Q inform | inspire
Alone in a Crowd LGBTQ DISCONNECT
May 31, 2018
SKIN DEEP Tattooed queers bare it for summer in Atlanta
Summer Soaks in ASIA O’HARA AT H2(H)OE Sure Ways to MAKE LOVE LAST The Awkward Moment You GET WHAT YOU WANTED
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Q Shots The Q Q News
The Weekly Print Publication of Project Q Atlanta
beautiful art of those whose existence is their canvas Q EDITOR’S NOTE
Living ART
This week’s Q celebrates the beautiful art of those whose existence is their canvas
IF LOCAL LIFE IS A PAINTING, Q is here each issue to document and report every glorious stroke. Whatever your personal hurdles, in most ways this queer life is what you make it, and LGBTQ Atlantans prove every day that overcoming obstacles can be an art form – sometimes literally. Just look at the resident and visiting drag artists stomping their way through queer Atlanta and across our television screens at any given moment. They work that body as a form of expression like few others. Current-season RuPaul’s Drag Race queen Asia O’Hara hits town on June 2 to show us her art, and this issue’s QUEENS feature has an inside look at her life and the h2(Hoe) event she’s headlining. Speaking of working that body as art, meet the queer tattooed and tattooers in our latest photo essay by Jon Dean. Alongside his stunning work, the Q’s QUEER INK cover package also digs into what makes these creMIKE FLEMING EDITOR & PUBLISHER ative minds and bodies tick. We also get their recommendations for the best places in town to get your own queer ink done. Elsewhere in this issue of Q, Vince Shifflett is the artist creating his own queer life, Q Voices. This time, he explores the nature and solutions of the LGBTQ Disconnect. Also on tap, 10 Queer Things and The Q look at your relationships. The former lists what you can do to get and keep one, and the latter investigates that pesky feeling when you get exactly what you wanted.
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Q MAGAZINE THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION OF PROJECT Q ATLANTA PUBLISHERS INITIAL MEDIA, LLC MIKE FLEMING PUBLISHER & EDITOR MIKE@QMAGATLANTA.COM MATT HENNIE PUBLISHER & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MATT@QMAGATLANTA.COM RICHARD CHERSKOV PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER RICHARD@QMAGATLANTA.COM ADVERTISING SALES RUSS YOUNGBLOOD SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE RUSS@QMAGATLANTA.COM ART DIRECTOR JOHN NAIL JOHN@QMAGATLANTA.COM PROJECT Q ATLANTA PATRICK SAUNDERS EDITOR PSAUNDERS@PROJECTQATLANTA.COM CONTRIBUTORS IAN ABER LAURA BACCUS GABRIELLE CLAIBORNE BUCK C. COOKE BRAD GIBSON TAMEEKA L. HUNTER SUNNI JOHNSON ERIC PAULK VINCE SHIFFLETT ALEXANDRA TYLER
DISCLAIMER
As always, the Queer Agenda fills out your social calendar, and Q Shots captures those smiles while you’re out in the community sculpting your best life.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors do not necessarily reflect opinions, beliefs or official policies of Q Magazine or its publisher Initial Media, except where individual publishers’ names specifically appear. Appearance of photos, credits, or names in this publication neither implies or explicitly states the sexual orientation or gender identity of its subject.
Shoot me an e-mail any time at mike@qmagatlanta.com. Hit me with your views on any of the above, anything you’d like to see in upcoming editions of Q, or just a friendly word of encouragement as we approach creating this publication as if it were our own contribution to the multigenre queer art forms in Atlanta.
