Q ATLus Magazine | November 12, 2020

t s e i x e S

MEN e v li A

r

tte at e h t B n 0 e 02 tM 2 o e H k a 0 2 M

November 12, 2020

Reigning MEN ONE THING THAT THE CURRENT PANDEMIC has on 1918 is the internet’s ability to lull us through extra downtime. For gay men, following hot celebrity guys on social media is part of a multi-prong plan not to go insane.

One local guy made it his mission to narrow down his favorites and get his revenge on People magazine’s annually terrible “Sexiest Man Alive” choices.

We let him have his clever, funny way with us in this week’s Q Cover story.

Speaking of men, Connor Fair was just named Homecoming King in Sandy Springs. That might not be notable, except that his high school made him the first transgender winner in state history. The road to his crown is in Q Community.

Other notable men — and women — about town wait patiently in Q Events. This week’s listings offer the end of an era for one Atlanta legend and a local debut for an international sensation. Other virtual and IRL options abound.

As always, we leave you with Q Advice. That said, the Q family of publications never really leaves you, because we post fresh news and culture stories every day. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at theQatl.com. Find our Podcast Q interviews and Q Conversations live events, too.

Until next week, stay classy or at least stay safe. Write mike@theQatl.com.

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

VO LU M E 3 I S S U E 3 9 N OV E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 0

STUFF TO DO

Online or In-Person this Week

13 COVER

27

Celebrity Crush 20 Sexy Men for 2020

30

COMMUNITY

King for a Day

Riverwood High Makes History

9 EVENTS

ADVICE

Eagle Lands

Just... No

Last Dance on Ponce

Bestie’s Boo Hits on You

Q Community....... 9 Q Cover............... 13

27 6 theQatl.com

Q Events............. 27 Q Map................. 28 Q Advice............. 30

8 theQatl.com

COMMUNITY

Q

From left: Connor Fair, Walton High School Principal Kindra Smith, and Viha Umashankar

KING Connor

Metro Atlanta teen named Georgia’s first trans homecoming king

idea of all the people who were willing to support me as the person I am,” he told Project Q. “I was happy to have made court and bring attention to the gender non-conforming community at my school. That was enough for me.”

By Mike Fleming

“My experiences with transphobia had taught me that I was not as valid as a cisgender man,” he said. “So standing next to three of them for such a gendered spot in front of the student body made me feel a sense of dread.”

SANDY SPRINGS, GA., TOOK ITS ARGUABLE unlikely spot in LGBTQ history on Oct. 13 at the Riverwood International Charter School’s football game. That’s the night Connor Fair became the first transgender homecoming king in Georgia.

Six years after Eris Lovell became Georgia’s first transgender homecoming courtier at Walton High School in Marietta, Fair never expected to beat out his fellow nominees for the crown. As they say, the nomination alone is an honor.

“I really almost couldn’t wrap my head around the

The big night came as something of an out-ofbody experience.

“When they read off my name, and the crowners ran up to me, I was absolutely shocked,” he remembered.

“The feeling of gender euphoria I felt in that moment was absolutely refreshing. I felt like, for once I was valid, and everyone at the school thought so too.”  theQatl.com 9

HOMECOMING KING continued SHORT YEARS, LONG ROAD

Of course, a lot of tough lessons and a few refreshing surprises pave the road from gender dysphoria to “gender euphoria,” the newly crowned homecoming king said.

Fair knew he was trans in early childhood, and at 15, an out member of his color guard finally made him realize that he, too, identified as transgender.

He came out to select people in 9th grade and went public with his identity at the age of 16 in 10thgrade, he said.

propel Fair forward through tough moments.

“It helps get me out of those days when my gender dysphoria is eating me alive and it helps me remember how valid I am,” he said. “I remember that I have the support of so many people who see me as a man and I should too.”

“Being out for me certainly makes me feel better,” Fair said. “The validation of being addressed by my proper name and pronouns at school, and also knowing there are my friends who will correct people deadnaming or misgendering me.”

In fact, Fair counts quite a few influential students and faculty among those allies. In addition to his girlfriend, homecoming queen Viha Umashankar encouraged him to run for the court. The school’s principal Kindra Smith was also on the side of making history.

“I thank [Smith] for the willingness to learn and her support of the trans community in our school,” Fair said. “I also would like to thank the homecoming planning committee for not turning this into another anti-LGBT story about a young transman who was placed on the female ballot, but instead one about overcoming adversity and triumph.”

‘ACCEPTANCE IS HERE AND NOW’

As you might expect, not everyone at Riverwood embraced Fair’s gender identity.

