The Georgia Voice - 8/30/13, Vol. 4 Issue 13

Photo courtesy RCA Records

MAYOR’S ADVISER Meet Mayor Kasim Reed’s new LGBT adviser. Page 6

PART OF THE DREAM March on Washington includes LGBT equality. Page 17

HOLIDAY WEEKEND George Takei at Dragon Con, plus more big events. Page 31

We’re responsible for our bodies and the choices we make.

We fight HIV by speaking up and knowing our status.

We get tested.

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08.30.13

IN THIS ISSUE OF GA VOICE

NEWS

Photo by Drew/The Come Up Show/ CC 2.0

Courtesy photo

29 | GAY AMPUTEE PLANS ATLANTA-TO-BIRMINGHAM TREK

OUTSPOKEN

Official photo

FRIENDS & FOES IN THEIR OWN WORDS “As we gather today, 50 years later, their march — now our march — goes on. And our focus has broadened to include the cause of women, of Latinos, of Asian Americans, of lesbians, of gays, of people with disabilities, and of countless others across this country who still yearn for equality, opportunity, and fair treatment.”

“To watch this song in the last year spread across the world is a testament to what is happening right now in America on the forefront of equality. Gay rights are human rights, there is no separation.”

— Macklemore, accepting the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Video with a Social Message” for the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song “Same Love,” which the duo performed at the Aug. 25 awards show. (MSNBC, Aug. 26)

“I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.”

— Actor Wentworth Miller, coming out as gay in a letter declining an invitation to be a guest of honor at the International Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. (The Guardian, Aug. 22)

— Attorney General Eric Holder, speaking to the National Action to Realize the Dream March, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. (White House Office of Communications, Aug. 24)

Photo by Kristin Dos Santos / Watch With Kristen

VIEWS 18 | Founding editor bids farewell 19 | GA Voice welcomes new editor in Sept.

BLACK GAY PRIDE 21 | Interview: Brandy speaks out on gay fans 23 | Community events aim to empower, educate 24 | Full schedule to plan your Pride 26 | Nightlife events bring out the starsw

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 29 | Gay amputee plans walk from ATL to Birmingham 31 | Big events draw LGBT crowds for Labor Day 33 | Theater: Johnny Drago’s ‘Trash’ 35 | Photos: Gay chamber of commerce awards 37 | A&E in Brief: Taylor Dane headlines Atlanta Pride, and more 38 | CALENDAR

COLUMNISTS 43 | That’s What She Said: Melissa Carter’s DragonCon crush 45 | Domestically Disturbed: Topher Payne counts his money

“Dude, lesbians love me. I’m tall, I have a deep voice, I’m like, ‘Hello, catnip!’ Now that this show’s out I’m curious what happens from here because whenever I go out lesbians try to, y’know, turn me.”

“Put a REAL man on the Sunnyside Board.

Daniel Hernandez is LGBT. We need someone who will support Sports and cares about our kids.”

— Flier demanding a recall of Daniel Hernandez, who serves on a suburban school board near Tucson. Hernandez, who is gay, was an intern when he was credited with helping save the life of shooting victim U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. (Advocate. com, Aug. 26)

6 | Meet Atlanta mayor’s new LGBT liaison 8 | Four Ga. cities celebrate Pride in September 10 | Federal, county programs drop YouthPride 16 | Trans conference serves up ‘Southern Comfort’ 17 | News in brief: Atlanta Pride on Russia Olympics, Health Initiative to help with new healthcare exchange

Publicity photo

Publicity photo

— Actress Laura Prepon, discussing playing lesbian drug dealer Alex Vaus on “Orange is the New Black.”

(Canada.com, Aug. 1)

6 | GA VOICE

NEWS

08.30.13

Atlanta mayor names city attorney as new LGBT adviser

www.theGAVoice.com

Robin Shahar was plaintiff in 1990s gay rights case

By DYANA BAGBY Robin Shahar’s name is easily recognized by many in Atlanta’s LGBT communities — and likely by many activists across the country. Recently appointed Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s adviser on LGBT issues, she has a history of fighting for equality.

Shahar graduated at the top of her class from Emory Law School in 1990, and in 1991 she was offered a job by Georgia Attorney General Michael Bowers.

However, after Bowers learned Shahar was planning a Jewish commitment ceremony with her lesbian partner, he rescinded the job offer saying, essentially, that because she was gay she would not be able to enforce the state’s sodomy law that he successfully defended to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1986.

