REAL TALK WITH
PERFUME
GENIUS ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017
a magazine dedicated to covering the fringes of southern queer nightlife, politics, art, & culture Editor in Chief — Jon Dean Associate Editor — Zaida J. | Managing Editor — Ryder McEntyre Writing Editor — Nicholas Goodly | Graphic Designer — Blake England Featured Writers — Matt Jones, Stevie King, Chelsea Hoag, + Tyler Scruggs Featured Photographer — Austin Frantz + Rose Riot Photography | Cover Photo — Inez & Vinoodh BIG thanks to MAILCHIMP and our AWESOME sponsors!
Want to work with us? WUSSY is always open for proposals (editorial, art, photography, opinion) & written submissions: INFO@WUSSYMAG.COM
WUSSYMAG.COM
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 1
contents: displacement is not dope: Atlanta’s Tent City - Matt J.
Thirst trap
20 Questions w/ Luke Hudson - Zaida J.
BLACK FRIDAY:
KSU Brings Black Back - Matt J.
in memorium:
Remembering Joan Garner - Chelsea H.
survival guide:
A Wussy’s Guide to Shaky Knees - Tyler S.
we love cats:
Pussy on Display at ATL’s Cat Cafe - Jon D.
COVER STORY: missed connections:
Presentation & Body Narcissism: A Conversation w/ Perfume Genius - Tyler S.
Or, You’ve Got Stalkers - Stevie K.
Want to advertise your business or next event? Send all submissions, proposals, questions, or media kit requests to info@wussymag.com ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 2
UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS: Places To Be, People To Do, Things To See Written by: Blake England
LITTLE DRAGON
5/6 HEAVEN @THE NEW MASQUERADE 11PM
Make way for a lovely bunch of techno Swedes! Shuffle around on the dancefloor to their cute electro beats and see the new masquerade if you havent already! $35 / 18+
Clermont Lounge Grand reopening
5/10 @THE CLERMONT LOUNGE 9PM
The infamous strip club has apparently been remodeled. Mark your calender and bring some cans to be crushed and have “more fun than a busload of drunk monkeys!” 21+
SHONEN KNIFE "2017 USA RAMEN ADVENTURE TOUR" 5/10 @THE EARL 12AM
J-pop and punk collide with Shonen Knife. Around for almost 30 years and still producing the good good, their DIY aesthetic and screaming femme hearts will make you wanna mosh. $15 / 21+
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION FOR LOST'N'FOUND YOUTH
5/11 @LOST N FOUND YOUTH CENTER ON CHANTILLY DRIVE 8PM
One of our favorite charities in this town is hosting this orientation for people who want to help end lgbtq homelessness: “you'll be prepared to work with existing clients and help to identify and assist homeless LGBTQ youth still living in non-supportive shelters and on the street.” $10 DONATION / ALL AGES
THE GREAT GATSBY LAWN PARTY
5/13 @SCAD ATL WRITING CENTER 11AM - 6PM
If you wanna be in a sea of white people doing the Charleston wearing their best gatsby get-ups, look no further! Its only $45 per person and all ages admitted -_-
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 3
DISPLACMENT IS NOT DOPE: Atlanta’s Tent City
Written by: Matt Jones / Photos by: Timothy Franzen
“THE ENCAMPMENT IS THE MANIFESTATION OF RESIDENTS, STUDENTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUPS” The debate over the future of Turner Field and surrounding neighborhoods has been lively over the past three years. As Atlanta’s progression steamrolls through the preservation efforts of long-time residents, trust in reliable measures being made have steadily been in decline. The now Georgia State owned stadium, alongside Carter Development, has set its focus on housing more school departments and boosting neighborhood appeal. The current plan is to establish GSU’s sports and hospitality departments as well as housing for students, workers, and the obligatory retail, coffee shop, restaurant routine popping up around
the new and multi-used Atlanta. Many, however, have made it very clear that they will not stand for a project that does not cater to surrounding communities. Tent City Atl, a long-standing, in-your-face sit-in style protest is one of many efforts that takes on this new development. Running since April 1st, the encampment finds its stand on the corner of Georgia Avenue and Hank Aaron Drive—resting and resisting right outside of Turner Field to ensure visibility. The encampment perseveres to fight against the project and its foreseen
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 4
displacement of residents. In efforts to hold Carter Development and GSU accountable, the protesters are calling for documentation ensuring that the developers work to the benefit of surrounding communities and focus on measures that prevent displacement. The encampment is the manifestation of residents, students and social justice groups including: The Housing Justice League, Turner Field Community Benefits Coalition, Mechanicsville Civic Association, Pittsburgh Neighborhood Association, and others.