Q Magazine and the author of each article published on this web site owns his or her own words, except where explicitly credited otherwise. Articles herein may not be freely redistributed unless all of the following conditions are met. 1. The re-distributor is a non-commercial entity. 2. The redistributed article is not be sold for a profit, or included in any media or publication sold for a profit, without the express written consent of the author and this publication. 3. The article runs in full and unabridged. 4. The article runs prominently crediting both the author’s name and “courtesy Q Magazine.”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 1 ISSUE 28
MAY 31, 2018
10 QUEER THINGS Lasting Love
16
COVER STORY
10
Queer Ink Skin art and artists
QUEENS
13
Swimsuit Category
30 Glow On
Asia O’Hara soaks Wussy in H2(H)oe
QUEER AGENDA
14
Calendar Grrls
33 Dem Books
The best LGBTQ things to do in Atlanta
FEATURES Q Voices
8
Q Shots
2
The Q
38
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35 Tea Time theQatl.com
7
Q
Q VOICES
ALONE
cial media with no real personal connection. I am so connected that I am disconnected if that makes sense. Is disconnection always a bad thing? No.
& Disconnected
How LGBTQ people can experience community without sacrificing independence THINKING BACK, I GUESS I FELT DISCONNECTED for much of my life and still at times struggle with that today. Growing up gay in a small, rural, very conservative town, I always felt disconnected from my community. I also felt very disconnected from my father who continually shamed me. It left me with an overwhelming feeling of being detached from people, things and spirit.
I have found it necessary to disconnect from people in my life that bring in negative energy and do not support my growth. Sad to say but sometimes this can be the closet people to you. In this case, disconnection is essential as part of the reconnection process. I am learning the value of stopping the search for home in others and instead lifting the foundation of home in myself. I have found there is no connection more intimate than the connection between my mind and body when I decide to be whole. This powerful truth I know, but I still seem to struggle at times.
How is it possible to be surrounded by others and yet feel disconnected? Still, there are ways we can better stay connected to ourselves, and to each other.
I suppressed my emotions and disconnected from them. Rather than deal with my issues, it was much easier to just disconnect by occupying myself with other things. Now many years later, I am dealing with them. Feeling disconnected from myself, others and spirit is a painful place to be. Of course, I’ve had moments of feeling very connected, blissful and in touch with myself. Unfortunately, those moments have been fleeting.
Physical Activity: When I am feeling disconnected and isolated, I have found exercise to be beneficial. It connects me to my body.
V I N C E S H I F F LET T
It seems that, more often than not, I am still plagued with feeling profoundly alone and disconnected at times. Enough already. Time to deal with this head on. But how can this be? How can I feel disconnected? I have awesome friends that love me dearly. I am a successful writer and critical care nurse. I have a relationship with God. How is it possible to be surrounded by others and yet feel disconnected? Being connected is important. For me, being disconnected feels like being part of the living dead. Dead to my emotions, spirit, community, the environment and myself. It’s as if I am going through the motions of everyday life as if I were a robot, just allowing joy, passion, energy and connection to die. With the advent of so many social media outlets, there are more ways than ever now to connect. Yet at times I feel so disconnected. Instead of picking up the phone to say “I love you” or “happy birthday,” we send the message via text or so8
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Spending Time Outside: This allows me to connect to the environment and feel grounded. A 15-30 minute walk usually does the trick for me when I start feeling lonely and disconnected.
Mindfulness Practice: Practice paying attention to the present moment without judging. Take time to be aware when I am feeling depressed and disconnected without berating myself. Becoming More Involved: Volunteering in the community not only helps others but brings a sense of goodness to oneself. When we help others, help shows up for us. We are spirits in a human body. I often forget that and identify with the physical form instead. It is my intention to focus more on my spiritual being and staying connected to that. For me, I believe that is a huge part of the key to unlock my disconnection and the feeling of being profoundly alone. Vince Shifflett lives and loves in Atlanta. What’s your experience? Are you kissing a lot of frogs? Let him hear from you at vinceshifflett.com
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The InterContinental Hotel Buckhead FOR TICKETS AND INFO
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Q
10 QUEER THINGS
Respect Each Other’s Independence
Love Their Pets
Make Lo Cook & Eat Together
We spend most of our downtime eating. ClichĂŠ or not, our stomachs really are on the road to our hearts.
