories about even younger kids. I don’t even know if they have after school specials anymore, but it’s a very good subject for an after school special.

You thanked the state of Michigan in your GLAAD acceptance speech when the movie won for Outstanding TV Movie or Miniseries.

Why was Michigan important to the filming of this movie for you?

Michigan really gave the film a home, and Michigan is an interesting place because I feel like it has very strong political sides there. And what I felt about the production of “Prayers Daniel made a real effort to shoot in as many for Bobby” is that we had a lot of crew from naturally gay environments as possible. How Michigan. We were in a very kind of upscale do you think that might have enhanced the

in a relationship with another woman. There’s an opening up of relationships in ways that I think, if we were making these stories 10 years ago, we just wouldn’t have looked at in the same way.

So I feel just tremendously hopeful that we’re beginning to see just each other differently and trying to see the whole person and listen to how they speak about themselves.

film’s authenticity and also the experience for you in this role?

There’s one place that I can remember: the church where she goes (in Royal Oak), and I considered that a normal place. (Laughs.) I have to say, I’ve never been more terrified of playing a part. I just thought, “How am I ever going to do this? How am I going to turn myself into someone who has these ideas?” Luckily, there is something called acting that takes over (laughing). But as a mother it just broke my heart to read this story.

The amazing thing about what you’ve done with that role is that you’ve allowed the viewer to even sympathize with Mary, which is difficult for gay viewers like myself, watching somebody condemn their gay child. And yet, you come to an understanding of where Mary has come from and why she is the way she is.

I’m glad you feel that way. The day I spent with Mary was such a powerful experience, because her desire to make amends is much too small a concept. Her conversion into a person who sees people and accepts people for what they are, it was so profound, so you see someone who is blind but they’re trying to find their way out of this thing. I guess that reminds me, especially during this very political time, not to demonize (laughs) the people who are behind these laws. It must be about fear and ignorance.

All we can do is continue to, in your case, put out these stories and articles about how things are changing and how much more needs to be done, and in my case I’ve just finished a movie called “Call Jane,” which is about the group of women that came together in 1968 (the Jane Collective).

They formed a sort of clandestine abortion service and ended up performing the abortions themselves and performed almost 12,000 abortions without losing a single patient. It was very clear to me when I read the script, even though it’s not overt, that this woman was in a gay relationship. And, actually, the next woman I play in this miniseries in Australia, she also has a relationship.

Is she gay?

Well, that’s not the focus, but her dearest friend is another woman. In fact, she only lives with women and takes care of women who’ve been the victims of domestic violence. A lot of these things are coming together, I think, in a very realistic and holistic way, and I’ve been noticing that scripts are sort of breathing differently. In my case, I felt like my character had the right to decide who she was, and part of who she was, was that she was 10 | follow us @ peachatlmag

You’ve done so many iconic movies, but when it comes to the impact of your work, where does “Prayers for Bobby” rank?

It’s very high up there in terms of making a movie with a very specific endpoint, to make this movie for this community. To encourage them. To let them know that we’re here for them. I think that I would put it in the top three.

I can never even remember what I’ve done when I get a question like this (laughing), but I would say I’m grateful to have had an opportunity to tell a story in a movie that was made for such an important purpose. That makes me very happy, to use my work and come together with other artists to put something out there that’s going to make a difference for young people and their families around the world. There’s nothing more powerful than that. That’s what an actor dreams of: to make a difference with their work. And it’s very gratifying to me to be able to talk to you. This year, I think, has been a bit shocking in terms of how much legislation there is out there, and yet, at the same time, I feel that things have opened up in the LGBTQ world. There’s much more attention and compassion riveted on young people in this regard.

My hope is that every 10 years or so we get to check in and talk about “Prayers for Bobby” in the scope of the larger world. So next time we talk, hopefully a lot more will have changed for the LGBTQ+ community.

Well, let’s not make it 10 years. I may not even be here. (Laughs.) Let’s make it two.

Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He 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. www.peachatl.com

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The U.S. of Gay Fifty-one ab-fab road-trip destinations and pit stops – one in each state and the District of Columbia – that are must sees and dos for out-and-proud wanderlusters

by Mikey Rox There are a million things to love about traveling the United States – from our sprawling national parks and historic coastal cities to tucked-away small towns and southern hospitality – but every once in a while we need to experience our people in our places. As it turns out, there’s queer fun to be found everywhere – in areas that you would never suspect, in fact – throughout the entire country. When planning your next family-friendly getaway, consider these welcoming attractions, events, establishments and gatherings in all 50 states and the nation’s capital that exist by and for the LGBTQ+ community.

individually designed vintage mini-mobile homes situated on seven acres flush with fun and games, including a ball pit, arcade, cornhole, putt-putt, a BB gun and archery range, shuffleboard, ping-pong and darts.

