05/13/16, Vol. 7 Issue 6

New Odefsey is now available 速

OdefseyB_GeorgiaVoice_10x10.5.indd 1-2

Actual Size (15.4 mm x 7.3 mm)

One small pill contains rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

Ask your healthcare provider if ODEFSEY is right for you.

To learn more visit ODEFSEY.com

Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the following pages.

4/7/16 12:43 PM

Brief Summary of Patient Information about ODEFSEY ODEFSEY (oh-DEF-see) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. There may be new information about ODEFSEY. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take ODEFSEY or similar medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs – feel dizzy or lightheaded – have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take ODEFSEY. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools) – loss of appetite – nausea – pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time.

• Worsening of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and take ODEFSEY, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking ODEFSEY. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before.

– Do not run out of ODEFSEY. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your ODEFSEY is all gone.

– Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider.

– If you stop taking ODEFSEY, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking ODEFSEY.

OdefseyB_GeorgiaVoice_10x10.5.indd 3-4

What is ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine that is used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL, or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have a viral load that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment.

It is not known if ODEFSEY is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age or who weigh less than 77 lb (35 kg).

When used to treat HIV-1 infection, ODEFSEY may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”.

• Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections.

Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).

ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or re-use needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Who should not take ODEFSEY? Do not take ODEFSEY if you also take a medicine that contains: • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, BaycadronTM) • dexlansoprazole (Dexilant ®) • esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo®) • lansoprazole (Prevacid®) • omeprazole (Prilosec®, Zegerid®) • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) • pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®) • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®) • rabeprazole (Aciphex®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater ®, Rimactane®) • rifapentine (Priftin®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY? Before taking ODEFSEY, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney and bone problems • have had depression or suicidal thoughts • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY.

Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take ODEFSEY. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

– At least one of the medicines in ODEFSEY can pass to your baby in your breast milk.

It is not known if the other medicines in ODEFSEY can pass into your breast milk.

– Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some medicines may interact with ODEFSEY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

• You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with ODEFSEY. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with other medicines.

How should I take ODEFSEY? • Take ODEFSEY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. ODEFSEY is

taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection.

• Take ODEFSEY 1 time each day with a meal.

• Do not change your dose or stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking with your

healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ODEFSEY.

• Do not miss a dose of ODEFSEY. • If you take too much ODEFSEY, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest

hospital emergency room right away.

• When your ODEFSEY supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider

or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ODEFSEY and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY?” • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Rash can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash. In some cases, rash and allergic reaction may need to be treated in a hospital.

If you get a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop taking ODEFSEY and call your healthcare provider right away: – fever – skin blisters – mouth sores – redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis) – swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat – trouble breathing or swallowing – pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area – dark “tea-colored” urine

• Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have

any of the following symptoms: – feel sad or hopeless – feel anxious or restless – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with ODEFSEY in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known.

• Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

• Bone problems can happen in some people who take ODEFSEY. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones.

The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache.

The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

• These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about ODEFSEY. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ODEFSEY that is written for health professionals.

For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.ODEFSEY.com.

Keep ODEFSEY and all medicines out of reach of children.

Issued: March 2016

ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and GSI are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. ODEC0005 03/16

4/7/16 12:43 PM

GEORGIANEWS

LGBT groups issue endorsements for May primaries Details

Nine openly LGBT candidates compete with several races close to call

2016 primary elections for the Georgia legislature Early Voting Started: May 2, 2016 Primary Election Day: May 24, 2016

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com The days are dwindling. After months and months of knocking on doors, making calls, attending events and raising money, the first major test of the local election year occurs on May 24 with the primaries.

All 56 seats in the state Senate and all 180 in the state House are up for grabs, along with a few judgeships and county commissioner posts. There are nine openly LGBT candidates running, and local and national LGBT groups have released their official endorsements for those and other races.

“Georgia Stonewall continues to be committed to supporting fair-minded Democrats and increasing our equality-driven representation in offices across the state,” said Tim Cairl, chair for Georgia Stonewall Democrats, in a statement.

Georgia Equality executive director Jeff Graham told Georgia Voice of their picks, “Georgia Equality is proud to support a large number of candidates in legislative, judicial and other races around the state. As our organizational capacity increases, we hope that we can provide even more endorsements in the future. We are especially interested in getting more involved in municipal races in the cities where we are doing work with local advocates. The extreme levels of gerrymandering that take place in Georgia make primary endorsements especially important because the vast majority of legislative races are actually decided in the primaries rather than the general election in November.”

Here are the races to watch and the endorsements from Georgia Equality and the Georgia Stonewall Democrats.

House District 54 District includes: Buckhead and West Midtown The Lowdown: Openly gay candidate Bob Gibeling is unopposed in the primary election but faces a stiff challenge this November against incumbent Republican Rep. Beth Beskin.

Georgia Equality endorsement: De-

State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and state Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta) are unopposed in their primary and general elections and will be reelected in November. (File photo)

House District 56 District includes: Southwest Atlanta, Downtown, and Midtown The Lowdown: Marckeith DeJesus, a 37-year-old openly gay certified financial counselor, has a tough primary as he faces off against Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas, who’s looking for a third straight term in District 56 after two previous stints in the House.

Georgia Equality endorsement: Declined an endorsement Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas

House District 59 District includes: East Point, Inman Park, Grant Park, Lakewood Heights, Little Five Points, Poncey-Highland and Reynoldstown The Lowdown: There are no Republicans who qualified for the race, so it’s all down to the Democratic primary to decide who takes the seat, and it could be a close one as openly gay pastor Josh Noblitt takes on attorney David Dreyer and Janine Brown.

Georgia Equality endorsement: Josh Noblitt Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Josh Noblitt *Noblitt also picked up an endorsement from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

House District 58 District includes: Southwest Atlanta, Downtown, and Midtown The Lowdown: Openly queer state Rep. Park Cannon has no challengers in this year’s primary or general election and will get a chance to make a mark with her first full two-year term.

Georgia Equality endorsement: Rep. Park Cannon Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Declined an endorsement *Cannon also picked up an endorsement from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

House District 60 District includes: Southeast Atlanta, Hapeville, parts of Clayton and DeKalb counties The Lowdown: Lesbian state Rep. Keisha Waites is unopposed in the primary and is expected to land a third straight term in office when she faces off against Republican truck driver Ralph Nobles in November.

Georgia Equality endorsement: Keisha Waites Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Declined an endorsement

clined an endorsement Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Declined an endorsement

House District 62 District includes: Portions of College Park, Douglasville, East Point, and portions of Fulton and DeKalb counties The Lowdown: Two openly gay candidates and six overall duke it out to replace retiring state Rep. LaDawn Jones. And there is no Republican opposition in November so whoever wins in May takes the seat. Openly gay community activist and flight attendant Rafer Johnson goes up against lesbian family law attorney Valerie Vie, attorney William Boddie, Jr. public servant Aaron Johnson, entrepreneur Joshua Butler and businessman Larry Perkins, Jr. Georgia Equality endorsement: Rafer Johnson Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Declined an endorsement but may endorse if/when the race goes to a runoff *Johnson also picked up an endorsement from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund House District 85 District includes: Avondale Estates, Clarkston, Decatur and parts of Belvedere Park and Candler-McAfee The Lowdown: Lesbian state Rep. Karla Drenner faces no opposition in the primary or general elections and will be elected to her eighth term in office come November.

Georgia Equality endorsement: Karla Drenner Georgia Stonewall Democrats endorsement: Declined an endorsement Other Races Fulton County State Court Judge Jane Morrison has no opposition and will serve another term, while her wife, Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner, will do the same. Both picked up endorsements from Georgia Equality. Openly gay family law attorney and Fulton County magistrate Gary Alembik is one of three candidates seeking to replace retiring Fulton County Superior Court Judge Wendy Shoob. Alembik picked up Georgia Equality’s endorsement.

6 News May 13, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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GEORGIANEWS

Navigating Georgia’s gender marker maze Traffic court incident, election year bring about anxiety for transgender community

assignment operation and other identifying information.”

Claiborne had previously elected to have surgery—a personal decision and one that not all trans people use to authenticate their gender identity—and successfully got a letter from her physician attesting to that fact.

Surgery is a costly endeavor that not all transgender people want or can afford though, especially considering the disadvantages they face due to higher levels of employment discrimination. However, some physicians will take a more broad reading of the term “gender change” and “gender reassignment operation,” with some issuing the letters on a transgender or gender nonconforming patient’s behalf if they’re only on hormones or undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com There are many hurdles that Georgia’s transgender and gender nonconforming community have to jump over in order to live their lives, but one has stood out even more so lately due to both a recent incident in traffic court and to it being an election year—changing the gender marker on their state-issued ID. Longtime Atlanta transgender activist Dee Dee Chamblee says that she was repeatedly misgendered and interrogated about her genitalia while attending a recent traffic court hearing in East Point. Solicitor General Antavius Weems reportedly (and incorrectly) told Chamblee that the law required him to address her using the pronoun matching the gender marker on her ID, which was listed as male.

Having a gender marker that others view as not matching their appearance can also have consequences at the polls. A 2014 Williams Institute report estimated that 4,400 members of Georgia’s transgender voting-eligible community may have been disenfranchised in that year’s election because they either had no identification or the one they had didn’t accurately reflect their gender.

It doesn’t help that Georgia has one of the strictest voter ID laws in the country.

But there are ways to go about changing the gender marker on your state-issued ID, and ways around even having to show up at your local polling location to successfully cast your vote.

Georgia law requires doctor’s letter Atlanta transgender activist Gabrielle Clairborne crossed a personal milestone in 2012 when she walked out of a local Department of Driver Services office with a drivers license including a photo that finally reflected her true self. Two years later, she officially changed her name—an approximately 45day process in Fulton County that began

Gabrielle Claiborne had to present a letter to the county from her doctor confirming gender affirmation surgery in order to update her gender marker. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

“The reality is, regardless of the photo or the name or the gender marker on my drivers license—or any other trans person’s drivers license—we know who we are. Nevertheless, it does feel good to have a fully aligned official ID. Not only is it affirming to us, but it also allows others to interact with us more comfortably, without confusion and hopefully without malice.”

