May 13, 2021
Water
WORKS Poolside and Lakeside in Summer Suits
Trunks & Boardshorts & Speedos — Oh My! Look Who We Caught Making Heretic Moves Above and Beyond Those MAGA Gays & Mean Girls
Strong SUIT THINGS ARE COMING ALONG swimmingly for weary but te-
nacious LGBTQ Atlantans, and that goes literally and figuratively in this week’s issue of Q ATLus.
A swimming interpretation comes first and foremost in the form
of our annual swimsuit issue. This year, guys show off suits at the
lake and by the pool, and we give you just a hint of places to wear them in the coming weeks.
Also advancing swimmingly is the redevelopment of the former
Eagle site. The veil might be slowly lifting one what’s to come, and the bar’s chances of being part of it are diminishing in Q News.
You know what else swims like a queer and quacks like a queer, and is in fact a big ol’ queer: Us (and you). We are your reliable
source for Q Events for the week, Q Shots galleries, Q Advice and 10 Q Things.
Wade into it, and visit us online every single day on the socials and at 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 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 25
M AY 1 3 , 2 0 2 1
TO DO LIST
Atlanta’s Best LGBTQ Events
COVER
14
22
Suit Up
Lakeside Looks & Pool Boys
8
23
10 Q THINGS
Q SHOTS
The Real ‘Pose’ & ‘Paris’
Caught at Flag Football & Heretic
Simply Ballroom 10 Q Things................. 8 Q News...................... 11 Q Events.................... 23 Q Shots...................... 23 Map............................ 26 Q Advice.................... 29 6 theQatl.com
Jocks & Jocks
Q ADVICE
MAGA & Mean Girls Rising Above the Gay Fray
29
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Q
10 THINGS
Ballro
Basics of a Black queer subculture from Paris to Pose (that have nothing to do with Madonna’s ‘Vogue’) By Mike Fleming
Houses Serve as alternative families and safe spaces for primarily black and Latinx LGBTQ people. In many cases, sharing the same last name and physical living spaces, including older folks “parenting” younger ones. Iconic houses include but are in no way limited to LaBeija, Balenciaga, Aviance and Xtravaganza.
History Members of the LGBTQ underground in large cities of the late 19th century began to organize masquerade balls known as “drags” in direct defiance of laws banning citizens from wearing clothes of the opposite gender. Langston Hughes wrote of drag balls in the 1920s. The balls and 8 theQatl.com
house of today became more organized in 1950s Harlem and popularized in the 1980s. Parallel developments were taking place in Washington, D.C., and expanding today into places including Francisco, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Categories Competitors walk in categories including Butch Queen, Femme Realness, Runway, Bizarre, Face, Body, Hands, Virgin Vogue, Sex Siren, Banjee, Opulence, Best Dressed and Legendary Icon.
Language Terms rooted in ball culture that have gone on to become staples in gay slang, drag slang, fashion industry jargon and even mainstream colloquial usage include drag mother, work it, fierceness, fabulousness, shade,
om 101 Photo from the film Kiki.
yas, mopping, swag, bling, ovah and ovahness, and RuPaul’s signature taglines “Sashay,” “Chante” and “Chante You Stay.”
Dance Intentionally or not, Madonna’s song “Vogue” began a colonization of the modeling-posing dance style rooted specifically in queer communities of color and named for the fashion magazine. Choreographer Will Ninja, who died in 2006, is known as “The Godfather of Vogue” for formalizing and promoting the dance’s signature staccato movements and poses.
Fashion 1980s ball culture is credited for influencng the über-sexualized cockiness and showy jewelry of contemporary mainstream Hip Hop.
Entertainment
Beyoncé credits ball culture as an unsung part of black American culture in Houston that directly influenced the “confidence and fire” of her stage act.
Competition
Houses “walk” against each other dressed according to categories and are judged on dance skills, costumes, appearance and attitude. Participants are expected to display appropriate “realness” to the category.
Music
Ball culture has been fertile ground for new forms of House music and other genres of electronic dance music. It has also launched a wave of queer Hip Hop artists and DJs.
Media Attention
Paris Is Burning in 1991 set ballroom on the road to global recognition. Since then, innumerable news stories in print and broadcast. Other notable coverage includes the docuseries My House on Viceland, the film Kiki, and the TV show Pose on FX. Sources: Revolvy.com, Trans Bodies Trans Selves by Genny Beemyn, Global Circuits of Blackness by Marlon Bailey
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NEWS
Q
Plans EMERGE
Former Eagle site looking at $25 million development By Matt Hennie THE FORMER HOME OF THE ATLANTA Eagle and its decaying neighbor next door could be the site of a new $25 million development, even after portions of the existing structures are designated historic landmarks.
As realistic prospects dwindle for the bar business to return there, the details of what could be developed on the site emerged April 29 as the Midtown Neighbors’ Association vetted – and ultimately approved – ordinances from the City of Atlanta designating the two properties along Ponce de Leon Avenue as landmarks.
