Q ATLus Magazine | October 8, 2020 | Atlanta Pride

October 8, 2020 July 23, July 16, 2020

Everybody Say Say Everybody

LOVE

Pride 2020 Shines Over Atlanta

Still PRIDE

WHOEVER SAID THAT BEING DIFFERENT is a bad thing? Certainly not us, and certainly not when talking about LGBTQ Atlanta. So Pride 2020 will be different, super different. So what? Q ATLus is here for it.

We take the opportunity of the 50th Atlanta Pride — such as it is, entirely

online in a year full of the hits that just keep coming — to take a closer look in this issue at the LGBTQ diversity behind and beyond the rainbow.

Nothing says LGBTQ Atlanta like its people, so we offer 20 portraits of

Atlantans who make the city better through their life’s work. Community members show their Pride on our pages all year, so we revisit some of our

favorite musicians, healthcare pros and activists adding their true colors to Atlanta’s rainbow tapestry.

And about those rainbows and true colors. In Q Voices, our editor levies a

temporary injunction on his ban of rainbow bullshit. For one week only, he

fully embraces what those traditional six colors — and all its flaws surrounding people not usually represented in the stripes — should and could mean.

Since the 2020 universe is upside down and inside out, there’s no aquarium

party. There’s no funnel cake in the park. There’s no parade. But it’s still Pride, and the Q Events calendar lays out options to feel it online and in person.

Q Advice finds a newbie and a skeptic and serves them each a little Pride.

Enjoy this issue, be safe out there, and happy Pride, Atlanta!

RICHARD CHERSKOV PUBLISHER & SALES RICHARD@THEQATL.COM 404-917-9678 JOHN NAIL ART DIRECTOR JOHN@THEQATL.COM

MIKE FLEMING EDITOR MIKE@THEQATL.COM RIVENDELL MEDIA NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM 212-242-6863 theQatl.com 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 3 ISSUE 34

OCTOBER 8, 2020

PROUD MARYS

20 LGBTQs for 2020

18 COVER

11

Love Fest

Virtual and In-Person Pride

30

COMMUNITY

Big Bands

Full 2020 Atlanta Pride Lineups

14 Q SHOTS

ADVICE

Batter Up Look Within Southern Softpaw Swings

23 6 theQatl.com

It’s Not Them, It’s You Q Voices................... 8 Q Community........ 14 Q Events................ 18 Q Map.................... 26 Q Advice................ 30

Q

VOICES

True

COLORS

Taking Atlanta Pride and the queer rainbow beyond simple symbolism CALL ME JUDY, BECAUSE I’M OVER THE rainbow. Seriously. The knee-jerk overuse of that particular symbol has become so annoying to me as someone who’s job is queer all year, it’s all but banned from the editorial features of the Q family of publications.

Except this week — when Q and its contributors can do more than slap one on and call it gay. Usually, it’s lazy. This time, it’s on purpose.

granted. It feels hollow like, if we’re not careful, we don’t recognize or honor the diversity that Atlanta is and should be known for.

Pride Week is different — and not just because this is the Year of COVID with a festival completely online. This is the weekend that the flag flies and our people and those who oppose our equality see it, really see it.

This week, the flag commemorates and celebrates achievements. It remembers and mourns losses.

We notice it more collectively and with a similar connotations than the rest of the year. When it flies from Midtown porches or across website banners, when it graces profile pics and corporate logos, we know it’s a special time.

For one weekend, it’s the rainbow Gilbert Baker intended back in 1978. It’s your rainbow, and yes, it’s even the rainbow symbol that warms the cold heart of my cynical, eye-rolling, woke-up-toolate self.

If we’re not wielding the rainbow with intention, too many assume showing it means “everyone” is It’s been 50 years since a handful included. Events in the streets of of LGBTQ Atlantans marched MIKE through Midtown for “gay liberAtlanta, the tenor of your social FLEMING ation” the first time. Whether we feeds this summer, and some gather or not to mark it, whether two-dozen alternative LGBTQ we attend a single online event or in-person party, Pride flags say plenty of people don’t feel that way. it’s safe to say a lot has happened in 50 years that’s Usually, a carelessly flung rainbow symbol whispers worth noting. to me that we may be taking some people for It’s also a great weekend to remember that time will slowly reveal even more to love for all of us — for every stripe, every flag, every person behind that troublesome rainbow.

Ping me online this weekend with your Pride thoughts. I’ll be clicking, tapping and scrolling around watching what y’all do. With the help of coffee, chocolate and a dog resting his head on my lap, I’ll be working on reconciling my personal issues with the LGBTQ rainbow and looking inward for my true colors.

Mike Fleming is editor of Q ATLus and editor and co-publisher at Project Q Atlanta. Write mike@theQatl.com.

