Q
March 19, 2020
inform | inspire
dining guide Q’s 2020
Eating good in the gayborhood Q News The Q Q Shots The Queer Agenda The Weekly Print Publication of Project Q Atlanta
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EDITOR’S NOTE Q Q MAGAZINE THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION OF PROJECT Q ATLANTA PUBLISHERS INITIAL MEDIA, LLC MIKE FLEMING PUBLISHER & EDITOR MIKE@THEQATL.COM MATT HENNIE PUBLISHER & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MATT@THEQATL.COM RICHARD CHERSKOV PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER RICHARD@THEQATL.COM ART DIRECTOR JOHN NAIL JOHN@THEQATL.COM
Eat It UP Taste the rainbow in Q’s Dining Guide for LGBTQ Atlanta
FROM THE MEAL OF OUR PEOPLE at brunch, to gatherings
around communal tables big and small, one of the queer Atlanta’s
rites of passage is eating good in the gayborhood. This week’s issue of Q is all about it.
For this special issue, we scoured intown
PROJECT Q ATLANTA PATRICK SAUNDERS EDITOR PSAUNDERS@THEQATL.COM CONTRIBUTORS IAN ABER LAURA BACCUS GABRIELLE CLAIBORNE BUCK COOKE CHARLES E. DAVIS JON DEAN BILL DICKINSON ERIN DOHONY JIM FARMER BRAD GIBSON JAMES L. HICKS BENTLEY HUDGINS TAMEEKA L. HUNTER HEATHER MALONEY ERIC PAULK KYLE ROSE JAMES PARKER SHEFFIELD VINCE SHIFFLETT ALEXANDRA TYLER VAVA VROOM RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD NATIONAL ADVERTISING RIVENDELL MEDIA SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM 212-242-6863 LOCAL ADVERTISING SALES@THEQATL.COM 404-949-7071
Atlanta for queer and allied places to eat, and we came up with a list of not only the most popular spots, but some new and hidden
gems too. With the help of our advertisers, this section takes you from casual dives to MIKE FLEMING EDITOR & PUBLISHER
fancy occasions, from group meals to date
night and beyond.
But before you get good and hungry, drop in on our other weekly features.
In Q Comedy, Sam Gordon introduces us to Don’t Tell Comedy, and
in Q News, the ignorance and hate really shines this month in politics. In The Q advice column, three locals find out that what others do is not about them.
Find places you might get caught by our photographers this week in
the Queer Agenda calendar of events, then enjoy the our pics from last week’s full slate in the Q Shots gallery pages.
While you’re deciding where to eat and where to go afterward,
remember that one thing really is all about you: It’s Q magazine. If you have a person, group, event or issue that needs telling on our
pages, e-mail me at mike@theQatl.com. You can also visit Project Q
Atlanta online for fresh content every day, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter via our site, too, at theQatl.com.
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IN BRIEF
U.S. House candidate in Atlanta calls gays pedophiles A REPUBLICAN AUTHOR AND FORMER REALITY SHOW star pardoned by President Donald Trump compared LGBTQ people to pedophiles as she qualified to run for a U.S. House seat in Atlanta. On March 6, Angela Stanton-King tweeted an image of a rainbow-colored gun being held to someone’s head along with a list titled “LGBT Rights.” The final item in the list says, “2020: Let me f### your 8 yo kid, pedophobe.” The tweet came the same day she qualified to run against U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a longtime LGBTQ ally, in the 5th Congressional District.
Angela Stanton-King
Stanton-King has appeared on the BET docuseries From the Bottom Up and wrote the 2012 book Life of a Real Housewife. She continued her anti-LGBTQ tweetstorm in subsequent days, conflating sexual orientation with sex, demeaning transgender people and questioning the masculinity of gay men. Trump pardoned Stanton-King in February following a 2004 conviction on federal conspiracy charges for her role in a car theft ring. She spent two years in prison. Atlanta’s only openly LGBTQ city councilmember Antonio Brown tweeted a response to Stanton-King calling her tweet “delusional rhetoric.”