“I get a lot of people who love and support me, some who are ambivalent about it, but there are also those who hate me for who I am,” Fair said. “Certainly, I’ve had my fair share of transphobia thrown my way, from adult staff and students alike.”

“To those people who have made me feel less than human, my response is always that I’m valid, and that the time for change and acceptance is here and now,” he said.

That attitude and the Homecoming experience 10 theQatl.com

Connor Fair’s Instagram post

Beyond the personal stuff, the political implications of being Georgia’s first homecoming king are still sinking in, Fair said.

“This marks the start of a period of acceptance and growth for even the most conservative of states, even if it starts at just one high school,” he said. “This win was not just for me. This is a win for the entire LGBTQ+ community. It is for every single person who is stuck in the closet, every person who has been misgendered, and every person who is still unsure of themselves.”

Fair wants helping others to become the long-range outcome of his Homecoming experience, he said.

“It can be hard to wake up every morning and know that the world doesn’t see you as who you are, but just for this moment let us all revel in this victory,” Fair said. “It is an acknowledgement of all that you’ve been through and all that you will become.”

“You are a king, a queen, royalty and you are more than what society labels you as,” he added. “No matter where you are in your journey, you are valid and you are loved.”

Happy with your

GENES?

Consider Liposuction of your chest, abdomen, and love handles for the perfect fit!

3964 Atlanta Road • Smyrna, GA 30080 • 679-370-9854 • www.doctorjeffords.com

Male Enhancement • NeoGraft Scarless Hair Transplants • Gynecomastia • Liposuction • Facial Surgery Laser Hair Reduction • CO 2 Fractional Laser

“TOP DOCTOR” –Atlanta Magazine

Keith Jeffords, MD

Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

20 Sexiest One gay Atlanta man’s attempt to right People magazine’s wrongs

Q

MEN of 2020 COVER

By Scott King 2020 HAS BEEN A ROUGH YEAR, amiright? As the most portentous year since 1984 comes to a close, let's take a breather and celebrate by honoring 20 men who make us happy to still be alive. And happy they are still alive.

There's some eye candy, some brain candy, and of course some good old-fashioned man candy.

But it all goes deeper than the skin. Here are 20 reasons we love men and my personal list of the 20 sexiest men alive in 2020. 

Jaboukie Young-White Funny fresh is sexy. A youthful perspective that isn’t arrogant or myopic is sexy.

This Daily Show correspondent is funny as fuuuuuck, and he is gleefully comfortable with all sides of his masculinity, his femininity, his race, gender and sexual identity. Werk it, ‘Boukie!

Kumail Nanjiani A fresh take on masculinity, sexuality and American life as an immigrant and member of a racial minority is sexy.

The gym bod doesn’t quite look right on him, but I’m sure he’ll settle into himself soon.

Keep it sexy, Kumail!

theQatl.com 13

SEXIEST MEN continued

Brian Sims Passion is sexy. Fierceness is sexy. Making politics relevant is sexy. And you know we love a good cusser.

Representative Sims, could you please run for Congress soon so that we can see you on the national stage? And eventually, yes, Mr. President. So who wants to be first lady?

Dave Bautista Non-hegemonic strength and masculinity is sexy.

This pro wrestler-turned-movie star trolls Donald Trump on the daily. He also speaks out against homophobia around the world, whether it be a Catholic bishop in Rhode Island or fellow Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

A tough guy with a soft spot for the gays? Yes, please!

Trevor Noah Empathy is sexy. Intelligence is sexy.

Warmth is sexy. And yes, humor and unending cuteness are sexy.

I've had a crush on Mr. Noah ever since John Stewart retired all those years ago. Extra credit goes to anyone who has taken the time to listen to a long-form interview with Noah. His wisdom, intelligence and Piscean charisma swagger before him.

14 theQatl.com

SEXIEST MEN continued Barack Obama The charisma. The intelligence. The ease of communicating bigger, deeper truths.

That smile that would melt an electoral college.

With Michigan in play, Hillary may have won the popular vote back in 2008, but Obama won the popular hearts and minds. He’s still got it, from his love for Michelle, his kids, and the American experiment make him the eternal Presidential heartthrob.

Jason Momoa What a sweet, sweet man. A huge man. A funny man. A specimen with a conscience.

And talent.

Sufjan Stevens The beauty of a porcelain doll come to life. This is the guy you had a crush on in college, except his guitar playing and songs don't suck.

Call me by your name. Wish me luck.

Le sigh.

18 theQatl.com

Maluma Working with Madonna is sexy.

Latin polyrhythm is sexy. International superstardom is sexy.

This one-man music machine will rock your world and make you feel all tingly downstairs.

Donald Glover Dreamlover, come rescue me. Take me up. Take me down. Take me any way you want to, baby, now.