8 theQatl.com

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20 Q ATLIENS

Q

Jennifer Barnes Balenciaga photo by john dean

Randy Addison

Adah-Duval Pitman-Delancey

20 for ’20

King Perka-Sexxx

State Rep. Renitta Shannon

Flashback on 20 LGBTQs Atlanta is Proud to have in 2020

Thuy Nguyen aka “Twee”

Lanier Mull

Toni-Michelle Williams

Jeremy Jackson



Find their interviews by Patrick Saunders at theQatl.com. Photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood unless otherwise noted.

theQatl.com 11

photo by danielle gray

Q ATLIENS continued

Brande Elise

Nick Battaglia

by johnnie r ay k photo orn

Charles Stephens

Dr. Izzy Powell

eg

ii

ay i

Riley Mayhem

Sean Young

Kenneth Figueroa aka DJ Esme

Taylor Brown

Royce Hall

Maite Nazario

Charlie Paine

Find their interviews by Patrick Saunders at theQatl.com. Photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood unless otherwise noted.

12 theQatl.com

Q

COMMUNITY

Packed

LINEUP

Atlanta Pride names eight headliners to virtual festival

By Mike Fleming

HINTS OF OFFICIAL PRIDE ACTIVITIES crystalized last week with the announcement of eight music acts and the full schedule of online events for Atlanta Pride 2020.

Recording artists with strong followings are set for the evening of Oct. 11, the grand finale night of Pride Weekend. Look for Big Freedia, 24kGoldn, Bright Light Bright Light, Kristine W, Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson, Ava Max and DJ Babey Drew.

Bright Light Bright Light is the performing moniker of gay British pop singer Rod Thomas.

He made his first waves in Atlanta in 2017 and dropped a new album last month.

Larsson and Max return to the lineup alongside Atlanta Pride veterans Freedia and Kristine W. Artists Capaldi, 24kGoldn and Drew are new to most Pride audiences. The performances take place before the local drag-stravaganza Starlight Cabaret on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Pride also announced when other previously promised live and pre-recorded events would be available for streaming. Most activities take place on Atlanta Pride’s Facebook Live and Instagram Live.

Some special events may hold extra interest. Look for a virtual town hall on the impacts of COVID-19 on queer Atlanta, a virtual 5k, a queer trans history talk, a Charis Books author talk with Pamela Sneed, and Wussy Mag’s “High Visibility” queer photography exhibit.

14 theQatl.com

Big Freedia

Rather than a parade in the age of cornavirus, CBS46 broadcasts its own original one-hour special on all things LGBTQ Atlanta on Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. Instead of traditional vendor booths in the park, Pride promises an interactive virtual marketplace over the 48 hours of Pride Weekend.

Pride Week programming also includes wellness classes, discussions on diversity, faith and suicide prevention, as well as programming for families and older LGBTQ people.

Atlanta Pride virtual events take place daily through Oct. 12. Find the full schedule with links at theQatl.com.

Q Events The Best LGBTQ Things to Do in Atlanta This Week THURSDAY, OCT. 8 Ansley Pride Outside

Festooned tables at an appropriate distance move

outside with specials and entertainment all weekend @ The Hideaway, through Sunday. facebook. com/atlantahideaway

The Ho Sho

THURSDAY, OCT. 8 – SATURDAY, OCT. 10 The Ho Sho The only live-singing drag troupe in town do their once-a-year thing for Pride. In 2020, two nights of charity performances go online with an “Erection Year” theme. Read our preview at theQatl.com. hoshoatlanta.com

Isaac Escalante

FRIDAY, OCT. 9 Isaac Escalante See that boy, check that scene, they are the dancing queens @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com 18 theQatl.com

High Visibility Queer Atlanta photography takes over the virtual walls with Wussy at the helm @ atlantaphotographygroup.com, 7 p.m.

High Visibility

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 Atlanta Pride The festival committee brings programming to the interwebs. Visit their site for constant streams this weekend, including a marketplace, music and a drag show both nights @ 7 p.m. atlantapride.org Glamorous Pride with Aron The gay Israeli sex god and DJ takes over the turntables after a set by Sean Michael @ Heretic, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Get some food and come back for Dee Martello @ 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 11 DJ Dani Brasil Notorious Medusa Productions presents a Pride Tea Dance @ Piedmont Room & Garden Tent, 3 p.m. facebook.com/ medusaproductionsatl Pride TV No parade this year, but CBS46 has recorded some interviews and compiled it with other reporting and footage @ CBS46, 1 p.m. atlantapride.org

Glamorous Pride with Aron

MONDAY, OCT. 12

Pride TV

AquaPOP The bar that hosts lots of circuit-style events creates their own Pride magic. DJ Brynn Taylor and the legendary Kevin Aviance are in charge @ District, 3 p.m. Then it’s the time on Sprockets when we dance with Joe Gauthreaux @ Xion, 12 a.m. facebook.com/ Kevin Aviance DistrictAtlanta

Pride to the Polls It’s the first day of early voting, so remember: Nov. 3 isn’t as much Election Day as it is the last possible chance to vote. Get it done early and hashtag your photos #pridetothepolls Pride to the Polls

theQatl.com 19

theQatl.com 21

SOUTHERN SOFTPAW LEAGUE

Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com

Q SHOTS

PHOTOS BY MATT HENNIE

theQatl.com 23

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 Bars

 Restaurants North Ave. NW

North Ave. NW

 Clubs  Retail/Services

Not Shown

1. Amsterdam Cafe 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

8. Flex 76 4th St NW

2. Blakes on the Park 227 10th St. NE

9. Henry’s Midtown Tavern 132 10th St NE

Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave SE

10. Joe’s on Juniper Ralph McGill Blvd. NE 1049 Juniper St NE

Sister Louisa’s 466 Edgewood Ave SE

4. Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 5. My Sister’s Room 84 12th St