Shahar responded by suing Bowers. She lost at the district level in 1993 and in her appeal argued Bowers violated her rights to free association and equal treatment. In 1995, a three-judge panel ruled in favor of Shahar, stating her constitutional rights were violated.

But in 1997, her case went before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, where Shahar lost again.

She tried to get her case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, but in 1998 the high court declined to review her case.

Also in 1997, Bowers had to resign his post and drop out of running for governor after he revealed he’d committed adultery with a woman who worked in his office. Adultery, like sodomy, was also illegal in Georgia.

While Shahar continued her lawsuit against Bowers, she secured a job in the city of Atlanta’s law department in 1993. She has worked there ever since, rising to the rank of Chief Counsel.

She now works on government issues, from pension reform to public art.

On Aug. 14, Reed appointed Shahar to be his adviser on LGBT issues — a change of strategy for the mayor, who had previously said that he preferred to include openly gay people in leadership positions without having a designated adviser.

The announcement of Shahar’s new job came approximately two weeks before Reed made his formal announcement on Aug. 26 that he is seeking reelection. So far, Reed is not facing

Robin Shahar (left), the newly appointed LGBT adviser to Mayor Kasim Reed (right) said it is important for people to be out and share their stories as part of the fight for full equality. (Shahar courtesy photo; Reed file photo)

a strong challenger.

“In addition to her keen legal mind, she is well-respected in the community and will be an effective ambassador,” Reed said in a statement announcing Shahar’s appointment. “My administration and I are dedicated to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging the LGBT community across the city.”

people said to me they had no idea you could be fired for being gay,” she said.

“People need to come out, we need to be seen, people need to see examples of discrimination against real people and see real stories to understand that good people are hurt by discrimination,” she said. “Shahar vs. Bowers was one of those stories.”

‘WE NEED TO BE SEEN’

Reed won the 2009 election against Mary Norwood by the slimmest of margins and was trounced in District 6, known for its large gay and lesbian population. Many gay voters supported Norwood because she backed marriage equality.

In December 2012, Reed said he had evolved on the issue and now supports marriage equality. But he’s faced continued criticism by some in the city for his handling of the aftermath of the Atlanta police raid on the Atlanta Eagle, a popular gay leather bar in Midtown.

Shahar said as a city employee, her job as LGBT adviser to the mayor will not include outreach to LGBT voters.

“He’s not discussed [his reelection campaign] with me,” Shahar said. “This is a role as a city employee, so what you are talking about is outside that role.”

Shahar also worked in the city’s law department during the contentious Eagle lawsuits which followed the unconstitutional raid. While the raid occurred before Reed took office, his administration defended the city against the lawsuits.

“I was not a lawyer on those cases,” Shahar said. “But I was at the mayor’s press conference

In her new role, Shahar is meeting with various LGBT groups in Atlanta, including HRC, Georgia Equality and the Health Initiative.

“These are high profile groups, but it’s also important to me to meet with less high-profile groups and different minorities within our community,” she said.

Shahar said she will also look at ways the city government can continue to be inclusive of LGBT residents and employees and eventually present ideas to the mayor who will decide if they are feasible.

Shahar acknowledges she has a bit of learning curve coming into this job.

“I am out of touch with challenges and fears confronted by younger or more newly out members of the LGBT community,” she said.

“I look forward to understanding better what impedes their ability to be fully out and I look forward to working with a mayor who is committed to people being safe when being fully out, and in that context making Atlanta an even better environment to work, visit and enjoy,” she said.

She also wants to inspire people to share their stories.

“When my case was going on, numerous

EAGLE RAID AFTERMATH

when he talked about the Eagle resolution [in December 2012] and how he spoke about his outrage this happened and his sincere apology for what occurred.”

Shahar said she knows it is hard for people without a legal background to understand, but while the lawsuits were ongoing, Reed could not make a simple apology and at the same time be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money.

“The mayor’s job is very different. He is very sincere in his beliefs about equality. And the law department is very sincere about protecting the city legally,” she said.

“The law is very technical and complex and you make decisions on lots of different factors, and one of those factors is being a good steward to the taxpayers. We as lawyers have to look at the law and do what is in the best interests of the taxpayers. And that may look different from what those see from the non-legal world,” Shahar said.

She also said she knows her colleagues working on those cases were not anti-gay.

“I understood my colleagues were defending the city legally. I felt the ways they were portrayed in the press were inaccurate, and while doing a very good job for the city, I also knew they are committed to equality based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” she said.

In the end, the city spent approximately $3 million settling with Eagle plaintiffs as well as paying for an investigation into the raid.