Strategic Use of Teeth Make Them Laugh Get Along with Their Friends
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And make sure their jokes make you laugh as well. Looks fade; a sense of humor is forever.
Dote on Them Show how much they mean to you, take an interest in their stuff, and never take their presence for granted.
Put Down the Phone Ask questions and listen.
ve LAST
10 Ways to Get and Keep a Boo By Mike Fleming
Sex Lots of it. Lather, rinse and repeat.
Take Care of Yourself Not just for them, but if you feel healthy and sexy about yourself, so will they. theQatl.com
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LAS MARGARITAS
QUEENS Q
Asia O’Hara drenches Atlanta in her currentseason fabulousness
By Sunni Johnson ASIA O'HARA ISN’T HERE TO PLAY. THOUGH SHE DOES PLAY WELL WITH others, she is not known for messing around. ATL gets a front row-seat to her late-season RuPaul’s Drag Race magic when she performs for Wussy’s H2(H)oe summer-themed party on June 2 at Heretic.
Get Your H2(H)oe
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, O’Hara has stolen the hearts of many a fan of the show and is at this point in the competition considered a lock for the finals. For some it’s her creative quirk, her smooth confidence, her warm smile and the spritely twinkle in her eye. Perhaps it’s the Lone Star State’s need to do everything BIG, BIG, BIG – headdresses, fringe, tropical neon, bright and beautiful. Everyone can agree, though, O’Hara is as genuine as they come, and that holds true wherever she is, from shows like the upcoming Atlanta gig to L.A.’s prime convention DragCon. There she served an Egyptian Queen look, and her recently increased fame made the visit even more special. “Anytime I get to be around people that appreciate what we’re doing on the show, it’s always positive,” O’Hara tells Q. “It was phenomenal.” Despite DragCon drama with same-name-unrelated queen Eureka O’Hara, as well as a sea of NYC drag drama on the show itself, a refreshing leadership with razor sharp focus on the tasks at hand sets her apart from her fellow Season 10 competitors. A favorite of Michelle Visage, this “chameleon queen” has style for days. Her creations tend to be fantastical with a bit of showgirl glamour. A fan of Thierry Mugler, she can combine pageant diva with pop culture princess, color theory always on point. And she’s not afraid to have fun: That Tweety number for “The Birds” challenge will be long remembered in Drag Race history! But it doesn’t matter what you wear on the outside if you’re rotten on the inside. O’Hara has a maternal character who doesn’t mind helping others. The only time we’ve seen anything close to a glitch was when she left less time for herself during a challenge to help all the other contestants with their looks. “I appreciate kindness. I gravitate towards people with integrity,” O’Hara says. “In life, however, there are always going to be those with fractious personalities, and when I encounter them, I lean on religion.” Regardless, O’Hara’s loving watching the show and says that she’s connected with so many of the other contestants. When discussing her favorite moments, she glows when talking about others’ triumphs and barely mentions her own. “Seeing Kameron win the Cher challenge was a favorite moment because Kameron is his own biggest critic and it felt good to see him win,” O’Hara says. “Dusty Ray Bottoms sharing his story about his upbringing and what he went through with his family was also a favorite, as well was when Miz Cracker saw her family on screen during Untucked.” Season winner or not, Asia O’Hara has made her way into our hearts. She doesn’t need to steal the spotlight because her talent, finesse and big heart ensures the spotlight comes back to her. For the h2(Hoe) party, that means the category is: Swimwear. Come prepared to serve beach babe bounty, skimpy as you dare. O’Hara will be joined by Brigitte Bidet, Colana Bleu, Dotte Comm, Evah Destruction and Taejah L. Thomas. H2(H)oe with Asia O’Hara takes place on Saturday, June2 at Heretic. hereticatlanta.com theQatl.com