11. Zocalo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina 187 10th St NE Highland Ave. NE

6. X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave. NE

12. Barking Leather After Dark 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (inside Eagle)

7. Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

13. Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

26 theQatl.com

Future (Opens July 3) 50 Lower Alabama St SW, Suite 180 Glen Iris Dr. NE

3. Bulldogs Bar 893 Peachtree St NE

4

The T 465 Boulevard SE Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Dr NW Lips Drag Show Palace 3011 Buford Highway NE Lost ’n Found Youth Thift Store 2585 Chantilly Dr NE

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

St. Charles Ave.

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Cheshire Bridge Road 5. The Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

9. Gravity Fitness 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

2. Tripp’s Bar 1931 Piedmont Circle NE

6. Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

10. Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

3. Woof’s Sports Bar 494 Plasters Ave NE

7. Roxx Tavern 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

11. Tokyo Valentino (Cheshire Bridge) 1739 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

4. BJ Rooster’s 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

8. 2Qute Hair Salon 1927 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

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3. Midtown Moon 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

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 Bars  Restaurants  Clubs  Retail/Services

7. Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 8. Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave NE

theQatl.com 27

Q Atlus Map Directory The businesses on the preceding pages are integral parts of Atlanta’s LGBTQ landscape. Those listed in boxes are consistent Q partners and community allies.

BARS, CLUBS & RESTAURANTS Amsterdam Cafe 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE BJ Roosters 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Blakes on the Park 227 10th St. NE Bulldogs Bar 893 Peachtree St NE Felix’s on the Square 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Future 50 Lower Alabama St SW, Suite 180 Henry’s Midtown Tavern 132 10th St NE The Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Joe’s on Juniper 1049 Juniper St NE Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Lips Drag Show Palace 3011 Buford Highway NE Mama’s Cocina 1958 Piedmont Road NE Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Midtown Moon 1510 Piedmont Ave NE My Sister’s Room 84 12th St Oscar’s 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

28 theQatl.com

Roxx Tavern 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

Sequel Bar 1086 Alco St. NE Sister Louisa’s 466 Edgewood Ave SE Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Dr NW The T 465 Boulevard SE Tripp’s Bar 1931 Piedmont Circle NE Woof’s Sports Bar 494 Plasters Ave NE X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave. NE Zocalo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina 187 10th St NE

RETAIL & SERVICES 2Qute Hair Salon 1927 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Barking Leather After Dark 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (inside Atlanta Eagle) Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave NE Lost ’n Found Youth Thrift Store 2585 Chantilly Dr NE Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

ADULT Flex 76 4th St NW Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Starship Galaxy/Starship Novelties 2273 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Tokyo Valentino 1739 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

Q Advice

Happy

PRIDE!

Newbie and Unwoke find equality teaching moments

Q

I’m considering going to my first Pride event ever, but I’m nervous someone I know will see me. I know I’m gay, but admitting it in broad daylight is scary.

Does my fear mean that I’m not ready to “come out”? Should I wait until my confidence is better to dip my toe into the Pride pool?

Dear Newbie: Come on in. The water’s fine. Trusting yourself is difficult at first, but most of your early answers in the shallow end.

Confidence comes with every experience in which you face a fear. So you’re nervous to come out of the closet and into the light. Join the millions who came before you — and the hundreds of thousands celebrating in Atlanta this weekend.

It’s natural to be wary of the unexpected, but your entire future awaits on the other side of your first Pride. Buck up and go to a bar or in-person event you’re interested in. You’ll most likely be comfortable within 10 minutes, and unstoppable, never to look back, in less than an hour.

About those people you know who might see you there: Most of them are LGBTQ themselves, and all of them are on your side. Instead of fearing that they see you, start hoping they do. They can be your closest allies and support system.

Q

I love Pride — the parties, the sexy people everywhere you turn, the flowing alcohol.

But for all the talk about “community,” there are a ton of people I can’t relate to.

Gross leather daddies, drag queens, lesbian moms with natty little kids, and those social justice

30 theQatl.com

freaks all just need to have a drink and chill out.

I could go on.

Dear Unwoke: Please don’t go on. The bad news is that you don’t have the key to Pride. The good news is that it’s not locked.

Let’s start with a basic principle: There is no “normal.” Here’s another: There are as many different kinds of queers as there are different kinds of people.

There is no “one community, one way” other than the hard-fought right to live and love as we choose.

That includes you and yours partying through the weekend, as well as the fellow human beings that you so effortlessly mock.

The very acceptance we celebrate at Pride is sorely missing from your repertoire. If you don’t learn, you’re no better than the straight, cisgendered, fearmongering foes who’d rather not be subjected to your “lifestyle.” Think it through.

Q Advice is intended for entertainment, not professional counseling. Send your Qs to mike@theQatl.com.

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