Two anti-LGBTQ senators retiring from Georgia legislature TWO POWERFUL VOICES BEHIND SOME OF THE MOST virulently anti-LGTBQ legislation of the past few years announced they are not seeking re-election to the Georgia Senate this year. State Sen. Jesse Stone of Waynesboro said in February he would not seek a sixth term. Sen. William Ligon of Brunswick announced his departure two weeks later. Stone is chair of, and Ligon a member of, the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, which passed several anti-LGBTQ measures over the last few years. They co-sponsored two anti-LGBTQ “religious freedom” measures in 2017, and since that time, have hijacked, stalled and killed bills to improve adoption and hate crimes laws in Georgia. In addition, the pair have introduced and/or sponsored more “religious freedom” bills, gay adoption bans, as well as a new “free speech” bill that would clear the way for discrimination on college campuses. 4
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Georgia lawmaker unleashes anti-trans rant at LGBTQ city official By Patrick Saunders A DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER FROM LITHONIA allegedly made anti-transgender comments to Doraville City Councilmember Stephe Koontz at the State Capitol on March 10. “Tried to talk to Vernon Jones about his ‘Sanctuary City’ bill,” Koontz wrote on Facebook. “He starts yelling at me and then changes tack and start into a rant about my gender identity saying, ‘you might be a man one day and a woman the next, I don’t even know what you are.’” Jones told Project Q Atlanta, “my recollection of the conversation is different.” “The Constitution guarantees everyone their rights,” he said. “I believe in standing for equality for every citizen regardless of their race, party, gender or their orientation.” Stephe Koontz When asked what he did say to Koontz, Jones said, “My comment stands.” Koontz is the only openly transgender elected official in Georgia. She was at the Capitol to talk with lawmakers about House Bill 1083, which targets so-called sanctuary cities. When she tried to discuss the bill with Jones, he lit into her. “When I said you’re not even acting like a Democrat [in reference to sanctuary cities], he said gay rights are not civil rights,” Koontz told Project Q. “It was a bizarre interaction.” LGBTQ state Rep. Park Cannon intervened, and House Miinority Leader Bob Trammel apologized to Koontz for Jones’ remarks. Find the full stories and more news of local LGBTQ interest at theQatl.com.
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MetroFresh Midtown Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine (and beer) Bar Midtown Promenade 931 Monroe Drive 404-724-0151 Mon-Fri, 7 am - 9 pm Sat, 8 am - 4 pm Sun, 10 am - 3 pm
Pour into spring on a MetroFresh Patio!
MetroFresh Uptown Breakfast, Lunch, After Work Cocktails and Tapas One Midtown Plaza 1360 Peachtree St. 404-500-2685 Validated Parking Available Mon-Tues, 7 am - 7 pm Wed-Fri, 7 am - 8 pm
For daily menu and more information: metrofreshatl.com
D O G F R I E N D LY • O U T D O O R D I N I N G Spacious Multi-level Deck Casual Eclectic Food Indoor & Outdoor Creative Cocktails Open Daily for Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Brunch
132 10th Street • Atlanta, GA 30309 • 404.537.4477 • henrysatl.com
Locally Sourced Italian/Mediterranean Menu Open for Dinner Daily at 5 p.m. Brunch Sat & Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Piano Bar Fri & Sat, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. 980 Piedmont Ave NE • Atlanta, GA 30309 • www.campagnoloatl.com • 404-343-2446 6
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DINING GUIDE Q
Q Dining S 2020 Compiled by Mike Fleming
ometimes it’s easy to forget how lucky we all are to be LGBTQ in Atlanta. The sheer volume of options for nightlife, entertainment, sports, arts and social engagements for just about every LGBTQ subculture outweighs that of our rural red-state brethren and even some larger cities.