— Atlanta transgender activist Gabrielle Clairborne with filing paperwork, having her intention published publicly for 30 days and culminating in a courtroom appearance.

She was elated, but then was brought back to reality while obtaining the certified court documents in the records department.

“It was there that a staff person told me I could get my gender marker changed on all my legal documents by presenting a letter to their office from my physician certifying that my transition was total and complete,” Claiborne says. “This was a sad reminder to me that much of society still determines

the gender identity of trans individuals by our genitalia, despite the names on our legal documents or who we know ourselves to be.”

The Georgia Department of Driver Services requires applicants to update any “physical changes” on their ID, including weight, height, eye color or gender.

“Gender updates requires applicant to submit a court order or physician’s letter certifying gender change,” the DDS rules state.

“The letter or court order shall state the person’s name, date of birth, date of gender re-

Absentee voting an option For transgender and gender nonconforming individuals who, for one reason or another, haven’t updated their gender marker but still want to express their right to vote without being concerned about a confrontation with a poll worker on election day, there is another option—voting absentee.

Simply download the ballot from the Secretary of State’s website, then mail, fax or email it to the local county board of registrar’s office. Georgia Equality also has a Transgender Voter ID Toolkit available on their website and at their office that has more information on voting absentee, updating IDs and more.

So the hurdles still exist for Georgia’s transgender and gender nonconforming community when it comes to interacting with local government and voting, but there are some workarounds available to get over them. And the community surely won’t stop living as their true selves.

“The reality is, regardless of the photo or the name or the gender marker on my drivers license—or any other trans person’s drivers license—we know who we are,” Claiborne says. “Nevertheless, it does feel good to have a fully aligned official ID. Not only is it affirming to us, but it also allows others to interact with us more comfortably, without confusion and hopefully without malice.”

8 News May 13, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

NEWSBRIEFS Georgia State study: Atlanta homeless LGBT youth numbers higher than previously reported A new report released on May 3 shows that Atlanta’s LGBT homeless youth problem is worse than once thought. The Georgia State study showed that over 950, or 28.2 percent, of the 3,374 homeless and runaway youth they surveyed in the metro Atlanta area self-identify as LGBT. That’s a 27 percent increase over a previously reported estimate of 750 LGBT homeless youth in the area.

The new findings come from Georgia State University’s 2015 Atlanta Youth Count and Needs Assessment (AYCNA), which took place from May through July of last year and involved 50 Georgia State and Emory University students scouring the metro Atlanta area to count homeless youth between the ages of 14 and 25.

“Certainly the fact that well over one-infour homeless youth identify as LGBT, the 6.5 percent that identify as transgender, all of those sadly reinforce what we have known anecdotally for a really long time—that homelessness among young LGBT people is something we really need to focus on,” said Georgia Equality executive director Jeff Graham, who was in attendance at the press conference.

The study team was led by Dr. Eric Wright, Professor of Sociology at Georgia State, who is also a Georgia Equality board member.

Wright said that the genesis of the idea for the study came after he became a member of the Atlanta Coalition of LGBTQ Youth (ACFLY), a program of Georgia Equality led

by Emily Brown, who was also in attendance at the press conference. Brown told Georgia Voice that the issue of homeless youth came up often in their meetings.

“I look at this as Georgia State responding directly to the community’s need for data on an issue that we need resources on,” she says.

Graham says they plan on incorporating the new data into Georgia Equality’s work on HIV, youth engagement and transgender issues and making it a priority in future policy agendas now that they have data they can push policymakers on.

‘We’ll have to step it up even more’ Rick Westbrook, executive director of Atlanta homeless LGBT youth organization Lost-n-Found Youth, had been estimating the number of the city’s homeless LGBT youth to be 750. He got the number from taking the total number of homeless youth found www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Rick Westbrook, executive director of Lost-n-Found Youth, was present at the press conference announcing Atlanta’s homeless LGBT youth population. (File photo)

from a 2013 Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collaborative Homeless Survey, and then using the data from a 2012 Williams Institute study that found that 40 percent of the nation’s homeless youth are LGBT. The release of the new report changed that.

“That’s more than we thought. Much higher,” Westbrook said after the press conference. “We’re dealing with those kids oneon-one and that just means we’ll have to step it up even more.”

There was one surprisingly positive aspect to emerge out of the study’s findings—a sense of hope among the city’s homeless youth.

“They’re dreamers,” Wright said. “And despite their difficult circumstances, they really were optimistic—psychologists would call this resilient—for the future. And they had big ideas and big dreams.”

Georgia State’s study team will continue to analyze the data from their study and release further reports in the coming months.

Snellville woman’s car, home vandalized with gay slur Kristi Logue’s Mother’s Day celebration was brought to a screeching halt on May 9

after discovering her car and garage door of her home had been vandalized with a gay slur.

Logue’s son informed her after being the first to notice the act of vandalism.

“My kids were like, ‘Mommy what’s happening?’ My little girl starts crying and I’m just at a loss to figure who did it and why they would do it and it’s not me,” Logue tells WSB. “I couldn’t believe it. Actually I was at a loss for words. I saw the car first, it was written in white across the hood, both sides of the car and the trunk. And then I go to the garage door and I see it in black,” Logue said.

The incident occurred within 48 hours of Logue moving into her new home. Neighbors say this incident is outside of the norm for this relatively quiet Snellville neighborhood.

Logue, who does not identify as lesbian, says she is scared and can’t imagine why anyone would target her. Her neighbors have stepped in to help remove the gay slur from her car but her garage door will have to be repainted.

Logue says she’s grateful for the response of Snellville Police.

“The Snellville Police is awesome, oh my goodness. They really assured me that they are going to figure this out.”

May 13, 2016 News 9

“Hey HIV —— understand this —— we’re living together but I give the orders.”

Ashley - Atlanta, GA Living with HIV since 2006.

Being in the military prepared me for a lot of things, but not my HIV diagnosis. I found it difficult to take medication every day.

Fortunately, with the help of my doctor at the VA, taking my medicine is just another part of my morning routine, brush my teeth, wash my face, and take my meds. By sticking to my medication, doctor visits and support groups, I stay healthy and happy. As a support group leader, now I’m helping others to get into their own routine.

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks

Outspoken PO Box 77401 • Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941; F: 404-963-6365

Editorial

Editor: Darian Aaron daaron@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Patrick Saunders psaunders@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Ashleigh Atwell, Melissa Carter, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Bill Kaelin, Ryan Lee, Kim Riggins, Simon Williamson

Production

Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com

Business

Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Managing Partner: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com

Sales

Sales Executive: Anne Clarke aclarke@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor dtaylor@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.

A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices.

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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12 Outspoken May 13, 2016

“Just know that you are not alone, that all around this country, there are places that you can go to find support and help and advice and love. You are not alone. Do not despair, no matter what your parents say.

You’ve got to understand it can be very hard for parents to hear that their son or daughter is gay.

But it’s their problem. It’s not your problem. Don’t despair.”

— Actress Jane Fonda on LGBT youth during a red carpet interview with The Advocate (5/2 Screencap Image)

“I wasn’t ready to be back in the headlines. I didn’t feel like I owed anyone anything. I think in due time, everyone has to make those decisions when they’re ready, and I wasn’t yet.

But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said.”

— Actor Colton Haynes on coming out in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. (5/5 Instagram)

“I implore you to push the conversation even further—to find the connection between toxic masculinity and misogyny. And to understand how the root of homophobia is really sexism. And then we must push it even further to understand that until women are free, men can never be free.”

— Openly gay former NFL player Wade Davis during a TED Talk on masculinity.

(4/19 Screencap image) www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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OUT IN THE WILD Creepoftheweek

By Simon Williamson

Hate from afar will get here Louie Gohmert’s obsession with bathrooms is off target Simon Williamson lives with his husband in heteronormatively-assimilative fashion in Athens, after a year of surviving rural Georgia.

“While we might approve of the backlash to North Carolina and Mississippi’s laws, do not think for one second that Pat McCrory and Phil Bryant aren’t giddy at the prospect of emboldening so many other people to harass those they don’t want in their state.”

It has been a thoroughly depressing month since I last complained in these pages. While complaining is something I am both enthusiastic about, and rather good at, I prefer to not have to use my abilities when the real lives of our people are being affected in hideous, shitty ways.

By now North Carolina’s HB 2 law, a hastily drawn mishmash of bigoted words trying glibly to mask the professional prejudices of elected leaders, in particular Governor Pat McCrory, is now infamous. Its direct aim is at transgender people. And, on top of that, the state decided that no local governments may pass any protections for the LGBT community, which naturally robs us of the most amenable level of government when we gather in organized numbers.

Not to be outdone in the hate-stakes, Mississippi then went a step further and passed a hate law that didn’t even bother to stuff itself full of pro-donor fluff. It was just rabid detestation of other people, handing out invitations to anyone to screw with people, knowing the law would back them. Even by the low standards by which we judge the ability of Mississippi to turn hatefulness into law, this was an outstanding achievement.

We know this game. We know how it is played. We have been on the receiving end of the hate-brigade for so long that even our expectations for the people who “fight for us” are frightfully low (*cough Hillary Clinton cough*).

But we shouldn’t think at all that this movement being started by North Carolina and Mississippi is going to be limited to those two states.

One of the fortunate aspects of living in www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Georgia is that while our governor is a conservative man, and we don’t see eye-to-eye on much, he governs like an adult. While that may be passing terrible laws maturely, it means that he vetoes bills that, like a phoenix, rise from the ashy grievances of people like state Senator Josh McKoon. The borders of our state, however, are not impervious to what the governors of North Carolina and Mississippi are beginning.