The camp’s main goal is a Community Benefits Agreement with Panther’s Holding, the combined GSU and Carter company. While being an active protest, daily life for the camp itself comes with its own needs for sustainability. It’s not all sharing stories and passing out flyers. With the threat of possible police intervention during less inhabited hours and supplies being dependent on community support, the effort takes a lot of work to maintain. Surviving off of monetary donations via a youcaring.com fundraiser and donation of goods from supporters, Tent City has kept its stride strong. Which it plans to do until an agreement is met. Looking at the relationship between these communities, city officials, and developers, it comes as no surprise to see action in the form of Tent City. Residents have come to expect little cooperation on issues of housing security and transparency, as developers and officials make plans behind closed doors for these neighborhoods. While progression does happen and development is an eventuality, some say the usage of aggressive tactics, misinformation, and the shutting out of public input is more than enough reason for the uproar. “Long term residents want development, but they
don't want to be treated as disposable objects,” states Timothy Franzen, member of the Housing Justice League. The Turner Field Community Benefits Coalition (TFCBC), for instance, have requested audience with Panthers Holding LLC, and their requests have gone ignored since its date of sale. The group, a democratically elected body of community inhabitants, has also experienced a more politically connected part of their organization gain favor with the LLC, only to have access denied to stakeholders from impacted neighborhoods. Mechanicsville resident Deborah Arnold, who has been camped out since April 1, describes the ordeal as so: “For years, we have met with residents across Peoplestown, Summerhill, Mechanicsville and Pittsburgh to develop a Community Benefits Agreement to ensure that any development on the 80-acre turner field property benefits the community and our future generations. More than 1700 of us have participated in community meetings to develop this CBA since the Braves announced they were leaving, but Carter Development and GSU have refused to meet with us, and instead have slandered us and pushed forward plans for development that doesn’t meet community needs.”
“...USAGE OF AGGRESSIVE TACTICS, MISINFORMATION, AND THE SHUTTING OUT OF PUBLIC INPUT IS MORE THAN ENOUGH REASON FOR THE UPROAR.”
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 5
On April 24th, the TFCBC met with Panther’s Holding, but an hour before the Monday meeting, a report from the AJC titled “GSU-Turner Field neighborhoods strike deal to address community change”, was released much to the confusion of residents. The “deal” being two separate deals; one for GSU and one for Carter. A major issue is that these deals were struck with no input considered or even requested from the community-at-large. The Coalition was allowed to see
the two deals for GSU and Carter for the first time during that meeting, and requested time to review the documents with plans for a follow-up meeting on May 1, 2017. Sherise Brown, a long term resident of Peoplestown and core member of the coalition attended said meeting. In a press release sent by the Housing Justice League she had this to say: “Although I think our meeting today with Panthers Holding LLC was
productive and moving in the right direction, we have not received a commitment from them for a Community Benefits Agreement. We are looking forward to our follow up meeting with GSU and the developers. At this point we are beginning to build a partnership with Panthers holding LLC. We have not, I repeat we have not, reached any agreement. We are still in discussions.”
resist, Tent City remains a focal point. It’s a place of gathering and protest for these voices and to the media. As GSU student Patricio Cambias a GSU and camper sees it “Tent City will continue to grow until a deal is reached.-----We will be there the whole summer if need be. Even when a deal is reached, it will be a fight to ensure the right deal is made and actually honored.”
As the many groups and neighborhoods plan and
“...WE HAVE NOT, I REPEAT WE HAVE NOT, REACHED ANY AGREEMENT.”
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 6
thirst trap:
20 Questions with Luke Husdon! Written by: Zaida J. / Photos by: Jon Dean
WUSSY presents Thirst Trap, a regular hottie column in which we attempt to glean a deeper understanding of select hotties through superficial yet tantalizing inquiries. To kick off Thirst
Trap we have Fort Troff’s first ever trans model, Luke Hudson. We don’t know much about Luke, but we know we have a really big crush on him and he always smiles at us in the hallways. WUSSY HBIC Jon
Dean had the opportunity to photograph Luke in his birthday suit or something close to it. Luke is sweet and we here at WUSSY are super clingy. So,
for our first date with this dreamboat we asked him some questions to try and get to know him. We really wanted him to see that we are serious about this new relationship.