An amazing extension of our cultural wealth is Atlanta’s full plate of restaurant choices. From casual to chic, date night to gurlz night, enjoy our roundup of the most popular queer and allied eateries on the following pages.
Take the Q taste tour of a few dozen options for eating good in the gayborhood
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DINING GUIDE continued
Keep It Casual
Forget the pretense. T-shirts and jeans are welcome, whether you’re on a break or have all day.
side salads if you just have to watch your figure. Speaking of watching, watch them make it through the old-timey window. Eat this: Turn the tables and devour a Great White. Cream sauce, grilled chicken, garlic, and spinach. 1810 Cheshire Bridge Road NE johnnyspizza.com
Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill Come say Ay, Papi, to this longtime favorite on the Ponce corridor. Within steps of some and minutes of all the big gay bars, this place gives Holes in the Wall a good name. You bring your appetite, and let the flavors of the islands do the rest. Eat this: You can’t leave without trying Rey’s Cuban or Ropa Vieja Sandwiches. These conglomerations of pressed perfection may be the best of their kind in Atlanta.
Eats Hidden in plain sight on Ponce de Leon Ave. near Monroe Drive in the shadow of Ponce City Market, big portions of American comfort food come cafeteria-style at this popular, offbeat eatery.
216 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE papisgrill.com
MetroFresh
Johnny’s Pizza
When Mitchell Anderson opened his first place in Midtown Promenade, the fresh-to-order sandwiches, salads and soups became a mainstay of the in crowd. When he added an uptown location at One Midtown Plaza, the business lunch (and breakfast!) crowd streamed in too.
The real McCoy. New York Italian pizza so good you’d slap your mama. Whole pie or by the slice, the prices are great, too. Get a slice with one of their actually good
931 Monroe Drive 1360 Peachtree St. NE metrofreshatl.com
Eat this: You can’t go wrong here with an entrée-and-three concept, but we have a hard time passing up the jerk chicken. The meatloaf and chicken chili, as well as a pasta selection, are good choices as well. 600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE eatsonponce.net
Eat this: Mitchili is a turkey version that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Try something different with sides like Korean Style Golden Beats and Brussels Sprouts with Farro and Basil.
Mama’s Cocina Who doesn’t love Mom’s Kitchen. Well when Mom is the same one responsible for Las Margaritas and the former Taco Cabana, it comes with all your Latin favorites at prices your mom would appreciate you spending too. Perfect for lunch, dinner or post-bar 24-hour deliciousness. Eat this: We’re eating the Pollo a la Plancha, and we’re eating it every single time. Comes with rice, beans, tortillas and the sweet satisfaction of a full belly. 1958 Piedmont Road mamascocinalatina.com 8
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BREWERY. TAPROOM. KITCHEN.
T
he Lost Druid is the first own-premise brewery in Avondale Estates. We feature a community-centric taproom and a shareable/small plate menu from LGBT Chef Chantel Mines. The Lost Druid will become your new favorite local beer venue for daily socializing and special occasions. TUES 4 pm-10 pm WED-THURS 11:30 am-10 pm FRI-SAT 11:30 am-11 pm SUN 10 am-9 pm CLOSED MONDAYS
thelostdruid.com • 2866 Washington St. • Avondale Estates, GA 30002 • info@thelostdruid.com
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DINING GUIDE continued
Feeling Fancy
Gaze at each other or see and be seen over great-looking plates in curated ambiance Après Diem This European bistro is consistently voted the best place for a gay first date umpteen years running. Conveniently located by Midtown Art Cinema, it’s perfect for a movie night, before-or-“après” your day. Or night. Eat this: Nothing says you’re sweet on each other like dessert. Rotating selections here are always on point. Visit the display case together and share your selections on one plate. Cozy.