Alabama

Connecticut

Praise Him on high (before hitting a boozy brunch; wine is Jesus-approved, remember) at Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Church in Mobile, a predominately LGBTQ+ congregation led by lesbian pastor, Reverend Sara Sills. Sunday service begins at 10:45 a.m. Arrive early for easy parking, visit the institution’s welcome center, and take a guided tour of the campus.

Once you’ve quelled your hunger pangs with the Traveler Restaurant’s classic dining options, like linguini and meatballs, pizza, fried seafood platters, and BLTs, browse the stacks – of books, that is – to find your favorite LGBTQ+ authors or stories. This quaint country eatery in Union allows each person to take home up to three titles – for free – from the selection of thousands that line its walls.

Alaska

Delaware

Newly renovated Mad Myrna’s, located in downtown Anchorage, hosts a wide range of LGBTQ+ events, including movie nights, drag and strip shows, karaoke, and Pride pageants. This nightlife mainstay, along with queer dive bar The Raven just down the street, has provided last-frontier fabulousness for over two decades.

Frolic in the sand and surf on decidedly gay Poodle Beach – you’ll find it at the far southern end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk near Queen Street (a bit on the nose, but what can ya do?) – before cleaning up and heading out for a night of queer revelry in this lively shore town with a rich LGBTQ+ history.

Arizona A pair of well-worn cowboy boots and a bottle of sunscreen are all you’ll need for a rugged, clothingoptional weekend at the all-male Copper Cactus Ranch, quietly nestled deep in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains in Queen Valley. Weekends feature bonfires, musical jam sessions, drum circles, and body painting, among other activities that encourage boys to be boys.

Colorado Memorialize your road trip with fresh ink – maybe your route map or a memorable symbol – at LGBTQ+owned Pens & Needles Custom Tattoo Company, voted Best Tattoo Shop in Colorado Springs.

District of Columbia Queer or not, every American should pay a visit to the Supreme Court, judiciously located at 1 First Street in Washington, D.C., the battleground for many milestone equal-rights cases, including the game-changing Obergefell v. Hodges, which, in 2015, granted marriage rights to same-sex couples across the United States.

Arkansas Pet-friendly Pond Mountain Lodge is the longest continuously operating gay-owned resort in Eureka Springs where you can enjoy the great outdoors while hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and more. It’s also become a queer wedding destination in the south since the landmark SCOTUS marriageequality decision was handed down.

Florida Dedicated solely to LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, art and culture, the Stonewall National Museum and Archives in Fort Lauderdale (with a branch in neighboring Wilton Manors) features three gallery spaces with changing monthly and bimonthly exhibits, and includes a permanent timeline of American queer history.

Georgia California You may recognize lesbian-owned Hicksville Trailer Palace as the setting for Lana Del Rey’s “White Dress” music vid, but this dog-friendly, 21-and-older desert oasis in Joshua Tree hosts travelers in 11

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Strip down and relax in the steam room, sauna, and pools of this clothing-optional, membershiponly men’s bathhouse in midtown Atlanta that hosts weekly events like Bear & Daddy Night on Tuesdays, $5 lockers on Wednesdays, and a complimentary BBQ on Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.

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Join the LGBTQ+ Honolulu FrontRunners/Walkers every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in Kapi’olani Park for a tourists-are-welcome sweat sesh around stunning Waikiki ($10 for singles/$15 for couples) before brunching with the group at a downtown restaurant, pit stains and all.

Porch you have your pick of elevated seafood. Start with blue cheese mussels or the oyster trio before settling into entrees like lobster risotto or haddock tacos. When you’re stuffed to the gills (fish pun intended), head upstairs to the establishment’s bar where you can sing along nightly to show tunes and standards around a grand piano (the pianists take requests), lit from above by fixtures fashioned from old hats.

Idaho

Maryland

You’ll need to lace up your hiking boots to reach the two-miles-in-and-back Goldbug Hotsprings, the trailhead of which starts on BLM land just south of the Elk Bend community, but it’ll be well worth your while when you slip out of your shorts and soak nude in natural pools of varying degrees, surrounded by picturesque scenery.

One of the last bastions of LGBTQ+ Baltimore nightlife (Charm City has lost most of its queer bars and hangouts in the past few years), the Eagle, which celebrates 30 years on the scene in 2021, has triumphed over financial ups and downs to keep its doors open to the leather and kink communities and those who love them. Pro-tip: Head to the Toolbox for all the what-happens-there-stays-there excitement you’re seeking.

Hawaii

Illinois Pay homage to the queer pioneers who blazed their own paths toward LGBTQ+ equality on a self-guided tour of the Legacy Walk in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, the placards of which on the area’s 40 rainbow-colored pylons honor our community’s heroes, including Oscar Wilde, Harvey Milk, Antonia Pantoja, Frida Kahlo, and Alvin Ailey.

