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GEORGIA NEWS

Stacey Evans makes case for LGBTQ vote for governor Former state representative faces former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams in Democratic primary

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Last October wasn’t the first time Stacey Evans marched in the Atlanta Pride parade, but it was the first time doing it with her four-year-old daughter, Ashley, who rode her bike through the route.

Evans said it was wonderful, “to share it with her and to show her that this is how we treat people: we stand up for everybody, we love everybody. That’s not just a value for me as a candidate for office, that’s a value of mine as a mom for our family. So that was very cool.”

The office the former state representative seeks is governor of Georgia, but first comes the Democratic primary just over two months from now. Her opponent, former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, made a public push for the LGBTQ vote at events over one late January weekend. Georgia Voice sat down recently with Evans at her Midtown campaign headquarters to discuss the race and how she plans on addressing the needs of Georgia’s LGBTQ community.

Five years of religious exemptions fights It was the rapid state-by-state spread of marriage equality culminating in the 2015 Supreme Court decision that many say led to the number of religious exemptions bills being introduced at state legislatures nationwide. The Georgia Legislature is currently mixed up in the issue for the fifth straight year, this time with Senate Bill 375, a bill that would allow adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples based on their religious beliefs. The bill passed in the Senate in February and currently awaits a hearing in the House.

Evans, an attorney, didn’t hold back when asked her opinion of the bill, calling it “just disgusting.”

“It’s incomprehensible to me that people feel this way,” she said. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Former state Rep. Stacey Evans represented House District 42 in Smyrna from 2011 to 2018.

(Photo by Patrick Saunders)

“Passing comprehensive civil rights legislation would hurt any impact that legislation like that would have, but the best thing is just to not have it in the first place.”

—Stacey Evans on fighting anti-LGBTQ religious exemptions legislation She had a front-row seat to many of the religious exemptions bill fights over the last several years due to having a spot on the House Judiciary Committee.

“I would say that most legislators don’t come in with the priority to pass hateful and discriminatory legislation. They get caught up in it because they’re afraid of a certain segment of their base,” she responded when asked whether such legislation is really about protecting people of faith or if there’s another goal. “But I do know that there are some legislators down there that this is their mission, this is their focus. And I believe that in

their minds, they do come at it from a faith perspective — I just think they’re wrong.

Because I’ve been a Christian my whole life, my uncle was a Baptist preacher and I went to church a lot going up. Even in a Southern Baptist church in northwest Georgia, I don’t remember a lot of Sunday School lessons about hate and discriminating.”

Long-term goals involve redistricting Partly in response to the flurry of religious exemptions bills, Evans last year introduced comprehensive civil rights legislation.

“Passing comprehensive civil rights legislation would hurt any impact that legislation like that would have, but the best thing is just to not have it in the first place,” she said.

Long-term, the former state representative said redistricting is the key to fighting such bills, saying that too many elections are decided in the primaries with the way lines are drawn now.

“When that’s true, it becomes electorally advantageous for those on the right to play to a certain segment of their base. But when districts are fair, I believe you would have a map that is essentially 50-50 — maybe with an ever so slight advantage for Republicans — but more legislators will be elected in general elections, and we know that the vast majority of Georgians do not want this hateful legislation, so it becomes not electorally advantageous for these folks to bring it up.”

But redistricting likely won’t occur unless a Democratic governor is in office — something that hasn’t happened in over 15 years.

Should Evans outlast Abrams in the primary and manage to beat her Republican opponent, she said she plans on walking around the Capitol with a veto pen in hand to show proponents of religious exemptions bills that such legislation will never become law.

Addressing an epidemic Georgia ranks fifth among states for new HIV diagnoses according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Evans said expanding Medicaid would help address the problem. But how else would she, as governor, address the epidemic?

“I think making sure that we can do as much as possible to raise awareness of the issue, and that typically means you’ve got to invest some state dollars,” she said. “I think directing the Department of Public Health to study the issue, to make resources available, to just talk about the issue so that there’s an awareness throughout the city and the state.”

As to the fundraising tale of the tape in the Democratic primary, Abrams has taken in about $2.3 million with $460,000 cash on hand, while Evans has raised a similar amount helped in part by a $1 million personal loan and has more than $1.5 million on hand.

March 16, 2018 News 3

GEORGIA NEWS

Athens bookstore forced to remove LGBTQ book from private school event Administrators send apology letter; say incident was not censorship

usually the opposite.

“A few years ago, our board dismissed a request from someone asking that a book, ‘And Tango Makes Three,’ to be removed from our Lower School library. The board responded that, based on our mission and operating principles, we do not censor books,” Thorsen said.

By DALLAS ANNE DUNCAN “The Best Man” is the story of a middle school boy with four male role models, two of which decide to get married.

On March 7, “The Best Man” was part of a display of Georgia Children’s Book Award nominees at the Athens Academy book fair put on by Avid Bookshop. Just as quickly as that display went up, however, the book came down.

“A parent came up to my co-worker, Kate, and he grabbed the book and started asking about the age level. She thought he was asking about the reading level,” said Caleb Hewett, queer children’s book author and manager at Avid Bookshop. “Then he started saying things that made it clear he was talking about the content of the book.”

Hewett said Avid staff explained the book was there as part of the award nominee display, but a short while later, the head of the Lower School said the book needed to come off the floor. Later, the librarian informed them that the book needed to be in a box and out of sight.

Though administrators and Avid’s owner came to a compromise — “The Best Man” could be displayed out of reach of children — Hewett said by that point, he and other queer members on staff felt uncomfortable and unwelcome. After further communication with school administrators, the decision was made to end the book fair.

An unapproved book “’The Best Man’ was not part of a pre-approved list for our PreSchool [and] Lower School book fair,” Alan Weiler, director of finance and operations for Athens Academy, told Georgia Voice. “’The Best Man,’ which is recommended by its publisher as being for ages 9 and up, has been part of our Middle School library collection since it was published, along with other similar titles.”

Avid Bookshop, an Athens-based locally owned bookstore, has locations on Prince Avenue and in Five Points. It began a book fair partnership with Athens Academy several years ago. (Photo by Dallas Anne Duncan)

“It seemed obvious to [Athens Academy administrators] that ‘the path of least resistance’ was to take the book away. I think the problem here in general is too often, the easiest answer is to capitulate to the people who already have the power and the people who complain about the marginalized groups.”

—Caleb Hewett, queer author and Avid Bookshop manager To be approved for sale at the book fair, a list of books is presented to Athens Academy leadership.

“The fair was for children ages 3 to 9, so we expect our parents to have more control over what their children purchase. It was pulled from the reach of the children shopping after several parents stated they would prefer to control when they had conversations with their young children,” said John Thorsen, head of school at Athens Academy.

“In the moment, we saw it as being responsive to our parents. We certainly did not in-

tend to make anyone feel marginalized by this decision. We are a diverse and inclusive community and deeply regret that anyone has been hurt by this incident.”

In addition to children’s books, the book fair offered an adult section, as well as young adult books for ages 9 and up. Out of those, “The Best Man” was the only one requested to be removed, Hewett said. To his knowledge, it was the only picture book with LGBTQ themes at this fair.

Thorsen said this is the first time any sort of situation like this occurred — it’s

‘Athens Academy does not support censorship’ “This has been very, very difficult for our community, as we have been portrayed in such a harsh manner. That being said, we will be working hard to be better than ever for everyone in our community going forward,” Weiler said.

In an apology letter Thorsen issued, he called the book fair incident “an anomaly” and “a deeply regrettable set of circumstances that is not consistent with our welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.” The letter states that “Athens Academy does not support censorship or discrimination in any form.”

Thorsen indicated in his letter that Athens Academy will continue to partner with Avid, though he told Georgia Voice “it is too raw for us to broach this subject at this time.” Both Athens Academy and Avid leadership indicate that they hope to learn and grow from this experience moving forward.

“If this truly is an apology, I am super excited about that,” Hewett said of Thorsen’s letter. “If they are a school committed to supporting their queer kids, that’s awesome.”

Hewett said the most disturbing part of the incident for him was the quickness in which Lower School administrators responded to the parent by immediately pulling the book without any other discussion.

Avid later responded by holding an in-store benefit sale with proceeds benefiting the Athens LGBTQ Youth Group.

“It seemed obvious to them that ‘the path of least resistance’ was to take the book away.

I think the problem here in general is too often, the easiest answer is to capitulate to the people who already have the power and the people who complain about the marginalized groups,” Hewett said. “[I hope] the next time that decision will be a lot more difficult, and next time the queer kids and the queer books will have a little bit of armor.”

