07/06/18, Vol. 9 Issue 10

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

What Is Mytesi?

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

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

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

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

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

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-14

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

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

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT (…BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE TAKE A DIGITAL DETOX.) We understand you need an info break. Or maybe you were just in the mountains. Either way, the Georgia Voice has you covered. Here’s a selection of recent story snippets you might have missed. Find the rest of and more at TheGaVoice.com, or like us on Facebook for all the latest in local and national news that affects our community.

WASHINGTON STATE SUPREME COURT OFFICIAL PHOTO

N.C. BATHROOM POLICY FOCUS OF NEW COURT CASE

SCOTUS SENDS FLOWERSHOP CASE BACK TO LOWER COURT

According to information provided by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear arguments for Arlene’s Flowers v.

Washington. Instead, the court requested that the originator, the Washington State Supreme Court, review the dispute. In Arlene, a gay couple was turned away from a flower shop due to their same-sex status.

REPORT: HOMOPHOBIC ECONOMIES LOSE BILLIONS

Societies which embrace anti-LGBTQ practices are losing billions in revenue, a new report claims. The study says that nation-states with homophobic laws on the book are falling behind on the economic scale. The Peter Tatchell Foundation published a report, The Economic Cost of Homophobia, on June 19.

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A year after North Carolina removed the most infamous provisions of its transphobic bathroom bill, transgender advocates are saying the state has not undone the discriminatory reach of the earlier act.

Now, trans advocates are involved in a lawsuit, and the legal implications of the court battle have observers considering what comes next. The state passed its original anti-LGBTQ legislation in 2016.

The statute, called House Bill 2, was swiftly condemned.

FULTON COUNTY’S #STOPHIVATL

The Board of Health (BOH) in Fulton County has premiered its social media campaign, #STOPHIVATL, to combat HIV rates. The #STOPHIVATL plan utilizes techniques from social marketing, previously successful prevention campaigns, and guest appearances (Keri Hilson, Miss Lawrence) to spread the word: HIV rates must come down.

WHO HAS YOUR BACK

The World Health Organization, has announced it will no longer classify being transgender as a mental disorder. In congruence with this finding, the WHO will revise their International Classification for Diseases (ICD).

July 6, 2018 News 3

GEORGIA NEWS

LGBTQ researcher named Georgia Psychiatrist of the Year Jason Rhode jrhode@thegavoice.com Did you know Georgia recently named a psychiatrist of the year? Did you know she’s a highly skilled advocate for our LGBTQ community? You do now, so let’s meet the incomparable Dr. Yolanda Graham.

Upon hearing the news that her diligence and advocacy placed her in the upper echelons of those in her industry, Dr. Graham, most humble, admits that she was shocked. “The Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association has presented this honor for that past 49 years,” she tells Georgia Voice. “And because I have spent my entire professional career in Georgia, I’ve known most of the previous recipients to be educators, mentors, or overall pioneers in our field.”

In that moment, Dr. Graham says she “thought of so many of the families and children I’ve worked with, and I realized I was definitely old enough to be in the running for the award, and felt absolutely humbled and overcome that my GPPA peers saw my work as deserving of that recognition. It was a great moment.”

As a psychiatrist, Dr. Graham has spent her life protecting and preserving mental health.

She’s currently the chief medical officer of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and she has a special concern — and has made a special study — of the LGBTQ community.

She spoke with us about her career, and the special intersection of psychiatry and the LGBTQ community.

Dr. Graham is board certified in General Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She’s deeply studied in mental health, child advocacy, psychotropic medication management, behavioral management, and childhood sexual exploitation and trauma.

Previously, she served in a variety of official positions across Georgia. Additionally, she is an adjunct associate professor at Emory University and an adjunct assistant clinical professor at 4 News July 6, 2018

Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr. Graham describes Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Georgia as one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations providing services, insight, and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare.

“We were founded in 1912 by special education pioneer Helena Devereux,” she says. “Today, we are a national nonprofit partner for individuals, families, schools, and communities, serving many of the most vulnerable members of our society in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, and child welfare.”

Speaking about Pride month, Dr. Graham says the celebration “has always been a time to stop and appreciate the challenges our community has overcome, as well as those we continue to face. Professionally, I see Pride month as a time to educate others on the risk of mental health challenges in our community, providing information on resources and support.”

While having a special month was crucial, Dr. Graham adds that the community needs to focus on LGBTQ pride and mental health every month, “in order to shift societal and cultural norms and reach a state of inclusivity that models respect, acceptance, and emotional and physical safety. I’d be remiss if I did not mention that it’s hard to develop pride when you are faced with hostility, disdain, and an unwillingness to understand.

The period of identity formation — when most young people are challenging the norm and pushing against societal expectations to figure out who they are — can be stressful but, for LGBTQ youth, it can really go awry. Young people look to their parents, community, and media outlets to determine who they are and who they want to be. Gay youth don’t have that.”

Dr. Graham says there is no “biological evidence of an increased risk of mental

illness associated with being gay or transgender.” However, she contends that the odds of experiencing mental upset “are worse for LGBTQ young people when their parents and/or familial structures are not supportive — the suicide risk becomes eight times higher. The lack of family support also increases the child’s risk for homelessness, sexual exploitation, and trauma.”

She adds that the “risk [presented] from psychosocial stressors related to discrimination, rejection, and not feeling safe” were prominent.

“If you look at the research on suicide,” Dr. Graham says, “LGBTQ youth within a supportive family environment have much lower rates of suicide than those who do not — their rates are similar to those of their peers.

So, a first step, one that cannot be overstressed, is the importance of family support as a protective element for LGBTQ youth.”

Historically, she notes, society was aware of “the impact of overt oppression against marginalized populations, so we know that people defined as ‘other’ in any society are more at risk for overt violence and trauma.

When you break it down and look at the statistics, the challenges are unique to any given group, but the outcomes look the same — higher rates of violence, trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.”

As for mental health professionals, Dr. Graham says it’s of the utmost importance that they “develop cultural competency in working with LGBTQ youth, to make sure we are not inadvertently causing more harm.”

“It’s one thing to say we are open and accepting,” she says. “It’s quite another to demonstrate it. Even as a child psychiatrist who identifies as lesbian, I am always learning. Just because I am gay doesn’t mean I understand every gay experience.”

She says she felt “so strongly” about this that she led Devereux Georgia’s campaign to achieve the Gold Seal certification from the gay advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.

“We had to examine our language, visual displays, trainings, clinical programs, and learn how to create a sense of safety and empowerment from the perspective of the LGBTQ young people we serve,” she says.

Speaking specifically of youth counseling, Dr. Graham says that while addressing mental health issues is necessary, “it’s also important to understand the young person in front of you.”

“It’s not enough to ask about one’s sexuality and document it in the record,” she adds.

“If you are really interested and want to help, ask what that experience is like for them and what has shaped their belief in who they are. To become an ally, you have to understand what it is like to live as an LGBTQ person, in our society. Be willing to examine and challenge your own narrative.

And because silence and neutrality are equally detrimental, be ready to act when the need presents. Next, challenge and educate someone else. That’s a start.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

“ Hear this, HIV: I’m going to take care of me so I can take care of those I love.”

Angie - Loganville, GA Living with HIV since 1995.

I break into dance whenever the mood and music move me. I won’t let my HIV rob me of anything in life. I know that staying in care and on treatment helps me to be the best mother, wife, and HIV prevention educator I can be. I tell other HIV-positive women: All the fear that you have can be overcome. Every day I wash down my pills with a prayer. I’ll continue to do so until my dying day—and HIV will not be the cause of it.

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

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

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

EDITORIAL

Editor: Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Jason Rhode jrhode@thegavoice.com Editorial Contributors: Cliff Bostock, Katie Burkholder, Melissa Carter, Dallas A. Duncan, Aidan Ivory Edwards, Conner Emery, Jim Farmer, Dawn Felton, Morgan Nicole Fletcher, Elizabeth Hazzard, Ryan Lee, Joseph Miller, Allison Radomski, Jamie Roberts, Catharine Romero, Dionne Walker

PRODUCTION

Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com

BUSINESS

Managing Partner/Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

SALES

Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor dtaylor@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Jim Brams jbrams@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.