Indiana Put your name on the list at popular Bloomington distillery/bar/kitchen Cardinal Spirits, where you’ll nosh on inspired (but affordable) dishes like lamb barbacoa tacos and gochujang tomato and cantaloupe gazpacho, sip on canned bourbon cream sodas, and take home a bottle of its Indiana corn Pride vodka, 10 percent proceeds of which support local LGBTQ+ orgs.

Iowa Stop for a photo op at the “American Gothic” cottage in Eldon, famously depicted in gay artist Grant Wood’s oft-parodied same-name 1930 painting, which has since become an iconic example of 20thcentury American art.

Kansas With its rainbow-flag-painted façade, Equality House, a project of Planting Peace in Topeka, gained international notoriety (surely you saw the news stories; they were everywhere) when it revealed itself as a beacon of hope and equality against evil forces, specifically the anti-LGBTQ+ Westboro Baptist Church, which is right across the street.

Kentucky Bourbon – but make it gay. That’s your task as you bounce from one celebrated distillery to the next (most of which are within walking distance of each other along the Ohio River) in downtown Louisville.

Stumble back and sleep it off at tobacco warehouseturned-boutique hotel Vu Guesthouse.

Massachusetts Following the route of Boston’s first Gay Pride March in 1971, the Equality Trail walking tour includes 13 sites around Beantown, including 81-year-old Bay Village gay bar Jacques, the police headquarters on Berkeley Street, the State House on Beacon Hill, and St. Paul’s Cathedral on Tremont Street, where, 50 years ago, peaceful protesters issued a list of civilrights demands at each location.

Michigan Test your pop-culture prowess at Five15, a retail shop with a stage (and bar) in downtown Royal Oak, on its drag queen trivia nights, the latest of which featured “Schitt’s Creek”-centric questions. If memory games aren’t your milieu, opt for less-skilled activities, like weekend drag bingos and the some-Sundays Drag Brunch Cookout.

Minnesota Friends of Dorothy can follow a yellow brick road (of sorts) to the Judy Garland Museum, established in the actress’s birth town of Grand Rapids, where you’ll learn about the troubled star’s illustrious life and career, or, on a lucky day, attend a Garlandfocused event, book signing, or festival.

Mississippi Set sail for Ship Island, off the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Biloxi, in your private vessel, or hop aboard the public ferry in Gulfport from March to October. If you arrive in your own boat, anchor near Fort Massachusetts, swim ashore, and make the trek on foot to the easternmost end of the isle for legal sunning and funning in the buff.

Louisiana Beat the oppressive New Orleans heat with a summertime treat at queer-women-owned Chance in Hell SnoBalls, a traveling winter-in-a-cup popup shop in the Bywater, that serves frosty flavors like grape Nehi, pineapple-cilantro-chili, refreshing Missouri cucumber-cardamom-basil, and ginger matcha.

Maine

Foodies will get a crash course in late-18th-/early19th-century American cuisine from LGBTQ and When in Maine you order the lobster roll – given – James Beard semi-finalist chef Rob Connoley, who but when dining at Ogunquit’s gay-owned The Front presents a reservations-required, seven-course,

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Ozark-inspired tasting menu Thursdays to Sundays at Bulrush in St. Louis. Each meal includes staff explanations of the dishes, a history, and QR codeaccessible videos on the top-rated restaurant’s research projects.

Montana Research will show that there’s not much in the way of LGBTQ+-specific recreation in traditionally conservative Montana, but if you’re traveling through Big Sky Country, consider a stop into Missoula’s Gay Men’s Meeting at The Center, held every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Nebraska Belly up to the bar at Omaha Mining Company – an on-the-fringe gay watering hole that has, according to one Yelp reviewer, “existed since the 1960s between the Douglas County jail and urban blight” (though tighter parking has made the area much safer these days) – and order an ice-cold lager or similar nononsense libation before heading downstairs to the Mineshaft for pool tables and art. Every fourth Saturday of the month the Big O! Bears group hosts a growling good time.

Nevada

meal at Hotel Tides, dance poolside at Paradise, and carryout an artisanal pizza from Medusa, all of which are gay-owned and -operated (and just a sampling of the abundant LGBTQ+ businesses around town).

New Mexico Rest your weary head at the eponymous, wellappointed house of wealthy bisexual arts patron Mabel Dodge Luhan, now a National Historic Landmark and B&B in Taos, which has welcomed such visionaries as Georgia O’Keefe, D.H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, and Martha Graham.

New York Directly across the street from Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn – the site of the June 28, 1969, Stonewall riots – is the Stonewall National Monument, designated as such by the National Park Service on June 24, 2016, which encompasses Christopher Park and the block of Christopher Street bordering the park in the West Village. Pop into the gift shop for a souvenir before heading to the inn for cocktails and local oral history.