4 News March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

NEWS BRIEFS

Nearly 200 people gathered at Central Presbyterian Church on March 1 to rally against the anti-LGBTQ adoption bill SB 375. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

Hundred rally against anti-LGBTQ adoption bill Nearly 200 people gathered across the street from the Gold Dome on March 1 to rally against Senate Bill 375, the anti-LGBTQ adoption bill that passed the Senate at the end of February and quickly caused a national backlash reminiscent of the reaction to House Bill 757, an anti-LGBTQ religious exemptions bill that Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed in 2016.

SB 375 would allow adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples based on the agencies’ religious beliefs. The bill would also prohibit the state government from taking “adverse actions” against such agencies. SB 375 was initially introduced by Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick) as part of a state adoption code overhaul in 2017, but after its language was stripped from that bill, he reintroduced it as its own piece of legislation this year.

Georgia’s business community, particularly the film and television industry, came out strongly against SB 375. Gov. Deal has not issued a public statement on it.

During the rally, it was the words of transgender youth Tylen that drew the biggest response.

“When I met my parents, who are a same-sex couple, they are the best fathers that I could ever ask for. Taking away the fact that they can be parents to me and my foster brother, that means you’re taking away the fact that they have the ability to connect with me in a way that the people in group homes couldn’t. My other foster parent couldn’t even stand me,” Tylen said.

Tylen told the crowd they had been denied placement 30 different times.

Though it’s been all Republicans behind SB 375, and the bill passed along party lines in the Senate, there are conservatives who oppose it as well. One of those is Marisa Pruitt DeRossett, a conservative LGBTQ mother of three whose wife wants to adopt her daughters.

“SB 375 puts the very creation of our family at risk,” DeRossett said. “We cannot call ourselves true conservatives and champions of the family if we would willfully deny my children or the 14,000 foster children in the system of Georgia the opportunity to be part of a loving family.”

LGB-inclusive hate crimes bill gets new life Despite none of the three LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes bills passing from one chamber to the next on Crossover Day during this legislative session, there is still hope for such legislation to become law.

Language from HB 660 was attached to Senate Bill 373 — a bill that would create a new judgeship in Cobb County — which passed the House Judiciary Civil Committee March 8 and now heads to the full House for a vote.

However, key parts of HB 660, which was introduced in early January by Rep. Meagan Hanson (R-Brookhaven), were stripped before being attached to SB 373, including protections for those who’ve had a crime committed against them due to their gender identity. Mandatory reporting of hate crimes and training for law enforcement on hate crimes were both removed as well.

The substitute HB 660 language does include religion, race, national origin, gender and sexual orientation. Rep. Devid Dreyer (D-Atlanta) introduced an amendment to the bill adding gender identity, and explained the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation, but the amendment did not pass.

Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, praised the introduction of hate crimes language, but spoke out against it leaving out protections for those targeted based on their gender identity.

“Transgender individuals here in the state of Georgia are some of the folks most prone for being who they are,” Graham told the House committee. “Members of the LGBT community felt that our experiences are treated less than others because of the lack of a hate crimes law that is inclusive.”

Atlanta rainbow crosswalks damaged LGBTQ Atlanta always has its eyes peeled for anything happening to the rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue.

On Feb. 27, Atlantans began posting on social media after noticing the northwest corner of the crosswalks, near Flying Biscuit, had been paved over.

The city’s Department of Public Works told Georgia Voice through a city spokesperson that resurfacing was done that day, and restoration will be complete in 30 to 45 days. The $196,000 project was completed last July, and city officials said at the time that the life expectancy of the crosswalks would be 10 years.

6 News March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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NATIONAL NEWS

Federal anti-LGBTQ religious exemptions bill is back President Trump has promised to sign First Amendment Defense Act

By CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has reintroduced legislation in the U.S. Senate seen to enable anti-LGBTQ discrimination in the name of “religious freedom” — and President Trump made signing the legislation a campaign promise during the 2016 election.

The purported intent of the First Amendment Defense Act, as introduced by Lee on March 8, is to protect individuals from adverse action by the U.S. government if they oppose same-sex marriage or sexual relations outside of marriage.

Lee said in a statement the legislation is necessary to ensure the federal government doesn’t impinge on individuals’ beliefs about marriage.

“What an individual or organization believes about the traditional definition of marriage is not — and should never be — a part of the government’s decision-making process when distributing licenses, accreditations or grants,” Lee said. “And the First Amendment Defense Act simply ensures that this will always be true in America — that federal bureaucrats will never have the authority to require those who believe in the traditional definition of marriage to choose between their living in accordance with those beliefs and maintaining their occupation or their tax status.”

A section of the bill explicitly forbids the U.S. government from “alter[ing] in any way the federal tax treatment” of institutions that oppose same-sex marriage. That has been a concern expressed by public universities against gay nuptials, such as Brigham Young University, who fear their tax-exempt status will be stripped away much like the U.S. Supreme Court in 1983 stripped Bob Jones University of its tax-exempt status for not recognizing interracial marriage. (Bob Jones dropped its interracial ban in 2000 and its

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has reintroduced the First Amendment Defense Act, or FADA. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

“Supporters of this legislation are using religious liberty as a sword to hurt LGBTQ families rather than staying true to our long tradition of it serving as a shield to protect religious expression from government overreach.”

—David Stacy, government affairs director for the Human Rights Campaign tax-exempt status has been restored.)

According to Lee’s office, the legislation has 21 co-sponsors who are all Republicans.

Among them are Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Critics: FADA would carve into LGBTQ protections Critics say the legislation, also known as FADA, would impair LGBTQ rights in various ways because it would carve into federal

non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.

For example, FADA would undermine President Obama’s executive order against anti-LGBTQ workplace discrimination among federal contractors. Although legislation says it wouldn’t apply to federal for-profit contractors, that means nonprofit contractors — such as religiously affiliated hospitals or universities — would be able to engage in anti-LGBTQ discrimination and still obtain U.S. government contracts.

Jennifer Pizer, law and policy director for

Lambda Legal, said the bill is evidence “one of the main goals is to freeze-frame the lack of civil rights protections for LGBT people.”

“Many religiously affiliated nonprofits want to keep getting lots of public money and want to be able to discriminate,” Pizer said.

“We have been steadily building the body of the law and the public recognition that that discrimination is wrong and that’s true if it’s LGBT people or same-sex couples as well, so it’s an effort to get public money.”

David Stacy, government affairs director for the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement the legislation “would legalize state-sanctioned discrimination and undermine key civil rights protections for LGBTQ people.”

“Supporters of this legislation are using religious liberty as a sword to hurt LGBTQ families rather than staying true to our long tradition of it serving as a shield to protect religious expression from government overreach,” Stacy said.

According to Human Rights Campaign, FADA would compromise Obama’s 2014 executive order, LGBTQ non-discrimination protections in the Violence Against Women Act for emergency shelters; LGBTQ non-discrimination rules for homeless shelters within the Department of Housing & Urban Development; and same-sex couples’ access to benefits under the Family & Medical Leave Act. Conn Carroll, a Lee spokesperson, downplayed via an email the possibility the legislation would affect each of these pro-LGBTQ measures.

Keeping his pledge?

President Trump made a pledge to sign the FADA a campaign promise during the 2016 election — one he spelled out in a statement to social conservative Catholics who support his candidacy.

“If I am elected president and Congress passes the First Amendment Defense Act, I will sign it to protect the deeply held religious beliefs of Catholics and the beliefs of Americans of all faiths,” Trump said.

The White House didn’t immediately respond to requests to comment on whether Trump still supports the First Amendment Defense Act and would sign the legislation as introduced into law.

8 News March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

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Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

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Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

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To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

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• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

The exclusion that never was

BY PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com PO Box 77401 • Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941; F: 404-963-6365

EDITORIAL

Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Ashleigh Atwell, Cliff Bostock, Melissa Carter, Dallas A. Duncan, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Just Toby, Ryan Lee, Robbie Medwed, Ronni Radner, Jason Rhode, Matt Schafer, Dionne N. Walker, Simon Williamson

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Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor dtaylor@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Jim Brahms jbrahms@thegavoice.com Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

FINE PRINT

All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request.

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The editorial positions of Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Georgia Voice and its staff.

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10 Editorial March 16, 2018

“When we as a community are so used to playing defense all the time when it comes to our rights — see that anti-LGBTQ adoption bill we’ve been telling you about — it does need to be celebrated when we get a victory on offense.”

This was about to be a very different editorial until a late Tuesday afternoon call, but we’ll hold off on that for now.

So, I was covering a House committee meeting last week as hate crimes legislation was under consideration. The substitute language to Senate Bill 373 was introduced

by Committee Chairman Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs), which meant it was almost guaranteed to pass and go on to the full House for a vote, getting Georgia one step closer to leaving behind that embarrassing statistic of being one of only five states without such a law on the books.

