AtlAntA blAck gAy pride 26th AnnuAl recAp phoenix Is simply drAgnificent5Quickies for A heAlthier you felix’s finAle: boys of summer
Contents sept. 21, 2022 V6-36 PEACH MEDIA 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA www.meakproductions.comMeakRADIO908.232.2021RivendellNATIONALMIKORUSSCONTRIBUTORSSomeDISTRIBUTIONSocialValiantchris@peachatl.comChrisMikkelBrian(BlackMikoEDITORIALJosh@peachatl.comJoshAMBASSADOR&SALESbrian@peachatl.comBrian&MANAGING30093PARTNEROPERATIONSSawyer|EVENTSBRANDKingEvansPrideRecap)Sawyer-GraphicsHyldebrandtGonzalezMarketingMedia&MoreCuteGuyBOWEN-YOUNGBLOODEVANSADREPMediaPARTNERProductions,Inc. 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 necessar ily 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. ONLINE peachatl.com PRINT At Distribution Points Across the City SOCIAL FB:facebook.com/peachatlmag PAGE 37140918 PEACHMEDIA&PRINTING@PEACHATLMAG NITHISISSUEPAGE PAGE PAGE
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The 26th Annual Celebration of the World’s Largest Black Pride commenced this past Labor Day Weekend with a host of community engagement, informative panels, cultural hightlights and numerous nightlife events. While many events have already been documented, many are being displayed for the 1st time in this publication, such as the Inaugural Artists In The Afternoon, The 2nd Annual Trans Life Awards, Pure Heat’s Black LGBT+ Film Festival, OUT Georgia’s 1st Black LGBTQ Panel at The Gathering Spot, and snippets from the 11th Annual HBGA Pride Press Conference, which was held LIVE at Mixx Atlanta. A Special SHOUT OUT and Thanks to Peach ATL Media for your contributions to our 2nd Annual Atlanta Black Pride 26 Recap! More Photo Coverage Online at: www.peachatl.com and ATLANTAwww.facebook.com/historyblkgayusa.BLACKPRIDEPRESSCONFERENCE 2022
PURE HEAT COMMUNITY FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS (10th Anniversary Events)
THE 2ND ANNUAL TRANS LIFE AWARDS (ATL BLACK PRIDE, INC.)
THE INAUGURAL “ARTISTS IN THE AFTERNOON” PROSE & POETRY
Peach Scene @ DRAGNIFICENT BROADWAY NIGHT @FUTURE PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBlOOD
exclusiVe InterView by mikkel hyldebrAndt
Speaking of past winners: Dragnificent has genuinely been an incubator for drag talent in Atlanta. Queens like Violet Chachki, Biqtch Puddin, Abhora, Evah Destruction, LaLa Ri, and Brigitte Bidet have all competed – and many won! – Dragnificent. What is it about the competition that attracts talent like that? It has been amazing to see what contestants started out with and what they ended up with. When I interview potential contestants, I always ask them why they want to compete. Of course, it’s a stepping stone and a way to be noticed, but when I see the hunger and the potential to be an entertainer, that goes beyond just getting someone through the door. The critiques we give the contestants on stage may seem harsh, but they are meant to influence you and make you grow into something more. That mentorship element is very important to me, and that’s where success lies.
Phoenix, you have been a mainstay on the national and international drag scene for years, from your beginnings in the Atlanta drag scene to worldwide fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race. You’ve been a prominent presence on stage, and what many may not know, you’ve produced hundreds of shows over the years. Is there anything you haven’t done yet – or rather, is there anything you can’t do?
Now you’ve brought Dragnificent back. For those not in the know, please tell us about it. Dragnificent is a drag competition that I got the idea for when I started my own drag experience. There used to be this weekly competition called Drag On The Edge at a bar called Metro hosted by Monica Layne, and she allowed these young queens on stage and gave them their moment. If you were any good, she would hire you to perform the following week and provide you with advice on improving your skill. So, when I got more established in the scene, I wanted to create something similar, and that’s how Dragnificent was born. It’s a competition where young queens entertain and compete, but they also get critiques from a panel of experienced judges. Someone wins, someone goes home, but they are all there to learn and get better.