To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address, and phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice. com or mail to the address above.

Join us online: facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice instagram.com/thegeorgiavoice youtube.com/user/GAVoice

6 Editorial July 6, 2018

Hey, Writers: Get Your Butts In Here!

Berlin Sylvestre bsylvestre@thegavoice.com When I was a wee lass of 19, my favorite movie was “High Art.” It was/is an indie film centered around the budding romance of fictional photographer Lucy Berliner (played by an impossibly thin Ally Sheedy) and the assistant editor of the fictional Frame Magazine, Syd (played by a young, babyfaced Radha Mitchell). In the movie, Syd is an anxiety-addled ingenue working her way up in the glamorous world of magazines.

One evening, after encountering a leak in the roof of the apartment she shares with her boyfriend, she dutifully marches a floor up with a monkey wrench to see if she can help fix a leak coming from the apartment above hers.

She’s met by a reluctant Lucy, who’s nice enough but doesn’t want to let her in. After sensing the young woman’s dismay, she agrees, forgoing any sense of worry at her denmate’s lolling about in a heroin-induced haze. Syd takes it in, but puts it out of her mind to fix the leak, gorgeous tummy on display as she’s reaching under the tub and pulling her shirt taut.

Through the budding romance, I became captivated by not only the intense photography on display in Lucy’s apartment, but by Syd’s career in magazines. When she’s in her office, mulling over submissions by well-meaning amateurs and established auteurs alike, she has the power to brush the heart-heavy work of people she’s never spoken a word to with the capricious flick of a “no.”

How grand that must be, thought the naive teenager I was. That’s what I want to do for a living … work in magazines and have the kind of power that the cool people do.

But then I grew up.

you. Not only do I remember what it was like to have sand kicked in my face, I want you to know that the days of being too cool are over.

I want you to write for me.

I won’t talk to you like you’re lesser than. I won’t ever bulldoze your dreams like I had done to mine. I won’t ever make you feel like you’re not in the club. No. You are me, and I am you.

This industry is glamorous and cool, yes. It’s full of kickass perks and potential awards (if you play your cards right). And it’s also yours to grab, should you want to pursue a career in this field.

It took me years of writing the silliest stories for literally no pay; years of begging editors to give me a chance to no avail; years of not just writing pitches, but of writing full stories that I’d offer local newspapers and magazines for nothing but a byline; years of not giving up, in spite of “cool” editors saying no, if they said anything at all. (Out of the 20 or so I wrote, I got three rejection letters.)

Will it be tough? Yes, but that’s why it’s so rad!

Will it pay off, seeing your name spread across Atlanta? You’re damn right, it will!

So why am I writing this? Because, potential writers, I want you to know that I’m one of

I’m Waiting, Berlin.

So write me. Show me some examples of your work. No more pretentious, insular crap from insecure editors. Bring. Me. Your. Voice.

Just do it, damn it. Be a part of Georgia Voice.

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FOREVER

PROUD OCTOBER12-14,2018 atlantapride.org

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July 6, 2018 Ads 7

PETS

Meet the Staff Pets of Georgia Voice

Sophia

OWNER: TIM BOYD PUBLISHER, OWNER

Nikko Carter

OWNER: MELISSA CARTER COLUMNIST

Bubbles, Marlo, & Scarlett OWNER: AIDAN IVORY EDWARDS INTERN

Robert Redford & Betty Rizzo OWNER: FRIENDS OF JIM BRAMS SALES EXECUTIVE

8 Pets July 6, 2018

Grayson

Sir Earl Grey & The Lady Eleanor von Puddyfoot OWNER: DIONNE WALKER FREELANCE WRITER

OWNER: MORGAN FLETCHER INTERN

Sophie & Sparty OWNER: CONNER EMERY INTERN

Skoshi, Miss Belle, & Kaipo OWNER: ROB BOEGER* & WAYNE CARVALHO *ART DIRECTOR

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ADOPTABLE PETS

Nelson

This 7-year-old heartthrob will make you melt with his stunning smile and gentle eyes. He’s a friend to everyone he meets, and he’s working on losing a few pounds … (sorry, Nelson!). If you’re looking for a workout buddy, look no further than this handsome fella! You can meet him at our Howell Mill Campus.

Gladys

This 6-year-old sweetheart has a unique feature … no teeth! Nope, not even one! No worries though: She will simply need to eat wet food for the rest of her life. She’s angelically sweet, and you can meet her at our Howell Mill Campus!

HOW TO ADOPT ME Email adoptions@dekalbanimalservices.com for more info!

Alert! During the month of June, you can take advantage of our “Pick Your Price” promotion and pay whatever you’d like for one of our lovely buddies.

The price will include a spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccinations!

Mius

Meet Mius, a brave boy who has lived through more than most people could. When Mius first arrived at our DeKalb County Animal Services shelter, he had a bullet in his spine and was unable to use his back legs. However, Mius had such a great attitude, we new he could overcome his injury. After receiving specialized care and some water therapy, Mius now walks, runs, and plays using all four of his legs! Although he is slightly wobbly, it doesn’t bother this boy one bit! Mius loves participating in play groups with other dogs and he can’t resist a baby pool full of water. Mius is currently living in a foster home, and his foster parents tell us he is house trained, crate trained, loves visitors in his home, and adores toys! Does Mius sound like the perfect pup for you? Email Foster@ DeKalbAnimalServices.com to arrange a meeting with him!

Casey

Are you looking for a mellow girl who is always smiling?

Then meet our Casey! This 7-year-old sweetheart has a positive attitude and is even happier when she gets treats.

In addition to treat catching and smiling, Casey loves to nap and sit by your side. Casey is a sweet girl who gets along with other dogs and has an easy-going personality.

Come meet this lovely girl today by dropping by the shelter at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing Adoptions@ DeKalbAnimalServices.com, or calling (404) 294-2165.

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July 6, 2018 Adoptable Pets 9

PETS

Must-Know Facts About

Fostering Elizabeth Hazzard, Intern Some dogs are forced to bear the horrid conditions of malicious puppy mills, some are forced to suffer on the cold streets with empty stomachs, and others must endure living in a home where they are abused simply because their owners see it fit. All of these mistreated and malnourished animals are in need of a safe haven, a loving home where they can focus on thriving rather than surviving.

The Atlanta Humane Society is a nonprofit organization whose core mission is to provide these neglected animals with those loving homes through its commitment to service. The AHS has been Atlanta’s primary animal charity for more than 140 years, and serves about 30,000 animals each year, placing approximately 9,000 dogs and cats into forever homes — and they are able to accomplish such large rescue missions through the help and support of volunteers.

One volunteer-driven process known as fostering allows the shelter to intake more animals without overcrowding, care for animals that are too young or too sickly/ 10 Pets July 6, 2018

injured to adopt yet, and prepare these animals for permanent placement into a home where they’ll be loved and cared for unconditionally.

Kelly Teasely, AHS’s foster coordinator, took the time to tell Georgia Voice readers about the process of fostering and its significance to the Humane Society’s mission. In order to prevent shelter overcrowding, it’s essential for the shelter to be able to maximize space by only in-housing the animals who are already ready for adoption.

“If we had to keep every animal in shelter that was sick or having behavior issues or was just too young for adoption, we wouldn’t be able to help as many animals, as they would be taking up space that an adoptable animal could be in,” she says. “And depending on what’s going on, it could be weeks to months for them to become adoptable.”

Animals that are still nursing, under eight weeks of age, and/or are sick/injured are not yet adoptable, but with fostering, they’re put into a home where foster parents can

give them the care that they need to recover.

And upon recovery comes adoption into a permanent, loving home.

While this process can be new and a bit scary for the foster parents, the AHS will be there every step of the way to support the foster parents. Kelly describes the main thing that a potential foster parent must have in order to participate in the program.

“You just need to have the space and time for an animal. Some require more time and space than others. You just need to be able to open your home to them and have them be with you until they are ready for adoption.”

The average fostering period is only two weeks, but this can vary depending on the time it takes for the animal to heal. During this time, the AHS provides training for the foster parents as well as medical care for the foster pet.