But when reviewing the factors that would be covered under the law — crimes committed against someone because of their actual or perceived religion, race, national origin, homeless status, gender or sexual orientation — one vital factor was left out: gender identity. There was brief discussion about it but the committee voted against adding it, and the bill passed, apparently leaving transgender people — you know, the ones whose lives keep getting taken violently and who would seem to benefit the most from such legislation — out in the cold.

This always seems to happen when trying to pass pro-LGBTQ legislation over the years. Lawmakers will finally go far enough to protect people when it has to do with sexual orientation, but they aren’t there yet when it comes to gender identity.

It happened in 2007, when then-Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese promised that the trans community would be included in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. But they couldn’t get the votes, gender identity got left out and HRC President Chad Griffin (Solmonese’s successor) later apologized to the trans community for it at the 2014 Southern Comfort conference.

Flash forward to 2018 and the same thing

was happening again. Or was it?

It was Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham on the other end of the line on that phone call, and it turns out his team had been talking to legal experts about the matter ever since that committee meeting.

“Everyone is in agreement that the addition of ‘perceived gender’ in the hate crime bill will cover transgender and gender nonconforming folks,” he said.

Now let’s be clear here. Just because legal experts say there’s a strong argument to be made that trans people are covered under this doesn’t mean that a transphobic judge hearing a case about it will agree. And the number of transphobic judges is growing thanks to President Trump.

But this news does stand out because it hints that we’re clearing away the brush on the way to a place where the words “gender identity” don’t need to be explicitly stated for the trans community to have the same rights as everyone else — we would all be under the same umbrella of “gender.”

When we as a community are so used to playing defense all the time when it comes to our rights — see that anti-LGBTQ adoption bill we’ve been telling you about — it does need to be celebrated when we get a victory on offense.

“It is something I hope folks will take pride in,” Graham told me. “That is a gauge of how far the LGBT community has come here in Georgia. That’s everybody being in contact with legislators, meeting with folks.

I hope the community very broadly has a sense that this is the beginning of more good things to come here in Georgia.”

The bill isn’t law yet, and there’s no guarantee that it will be. But it was nice to dial back down the anger and frustration for just a minute to imagine the good to come.

FEEDBACK Re: “LGBTQ Atlanta favorite Cowtippers to remain open ‘for the foreseeable future,’” Feb. 27 “I went for the closing and I had a great waiter, great service and the food was very good! I’m glad that Cowtippers is staying open.”

-Dustin Ables via Facebook “Starting to feel like Cher’s ‘farewell’ tours...”

-Jason Vance via Facebook “At which point can we safely say this is just a promotional gimmick?”

-Darren Mitton via www.thegeorgiavoice.com Re: “Hundreds rally against anti-LGBTQ adoption bill across from Georgia State Capitol,” March 2 “#boycottGeorgia.”

-Paul Shapoe via Facebook Re: “Can ‘pioneering’ Atlanta-filmed gay teen rom-com ‘Love, Simon’ hit it big?,” March 7 “Saw a screening a few weeks ago. I wasn’t expecting much, but it really impressed me.

It’s a sweet movie. Very well done.”

-Mark Hesselgrave via Facebook “Watching the trailer, I wasn’t immediately aware of the setting, and I’m pleased none of the actors were instructed to slap on a butter-infused Paula Deen accent.”

-Kristopher Elisha Wilkins via Facebook “Saw it last night and yes, it can. It’s amazingly funny, cute and poignant all at once.”

-Orean Keels Jr. via Facebook Re: “LGB-inclusive hate crimes bill gets new life, passes out of House committee,” March 8 “They left out trans folks? That’s a shame.

I hope the ‘massive’ coalition of partners behind this bill withdraw their support until the entire community is included.”

-Robbie Medwed via Facebook “Thanks to Rep. Dreyer for keeping the community at the table!”

-State Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta) via Facebook Want to be featured in Feedback? Leave a comment to a story via social media or on our website, or email editor@thegavoice.com with the subject line “Feedback.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com

THIS IS OUR HOUSE

By Craig Washington

Regarding Henri McTerry Craig Washington is a writer, storyteller, angelic troublemaker and an HIV-positive conqueror.

“It was all about being free to express yourself and have a good time.”

- Henri McTerry Years before I joined the reverse migration South, Atlanta had been dubbed the new Black gay mecca. Within a year of my arrival in 1992, I was introduced to activists and artists who welcomed me into their fold. They also taught me about others who laid foundations for them. Long before storied clubs such as Traxx opened their doors, black gay society was active yet constricted. There were hidden figures whose social functions and networks expanded community structure. They opened windows and closed doors through which “the children” could come out, gather and play. Known as

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

the Father of Atlanta Black Pride, Henri McTerry was at the vanguard of this movement.

On Feb. 18, this towering bon vivant passed away, leaving a legacy as unique as the dashing character he displayed in life.

Henri was one of the city’s most successful event organizers from the late ’70s throughout the ’80s. The Atlanta native was an early architect for Black LGBTQ nightlife in Atlanta. He was widely recognized for the gala Labor Day picnics he organized from 1976 – 1988. By the mid-’80s, the events would draw on average more than 500 attendees, mostly gay men from across the US to his spacious backyard in Decatur.

His parties magnetized Atlanta and the growing convergence was eventually trans-

“Henri was 69 years old. I wish that I had made more time to spend with him. I regret not doing more to hand him his well-earned roses while he was still here.” formed into the nation’s largest Black Pride.

From 1984 – 87, Henri organized a popular Friday night social known as Skirts, hosted at Alexander’s, a restaurant in the “Southern Bell” building. As a young novice DJ, Keith Stephens watched Henri prepare events and was inspired.

“He knew how to get the permits, the sponsorships. He really knew how to put things together,” Stephens said.

As a young man, Henri studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. The man had style. His events were polished affairs asserting the sensibility that his people deserved quality experiences.

Henri was highly supportive of fellow organizers, especially younger men like David

Hampton and DJ Keith Stephens. Hampton was a founding member of the Ritz Boys, and his efforts elevated Traxx’s prominence.

Beyond his public works, Henri was a caretaker by nature. He relocated to Washington, D.C. to help AIDS organizations improve services for HIV-positive clients. He donated his own time and money helping friends to hang on, or die with dignity. He did so without seeking attention or reward.

Henri was 69 years old. I wish that I had made more time to spend with him. I regret not doing more to hand him his well-earned roses while he was still here. This writing is an overdue homage to a gifted brother who gave far more than he was credited for.

Thank you for my community, Henri.

March 16, 2018 Editorial 11

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

ABOUT OUR COVER ARTIST,

Cameron Lee Atlanta newcomer presenting upcoming queer art showcase at Revelator Coffee

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com When artist Cameron Lee and his husband, social media influencer, blogger and creative curator Rigel Cable, moved to Atlanta via Hollywood last summer, it didn’t take long for them to make their mark on the scene. Cable launched his first Atlanta event, the Atlanta Queer Creatives Panel Discussion, that November at Ponce City Market, and the pair will present SPECTRA: Queer Art Showcase on Friday, March 23 at Revelator Coffee Company in West Midtown.

That night, Lee will unveil four new artworks from his galaxy-inspired collection, featuring portraits of influencers from Los Angeles, and the showcase will also include works from his art show “Flores Fatales.” One of the pieces from Flores Fatales — featuring transgender L.A. model Amanda Cardona — graces the March 16 cover of Georgia Voice.

“She is so striking and has an intense energy about her that I knew would read well on camera,” Lee told Georgia Voice. “My image of her was selected to be shown at L.A. Art Show this year as part of a queer artist exhibit, and in many ways she has become the face of the Flores Fatales series. Her image is an ode to one of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo.”

Other local queer artists selected by Lee for SPECTRA include Jon Dean, LaRue Caillet, Savana Ogburn, Shanisia Person and Taylor Alxndr. The artists will receive 100 percent of any sales they make, which can be a rarity at such events.

“The current art model at galleries or events usually ends up charging the artists not only a large commission but a fee for wall space on top of it. This model prevents a lot of artists from being seen because they simply can’t afford to show their work, on top of the costs of all the supplies, framing and time they put into it their art,” Lee

Cameron Lee and his husband, Rigel Cable, moved to Atlanta from Hollywood last summer. (Courtesy photo)

Details

SPECTRA: Queer Art Showcase Friday, March 23 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Revelator Coffee Company 691 14th St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318 www.facebook.com/ events/1976522592607437

said. “Queer people are already a disenfranchised community, and as a queer artist I know firsthand the difficulties of funding your own artwork, trying to get it seen and staying true to your vision, even if society tells you it may not be appropriate. Queer people have such unique perspectives that I feel the rest of the world needs to see and embrace more.”