While we might approve of the backlash to North Carolina and Mississippi’s laws, do not think for one second that Pat McCrory and Phil Bryant aren’t giddy at the prospect of emboldening so many other people to harass those they don’t want in their state. Women who don’t look exactly how some people think they should are being pulled out of the lines for the restroom – in one clip a policeman asks a lesbian woman for ID so she can use the toilet, for no other reason than the copper thinks she didn’t look woman enough. Isn’t it just awesome that femininity is now governed by the responsible folks two states to the north?

Bryant and McCrory are getting what they want: the severe harassment of LGBT people around the country. They do not want us in their state or region, and they are empowering the people that hate us to come after us. They make it harder for us to find somewhere to live, they make it more difficult to hold a job, and now they don’t even want us to be able to use a public toilet.

And they have begun a wave of emboldened hatefulness that will not limit itself to their states. Beware, even in a state with a grown-up governor. The people who hate us have been encouraged to act.

By D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Target. It’s kind of a weird name for a store. I mean a target is something you shoot at. But now Target is the target of the antitrans right because Target did something pretty radical. Something few companies have dared to do because it’s just so fringe, so wild, so unheard of.

On April 19, Target announced that it’s okay for people to use the restrooms at their store. I know! Can you even believe it? Can you even believe how totally mundane and uninteresting that should be? But, no. This nation’s unhealthy obsession with the potty habits of trans people or people who do not have a rigid gender identity has made such a statement revolutionary, apparently.

“We welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity,” Target said in an April 19 statement. “Given the specific questions these legislative proposals raised about how we manage our fitting rooms and restrooms, we felt

it was important to state our position.”

To which I say, “Bravo, Target!

Other people, however, are freaking. Dumb people, but people nonetheless.

And one of those Rep. Louie Gohmert dumbs is Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas).

“I understand Target may now be changing their restrooms,” Gohmert said on the House floor on April 21 according to the Huffington Post. “If they’re going to be having women come into men’s restrooms, I won’t be going to Target to shop, unless and until that changes.”

The crux of Gohmert’s complaint, and really the entire argument in favor of the bathroom police laws being proposed across the country, is who gets to define what a man or a woman is? Target thinks it should be up to the individual person. Gohmert thinks it should be him.

May 13, 2016 Outspoken 13

CATCHING UP WITH …

Stan Fong Atlanta Pride Committee member, NQAPIA board member opens up about cancer fight

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Stan Fong was moving right along in early 2014, busy as ever—running his IT consulting company, serving as a member of the Atlanta Pride Committee and as a board member of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), and being a regular presence at LGBT events throughout town. But then something turned up on an X-ray following a car accident and his doctor delivered the news—he had non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Fong looks back on telling his loved ones the bad news, going through chemotherapy and his advice to others given the same diagnosis, as well as addresses the biases against the Asian-Pacific Islander community.

So tell me about your cancer fight.

How did you find out?

What happened was I had a car accident and in a follow-up after the accident they did an X-ray of my chest, and during the X-ray they found a mass the size of a softball. It turned out to be a malignant tumor. I was already experiencing some breathing problems, which I assumed was because I was out of shape but it really was the mass pressing against my heart.

Luckily it was the first year I got health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. It was one of those things where everything was luck. The accident, my first year of health coverage, everything was great—even though it was cancer, it was great. It was six months of intensive chemo and as of right now I am a year-and-a-half in remission.

How did you handle hearing the diagnosis?

You know, I’d reached a point in my life where I pretty much was accepting of any-

“It was harder for me to break the news to friends and family, especially my mom. My mom and I’s relationship hasn’t been the most perfect relationship, but I had just reached the point in my life where she was able to tell me that she was not praying for me every night.”

—Stan Fong on telling his loved ones he had cancer thing that would happen. It wasn’t hard for me to handle the news. It was harder for me to break the news to friends and family, especially my mom. My mom and I’s relationship hasn’t been the most perfect relationship, but I had just reached the point in my life where she was able to tell me that she was not praying for me every night [laughs].

What was the hardest part of that process?

Seeing how everybody else reacted to it. It’s very hard for me to ask for help. I’m more likely to disappear like a wounded animal and just go hide in a corner somewhere [laughs]. That was my instinct but the friends and family that I had made me come out and let them know. I had a lot of trouble trying to communicate with my family about what was happening because everybody wanted to know everything. But my sister, who’s a registered therapist at Children’s [Hospital of Atlanta], was an intermediary between me and my family so she got all the information

Stan Fong went through six months of chemotherapy and has been in remission for a yearand-a-half. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

and she talked to all of them for me.

I was told to take a break and slow things down and I tried to work through my treatment. It’s tough when your job is to solve problems and to think a lot and you realize that you’re having hallucinations or you’re having side effects from the chemo that make you not think straight at all. So I couldn’t rely on my thinking for a long period of time.

What advice would you give someone who receives a similar diagnosis and is about to go through the same experience?

Find people you can joke with about your situation. When people asked me what I needed, I told them ‘I need more cancer jokes.’ If you have cancer jokes, send them my way because the world needs more cancer jokes. And there also needs to be more headwear for guys who are going through chemo because the wigs and the knitted hats that they have catalogs for in the chemo room don’t fit men very well.

Turning to your social justice work, what kind of bias do you see against API people within the LGBT community?

I can easily talk about online dating when people say ‘No fats, no femmes, no Asians.’

That’s my favorite one. It automatically discounts me in like three different ways [laughs].

The other part is understanding that sometimes it’s harder to come out as a gay man in the Asian community. Simple things like your

boyfriend meeting your parents, if you have an Asian parent that’s harder. It’s not just a cultural barrier but also a language barrier.

In the LGBT community, the vision of the Asian community is whitewashed to the point where ‘Oh if you’re Asian, you must be Chinese,’ when in reality there’s Koreans, Southeast Asians, and so many different skin tones. I get mistaken for Filipino quite a bit when really I’m just Chinese. I’ve visited Hawaii and been mistaken for a native rather than a tourist.

It was also a big deal for me to see gay Asian characters on TV the very first time, not just in movies like “The Wedding Banquet.” There was a daytime soap where there was a gay character who just happened to be Asian and the storylines talked about him being gay and Asian. And not only that but he was hot and he was masculine, he wasn’t effeminate. That’s a big deal. That’s just some of the stereotypes in the community.

A lot of people ask me how they can get more Asian people to show up to their events and I say you just have to ask. I show up because I want to do this work and I want to be part of my community. I do it because I still like doing it and I’m not going to guarantee that I’m going to like doing it for the rest of my life, but at the moment I love doing what I do. I don’t want to be the leader for the Asian people in the community, but if the work that I do means that other people see an Asian person in a photo at an LGBT event, that’s the most important part.

14 Community May 13, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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Brian, age 45, California

Summer Travel

Cuba is open for business LGBT culture improves as travel restrictions eased in popular Caribbean spot

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Last January, President Obama made the historic announcement that lightened the restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba.

It immediately led to Americans dreaming of strolling the cobblestone streets among vintage cars and vibrantly colored buildings, or relaxing with a cocktail on one of the many gorgeous beaches.

But lost in the shuffle of that announcement was a remaining fact—tourist travel to Cuba is still not authorized by current U.S. law.

But there are ways around that fact to make some of those Cuban daydreams come true.

There are 12 categories of people who may visit Cuba without violating the travel restrictions. They include family visits, professional research and professional meetings, religious activities, public performances and more. But one of those categories is being used most often by people and tour companies to get around the tourism ban—educational activities.

“It’s a tour that’s carefully crafted so that you will be introduced to the culture,” says Jo Giraudo, Decatur resident and owner of Insider Traveler. “They keep you busy during the day and you’ll be taken around to all of the hot spots but it’s under the guise of educational exchange activities.”

And as a bonus, you’ll still get a chance to hit up the beaches or nightclubs in-between the educational activities.

President’s niece takes lead on LGBT rights This is in the Caribbean though, where several anti-LGBT countries call home—Jamaica being possibly the worst of the bunch.

So what can LGBT travelers expect?

While same-sex marriage is banned in

“I hope people get a chance to go before it gets Disneyfied or Starbucksed, because it was really kind of special to be in a place where there was absolutely nothing familiar. I really really loved that aspect of it, it was really amazing.

I hope that people go before everybody else moves in and starts taking over.”

— Grayson Thagard, Atlanta resident who visited Cuba last January with his husband Cuba, there are employment protections covering sexual orientation (but not gender identity), and the general public’s attitudes have rapidly improved in recent years.

In 2010, former President Fidel Castro took responsibility for the persecution of gay Cubans and urged people to accept the community. He might have had a little push from his niece, Mariela Castro, daughter of current President Raul Castro. Mariela is a member of parliament, the director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education and has been an LGBT rights champion for years, even proposing and securing passage of a law in 2008 that allowed transgender Cubans to have gender affirmation surgery free of charge. And yes, there is an annual Pride celebration with parade included that’s taking place this month.

Atlanta resident Grayson Thagard visited Cuba with his husband, Martin Dunlap,

Cuba’s annual Pride celebration takes place this month in Havana, with Mariela Castro sure to attend. (Photo via Facebook)

last January, just after President Obama’s announcement about easing travel restrictions.

While he says that the hotels they stayed in always put two beds in the room instead of one, Thagard explains, “I don’t know if they did that because it was two male names and they assumed. Other than that, there was really no issue. We’re not a big PDA couple, so that wasn’t a really big issue for us. We didn’t see any rainbow flags anywhere but I didn’t feel threatened in any way, shape or form. I didn’t feel like people were looking at us strangely or anything.”

Giraud concurs, saying, “There’s no LGBT issues. It’s comfortable, it’s welcoming. I think they’re figuring it out at the same time that everyone else is figuring it out. It’s not a big deal.”

Can’t miss cities and beaches Once you get to Cuba, there is more than enough to explore and Giraud says you should be able to check out most of the island on a week-long trip.

Old Havana is a must-see and is everything you imagine when you think of Cuba.

But don’t forget the beaches. Head east from Havana to Varadero Beach, probably the most famous of them all with the white sand giving way to crystal clear water. And there’s even a nature reserve and caves to explore while you’re there.