North Carolina Pick up a few cans of spray paint and head to the ever-changing Free Expression Tunnel, connecting the north and central campuses of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, where you can add your own progressive designs and messages that students and tourists alike can enjoy for years to come (or at least until another artist paints over them).

After you’ve made your personal donation to Las Vegas’ glitzy casinos, ease the pain with a visit to the Fruit Loop, a cluster of gay bars and clubs along East Naples Drive, near the University of Nevada.

Badlands Saloon and Charlie’s, both countrywestern bars (this is the desert, after all), along with the Las Vegas Eagle and FreeZone offer plenty of North Dakota merriment without losing your ass – unless that’s If you’re seeking more stimulating conversation what you’re into. on your gaycay than your travel partner is capable of providing (dull queers do exist, y’all), join the New Hampshire Queerly Reading book and discussion club, which Dabble in the dark arts with a visit to the “magick meets every second Saturday of the month at 9:30 retirement” cottage of bisexual British occultist and a.m. in the Bismarck Barnes & Noble Café. Join its “Wickedest Man in the World” Aleister Crowley, Facebook group for title selections and to contribute whose four-month stay at this house in Hebron, ideas. owned by self-professed medium Evangeline Adams, resulted in myriad “secret and arcane” activities. If you’re superstitious of the supernatural, there’s a church conveniently located next door to cleanse your soul.

Ohio

New Jersey Asbury Park, a 1.6-square-mile city located on the northern Jersey Shore, has a long and sordid history – from disproportionately impoverished minority communities and race riots to political corruption and a severely underserved school system – but it has since overcome many of those obstacles to emerge as one of the most densely populated LGBTQ+ communities in the Mid-Atlantic. There’s tons for you and your fey friends to do here, too. Shop for kitsch at Severedwing, sing your signature tune on karaoke nights at Georgie’s, enjoy a chef-prepared

Cleveland-based DJ Alan Freed is widely credited for coining the term “rock and roll” in the early 1950s – or, at the very least, popularizing it – so it’s only fitting that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was born here, too. Inductees include many of your LGBTQ+ music idols, from Janis Joplin and Joan Jett to Freddie Mercury and Elton John.

Oklahoma Many queer folx got their first sensation of same-sex attraction by playing with shapely superheroes when they were kids (what future gay boy didn’t pine for a peek under the Caped Crusader’s codpiece?), and you can relive that age of innocence at the Toy and Action Figure Museum, filled to the brim with over 13,000 distinct characters and many mint-condition collectibles, located in Pauls Valley.

Oregon

Vermont

Portland-based Wild Diversity offers a full slate of outdoors activities (that require advance reservations) – which include bird watching around Whitaker Pond, a two-day Willamette River paddling adventure, writers’ retreats, and a deaf community campout, among many others – specifically geared toward (but not limited to) BIPOC and QTBIPOC.

Fill a waffle cone with your favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor at its factory-based Scoop Shop in Waterbury before taking a stroll through the behind-the-buildingand-up-the-hill Flavor Graveyard where discontinued pints, like Schweddy Balls and Vermonty Python, rest in peace. The confectionary connoisseurs are longtime supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, most recently celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Pennsylvania Pay your respects by setting a can of Campbell’s soup beside the final resting place of gay pop-art icon Andy Warhol, whose gravesite at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in the town of Castle Shannon is broadcast 24/7 on his museum’s website as part of a project called “Figment.”

Rhode Island After a day of exploration in queer-friendly Providence – The Stable, Mirabar and The Dark Lady are known for their neighborly customer service – spend a night or two at the Old Town Inn in New Shoreham or Newport’s Francis Malbone House, both gay-owned and secluded on nearby islands.

South Carolina

Virginia

In a walking city like Charleston you can spend an entire day sightseeing, and one of the can’t-miss photo ops is Rainbow Row, comprised of 13 brightly colored townhomes along East Bay Street on the Charleston Harbor. After you’ve fulfilled your daily step requirement, take a load off and relax with a crafty selection of Moscow mules at historic queer haunt Dudley’s on Ann.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Ruby Scoops, a Blackand LGBTQ+-owned ice cream shop in Richmond’s Brookland Park neighborhood, which serves up premium, small-batch, made-from-scratch ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and desserts in tantalizing taste combos like roasted pineapple/rosemary, strawberry/sweet red bean, and guava daiquiri, plus a few tried-and-true standards, too.

South Dakota

Washington

Club David is as good as it gets for queer congregating in a state not exactly known for its LGBTQ+ progressiveness. Still, you’ll manage to catch a penny-pinching buzz with nightly drinks specials (many of which are half-price) and occasional events like drag bingo on the rooftop patio.

Come for a haircut, stay for the coffee at Seattlebased Squirrel Chops, a queer-owned hybrid salon and café where you can kill two birds with one stone with a perm and your daily pick-me-up.