12 Community March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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The Year of Shears

Scissor Sisters frontman on going solo, new memoir and (happily) transitioning from twink to daddy

By CHRIS AZZOPARDI

“Oh, did I print that?”

Jake Shears is in a state of surprised perplexity, wondering if a version of his new (and very moving) memoir, “Boys Keep Swinging,” landed in the hands of journalists, such as myself, with what he calls the “weird epilogue.”

After all, Shears (born Jason Sellards) 14 A&E March 16, 2018

thought he stripped that throwaway entry — quite literally, as “I had them rip that page out from the ones that hadn’t been sent out already when I found out about that” — but those not-to-be-published pages still made the rounds.

In addition to reflecting on the process of reaching into tucked away corners of his life for the two-years-in-the-making memoir, the flash-forward epilogue explains his lengthy break from the Scissor Sisters, which Shears formed with Scott “Babydaddy” Hoffman in 2001, just days after Sept. 11. He writes, “I didn’t have much to say anymore through that particular filter.”

A love letter to the band of misfits he

met living in Seattle and New York responsible for his queer coming of age, a journey that transformed his youth as a suppressed, bullied Christian outcast into a flagrantly gay, go-go dancing, glam-rock superstar, the wonderful “Boys Keep Swinging” is an unflinching account of sexuality in bloom, imbued with Shears’ colorful record of his most influential and formidable years.

My mom is a fan of yours, and we’ve been to a Scissor Sisters show together. She wants to read your book, and I want her to, but I’m worried she’ll ask me a lot of questions about the gay community’s deep, dark secrets — like, what are International

Male catalogues? — after she does.

It was weird to have my own mom read it! She read it in a day, and I was really beside myself when I finally gave it to her, but I had her primed for it for a couple of years while I was writing it, so she was ready for it. She’s actually been super supportive and loved it.

Reading it, I don’t think I expected to find parts of myself in your life story.

But some of my earliest memories have been jolted and brought back to life because of you sharing your own. I forgot B. Dalton Bookseller even existed until you mentioned it.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

I had no expectations as to what people were going to think or respond to, or whether people would identify with it. It’s funny: [Musician] Sam Sparro, a really great friend of mine in Los Angeles and one of the first people I gave [the book] to when I got the uncorrected proofs, that’s what he said. He was just like, “I feel like this is my own story in so many ways.” The day I turned this book in was devastating to me. I was really very unhappy. Basically, it had to be ripped out of my hands. [Laughs] Why was letting the book go so difficult for you?

It’d been such a part of my life for a couple of years. I don’t know if I would call it a crutch, but it was definitely this obsession once I had started editing it. I was editing it until the last hour. When I turned in the final — the very last edits — I was so unhappy! I feel a lot better about it now. [Laughs] As gay people in their 30s, it’s sometimes easy to forget the emotional turmoil and personal struggle we went through to be comfortable with ourselves. Did reflecting on your own sexual adversity give you a greater appreciation for who you’ve become — this unabashedly gay role model?

I don’t really think of myself like that, but the thing I did underestimate, though, is, I’m a pretty resilient person. Going back and writing some of the more painful stuff, I feel like I kind of underestimated its effect on me, just in general in my everyday life. I would finish a week and feel terrible and realize I had been sort of reliving some hard stuff, and I didn’t really consider that when I was getting into it and didn’t really know that was happening at the time. It’s strange. I feel like there are 30 different books that I could’ve written.

Your photos, including the single cover for [last year’s ’70s-inspired] “Creep City,” have crossed over from twink to daddy, at least according to the gay men who comment on your Instagram photos.

I know! [The daddy name] just started a few years ago and I’m like, “Well, I guess we’re here now.” I turn 40 in October and have a great life and feel as sexy now as ever, if not sexier. I don’t mind going into my 40s.

I’m really excited about the next 10 years, and then the next 10 years after that. It was weirder finishing up my 20s and going into my 30s, but now I’m very happy about my age and aging. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Jake Shears’ memoir was released in February and he will release his debut solo album later this year. (Photo 1 by Raphaël Chatelain, photo 2 by Ivan Bideac)

Regarding the Scissor Sisters, can you give me an example of something you had to compromise on that you no longer have to as a solo artist?

This whole record is about a time and a place in my life, and it’s definitely me writing about a very specific place that I was at when I wrote it. There’s no way I could’ve made this record without everybody being like, “Why do we all have to perform songs about you?” [Laughs] You go through a lot of personal growth in the book. Had you known what you know now about life, what would you tell your younger self?

I would try to bolster my own confidence that my own instincts at the time were correct. There’s nothing I would go back and tell myself to do differently because I don’t really have any regrets or anything — OK, I mean, of course we all have regrets. But I just took my own path, and I would tell myself, at 18, 19 years old, “You’re headed in the right direction. Don’t second guess.”

It’s so crazy how much more self-doubt I have now as a 40-year-old man sometimes than I did then. Just writing this book and looking at me being 21 years old, I’m like, “Oh my god, I probably should’ve had a little more fear than I did!”

March 16, 2018 A&E 15

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

Clockwise from left: Calum Scott, Dua Lipa and Meshell Ndegeocello. (Courtesy photos)

Music in full bloom Talented cornucopia of LGBTQ artists and allies drop new music, local tour stops

By J. MATTHEW COBB If you’re searching for exciting new music to plug into this spring, it’s definitely in direct earshot.

Of all the album releases to drop this season, none comes with more excitement and anticipation than Calum Scott. With a voice parallel to Sam Smith, the 29-year-old UK singer struck gold with his intimate balladic cover of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” He continues that same trajectory towards mastering dreamy pop and crossover success on

his newly-released debut album, “Only Human,” a disc blessed with heartfelt gems like “You Are the Reason” and the opening track “If Our Love Is Wrong,” which he describes the latter as being his “coming out song.” “[This] was one of the first songs I wrote for the album and was a turning point for me in my personal and professional life,” he wrote on Twitter. “It’s an empowering song and I hope it can inspire other people to feel proud of who they are too.”

YEARS & YEARS RETURN, LAVERNE COX SURPRISES Back in 2015, Iggy Azalea took a brief hiatus from music and also dropped out from performing at Pittsburgh Pride after experiencing a bit of backlash from posting homophobic tweets. She’s since apologized and is rebounding (recently performing at Ros-

coe’s in Chicago). The art-heavy neon-layered concept video for her new single “Savior” is now on everyone’s lips. With a flowing tropical house melody and Quavo’s vocal hook, it’s the perfect return to the charts for the “Fancy” rapper and a glorious setup in becoming a summer anthem contender.

Synth-pop band Years & Years just dropped the music video for their new single “Sanctify.” It’s been getting a lot of buzz and was ranked number one on YouTube for trending within 24 hours of its debut. Frontman Olly Alexander explained that the song was inspired by his experiences with men who claimed to be heterosexual but felt the desire to explore their sexuality.

House music icon Crystal Waters is soaring up the Billboard Dance charts (rising to number 18 last week) with “I Am House,” a clever throwback to her feverish ’90s club

workouts. Check out the dance contest on the “Gypsy Woman” socials, where the best of the best submission will be used for the forthcoming concept video.

Trans advocate and actress Laverne Cox is even jumping into the realm of music with “Beat for the Gods,” a track that channels “Drag Race” runway EDM. Other musical expeditions to look out for: bisexual neo-soul songstress Meshell Ndegeocello, scheduled to perform at Terminal West on March 21, just dropped a new album (“Ventriloquism”) this week; LGBTQ ally and Atlanta resident Janelle Monáe drops her third LP, “Dirty Computer” on April 27; Charlie Puth, a performer at DC’s Capital Pride in 2016, drops his sophomore album, “Voicenotes,” on May 11.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

16 Spring Arts Preview March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

VOICES OF NOTE PRESENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 ON THE ROAD AGAIN The 2018 Shaky Knees Music Festival and highly-anticipated shows from U2, Justin Timberlake and a retiring Anita Baker are all on the menu for Atlanta’s spring schedule, but there’s plenty more where that came from, especially amongst LGBTQ acts and their closest allies.

For the month of April alone, there’s plenty of musical talent to explore. Andy Grammer (April 6 at Variety Playhouse), ’80s new wave electronic group Book of Love (April 7 at Aisle 5), “Glee” star Damian McGinty (April 14 at Red Clay Music Foundry), Lorde (April 21 at Infinite Energy Arena), Pink (April 21 at Phillips Arena) and “Rather Be” composers Clean Bandit (Center Stage on April 24).