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Q
THE QUEER AGENDA The Best Queer Things To Do in Atlanta This Week
May 31 – June 13
FRIDAY, JUNE 1 DILF: Coach Singlets, straps and other jock gear are apropos for dancing @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 – SUNDAY, JUNE 10 Atlanta Fringe Festival The decidedly left-of-center stage festival includes performances of hilarious life lessons by “The Gay Uncle” Jeffrey Robert @ The Marianna, June 7, 11 p.m.; June 8, 8 p.m.; June 9, 6:30 p.m.; and June 10, 5 p.m. atlantafringe.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 7
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 H2(Hoe) with Asia O’Hara Catch a wave and this current-season queen @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com Grit & Grace Atlanta Women’s Chorus sing songs by, for and about strong women @ Out Front Theatre, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. voicesofnote.org Doggies on the Catwalk The gay-founded fashion show for animal charities stomps the runway @ Greenberg Traurig, 5:30 p.m. fashionado.net
SUNDAY, JUNE 3 Queer History Trolley Tour LGBT Institute, Atlanta Pride and Touching Up Our Roots guide you down LGBTQATL memory lane @ Center for Civil & Human Rights, 1 p.m. atlantapride.org
MONDAY, JUNE 4 Revel with Rebels
To A More Perfect Union The road to the Supreme Court’s landmark U.S. v. Windsor marriage equality decision is chronicled in this documentary opening @ Midtown Art Cinema, through June 30. landmarktheatres.com Dine Out for Pride A portion of your bill benefits the annual festival @ Varuni Napoli, 5 p.m. atlantapride.org Amen! Disco The most unique drag show in town goes disco @ Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room, 10:30 p.m. sisterlouisaschurch.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 9 Out at the Park LGBTQ park fun and special events all day @ Six Flags, 10 a.m. atlantapride.org ATTA French Open Brunch The women’s finals are on TV, and breakfast is served with Atlanta Team Tennis Association @ Amsterdam, 11 a.m. atta.org
Joining Hearts hosts and benefits from the cast of Hamilton singing Top 40 hits @ Lips, 7:30 p.m. joininghearts.org
HRC Atlanta Margarita Bust Bottomless frozen greenies benefit the equality movement @ Zocalo, 3 p.m. hrcatlanta.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
CHRIS 180 White Party The dress code is in the event name to benefit Georgia children in need @ Mason Fine Art, 7 p.m. chris180.org
Sugar
Miami DJ Alex Ferbeyre pumps beats to benefit
Jerusalem House @ Loco
Miss Bar Fly/Miss OTP The Armorettes get trashier than usual for a crown and sash @ Heretic, 8 p.m. hereticatlanta.com
Luna, 5 p.m. facebook.com/pg/ beyondATL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 Raising Zoey The documentary about 13 year-old trans activist Zoey Luna fighting to present as female at school screens @ Rush Center, 7:30 p.m. outonfilm.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 HRC Atlanta Mixer Recruitment for the local arm of the national organization @ Out Front Theatre, 6 p.m. hrcatlanta.org 14
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Tank Girl The cult classic brings in the queers @ Plaza Theatre, 7 p.m. Bill Clinton The former president and “Mr. Hillary” speaks @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 7:30 p.m. cobbenergycentre.com Find the full Queer Agenda calendar with dozens more events each Thursday on theQatl.com.