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 7
1. What’s your favorite app? My Shazam app, it’s very helpful. 2. What’s your favorite appetizer? Most places have spinach and artichoke dip, but I’ll settle for mozzarella sticks... 3. Dogs or cats? Dogs, without hesitation. 4. What is your favorite Pokemon? That’d be Toadodile. 5. If you could blackmail a politician, who would it be? If I could bully Trump/Pence out of office you bet your ass I would. 6. Do you like spicy food? For sure. 7. Can you eat gluten? Yes. 8. Have you ever ghosted on a date? No but plenty of morning-afters. 9. What eating habit turns you off? None of them, as long as one chews with their mouth shut. 10. What eating habit turns you on?
Chewing on the tips of strawberries 11. Are these questions weird? They’re not the weirdest questions I’ve answered.
18. What’s your favorite meme right now?
12. What do you smell like? Coffee and Polo most likely. 13. Are you sure these questions aren’t weird? No, they’re pretty weird. But not the weirdest. 14. If you could be any anime character, who would you be and why? I would definitely trade places with anyone from Attack on Titan because I’d be causing all sorts of violence in that universe. 15. Do you like reality TV? Not even a little. 16. Have you ever listened to K-pop (Korean pop music)? Yes. 17. Has anyone ever told you that you’re perfect, you’re beautiful, that you look like Linda Evangelista and you’re a model? Not specifically Linda Evangelista, but I’ve got severe White Boy Vague Face Syndrome.
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 8
19. What’s your favorite pop song? Sia’s Cheap Thrills 20. Are you gonna call us back after this? That depends if you spit or swallow.
Black Friday: KSU Brings Black Back
Written by: Matt Jones / Photos by: Darola Cherenfant
Welcome to Black Friday, y'all! It’s not your one-stop shop for black news (prioritize black people all the time), but do check in for a corner of black-centric news—preferably of the queer and femme nature. Peering into the arena of seemingly more subverted news, there have been echoes stating that Kennesaw State University (KSU) has planned to discontinue its African and African Diaspora Studies program. This decision comes to the confusion and dismay of many students and faculty, as the news hits from, what feels like, out of nowhere. Several professors have been left out of the loop as well, so an air of business-as-usual has veiled the university’s intentions. The timing already being a period of high stress and fatigue has some feeling that this move was strategically enacted. An inconclusive but not out of the ordinary narrative. Either way this calls for much more scrutiny on the matter. KSU claims the reason for this removal is due to budget cuts, but this scapegoat reasoning doesn’t discount the fact that an entire program—developed to give better knowledge, more space and understanding of black histories and effects of its dismemberment—is deemed unimportant enough to chop. In a world that has seen anti-blackness as the undercurrent of a global societal view, you’d think this is an obvious route not to take. Not to mention stories, effects and overall inclusion of narratives that involve actions taken at the expense of black bodies, land, and nations throughout history should be of higher priority in our main studies of history anyways, but I guess that’s more of a personal viewpoint as I am of the heavily marginalized and oppressed group *eyeroll*. At the very least, notification and input from students and faculty should also be of more note.
“...THIS SCAPEGOAT REASONING DOESN’T DISCOUNT THE FACT THAT AN ENTIRE PROGRAM—DEVELOPED TO GIVE BETTER KNOWLEDGE, MORE SPACE AND UNDERSTANDING OF BLACK HISTORIES AND EFFECTS OF ITS DISMEMBERMENT—IS DEEMED UNIMPORTANT...” ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 9
After receiving the news, Aleaka Cooper and Kelsey Jones, both students at KSU, decided to take a further look into the case. They say, ”So far we were made aware that the meetings and planning of the deactivation have been occurring since November though faculty, staff, and students in the department were not notified until April 17,2017. We know that their reasoning is low numbers but the number are inaccurate.”