With her bestselling single “New Rules,” breakout star Dua Lipa is already working on a new album. She told Rolling Stone, who described her as “pop’s gangster of love,” that the forthcoming music will still be pop, but will draw inspiration from Prince and “a lot of OutKast.” She’ll arrive at the Coca-Cola Roxy on June 9.

Former One Direction singer Harry Styles, bouncing off a soaring debut LP and largely-successful single “Sign of the Times,” is bringing his world tour to Atlanta on May 11.

Other upcoming shows include alternative hip-hop sensation K.Flay (March 24 at Variety Playhouse), singer-songwriter Kimbra (May 14 at Terminal West) and “Never Gonna Give You Up” ’80s legend Rick Astley (May 1 at Center Stage).

And with “March Madness” on our minds, Atlanta Freedom Bands, a group made up of local LGBTQ musicians, will perform a soundtrack of music highly associated with the world of sport on March 24 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

COMING UP FROM DOWN UNDER Some very talented Aussies are also making their way to Atlanta this season.

Dance-pop sensation Betty Who, best known for her viral hit “Somebody Loves You,” is on the road promoting her latest album.

“It’s such a blessing and I’m so grateful for the support of the LGBT community has shown me, because I wouldn’t have a career if it wasn’t for those first shows where people showed up,” Betty Who said to Gay Times www.thegeorgiavoice.com

to Georgia

MARCH 30 & 31

Openly gay Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander (foreground) in the group’s latest video for ‘Sanctify.’ (Courtesy photo)

back in 2017.

She’ll be returning to Atlanta to promote her latest album “The Valley” for a show at Terminal West on March 25.

Promoting their sophomore album “BATS” and trending single “Good Guys Go,” Australian alt-pop band Cub Sport will play Eddie’s Attic on April 3. This disc of very personal and intimate songs chronicles the journey of lead singer Tim Nelson as he details his coming out story and his adoring love for fellow band member Sam (Bolan) Netterfield. Today, the two are happily engaged.

A FIELD OF PURPLE With the second anniversary of Prince’s death looming over us (especially since his “Piano & A Microphone” performance at the Fox was one of his final performances), two tribute events are in the pipeline.

The ATL Collective will pay homage to the Purple One’s double LP opus, “Sign O’ the Times” on March 31 at the Buckhead Theatre. Dionne Farris, GURUFISH’s Jimmy St James and the Black Bettys and many others are scheduled to appear.

Then in June, 25 Shades of Purple will host Celebrating the Purple Genius, an event spearheaded by Prince super fan Ben Umbreit (aka DJ Ob-1 Benobi) that will honor Prince’s 60th birthday and offer up an all-encompassing experience filled with music, costume contests, purple lavished décor, memorabilia giveaways and special guest performances.

Prince performed a moving cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” at the Atlanta show.

The legacy of Bowie will also be celebrated with an all-star tribute made up of friends and former bandmates at the Buckhead Theatre on March 18.

Friday at 8pm Saturday at 2pm & 8pm

TICKETS AND M O R E AT:

AGMCHORUS.ORG SPONSORED BY This season is sponsored in part by:

Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and is supported in part by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

March 16, 2018 Spring Arts Preview 17

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

Promising slate of LGBTQ film fare this season All-female ‘Ocean’s 8,’ Atlanta Film Festival Pink Peach series, ‘Love, Simon’ are standouts

By JIM FARMER Those clamoring for LGBTQ product at the movies last year had to be happy with “Call Me By Your Name,” “Battle of the Sexes,” “Beats Per Minute, “Professor Marston and the Wonder Woman,” “A Fantastic Woman” and scores more hitting theaters throughout 2017. After a season that saw LGBTQ-themed films left and right, it will be curious to see what 2018 holds in store.

As always, the springtime is often light and that’s the case here, but what little programming is here is a promising slate.

“Love, Simon” has just opened. The film, shot in Atlanta last year and directed by the openly gay Greg Berlanti, is based on Becky Albertalli’s book “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” about a closeted gay high school student who begins an email correspondence with another gay student in school who has revealed his sexuality on a widely-followed blog.

With its appealing cast, including Nick Robinson as Simon and Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel as his super-cool, accepting parents, and strong word of mouth, this crowd-pleaser should do well at the box office. Atlanta looks amazing in the movie as well.

In April, Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams star in the lesbian-themed drama “Disobedience,” based on the novel by Naomi Alderman. This is the first English language film from director Sebastian Lelio, following his most recent success, “A Fantastic Woman,” which just won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Weisz headlines as Ronit Krushka, a woman who returns to the town that turned its back on her when she had an affair with a friend from her childhood. Once back, she begins seeing the woman in question (McAdams) again, although their religion doesn’t allow it.

From out director Andrew Haigh, whose credits include “Weekend” and TV’s acclaimed “Looking,” comes “Lean on Pete,”

Clockwise from bottom left: ‘Disobedience,’ ‘Ocean’s 8,’ ‘Venus’ and ‘Lean on Pete.’ (Courtesy photos)

another April offering. This one seems more family friendly, as it follows a teenager who takes a job working for a horse trainer and gets close to a fading racehorse. It stars Chloe Sevigny, Steve Zahn and Steve Buscemi.

Also in April, look for the return of the Atlanta Film Festival. This year’s version of the event features movies spread over 10 days. In addition to some high-profile fare, look for a number of LGBTQ films as part of the Pink Peach series, including the transgender comedy “Venus,” the documentary “Abu” and an appearance by Miss Richfield 1981.

May has its usual assortment of pre-summer blockbusters, with one of the most anticipated being “Deadpool 2,” again starring Ryan Reynolds as the cheeky, sexually

adventurous superhero.

Finally, a few titles hitting in early June should appeal to LGBTQ audiences. Was he or wasn’t he? From Morgan Neville, who made the Oscar-winning “20 Feet From Stardom,” comes “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” a documentary on the late Mister Fred Rogers in which subjects talk about the legendary TV figure and his importance — and address issues of his sexuality. And in the who cares what it’s about but I have to see it category, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Dakota Fanning, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter and out actress Sarah Paulson star in “Ocean’s 8.” It’s an all-female sequel of sorts to the “Ocean’s Eleven” heist films. Get tickets early for this one!

Details

“Love, Simon” Opens March 16 “Lean on Pete” Opens April 6 Atlanta Film Festival April 13 –22 Various Atlanta venues www.atlantafilmfestival.com “Disobedience” Opens April 27 “Deadpool 2” May 2 “Ocean’s 8” Opens June 8 “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

Opens June 8

18 Spring Arts Preview March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Atlanta's LGBTQIA+ Theatre Company

D D R O S L VES

When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas!

The classic, cult comedy hit by Del Shores

May 3 - 20, 2018 outfronttheatre.com Join Del Shores for two Sordid Lives talk-back events May 19 & 20 and catch his new one person show May 20 at 7 pm!

Tickets at outfronttheatre.com

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

11 LGBTQ TV picks to spring into the season New musical theater drama ‘Rise,’ ‘Lost in Space’ reboot, return of ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ jump out

ditional clothes and dynamic colors. The Conners are back; but, really, did they ever leave our hearts?

“LOST IN SPACE” (Premieres April 13 on Netflix) The rebirth of this sci-fi perennial features everyone’s favorite, The Parker Posey as Dr. Smith. Watch as Smith and the Robinson Family get thrown into the vast swathes of the interstellar void. Also, I’m sure there will be other actors and technicians involved. Let me reiterate: Parker Posey.

By JASON RHODE As the old saying reminds us, March comes in like a lamb, but goes out like a lion. And while we’re on the topic of coming out fiercely, there’s thankfully a number of spring 2018 shows that feature the LGBTQ experience.

“THE HANDMAID’S TALE” (Premieres April 25 on Hulu) The powerhouse dystopian sci-fi series is roaring into its second season. In the shadowy theocracy of Gilead, LGBTQ people are killed or strong-armed into sex work. The Margaret Atwood-inspired universe is the setting for the struggles of Elisabeth Moss’ Offred, and her lesbian friends Ofglen (Alexis Bledel) and Moira (Samira Wiley).

“LIFE SENTENCE” (Premiered March 7 on CW) This dramedy narrative follows Stella, a young woman under the cloud of a cancer diagnosis. She decides to live it up — no consequences! But when she finds out her disease is cured, she’s forced to deal with the fallout from her wild choices. Among the big reveals: Stella’s mom, Ida, is in love with her best friend Poppy — who is also Stella’s godmother.

“JESSICA JONES” (Premiered March 8 on Netflix) Labeled as a “queer-inclusive, feminist superhero series” by After Ellen, the second season of “Jessica Jones” follows up on its beleaguered everywoman as she navigates the superhero scenes of noir New York. Icy power-lesbian Jeri Hogarth, played with panache

by Carrie-Anne Moss, is a morally complex character in a world (and series) full of them.