Kelly states, “We have orientations that teach new foster parents what they’ll need to know to get started. They will take the animal into their home [but] we take care of all vetting

at the shelter, and provide [their] food and basic supplies.” Therefore, the main things the foster parent has to bring to the table are a loving heart and welcoming arms. And at the end of the fostering period, Kelly assures any foster parents who’ve fallen in love with their “temporary” fur-baby are welcome to do adopt the animal themselves!

In a world full of animal cruelty, the Atlanta Humane Society and its fostering program encourages you to be a beacon of hope for these animals, and to provide them with space and time to heal both physically and mentally from maltreatment.

“We have 100–300 animals in foster each month — that’s a whole shelter’s worth of animals we’re able to save!” Kelly says emphatically.

If this sounds like a program you or someone you know may be interested in, you are encouraged to contact Kelly by email: KTeasley@AtlantaHumane.org. Here, she can answer any questions you have about the program, give you a list of orientation dates, and set up a home check. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

PETS

Java Cats Cafe: Fulfilling Dreams Deferred Allison Radomski As a child, I was obsessed with cats. One of my earliest memories involves me and my sister crawling around on our kitchen floor and meowing at my mother’s ankles. When I was 7, my evangelical Christian upbringing inspired certain anxieties about death and the incorporeal afterlife, and one of my primary concerns was that I wouldn’t be able take my beloved stuffed cats to heaven with me. I even received a battery-operated cat for Christmas one year. Natalie Go-go, as we affectionately christened her, was a fur-covered hemisphere on wheels with flashing eyes and the reflexes of a broken Roomba. She also produced a series of robotic beeping noises which, if you were in some way inebriated, could perhaps be confused as purring. My sister’s allergies dealt a terrific blow to my feline aspirations, but I was undeterred. I petitioned my parents for a sphinx, a hairless, hypoallergenic breed known for its affectionate demeanor and rolls

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of pink, wrinkled flesh. For some inscrutable reason, my parents just didn’t go for it.

If only cat cafes had been a reality during my youth. These meccas of cat culture offer the opportunity to bask in the company of felines, bond with fellow ailurophiles, and explore the possibilities of adoption. The formula is simple: Take a cozy coffee shop and add cuddling. The result is Java Cats, a cat café that has locations in Grant Park and Marietta, and fulfills all of my childhood dreams.

Discovering your inner feline fanatic is easy.

First, make a reservation at the Java Cats website (JavaCatsCafe.com). Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, but they depend upon the day’s reservation schedule, so planning ahead is your best bet. For $10, you can spend an hour sipping your choice of tea or drip coffee and enjoying the antics of a dozen or so felines.

I’ll readily admit that I’ve long since outgrown

my cat obsession, and I have no interest in becoming a pet owner. Nevertheless, I found myself utterly charmed by the vibe at Java Cats. I was unexpectedly smitten with Space Cadet, a tuxedo-sporting kitten who went nuts for whatever cat toy that happened to dangle in front of her, and Blanche, a cuddly, grey shorthair curled up in the afternoon sun. The hour offered a much-needed breather in my busy day, and I was surprised by how soothing it felt to simply watch the cats do their thing.

Adopting a Java Cat is ridiculously easy. All of them come from PAWS Atlanta, and 100 percent of the adoption fee goes back to support the shelter. Each cat comes with a microchip and up-to-date shots. Plus, they’re already spayed or neutered. On top of it all, a Java Cats adoption package includes a free bag of cat food and a mini beer growler for their next-door neighbor, My Friend’s Growler Shop. If the idea of adoption triggers your commitment anxiety, have no fear. Java Cats

is a no-strings-attached enterprise where you’re free to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of feline friendship without the pressure to commit.

Whether you’re seeking a feline roommate or a brief respite from the burdens of human community, Java Cats has the answer.

As my session came to a close, I noticed a gaggle of little girls filing into the shop with cupcakes and gift bags. My heart swelled with joy for the youngsters who were living out the dreams of my youth. I take comfort in knowing that the fulfillment of my unmet childhood needs is just a short drive away.

July 6, 2018 Pets 11

PETS

In Reverence of Cop Dogs Morgan Fletcher, Intern

of their future job on them. At just a few weeks old, the toy and the smell it carries becomes firmly associated with fun and games of chase.

The toys are scented with everything from guns, explosives, narcotics, and even cell phones.

Their entire lives revolve around training but always under the guise of play. After a dog is assigned a handler, their day-to-day lives revolve around keeping the dog hooked on those specific scents. Explosive detection dogs must memorize 21 different smells alone. A narcotics K9 must be able to identify marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, ecstasy, and LSD.

game. The stadium is swept again after United wins (also when they lose). The stadium is approximately 2,000,000 square feet and can house 75,000 people. Working in ten-hour shifts, these dogs and their officers spend countless hours in the shadows in the earnest attempt to prevent a tragedy before it strikes.

However misconstrued or unnerving police presence can be, these officers are fighting an unknown enemy and must act accordingly. In the age of domestic terrorism, perpetrators, tactics, and targets are ever changing requiring K9 dogs to be versatile and diligent.

During last year’s NCAA National Championship game, over 200 dogs swept the Mercedes Benz Stadium before the game ever started. Every Atlanta United game at Mercedes Benz sees a two-hour initial search Dogs can be trained to smell anything for with 12–15 dogs before fans are allowed a specific purpose. From puppyhood, these inside. Bag tents and parking lots are swept AF_ATL_Ad_GeorgiaVoice_HalfPageHor_10x5_Female_FINALOUTLINES_Print.pdf 2 9/26/2017 5:36:57 PM specialty breed dogs are given toys with the scent every hour on the hour for the duration of the

The working life of the best of the best dogs starts at about two years old. Their sense of smell declines as they age, only giving them an effective career until they’re between the ages of eight and 10-years old. So, what happens when these dogs reach their retirement?

Working dogs are not going to hang out on the couch, even in their twilight years; they

Flashing blue lights, guns drawn, and a fierce, highly skilled German Shepherd racing after a perpetrator. Growling and snarling, the dog expertly takes down the crook. All is well. This image is brought to most of our minds when a Police K9 unit is mentioned, but their job duties are so much more varied.

Intelligent and diligent dogs sniffing out narcotics buried deep inside of a suitcase at Hartsfield Jackson. Dogs sweeping stadiums before big events. Canine officers helping halfway houses stay clean of contraband.

These scenarios are real, but as I learned, there is much more to be understood about the good boys and girls of law enforcement.

12 Pets July 6, 2018

need to be consistently challenged and have meaningful work to do. Most of the dogs stay with their officers after retirement — after a lifetime of working and living together, no one is better suited to care for them. However, these dogs do not earn a pension and their owners must pay the costs. Anyone who has owned a senior dog knows that those costs can skyrocket quickly and donations help tremendously to offset the burden.

If you are interested in supporting these brave animals who’ve most likely saved dozens of lives in their short one, please visit RetiredPaws.org or PoliceK9Help.com.

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PETS

Recognizing Stress in

Our Little Buddies Dionne N. Walker The positive effect that pets can have on stress is well-documented. One need only curl up with a puppy after a hard day at work to experience the benefits firsthand.

The effect of stress on your pets, however, isn’t always as obvious or understood, yet studies show stress is just as common among animals and can have negative impacts on their physical and mental health.

As we enter peak season for moving into new houses, bringing home new babies, and other potentially stressful household changes, pet experts say it’s a great time to learn how to recognize and combat stress in your favorite furry friend.

At the Atlanta Humane Society, Marketing Programs Manager Amanda Harris is a pro at spotting the many things that can trigger pet stress. In the shelter, it’s often new and unfamiliar faces that raise animal anxiety. In the home, she said triggers can include everything from a new roomie to redecorating.

“A new piece of furniture even — something that seems so small and miniscule to us — www.thegeorgiavoice.com

can definitely impact an animal’s behavior and stress level,” she says.

Reactive signs like snarling or growling are some of the most obvious symptoms of stress, but more subtle stress cues can include “calming reactions,” such as widened eyes, lip licking, and even excessive yawning, she explains.