Tennessee

Photo-capture rainbows in the mist as sunrays reflect off the tannic acid-darkened water of the 57foot cascading Blackwater Falls in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, then pitch a tent at the state park’s campground for a night of slap-andtickle under the stars.

Throw your hands up as you barrel down the Thunderhead rollercoaster track, stroll through the Chasing Rainbows Museum, and tap your feet to the Dreamland Drive-In musical show at Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, the namesake theme park of everybody’s favorite LGBTQ+-lovin’ glam-ma Dolly Parton.

Texas

West Virginia

Wisconsin Pizza and wine is a time-honored culinary combo – at least for booze and junk-food enthusiasts (i.e. non-psychopaths) – and you’ll find options aplenty at wife-and-wife-owned Trouble and Sons in Whitefish Bay, where you also can order fresh salads to trick yourself into feeling healthy while getting fat and happy.

Download the 1956 Western film “Giant” to your tablet, open a bottle of wine, snuggle up in bed and press play in a stately room at Marfa’s Hotel Paisano, which hosted LGBTQ+ icons Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean (in his final role) as they shot scenes for the flick in this charming Far West Wyoming Texas town more than 65 years ago.

You may have trouble finding the exact spot where Utah Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left to die by two homophobes in 1998, as it remains unmarked Despite his Mormon upbringing, wanted Wild to this day, but a memorial bench on the University West outlaw Butch Cassidy might have been gay. of Wyoming campus in Laramie serves as sufficient Allegedly, his mother heard noises and wondered spot to remember our modern-day martyr. what he and his new cowboy friend Mike Cassidy, whose last name he eventually took, “were doing Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT down by the corral.” (A mother always knows what’s lifestyle expert whose work has been published in up, doesn’t she?) See where it all started with a visit more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect to the thief-with-a-heart-of-gold’s humble boyhood with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels abode and poke around the family plot, located in Panguitch.

| 17

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LET’S CHAT

with Marci and Ginger

A Talk Radio and chat show by Atlanta legendaries Marci Alt and Ginger Nichols

Let’s Chat is an official Talk Radio Show of Peach Media and co-produced & sponsored

by Meak Productions, Inc.

Join the dynamic duo as they explore current issues, share life experiences, and dive into the topics that you want to hear about!

Tune in to the next live show on Sunday

07.11.2021

Marci & Ginger chat together about topics you want to know about!

Available on peachatl.com, meakproductions.com, and Mixcloud.

Peach Scene @ Photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood RETOX @ THE OASIS PRIDE EDITION

Peach Scene @ RETOX @ THE OASIS PRIDE EDITION

Sorry, Wrong Number Misinformation, telephones, and the shifting parameters of American greatness

by Scott King

world exactly as I want it, I will bubble up with a bloodlust for revolution. Revolt against the person whose “wrong” number I dialed, or against a governor who makes me wear a mask. It doesn’t matter. It’s all the same rage.

Ring-ring. Ring-ring. Ring-rinnnnnnng.

“Hello?”

“Hello. Is Tara there?”

“Who??”

“Tara. Is Tara there? Oh, I’m sorry! I think I dialed the wrong number.”

This rage entitles us to take all the health and safety risks we want because Freedom! No logic applies.

There’s no accountability for logic. There’s only a will to power and will to self-satisfaction, and the arbitrary and capricious concepts of Free-dumb. Just click a button and all the dumb you ever dreamed of can be yours.

Back in the day, we came together as a culture to “It’s OK. Yeah, that’s the wrong number. There’s no Tara agree on reality. If you stopped at the gas station here.” for directions, they either had them or they didn’t.

You really couldn’t fake it with a straight face.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I–“ You also couldn’t fake a voice on the other end of the “It’s OK. Don’t worry about it. Have a nice day now.” telephone, like when I was in high school and my boyfriend would call our house. My parents were like, who “You too!” is that man that keeps calling you? They were worried.

And they should have been. That man was ushering That’s the way it used to go. Back when America was, me into adulthood like I had only dreamed of before.

I’m not gonna say great, but definitely more polite on the phone. When you would call information, they would I didn’t have a cell phone. That was a silly, cumbersome say, “Please hold while we connect your call.” In the indulgence that very few people had in 1999 – at least early aughts, they took out the “please” to save money. where I grew up. Instead, I got the jolt of excitement – and That really happened. Look it up. fear – whenever the phone rang after dinner. Could it be him? Did they know? Why were they looking at me like that?

In April 2020, I started getting a lot more wrong numbers to my cell phone. I’d been getting them for a while Later I was off to college and real adulthood. This was because my number is one number off from some the era of websites for hookups and dating. Maybe number at Emory Hospital. But I started receiving an even a little AOL action. But once you connected with increased number of these calls and also misdials for a someone online, you still had to get to them in person.

Zoom help line.