Campagnolo Nothing says lovin’ like Italian food. On a date, sit inside with classic dishes, plus some special menu items that show you this gay-owned sister eatery to Henry’s knows what it’s doing. Eat this: Start with the antipasti platter then dive face first into one of the decadent pasta dishes. Orecchiette (house fennel sausage) is our favorite. 980 Piedmont Ave NE campagnoloatl.com
931 Monroe Drive NE facebook.com/apresdiem
Poor Calvin’s Your palate will thank you for this fusion of Asian and American food. From fried chicken to Pad Thai, only the freshest ingredients will do, and the presentation of the plate is just as lovingly prepared as the flavors in the food. Eat this: The house specialty Duck Dynasty takes a seared maple duck breast and tops it with Tiger Shrimp and a potato cake. Seasonal specials are also always on point. 510 Piedmont Ave NE poorcalvins.com
AIX It doesn’t get more hip and trendy than the Westside, and this Provencal-inspired, approachable, fine dining spot is in the heart of it. French food indoors or out, stocked wine bar, and conveniently located across from Out Front Theatre. Pricey but creative. Eat this: Regularly scheduled tasting menus are priced per person, and it’s a great way to try everything. Otherwise, we recommend the stuffed baguettes for lunch or the pan-roasted duck breast at dinner. 956 Brady Ave. NW aixatl.com 10
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Olive Bistro This Mediterranean bistro and wine bar has been an instant hit in Midtown due to the great food and sips as well as a rotating entertainment lineup of some of the best gay singers, musicians and entertainers. Catch the same great grub if you’re up in Vinings too. Eat this: Fresh-made hummus or Nicoise salad are a great start. There’s an amazing array of bistro bowls, pita sandwiches and create-your-own sampler combos. Dig into entrees like lasagna and moussaka. 1050 Juniper St. NE 3300 Cobb Parkway SE olivebistro.com
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DINING GUIDE continued
So Hot Right Now
Queer-owned, brand new or hitting their stride, put these places on your to-eat list. Georgia Boy
CEO Grab & Go
Through a secret passageway inside Chef Joey Ward’s Southern Belle, find a Southern-rooted, cocktail-forward tasting menu with a passion for hyper-seasonality at the table and Southern distilleries and biodynamic wines at the bar. Eat this: Don’t miss, but don’t fill up on farm-fresh crispy chicharrones, Peruvian ceviche or scallop-and-chirizo flatbread. Trust in the grilled pork belly as a main, and force yourself to try the toffee-coffee pudding before saying “when.” southernbelleatl.com/georgiaboy
Guac y Margys Becoming known as the BeltLine go-to for tacos and margaritas led to being known for group hangouts and gay trivia nights. Lively, spirited and fun is what’s for dinner. Eat this: At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, both the guac and margys really are special, and there are several flavors of the latter to choose. You are go for tacos too of course, and don’t miss the bowls if you’re hungry. 661 Auburn Ave. NE guacymargys.com
Gusto! With four locations open — Peachtree, Ponce, Decatur, West midtown and Chamblee — as well as one in Chamblee imminent and a sixth location pending, this is the hot new place for fresh food fast. Build your wrap with ala carte ingredients from protein on down, then bite into the deliciousness. 12
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The last thing you might expect at a gay bar, but the first thing you’ll be so glad to find is this quaint eatery inside and adjacent to Ten Atlanta. Have some when you’re there already, or take advantage of its own entrance and a delicious menu of delicacies. Eat this: Chicken and eggs inspired the whole place, and that is definitely what you should try first. It’s amazing. 990 Piedmont Ave. NE ceograbngo.com Eat this: Ready-to-love combinations include the Chipotle Mango Avocado, Tahini Cucumber Feta and the Sweet Soy Sriracha. 1935 Peachtree Road 782 Ponce De Leon Ave. 530 17th St. 4945 Peachtree Blvd. 1545 Church St, Decatur whatsyourgusto.com
JenChan’s Cabbagetown got
that much cooler in 2019 when Jen and Emily Chan ex-
panded their “mostly Southern, mainly
Asian” supper delivery
club into this hotspot.