“We’re talking about a $20 to $25 million dollar project,” Dennis Webb, an attorney for property owner Shahzad Hashmi, told the MNA board.
New development would be allowed on the two properties – 300 Ponce, known as the Kodak building, and 306 Ponce, the former home of the Eagle – under a compromise struck by Webb with Doug Young, the city’s assistant director of the Office of Design. That agreement, unveiled publicly on April 20, scales back the scope of the city’s landmark designation for the two properties. The compromise calls for protecting the brick storefronts that face Ponce on both properties. The owner would be allowed to demolish the roof of the back-facing residential structure and expansive outdoor deck on the former Eagle site. For the Kodak building, the compromise allows for theQatl.com 11
NEWS continued the demolition of the entire residential structure behind the brick storefront. Additionally, the property owner would build adjacent to, over and behind the mid-century strip center storefronts on both properties. The property owner would have to protect exterior signs for both buildings, including the Eagle sign on the front of 306 Ponce and the Kodak sign atop 300 Ponce. It also requites signage that describes the history of the buildings that is publicly visible for 10 years.
“It is crazy how much we’re talking about demolition and removal of structures while we’re talking about the historic preservation ordinance right now.” — Charlie Paine, secretary of Historic Atlanta ‘IT AIN’T PERFECT’ Plans for redeveloping the properties are progressing as the city’s push for declaring them landmarks moves through a lengthy and sometimes contentious approval process. Demolishing the roof of the residential portion of the former Eagle site and work on the landmark portion of the property goes next for approval to the city through its Urban Design Commission.
Webb said the landmark designation requires any new development to include elements of the existing roof. But the property owner needs some leeway to make a future project financially and structurally feasible, he added. “It ain’t perfect, I get it. It ain’t perfect for us. It’s not perfect for the city. It’s not perfect for Mr. Paine. But I think it’s a pretty good result that ultimately gets people where they need to be. We’re doing more than just preserving a significant part of the Atlanta Eagle building. We’re also documenting what happened there,” Webb said.
‘THE ROOF SHOULD BE PROTECTED’ Earlier the same week, the MNA’s Land Use Committee voted to “not oppose” the proposal. As the MNA board moved toward its own vote, board member Garrett Clum pushed to keep the roof of the residential structure at 306 Ponce within the landmark designation. Clum and longtime Midtown real estate agent Stephen Beckwith voted for Clum’s motion to protect the roof from possible demolition. The motion failed 12 to 2. Clum was then the sole vote against the motions to “not oppose” plans for both properties. Beckwith abstained from both votes. Courtney Smith, president of the MNA, said she’s concerned that Hashmi will tear down both structures if a compromise isn’t reached with the city over the landmark designation.
Preservationists that proposed the landmark designation expressed skepticism about the compromise and concern that removing the roof of the residential structure at 306 Ponce would damage the property’s historical significance.
“I am concerned that if nothing gets passed that your client will file for a demo permit of the entire thing for both buildings and we’ll be left with nothing,” Smith told Webb. “So I’m compelled to agree to the compromise just so our gay community has something left that represents what this space has been for them.”
“It is crazy how much we’re talking about demolition and removal of structures while we’re talking about the historic preservation ordinance right now,” said Charlie Paine, secretary of Historic Atlanta and chair of its LGBTQ Historic Preservation Advisory Committee during the meeting.
Read the full story and ongoing coverage at theQatl.com.
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The landmark designation proposal now moves to Neighborhood Planning Unit E. After that, the city’s Zoning Review Board reviews it before an eventual vote by the Atlanta City Council and final approval by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Q
COVER
Wet &
WILD
Soak up summer by the pool or at the lake By Mike Fleming
MAYBE YOU TOOK LOCKDOWN AS AN OPPORTUNITY to get or keep your body together like the guys on our pages this week. Maybe pandemic pounds were more your speed. Swimsuit shapes for your silhouette await as eagerly as the sun and water themselves. We found these guys rocking trunks, speedos, square cuts and board shorts in and around the water to get you officially ready for summer.
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SWIMSUITS continued
Pool BOYS
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While you browse, ponder upcoming events sure to get gaggles of gays gathered in these garments: MAY 27-31 Sexacola Pride & Gay Memorial Day Pensacola Beach mysistersroom.com/sexacola-2021 johnnychisholm.com
MAY 30 Aqua Pop Pool Party District Atlanta, 3 p.m. facebook.com/beBOLDatl
MAY 30 Memorial Sunday X Midtown, Hideaway, Heretic & Lips
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SWIMSUITS continued
Rinse & REPEAT
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Q Events
The Best LGBTQ Things to Do in Atlanta This Week THURSDAY, MAY 13
SATURDAY, MAY 15 Armorettes
They are campy, they are rowdy, and they’ve been doing it for more than four decades. Catch the
Spark Game Night
DJ Darlene finds you playing games with the
Jameson Wheel of Prizes and other surprises @
fundraising show live @ Heretic, 8 p.m. Facebook live via Armorettes page too. hereticatlanta.com Pride
Hideaway, 8 p.m. facebook.com/atlantahideaway
You’re not required to watch this six-part documentary
FRIDAY, MAY 14
covering the LGBTQ movement from the
1950s-2000s, but you do
get bonus points @ FX and
Hulu, starting today. hulu.com Paulo Fragoso
He spins. You dance. The crowd undulates. There’s
always a story @ Heretic,
10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com
SUNDAY, MAY 16 GSP
This international sensation is back for more.