There was a website called MapQuest. You could put in your address and any other address on planet Earth and Right after I’d say hello, the rudeness would start. find directions, and then print them out on paper and take them with you in your car. We thought that was so nifty.

“Hello? Is this so and so?”

Now, all the lovers and friends I’ve ever had fit neatly Even before I told them they had the wrong number, they in my pocket. I live near 10th Street, so I get messages were treating me like I was wasting their time and holding from dudes who are standing at one of the bars bored them up from eternal happiness. I could tell they were with their life and their lack of a gay attention span. already stressed out by the fact that they had to pick up They hit me up to solve their Saturday night existential a phone and dial a number to solve their issue, instead dilemma, but in a much more fun way than a wrong of just googling something, pushing a few buttons, number. I don’t mean to brag, but I do pretty well with and having all their problems fixed for the moment. people who aren’t satisfied with their present tense.

“No, it’s not,” I would say. “You have dialed the wrong So what’s next? Now that we’ve got our vaccines number.” and even a Facebook invite or two, do we go back to accountability? Do we return to connecting in “Well, is this so-and-so number?” person after we’ve linked up on the machine? Or do we all become robots unable to make eye contact, “No, it’s not.” even when faced with a face-to-face meeting?

“It’s not?”

“No.”

It’s up to us, America. Just don’t forget to check that number before you dial.

“How could this be the wrong number?

I dialed the right number! I KNOW I dialed the right number. You’re telling me you’re not the Zoom helpline?”

“I’m afraid not, sweetie. I’m just a person. Only a priest or therapist can help you now. I think both of those services are available online.”

If you haven’t guessed already, this change in the nature and tone of these interactions is a metaphor for a change in culture since we’ve all had smart phones in our hands for the past 14 years or so.

America the free and America the great has become America the solipsistic and the small.

If I can’t have it right now, if I can’t have the

“Scott King writes and lives in midtown Atlanta. He likes to go for long, long walks with no destination in mind. If you see him out walking, please say hello.”

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Amsterdam Ave.

12th St. NE

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Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Dining

BARS 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

9 10 th & Piedmont 10 Campagnolo 11 Einstein's

fitness 14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

30 | follow us @ peachatlmag

991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE

76 4th St. NW

16 17 18 19

G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda

219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE

billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio

www.peachatl.com

When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com

Cheshire

ansley

NE e.

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Av

ge Rd Brid Ches

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36 38

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on tC ir .

Piedmont Park BARS

20 BJ Roosters

2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd

22 Tripps

1931 Piedmont Cir NE

Dining 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

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24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

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1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd

32 33 34 35 36

Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Retail 39 Boy Next Door 40 Barking Leather

1447 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

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

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

| 31

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

SNAPS BARS & CLUBS

ANSLEY

MIDTOWN ATLANTA EAGLE CLOSED atlantaeagle.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MIDTOWN MOON 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave 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

FELIX’S 1510 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

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 HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE

RETAIL MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE

JOE’S ON JUNIPER joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE CHESHIRE LAS MARGARITAS lasmargaritasmidtown.com 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ROXX SWINGING RICHARDS 1824 Cheshire swingingrichards.

Bridge Rd NE com 1400 Northside Dr DEKALB NW 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

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THE PEACH TEA

weekly bar schedule

BLAKES

BJ ROOSTERS

S

BULLDOGS Hookah Night @ 8 PM

**NIGHTLY DANCERS**

M

Hookah Night @ 8 PM

T Latino Night

Hookah Night @ 10 PM

Taco/Tequila Tuesday @ 8 PM

W

Hookah Night @ 10 PM

Karaoke Night @ 8 PM

TR F S

FELIX'S

HERETIC

FRIENDS

S Featuring DJ KINZIE M

Stars of The Century @ 10:30 PM

T

Karaoke Night @ 10 PM

W Featuring DJ AF

WarpedZone @ 6 PM

TR Featuring DJ K2

Country Night @ 8 PM

F Featuring DJ AF

Check Facebook for Events

S Featuring DJ AF

Mix Tape Sunday Night w/ DJ Darlene

HIDEAWAY

LIPS

Check Facebook for Events

MARY'S

S 80s/90 Videos @ 12:30 PM, Honey Pot @ 7 PM M Nick at Night (Industry) @ 8 PM T Trivia w/ DeWayne Morgan @ 8:30 PM W Sex & The ATL Martini Night @ 8 PM TR Game Night w/ DJ Darlene @ 9 PM F Fuck It Fridays w/ DJ Mister Richard @ 10 PM

**CALL FOR NIGHTLY SHOW RESERVATIONS** Hump Day @ Mary's | $5 Thicker, Longer, Fuller Thursdays | $5 Queer Bait | $5 Cover

S Love Saturdays w/ Tristan Hartman @ 10 PM

34 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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drinking schedule THE PEACH TEA