Come for the hip surroundings. Stay for a menu that changes frequently to keep things fresh, and where chefs introduce their own specials.
Eat this: Right now, we are super into the Mongolian Beef
Cheesesteak and the Brisket Melt sandwiches. Corn fritters are to die-for, and if you’re hungry, the Cantonese curry bowl is luscious. 186 Carroll St. jenchans.com
Enjoy our spacious outdoor patio. Fabulous Sunday brunch with housemade Bloody Marys. Voted Best Gay-Friendly Restaurant in Atlanta.
20 YEARS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY OPEN EVERY DAY 11 A.M. TO 11 P.M. 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road 404.892.4541 | roxxtavern.com theQatl.com
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DINING GUIDE continued
That’s So Gay
It’s here. It’s queer. Or at least, the crowd is predominantly so. Taverna Plaka The hospitality and every-meal-as-event that the Greeks are known for is on full display. Load up on delicious traditional fare, imbibe on Greek alcohol delights, and maybe even get in on the belly dancing. It’s always a party here. Eat this: Traditional serving style means that when it’s ready, it hits the table, so forget rules. Order it family style, and be sure to sample everything as you pass the plates. 2196 Cheshire Bridge Road NE tavernaplakaatlanta.com
Las Margaritas
Roxx
Latin fare with a gay flair. On any given Sunday, brunch is hopping. And on most every day of the week, gay Atlanta’s own Oscar Valdivieso is usually holding court over his popular eatery. Sample the extensive tequila selection and specialty drinks while you scarf up some awesome food.
A one-stop shop for American fare and a gay clientele. A popular patio, a menu of favorites from salad to meat-and-threes and beyond, a friendly staff, and a guaranteed crowd of gay men and their cohorts. What’s not to love?
Eat this: You can’t go wrong from Mexican specialties to Spanish Paella. We love to start with the Taste of Las Mas appetizer, munch on the Ultimate Mix Trio of dips, and go big with Fajitas big enough to share.
1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE roxxfanclub.com
Eat this: The fried chicken wraps with flavor options and dipping sauce are a favorite. And there’s no gay man who doesn’t love a Sausage Fest. Try that as well.
1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE lasmargaritasmidtown.com
Henry’s With a patio presence you don’t want to miss in springtime and a menu that keeps ‘em coming back for more all year, this gay-owned sibling eatery of Campagnolo’s nearby has all the gay you can handle in one sitting. Eat this: Baby baked potato starters are bangin, burgers are to die, and any of a half-dozen tacos or hot dogs are a sure bet. Our favorite? Barbecue Baby Back Ribs. Fall. Off. The. Bone. 132 10th St. henrysatl.com 14
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Lips Come for the drag, stay for the food. OK the food and the drag. Dinner and a show finally answers your burning question about how, exactly, is life a cabaret. High-glam decor and high-drag divas like Charlie Brown and Bubba D. Licious make this a muststop to make a big night of it. Try Sunday Gospel Brunch too. Eat this: The menu of American fare changes, but it’s always worth the prix fixe or a la carte pricing. Do make reservations. 3011 Buford Hwy NE lipsatl.com
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Raising the Bar
DINING GUIDE continued Q
Lost Druid
The James Room
Put a creative kitchen inside a brewery and taproom, and you have our attention. Add it to the bustling Avondale Estates marketplace, and we are all in. Sunday brunch, special and private events, and their own beer list make it an instant must.
Misty and Kristen Koefed, who made a splash with their 18.21 Bitters at Ponce City Market, have taken over a Beltline spot with their concept eatery. Just like their first endeavor, it borrows from the past for a vintage vibe. Coffee and lattes, craft cocktails and an innovative global palate.