“RISE” (Premiered March 13 on NBC) This music-drama is a Katims-Seller collaboration based on the aptly-named book “Drama High.” Josh Radnor will appear in the starring role of Lou Mazzuchelli. The show is based on an actual program: Truman High School in Pennsylvania provided the inspiration. Pride.com called the series a mashup of “Friday Night Lights” and “Glee” — and promises to be a one-two-three punch of theater class meets high school meets primetime showmanship.

“SHADOWHUNTERS” (Premieres March 20 on Freeform/ABC)

Clockwise from bottom left: ‘Heathers,’ ‘Jessica Jones’ and ‘Lost in Space.’

(Courtesy photos)

Despite controversy last year involving a gay slur used by castmember Dominic Sherwood on Facebook Live, this Netflix drama is generally regarded positively by fans; it’s provided a platform for LGBTQ representation in modern media, particularly in the form of Matthew Daddario’s Alex Lightwood. In this supernatural action series (based on Cassandra Clare’s book series) amazing teens hunt significantly less lovable demons. Now in its third season.

“YOU ME HER” (Premieres March 20 on Audience Network) This three-pronoun-title romance is an American-Canadian comedy that focuses on the romantic travails of a polyamorous relationship between married couple Jack and Emma — and their new friend Izzy. They all fall in love together, and that’s just the start.

“RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” (Premieres March 22 on VH1) You knew it would be back. Christina Aguilera guest stars in Season 10. The lipsync battles. The 14 contestants. There are more legendary-queens-in-waiting than a British history book. This groundbreaking show is still arguably worth your time. Bring … back … my … girls.

“ROSEANNE” (Premieres March 27 on ABC) The eponymous Roseanne was always a champion for gay causes, long before it was fashionable. Think Mariel Hemmingway. Think Sandra Bernhard. Think Estelle Parsons. The 2018 relaunch seems like it’ll follow in the same footsteps. Darlene has a gender-creative child, Mark (played by Ames McNamara), who experiments with nontra-

“DIETLAND” (Premieres June 4 on AMC) This new dark comedy, featuring Joy Nash and Julianna Margulies, will see the light in early June. With Martin Noxon at the helm, “Dietland” is a timely tale of self-acceptance.

The show is set dead center in the cutthroat world of the fashion industry. An overweight woman, Plum Kettle, readies for weight-loss surgery, only to be caught in the crossfire between two rising factions. Notably, “Dietland” will feature breakout transgender superstar Mya Jeanette Taylor, last known to audiences for her work in “Tangerine” and her winning an Independent Spirit Award. Taylor plays Barbara, a newcomer to the trans community.

“HEATHERS” (Premiere TBA on Paramount) A TV spinoff of the subversively beloved dark comedy. Of course, the world has shifted since the ’80s. Heather Duke is gender-queer, Heather McNamara is a biracial lesbian and Veronica Sawyer is still a supposedly good girl with bad ideas about homicide. The show was set to premiere March 7 but was delayed indefinitely after the Parkland, Florida, school shooting.

20 Spring Arts Preview March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

OUT OF DARKNESS: TWO REMAIN Jake Heggie MUSIc Gene Scheer Libretto

Apr 5 - 15, 2018 Balzer Theater at Herren’s Theatrical outfit

A beautiful story of love, loss, and survival in the shadow of horror.

atlantaopera.org | 404-881-8885

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

Abundance of LGBTQ riches on stage this spring Details

‘The Little Mermaid’ at Serenbe, Todrick Hall, Trixie Mattel are highlights

Lisa Lampanelli March 24 Center Stage Theatre “The Little Mermaid” March 28 – April 22 Serenbe Playhouse

By JIM FARMER Between theater gigs, special events, comedy, opera and concerts, the spring is a hotbed of LGBTQ offerings.

One of the most-anticipated treats of the season is “Out of Darkness: Two Remain,” staged by Atlanta Opera and directed by the company’s innovative artistic director, Tomer Zvulun. Composer Jake Heggie’s and librettist Gene Scheer‘s opera, in two acts, deals with Holocaust survivors being visited by ghosts from their past. It’s based on true stories by survivors including gay German Jew Gad Beck. The work is being done in collaboration with Theatrical Outfit.

Openly gay comic, actor and YouTube sensation Randy Rainbow is bringing his patented sense of humor to town in April. His musical tribute to the first presidential debate in 2016 was seen by more than 25 million people in just two days, and his comedic videos are starting to pop up everywhere.

Looking for even more laughs? A night with Kathleen Madigan might be the cure.

Over her lengthy career, she has been seen on every late night show imaginable, and her comedy show “Gone Madigan” has been seen on Showtime and Netflix. Also look for the queen of mean, funny lady (and gay fave) Lisa Lampanelli, visiting the city next weekend, and the improv madness of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” in May. Groundbreaking gay artist Todrick Hall follows up a run in Broadway’s “Chicago” with his new “American: The Forbidden” world tour, making a stop at the Fox Theatre in May. An evening of music, comedy and drag is promised at drag goddess Trixie Mattel’s Now With Moving Parts Tour, while the Atlanta Ballet’s “Bach to Broadway” is set to music by George Gershwin.

Out Front Theatre Company has a slew of events, including a production of the be-

“Out of Darkness: Two Remain” April 5 – 15 Atlanta Opera The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s Randy Rainbow Live April 12 The Buckhead Theatre Kathleen Madigan: Boxed Wine and Bigfoot April 13 – 14 The Buckhead Theatre Trixie Mattel — Now With Moving Parts Tour April 23 The Buckhead Theatre “Sordid Lives” May 3 – 20 Out Front Theatre Todrick Hall American: The Forbidden Tour May 6 Fox Theatre Whose Line is it Anyway?

May 8 Tabernacle Atlanta “Bach to Broadway” May 11 – 13 Atlanta Ballet Cobb Energy Centre

Clockwise from bottom left: ‘Out of Darkness: Two Remain,’ ‘The Little Mermaid’ and Trixie Mattel. (Courtesy photos)

loved “Sordid Lives” and a new show with “Sordid Lives” creator Del Shores titled “Six Characters in Search of a Play.” Other theater highlights include Serenbe Playhouse’s “The Little Mermaid” and Actor’s Express’ “The Color Purple.” As well, Aurora Theatre is taking its adorable version of the crowd-pleasing “Mamma Mia!” to the Ferst

Center in June after it closes it current run.

Finally, the biggest ticket of the season looks to be the long awaited bow of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” the winner of several Tony Awards and a pop culture phenomenon. It comes to town via the Broadway in Atlanta series and looks to cause the stir here it has everywhere else.

“Six Characters in Search of a Play” May 20 Out Front Theatre “Hamilton” May 22 – June 10 Fox Theatre “Mamma Mia!” June 9 – 24 Ferst Center for the Arts “The Color Purple” June 16 – July 29 Actor’s Express

22 Spring Arts Preview March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

EATING MY WORDS

By CLIFF BOSTOCK

Veggie heaven at Bella’s on Cheshire Bridge The dirtiest street in Atlanta, Cheshire Bridge, is suffering an apocalyptic case of gentrification. Police are harassing sexual playgrounds like Tokyo Valentino and landlords are terminating leases faster than you can say “Jungle.” Meanwhile, more hideously designed condos and apartments are under construction, even as homeless gay kids fill up the shrinking archipelago of unseen, undeveloped spaces.

Whatever your feelings about this, you know that some good restaurants have longthrived on Cheshire Bridge despite the horror — the horror! — of their sexy neighbors.

The most recent to open is Bella’s Best Organic Gourmet (1839 Cheshire Bridge Rd., 404-872-6081, bellasbestcookies.com). It is barely noticeable, located in a yellow cottage next to Las Margaritas.

The new café takes its name from chef/ co-owner Kim Purnell’s Aunt Bella, her family’s good-cooking matriarch. Purnell originally opened Bella’s with her husband Ray Grady on Bennett Street in 2006, following 20 years as a professor of rhetoric in the communications department of the University of Georgia. They moved operations to Cheshire Bridge late last year.

I absolutely love the place. The interior features a main bakery area and three dining rooms. My favorite space is a sunny alcove full of houseplants and flowers with a table for two. During my two visits so far, the restaurant has been pretty deserted — catering is a significant part of the business — but I expect word to catch on. It’s open for breakfast (all day) and lunch only.

The deal here is organic, mainly vegetarian cuisine, plus some exquisite pastries. Dishes made with eggs, whether quiche or scrambled and layered with one of Purnell’s gigantic biscuits, are superb. If you’re accustomed to buying cheap eggs at Kroger, you’ll be shocked by the flavor. You can also supplement your protein with choices like tempeh and vegan bacon. I included the latter on my biscuit and was surprised by its flavor, although I honestly thought it was superfluous.