I need you so desperately. Won’t you please come around, because I want to share forever with you, baby.

theQatl.com 19

SEXIEST MEN continued

Joel Kim Booster Dayum, kween. You sexy. One of my favorite stand-up comedians working today, JKB eschews self-indulgent self-deprecation and goes straight, no pun intended, for the heart of his own unique truth.

Raised in the midwest by a conservative Christian white family and living his adult life as sexually free and adventurous as a bird, Mr. Booster has some great material to werq with.

And he does.

Bruce Springsteen Poetry is sexy. Salt of the earth is sexy.

Non-toxic, raw and vulnerable masculinity is sexy. I’ve always thought of Bruce Springsteen as the non queer Michael Stipe. That is indeed a profound compliment.

As long as it’s organic.

Dr. Anthony Fauci Truth-telling is sexy. Not backing down is sexy. Not lashing out is sexy, too.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has been fighting the good fight for decades now. Without being petty. Without being manipulative. Without being vindictive. Just by being a public servant. The U.S. President, and any other person in public life, should take their cues from this handsome and sexy man.

20 theQatl.com

I take Pride in helping everyone.

Jesse Watts, RealtorÂŽ

M: 678-237-5310 | O: 404-604-3100 | jwatts5310@gmail.com jessewatts.kw.com | c @jessewattsrealtor Licensed in Georgia. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a real estate franchise company. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.

22 theQatl.com

SEXIEST MEN continued

Bob the Drag Queen Sassy is sexy. Pithy is sexy. Commanding a room's attention is sexy as hell.

Bob the drag queen makes me want to be a better person. That's damn sexy, y'all.

James McAvoy Totes mancrush. There’s just something about this bloke. The accent. The pathos.

And he’s so charming in interviews.

He also played the voice of Lord Morpheus in the audiobook of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman graphic novel series. And he didn’t fuck it up. That is the nerdiest thing I’ve ever written. He’s not a nerd, and I’m not a nerd, but if we were, we’d be the sexiest nerd couple ever. I’m sure of it.

theQatl.com 23

SEXIEST MEN continued

Common Floetry is sexy. Sincerity is sexy. Being known by virtually everyone as “the most beautiful man” is sexy. And um, excuse me please hello, did you see his performance with John Legend at the DNC? Thank you.

Mike Parrow Being out is sexy. Sports entertainment is sexy. Instagram is sexy.

This out professional wrestler is making his way through the indies. He and his adorable husband are both very, very sexy.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson He did top People’s list back in 2016, but I’m only human.

Whether he’s doing shots with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, or flirting with Andy Cohen, he seems like a sweet dude.

I want to be his chest tattoo. Woof!

24 theQatl.com

Andrew Rannells Is it just me, or did Mr. Rannels totally turn the last three seasons of Girls into one of the greatest TV shows of all time? And no I’m not just talking about the Emmy he should have received for Best Supporting Butt.

AR was the light at the end of a very dark narcissistic tunnel that was Girls, and he continues to shine in everything he does. I can only imagine how resplendent he would be in bed.

Woody Harrelson I’m not going to lie. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for stoners. They’re so sweet, so earnest, so stoned.

Mr. Woody is one of the more articulate ones. A fantastic actor and journeyman, his passion for veganism, his family and planet Earth are oh-so endearing and sexy.

theQatl.com 25

Q Events The Best LGBTQ Things to Do in Atlanta This Week FRIDAY, NOV. 13 Atlanta Eagle Last Dance

It’s been a ride on Ponce de

Leon over the last 32 years.

It ends here, with hopes

and plans to bring back the

leather legend next year @ Atlan-

ta Eagle, 9 p.m. The owner talks about why with Podcast Q, theQatl.com My Sisters’ Room

SUNDAY, NOV. 15 Queer Threads

The QTPOC of SFQP

host a pop-up thrift shop with

clothes, winter coats and more @ Georgia Beer Garden, 1 p.m. southernfriedqueerpride.com Heifer Review

Ruby Redd corrals the queens while you down endless

mimosas and the food bar @

Midtown Moon, 12:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 16

The backyard and patio are open for women who

Mother Mary Comes to Me

Sister’s Room, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. – 3

for the Book host virtual readings from this

love women who love an open-air party @ My

Poetry Atlanta, Charis and Georgia Center

a.m. Pssst. They’ve also added a mimosa brunch

queer-inclusive anthology on the Virgin Mary

on Sundays. mysistersroom.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 14

and her role and imagery in pop culture

@ Eventbrite, 7 p.m. charisbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, NOV. 17 THURSDAY, NOV. 19 LGBTQ Business Summit & Community Honors Out Georgia Business