The town of Trinidad always lands on “Best of ” lists, with tourists (we’re sorry, we meant “education enthusiasts”) soaking

up the ambiance in Plaza Mayor, the city’s central square, and admiring the architecture that dates back hundreds of years.

“It’s amazing,” Thagard says of Trinidad.

“It’s all low-rise buildings except for one or two big towers, and cobblestone streets and tile roofs as far as the eye can see.”

Be aware though that your chances of documenting your Cuban experience in real time on social media might be slim. The cellular and wifi networks are spotty at best and Giraud says it will take awhile for the country’s infrastructure to improve now that the travel restrictions have been eased. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

“That was the biggest change—being completely disconnected from the grid, and it was really kind of nice,” says Thagard. “We couldn’t rush home from the day and upload a bunch of pictures to Facebook, we just had to enjoy our time there and find things to do.”

If you’re thinking of waiting for that infrastructure to catch up to modern times, maybe give it a second thought. Things are beginning to change and you might prefer seeing Old Cuba in its natural, untouched current state.

“I hope people get a chance to go before it gets Disneyfied or Starbucksed, because it was really kind of special to be in a place where there was absolutely nothing familiar,” Thagard says. “I really really loved that aspect of it, it was really amazing. I hope that people go before everybody else moves in and starts taking over.”

16 Summer Travel May 13, 2016 wwww.thegeorgiavoice.com

Summer Travel

Costa Rica—the great tropical escape Relaxation, exploration awaits LGBT travelers in this Central America paradise

By DIONNE WALKER In the hierarchy of tropical fun-in-thesun vacation destinations, South Central America isn’t typically on top. But increasingly, travelers looking for a unique getaway are turning to Costa Rica, just three hours south of Miami. Spanish for “rich coast,” the country boasts amazing biodiversity, dizzying nightlife and some of the most breathtaking white sand beaches in the region.

Perhaps most importantly, this country of 4.8 million stands out for its growing LGBT travel amenities and culture that has slowly warmed to gays and lesbians—unique in a region rich in conservative, Catholic ideology.

“If you have done ‘Latin Light’ with Mexico, then Costa Rica is the ideal step,” said Colin Brownlee, who has spent a decade welcoming travelers as co-founder of Hotel Banana Azul, an LGBT-friendly spot on the Caribbean side of Puerto Viejo.

More recently, tourism has become big business, contributing $2.4 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2014 alone, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

A tropical paradise Take a look in any travel brochure and it won’t be hard to understand Costa Rica’s tourist appeal.

Snorkel, jet ski or simply sunbathe at Playa Negra, Playa Avellanas or any of the other more than 300 beaches bordering the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Further inland, zipline or enjoy one of many hiking tours through places like the Tenorio Volcano or Corcovado national parks. The former features misty grottos and picturesque waterfalls perfect for sitting and reflecting, while Corcovado is a sprawling nature reserve that exotic birds, monkeys and even the occasional big cat call home.

Nature is huge in modern-day Costa Rica, which shelters 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of the country is comprised of conservation and natural protected territory.

The country has more than 20 natural parks, and dozens of wildlife reserves and protected areas. Places like the Tortuguero National Park are legendary for their seasonal sea turtle nesting, as well as for being home to crocodiles, manatees and many oth-

Nature is huge in modern-day Costa Rica, which shelters 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity.

Roughly a quarter of the country is comprised of conservation and natural protected territory. (iStock photo)

er protected species.

Before you visit, however, be warned: Costa Rica is an extremely progressive country when it comes to the environment, and prohibits hunting for sport.

LGBT friendly?

It’s clear that Costa Rica is a lovely tropical gem, with plentiful opportunity for relaxation and rainforest adventure. But does that tropical canopy mask a tense relationship with the LGBT community?

The answer is largely no.

Longstanding laws protecting same-gender sex, anti-discrimination laws and recognition of some same-sex couples place Costa Rica head and shoulders above its Central American neighbors in terms of LGBT rights. But there is still a long way to go: A recent bill to legal-

At San Jose’s Colours Oasis Resort, LGBT people can enjoy deluxe accommodations situated closely to some of the country’s most popular nightclubs, bars and gay bathhouses. (Courtesy photos)

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

ize same-sex marriage has stalled after religious lawmakers tacked on hundreds of amendments, The Tico Times, an English-language daily online newspaper, reported in April.

Central America remains a region steeped in the Latin attitude of “machismo” – a hypermasculine cultural relic that strictly governs gender behaviors. Brownlee said it’s toned down in Costa Rica, but the country has seen its fair share of high-profile homophobia, including a widely publicized 1990 incident where government officials barred suspected lesbians from entering the country.

Two decades later, attitudes have warmed considerably, with openly gay and lesbian destinations scattered across the country and even a June Pride celebration.

“When people ask me about what Costa Ricans think about LGBT community, I always tell them that ‘Costa Ricans find gays & lesbians mildly amusing!’” said Brownlee, who also operates a handful of gay-friendly touring companies.

Travelers can bed down at the gay-owned Hotel Villa Roca, where boys frolic in an infinity pool as the sun sets over the Manuel Antonio National Park in the distance.

At San Jose’s Colours Oasis Resort, LGBT people can enjoy deluxe accommodations situated closely to some of the country’s most popular nightclubs, bars and gay bathhouses. More active travelers can schedule a tour with Gecko Trail, an LGBT-friendly touring company that sells multi-city treks.

All in all, Costa Rica has a little ways to go before it’s the perfect place for the LGBT expat. But for now, when it comes to week-long, rainbow-soaked getaways, it’s a sure bet.

May 13, 2016 Summer Travel 17

CALL TO ACTION

Doraville Resolution Honoring LGBT Day on June 26 (as proposed)

Join the City of Atlanta and encourage our Metro Atlanta Cities to formally support June 26th as LGBT Day! Metro Cities new and old that are

Whereas, On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage; and Whereas, In recent national history, June 26 has been a day of significant judicial rulings in the struggle for LGBT and human rights.

On June 26, 2003, the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to criminalize the consensual, intimate conduct of two people of the same sex.

inside the Perimeter are known for their diverse populations. This year we are especially thrilled that

On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to deprive same sex couples of the equal liberty of people who are protected by the Fifth Amendment; and

our Governor vetoed dangerous discriminatory legislation and the Justice Department is fighting for our rights. Now is the time for our local governments to celebrate these hard won victories with us!

Call City Hall today and ask the Mayor and City Council to pass these

Whereas, Locally, on June 26, 1976, the City of Atlanta marked the first official Gay Pride Day; and

Whereas, Doraville and the Metro Atlanta Region has one of the highest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations in the Nation Now, Therefore, We, the Mayor and the members of the Doraville City Council, and on behalf of the citizens of Doraville, recognize this singularly important day on the LGBT calendar and hereby proclaim the twenty-sixth day of June annually as LGBT Equality Day in the City of Doraville.

Important Resolutions!

Sandy Springs—770-730-5600

Chamblee — 770-986-5010

Brookhaven — 404-637-0710

Doraville — 770-451-8745

Mayor Rusty Paul

Mayor Eric Clarkson

Mayor John Earnst

Mayor Donna Pittman

Councilmember John Paulson

Councilperson John Mesa

Councilperson Linley Jones

Councilperson Shannon Hillard

Councilmember Ken Dishman

Councilperson Leslie Robson

Councilperson John Park

Councilperson Dawn O’Connor

Councilmember Gabriel Sterling

Councilperson Thomas Hogan

Councilperson Bates Mattison

Councilperson M. D. Naser

Councilmember Tibby DeJulio

Councilperson Brian Mock

Councilperson Joe Gebbia

Councilperson Pam Fleming

Councilmember Andy Bauman

Councilperson Darron Kusman

Councilperson Robert Patrick Councilperson Sharon Spangler

For more information: QueerYouthforEquality @gmail

Summer Travel

Sail away to nearby paradises Vacationing close to home can be just as memorable

By RYAN LEE There are many perks to summertime in Atlanta, from the series of festivals that fill the season, to the proliferation of shirtless joggers glistening under the southern sun. But there’s also brutal heat and humidity without the relief of any waterfront within the metro area.

Despite its landlocked status, Atlanta is an afternoon’s drive from several of Georgia’s popular lakes, and just a little further away from two coasts that offer nearby getaways. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the oceanfront or hop away for a weekend in a different city, here are some of the best destinations that don’t necessarily require a plane ticket.

GEORGIA Lake Lanier Travel time from Atlanta: 45-minute drive from Atlanta.

Drive-by Details: Less than an hour away from the concrete and congestion of Atlanta is Lake Lanier, the most popular body of water within the Georgia borders. With almost 60 square miles of water and 700 miles of shoreline, Lake Lanier attracts more than 7 million visitors per year for swimming, boating, jet skiing, waterfront dining and more.

It’s close enough to Atlanta for a single-day trip, but the options for an overnight stay range from the ritzy Lanier Islands resort, to hotels and B&Bs, to rental cabins or camping sites.

LGBT Life: Anyone who thinks Georgia’s LGBT life ends at the I-285 perimeter has never been to Gay Cove at Lake Lanier. For a quarter-century, LGBT beachgoers have migrated to the middle section of the western border of the lake, where a fleet of boats flies the rainbow flag.

Two-Day Getaway To-Dos: Whether you’re feeling outdoorsy enough to go hiking and zip lining, shop along “The Nautical Mile” or nearby outlets, or enjoy a cool breeze on a lake cruise, there are endless possibilities to fill up a weekend itinerary. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Savannah/Tybee Island Travel time from Atlanta: 3.5 to 4-hour drive.

Drive-by Details: Savannah combines an antebellum mystique with millennial hipness to offer one of the most charming experiences for a short getaway. If you’re looking for a more “destination” feel for your weekend, drive an additional half hour to neighboring Tybee Island.

