November 25, 2021
’Tis The
SEASON
Kick Off the Holidays in Gay Atlanta
Toy Parties, Concerts Top LGBTQ ATL’S Best Events Family, ‘Going Home’ & Other Annual Guilt Trips Tune In: Season Streams That Don’t Totally Suck
Gather
TOGETHER
IT’S FINALLY, OFFICIALLY TIME. Whether you’ve been tamping your Mariah and Bublé urges or taking lashes for sneaking them out early, Thanksgiving gives the all-clear for songs and soirees of the season.
This issue of Q ATLus lands right on time with everything to make your holi-gay. Easy and affordable décor? We got you. Atlanta’s best LGBTQ event listings? Look no further. Tips for kicking the harmful holiday traditions? We are here.
A rom com for Hallmark homos? Yep, this issue even includes one of those as we preview Single All The Way and its gay-favorite actors.
Also on tap, find Q Shots from PALS, friends of Tina Devore and the Manhole Kings, the Q Map of Midtown Atlanta, plus some quick hits of drive-by Q Advice.
Until next time, catch us with fresh content at theQatl.com, and hit us up via social messaging or mike@theQatl.com.
MIKE FLEMING EDITOR & PUBLISHER MIKE@THEQATL.COM GRAPHIC DESIGN DECATUR ATLANTA PRINTING JOHN NAIL, DESIGNER DECATURATLANTAPRINTING.COM
LOCAL ADVERTISING INFO@PROJECTQATLANTA.COM RIVENDELL MEDIA NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM 212-242-6863 theQatl.com 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE V O LU M E 5 I S S U E 1
N OV E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 2 1
HOLIDAZE
Clinging to Harmful Traditions
COVER
14
8
In Style
Homo for the Holidays
11
18
ONLINE
EVENTS
Hallmark, But Make It Gay
LGBTQ ATL Seasonal Soirees
Show Time
Party Time
Q Thoughts......................8
Q ADVICE
Q Online........................11 Q Holiday......................19
Next!
Q Events........................23
Needy, Reckless, Biased & Wrong
Q Shots..........................21 Q Map............................26 Q Advice........................29 6 theQatl.com
29
Q
THOUGHTS
Holiday
GUILT
‘Tis the season to stop seasonal shame HOLIDAY GUILT CAN TAKE MANY FORMS. People can feel obligated to give gifts, visit others, or attend gatherings we don’t really want to. In an ideal world, we like our family members and relish the thought of gathering during holidays. In reality, some find the holiday season to be a minefield of guilt and responsibility, and a difficult time for protecting mental health. What is “family” anyway? Is family the people who raised us? The people with whom we share DNA? Or the people who love and support us in our daily lives? For many, these groups do not overlap. If spending time with our family-of-origin is damaging for mental health, we can acknowledge that we have choices, but actually choosing to act differently can be difficult. Here are some additional thoughts. It’s OK if changing your behavior during the holidays is a multi-year project. If the thought of rocking the boat this year fills you with anxiety or dread, use this year to think about what you might want to change in the future, and to simply observe what your current way of doing the holidays is like for you. Let yourself brainstorm! Write out everything. Nothing is too absurd. Then go through your holidays as usual and observe your real experience. If no one would have any unhappy feelings about it, what would I want to do with my holiday time? What experiences would I like to have? 8 theQatl.com
Are you missing your partner or one of your partners because they are not present? Are you gritting your teeth and tolerating poor or offensive treatment because your mother refuses to tell your bigoted uncle that he or some of his behavior is not welcome? Are you stressed about money because you feel obligated to give gifts to every single niece, nephew, grandchild and cousin? Are you feeling resentful because you get one vacation each year and maybe you’d rather spend it in a tropical paradise rather than driving 26 hours for a week with relatives? Focus more on what you do want and less on what you don’t want. Often people don’t change their holiday patterns because what they really want is a better, more loving relationship with Mom, Dad or whoever. They fear that choosing to not attend “family” gatherings will upset someone, and the relationship will be damaged and become less loving. Allow yourself to imagine what this more loving relationship would look like. Would this person accept you as you are? Would they accept your same-sex partner? Your gender identity? You partner’s gender identity? Your Pagan beliefs? Your absence of religious belief? Your political views? Would they feel happy for you if you skipped a year so you could have a once in a lifetime vacation?
30 years
DID YO U KNOW ?
PIHC has almost 6,000 patients in clinical care and conducts over 25,000 visits a year.
Make a gift to honor PIHC’s 30 years! • Snap this code with your phone • Text PIHC30TH to 44321 • Or donate at: PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org
10 theQatl.com
ONLINE
Q
Philemon Chambers and Michael Urie in Single All the Way
Season’s STREAMINGS Click on Netflix’s first gay holiday romcom WHILE YOU PLAN YOUR RUDOLPHS AND Frostys, your Wonderful Lifes and your Die Hards, keep your holiday viewing gay this year with Michael Urie, Jennifer Coolidge and a string of other gay faves. Directed by Michael Mayer, Single All the Way follows Peter (Urie), an L.A. queen getting ready to head “home for the holidays.” In an effort to dispel his family’s concerns over his perpetually single status, Peter convinces his friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to join him for the trip and pose as his boyfriend. In typical romcom style, Peter’s yuletide plan goes awry when his mother (Kathy Najimy) sets him
up on a date with her fitness trainer, James (Luke Macfarlane).