2866 Washington Street, Avondale Estates thelostdruid.com
Eat this: In addition to a charcuterie plate or a flight of caviar to start, all of the rotating small plates will put you in the mind of a European café.
Eat this: You are a go for steakhouse salad, fresh-made pork rinds, the amazing antipasti board and loaf-style tavern pretzels. The jerk chicken pita is a little more substantial, and an amazing chicken & waffles on Sunday will cure what ails ya.
Woofs Atlanta’s first and only gay sports bar makes its name on jocks and the guys who love them, but its kitchen has always been a big deal with entrees and sides that making watching the big game even better.
661 Auburn Ave. thejamesroom.com
Eat this: You won’t go wrong with a varied and delicious burgers and baskets menu. We for one are always down for the Turkey Reuben-style or Pulled Pork Sandwiches. 2425 Piedmont Road NE woofsatlanta.com
Midtown Moon Georgia Beer Garden Gay owned and hipster approved, their rotating draft list is a godsend, and their commitment to LGBTQ events is stellar. Edgewood parking can be tricky, but once you’re inside you won’t regret the effort. Eat this: Tavern fare gets an upgrade with standard stuff plus creative alternatives like house-made potato chips, pretzels, black-eyed pea falafel and bbq chicken loaded fries. The Gonzo Burger lives up to its name. 420 Edgewood Ave. georgiabeergarden.com
You’d be hard pressed to find a more delicious meal at these prices. Cooks are just on the other side of the bar ready to fix your plate of man-that-hitsthe-spot. Dip in on Sunday for a smorgasbord brunch buffet that will knock your socks off. Eat this: Yes, they have bar-food fare, but sink-your-teeth meats with fresh sides are the way to go. You’re welcome. 1492 Piedmont Ave. facebook.com/MidtownMoon theQatl.com
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DINING GUIDE continued
Groups & Troops Gather your friends any night of the week with orders from the kitchen and the bar.
Dozens of varieties make it your own, and there are beers on tap too. Eat this: Read above. Order. Repeat.
No Mas Cantina
60 11th St. NE @ the Sixty 11th Apartments
Known for its food and fun as well as hosting events as a member of the gay chamber of commerce, this Mexican food place is a gay mainstay featuring lively décor and a gift shop stocked with handmade goods.
Thai Chili Head over to this gem in the Lavista Park neighborhood near Emory and Toco Hill. All your favorites in a hospitable, comfortable atmosphere, whether your table is for 5 or for 25.
Eat this: The enchiladas are divine, but Southern meat lovers will agree that the Carnitas — seasoned, grilled pork chunks — are as good as it gets. 180 Walker St. SW nomascantina.com
Sam’s of San Francisco Greasy and cheesy and oh-so-easy to say yes to, this San Fran burger icon just opened in Atlanta. It carries the late, great Anthony Bourdain’s seal of “top three burgers in the world.”
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Eat this: Panang Curry Beef is our favorite, and you might also consider a starter with the Chicken Coconut Soup. 2169 Briarcliff Road NE thaichilicuisine.com
La Hacienda
Little Rey
If it’s not already, this Mexican eatery is about to become a regular stop on your restaurant rounds. Generous portions, a helpful staff and authentic flavors raise this place over its brethren and instantly into a Midtown mainstay.
Girl! That bank-turned-tattoo parlor building where Cheshire meets Piedmont meets Piedmont Circle? It found it’s calling, and it’s “al carbon.” Get authentic Mexican flavors with grilled-to-perfection meats and veggies from breakfast through dinner. That great patio plus high-volume margarita, beer and wine specials make it a party.
Eat this: Just ask for “The Bowl.” Your choice of meat — but pick the pork marinated all day in milk — with cheesy rice, charro beans, onions, pico, corn, guac, sour cream and cilantro. Mix it up and enjoy.
Eat this: Breakfast chalupa, tacos al carbon, carne asada, enchiladas, arroz con pollo and oh hell, keep going back until you’ve tried it all.