Q
SKIN ART
Frankie
‘Laguna’ Luo @knives.frankie.laguna @knives.n.needles What do you do? Apprentice at Prick Tattoo in Decatur Favorite tattoo? The one of the clipper ship on my thigh that says “Queer Pride.” It just constantly reminds me to be unashamed of who I am. Growing up I was called a queer, and getting this tattoo was just my way of taking back that word. It’s uncolored because my niece who has Down Syndrome loves to color it in with markers. Every time I go over there wearing shorts, she’ll come bounding over to me with her box of colors with the biggest smile. It’s great. Favorite local shop or artist? Prick Tattoo, Adam Goodman Perfect evening out in Atlanta? A large blanket, a speaker, couple of close friends, Piedmont Park. Last great album on rotation? How to: Friend, Love, Freefall by Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Super queer artists with beautiful music. Find more recommended tattoo shops on Page 26 16
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Q ueer For these tattooed Atlantans and their recommended artists, queer self expression is skin deep ď ľ
Ink PHOTOS BY JON DEAN jondeanphoto.com
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Q
TATTOOS, Continued
Andrew
Forrest Baker @andrewforrestbaker What do you do? Writer Favorite tattoo shops? The folks at Only You and at All Saints Social Club are always fun, friendly and collaborative. Plus they do really amazing work. Favorite tattoo? Every tattoo has a story, be it deeply personal or a mile marker for a time in my life, so my favorite tends to change with the wind. The anatomical heart/tree on my chest is usually pretty prominent for me. The NOUN/VERB knuckle tattoos were inked when I completed my writing degree and serve as a reminder of my craft. I got the Toyen piece on my right arm while studying in Prague. She’s one of my favorite surrealist artists and the piece itself has a nod to the incomparable Claude Cahun’s “I’m In Training, Don’t Kiss Me” piece. And I got the Kim Boekbinder “Pussy Grabs Back” piece on my left leg after marching in the first Women’s March here in Atlanta. Perfect evening out in Atlanta? A sunset hike or bike ride, an art show opening, a quick bite and drink at Kimball House, and a strong cup of coffee. Favorite albums on rotation? Binary by Ani DiFranco, Dirty Computer by Janelle Monae, Plunge by Fever Ray, Noisewitch by Kim Boekbinder, and I Can Spin a Rainbow by Amanda Palmer & Edward Ka-Spel.
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TATTOOS, Continued
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Eric
Ramirez @zombiekong
What do you do for a living? Bartender at Mary’s Favorite tattoo shop? Live Free Tattoo in Grant Park Favorite tattoo? My “vice” tattoo — a devil’s head smoking a joint being ridden by a naked dude. It’s a take on a traditional Man’s Ruin tattoo. It’s got all my biggest weaknesses. Perfect night out in Atlanta? An ‘80s horror movie at the Plaza Theater, a beer and a joint Music on rotation right now? Queer Latinx playlists on Spotify
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TATTOOS, Continued
Matt
Stucker @MotherStucker Favorite tattoo artist? Joey Galigher at Liberty Tattoo. She is insanely talented. Favorite tattoo? My right sleeve. It was once a bunch of tattoos that I really hated. Now, it’s a work of art. I thank Joey for it and all of the thought and work she put into making my arm something I really love. Perfect night out in Atlanta? Bar hopping in EAV Last great album on rotation? All I see is War by Atlanta legends SEVENDUST
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TATTOOS, Continued
Samuel @derblutbaron What do you do for a living? I slang food to coffee drinkers, i.e. a server, at 8ARM Favorite tattoo place? Southern Star on Ponce Your favorite tattoo? My left arm that says “island in a stream of stars.” To me, it means my past, present and future.
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Your ideal evening out in Atlanta? I’m kinda a homebody, but a good night starts or ends at the Righteous Room. Music in rotation right now? Before the Flood by Trent Reznor. It’s an instrumental album about climate change. It’s beautiful, and I like to sleep to it.