The veggie burger at Bella’s is made with organic black-eyed peas, carrots, barley, brown rice, kale, onions and garlic, and served on flat bread. (Photo by Cliff Bostock)

My big surprise, speaking of protein, was the veggie burger. Purnell makes hers with organic black-eyed peas, carrots, barley, brown rice, kale, onions and (very little) garlic.

Served on flat bread, it is the best faux burger I’ve ever had — not because it impersonates beef, but because its flavors are so clear and its texture is al dente. There’s also a compelling portabella sandwich and a grilled-cheese. The menu features complex soups and salads, and everything from pancakes and French toast to lasagna and hummus.

But what really sold me on Bella’s is the ginger cookie. I grew up eating ginger snaps and have spent my life hunting good ones.

Bella’s is the best I’ve had in memory — even better than the addictive little ones at Trader Joe’s. What makes it so good? It actually has enough ginger in it to sting the back of the throat a bit. It’s also crisp on the first bite and then turns chewy. I swear I could eat them all day long. Among many other sweets, Purnell also bakes a Polish pastry her Aunt Bella loved — the strucia. I’ve yet to try one — that would mean skipping a ginger cookie — but the version studded with figs will eventually get in my mouth.

Cliff Bostock is a former psychotherapist now specializing in life coaching. Contact him at 404-518-4415 or cliffbostock@gmail.com.

24 Columnists March 16, 2018 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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Best Bets: Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for Mar. 16-29

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16 – 17

Indulge yourself in some of Atlanta’s finest up-and-coming artists, photographers and creators at the Chocolate and Art Show Atlanta. There is something for everybody including live body painting, live music, face painting and free chocolate, 8 p.m. The B Complex, 1272 Murphy Ave. S.W., Atlanta, GA 30310, www.facebook.com/ events/319464078512811 (Publicity photo)

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

question today is Edie Cheezburger, 3 – 4 p.m., 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.facebook.com/ events/131600124332500

Need some laughs? Head out to Dad’s Garage for Colin Mochrie Weekend sponsored by Baconfest, 8 – 11 p.m., 569 Ezzard St. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/ events/347861309031323

Georgia Ele-Advocates presents the Atlanta premiere of “Unchained,” an award-winning documentary following the work of Carol Buckley and her team as they strive to enhance captive elephant welfare in Nepal. The suggested donation is $20 at the door. 7 p.m., VirginiaHighland Church, 743 Virginia Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30306

The adorable gay-themed, filmed-inAtlanta “Love Simon” opens in area theaters today

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

The St. Patrick’s Day Bash/Block Party at My Sister’s Room features dancing, drag, three DJs, go-go dancers and a pub crawl, 12 p.m., 66 12th St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook. com/events/2013499375571624 At Drag Queen Storytime, children can enjoy story time with their parents and with a drag queen. The queen in

26 Best Bets March 16, 2018

Theatrical Outfit has opened Topher Payne’s award-winning play “Perfect Arrangement,” 7:30 p.m. tonight running through March 18, The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.theatricaloutfit.org Break out your festive green britches and

shamrock party dresses for the St. Patrick’s Day Swank event. Meet your friends for a cocktail and a dance as the dining room of Henry’s Midtown transforms into a dance floor and the party takes off into the night. DJ FreeCity is on tap for the night, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., 132 10th St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook. com/events/409797879475337 Furball Atlanta returns tonight with Alex Acosta and Vicki Powell, 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. Heretic Atlanta, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/ events/1560359497346913 FADE is a queer women’s party based in Philadelphia that brings together music, performance and good vibes. FADE Atlanta: Let Me Blow Your Mind Edition features hiphop, Afrobeats and dancehall, with sounds

by Hourglass, DJ Jamz and THEaka-

sha, and performances by Yung Baby Tate and Zhé Aqueen. FADE is hosted by Dani Da Ninja with special guests Rejected Society, 11 p.m. – 3 a.m., Space 2, 485 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, www. facebook.com/events/207868079950488

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Georgia state Rep. Park Cannon (DAtlanta) will speak at the Victory Fund Atlanta Bubbles & Biscuits Reception today. Rep. Cannon is a critical LGBTQ voice in the state Legislature and will provide an update on equality in Georgia during this important election cycle. New Victory Fund president and CEO, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, will also speak about the unprecedented number of LGBTQ people running nationwide in 2018, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., The Wimbish House, 1150 Peachtree St. N.E.,

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBTQ EVENT

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Boundary-pushing stand-up comedian and insult comic Lisa Lampanelli is in town for a set at Center Stage Theater, 7 p.m., 1374 W. Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.ticketmaster.com (Publicity photo)

Submit your LGBTQ event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/ events/793356290860436 The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets today from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1605 Interstate 85/Frontage Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.uuca.org The Queens United event today helps raise money for the unemployed drag queens who quit Burkhart’s in protest, 5 p.m., Out Front Theatre Company, 999 Brady Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.facebook.com/ events/1679435275455952 For one night only, former David Bowie bandmates and world-class players perform a career-spanning concert of

nothing but David Bowie music, David Bowie style. “Celebrating David Bowie” takes place at 8 p.m., Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30305, www.facebook.com/ events/589658398084198 Ally Queered Al Yankadic, Autumn Skyy, Buffet Galore, Nurse Holly, Cherry Poppins and Plenty Moore are part of the Armorettes show tonight, 8 – 10 p.m., Oscars Atlanta, 1510 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/ events/814325525442777

MONDAY, MARCH 19

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. 7 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals hosts its Connecting Lunch Networking Lunch today from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ri Ra Irish Pub, 1080 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.maapatl.org Join Rainbros for their weekly walk-andtalk and meet folks in the community, 6 p.m., 14th Street entrance of Piedmont Park, www.facebook.com/ events/547415438956496

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

EVENT SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Cowtipper’s Heifer Review has returned. Join Ruby Redd and her heifers as they stampede down today and enjoy an all new brunch special and the all new one-gallon fishbowls, 1 – 4 p.m., Cowtippers Steaks & Spirits, 1600 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook. com/events/364944350690270 (File photo)

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Eight drag performers come together tonight to put on a showcase in celebration of Black Future Month. The NeonBlk line-up includes Semaj Onyx Coxring, Sir Cumcision, Coco Iman Starr, Taylor Alxndr, Dotte Com, Qween Farrazz, Dfaxx and Tristan Panucci Dupree, 9:30 p.m. – 12:20 a.m., Argosy, 470 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.facebook.com/ events/549828465392043

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

Do you want to read books by amazing black women writers? Do you want to discuss works from a black feminist perspective in a feminist bookstore? Then the

Black Feminist Book Club is for you.

Charis Circle board chair Susana Morris will be the facilitator of this group. This month’s book is “We Need New Names”

by NoViolet Bulawayo, 7 –9 p.m., Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 – 25

Electric Boogieland is a series of themed dance parties that will showcase classic dance and R&B music from the 1970s and 1980s. Each month will have a different theme and this month, it’s Studio 54. Noni’s, 357 Edgewood Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312, 10 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., www.facebook.com/ events/195918944474571

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

Capitol City Opera Company presents Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m., Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30319 Every year, Affinity at Agnes Scott sponsors the drag show A Night in the Cosmos, and the fierce queens on tap tonight include Molly Rimswell, JayBella Banks, Mystery Meat, Dotte Com and Taylor Alxndr,

CONTINUES ON PAGE 28 March 16, 2018 Best Bets 27

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 7 p.m. – 12 a.m., 141 E. College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.facebook.com/ events/1770465006594481 SPECTRA will feature Atlanta local queer-identified artists with an art opening event tonight. Featured artists include Cameron Lee, Jon Dean, Savana Ogburn, Taylor Alxndr and LaRue Caillet, 8 – 11 p.m., Revelator Coffee Company, 691 14th St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.facebook.com/ events/1976522592607437 Party for Princess, a benefit show and dance party benefiting Princess Charles, revs up at 10 p.m., My Sister’s Room, 66 12th St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/ events/780392005490337

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Atlanta Freedom Bands present the soundtracks of sport, competition and video gaming during “Let the Games Begin!” Taking place during the height of March Madness, this stirring music will

transport you from the baseball diamond, around the race track, through mysterious gaming worlds and to the top of Mount Everest. And what sporting music collection would be complete without John Williams’ works from the Olympics? The evening also features the premiere of “Soundtrax,” a new work from resident student composer Connor Sullivan, a junior at Kennesaw State University, composed especially for the concert. 8 p.m., Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/804050489787158 Grab a Peter Pan costume and join the fun at the yearly epic party the Neon Neverland Theme Event, 9 p.m. – 3 a.m., BJ Roosters, 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/ events/164347944219734 Sugar, tea, and a little bit of variety … these are the ingredients used to create Atlanta’s longest-running queer variety