Programs such as this were not even considered as viable school programing without movements bringing to life the importance of these studies in academia in the first place. The Black Student Movement of the 1960’s, for instance, birthed a much wider move towards giving space for these studies in many campuses. That fervor does not die today. While many media outlets have remained on the quieter side of this conflict, an ongoing line of protests and resistance can be seen.
“BY NO MEANS SHOULD THE DELETION OF BLACK STUDIES, SPACE, AND HISTORIES BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.” Hashtags #KSUBringBlackBack and #KSUAntiBlackAttack tell a story of many who feel deeply betrayed by this, but will not go quietly. We will be looking at developments on this closely, but by no means should the deletion of black studies, space, and histories be taken lightly. We are well past the time to act up. “What we want is a written statement, signed and dated implicating they will allow the African and African Diaspora ISSUE NO. 3 - LATE APRIL 2017 / PAGE 10
Studies Major to remain a major on this campus, that they will work with faculty and staff to keep it here which would include hiring more staff so more classes can be opened, allowing more funding and scholarships, and an end goal of ours is to make the program it's own department and not just a program on the list of many so that there can be a department chair dedicated to the existence and perpetuation of African and African Diaspora Studies” say Cooper and Jones.
in memorium: Remembering Joan Garner Written by: Chelsea Hoag
Fulton County Vice Chair Joan P. Garner, beloved leader and activist, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, April 18, after her prolonged battle with breast cancer. Her willingness to fight oppression in all its forms has changed the lives of not only people in Atlanta, but across the Southern region. 24 years ago, Garner co-founded Southerners On the Ground (SONG), a regional Queer Liberation organization made up of people of color, immigrants, undocumented people, people with disabilities, working class and rural and small town, LGBTQ people in the South. From her roles in the Southern Partners Fund and as a Fulton County Commissioner, Garner was known as a shining light. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1951, Garner was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement and used her inspiration after moving to Atlanta in 1978. Her advocacy for the gay and lesbian community came at a time when homosexuality was even more dangerous than it is now. Garner’s passing drew heavy hearts around Atlanta from many within the LGBTQ community, government leaders, and activists. Former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, the first openly LGBT elected official in Georgia history, told the Georgia Voice, “Commissioner Garner was a friend and my heart is broken today. She exemplified all that was good about a public servant – honest, kind, hardworking, truly representative of the greater good. We are all better people from knowing her and benefiting
from her contributions to our community. May she rest in peace and we all surround and support her wife, Jane, though this incredibly sad time.” Fulton County Chairman John H. Eaves adds, “We will miss her thoughtful service, her passion for equity, and, especially, her smile and her warmth.” In a statement on the behalf of Georgia Equality, Executive Director Jeff Graham stated, “In both her personal and professional lives, Joan was a tireless advocate for LGBT Georgians, people living with HIV and others. The impact she had on our communities is immeasurable and will continue to be felt for years to come. Our community has lost a true hero today, but she will not soon be forgotten.” While undergoing treatment in 2015, Garner scurred to the Center for Civil and Human Rights to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage, accompanied by her wife Fulton County State Court Judge Jane Morrison. At the rally, Garner joined hands with her wife Jane and said, “Today in the great state of Georgia we are recognized as legal wife and wife!” The two were married in Massachusetts five years prior. In 2011, Garner thanked her wife, sisters, and mother while swearing into the Fulton County Commission. She quoted Maya Angelou, one of her favorite poets, who wrote, “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.”
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 11
HER VOICE, STRENGTH, AND DEDICATION TO EQUITY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. Garner later noted, “This inaugural ceremony, for me, is the realization of a life-long quest of inclusion. For as long back as I can remember, I have dared to dream to make government work for the people– for all of the people.” Over her lifetime, Garner championed awareness for HIV/AIDS, stood up for preserving the Historic Fourth Ward district, was chairperson for Neighborhood
Planning Unit (NPU) M., served on the board of Sweet Auburn Inc., and much more. Her voice, strength, and dedication to equity will not be forgotten. Among her, we also remember recent losses of great lesbian leaders like Chef Ria Pell, beloved owner of Ria’s Bluebird, and Catherine Han Montoya, former director of field immigration and
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 12
capacity-building initiatives at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the Leadership Conference Education Fund, and was also co-chair of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joan P. Garner Health & Human Services Internship Program, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG)
Civic Affairs Foundation, 191 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 700, Atlanta, 30303. Memorial Service: Saturday May 6th, 3:00 pm, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Auburn Avenue, Atlanta (street address 101 Jackson Street, NE). Reception to follow, location TBD.