This time, do yourself a
Cash Cash
party favor and get a
Putting the NYC into EDM, this double-named
trio of musicians hits Atlanta for a one-night-only
nap, because it’s gonna
districtatl.com
really long
be really,
party. Dress up to mess up @ District, 10 p.m.
morning @ Wish
Halston
Dip your toe into the world of
Studio 54, cocaine, jumpsuits and wrap dresses.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 Melt
Local gay gadabout and recording artist Rigel
Ewan McGregor
Gemini releases his
the gay fashion
@ Eventbrite, 8 p.m.
transforms into
album with a celebration
icon in Ryan
rigelgemini.com
Murphy’s latest confection @ Netflix,
all month. netflix.com
Lounge, 3 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Find an expanded calendar of weekend events every Thursday at theQatl.com.
NFFLA FLAG FOOTBALL
Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com
Q SHOTS
PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
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Q SHOTS
PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
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MEDUSA PARTY AT HERETIC
Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com
on tA ve .N E dm Pi e
4
9
11th St. NE
8
10th St. NE
Amsterdam Ave.
Dr. N E
Piedmont Park
14th St. NE
12th St. NE
12
Mon roe
West Peachtree St. NE
E
75
t. N eS tre
85
ach Pe
Spring St. NW
Q Atlus Map
10 5
Virginia Ave. NE
1 9th St. NE
227 10th St. NE 2. Bulldogs Bar 893 Peachtree St NE 3. Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 4. My Sister’s Room 84 12th St 5. X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave. NE 6. Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
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Bars
Restaurants North Ave. NW
North Ave. NW
Clubs Retail/Services
Not Shown
Future (opening soon) 50 Lower Alabama St SW, Suite 180
8. Henry’s Midtown Tavern 132 10th St NE
Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
9. Joe’s onRalph Juniper McGill Blvd. NE 1049 Juniper St NE
Sister Louisa’s 466 Edgewood Ave SE
10. Zocalo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina 187 10th St NE Highland Ave. NE 11. Barking Leather After Dark 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (inside Eagle) 12. Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
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
3
Key
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
7. Flex 76 4th St NW
Ponce De Leon Pl. NE
r. NE roe D Mon
Charles Allen Dr. NE
11 6
St. Charles Ave.
Glen Iris Dr. NE
1. Blakes on the Park
NE
NE
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Ave.
Spring St. NW
7
2 Juniper St. NE
85
Peachtree St.
75
West Peachtree St. NE
8th St. NE
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Piedmont Ave. NE
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d. N eR
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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
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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
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Q Advice
Republicans, Mean Girls
& YOU
Here’s why changing others is impossible, but also not your job
Q
I’m a liberal Millennial with friends and family on both sides of the political aisle. I try to educate my rural, straight Republicans back home since they aren’t as aware of the affects that Trump & Co. had on to the gays that they “love watching on TV.” Believe it or not, I’ve actually made some headway. My frustration comes just as often from LGBTQ acquaintances in the ATL. Several actually voted for the bastard. Gays for MAGA? Yes (and no!) How can I help change this? How do I interact with these people? Should I continue to engage with them at all? Dear Martyr: Did you notice the difference between your description of the folks back home and people you know here? It’s the word “friends.” Among the pros of friends vs. acquaintances is the ability to have substantive discussions that go somewhere.
friends, talk to them the same way you do your straight buddies back home – with patience and open ears. They’ll hear you better if they feel heard as well.
Q
A gaggle of Gwinnet gays from high school have decided I’m the odd bitch out. A couple of them were my friends once, and a couple more weren’t even out yet when we graduated. All of us moved to Midtown in the last three years, and for some reason they hate me. I’d like to say I don’t care, and I do have other friends, but it hurts to see them having a “home team” with me ostracized. Dear Sadface Emoji: As if high school angst weren’t enough drama and disappointment back in the day, these people decided to drag it into adulthood and snare you into playing along. Don’t let them. What would be nice about old-school connections is supporting each other. Unfortunately in this case, you’re better off without them. Since the only one you can change is yourself, let go of their hold over you and move on. At your age, any or all of them could grow up someday and see their errors, and that would be great. Waiting around for that possibility now hurts no one but you. The Q is for entertainment, not counseling. Send burning Qs to mike@theQatl.com. ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD GIBSON
The opinions of other randoms are none of our business. Just as it is a mistake for them to think they can change our minds about politics, we owe them the same courtesy. Letting go of the responsibility you feel to sway their wrongheaded views will set you free. Once your head is clear about your role, you are under no obligation to interact with these people. If you are cornered, you have options – engage politely, change the subject, or walk away. If these gay MAGA oxymorons are in factg your theQatl.com 29