LGBT Life: As Georgia’s third largest city, Savannah is big enough to have a bustling LGBT scene, including nightclubs like Club One, as well as a gay bed-and-breakfast known as the Foley Inn in the heart of Savannah. The influx of tourists to Tybee Island makes it more welcoming to LGBT visitors than other parts of Georgia, and an emerging LGBT presence led one gay local to refer to it as “a smaller Key West.”

Two-Day Getaway To-Dos: Savannah is rich with historic destinations, ghost tours and of course the “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” industry, while the biggest day of the year in Tybee Island is its July 3rd Independence Day festival.

SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Travel time from Atlanta: 5-hour drive.

Drive-by Details: Charleston is remarkably similar to Savannah in its aura and charm, while being infused with unique South Carolinian culture. Charleston is filled with architectural, quaint shopping and dining districts, and museums and galleries.

LGBT Life: The LGBT scene in Charleston is small but packs a mighty punch. The nightlife options range from the drag shows at Pantheon, the dance floor at Deja Vu II, or a dive bar known as The Recovery Room, and Charleston is also home to the Lowcounty Highrollers, a lesbian roller derby league.

Two-Day Getaway To-Dos: Get a glimpse into Charleston’s one-of-a-kind influence on American culture with a tour of Fort Sumter or the Gullah culture.

Miami hosts Aqua Girl week for lesbians each May. (Photo via Facebook)

FLORIDA Pensacola Travel time from Atlanta: 5-hour drive.

Drive-by Details: Affectionately known as the “Redneck Riviera,” the Florida panhandle offers all of the leisure of coastal life without any of the pretense. Pensacola has long been one of the most popular destinations in this region, attracting college students, conservative families and plenty of LGBT beachgoers.

LGBT Life: A bucket list event for any southern queer is Memorial Day weekend in Pensacola, when the city turns into a seaside strip of LGBT parties, people-watching and Spring Break-esque debauchery.

Two-Day Getaway To-Dos: Whether you go during Memorial Day or any other summer weekend, Pensacola is loaded with tourism attractions, from snorkeling or paddleboarding in Pensacola Bay, to enjoying the cozy chicness of the downtown retail district.

Miami/Key West Travel time from Atlanta: 9.5 to 10hour drive; 2-hour flight Drive-by Details: For a more traditional

taste of paradise, nothing beats the pulsating energy of Miami and Key West. The most diverse destination in the south, the tip of Florida has flavors to satisfy every taste.

LGBT Life: Aside from the LGBT nightclubs that pepper South Beach, Miami also hosts Aqua Girl week for lesbians each May and a Memorial Day gathering for black and Latino gay men known as Sizzle, while the Key West summer calendar includes Key West Pride in June, and Key West Tropical Heat in August.

Two-Day Getaway To-Dos: You likely won’t need any help finding ways to fill 48 hours in southern Florida, but be sure to indulge in the city’s ethnic cuisine and unique culture.

NO-GO ZONES As you’re planning your summer travel, it’s worth a reminder that several southern states have recently shown that they’re not the most hospitable to LGBT residents and visitors.

You might want to reconsider any vacations to states like North Carolina and Mississippi, especially since other destinations truly work to earn the LGBT tourism dollar.

May 13, 2016 Summer Travel 19

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Summer Travel

Baby, let’s cruise away from here Cruises designed specifically for the LGBT traveler

By DARIAN AARON daaron@thegavoice.com Picture it—Sicily. Now seriously, imagine for a moment that you and your partner or closest friends are on board one of the most fabulous cruise ships ever created— sailing to some of the world’s most exotic locations. Luxury, culture, dining, and nonstop partying beckon you to clock-out from your 9 to 5 and clock-in to paradise. I bet you don’t want this moment to end.

And guess what? It doesn’t have to.

There’s a number of cruises designed specifically for the LGBT traveler in mind.

The hardest part may be finding a cruise that isn’t sold out or one that caters to your specific travel needs. Do you want to take your White Party experience from land to the sea? Or maybe you’re looking for a lesbian cruise or an experience that includes the entire family? There are a few things you need to know before you set sail on your fabulous gay cruise.

Setting sail to Cuba Most LGBT cruises are chartered by one of “the big three,” which includes Atlantis Events, RSVP and Olivia, although there are others. These companies have the ability to charter some of the world’s

Details

Aquafest 800-592-9058 www.aquafestcruises.com Atlantis Events 800-628-5268 www.atlantisevents.com Olivia Travel 800-631-6277 www.olivia.com R Family Vacations 917-522-0985 www.rfamilyvacations.com

largest ships from companies like Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, which allows them to provide a customized experience and itinerary specifically for the LGBT traveler. Every detail from on-board entertainment— some of the worlds best gay DJs and entertainers are booked—to selecting port cities that are welcoming to LGBT people is carefully considered.

“There have been well-publicized incidents of all-gay charters facing opposition and scattered protests at ports in such countries as Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Turkey,” says travel and cruise expert Gary Buchanan. “The gay charter companies generally steer clear of controversy and head to the ‘greatest hits’ port stops, most-

Lesbians should have a cruise experience designed specifically for women who love women and Olivia Travel has been in the business of making this happen for over 40 years.

(Photo via Facebook)

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Aquafest was the first LGBT cruise company to arrive in Cuba with nearly 300 gay and lesbian passengers on board the intimate Celestyal Crystal in January 2016.

(Photo via Facebook)

ly in the Caribbean and Europe.”

And now, LGBT travelers can add Cuba to their list of cruise destinations thanks to ease on U.S. travel restrictions to the country and a second exclusive gay cruise

by Aquafest planned for 2017.

Aquafest was the first LGBT cruise company to arrive in Cuba with nearly 300 gay and lesbian passengers on board the intimate Celestyal Crystal in January 2016.

“I encourage anyone who wants to experience a vacation that is like stepping back some 50 years to do it now before things really do change,” said Cruise Center President Tom Baker in a statement.

“The Cuban people are kind, warm, willing to talk to you and have a strength that is amazing given their strict communist government implications.”

Aquafest has made it fairly simple for U.S. citizens interested in travel to Cuba to complete the “Cuba/U.S. People to People Partnership,” which grants the license to travel to Cuba for “educational activity.” A $95 donation to the Fund for Reconciliation and Development is also required and you’re on your way.

They’ve chartered and sold out the largest ship in the world—Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, which accommodates 5,400 passengers.

Only about 5 to 10 percent of passengers on Atlantis cruises are lesbian. Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises are scheduled to start on May 21 through 2017. You’ll also pay a pretty penny for an Atlantis cruise, but with the finest in accommodations and LGBT entertainment, guests don’t seem to mind.

Exploring other LGBT cruise options So what do cruise companies like Atlantis Events, Olivia Travel and R Family Vacations have to offer the LGBT traveler?

Let’s take a look.

R Family Vacations The entire family is always welcome on cruises by R Family Vacations. Founders Kelli Carpenter and Gregg Kaminsky are teaming up with Olivia Travel for the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico resort experience in 2016 with their signature Broadway Cruise to follow in 2017. Many passengers choose R Family Vacations for the relaxed atmosphere with less emphasis on all-night dance parties.

Atlantis Events Go big or go home. Atlantis caters to a mostly gay clientele and roughly half of the passengers on board their cruises are single.

Olivia Travel Lesbians should have a cruise experience designed specifically for women who love women and Olivia Travel has been in the business of making this happen for over 40 years. Olivia provides intimate sailings to the French Riviera to grand cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean on ships with over 2,000 lesbians. It’s common to experience the talents of entertainers like Melissa Etheridge, k.d. lang, Margaret Cho and Lily Tomlin on board an Olivia cruise. Of special note, Olivia offers the Sisters at Sea program designed specifically for lesbians of color and a solos/singles program for passengers to connect through special on-board events.

May 13, 2016 Summer Travel 25

Summer Travel Must visit summer travel destinations Our picks for some of the most exciting and LGBT-friendly vacation spots

By DARIAN AARON daaron@thegavoice.com The world is truly your oyster—step outside of your comfort zone and discover the beauty of North America or Mexico in one of these fabulous cities this summer. You’ll be glad you did.

Toronto, Canada Why Go: It’s a quick flight from Hartsfield-Jackson but far away enough to get a new stamp on your passport and bragging rights for having immersed yourself in this progressive and exciting city.

Where To Stay: Chelsea Hotel, Toronto You’ll have comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of downtown Toronto with a short walk to major attractions.

If you’re traveling as a family, this hotel also includes a family fun zone, kid center and teen lounge. (www.chelseatoronto.com/en/) What To Do: Church Street is ground zero for LGBT tourists. Travel at the end of June to participate in Toronto Pride or take a self-guided tour of “Queer as Folk” landmarks—the show was filmed here. The Royal Ontario Museum and Bata Shoe Museum are also LGBT favorites.

San Diego, California Why Go: If Los Angeles is a little too fast paced, then you’ll want to seriously consider San Diego. The city offers access to water, top-notch dining, shopping, nightlife and a slew of attractions.

Where To Stay: Porto Vista Hotel Centrally located in the heart of Little Italy, Porto Vista Hotel is the gateway to all San Diego has to offer. You’ll enjoy stylish guest rooms and suites with sunset views and fine cuisine. This property is also pet-friendly.

What To Do: No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to Sea World or the San Diego Zoo, which is conveniently located amongst 15 museums in Balboa Park. And beer drinkers will enjoy dai-

Counterclockwise from top right: Salt House Inn is one of the best Provincetown has to offer. The amazing location isn’t the only reason to love the elegant gay-friendly Sofitel Philadelphia hotel. At the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto you’ll have comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of downtown Toronto with a short walk to major attractions. (Courtesy photos)

ly tours of Stone Brewery in Escondido. (www.portovistasd.com) Mexico City, Mexico Why Go: Mexico City continues to deliver on its reputation as a welcoming city to diverse populations. And with their yearly celebrations, nightlife, and historic attractions, you’ll have a front row seat to Mexico’s urban culture.