Alliance (formerly AGLCC)

hosts a three-day virtual event for queer busi-

nesses. Speakers, learning sessions, a virtual expo, Glitz & Glam

Queens on the scene host the fancy dinner-theater experience of Atlanta’s premiere drag restaurant

and bar @ Lips Atlanta, 6 p.m., 9 p.m. Or catch the Taboo Show at 11:30 p.m. lipsatl.com

their annual awards and more. Register to attend or exhibit at outgeorgia.org

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 Country Night

LGBTQ boot scootin’

Sam Gee

now every Wednesday

DJ makes the dance floor

WarpZone gaming in the

The international circuit

pulse @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com

on the dance floor, plus

lounge @ Heretic, 8 p.m. hereticatlanta.com

theQatl.com 27

on tA ve .N E dm Pi e

5

10

11th St. NE

9

10th St. NE

Amsterdam Ave.

Dr. N E

Piedmont Park

14th St. NE

12th St. NE

1 13

Mon roe

West Peachtree St. NE

E

75

t. N eS tre

85

ach Pe

Spring St. NW

Q Atlus Map

11 6

Virginia Ave. NE

2 9th St. NE

12 7

Key

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

 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

28 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.

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

r. NE roe D Mon

Charles Allen Dr. NE

NE

NE

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Ave.

Spring St. NW

8

3 Juniper St. NE

85

Peachtree St.

75

West Peachtree St. NE

8th St. NE

Lin

dbe

rgh

Dr.

1

E

be

Lidde ll D

Ch

6

7 re

i esh

11

ne

rR d.

E r. N

2

ulk

9 NE

5 4

Leno x Rd .

Lam

Manchester Rd. NE

Dr.

Fa

ircle NE nt C mo d e Pi

P

Rd. N

10

NE

las

ista

85

rt

ve. sA ter

Lav

Alco S t. NE

Piedmont Ave. NE

3

NE

8 E

d. N eR

dg

Bri

Key

 Bars  Restaurants  Clubs  Retail/Services

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

nr Mo

3

5

Pied

4. Oscar’s 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

tA ve .N E on ed m

r. NE

Pi

5. Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 6. Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

D Monroe

Piedmont Park

1. Felix’s on the Square 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

3. Midtown Moon 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

8

6

Ansley Park 2. The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE

E

4

r. N

7

D oe

2 1

Morningside Dr. NE

mon t

Ave. NE

1. Sequel Bar 1086 Alco St. NE

Key

 Bars  Restaurants  Clubs  Retail/Services

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

theQatl.com 29

Q Advice

Um, NO

Wandering into a world of hurt Q

You know how queer friends can feel more like family than our actual family?

I have one friend who is as important to me as any sibling. We've been there for each other through ups, downs, girls, women and more girls and women. When she finally found what she thought was the woman of her dreams, I was so happy. She deserves a wife for life.

At first, her new girlfriend’s random Facebook PMs to me seemed harmless, so I engaged with her. Then the messages started coming after midnight. Then she said she had a dream about me where we were naked. Then it turned explicitly sexual.

I have a few choice words for this jerk, but I don’t know whether to tell her off before or after I tell my friend? How do I break it to my friend? Should I ignore it and let her find out later than I was chatting with the woman at all?

Dear Friend For Life: That’s some real shit you wandered into. You can get out of it, but step lightly.

This person has behaved abhorrently.

No need to stoop to her level or escalate the drama. The instinct to go full guerilla assault on the offender, then run a screaming tattletale maneuver on your bestie, is natural. But don’t — at least not without thinking it through completely.

The secret is staying calm. If you go in hot, everyone gets burned. Stick to the facts. Tell the offender flatly that you

30 theQatl.com

don’t want to talk about sex with her, and that her messages make you uncomfortable.

Stop all further communication and call your friend. Tell her that friendly chats took a turn that you didn’t expect, ask for or appreciate. Say that her long-term happiness is more valuable than any short-term discomfort between you.

If your friendship is as strong as you say, she’ll accept it on the spot or come back to you after processing it. Respect her reaction either way.

Q

I’ve been dating a guy for a couple months. He tries to run my life, but he is older and confident in his declarations. He has a great high-rise condo where we spend most of our time, and my own rent is a little steep for my current situation.

I know it’s technically too soon, but is there a way to actually move in with him that doesn’t cause problems?

Dear Daddy’s Boy: Technically and actually, no. Next?

OK, fine. A few things to consider when you do what you are going to do: 1. You don’t know him. 2. If he is already trying to drive your life like it’s your car, don’t hand over the keys. 3. If you decide to split, where are you going to live?

If you add your name to the lease, how are you going to get out?

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

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD GIBSON