ISSUE NO. 2 - EARLY APRIL 2017 / PAGE 13
Survival guide: A Wussy’s Guide to Shaky Knees Written by: Tyler Scruggs
Next weekend, thousands of white dudes will make their way in droves to the 5th annual Shaky Knees music festival in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park downtown. The entire park will be transformed into a full on immersive musical experience with 60 bands, dozens of food trucks, and more to explore. Though, like all music festivals, not everything can be experienced. Band performance schedules overlap, it’s easy to get distracted, and you can only fill up on so much fried food truck deliciousness. So what’s a WUSSY to do? Every day of the festival kicks off at 11:45am where the stellar non-profit Songs For Kids will hold charity performances on the Piedmont Stage. You’ll have to be quick to catch them though, as it appears their set is only 15 minutes long over three days. On Peachtree, the main stage, is where you’ll find most of the gravy Shaky Knees has to offer. Car Seat Headrest, Portugal. The Man, and Cage The Elephant may scratch the indie rock itch you’re probably hoping to alleviate by coming to Shaky Knees. Though, you may have to ditch Cage the Elephant midway to make it to The Pixies to nostalgically shout-sing “Where Is My Mind?”. Nothing is in your way, however, from seeing headlining act LCD Soundsystem, recently reunited and my highest, can’t-miss recommendation for Friday’s lineup. On Saturday, it’s a little more of a mixed bag throughout the day. Dr. Dog, another indie favorite, goes on at 5:30 at the secondary Piedmont stage. While you and I both may be discovering new acts throughout the day, you can at least depend on Sylvan Esso, X Ambassadors, and headliners The XX to save the day.
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 14
Sunday, however is my favorite day at Shaky Knees, mostly because on the last day of the festival is packed with a full schedule of can’t-miss, cool-as-heck acts. Under appreciated alternative group Cloud Nothings play the main stage at the blistering hot time of 1:15pm. You may want to take a break however and grab a snack while proven-Trump-supporting-garbage band Third Eye Blind takes the main stage at 5:30. That’s fine though, cause my personal favorite group from this line-up, New Jersey-based Bleachers founded by ex-fun member and Lena Dunham’s boyfriend Jack Antonoff. Despite that perhaps unexciting description, they’re super good. I promise. Back on the mainstage, The Shins will be performing while Ryan Adams hopefully plays his Taylor Swift cover album on the secondary Piedmont stage. And finally, to close the night and festival, Phoenix will perform their long-awaited new record. It can be alienating to be at a festival thats so blatantly vanilla, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. As with all festivals, be sure to drink plenty of water and you’re always better off wearing closed toed shoes cause you will get stepped on at some point. However, if you’re on the fence about attending, there’s always the much more diverse and fun-looking Hang Out Music Festival in Gulf Shores, AL and no one would fault you for holding off until Music Midtown’s line-up is announced, which sure will bring a more eclectic batch of bands to Piedmont Park. Though if you find yourself at Shaky Knees and are underwhelmed, remind yourself that at least you’re not at Fyre Fest in the Bahamas. Things could be a lot worse.
Photo from: Pat O’Brien
Cover Story:
Presentation & Body Narcissism: A Conversation with Perfume Genius Written by: Tyler Scruggs / Photos by: Inez & Vinoodh
Mike Hadreas is nervous.
That’s not exactly new for the Tacoma, Washington-based artist, better known by most as Perfume Genius, but this week is a little different. On Friday he’ll have released his fourth studio album, No Shape, and embark on a long tour in support of it. Though, for him, when things get busy is when he can exhale. “I get really freaked out and worried, and sort of obsessive until everything starts happening and then I’m fine,” he tells me over the phone from his home one Tuesday morning. “I have a lot more time to worry. I just want it all to go so well.”