Where To Stay: Hotel Habita This ultra-chic hotel is an LGBT favorite during visits to Mexico City. Guests have access to a gym, pool, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. There’s also a spectacular view of Mexico City from the hotel’s sixth floor. (www.hotelhabita.com) What To Do: Mexico City’s Centro Histórico is a vibrant neighborhood filled with LGBT nightlife, cantinas and drag bars. You’ll want to stroll through Roma and Condesa—two of the hippest neighborhoods lined with cafes, bookstores and mid-twentieth century architecture. Also, add a visit to the home of the late artist Frida Kahlo.

Provincetown, Massachusetts Why Go: Provincetown isn’t called the original gay destination for no reason. You’ve either been here before or have been privy to stories filled with details of sweet sin and debauchery. Regardless, go.

Where To Stay: Salt House Inn This boutique hotel is one of the best Provincetown has to offer. In addition to the comfort and rustic vibe of the rooms, you’ll awake each morning to a delicious in-house breakfast with a menu that changes daily. (www.salthouseinn.com) What To Do: There’s plenty of shopping, restaurants and galleries on Commercial Street. You can also enjoy the scenery by bike riding instead of driving, which can also come in handy during Bear Week.

Austin, Texas Why Go: It’s true, Austin is a rare progressive gem in the heart of a deeply red state. This city is out and proud when it comes to embracing its LGBT residents and tourists alike.

Where To Stay: San Jose Hotel This urban bungalow-style hotel is gay-

owned and is surrounded by lush greenery.

It’s also a short walk from restaurants and nightlife. (www.sanjosehotel.com) What To Do: South Congress Avenue is on every LGBT traveler’s itinerary for shopping and dining while visiting Austin. The Austin music scene is unparalleled and you’re likely to find live music in bars and even grocery stores.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Why Go: It’s the city of brotherly love and now thanks to a wonderful ally in Mayor Jim Kenney, Philly is also on the list of must-visit cities for LGBT travelers.

Where To Stay: Sofitel Philadelphia The amazing location isn’t the only reason to love this elegant gay-friendly hotel.

The rooms also come with a fully stocked minibar and French bath amenities. (www.sofitel.com) What To Do: The gayborhood stretching from Chestnut to Pine Street is lined with coffee shops, restaurants and bars. May kicks off festival season—South Street Spring Festival and GayFest are crowd favorites.

26 Summer Travel May 13, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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Loosen the Bible Belt Lesbian comic Kristen Becker, straight ally Jay Bakker hit the road for laughs and souls

By SHANNON HAMES What do you get when you cross a lesbian comedian with a skate-punk preacher who also happens to be the son of Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker? You get a tag-team duo hitting the South for their second “Loosen the Bible Belt” tour. Georgia Voice sat down with Becker and Bakker (a former Atlanta resident) for a funny, informative and poignant interview.

How did the idea for this tour come about?

Kristen: I have Christian friends and I’ve always been gay – it’s always been a thing. I kept seeing all of the Christians getting together here and the gays would get together there. It just seemed to me that we should all get together to have something pro-Christian and pro-gay.

I watched Jay’s documentary “One Punk Under God” and he showed a lot of fortitude. When asked about his stance on gay marriage, he said love is bigger than anything. I was blown away. I said, “Do you want to go spread some love around with me? Get in the car,” and he said, “Okay.” (Laughs) Jay: When I did that show about 10 years ago, I had 28 A&E May 13, 2016

CONTINUES ON PAGE 29

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BECKER & BAKKER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 fallen under conviction that my gay brothers and sisters were being left out. I was talking about how the church was mistreating them but it had to stop with “we should treat gay people better.”

As I began to study the issue in depth, I concluded that what we know gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender to be is not in the Bible. Most of it was about worshiping other gods or whatever. I was struggling to speak truth but also worried about what all other pastors worry about - that if you speak the truth, you’ll lose everything. But soon enough, I just didn’t care anymore what it was going to cost me. I had to speak out.

The sermon didn’t even go up online yet before cancellations of my speaking engagements came in. My biggest donors pulled their support, board members resigned. I knew it would happen. I saw what happened to my parents.

The Sundance Channel wanted to record me for a documentary (that morphed into a reality show) and my mom, at the time, was

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

dying of cancer. It was strange how many letters I would get from people more concerned about my stance on the gay issue than they were about my mother dying. Their concern wasn’t for people; it was about their idea that I had broken some sacred theology.

I did the show and when it was released, it really touched a lot of people, so I was truly thankful.

Kristen: I was one of the people he touched. I contacted him right away and pitched my idea of us going on the road together. This is our second year – we did 10 cities last year. We were four people in a minivan doing an experiment to see if we could get people that wanted to hear dirty lesbian jokes and preaching in the same room and they did!

We got all kinds coming up to us after the show and we’re filming it all.

Jay got a lot of pastors with what he calls “dead eyes” – these young guys who want to love everyone but the people who are higher up are telling them no, they can’t love everyone. We interviewed a young couple but they didn’t want to be on camera because their family didn’t know they were agnostic. They

Details ‘Loosen The Bible Belt Tour’

May 15 Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium 466 Edgewood Ave, SE Atlanta, GA 30312 www.sisterlouisaschurch.com May 16 Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium 254 W Clayton St. Athens, GA 30601 why we continue to try to look for a scapegoat.

Why do we continuously try to isolate people?

Why are we trying to force people into certain bathrooms? Why do we try to deny equality?

We try to be lighthearted, entertaining and serious all at once. People get the whole package.

Kristen Becker and Jay Bakker are co-headliners on the ‘Loosen the Bible Belt’ tour playing Atlanta on May 15 and Athens on May 16. (Publicity photos)

were raised Baptist but were questioning those beliefs. So their closet was religion-based.

Jay: I just want us to start asking ourselves

What do you want to say to your Atlanta people?

Jay: Atlanta is my home. A lot of my tattoos come from Atlanta. I used to work at Criminal Records. I bought my skateboards at Stratosphere. Little 5 Points was my stomping grounds. I hope that my friends will come see me and say hello.

May 13, 2016 A&E 29

ACTING OUT

By JIM FARMER

‘Viva’ director tackles authenticity, culture on big screen Shortlisted for the Best Foreign Film Academy Award this year, “Viva” has been making noise since its debut at the 2015 Telluride Film Festival. In it, young Jesus (Hector Medina), who does make-up for a drag troupe in Havana, dreams of one day performing himself.

However, when his father Angel (Jorge Perugorria) makes a dramatic entrance back into his life those plans derail. Director Paddy Breathnach has made his previous films in his native Ireland but shot this one in Cuba. We spoke with him recently about his journey to bring “Viva” to the screen (along with gay writer Mark O’Halloran) and make it authentic.

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What made you want to make this film?

It goes back a long way. I had been on holidays to Cuba and by accident came across a drag show in a hotel in the middle of nowhere. I was very taken by a moment where a performer came onstage and gave a strong, emotionally evocative performance. We had spoken to a few women before in the audience and one was crying. I asked her why and she said “that is my brother and the only time he is happy is when he is onstage.” I didn’t know much about that world at all and I said I wanted to look into it more. I went back to Cuba again and saw some acts. What struck me was the level of improvisation and creation that (the performers) use to transform.

How long did it take to make it?

My first trip was in 1996. We really didn’t start working on this until 2007. Before that it was an idea.

How is Cuba as an LGBT-friendly country?

It began to change officially over the last 10 years and more concretely with the involvement of Mariela Castro, the daughter of Raul Castro and niece of Fidel. She had an interest in gender studies and officially pushed the regime for change. Fidel himself had said treatment of gays in Cuba had not been right and they wanted to change that. I think on the streets things have gotten easier but I don’t think that culture changes overnight. It takes awhile. It’s not all rosy in the garden.

Tell us about Jesus.

‘Viva’ opens for Atlanta audiences at Midtown Art Cinema on May 20. (Publicity photo)

Details ‘Viva’

Opens May 20 Midtown Art Cinema www.landmarktheatres.com Jesus is a person who has not found his voice in life. He is kind of meek. He sees in this world of drag artists a chance to show his power and strength. In many ways that is one of the themes of the film. What seems like weakness turns out to be strength. Femininity in men traditionally has been seen to be a weakness but it can be a strength. He is used a bit at the start of the film, but when his father returns and tries to dominate him and place him in a context he understands, he resists that.

How hard is it to forgive his father?

His desire to reconnect with his father is greater than his desire to not forgive him. It seems to be his nature. He is able to get his father to see the light, and express his love for his son How did you make the drag scenes so authentic?

I was very concerned with trying to capture that world and represent it truthfully. Some of the performers are from drag shows. For the actors that I cast in the roles, I put a lot of emphasis on the auditions and the rehearsals. The actors really needed to put a lot into it. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

EATING MY WORDS

By CLIFF BOSTOCK

Breakers: Upscale Korean BBQ done right In an earlier lifetime – immediately after finishing college – I moved to Elberton, Ga. to work for the town’s twice-weekly newspaper. A few months after I arrived, a Korean family moved into the house next door. Before I introduced myself to them, I noticed that they were constantly digging holes in the backyard, burying and extracting containers.

Elberton, like every small town, was obsessed with barbecue. Learning this, the Korean family invited me to a barbecue dinner of their shredded, spicy steak called bulgogi.

The buried containers turned out to be full of fermenting kimchi, the spicy cabbage that’s now dumped on everything from bulgogifilled tacos to hot dogs and scrambled eggs.

There’s even a contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” named Kimchi.

I left Elberton after a miserable year and took a craving for the smoky, spicy barbecue and kimchi with me. I moved to other rural areas of the state for four more years but never tasted kimchi again until I moved back to Atlanta and discovered a breakthrough spot on Peachtree near Sixth Street and, later, Buford Highway, where I became a regular at the still-popular Hae Woon Dae (5805 Buford Hwy., 770-451-7957). There, you can grill meats at your table over a blazing-hot chunk of coal deposited just after you take a seat – in a chair or on the floor.

In recent years, there’s been an explosion of Korean spots in Duluth. Last year, arguably the best of them all, Breakers Korean Grill and Barbecue (3505 Gwinnett Place Dr., 770-946-1000, www.breakersbbq.com), opened. I visited recently with four friends.