“We tend to put human feelings and emotions onto animals, so we look at an animal that’s panting and [think] they’re smiling,” Amanda adds. “Really, it could be a stress signal.”

The good news is that pacifying your parrot or calming your chihuahua doesn’t necessarily have to involve drugs or behavioral therapy, Amanda says.

If you can’t remove the stressor, she suggests enrichment activities like puzzle feeders which make animals interact for a food reward. A simple version might be a plastic toy egg with a little wet cat food inside, or a frozen Kong toy containing dog kibble.

“It’s about getting them to use their brain,” she says. “That sort of activity can help reduce stress because the animal is thinking

of something else.”

Here are a few more ideas for ways to bring peace to your pet: AROMATHERAPY Be they from scented candles or fragrant oils, aromas can soothe and settle both humans and animals. Lavender, universally known for its calming ability, is one that experts say can be particularly relaxing for stressed-out dogs. But take note: Essential oils that are safe for humans aren’t always safe for animals. Consult an aromatherapy practitioner or check out a book, such as “Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals” if you want to give this method a try. For a quicker fix, place a familiar toy or even an old shirt with your smell on it in your pet’s crate or carrier to produce feelings of calm.

CREATE A HIDEAWAY Cats in particular often feel most comfortable when they have a place to escape when the environment gets a little too stimulating.

“Giving them a hiding spot is really, really beneficial for a cat’s behavioral health,” Amanda advises, adding felines are especially sensitive to environmental changes. Craft a vertical hideout by creating a wall-mounted stairway using

floating shelves, or stack books and boxes near a tall armoire to create an easy way for your cat to get up high when they need to.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Meditation, crystal therapy, acupuncture — just about every type of alternative medicine available to humans is also practiced on pets.

At Phoenix & Dragon, a Sandy Springs metaphysical book store that’s also home to five cats, owner Candace Apple offers calming amethyst crystals, animal-friendly music CDs, and flower solutions believed to reduce anxiety.

“We carry Rescue Remedy and that works for animals too,” she informs. “You can put little drops in their water and that’s great when they’re going on a car trip.” She adds that the store kitties enjoy mellowing out to the animalfriendly reiki energy sessions offered there.

Amanda stresses that it’s important that owners know when it’s time to talk to a pet behaviorist. Signs of that include an animal that’s becoming defensive, seeming afraid, or getting weird about eating.

“If it escalates that far because of a stressor, it’s time to seek professional help,” she advises. “There’s no shame in asking for that help if you need it.”

July 6, 2018 Pets 13

PETS

Just Say No!

THESE COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ARE DEADLY TO YOUR CATS AND DOGS.

AMARYLLIS

AUTUMN CROCUS

SAGO PALM

AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS

ALOCASIA

CASTOR BEAN

ALOE

CHRYSANTHEMUM

ARROWHEAD PLANT

CYCLAMEN

CALLA LILY

Toxic Foods GRAPES, RAISINS, AND CURRANTS � ONIONS, GARLIC, AND CHIVES � AVOCADO � PERSIMMONS, PEACHES, PLUMS, APRICOTS, AND CHERRIES � MUSHROOMS � TOMATO PLANTS � POTATOES � RHUBARB � CHOCOLATE �

This is not an exhaustive list! Please research other no-nos around the house. We love all animals and want to keep them safe.

14 Pets July 6, 2018

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PETS

Is Grumpy Cat Really Grumpy?

DECODING OUR CRITTERS’ BODY LANGUAGE Aidan Ivory Edwards, Intern I’m no Jackson Galaxy or Cesar Millan.

I could’ve used those shows during my childhood when my neighbor’s cat, Clover, attacked my face. Clover had a beef with my cat, Smokey, and I was caught in the crossfire of a country cat regional war. I was naïve then.

Now, I don’t trust any plant-named animals.

TAIL MOVEMENTS Wouldn’t it be convenient to know when to approach your crabby roommate concerning rent money by seeing what their tail is doing?

Dogs and cats provide us with this luxury.

Cats’ tails quiver back and forth when they’re thrilled. The slapping of their tails up and down can either be them being content or agitated. (Thanks for the mixed signals there, felines.) The straightened tail is an indicator that they are pleased in their environment.

Dogs’ tails have similar characteristics. Dog tails wagging back and forth can be a sign of happiness, but sometimes it’s because they’re upset. (Again with the mixed signals!)

Though your pupper might seem happy to see you home with that wiggly tail of his, Ralphie might be actually be annoyed that you weren’t home to watch “The Price is Right” with him, you monster. A pooch with a stiff, still tail indicates that someone is grabbing their attention, and dogs with tucked tails indicate that they’re feeling vulnerable. A high tail? That’s when they’re feelin’ at ease and right as rain.

VOCAL BEHAVIOR Meowing and barking read like WebMD diagnoses. It can be as simple as: n “Pet me, friend!” www.thegeorgiavoice.com

like how “myMuch parents could tell

how I was feeling by looking at my eyes in high school, we can achieve the same with pets. Both cats and dogs share similarities with each other in the mean-mugging department.

”

“Umm … you’re in my spot.” n “Can you maybe change my litter?” n “I’d like a piece of that chicken, madame.” … or as severe as, “I need to take a trip to the vet, so get the Prius started.” Don’t immediately panic when Noodle is being overly gregarious, but do make sure to get that sweetcheeks an appointment with Dr. Lipschitz. Or heck, Lovey may just want to share some thoughts on existentialism. n

Dogs in need will whimper, while a cat will meow more frequently to achieve the same effect. A whimper is a sound that can break a heart into countless shards, as it’s an indication they’re going through something traumatic — like experiencing pain or an immense amount of melancholy due to the series finale of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” When your dog begins barking at another dog and owner passing by, it could be

anything from, “This is my territory, dude!” or, “W’sup, mate?”

Interestingly, the noises that we make are believed to be the root of domesticated animals using their vocals. So they might be telling us to move onto a new topic, that they hate the new “babe” you’re into, or just questioning whether you’re going to finish those chicken nuggets or what?

EYES Much like how my parents could tell how I was feeling by looking at my eyes in high school, we can achieve the same with pets.

Both cats and dogs share similarities with each other in the mean-mugging department.

Both tend to have lethargic, slow-blinking eyes when they are comfortable, content, trusting, or feeling friendly toward an individual. The wandering eyes are signs of stress, discomfort, distrust, or a need for space. The “whale eye” pertains solely to dogs. It is a fancy term for the moment before a dog is about to bite. Beware of the

whale eye, which is when the whites of a dog’s eyes are totally exposed. A cold stare in your direction is because you’re freaking them out. And lastly, the avoidance of eye contact is their way of saying, “I don’t want any trouble, pal.”

The classic “Halloween cat” look, in which the feline displays a bushy tail, arched back, gigantic pupils, and gnashed teeth, is an ideal example of an unhappy cat. We see the entirety of its body displaying uneasiness.

Just keep the tricks and treats to yourself and move away from the angry little kitty. The little lawn lions are capable of channeling their ancestors’ speed, agility, and clawpawed dexterity.

Hope this helps keep you out of the woods with Mittens, Clover, Ralphie, and the likes. Truth be told, it doesn’t take much to figure out your individual pets’ body language. Until then, just keep open lines of communication and know when to walk away from their crabby little moods.

July 6, 2018 Pets 15

What is BIKTARVY®?

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults.

It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about BIKTARVY? BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects: } Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take BIKTARVY? Do not take BIKTARVY if you take: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include: } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY? } All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. } All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines. } If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

BVYC0024_BFTAF_B_10x10-5_GeorgiaVoice_KeepEmpowering_r1v1jl.indd 1-2

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at MyDailyCharge.com

KEEP EMPOWERING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for adults who are either new to treatment or whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

BIKTARVY.COM

6/26/18 1:57 PM

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: • dofetilide • rifampin • any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider all your medical conditions, including if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

• Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

• If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0024 05/18

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6/26/18 1:57 PM

PETS

Summertime Hot Dogs Dawn Felton Most pet owners see their pets as fur babies, and they’re right — we are pet parents. I am a proud mama to a 5-year-old mini Doberman and Chihuahua mix. I recall the day we brought her home: As much as I wanted to take care of a dog, I wasn’t prepared to become a mama all over again, especially to a dog. My family took ownership of Coco a few weeks before we should have taken her — in other words, she should’ve stayed with her mother a few weeks longer. We had to give our new addition puppy milk from a bottle to ensure she was getting the nutrients she needed, and my husband and I had her on a schedule, which meant house training.