Much like his music, my conversation with Mike got very deep, very quickly. For anyone, by the fourth album, much of the innocence and naivety is naturally gone. In exchange, success becomes quantifiable and doubt begins to creep in. For Perfume Genius, whose music is built on unsure, anxious rock, it’s fitting that once success and approval is here, old habits would stick around. “All this worrying is just wiring. It’s a chemical thing. There’s nothing really to be upset about. There’s nothing really to worry about. And when it comes time to do things, I kinda go with my gut and I’m proud of them. It’s just this in between. I don’t know how to just chill out and let myself be.” With 2014’s release of Too Bright, Perfume Genius skyrocketed to critical acclaim. Metacritic, a critic-aggregator a la Rotten Tomatoes, goes as far as to anoint it with its highly coveted “universal acclaim” label, and for a queer solo singer-songwriter that’s a big deal. For anyone, that’s a big deal. Though through his sound, lyrics, and accompanying visuals, the anxieties that come with dissatisfaction with one’s body, abilities, and own emotions play a huge role in his discography and is beautifully conveyed. Though with No Shape, confidence may be within reach. “To be honest, I’m not worried about the music at all," he says, assured. Despite his anxieties about the release of No Shape, he’s confident in the album itself, as he should be. The album was produced by none other than Blake Mills. An excellent songwriter in his own right, Mills has found success producing for artists like Alabama Shakes, Jim James, Dawes, and John Legend. When listening to the record, and for those familiar with both Perfume Genius’ and Blake Mills’ previous works, it very much sounds abrasive and jarring, but nonetheless a symphonic and melodic experience. It’s a clashing, match-made-in-heaven that elevates Perfume Genius and reaches new heights.
“That was a really exciting thing. He’s just technically really brilliant but also connected to the spirit and, like, the soul of the song. I really trusted that he knew. Even though I wasn’t really attached when I went into the studio what the sound would be, I was very attached to the moods. I just trusted him.” Even with Mills’ talent and Hadreas’ sensitive songwriting, the anxiousness persists. “When I don’t have a performance or something to do, where does all the energy go? I don’t know. But I just, like, just look for boots. [Laughs] Maybe if I find the perfect boot, that will help! I don’t know! I need somewhere for all the energy to go.” Where does Mike find relief? In touring. “I’m excited-I’m sorry- I’m kind of emotional. I’m excited to tour because that gives me like, a routine.” Then, when he’s nervous he just puts all the energy in the show.
“ALL THIS WORRYING IS JUST WIRING. IT’S A CHEMICAL THING.” Hadreas and the rest of Perfume Genius perform at Terminal West in Atlanta on May 20th. And although he has not spent too much time in Atlanta, he’s excited about the prospect of exploring the city more, especially during the queer comeuppance the town is going through at the moment. Much like Hadreas, Atlanta strives towards okay-ness, and often times we exceed the mark. There’s a common goal in creative success of not-so-much New York or LA mega-success but acceptance and contentment in the diverse endeavors its citizens pursue. Mike doesn’t do it alone, though. Throughout his career, Hadreas has had partner Alan Wyffels supporting him both on and off stage. They’ve been together eight years. Also supporting him on the tour with is serpentwithfeet, a striking
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 15
queer,black artist who would be unjustly described if I tried to, so just google them. One common talking point in Perfume Genius’ music and for queer people in general is the constant struggle with our bodies. It’s no accident WUSSY’s first volume was devoted entirely to the subject. It’s a universal topic, and No Shape explores the foundation of this discomfort with our bodies. “Sometimes I try to think of the root of it. Like, how did this happen to me, that I have all this mess around me? That I feel so detached and weird about such physical s**t?” Hadreas ponders. “But I think it’s because around 11 or 12 was when everyone started to look at me different. Everybody started giving me s**t for what they decided was like, my femininity or whatever. So became very self-aware, really conscious with how I carried myself, how I appeared to people. My whole life kind of was guided by that. It’s what I needed to do survive.”
“INTELLECTUALLY, I CAN DISTANCE MYSELF FROM IT, BUT IT’S IN MY BONES… WHEN I’M SINGING AND PERFORMING, THAT’S WHEN I CAN LET IT GO.”