How would you describe Phoenix as a drag queen?
Like the mythical creature, I have reinvented
How was Dragnificent evolved over the years? When we started, we gave away $500 in cash, and now we give away $5,000 in cash plus amazing sponsored prizes. The judging panel has also been perfected over the years because it is very important to really understand this competition. This year, we have the incomparable Tahjee Iman, who has won just about every title there is, and LaLa Ri, who won Dragnificent before and had her world debut on RuPaul’s Drag Race. They are both amazing because they are just so open to the amazing performers and what they create on stage. The host of the show is Brigitte Bidet, who also won Dragnificent and has made her own place in the drag scene.
myself several times throughout my career. Still, I have also honed in on my brand as a queen. Phoenix is high glam fit for the circuit scene, but I also have this androgynous look, and I like to recreate my looks and bring something new. If anything, I feel I have become more of an artist over the years.
With more than two decades of performing drag and female impersonation, Phoenix has worked tirelessly both on stage and backstage to put on an amazing show. Now, she is back with the drag competition Dragnificent at Future, which has grown bigger and better than ever after more than ten years while fostering some of the best drag talent in Atlanta and worldwide.
I’ve been doing female impersonation for over 20 years now, and I have done everything on stage to backstage. I don’t think any other queen in the scene has run more shows than I. Even before drag race, I produced shows for numerous venues. Over the years, I’ve run the entertainment for four different clubs. At one point in my career, I ran two clubs simultaneously, giving me about 40 queens and nine shows a week under my belt. Drag Race season was a crazy ride on its own, but it allowed me to do things I couldn’t have imagined.
Ok,shows!so
It really is! You have to think about all the work that goes into putting on a show. It’s not just the girls on stage but all the hands working backstage too. Drag is a business now, and it’s really crazy to see where drag is today compared to just ten years ago. It’s crazy – and really wonderful - to see what drag has become. It’s a lot of work, but I will forever try and continue the amazing legacy the Atlanta drag scene has had for decades.
That is a lot! Pride is high season for a girl like you!
Photo: Russell Bowen-Youngblood
This season, from week to week, I have no clue what the cast is going to bring to the stage. It is the most diverse cast ever, with queens, drag kings, and male entertainers. I love it because me and the other judges truly never know what we’ll get when we set a challenge. We don’t go backstage, so we don’t get any ‘spoilers,’ and we can give them honest reactions when they perform. No matter their style of drag, we’re open to it, and this season it is just so unexpected and talented. The craziness and creativity of it all is out of this world.
Dollz, and many other kinds of shows. Bigger shows, like Dragnificent, are hosted on the main dancefloor stage downstairs. That’s also where the big circuit parties and dance parties take place. It’s the only multilevel club in ATL, and we welcome all and have lots of things planned.
Dragnificent is at Future every Tuesday at 9 pm. Tickets and table reservations at future-atlanta.com. A Dragnificent winner will be found in mid-October.
Oh, and after Atlanta Pride, I go to South Carolina Pride, and when that’s done, I’ll sleep for a week!
I have an event Friday at Future; it’s the Disco Dollz featuring Brooke Lynn Hytes. Saturday during the day, I’m Producing the Big Gay Brunch at Park Tavern. It’s the fifth year I’m doing it, and I have a fantastic cast of girls – Brigitte Bidet, Destiny Brooks, Coco Iman Star, Raquel Rae Heart, Aspen York, and Cici Nicole – and with special guest star Heidi N Closet. Saturday night, I have the Fantasy Girls with Latrice Royale at Future. Then I’ll be performing at the main Pride event at Pullman Yards. Sunday, I am producing and hosting the Starlight Cabaret to close out Pride from the main stage in the park. I’ve done it for six years and getting the call to learn I was taking over the Starlight Cabaret is one of those core memories in my drag career. We’ll have 20+ entertainers, this is the first year back in person, and I’m very, very excited to perform.
Speaking about talent – can you tell us about the contestants?
Besides having Dragnificent at Future, you produce several other shows there. Can you tell me about the collaboration with Future?