900 Monroe Dr. NE lahaciendamidtown.com
1878 Piedmont Ave. NE littlerey.com
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COMEDY
Mirth &
By Erin Dohony
CHOOSING THE VENUES STARTS WITH A LOCATION scout. Tasked with finding a unique space for stand-up comedians and their audience, a Don’t Tell Comedy producer might explore a rooftop or gallery space. The Don’t Tell website even invites fans to suggest a location — their yard, house or salon — which they do. For show host and Don’t Tell producer Sam Gordon, it’s changed how she interacts with the city of Atlanta. “My favorite space so far has been one of our more recent shows at a skate shop in Inman Park called Roll ATL. It has this awesome mural of their logo that made for a perfect stage backdrop and they sell the prettiest roller skates I’ve ever seen,” Gordon says. “It’s one of those places that is in the heart of everything but easy to miss,” she continues. “Bringing a crowd of 50 people to check out the shop while putting on a killer comedy show was an awesome feeling.” From office spaces to living rooms to rock climbing gyms, Gordon has hosted over 20 Don’t Tell shows throughout Atlanta. Each new month brings at least one or two shows, sometimes three if there is a special venue or a surprise headliner booked. Don’t Tell is a brand of entertainment that builds a conspiratorial sense of intimacy between the performers and audience. Comedy lovers purchase their tickets with a vague indication of where and when the show will take place, waiting until the actual day of the show to receive the address. Comedians have just as much fun interacting with the space when they take up the mic, often taking a moment to make a joke or two about the venue, showcasing their quick wit and writing skills. “Often people come up to me after the show and disbelievingly ask, ‘Those were all local comedians?’” Gordon says. “I have found that people buy tickets to their first Don’t Tell Comedy show because of the gimmick, but they buy them again and again because of the talent.” Comedians have similar feedback, telling Gordon that they were recognized on the street by audience members after performing on a Don’t Tell show. It’s easier to recall which show a person is talking about when they mention “I saw you joking at that thrift store!” “I take a lot of pride in the quality of our shows, both in the talent and the representation we have in our lineups,” Gordon says. “There 22
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MYS Meet the mastermind behind the Don’t Tell Comedy pop-up shows
are more queer comics working in Atlanta than there were when I moved here, and it has been nice to watch that group steadily increase over the last few years. One of my favorite developments in the queer comedy scene are the Wussy Mag theme shows. I love seeing variety acts about Lady Gaga and the Golden Girls!” Gordon’s favorite part of hosting? The sense of connection during and after her set. “Getting a laugh feels amazing, but even better is when someone comes up to you after the show to tell you how much they relate to something I said,” she says. “I try to talk about the things that frustrate me or make me feel ridiculous, so it is really special to know I’m not the only one that feels that way.” From roller rinks to living rooms, the Don’t Tell Comedy following has steadily grown with its BYOB model contributing to the speakeasy atmosphere, encouraging audience members to bring their beverages of choice and enjoy the ride. After dozens of shows for hundreds of audience members, Gordon says a working comedian today is about being yourself and staying humble. “There is an insane amount of rejection in entertainment, so you need to really love it in order to keep trying,” she says. “Running a show can make you forget about how fun it’s all supposed to be. … But despite the stress, every time I do this I remember how much I love putting on a show for people, and that is all that matters — that I’m making something fun.” Catch the next Don’t Tell Atlanta show on Friday March 20 in Buckhead. dontellcomedy.com. Follow Sam Gordon at @WhatSamJustSaid on Instagram and Twitter.
STERY Sam Gordon on stage during Don’t Tell Comedy
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THE QUEER AGENDA
Q
The Best Queer Things To Do in Atlanta March 19 – March 25
THURSDAY, MARCH 19 OutlantaCon
Atlanta’s annual LGBTQ sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention takes over @ Atlanta Marriott Buckhead, all weekend. outlantacon.org Amber Taylor ft. Jayne County
Celebrate the trans Atlanta rocker’s new single “Driving on the Edge of Night” with another trans icon on the track and the bill @ The Earl, 8 p.m. badearl.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Calagna
A few circuit DJs only need one
OutlantaCon, March 19
name. Dance, boy, dance @ District, 10 p.m.