This reminded me of my own kids when they were newborns.

I was a mama all over again.

So, my fellow pet parents, especially new pet www.thegeorgiavoice.com

parents, acknowledge the responsibility you have bestowed upon yourself in becoming a pet owner. You are now the proud guardian of a living thing that cannot talk to you (in your language, anyway), but once you become best pals, you’ll understand each other perfectly.

With that said, we’re in dangerous territory with all this Southern, summer heat, so please remember: Your pup depends on you to notice when they’re suffering in the swelter, whether it’s in your home, in your car, or on your daily run.

THE TOP SEVEN DOGS THAT SUFFER FROM HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES THE FASTEST? � Pugs � English Bulldogs � Chow Chows � Pomeranians � Cavalier King Charles Spaniels � Boxers

�

Alaskan Malamutes

Naturally, we sweat to cool ourselves off, but dogs and cats don’t. Panting is our little friends’ way of cooling off. Another way they regulate their body temperature is through their fur. Your dog’s fur slows down the process of heat absorption and helps keep him cool.

Surprisingly enough, people still leave their dogs in hot cars while running errands! A hot car is a death trap for a dog, as it is for a human. Although many believe the oneminute errand couldn’t cause any harm, a parked car’s temperature can soar to 100 degrees in minutes on a 78-degree day, and to 109 degrees on a 90-degree day in less than 10 minutes. Your pup can endure brain damage and suffer from a heat stroke in less than 15 minutes.

One last thing to think about is not to

have your pooch walk on hot asphalt. Test the pavement and if possible, wait for a cooler time.

SOME OTHER EASY WAYS TO KEEP YOUR POOCH COOL? � Keep a filled water bowl close by for your baby (okay — fur baby). � If you can’t have them inside, at least place your dog’s shelter in a shady area. � Have a fan for Coco (I had to plug my baby’s name again). � Create cool treats — freeze their chew toys, or make ice with dog treats inside. � Rub your dog down with a cool towel.

Just beware of your pet’s needs in this heat.

We made a pact to love them and keep them safe once we took them in. Y’all stay cool out there.

Dawn Felton is a wife, mother of two adorable kids, and Coco.

July 6, 2018 Pets 19

PETS

On Dog Poop Etiquette and Its Discontents Jamie Roberts Dog poop: The inevitable by-product of having a dog. It appeared in your lawn, you found some on the bottom of your shoe, and when Divine ate some on film, it made her immortal. If good fences make good neighbors, then certainly following your dog with a bag to pick up the feces and properly dispose of it in the garbage makes even better neighbors. I mean, have you ever had to scrape out poop from the textured sole of your favorite sneaker? Was that something you enjoyed having to do?

Nonetheless, you’ve probably seen the stray poo nestled in the meadow of your favorite park like an Easter egg from Hell. Or maybe you saw it hanging out on the fringes of a flower bed in the meticulous landscaping of your apartment complex, trying desperately to blend in with the mulch, though not quite.

How does this happen? The reasons may be as varied as the number of people who own pets — a staggering number. A 2015 study by George Mason University’s Center on Regional Analysis found that the US pet industry alone generated $221B in economic activity. Y’all — that’s a lot of pet parents spending money out there.

Certainly my neighborhood, East Lake Commons (ELC), a 20-acre cohousing community with 67 townhomes nestled in East Lake, has its share of pet parents, both cats and dogs. With 20 acres of property that includes a fenced-in dog run, it’s an ideal space to take your dog out for a stroll, as many folks here do.

Part of the vision of the community is to “… live together with careful and intentional focus.”

Some of the intent that went into its founding included creating “… a community where more psychic energy is generated than drained.”

Unfortunately, a lot of psychic and physical energy has been spent and lost forever over some recurring problems in the community, what the community’s guidebook, “The 20 Pets July 6, 2018

Book of Commons” calls “Bad Vibes: Hot Button Items At ELC” which include “Pets.” The Book of Commons gives clear, unequivocal guidance in this regard, and in addition to requiring that your dog always be leashed, (unless in the dog run), you’re commanded to “…always scoop the poop.”

Karen Minvielle is one of the original owners of the community who got involved in the planning stages in 1998 until she moved into her completed house in 2000. She is also mom to her rescued pit bull named Stella. She says that from the beginning, it wasn’t unusual for some individuals to leave the poop where it fell instead of picking it up. More recently, she noticed that “it’s gotten worse in the past three years, and it’s taken a real effort to educate and talk to people face-to-face. It’s certainly better now that it was one year ago.”

In response to the increase of stray poop, community members took pictures of piles of poop and publicized them on the community’s internet listserv, giving the time and location the pile was discovered.

Though Karen was one of the community members to post found poop, she certainly wasn’t the only person. Nonetheless, around Christmas of 2016, an unknown person singled her out, committing an act of vandalism on her car by smearing it with dog poop. The person covered every door handle of the car, as well as the front windshield.

“It was an intentional, deliberate effort by someone who was really pissed off,” says Karen.

“It really does show how pissed off people can get over something that the rest of the world thinks is a fine expectation of what to do.”

The people who live at ELC enjoy the amenities of the community, which include a Common House for use by all residents.

Another of the amenities is the four-acre organic farm, Gaia Gardens, that is currently leased to Love is Love Farm, which strives to maintain its status as a certified-organic farm.

Luz Borrero, a long-time resident of ELC, lists two elements to the management of dogs in the community: 1) whether dogs should be kept on a leash within the community, and 2) the level of observance of the rule that dog owners are responsible for picking up poop. Luz connects the latter issue to the maintenance of the organic farm, saying that it “… must adhere to the certification requirements, including but not limited to utilizing pesticides or chemical products, and maintaining the gardens free of potential contamination.”

Dog poop, as it turns out, was listed in 1991 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, as a non-point source pollutant.

Fecal coliform bacteria can cause sickness in humans, as well as contaminate a waterway, such as the pond and drainage system that runs through ELC property.

And dog poop is not all that runs through ELC property. The fact is that ELC is situated in a densely populated section of DeKalb County and, on occasion, neighbors from outside the fences do find ways to traverse the property. On a recent occasion when Luz and her partner Catherine were walking around the gardens, they noticed a man with two dogs enter the farm through a hole in the fence created by a fallen tree. Luz informed him that he wasn’t supposed to have the dogs in the community without a leash. Luz says the man responded by saying,

“Oh, you are going to be real bitches about it.” They made further inquiries of the man who kept walking, with Luz and Catherine following behind, insisting, “Sir, you need to either put a leash on the dogs or leave.” The man responded by flipping them a bird and kept going, so they asked him again to leave.

“As he turned around, he called upon his dogs to follow him and pulled his pants down to show us his behind.” Several days subsequent, another attempt by the man to enter the farm was rebuffed, and the fence has since been repaired. Eat that, trespasser!

Certainly, Divine showed us how it was really done. In the film “Pink Flamingos” by The Pope of Trash and openly gay filmmaker John Waters, you can witness (close to the film’s ending) Divine watch a dog poop, pick it up, and eat it. If you’re ever in Baltimore, it happened at the corner of Read and Tyson Streets and has become a part of Baltimore urban lore, so much so that a Kickstarter campaign started in 2016 to place a memorial on the spot, an effort that even picked up the tentative endorsement of Baltimore’s mayor at the time. While the effort fizzled out at the time, a physical tribute to the moment could still emerge.

Perhaps we should build a statue on the mooning man in our neighborhood, to remind everyone that you’re being closely watched in a neighborhood that prefers our furry canine sweetcheeks over furry human buttcheeks. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

PETS

For Shame! Phony service-dog vests are an insult Katie Burkholder, Intern We love our fur babies as though they’re our own children, making it heart-wrenchingly difficult to leave them at home while we go to work, school, or the grocery store. A quick search on Amazon can solve all your problems — just type ‘service dog vests’ into the search bar and you’ll have a way to take Fido everywhere you go for just under $20.