For many fans, the real star of the show is Peter’s Aunt Sandy, played with deadpan perfection by the one and only Jennifer Coolidge. During yet another cultural resurgence for the actress following HBO’s White Lotus, her character winks at her real-life queer icon status: “The gays just know how to do stuff. For some reason, they’re always obsessed with me.” So true, Aunt Sandy/Ms. Coolidge. So. True. Due out Dec. 2, Single All the Way is Netflix’s entry into what appears to be an industrywide effort to diversify holiday season offerings. Last year, Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis starred in Hulu’s Happiest Season, portraying lesbians in Antonio Brown Christmas crisis. theQatl.com 11
SINGLE ALL THE WAY continued
Michael Urie, Kathy Najimy and Luke Macfarlane
Actor Jonathan Bennett—best known for playing Mean Girls jock Aaron Samuels — also received praise for appearing in 2020’s The Christmas House, the Hallmark Channel’s first ever holiday offering to feature an LGBTQ storyline. Screenwriter and executive producer Chad Hodge said Single All the Way represented “all the things
Philemon Chambers
I personally wanted to see in a holiday rom-com,” right down to its starry casting. “The list ran the gamut, from honestly portraying the uniqueness of gay friendships and relationships, to the often-hilarious dynamics of our families… to Jennifer Coolidge,” Hodge said. “I’m so grateful to Netflix for embracing all of it.” Don’t take it too seriously and enjoy, or keep it in your back pocket as payback when your sister makes you watch a Hallmark movie.
Jennifer Coolidge
12 theQatl.com
Single All The Way also stars Barry Bostwick and Schitt’s Creek’s “Jocelyn” Jennifer Robertson. Visit netflix.com/SingleAllTheWay.
Q
HOLIDAY HOST
Home for the
Tips and tricks for making your place fab By Mike Fleming IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO MAKE THE SEASON bright with décor — but wouldn’t know a Martha Stewart spray from sticks off a tree — these ideas are for you. Fear not. It’s easy and affordable to be the belle of your own holiday ball.
Décor on a Dime Fill bowls, vases and serving trays with inexpensive Christmas ornaments, evergreen twigs, or twinkle lights. You can group them by color for a chic look, or mix them up to make a splash. Hang small ornaments on a bare branch.
Simple Sights You don’t need garland on every bough and baubles on every surface. Place a wreath or bow on the door, pump music into the air, limit tablescapes to the buffet and entry, and call it done.
Roll One Up Turn holiday-theme wrapping paper into tabletop displays. Cut and fold into cone “trees” of different sizes, stick with double-sided tape, and voila. 14 theQatl.com
Nice Basket Turn a shallow basket or tray into a fun arrangement with that’s tuff that’s readily available, like moss, pinecones, rocks, or fruits.
HOLIDAYS Color Stories
Let the candles, napkins and ornaments come together in combinations beyond red and green. Try Red and Turquoise, Green and Gold, or Blue and Silver. Try some hot pinks and oranges to shake things up.
Smells Like Christmas For an inexpensive, fragrant and long lasting decoration, put sprigs of rosemary in coordinated or mismatched containers. Or bundle thyme, rosemary and marjoram in vases. You can even use them for cooking after they dry.
Tie One On Anyone can tie a single ornament on a ribbon or yarn, hang at varying heights, and create a memorable window display. SOURCES: FOOD NETWORK, HGTV, BONUS UP
theQatl.com 15
Q Events
The Best LGBTQ Things to Do in Atlanta This Week THURSDAY, NOV. 25 Happy Thanksgiving! You’ve always got family @ Hideaway, all day. DJ Darlene kicks it up a notch at 10 p.m. facebook.com/ atlantahideaway
So Fetch
It is the Y2K dance party that only gays could come up with and do correctly. DJ Devon Rex spins all your ‘00s faves with you channeling the era of Lizzie McGuire and Motorola Razrs @ Joystick Gamebar, 10 p.m. joystickgamebar.com
FRIDAY, NOV. 26
Burlesque Throwdown
Celebrate LGBTQ Atlanta’s own Coco Rose with some of her favorite lady looky loos of the Heck Raisers @ Red Light Café, 8 p.m. redlightcafe.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 3 – SUNDAY, DEC. 5 The Back Room
NYC DJ Michael Magnan lays down dirty beats for the boys @ Heretic, 10 p.m. More fun in the dark during Blackout Party the next night, same time. hereticatlanta.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 27 Eventide Comedy Queer comic co-curates cute comedy. Join Ian Aber and more with those fresh Grant Park brews @ Eventide Brewing, 6 p.m. eventidebrewing.com LeatherBoys Toy Drive For the Kid in All of Us and Leather Boys join forces to collect holiday cheer with a Boots 2 Balls Auction, a fetish theme and DJ Mister Richard @ Hideaway, 10 p.m. facebook.com/atlantahideaway 18 theQatl.com
AGMC 40th Holiday Concert
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus dusts off the modern and classic fare that puts you in the season spirit @ Cathedral of St. Philip, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, plus 1 p.m Saturday and Sunday. voicesofnote.org
FRIDAY, DEC. 3 DILF XXX-Mas
DJ T’Don from Dallas lands just in time to fulfill your wish list @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 4 Chunk
You like a little meat on his bones. He likes to give it to you. DiCap, Cakes and JacQ Jill spin with hot go-go bears @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com Flannel Nation The ‘90s tribute band plays live, and the lesbians don their signature fabric @ My Sister’s Room, 9 p.m. mysistersroom.com
SUNDAY, DEC. 5
Switch!