“It was a defense, and I think that twisted into this weird body narcissism thing, cause it’s not nice, but it’s like a constant weird awareness that feels pointless and it hasn’t served me well.” While he acknowledges that maybe it’s a less necessary defense mechanism now than when he was growing up, it’s still very hard to shake. “Intellectually, I can distance myself from it, but it’s in my bones… When I’m singing and performing, that’s when I can let it go.” Perfume Genius is the vehicle in which Hadreas can vent out these complex emotions, and the fans are more so support members of a universal condition everyone faces. Songwriting, performing, fashion, art is meant to connect humans and find commonality in spite of all the issues we face. Does the freedom that comes with success come with a cost, though? Now that there aren’t bullies and nay-sayers directly interfering with Hadreas’ life and career, does deciding how to dress, act, and present oneself to the world become more of a chore than a survival skill? Does it become a performance once again? He doesn’t think so. “It’s more for you now,” he retorts. “It becomes more defiant or, you can throw it back at whoever you decide was paying attention that wasn’t before [laughs]. I was thinking people were paying attention to me but sometimes they weren’t. I can use it as fuel now. On a good day.”
Perfume Genius’ album No Shape is now available for streaming and purchase. Perfume Genius performs at Terminal West May 20th. Tickets are on sale now. ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 16
WE LOVE CATS:
Pussy on Display at Georgia’s First Cat Cafe Written by: Jon Dean / Photos by: Chris House
“I AM BEYOND BLESSED TO FEEL THIS MUCH SUPPORT AND LOVE FROM THE COMMUNITY.” It should come as no surprise that we here at WUSSY are cat people. In fact, we love cats. We love kittens. We love Kittens Inspired by Kittens. No shade to our canine friends, but there is nothing cuter than a sassy puss sitting in a basket or playing with a ball of yarn. In the 2011 viral video sensation, “Can’t Hug Every Cat”, young Debbie is moved to tears by her own love for cats and her desire to hug all of them. Her obsession with cats is simultaneously a source of joy and pain. The line, “I think about how many don’t have a home. And how I
should have them..” resonates deeply with us here in Atlanta, where stray cats unfortunately are often captured and sent to kill-shelters. Keeping stray cats out of kill-shelters and getting them into loving homes is so imporant, and that’s where Java Cats Cafe comes in. ICYMI, Java Cats is a new Grant Park coffee shop connected to a small cat palace, featuring up to twenty adoptable critters at a time. The shop partners with PAWS Atlanta, a local no-kill animal shelter, to temporarily host the felines
until they are adopted. You can make reservations to hang out with the kitties at $10 a pop on the company website. Since the business opened, Java Cats has helped secure over twenty adoptions. “I am trying to take all of it in after such a long year of permitting and struggling to get this off the ground,” said owner Hadyn Hilton, when asked about the early success of Java Cats. “I am beyond blessed to feel this much support and love from the community.”
If you aren’t looking to adopt a new friend right now, you can always come in for the caffeine and watch the cats behind glass. In addition to a full coffee menu, Java Cats also offers some local grub. Gathering Industries, an Atlanta non-profit, provides pre-packaged food for the cafe. Hilton, only 25 years old, credits much of the success to her 12 year-old Tabby, Cream. “I grew up taking care of injured and abandoned animals with my family, so animals have always played a huge role in my life,” she told us. “Cats
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 17
offer so much companionship and I couldn't imagine my life without them.” Atlanta can often be a tough market to crack, so it’s encouraging to see young ATLiens pursuing their dreams and. We asked Hilton what she would recommend to other millenials trying to start a business and her answer was one of hope. “I would say, don't give up. If it's worth it to you, it's worth fighting for and anything worth fighting for is never easy. I ran into many discouraging hurdles throughout this past year and it would have been so much easier to have said "never mind." The reward, satisfaction, and pure joy of pursuing my dream of Java Cats was unlike anything I have experienced!” Java Cats - 415 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30312
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 18
Want to advertise your business or next event? Send all submissions, proposals, questions, or media kit requests to
info@wussymag.com
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 19
event photos: Photos by: Rose Riot Photography
LA CHOLOTECA 4.20.17 @MJQ
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 20
event photos: Photos by: Austin Frantz
ICON 4.15.17 @JUNGLE ATLANTA
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 21
missed connections: Written by: Stevie King
ISSUE NO. 4 - EARLY MAY 2017 / PAGE 22
IC ONÂ
a celebration of
5.20.17
MADONNA forallhumans.co/boutique/iconmadonna
5.25.17 forallhumans.co/blog/privateiconbeyonce Jungle Atlanta 2115 Faulkner RD NE Atlanta GA F ORA LLHU M A N S .CO