MIXX

MOON

S

Heifer Review @ 1:30 PM Other Side of the Moon @ 9 PM

MSR

2-4-1 @ 7 PM (No Cover)

M Flavors of The Moon @ 9 PM T

$3 Tacos (ALL DAY) Latina Divas @ 10:30 PM

Sessions ATL @ 8:30 PM, $5

W Ruby Redd's Birdcage Bingo @ 9 PM

Karaoke Night @ 9 PM

TR Kit Katt Karaoke @ 9 PM F

R&B Night @ 10 PM

Mama Mya's Talent Show @ 9 PM Madams of the Moonlight @ 11:30 PM

Fem Fridays @ 8 PM

S Divas & The Divo @ 11:30 PM

Secret Saturday @ 11 PM

OSCAR'S

TRIPPS

THE T

S

Live Music @ 5 PM

Free Lunch @ 3 PM

M Messy Monday Karaoke @ 10 PM T W Fireball, Trivia and Drag w/ Misti Shores @ 9 PM Karaoke @ 9:30 TR

DJ Lowe Ki @ 8 PM

F

"Friday Night Skin"

S

DJ Lowe Ki @ 10 PM

WOOFS

X ATLANTA

10TH & PIEDMONT/G'S

S M Poker Night @ 7:30, 1/2 Price Wine

Funk & Soul Martini Mondays @ 7 PM

T Retro Video Night w/Mister Richard @ 7 PM W Wing Wednesday (ALL DAY) TR$5 Burger Day (ALL DAY)

X After Dark| Show at 12 Midnight

F BBQ & Sangria Fridays S

Party on the Patio @ 4 PM

Karaoke @ 10 PM

July 7th - 13th RITUAL: Horns and Halos @ Heretic | July 9th (10 PM - 3 AM) RITUAL invites you to an infernal evening of heavenly delights. Whether you wear horn or halos, all angels and demons are invited to the Sanctuary at the Heretic for a night of divine revelry. This is RITUAL's 13th anniversary party! $10 | 21 to enter DJ Seraph and DJP will consecrate the dance floor with a revelation of dance tracks pulled straight from the depths of Hell.

United We Drag w/ Candice Cayne @ MSR | July 10th (2 - 6 PM) Let's party for a great cause! Iconic actress, writer, and performer Candis Cayne joins us to host this drag show and day party to raise money for Georgia Equality (50% of all ticket sales and 100% of additional donations).

Featuring: Ellasaurus Rex, Taejah Thomas, Taylor Alxndr, Mr. Elle Aye Geneva Blaus. Music by Ree de la Vega

Whiskey W/ A Cut & Shine @ Hideaway | July 10th (5 - 8 PM) The Atlanta Eagle has partnered with Demarcus Austin for it’s second “Whiskey with a Cut and Shine”! The event will be held at Hideaway in the bar and back area. Credit /debit cards and cash will be available in the back area for your convenience as well as credit/debit cards at the other bar. As leather and fetish is encouraged, it is not required. Guest barbers on site.

Deep South presents DJ Minx @ Future | July 10th (10 PM- 3 AM) Deep South finally returns after 18 months away with DJ MINX. NEW YEAR, NEW LOCATION Feat. Ash Lauryn (underground & Black) & Vicki Powell (Deep South ATL) DJ Minx is a seminal figure in the history of dance music and Detroit, known as Detroit’s First Lady of Wax. Minx’s Women on Wax collective and label has sought to champion Black female artists since its inception in 1996. Minx is a recipient of the Spirit of Detroit award for her contributions to the city’s cultural landscape, and was named as one of the 20 Women who Shaped Dance Music by Mixmag.

Edgewood Street Market | Every Saturday (7 PM - 11:45 PM) Its GETTING WARM! And you know what that means!!

We can’t wait for our kick off of @edgewoodstreetmarket our weekly street market on Edgewood!! EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT!!

Every Saturday we would like to invite you to join us on Edgewood between Georgia Beer Garden and Church on Edgewood Avenue..

Come out and shop in one of our four sections of our market including LOCAL FOOD, ART, VINTAGE CLOTHES , STREET FASHION, AND MORE!!

Each section will feature multiple vendors for you to shop with! Kids welcome!

Dear Peach,

r the past few igrants to the US. Fo m im of ily m fa a d I come from ult for my family an increasingly diffic n. ica er Am years it’s become ing ply be oud as some do, sim pr as el fe ne to do ve elf ha ys m citizens and come naturalized My family have be at they know how, be e to society st th ut rib nt co to g hin everyt ing an immigrant or country where be a In . ult fic dif ill st but it’s long, what s stigmatized for so wa ty ici hn et nt re of a diffe liday weekend? for us over this ho advice do you have

Whew. This is an emotional one, reader. I too am the child of immigrants. Two immigrants who have done nothing but contribute positively to society and underwent the citizenship process early on in my life. My father was born in the states and left as a child only to come back, and my mother was born in South America and moved here with him for college; here ever since.