Finally, you’ll never have to desert your sweet puppy again! Simple, right?

Wrong.

Masquerading your pup as a service dog is immoral, illegal, and incredibly dangerous.

You’re at the doctor’s office, sitting on the cold, hard, plastic chair, breathing in the stark, antiseptic air. Your service dog sits vigilantly but calmly at your foot, as he was trained to, awaiting a command. You stare across the fluorescently lit room to see another dog, dressed similarly in a

black and red vest with the words “SERVICE DOG” plastered in white across the side. Before you can even react, the other dog leaps across the room, charging your dog. The service dog you need to live your daily life is hurt, costing you thousands in veterinary bills.

This is the story Georgia State Senator Renee Unterman told a Senate committee back in January, after receiving a call from one of her

constituents. Stories like this have revealed the threat of “fake service dogs” to both true service dogs and their handlers. Dawn Alford, a lobbyist with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and a service dog handler, has pushed for a bill that seeks to appoint a committee to clamp down on fake service dogs. However, the solution is not simple. Service dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the law prohibits staff people from requiring medical or training documentation. Although the ADA makes faking a service dog technically illegal, it also makes it extremely easy to get away with, making the crackdown a difficult task.

Not only is faking a service dog dangerous and illegal, but disrespectful to the disabled community. Service dog handlers are often faced with judgment and unwanted attention.

A service dog can invite inappropriately prying questions about the handler’s disability or outright skepticism about their need for a service animal. Fake service dogs who, no

Top 10 Spots For Dogs to Take Their Humans Jason Rhode Atlanta has no lack of pet-friendly facilities.

Below is a list of such institutions, carefully groomed to our exacting standards. At long last, the rewards for the contest of “Who’s a good boy?” may be listed.

Let’s get the Beltline out of the way. You know it. I know it. The American people know it. You can take your pet along Hotlanta’s premiere public draw.

ParkGrounds Coffee on Flat Shoals Avenue came from a simple notion: What if we built a cafe, and dogs came? ParkGrounds had a dream, and that dream involved building a fenced-in dog park. You drink coffee, the canines socialize.

Lucky’s Burger and Brew was named for the owners’ Golden Retriever. The interiors are stocked with images of its namesake. There are three locations, and the setup was designed to accommodate dogs. Featuring menu entries www.thegeorgiavoice.com

The Piedmont Dog Park. There are three acres, and enclosures where the quadrupeds can go nuts in a the most sociable way. Stay for a while, and enjoy Atlanta’s blessing and curse, the omnipresent sun.

Building, between LA Fitness and Canton Cooks II, lives one of the crown jewels of the Atlanta dog scene. Perk-n-Pooch is a dogwash and coffee cafe, but it’s so much more: a testament to the crossover appeal of human/ dog interests, and the ingenuity of business innovation. You can wash your dog and score a shake. How can you beat that?

Joe’s on Juniper. The Midtown watering hole has tavern charm and dog relevance. Like many groovy Atlanta standbys, Joe’s comes complete with a lengthy catalog of cocktails and an impressive checklist of beers to consume. And, like many of these other institutions, they have an outdoor area for dogs.

Park Tavern. The Tavern is a polestar of the Atlanta nightlife scene, and its famous hospitality extends to man’s best friend. Like the other entries in this list, there’s an outside area (see Park, Piedmont) and a decent view (see Atlanta, skyline of). Parking is your own concern. Regardless, your dog will still love you.

Ladybird. The spot in front of Ladybird is called the Grove. You’ll be using it from here on out. Don’t worry. There are lots of other pet-dads and moms out there too. Look for it near the Krog and Ponce markets.

Publico Atlanta gets a nod on this list because it has a rare feature in Atlanta pubs: The patio has grass. Yeah, you heard me. That nature stuff? It’s back in style. Of course, there’s more, including a VIP menu, which ends up standing for “Very Important Puppy.” What’s on the list? Treats. Better still, the menu sales

like the Dogfish Sandwich, it’s hard to argue against the thematic unity of Lucky.

Perk-n-Pooch. Behind the Gwinnett College

matter how well-behaved, don’t have the training of a $17,000 service dog, and can be dangerous or distracting to the public, creating a bad name for service dogs. Living with a disability is hard enough without abled people taking advantage of the rights of the disabled for some petty benefits.

I know Fido is adorable and well-behaved and would never hurt a fly. That does not make you disabled. People with physical disabilities don’t have service dogs for company or companionship; they have a physical need for assistance only a specially trained dog can provide. They don’t put vests on their dogs because they’re lonely or feel bad for leaving him behind; they put vests on their dogs so they can live without their disability getting in the way.

You were lucky enough to be born able bodied, so remove the vest from your Amazon basket, take Fido for a walk, and use the $20 to buy him a chew toy, not to impersonate a disabled person.

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COURTESY PHOTO

go to the Atlanta Humane Society.

Memorial Drive’s Grindhouse Killer Burgers doesn’t have actual grass in its patio area, but it has something close — Astro-Turf is soft stuff, after all. Throw in tins of complimentary water for the four-legged guests, and this is another picnic-table patio that’s worth your time.

Midway Pub on Flat Shoals Avenue is as pet-friendly as the rest of these entries, but I include it on the list because there’s a tiki bar on the weekends. I’d like to address that: a tiki bar and a dog-friendly patio. How often do those two elements cross over?

July 6, 2018 Pets 21

ACTING OUT

A Giant Ensemble, A Soaking-Wet Cast, & Danger on the Set: Clowdus’ “Titanic” Jim Farmer Brian Clowdus, the out artistic director of Serenbe Playhouse, has pulled off some major theatrical events in his career, including a version of “Hair” taking place literally in a field, and a take of “Miss Saigon” which included landing a helicopter as part of the musical. Now he’s taking aim at his most ambitious project — the musical “Titanic,” in which the director will sink a ship nightly.

As someone who likes challenges, Clowdus says this is his biggest one to date. “This has always been on my bucket list,” he says.

“This was the perfect year to do it. I’ve been in love with the story for ages. It’s rarely done. It has such a huge cast and sometimes it’s done as an ensemble version with a smaller cast, but we are doing the original version. I didn’t want to do it pared down. I wanted to do the epic, full version.”

The stage production, charting the ocean liner RMS Titanic and how it sank on its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912, won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1997, but Clowdus finds that most people 22 Columnists July 6, 2018

DETAILS

“Titanic” July 11–August 12 Serenbe Playhouse SerenbePlayhouse.com

are more familiar with the Oscar-winning movie, which was at one time the highestgrossing film ever released.

Clowdus looked at the original blueprint of the Titanic to get ideas of what he wanted the set to look like. He knew he had bitten off a lot, though. “We have never done a show of this scale, or of this budget,” he says.

“We have never done a show in water to this degree. You have 40 people going in and out of water and it’s a dangerous show. You have to work hand in hand with Actor’s Equity because we’ve never done this before. We want to be overly cautious with everything.

We want the audience to feel comfortable watching the show. All the mechanics will be rehearsed over and over again.”

Out actor Brian Jordan, known for his work in last year’s “The Most Fabulous Story

Ever Told” at Out Front Theatre Company, is one the major characters in the large ensemble. Jordan has done several shows with the company including “Carousel” and last summer’s “Cabaret,” and feels the company has always offered a welcoming environment for LGBTQ cast and crew.

He plays a 14-year-old character — Clifford, a bellboy on the ship — which has been a challenge in itself since the actor is 27. That’s mild compared to the physical challenge, though. The show takes place on a lake and contains scenes where characters are literally jumping into the water. “Safety is our biggest priority since we are in the middle of a lake for two hours.

We are working with an amazing stunt coordinator to take precautions, though.

It’s been very exciting.”

Jordan is a huge fan of Clowdus’ derring-do attitude. “He will have an idea and not take no for an answer,” says Jordan. “He’ll make it happen — for instance, building a fair [for “Carousel”], a club [for “Cabaret”], landing a helicopter, and now we’re sinking a ship.