When Keith Young decided to open Future, he called me and asked if I would be the Entertainment Director for Future. We’re longtime friends and deeply respect each other as business partners. Of course, when Future started, Covid started, but we made it through and created some amazing stuff over the years. We have a full cabaret lounge and restaurant where we host Fantasy Girls, Disco
Pride is coming up – where can we see you? I love Atlanta Pride, and I’ve watched how it’s grown over the years. It’s good to see it’s almost back to its old self now! I’ll be all over the damn city, either performing or putting on
OF SUMMER FINA l E PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBlOOD
BOYS
Peach Scene @
Learn more about Positive Impact Health Centers and their services at positiveimpacthealthcenters.org.
Thank you to Felix’s and Positive Impact Health Centers – and congratulations to Mark and all the other contestants!
organization’s AIDS Walk Atlanta team.
Over the summer, Felix’s has been searching high and low for the Boys of Summer while raising funds for Positive Impact Health Centers.
1, the three finalists competed for the top spot, and Mark took home the first prize and took home $2,000 in prize money after a convincing performance on the dancefloor that wowed the judges and audience.
Every Thursday night, local boys signed up for the competition that included a talent Onportion.September
Peach Scene @
The Boys of Finale!Summer
Throughout the summer the Boys of Summer has raised $3,280 for Positive Impact Health Centers to benefit the
The average American checks their phone more than 50 times a day, and most people’s current relationship with their phone is the feeling of always having it handy. Unfortunately, being tied that closely to your digital device has consequences that reach your sleep, focus, and relationship with yourself. Now, it’s unlikely that you’ll do a 30-day digital detox, but there are ways to reduce your phone time and turn it into much-needed ‘me time.’
Do you look at your phone when you go to bed and check it the moment you awake? Deliberately create a wind down for your brain before you go to bed and stop checking your phone at least an hour before bedtime. Place your phone in another room when you go to bed to avoid looking at your phone before you go to sleep and the first thing in the morning. And if you’re using your phone as an alarm, get a classic alarm clock instead!
Remember the time before you checked your device compulsively? What habits were lost to your phone? Maybe you should reintroduce reading a book, writing, cooking, or visiting with friends again.
Are You Ready to Be a Digital Minimalist
Do you endlessly scroll your phone only to realize you’ve spent hours doing only that? Ask yourself if you achieve a feeling of accomplishment? Hardly, right? Make a conscious decision to only scroll for 15-20 minutes, and then put your phone down. Also, if you tend to scroll on your phone when watching a TV show or a movie, make sure to put your phone away and focus on the bigger screen instead.
Clean Up Your Apps
Get Back to Basics
Cut Back on Scrolling
Digital Wind-Down
The fewer apps you have on your phone, the less you are likely to check your phone. Clean up the apps you don’t use (you can always download them again) and commit to only using others on your laptop or desktop. For example, instead of checking social media on your phone, only have the social apps on your computer. That way, you won’t feel the urge to check them constantly, and you will become more deliberate when engaging with them.
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
2. Balance your Diet
5 Ways to Get Instantly Healthier
Living healthier does not mean you have to hit the gym daily, meal prep, and never veer from the strict path you’ve set for yourself. More minor lifestyle changes will have a significant impact on your health too. In fact, a few uncomplicated habits and consistency are vital to getting you healthy here and now and going forward.
You don’t need to spend hours on a treadmill or get that 5K in every day. You could go for a brisk walk with your dog, bike the beltline, or even mop your floors with a little more movement and speed. Being conscious about how much you move every day will benefit your health regardless of your actions.
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
A balanced diet does not equal a strict caloric intake or stringent meal prepping. Focusing on whole foods instead of processed foods and putting more veggies than meats on your plate will go a really long way. Also, eating a healthy diet can be balanced with the occasional cheat meal(s).
1. Move Daily
intake. Three quarts of a gallon is usually enough, but if you are active, you should probably aim for more like a gallon. Swapping out fizzy drinks with water, setting reminders, and flavoring your water are easy ways to up your water intake.
Most of us need 6-9 hours of sleep to feel rested. If you feel tired and unmotivated, you should consider getting more sleep. Setting regular bedtimes, shutting down electronics before bedtime, and cutting down on caffeine are all three factors that can improve your shuteye significantly and quickly.