The country developed a nasty taste in it’s mouth for immigrants in the past few years but I’m hopeful that’s changing. Never forget that this country was founded on the backs of immigrants… whether they were willingly or forcefully brought here, it was. This country would not exist without immigrants. They’re contributing members of society and have held positions across the workforce that help to build this country up. Never forget that. Be proud of your heritage, but be proud of the America that your parents helped to build. Racists will always be there, but resilience is stronger than hate. You’ve proven to me by writing in today that you are resilient, your family is resilient, and you have a voice that needs to be heard. Ask yourself how you can change the stigma against immigrants even more. You have power in this country, and you should use it! Carry on the legacy of a family that changes the energy of this nation!

It's time for my final Pride Playlist, and this week I am doing nothing but giving you some FEEL GOOD GET READY MUSIC! It's the playlist where you blast it, annoy the neighbors and get ready for the last few pride parties of the month!

I hope you enjoyed this curated month of music as much as I did making it, and stay tuned for more music playlists coming up soon!

-Chris G.

Available on Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/peachprideplaylist4

Playmates and soul mates...

Atlanta:

678-528-2525

18+ MegaMates.com

Gay Camping with Southern Charm!

Get the details on our website calendar.

Membership Required * Must be 21 to Enter

July 2 - 5, 2021 Freedom Celebration!

July 15, 2021 Gurls of Summer!

July 16, 2021 Trailer Trash!

706-213-8081 www.camptheriversedge.com

Dark Lady July 31, 2021 A Celebration of Cher!

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

40 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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Be careful sharing your money, Cancer. Someone is going to approach you and ask for financial assistance. It is up to you if you feel as though you can help them, but be weary that you may not get that back. Money is fleeting, but friendships are forever. Remember that.

There is going to be trouble in your love life Leo. Yes; you are going to have issues with what you want out of life and what your partner wants out of life. Now, this doesn’t mean a partner has to be a lover, it could also be a best friend. There are going to be arguments, but remember this person was there for you, and that friendship is strong. Don’t argue over petty stuff.

The workaholic Virgo needs a break this week. Listen to your body and what it is telling you. It’s asking for time to relax and energy to be restored. If you do not listen to your body, you run the risk of running on empty. And remember that you cannot fill another’s glass when yours is only half full. You have to recharge.

It’s your time to experiment, Libra. This season is the time for you to enjoy and explore some sexual interests that you have hidden before. While others may not understand it since they’re so vanilla, there are people out there who will and want to explore these fetishes with you. Let your freak flag fly this weekends!

You have your eyes on the prize at work, Scorpio… but that doesn’t necessarily work for everyone in your life. You’re spending almost too much time doing things that don’t have to do with your friends or partner.

They’re going to grow increasingly frustrated and therefore, bitter towards you. Take the time to think of longevity in your relationships and how you can make this last!

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You have to take a breather this week, Sag! You are working too hard at the goal and talk at hand. While this is a great quality for one to have, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for you to focus! You can’t allow yourself to lose sight or else you are going to be forever ashamed that you didn’t listen to your gut. Breathe for a moment and listen to the universe to slow down a bit.

Be careful with the finances this week, Capricorn. You have people who have supported you in the past that you don’t want to ask because you feel like they’ve helped you enough… but, the new people offering you assistance might have different views on how you can pay them back. Be careful around people who don’t NEED to know your business.

Do you feel caged up, Aquarius? You might feel like your current relationship is causing issues and you can’t seem to escape it. Never fret, you’re stronger than you think. If you’re not happy, you’re not happy. Get out of there. Run. You’ve seen red flags that have been present for a while… now, it’s up to you.

Pisces, what’s the shortest distance between two points? A straight line right? However, what route will allow you to see more of the world?

Taking a few detours and curves. It’s your time to see the world. Don’t settle for the abbreviated version of travel… you only live once! You’ll appreciate everything around you through a new lens when you truly take the time to observe!

Use logic and rational thinking this week, Aries! You have been working on some projects long term and you can finally finish them this week! Your mind is clear and you have some good energy this week. Allow the energy to fill your whole body and energize you for the task at hand!

Work and home life are conflicting this week, Taurus. Your hardheaded attitude and steadfast determination to prove yourself work against you this week. You want and need that appreciation from a coworker or boss for a job well done but it hasn’t come yet… so you keep pushing forward and attempting to get there to no avail. But it will come. Just wait.

You’ve got your foot in your mouth, Gemini! You want to share your opinion this week badly but did anyone ask for it? You have every right to say what you want and mean, whenever and however you say it… but there is a time and place for everything. Realize that there could be minor repercussions based off what you say and when.