I think it’s going to be one of the greatest shows Atlanta has ever seen.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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EATING MY WORDS

Snackboxe Bistro: Sticky rice, fish sauce, and political defiance Cliff Bostock Every now and then, even while eating, people experience a coincidence too coincidental to be a coincidence. It’s called synchronicity and nobody has ever been able to explain it as more than a call to attention.

Something of that nature occurred last Friday when dinner turned out to be a pointed commentary on current events.

Some friends and I decided to eat at a Laotian restaurant, Snackboxe Bistro (6035 Peachtree Road), located in Peachtree Plaza, just beyond the Land of Car Dealerships in Doraville.

As soon as we entered, I was startled by a statement painted on one wall: “Laos is the kind of place that can easily capture your heart and not let go.” It was attributed to the recently deceased Anthony Bourdain.

The quote reminded me of him, of course, but also that, contrary to Laos, the US is now “the kind of place that can easily capture your children and not let them go.” Sitting in a restaurant staffed by immigrants and likely American-born children of immigrants now feels literally like political defiance. To add to the synchronicity, the restaurant’s video

screens erupted with the squishy, nostalgic 1985 anthem, “We Are the World.”

The cuisine of Laos is something of a political expression itself, beginning with the original migration from Southern China into the area that became Laos and, then, thanks to the French occupation and repartitioning of Southeast Asia, later became northern Thailand. Thus, some food you’ve presumed to be strictly Thai turns out to be much better described as Laotian. Ditto for certain dishes we associate with neighboring Vietnam.

Take for example, larb (or laap) — the spicy concoction of minced meat that you see on nearly every Thai menu. It is actually the signature dish of Laos, and Snackboxe offers five versions: salmon, tofu, beef, pork, and chicken. We tried the tender grilled beef, tossed with toasted rice flour and flakes of hot chilies. It slightly stings the tongue and floods the mouth with sour lime juice, a gentle wave of fresh mint, and a mildly funky dose of fish sauce. If you really want to turn up the heat, order the green papaya salad. This is a dish I love at Com, a Vietnamese restaurant on Buford Highway, where it is refreshingly tart,

almost like an old-fashioned palate cleanser.

At Snackboxe, it is like walking into an overheated sauna. Expect to start sweating and drooling instantly. Once you’ve adjusted, the herbs, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and lime come forward. It’s delish.

About that fish sauce. My friends found the food generally “fishy.” I didn’t really have that experience except with one of the snacks we ordered — saku, little tapioca pearl dumplings. I don’t generally dig tapioca, and the overwhelming fish sauce made them extra-unappetizing. Weirdly, they are by all accounts a favorite of many. I also wasn’t fond of the skewered meatballs.

They were strangely spongy and coated with a cloying sauce.

My favorite dish by far was the nam khao.

It is Laos’ famous sticky rice formed into balls with coconut, and fried. Once crunchy, they are broken up and tossed with peanuts, onions, fermented pork and, of course, a very mild dose of fish sauce. The dish is also piled with lettuce leaves to wrap the rice. I could eat this every day of my life.

Technically, most of the dishes here are street food and thus quite inexpensive. The décor, incidentally, is great fun — a blend of fine art and campy frills. So, please, resist Trump, embrace diversity, and eat some nam khao today.

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

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BEST BETS Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for July 6-19 SUNDAY, JULY 8

The High Museum of Art has just opened the major touring exhibition “Outliers and American Vanguard Art.” 12–5pm High.org

FRIDAY, JULY 6

Trying to make a deep playoff run this year, The Atlanta Dream host the Seattle Storm.

7pm McCamish Pavilion Actor’s Express’ excellent version of the lesbian-themed “The Color Purple,” the musical based on Alice Walker’s book, runs through July 29.

8pm ActorsExpress.com

SATURDAY, JULY 7

Atlanta Prime Timers meets today at 3pm.

Phillip Rush Center Annex RushCenterAtl.org Break out your gear boys for the Harness Party with DJ Mike Pope, with no cover all night long.

10pm–3am Heretic Atlanta

SUNDAY, JULY 8

The High Museum of Art has just

26 Best Bets July 6, 2018

opened the major touring exhibition “Outliers and American Vanguard Art.” The show brings together more than 250 diverse works by more than 80 trained and untrained artists, and includes sections and featured works by artists including Greer Lankton, Zoe Leonard, Forrest Bess, and Henry Darger that examine sexuality and gender. Together, the works on view offer an unprecedented overview of the profound impact of American self-taught artists on the evolution of modern and contemporary art over the past 100 years. They also reveal how these artists galvanized the mainstream art world to embrace difference and diversity across race, region, class, age, and gender.

Running through September 30.

12–5pm High.org

MONDAY, JULY 9

Chronicling the life of fashion editor Andre Leon Talley, the documentary “The Gospel According to Andre” continues its run at the UA Tara Cinema 4 today.

Various showtimes RegMovies.com

TUESDAY, JULY 10

Need help kicking off your 2018 AIDS Walk fundraising? Looking for a refresher on raising money? AIDS Walk team members are hosting a Fundraising 101 event today. Whether it’s your first time or you’re an Extra Mile Club veteran, this event will help you get up to speed. This class is perfect for team captains looking to get an edge and really get the most from their team. The class is open to anyone.

RSVP to Steven.Igarashi@AidAtlanta.org.

6:30–8pm Landmark Midtown Art Cinema’s Classics Series continues this summer with films every Tuesday night tonight through August 28. The theme of this series is “Film in Films” and each screening will be accompanied by an introduction and a post-show discussion. Tonight’s film is David Lynch’s masterful, lesbian-themed “Mulholland Drive.”

7pm

Erasure’s World Be Gone Tour hits the Tabernacle Atlanta tonight. See their Facebook event for more details.

8pm Live Nation presents Sam Smith: The Thrill Of It All Tour this evening. The openly gay Grammy and Oscar winner will be singing from his latest album with some greatest hits thrown in as well.

8pm Infinite Energy Center

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11

Serenbe Playhouse and out director Brian Clowdus present the musical “Titanic” and will actually sink a ship each night at 8pm, now through August 12.

SerenbePlayhouse.com

THURSDAY, JULY 12

SAGE Atlanta’s bi-monthly meetings occur from 10:30am–1pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Phillip Rush Center Annex

CONTINUES ON PAGE 27 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

BEST BETS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 Rushcenteratl.org Out Front Theatre Company presents “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead.” When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group’s bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful.

8pm

FRIDAY, JULY 13

The terrific, lesbian-themed “Hearts Beat Loud” — with out actresses Kiersey Clemons and Sasha Lane — continues its run at the Midtown Art Cinema today.

Various showtimes LandarkTheatres.com

SATURDAY, JULY 14

The Queerly Revue offers up fun and variety tonight at My Sister’s Room.

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

TUESDAY, JULY 17

“The Book of Mormon” is back in town, tonight at 7:30 running through July 22.

Fox Theatre FoxTheatre.org

10pm My Sister’s Room MySistersRoom.com

SUNDAY, JULY 15 – MONDAY, JULY 16

The One-Minute Play Festival and Actor’s Express present the 7th annual Atlanta One-Minute Play Festival Sunday and Monday.

Actor’s Express 8pm

JULY 15

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children meets today, with a featured speaker, from 2:30–4pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. uuca.org

MONDAY, JULY 16

The John Lewis Fellowship|Humanity in Action Program in collaboration with the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host Activism in Sports. In partnership with The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc., Humanity in Action brings together a group of 30 American and European university students for an intensive program about diversity and civil rights in America. This moderated community discussion will examine the history and contemporary relevance of social activism in sports in the United States. This event will feature “The

Kennesaw Five” — Kennesaw State University (KSU) cheerleaders who kneeled in protest during the playing of the National anthem at a KSU college football home game. This event is free and open to the public.

10:30am Auburn Avenue Research Library afpls.org/aarl Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources, and activism around social issues.

7–8:30pm Charis Books and More CharisBooksAndMore.com

TUESDAY, JULY 17

Need some laughs in these dour times?