3. Check Up On Good Sleep
5. Unwind!
Life is busy, and we forget too easily to take time to unwind and reset. It doesn’t have to be a week-long vacation but booking a massage or taking time to do some of your favorite activities, like cooking, reading, or going for a mental health walk, are simple ways to create those moments of resetting for yourself.
Getting enough water is essential for your body to function – it’s really as simple as that. Water helps regulate your body temperature, lubricates joints, promotes mental focus, and cleanses your system, to name a few significant advantages of proper water
4. Drink Water
M I DT OWN BARS BARS not on map 2 Blake's 227 10 th S t NE 1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite 180 3 Bulldo g s 893 Peachtree S t NE 4 Fr iend s 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 6 My Sister’s Room66 12 th S t NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE fitness 14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE spa /bath 15 F lex S p a 76 4th S t N W Dining 9 10th& P iedmon t 991 Piedmont Ave NE 10 Camp ag nolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE 20 Guac y Margys 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 16 G’s M id t o w n 219 10 th S t NE 17 Henr y ’s 132 10 th S t NE 19 L a H acienda 900 Monroe Dr NE
BARS 20 B J Roo s t er s 20 43 Cheshire Bridge Rd 22 Tr ipp s 1931 Piedmont Cir NE Dining 24 L as M ar g ar i t as Closed Temporarily 18 42 Cheshire Bridge Rd Retail 26 B ar k ing L e a t her 1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 27 S ou t her n Nig h t s 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd clu bs 28 Her e t ic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 29 Tok yo Valen t ino 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd Fitness 30 Gr avi t ee F i t ne s s 2201 Faulkner Rd NE BARS 32 M id t o w n M oon 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 33 Felix 's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 34 T he Hidea w ay 15 4 4 Piedmont Ave NE 35 M i x x 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 36 O sc ar 's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Retail 39 B oy Nex t Door 14 47 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Fitness 41 E quilibr ium F i t ne s s 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L M ar y 's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE S i s t er L oui s a’s Chur ch 466 Edgewood Ave SE L ip s A t lan t a 3011 Buford Hw y NE The T 465 Boulevard SE 494 Plasters Ave NEWoo f 's 404-bailout
Peach Scene @ c. 404.998.9944 / o. 404.874.0300 / carson@carsoncowan.com CARSON COWAN REALTOR ® / 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. PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBlOOD FRIDAYBJS FUN
Peach Scene @ HIDEAWAY SUNDAY WITH MOTHER PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBlOOD
Peach Scene @ SNAPS A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings. MIDTOWNDINING 10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com 991 Piedmont Ave NE G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE DEKAlB LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE MIDTOWNRETAIl BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 BridgeCheshireRdNE ANSlEY BOY NEXT MENSWEARDOOR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE MIDTOWNFITNESS URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE SPAS/BATHSADUlT FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW CHESHIRE BARS & MIDTOWNClUBS 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 X MIDTOWN fb.com/XMidtownX 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 WESTSIDE MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW 840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW 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 &GRANTATlANTA,PARKEDGEWOOD MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE SISTER CHURCHLOUISA’S sisterlouisaschurch.com 466 Edgewood Ave SE JOSH@PEACHATL.COMEMAIL THERELISTING,BUSINESSFREE YOU!FORROOMIS
@East Atlanta Village Farmers Market | September 24, 9:30 am – 6 pm
@ Future Atlanta | September 24, 11pm – 3 am
This fall, Universal Pictures proudly presents the first romantic comedy from a major studio about two gay men maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling towards love. Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film and featuring an entirely LGBTQ+ principal cast, including Luke Macfarlane (Killjoys), Ts Madison (The Ts Madison Experience), Monica Raymund(Chicago Fire), Guillermo Díaz (Scandal), Guy Branum (The Other Two) and Amanda Bearse (Married …with Children).
Utica Queen and Aiden Zhane
Marti Frieson at Future NO COVER!
The Rainbow Ball - Let’s Get Kinky!
House by Definition feat. Cindel
Come out for the neighborhood party that includes a parade of families and their furry best friends and an After Pawty that you won’t want to miss. Join local artists and vendors for pet-related goods and services, enrichment activities for your pups, refreshments for everyone, contests, and more!