CONTINUES ON PAGE 29

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

Out Front Theatre Company opens “Buyer & Cellar” tonight. It’s the story of a struggling actor in L.A. who takes a job working in the Malibu basement of a beloved megastar, running through March 25, 8 p.m., 999 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.outfronttheatre.com (Publicity photo)

To advertise, contact: sales@thegavoice.com

PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT CONTACT: SALES@THEGAVOICE.COM 28 Best Bets March 16, 2018

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

Get ready to sing along to “Dancing Queen,” “Voulez Vous” and more as Aurora Theatre continues its run of “Mamma Mia!” through April 22, 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville, GA, 30046, www.auroratheatre.com (Publicity photo)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 show. Come out tonight for SWEET TEA: A Queer Variety Show. The event is hosted by and features a performance

by Taylor Alxndr, with special guests Don Crescendo, Michael Cera Palin, Micky Bee, Paege Turner and Xt Venus Valentine. Doors opens at 9 p.m. with a DJ set by DJ Coxino, and the show starts at 10 p.m., The Mammal Gallery, 91 Broad St. S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/320307301707171

MONDAY, MARCH 26

The Oscar-winning “A Fantastic Woman” – featuring transgender actress Daniela Vega – continues at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse today, various showtimes, 5920 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30328

TUESDAY, MARCH 27 - 28

The AgLanta Conference is a premier urban agriculture conference, organized

by Agritecture and hosted by the City of Atlanta’s Office of Resilience, to showcase urban and controlled environment agriculture innovation, foster community engagement and generate economic development. AgLanta 2018 will challenge this dominant notion of Smart Cities by asking: Can a city really be “smart” without agriculture? 8 a.m., The Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, 65 M.L.K. Jr. Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/300544340436938

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 27

Don’t miss Trans Week: Art Talk with Shoog McDaniel and Cortez Wright, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Troy Moore Library, Room 2343, 25 Park Place N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ events/216891552207729

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

Enjoy Hump Night with host Regina tonight at 8 p.m., Friends Neighborhood Bar, 736 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.friendsonponce-atl.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

Amir Rabiyah is a two spirit disabled queer female poet and writing coach and the author of “Prayer for My 17th Chromosome.” Come hear her read from the book tonight at Charis Books and More, 7:30 – 9 p.m., 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

UPCOMING SATURDAY, MARCH 31

Field Day is a grown-up version of the most awesome school games from your childhood, with three-legged races, hula-hoops, tug-ofwar, dizzy lizzy and plenty of other fun games throughout the day. The event benefits Action Cycling Atlanta, an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit, dedicated to ending HIV/AIDS. 10 a.m.

– 1 p.m., Emory Student Activity & Academic Center - Recreation Field, 1946 Starvine Way, Decatur, GA 30033, www. facebook.com/events/1806968316267363

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A proud Pisces, I just celebrated my 48th birthday on the 11th. As a woman who has never been self-conscious about my age, it was a fun time hanging out with friends and spending the actual day with my son. But, I am noticing more and more women in my general age group choose to ignore their birthdays at this stage in their lives, as if not acknowledging the event will allow their age to stay frozen in limbo. And the biggest violators are straight women.

Aging is the arena where lesbians seem to have an advantage. Maybe that’s because lesbians learned a long time ago that we don’t judge other women intimately on their looks alone, and the same can be said for how we are measured in turn. We have the luxury of being able to relax in the area of body image and step up our game on intellect and personality. Straight women have been fed a different diet, feeling the need to stay youthful regardless of their ambition or intellectual pursuits. Oftentimes, they sacrifice any independence in order to stay attractive to the opposite sex.

A straight friend is turning 50 this year, and you would think that when that day comes in the summer, she will be subjected to horrific punishment from the way she expresses her dread of it. I openly tease her for her reaction and let her know she will be invited to my 50th extravaganza, which I intend to celebrate in a big way with some kind of trip to a tropical area with close friends.

In my case, though, it isn’t just my sexuality that makes me comfortable in whatever phase of life I’m in. My kidney failure and subsequent transplant might have something to do with my lack of fear when it comes to getting older, since I’ve already faced the Grim Reaper and he graciously stepped away from my doorstep for the time being. Any year I am able to live is a gift rather than a burden.

But, I do think the biggest influence on how I handle birthdays comes from a straight

“Aging is the arena where lesbians seem to have an advantage. Maybe that’s because lesbians learned a long time ago that we don’t judge other women intimately on their looks alone, and the same can be said for how we are measured in turn.” woman, my mother Millie Pete. I never once heard her complain about her age, and even now at the age of 88 she doesn’t concern herself with her graying hair and the increasing lines on her face. She never had plastic surgery, never put a needle on her face to take away laugh or stress lines and preferred to socialize with younger people because her energy more evenly matched their own. One of the reasons she chose to leave the assisted living facility here in Atlanta near her grandson was because she didn’t enjoy hearing the complaints of her peers.

Just because you’re getting older, no matter how old that is, doesn’t mean there aren’t more things to learn and enjoy. I don’t think there is a bigger gift you can give to your children than the ability to be comfortable in your own skin, and that’s what both my parents offered to me. They continued achieving throughout their lives, and I have been greatly influenced by that. I hope to pass that tradition along to my son, so that he expects that not only in himself but also in the women around him too.

Melissa Carter is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and has been heard over the years on B98.5 and Q100 and can currently be heard daily on the Progressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.”

Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

SOMETIMES ‘Y’

By RYAN LEE

Longer, blessed days I stopped participating in daylight saving about five years ago, but not like Arizona and other rebellious states that refuse to change time twice a year. Simply, there are no clocks in my daily life that require manual adjustment, so my cell phone, computer and other time-displaying devices remember to fall back and spring forward for me.

This automated convenience doesn’t spare me from our ritualistic grief over the time change, or the injustice we feel when 60 minutes are stolen from us by God, the government or whatever time-bender is messing with our circadian rhythms. I don’t like waking up an hour earlier than I’m used to, but 9 p.m. daylight is one of my favorite parts of life, and so, overall, I appreciate the onset of later sunsets.

I’m mostly astonished daylight saving endures despite hostility toward the time change pushing it past April 15 as the most despised day of spring. By now, most folks knows it’s a rural legend that this is all done for the benefit of farmers or to save money on light bulbs, and so we go through this inexplicable protocol knowing it’s pointless (at least Groundhog Day is non-binding).

It would seem that a bill to eliminate one of the most hated rituals in our democracy could be introduced today and passed tomorrow, but our groggy outrage blooms as annually as dogwoods and pear trees. States can request an exemption from the guidelines that are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, making daylight saving an uninspiring interpretation of time travel.

I’d volunteer to lead the siege on the Gold Dome or feds to end this silliness, but I’m already engaged in longterm resistance against another mindless cultural norm. It’s a struggle even more inane than the woe we express over daylight saving, but the custom taints my second-favorite bodily convulsion.

I hate when people say, “Bless you” after I sneeze, and I resent my obligation to interrupt the redistribution of energy occurring in www.thegeorgiavoice.com

“We know that demons surrounding us after a sneeze is as ridiculous as setting our clocks ahead so Iowan children can pick corn on their way to school, but these charades are perpetual.” and around the body that contains my soul in order to say, “Thank you.” I despise this exchange so much that I am content enduring the awkward, crushing silence created by the absence of, “Bless you” after someone in my presence sneezes.

I know my stance comes across as rude, if not soulless, but the entire exchange is too profoundly unnecessary for me to play whichever role I’m conscripted into. We know that demons surrounding us after a sneeze is as ridiculous as setting our clocks ahead so Iowan children can pick corn on their way to school, but these charades are perpetual.

No one thinks of demons when they say, “Bless you,” but nor is anyone thinking of anything else; it is an empty gesture that is emptily received, for rarely has anyone appreciated a post-sneeze blessing or felt vulnerable without one. Presuming there is some positive energy conveyed in, “Bless you,” it’s still misdirected because there is nothing about sneezing I consider negative.

As reflexive actions that culminate with forceful expulsions, I’ve always enjoyed sneezes as low-grade orgasms, and I’m disappointed if I don’t get off at least two without someone dowsing me with blessings. Sometimes I use my teeth to pluck hairs from my mustache in order to trigger a sneeze, essentially inducing socially acceptable ejaculation.

Think about that before you barge into someone’s semi-autonomous reaction, and maybe you’ll decide this ain’t your clock to set.

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March 16, 2018 Columnists 31

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