The nine-time Tony-Award-winner (including Best Musical) “The Book of Mormon” is back in town, tonight at 7:30 running through July 22.

Fox Theatre FoxTheatre.org Written by out actor/director/playwright Colman Domingo, the play “Dot” — directed by Kenny Leon at his True Colors Theatre Company — is a comedy about aging parents and midlife crises in a

CONTINUES ON PAGE 28 July 6, 2018 Best Bets 27

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FRIDAY, JULY 20

Culture Club comes to State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

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Philadelphia neighborhood. 7:30 tonight, running through August 12.

Southwest Arts Center TrueColorsTheatre.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18

Come join Hotlanta Softball League for a family-friendly event benefiting Pride School Atlanta. Cowtippers Steaks & Spirits will be donating a portion of all sales to Pride School, and will be showing a movie on the patio beginning. The exact movie is still TBD, but it will be suitable for the kids.

See their Facebook event for more details.

8–11pm TEN Atlanta will once again transform from a crowded dance club into a cozy NYC cabaret for consecutive Wednesday Nights tonight and July 25 with Boys Night “OUT” on Broadway, a one hour musical and comedy revue written by Broadway veteran performer Robert Ray. 7 and 9pm

THURSDAY, JULY 19

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Charis and Cliterati pair up to present an inviting and fierce open mic and reading series on the third Thursday of every month.

All are welcome to come share their work. This month’s featured writer is Danielle Sellers.

Danielle will read from her new book of poems, “The Minor Territories.” Danielle is from Key West, FL. She has an MA from the Writing Seminars of Johns Hopkins University and an MFA from the University of Mississippi where she held the John Grisham Poetry Fellowship. Her first book, “Bone Key Elegies,” was published by Main Street Rag. She

teaches literature and creative writing at Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center Literary Event and the suggested donation is $5.

7:30–9pm Charis Books and More CharisBooksAndMore.com Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, aka The Indigo Girls, perform tonight at Chastain Park, starting at 8pm.

UPCOMING FRIDAY, JULY 20

It could be the concert event of the season — Culture Club, The B-52s, and the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey join forces for an amazing evening.

7pm State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

SATURDAY, JULY 21

It’s the party of the summer. Don’t miss Shine: Joining Hearts 31. When Joining Hearts held its first main event in 1987 there was still a lot to learn about HIV/AIDS. The world began to recognize its grave importance, and so our founders stepped it up to start helping people living with HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. And now 31 years later, the metro Atlanta community is once again in an HIV/AIDS crisis. While other cities in the country are seeing virtually no new HIV infections, Atlanta is seeing new infections at numbers we haven’t seen since the 1980s. Come out tonight, have fun and help raise needed money to prevent HIV/AIDS. 5–10:30pm The Greystone At Piedmont Park

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

Moving Closer While Moving Apart Melissa Carter “You should share more about that with your readers.”

That was recent advice from a friend after I told him I was moving. Not moving away from Atlanta, but moving to another area within the city. The reason he wanted me to share this information is not because of the move itself, but why I am moving.

I’m doing it for my son. In fact, Katie Jo and I both are doing it for our son. Not that Katie and I live that far from each other now, but unfortunately the traffic in that area of town can make the drive picking up and dropping off Mr. Carter between our homes a two-hour trip. We live just 10 miles from one another at the moment, but one morning it indeed took two hours to get him to her place.

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As adults, Katie and I can rationalize what is happening, and know the distance between us isn’t that great. However, for Mr. Carter the strain of getting to his other parent’s house has manifested into a dread of riding in the car to make the trip. Even worse, this 3-yearold’s separation anxiety seems exaggerated since he seems to believe when he leaves one of us behind, it’s as if we’ll be lost forever.

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The mutual move was Katie’s initial suggestion. She moved out of our home when we split and was able to stay close by because she rented her next residence. When the time came for her to buy again, she thought it better to make that decision as a couple and see how we could improve our son’s perspective of his two homes.

Let me not represent myself as an angel. My first mental reaction was, Why in the hell would I want to move closer to her and have our lives intertwine? I was just getting to the point of being past our time together and was through doing what she wanted. And I share this part of me to express that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest decision, but my

priority is my son and not my ego.

I’m sure Katie wasn’t keen on talking to me about it either, but if nothing else we are committed to giving Mr. Carter a whole family, even if that family has two addresses.

I think that’s why my friend wanted me to share this move, not to show that Katie and I are strong parents naturally but that we make incredible efforts to be.

We’ve had to get over one another romantically while still being in touch on a daily basis. We’re both packing up and timing our moves so that we find places closer to each other, ignoring any biased naysayers on both sides who question the decision. We temper any criticism of the other in order to build a comfortable foundation for an ever-growing friendship that was forcibly renovated. And we would certainly never use our son to hurt the other. He’s not some tool in our relationship — he’s our inspiration.

So I’ve got boxes strewn around my house, and am starting to say goodbye to the place where our family began. However, I’ve begun to look forward to what the future holds, and Mr. Carter’s smile knowing his Mom isn’t that far away.

One of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta, Melissa’s worked for B98.5 and Q100. Catch her daily on theProgressive Voices podcast “She Persisted.” Tweet her! @MelissaCarter www.thegeorgiavoice.com

SOMETIMES ‘Y’

The Court’s All Right Ryan Lee U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy was overrated, as is the overall import both political sides attach to supreme court nominations. There are reasonable and well-meaning conservatives who cared enough about high-court appointments that they elected a racist, infantile liar as president, and liberals have responded to Kennedy’s retirement as if, to borrow an idea from another famous Kennedy, it is the second closing of Camelot.

In fact, “lifetime” appointments aren’t nearly as ominous or as static as we fear. Kennedy is widely regarded as the most influential supreme court justice of the past three decades, yet his impact and legacy that was supposed to span several generations now allegedly risks being undone by a single appointment.

Kennedy’s tenure exposes how wasteful it is anticipating a supreme court nominee’s impact on future generations. Appointed by a Republican president whose own legacy is compromised by his devaluing of gay life, Kennedy became the author of LGBTQ rights in American jurisprudence, penning the majority opinion in every major case from Romer v. Evans to Obergefell v. Hodges with writing that included beautiful prose and bald-faced lies.

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“This case ‘does not involve’ the issue of homosexual marriage only if one entertains the belief that principle and logic have nothing to do with the decisions of this Court.”

Lawrence overturned Bowers v. Hardwick, a 1986 case out of Atlanta in which a JFK-appointed justice wrote that it was constitutional for police to enter a person’s home and arrest him or her for engaging in homosexual activity. The two cases, only 17 years apart, also display the supreme court’s fluidity, as even though the Lawrence panel included three justices who had been in the majority in Bowers (and only one who had dissented), the court emphatically reversed itself, including Justice Sandra Day O’Connor voting opposite of how she did in Bowers.

“The State cannot demean [gay Americans’] existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime,” Kennedy wrote in Lawrence and Garner v. Texas, which decriminalized homosexuality in 2003.

Presidents change, culture shifts and even justices themselves evolve. It is masochistic for us to resign ourselves to several lifetimes of being disadvantaged before a nominee is even announced. Granted, it would be better to have nine Ruth Bader Ginsburgs on the bench, but we have never been close to that, yet the arc has still bent toward justice.

By the time Lawrence was decided, anyone paying attention knew same-sex marriage was on the horizon, and the late Justice Antonin Scalia called out Kennedy’s disingenuous assurances that the dignity he waxed about in Lawrence did not mean gay people were worthy of marriage.

Bowers is among the supreme court’s most toxic decisions, but its most infamous ruling had an even shorter life. In 1857, the supreme court ruled that thenceforth and forever more, descendants of Africa were considered property rather than human beings — a decision mooted within four years.

“Today’s opinion dismantles the structure of constitutional law that has permitted a distinction to be made between heterosexual and homosexual unions, insofar as formal recognition in marriage is concerned,” read

Let’s hope it doesn’t take a second civil war to decontaminate the justices appointed by our pestilential president, but at least proceed with the comfort that there is no supreme court action that can’t be nullified.

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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