The deal here is that the restaurant elevates what is usually served in ethnic, undecorated restaurants to the level of fine dining. Besides the sleek décor of murals, white booths with black tables and dramatic art, you get significantly higher prices than you’ll pay elsewhere.

But there’s a good reason for that. The meats – which you cook on a tabletop grill – are of higher quality than usual. Where an inexpensive restaurant might use flank steak for bulgogi, Breakers uses first-rate ribeye for www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Breakers’ premium cut beef short ribs slow marinated in Breakers’ signature sauce with vegetables. (Courtesy photo)

$25.99. Astounding sourced short ribs, boned or deboned, will set you back $35.99. (There are also a few seafood entrees.) These and all other meats are marinated in sauces that tend toward the sweet. This may be about Americanization. I need more kick and, no, there’s no Sriracha in sight. I know. It might be crass to use the stuff where marinades are so complex.

The best deal for your money – $29.99 – is the all-you-can-eat barbecue. We’re talking six truly endless courses of meat – bulgogi, chicken, pork ribs, (unbelievable) pork belly, brisket, and squid. Our table only ordered one repeat. All meals are served with the traditional banchan – small side dishes of kimchi, bean sprouts, exotic pickles, and such. These are for snacking or combining with the meats to diversify flavors. Notably, no rice is served.

One plus here that every critic has raved about – to tedious extents – is the absence of smoke in the dining room. The food here is pre-cooked on charcoal grills in the kitchen and brought to the tabletop propane grills to be finished.

Service is fantastic. There’s even a button under the table if you have an emergency need for a server to, say, bring you another load of pork belly.

Breakers is a long way from Elberton, but I never eat Korean barbecue without thinking and thanking that family from so long ago.

Cliff Bostock is a longtime dining critic and psychotherapist turned life coach. www.cliffbostock.com.

May 13, 2016 Columnists 31

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Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events in Atlanta for May 13-26

A T N A L T A T B G L EVENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 13 – SUNDAY, MAY 15

Florence + the Machine, Jane’s Addiction, Huey Lewis and the News and many more musical acts comprise the Shaky Knees Festival, Centennial Olympic Park and International Plaza, www.shakykneesfestival.com (Publicity photo)

FRIDAY, MAY 13

Blake’s presents Fantastic Friday beginning at 3 p.m. with music videos and tangy cocktails, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

EVENT SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY, MAY 13 – SUNDAY, MAY 15

OutlantaCon is an Atlanta-based event for the queer geek audience.

You’ll find all the usual convention fare here — discussion panels, gaming, costuming, special events — but the difference is that it all has a queer “bent” to it, Marriott Century Center, www.outlantacon.org (Moxie Anne Magnus, courtesy image)

32 Best Bets May 13, 2016

Join Charis and ZAMI NOBLA in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the black lesbian classic, “The Gilda Stories,” out now in an expanded 25th anniversary edition. “The Gilda Stories” begins in 1850s Louisiana, where Gilda escapes slavery and learns about freedom while working in a brothel. After being initiated into eternal life, Gilda spends the next 200 years searching for a place to call home. Author Jewelle Gomez will be present to talk about the work’s continuing significance. Suggested donation of $5. 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com Topher Payne, DeWayne Morgan and Cathe Hall Payne star in Charles Busch’s comedic “The Tribute Artist,” presented by The Process Theatre and staged at Onstage Atlanta, at 8 p.m.

tonight with performances through May 15, www.onstageatlanta.com RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of The Seasons “Extravaganza” world tour features a night of show-stopping performances by the world’s most talented drag performers, including winners and fan favorites from Logo TV’s hit series “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” hosted by series judge Michelle Visage.

9 p.m., The Buckhead Theatre, www.thebuckheadtheatre.com Sean Mac spins at Pump Friday, 10 p.m., Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

SATURDAY, MAY 14

Join Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, and Tyler Lynch of “Thrifting With Tyler” for an afternoon of antiques shopping at the Southeastern Designer Showcase & Gardens event, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with tours beginning at Scott’s Antique Market,

www.southeasternshowhouse.com A-ten-hut soldier—it’s time to strap on your gear/military best and get ready for The ManShaft - Military Gear Edition. DJ Neon the Glowgobear will kick off the evening at 9 p.m. and then DJ Diablo Rojo will take over at 11:30 p.m. with disco, electro and remixes and vintage men’s films. Cover is $5 and money raised will support The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com

SUNDAY, MAY 15

Come with The Atlanta Opera as they venture to Verona, and meet Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers “Romeo and Juliet,” whose deaths ultimately reconcile feuding families. Not seen on the Atlanta Opera stage since 2007, Charles Gounod’s opera in five acts, sung in French, reexamines the story through a decidedly French romantic lens, closing today with a 3 p.m. performance, www.atlantaopera.org

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBT EVENT

Submit your LGBT event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com Join Charis Books for “Read with the Rabbi: Struggling in Good Faith: LGBTQI Inclusion from 13 American Religious Perspectives,” by Rabbi Mychal Copeland. The event will feature a discussion lead by Rabbi Malka Packer of InterfaithFamily Atlanta. 3 – 4 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com My Sister’s Room hosts “So You Think You Can Sing – the Finale,” a fundraiser for the Atlanta Women’s Chorus and the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, 8 p.m., www.facebook.com/ events/1707120792894224

MONDAY, MAY 16

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz and is co-sponsored

by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children, 7 – 8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, MAY 17

Art It Out Therapy Center is now offering an Expressive Art Therapy Group for LGBTQ Teens on Tuesdays. Through art, the group will explore self-identity, coping with stress, intimate and parental relationships, and coming out. 7 p.m., 255 Village Parkway (in Paper Mill Village), Suite 580, Marietta, GA 30067

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Regina hosts Hump Night! Fun at Friends on Ponce beginning at 8 p.m., www.friendsonponce-atl.com Angelica D’Paige and Malibu host The A.M. Show competition, 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19

SAGE Atlanta hosts a social hour at 10 a.m., followed by a program/meeting at 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.rushcenteratl.org Directors Heather Provoncha and Leo Hollen present an encore of their Atlanta-

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

SATURDAY, MAY 14

Googie Uterhardt portrays Hollywood queen Bette Davis in “Me and Jezebel,” tonight at 8 p.m. and running through tomorrow at ART Station, www.artstation.org (Publicity photo) specific “Queer Moxie,” which sold out its Out On Film debut last year, tonight, with special performances and more at 6 p.m. and the film and Q&A at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $11 in advance and $15 the day of, Midtown Art Cinema, www.landmarktheatres.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20

The Health Initiative, InterfaithFamily/ Atlanta, and Positive Impact Health Centers present “What if the God of My Understanding Hates Me?,” an interfaith discussion on how a crisis of faith can drive LGBTQ people to substance abuse. Hear from those in recovery and join in group discussions on this and other issues in a supportive, inclusive environment.

7- 9 p.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.rushcenteratl.org

BAR•CODE brings CODE•PUP to the Atlanta Eagle. Get your PUP•GEAR and those squeeky toys out and come play, 10 p.m, - 3 a.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

The Pretty Girl Hideout Thursdays is tonight, hosted by Mook Dahost, Soul Bar at Pal’s Lounge, 254 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.traxxgirls.com

Art Meso is an international art and fashion exhibition sought after for its unique collision of high fashion runway productions and revolutionary human art exhibitions.

These two elements are fused together to create an unforgettable experience. This fashion experience will benefit the MakeA-Wish Foundation, 7 p.m., W Atlanta – Downtown, www.facebook.com/ events/1701693606775131

FRIDAY, MAY 20 – MAY 22

Atlanta Ballet presents MAYhem Kissed, featuring the Atlanta premiere of Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s “El Beso,” Yuri Possokhov’s “Classical Symphony” and a world premiere from Andrea Miller at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and a 2 p.m. curtain Sunday, Cobb Energy Centre, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Charis presents readings from “Lez Talk.”

A necessary and relevant addition to the black LGBTQ literary canon, “Lez Talk” is a collection of short stories that embrace the fullness of black lesbian experiences. 7:30 – 9 p.m.,www.charisbooksandmore.com

SATURDAY, MAY 21

The Atlanta Rollergirls host a double feature – a Rumble Bs Bout at 5 p.m. and an All-Star Bout at 7:30 p.m., Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308

Actor’s Express opens the gay-themed “Significant Other” tonight at 8 p.m., running through June 19, www.actorsexpress.com

Atlanta Pride presents the third annual Atlanta Eagle Britney Bash with DJ Pat Scott and special guest star Buck Cooke, former Atlanta Pride executive director, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

SUNDAY, MAY 22

DJ Billy Lace wows the early morning crowd at 3 a.m. at Xion Atlanta, www. facebook.com/events/228213334191902

MONDAY, MAY 23

Led by Niesha Dupree, the Stars of the Century show features some of the best drag in the Southeast, 10:30 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

TUESDAY, MAY 24

The Tony-winning “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” opens at the Fox Theatre tonight, with a 7:30 p.m. curtain, running through May 29, www.foxtheatre.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

Get ready for the rowdy as Ruby Redd hosts Birdcage Bingo, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m., The Hideaway Atlanta, www.atlantahideaway.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26 – SUNDAY, MAY 29

The Big Peach softball tournament kicks off tonight, bringing in players from all over the country, various fields, bigpeachtournament.sportngin.com

May 13, 2016 Best Bets 33

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OUTSIDE THE BOX

By BILL KAELIN

Rediscovering ATL It’s no secret that many Atlantans have stayed far away from downtown unless they had the unfortunate luck to serve on jury duty, but thanks to my friends purchasing a gorgeous new home in the historical Healey building overlooking Woodruff Park, my new office at Switchyards—a super cool shared workspace—I’ve been hanging out a lot in our city’s center and quite frankly, I have fallen in love.