September 22, 7 pm – 9 pm
@Heretic | September 24, 10 pm – 3am Time to dim the lights and see what happens in the dark! No cover
Atlanta Disco Society XII
@ Believe Music Hall | September 25, 3–7 am Close out the night with Atlanta’s most popular afters at Xion.
Time to break out those harnesses for the Heretic Harness Party with DJ Seth Breezy.
Bottom’s Up! Drag Brunch featuring Utica @City Winery Atlanta | September 25, 11:30 am
2. No appointment needed - first come, first serve—more at avision4hope.com.
Enjoy this boozy drag brunch featuring special guest Utica from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Meet & Greet available, tickets at citywinery. com.
@ Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema |
A new event that celebrates all genres of House music. This new event promises to bring the best of the best in the house music scene featuring local and international DJs and producers. Experience state-of-the-art sound in this amazing new venue for a night of authentic House Music. Tickets available at future-atlanta.com
@X Midtown | September 25, 4–8 pm
Free MPX Vaccine Event
Out On Film: Bros
Black Out Party DJ Stan Jackson
@ The Fox Theatre | September 22, 8 pm
XION w/ GSP at Believe Music Hall
@The Basement | September 24, 10 pm – 3 am Let’s disco, Atlanta. Join NonsenseATL behind the velvet rope for a night of glamour, debauchery, and disco dancing. Anything goes on the light-up dance floor, and everyone who’s anyone will be there.
X Midtown joins forces with A Vision 4 Hope and Gilead to help get our community vaccinated against MPX. The free vaccine event will happen every Sunday until October
Six-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, producer, and New York Times Best-Selling author Brandi Carlile brings her “Beyond These Silent Days” tour to the Fox Theatre with special guest Amy Ray HereticBand.Harness Party w/DJ Seth Breezy
@Out Front Theatre Company | September 24, 6:30 pm
@ My Sister’s Room-MSR | September 24, 9 pm – 2:30 am WUSSY returns to My Sister’s Room with two of our favorite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race -- Utica Queen and Aiden Zhane! Meet & greets with Utica are available. Tickets via Eventbrite.
food (plus drinks) features an exclusive VIP cocktail hour, an out-of-this-world seated dinner, and the most exciting auction in the city! Tickets at outfronttheatre.com.
This no-cover event will have you dancing the night away to the best circuit beats.
@Future Atlanta | September 24, 3-6 am
East Atlanta Strut
Brandi Carlile
@Heretic | September 23, 10 pm – 3 am
Strap on your boots and kick up your heels because The Rainbow Ball gets Kinky this year! Hosted by Ginger Minj from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Gidget Galore, with special appearances from the cast of Kinky Boots, this high-heeled evening of friends, fun, and
A SNEAKSpecialPREVIEW of Meak Productions’ Fall MeakMikocourtesyOtherblairPHEAUXTOGRAPHYPhoto(Mr.XoTyree2020-22)(Mr.TomasProductionsCLARKCOVERREBOOTSeasonCampaigns!MODEL:(Mr.Meak2016)Cosme’FallQuarterWinterValentine)courtesyof|devereaux@pbdModelPhotosofEvansforProductions,Inc.sneAkpreVIew
I have been having some trouble with family lately. We have never truly seen eye to eye on everything because I am gay, but things have recently escalated. They don’t want to come and see me, they didn’t text or called for the past week and a half, and it seems they only reach out to me if they need something. Am I dumb to think they want anything more than a “convenient” familial relationship?
I am glad this is being brought up right before At lanta’s Pride. First of all, happy early Pride! You need to take this time to really celebrate who you are and what you’ve been through. No one will ever take that away from you. You are a unique individual with a unique story that deserves to be celebrated. This is your time to do just that. Now, with your family. Many families feel the need to keep lines of communication open because they are “family.” People don’t seem to understand that there is often toxicity that we push aside because of that bloodline. Do not allow yourself to fall victim to this way of thinking. You are your own person, and you can act autonomously. You likely persevered for years on your own, and you can continue to do so. It’s time for you to focus on your chosen family who supports and loves you!