Taylor Alxndr brings in a new cast every Sunday evening @ My Sister’s Room, 9 p.m. mysistersroom.com Regina Simms Toys for Tots
The late, great “Mama” loved her holidays. Queens of both the drag and bar variety collect holiday toys to honor her memory @ Friends, 9 p.m. friendsonponce.com
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8 Clue
Toy Party
The 18th annual event downsizes in venue but remains big in your heart @ Biltmore Ballrooms, 6 p.m.
More camp classics on a school night with drag hosts and alternaqueers @ Plaza Theatre, 8 p.m. wussymag.com
Find the full weekend calendar of LGBTQ events each Thursday at theQatl.com
SUNDAY, DEC. 5 Britney Birthday Brunch
She’s free, and she’s turning 39. Get into it with drag brunch and all the gang @ Guac y Margys, 12:30 p.m. guacymargys.com
theQatl.com 19
PALS FUR BALL
Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com
Q SHOTS
PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
theQatl.com 21
Q SHOTS
PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
22 theQatl.com
TINA DEVORE TRIBUTE AT FRIENDS
Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com
Q SHOTS
PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
24 theQatl.com
MANHOLE KINGS AT NONI’S
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
26 theQatl.com
Bars
Restaurants North Ave. NW
North Ave. NW
Clubs Retail/Services
Not Shown
Future 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
Lin
dbe
rgh
Dr.
1 Piedmont Ave. NE
Rd. N
E
11
ulk
Lidde ll D
6
7 re
i esh
Ch
ne
rR d.
E r. N
2
Manchester Rd. NE
Dr. Lam
be
Fa
9 NE
5 4
Leno x Rd .
10
ircle NE nt C mo d e Pi
P
ista
85
rt
las
Lav
Alco S t. NE
3
NE ve. sA ter
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
3
5
4. Oscar’s 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
tA ve .N E on m ed
Dr. NE
Pi
5. Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 6. Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE
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
Morningside Dr. NE
Pied
r. N eD
7
ro
n Mo
2 1
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 27
Q Advice
Q uick
HITS
Simple advice and drive-by queer truths
Q
I make it a habit not to have sex with poz guys. Friends say I’m prejudiced. I say I’m careful. You know stuff. What’s the word? Dear Wrong: The word you’re looking for is shortsighted. You miss good sex with great guys if you avoid the ones telling you they’re positive. Also, how do you know the guys you’re doing are negative? What if they lie? What if they thins they’re negative but aren’t? What if you are and you’re exposing others?
Q
My longtime partner all but gave up doing little things to win my affection. Where are my flowers? Dear Needy: Go buy flowers if you like flowers. Give them to him and say you were thinking of him. Mention that you liked it when you did such things for each other.
Q
I found out I’m HIV positive just as I started dating a new guy. I’m afraid telling him will ruin our chances. What’s my obligation? Dear Reckless: There’s a saying: “We are only as sick as our secrets.” Honesty cures what’s really bothering you.
Q
We’ve been together about eight months, and he asked me to marry him. I love him, but I’m hesitant over the short timeframe. Dear Rush: People used to move in together too quickly. Now some jump to the altar. Listen to yourself, hesitation means ease up. If it’s right, you’ll feel it even more in a year or two. Say yes to a long engagement?
Q
I used to leave on the lights during sex. I loved seeing every detail and expression. Now I flip off the switch, because I’m self-conscious about looking older, but I do miss the visuals. Dear Dark: Queer self-image as we age is a whole column in itself, but here’s a quick suggestion for now: Candles. They’re moody, plus amber light evens skin tones and hides “imperfections.”
Q
I get bombarded with hateful messages just because my Grindr profile says, “No Fats, No Femmes, No Blacks. No Browns.” I have nothing against those people, but I don’t want to have sex with them. Is that wrong? Dear Biased: There is a line between preference and prejudice, and you crossed it. Every person has physical “types,” but writing off entire demographics is shortsighted and rude at best, bigoted at worst. Knowing what you prefer is one thing; judging a “those people” as you call them on one trait without seeing them is another. There’s a word for it, it starts with “R,” and your profile detractors are probably using it. In your profile, try praising things you like instead of profiling things you don’t. You don’t have to announce why you swipe left. Then again, you could keep your profile as is — so the rest of us can swipe left on you. The Q is for entertainment, not counseling. Send burning Qs to mike@ theQatl.com. ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD GIBSON
theQatl.com 29