I have spent more time in the past few weeks downtown than in my own Midtown neighborhood due to a series of events, meetings and social gatherings. Our city takes on an entire new look and feel when you break out of your comfort zone and explore everything downtown has to offer. All it takes is a short $5 ride with Lyft and it can really seem like you are “getting away,” making it the perfect destination for your next affordable staycation in your own back yard.

Planning a long weekend away in Atlanta is quite simple if you’re a music lover.

All you have to do is keep an eye on all the upcoming shows at The Tabernacle or Philips Arena to create your own adventure around your favorite touring artist. Last month alone I saw Beyoncé dance her butt off and Santigold shine all in the heart of our city. During the month of May, Centennial Olympic Park will host both The Shaky Knees and Shaky Beats festivals with hoards of electronic and alternative bands helping to make #DTATL a blast.

The W Atlanta Downtown is the perfect place to book a room for your home away from home. The hotel is offering special rates all summer long for locals to get away without leaving town and has lots of cool stuff happening every weekend at their rooftop pool and bar.

Every Saturday, W Atlanta Downtown is encouraging guests to put down their phones and play by the pool with special bingo games with giveaways including bar tabs, massages at their on-site spa Bliss and even complimentary overnight stays. The www.thegeorgiavoice.com

䄀吀䰀䄀一吀䄀ᤠ匀 䘀䤀刀匀吀 唀刀䈀䄀一 圀䤀一䔀刀夀Ⰰ 䤀一吀䤀䴀䄀吀䔀 䴀唀匀䤀䌀 嘀䔀一唀䔀Ⰰ 刀䔀匀吀䄀唀刀䄀一吀Ⰰ ☀ 倀刀䤀嘀䄀吀䔀 䔀嘀䔀一吀 匀倀䄀䌀䔀

“Sometimes all it takes to recharge is a change of ⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀ scenery. Whether you go downtown for the 伀刀䔀䜀伀一 圀䤀一䔀 afternoon or an overnight 吀䄀匀吀䤀一䜀 倀䄀刀吀夀 stay in one of the many 䨀唀一䔀 ㄀ 5-star hotels, now is the ⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀ perfect time to reengage with your hometown and 一䔀䰀䰀䤀䔀 䴀䌀䬀䄀夀 proudly post all of your 䨀唀一䔀 ㌀ Instagram pics…” ⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀

art of chilling out is what Sundays are all about when local Atlanta luxury yoga studio Exhale hosts a special water yoga event every week called H20m, where guests participate in a special yoga class overlooking the skyline of Downtown Atlanta. Thanks to Handpicked Atlanta—an app powered

by Scoutmob—you can buy a pool pass for the entire weekend.

And you can always add a little history to all the hot downtown summer days in your future by visiting the beautiful and inspiring National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Sometimes all it takes to recharge is a change of scenery. Whether you go downtown for the afternoon or an overnight stay in one of the many 5-star hotels, now is the perfect time to reengage with your hometown and proudly post all of your Instagram pics as a temporary tourist: #WeLoveATL

䄀一 䔀嘀䔀一䤀一䜀 圀䤀吀䠀

䴀䄀䌀夀 䜀刀䄀夀

䨀唀䰀夀 ㄀㠀 ☀ ㄀㤀

⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀⸀

Bill Kaelin is the owner of Bill Kaelin Marketing Events and Consulting Agency in Atlanta. www.BillKaelin.com

䈀伀伀䬀 夀伀唀刀 倀刀䤀嘀䄀吀䔀 䔀嘀䔀一吀 吀伀䐀䄀夀℀

䈀䔀䌀伀䴀䔀 䄀 嘀䤀一伀䘀䤀䰀䔀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀 䘀伀刀 䔀堀䌀䰀唀匀䤀嘀䔀 伀䘀䘀䔀刀匀 㘀㔀 一伀刀吀䠀 䄀嘀䔀一唀䔀 倀伀一䌀䔀 䌀䤀吀夀 䴀䄀刀䬀䔀吀Ⰰ 䄀吀䰀䄀一吀䄀Ⰰ 䜀䄀 㘀㄀㔀⸀㌀㈀㐀⸀㄀ ㄀

䌀䤀吀夀圀䤀一䔀刀夀⸀䌀伀䴀⼀䄀吀䰀䄀一吀䄀 May 13, 2016 Columnists 35

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By MELISSA CARTER

Seeing Atlanta in a different light

“SHARP, H P NA UNAPOLOGETIC ND WITTY.” AND

36 Columnists May 13, 2016

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4/21/16 9:52 AM

You go on vacation not only to relax but to also learn a little about the place where you’re staying. When I went to Hawaii earlier this year that’s exactly what I did, taking the time to see what the island of Oahu had to offer and taking in as much as my visit would allow. I realized, though, that in the 20+ years I’ve lived in Atlanta, I’ve never exerted the same energy to get to know things in my own home city. Upon returning from that vacation I’ve made more of an attempt to learn my town, and here are a few suggestions of fun things to do: Go on the Roswell Ghost Tour. Like most people, I originally went on the tour years ago because it was the thing to do for Halloween. I was pleasantly surprised by all the southern history I learned, and the interesting vibe that Roswell had to offer. So much so that I have been inspired to go back on that tour more than once. You’ll get a peek of the side streets of this important Civil War city, and might even hear the supernatural event that happened to me one night! (Or did it?)

Take part in an Atlanta Movie Tour.

A friend surprised me recently with this little-known trek through movie sets that are popping up all over town. You begin the tour downtown and take a van around the city to where some of your favorite movies and television shows were filmed. Offerings include the Zombie Tour with stops along “The Walking Dead” sites, The Victory Tour for “Hunger Games” fans, or the Atlanta Film Sites Tour, which I went on and incorporates a little of everything. Prepare to be amazed at all the filming that is going on in your backyard.

See parts of Atlanta you didn’t know existed. Something I learned on my movie tour is the vertical growth Atlanta underwent as its population exploded. I have been to Underground Atlanta several times, but never realized it truly was a part of the origi-

“I have been to Underground Atlanta several times, but never realized it truly was a part of the original railroad system of the city.” nal railroad system of the city. The rest of downtown was built over those tracks, and the entrances of buildings there were actually raised to the new street level. Local architect and history buff Jeff Morrison gives free tours (only on his schedule) of this hidden infrastructure around Five Points and the Gulch. I never realized I’ve been walking on top of history for so long.

Visit Miller’s Rexall Drugs. Something else I learned from my movie tour was the existence of this pharmacy and homeopathic remedy shop in downtown Atlanta. You don’t have to be into movies to check out their array of fun and frightening hoodoo supplies they have to offer. Paul McCartney once purchased an item called “Run Devil Run” while in town, subsequently naming an album after the salts.

These are just a few examples of fun, new things you can do without having to go too far. So when making travel plans this summer, don’t forget to take the opportunity to be a tourist in your own city!

Melissa Carter is one of the Morning Show hosts on B98.5. In addition, she is a writer for the Huffington Post. She is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and one of the few in the country. Follow her on Twitter@MelissaCarter www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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May 13, 2016 Ads 37

SOMETIMES ‘Y’

By RYAN LEE

A discourse on disclosure Last month, an Atlanta social media “celebrity” posted a series of videos on Facebook in which he outed his former roommate (and unrequited love interest) as being HIV-positive.

The videos were salacious and vindictive, even though the celebrity, who I’ll call Queen Meathead, tried to frame the disclosure as a public service to the presumably unsuspecting partners who had raw sex with his former roommate.

Rarely does a jilted ego respond with altruistic deeds, and there are millions of people who have done far more good in this world than Queen Meathead, without being half as petty. The outing sparked an impassioned online discussion about disclosure and decency, and inspired the non-profit NAESM to host a recent forum on the stigma and responsibility placed upon HIV-positive individuals, whether while dating or in their daily lives.

It was disappointing that Queen Meathead was invited to be a panelist, but not surprising that he accepted the invitation and ensured his mere presence was antagonistic. He wore a black shirt with bright red letters that screamed, “HIV NEGATIVE” above the city’s skyline, the message being: I’m different from, and better than, all these dirty ATL fags.

In reality, Queen Meathead is a caricature of messiness. He’s built a social media brand off of being viciously sloppy, and much like Donald Trump, the more outrageous things he says and does, the more attention his brand receives.

Good, bad, vengeful -- it doesn’t matter what type of attention it is, as long as everyone is talking about Queen Meathead (which is why I’m not using his name in this column). It was sickening and insulting to see him onstage at the NAESM forum, relishing the attention his messiness earned him, while smugly spewing more misinformation and judgment.

There were technical problems with the microphone Queen Meathead used that night, which is appropriate since nothing he said was worth hearing. Granted, the forum, and the difficult but critical discussion about HIV disclosure, probably wouldn’t have occurred without his initial tabloid postings, but there is

“In reality, Queen Meathead is a caricature of messiness. He’s built a social media brand off of being viciously sloppy, and much like Donald Trump, the more outrageous things he says and does, the more attention his brand receives.” nothing Queen Meathead can contribute to a strategy to fight HIV among black gay men in Atlanta except more messiness.

It’s unfortunate that someone who perpetuated such a vicious betrayal upon his roommate and the larger black gay community in Atlanta was given a platform to further malign a majority of black gay HIV-positive men as reckless and predatory. It’s a characterization that is easily accepted and echoed by heterosexuals when they hear that the HIV rate in black gay men in Atlanta rivals that of third-world countries, but it distorts reality.

Undoubtedly, the HIV epidemic in black gay Atlanta is devastating, and there is a legal and ethical imperative for HIV-positive individuals to disclose their status to their sexual partners before intercourse. Yet, a majority of new HIV cases are not caused by HIVpositive men seeking to infect new partners, but rather by those who are unaware that they are living with the virus.

HIV-positive individuals are not supposed to partake in sex, especially without protection, and those of us who do are cast as wicked even when the risk for transmission is negligible or non-existent.

One way to help gay men not fear getting tested for HIV, or disclosing their status, is correcting the misconception of those living with the virus from dirty and dying, to affirmed and thriving -- in their physical, emotional and sexual health.

Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer.

38 Columnists May 13, 2016 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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