Rich
Parker @Richparkertat2 A little about you I’m professional tattoo artist of 13 years, originally from New Jersey and now working out of Royal Ink Studio in Marietta. What’s it like being queer in the tattoo industry? It’s kinda hard. There aren’t a lot of people as far when I go to tattoo convention spaces, especially working in macho-man type industry, but my personal experiences have been okay. I think my work and personality shines bright, so no ever comes at me with disrespect. Favorite tattoo and why? The word “elevens” across my shoulders. It’s a song from one of my teenage favorite hardcore bands With Honor. I heard it multiple times through teen years, but one moment made it stick: The day I experienced a heart attack and racism all in one day. I got beat up, screamed at by my ex’s dad after I was caught in her house on Valentine’s Day doing absolutely nothing. He called me crazy racist slurs and forced me into a six feet of snow. I was so upset and went to my best friend’s house. This was an older guy, and he let me in, hugged me tight, told me everything was going to be all right. That song started playing, and I cried my eyes out. Perfect evening out in Atlanta? My favorite place to be in Atlanta has to be East Atlanta. I love how there are so many different options in one place. You can go see live bands of any genre, and there are so many different atmospheres, different textures of people and different ideas. Last album in rotation? I’ve been feeling the ‘80s super hard lately, so Pretty Poison
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TATTOOS, Continued
Tat Tips
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Shops and artists recommended by our tattooed queers
Live Free Tattoo 566 Boulevard SE livefreetattoo.com
Prick Tattoo Adam Goodman 2523 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur pricktattoocompany.com
Liberty Tattoo Joey Galigher 755 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE libertytat2.com
Only You 401 Memorial Drive SE onlyyoutattoo.com
Southern Star 736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE southernstartattoo.net
All Saints Social Club 1588 Piedmont Ave. NE facebook.com/pages/All-SaintsSocial-Club-Tattoo-ATL
Royal Ink Studio Rich Parker 1869 Cobb Parkway SE, Marietta royalinkstudio.com
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THEQ?! You Thought
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You knew what you wanted but hated when you got it
Q
I’m hopelessly in love, emphasis on hopeless. I’ve been with the same man for two years – the longest I’ve ever stayed with a guy. We’re sexually compatible, and on a good day he makes me laugh. Those bad days though! Ugh!
Of course, times change and so do people. Now she’s starting to talk about us as “wives,” and I sense that she’s softening to the idea of harnessing our love to the system. Dear Rigid: Start by talking it out. “Sensing” what she’s thinking may come easier with the years you two have under your belts, but it’s no substitute for just asking where she stands. Just because the gay wedding train is rolling doesn’t mean it’s the trip for you – and it doesn’t mean it isn’t just because “so straight.” If she is interested in marriage, ask her why – not to respond, but to listen. Together you can decide whether you come to a new agreement or decide to stick with your old one. Couples, straight and queer, are marrying at the pace of a bad reality show, but each one should think carefully, then step back and consider again before going all in. Even with your experience together, consider the options and know your dealbreakers before making the knot even harder to untie.
It started as passive-aggressive comments, then became outright belittling my every move. These days, I can’t make a decision without a critique from him, even in front of friends. I want to give him a second chance because I really love the guy, but what I see as insults he says is helping me be better. How can I get him to stop before everything is ruined? Dear Sucker: Everything is already ruined. After two years, he has already had a second chance — and a third, and a hundredth. You don’t need help being better; you need a boyfriend who sees you as already amazing. You’re scared of losing love, but love is the beginning, not the end of the story. It’s not that you don’t love each other, it’s how you love each other. Knowing when to walk away is hard, but it’s often the best thing you can do for yourself. The quicker you pull the trigger, the less energy you spend making up for lost time.
Q
When my partner and I got serious years ago, we connected over hating heteronormative bullshit ideas of marriage. We loved not having the restrictions of government telling us how to live our lives and conduct our coupling. 38
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Q
I spent many 80-hour weeks making partner at my firm, and now I’m ready to build a personal life. But at 37, the queer world has passed me by! I’m busy all the time, and no guys are interested. What should I do? Dear Time Crunch: Too many queers spend our younger years finding success without regard to finding balance. Life is short. Slow down and find a way to savor it. Define yourself by more than what you do for a living. It’s never too late to start. Plenty of guys are interested in a partner with a good job who knows (finally) what he wants. The Q is for entertainment purposes and not professional counseling. Send your burning Qs to mike@qmagatlanta.com. ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD GIBSON
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