Bloom, March 20
gaboyevents.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Synergy
Atlanta Bucks
universe” @ Red Light Café, 8 p.m.
ing, 1 p.m. atlantabucksrugby.org
It’s a queer-inclusive “burlesque tribute to the
The gay rugby squad takes on the local Old White @ Boulevard Cross-
redlightcafe.com
ABetterBuzz The local gay t-shirt line you love does a spring pop-up shop @ Woofs,
Bloom
5 p.m. woofsatlanta.com
Spring is sprung with Southern Fried Queer Pride @ Mammal Gallery,
10 p.m. southernfriedqueerpride.com G8yties
The ’80s video dance party you can’t refuse @ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com
Urban Tree Comedy
Calagna, March 20
Hot mic and cool cider with queer comic Ian Aber and friends @ Urban Tree Cidery, 7 p.m. urbantreecidery.com Sprung! Roxxy Andrews of RuPaul’s Drag Race headlines Wussy’s seasonal celebration @ My Sister’s Room, 9 p.m. mysistersroom.com Michelle Malone The lesbian blues rocker takes the stage with Rhoderic Land @ Eddie’s Attic, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. eddiesattic.com Country Night No cover and free dance lessons before boot scootin’ ‘til close @ Heretic, 8 p.m. hereticatlanta.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Song Lang Out on Film hosts the latest in its Stage
Atlanta Bucks, March 21
to Screen series @ Out Front Theatre, 6:30 p.m., followed by The Grand Transexual Draweth Nigh, 8:30 p.m. outonfilm.org
Song Lang, March 25
Check the extended Queer Agenda calendar each Thursday at theQatl.com. theQatl.com
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PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD theQatl.com
27
Q
Q SHOTS
DILF CODE PARTY AT HERETIC
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PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
Q
THEQ?!
Not About YOU
Jumping to conclusions, taken for granted and new to love
Q
I’ve been dating this successful business professional, and on the morning of our biggest date yet, she texted that
her workday imploded and she had to reschedule. I’m livid. How could she? And how could I have gotten my signals so
you? Getting your head straight will smooth things out internally as well as in your relationship.
Q
My boyfriend tends to pat my ass on his way out the door, and that’s the extent of affection. He’s says that
if I had a better job, I’d understand why he’s so busy. He also
thinks “more suitable employment” would make me better able to hang with his rich friends when they go away on weekends.
messed up?
How can I measure up?
Dear Naive:
Dear Victim:
Take a breath. What if — gasp! — it’s not about you. What
You do need to make a change, but not in your job. As much
if she called as soon as she could and hoped you’d understand that life can get in the way of RomCom perfection? As long as you’re making assumptions, why not assume that she’s being honest and the cancellation has nothing to do with
as he would like you to think that adjusting your life would suit him, this isn’t about you.
From the way he treats you, to his demeaning comments, to
the time he finds for friends but not you, this is all about him. Consider this information your free ticket away from this guy’s emotional abuse.
Q
I’m 19 and in love. What do experienced queers know that I can learn early?
Dear Gayby: Trust yourself. If you don’t, explore why and get there before you commit to someone else.
Past that, relationships are learning experiences.
Here are a few lessons coming in your future: It’s no longer about you; it’s about “us.” You
marry their family as well as them; Bathroom taboos and personal
space evaporate; Both of you have to
change some; Relationships are works
in progress and never finished.
The Q is for entertainment purposes and not
professional counseling. Send your burning Qs to mike@theqatl.com.
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FROM BOARDROOM TO BEDROOM CONFIDENCE IS
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