As part of Reed’s outreach to gay constituents, he also appointed two Atlanta police LGBT liaisons and an Atlanta police LGBT advisory group that now only meets once every few months.

www.theGAVoice.com

08.30.13

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NEWS

08.30.13

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Ga. cities gear up for annual LGBT Pride events Athens, Savannah, Columbus, Valdosta prep for September

By RYAN WATKINS Four Georgia cities celebrate LGBT Pride in September, with events ranging from small community picnics to full-fledged festivals.

Although none are as big as Labor Day Weekend’s Black Gay Pride or Atlanta Pride in October, organizers say they offer an important opportunity for local communities to connect and be visible.

“It gets everybody involved in their local community,” said Raynae Jones, executive director of South Georgia Pride, which takes place Sept. 21 in Valdosta. “It lets families see other families like them. It’s good for those kids to see other families like their own. People might not think we’re here, but we are. It’s great to have that one day of visibility.”

Atlanta-based LGBT organizations agree.

There is an enormous grassroots benefit in attending smaller Prides throughout the state, Georgia Equality Field Organizer Em Elliot said in an interview during last year’s South Georgia Pride.

“Being present in these celebrations is not only helpful to our mission as a statewide organization, it also keeps us connected with the LGBT community in Georgia at large,” Elliot said.

“You get a different, more realistic perspective of the movement by going outside of Atlanta and working with people and advocates where they are in their communities.”

ATHENS PRIDE

The third annual Athens Pride Weekend kicks off Sept. 12 and runs through Sept. 15 in the Classic City.

Though a yearly gay picnic had been held in Athens since 1998, the weekend took its current form of a weekend-spanning festival in 2010.

Athens Pride begins with the GLOBES reception and silent auction at the UGA Special Collections Library Thursday night with the official kickoff party following at Georgia Bar. Friday’s events include a Happy Hour gathering at World Famous and Dragaoke at Max later in the evening. Saturday features a youth event, a meet-and-greet get-together for lesbian and bisexual women and an artist showcase, promoting local artists, poets, musicians and performers.

Sunday, attendees will gather at Lay Park for an afternoon community fair, commitment ceremony and cookout. The weekend concludes with the now annual Athens Showgirl Cabaret Closing Drag Show, which moves to Lay Park for 2013.

Savannah Pride, one of the biggest such celebrations in Georgia outside of Atlanta, drew a crowd of 10,000 in 2012 despite rain. (Photos by Chris Seely)

DETAILS Athens Pride Sept. 12-15 Community fair Sept. 15 at Lay Park www.athenspride.com Savannah Pride Sept. 14 at Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA www.savpride.com South Georgia Pride Sept. 21 at John W. Saunders Park in Valdosta, GA www.southgapride.org Chattahoochee Valley Pride Sept. 28 at Flat Rock Park in Columbus, GA www.cvpride.org

SAVANNAH PRIDE

Savannah celebrates Pride the same weekend as Athens. The city’s festival kicks off Sept. 14 in Savannah’s historic Forsyth Park. Last year’s event was pestered by an afternoon of rain, but as many as 10,000 festival-goers attended the pride gathering, according to organizers.

Savannah’s gay-friendly Mayor Edna Jackson kicks off the afternoon with a welcome speech.

Entertainers for the event include Atlanta musician Dylan Michael, the Dale Worley Band,

Kristina Foxx and the Club One Cabaret and others.

Several events are planned leading up to the festival, like the Miss Savannah Pride Pageant at Club One and the annual Savannah Pride White Party. Both events are on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The official after party will be at Club One Saturday evening while the weekend wraps up Sunday with an afternoon Tea Dance at Marlin Monroe’s.

“With over 10 years of celebration, awareness, and unity, Savannah Pride’s mission of unity through diversity, and social awareness has helped promote the well-being of the LGBT community in the South,” leaders stated on the festival website.

SOUTH GEORGIA PRIDE

The weekend after Athens and Savannah’s Pride celebrations, Valdosta is home to the fourth annual South Georgia Pride.

Last year’s festival drew an estimated 1,200 attendees, but the event was not without a shade of controversy. Valdosta Mayor John Gayle refused to sign a proclamation recognizing the day over religious convictions, but the festival went on as planned in the city’s John W. Saunders Park.

Despite the contention between organizers and the mayor’s office, last year’s event was the most successful to date for event organizers.

For 2013, old and new performers will take the stage at Valdosta’s Pride. Drag King Spikey Van Dykey returns for a second consecutive year, while new talent, including “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Stacy Layne Matthews (season 3), allgirl band She-N-She, singer-songwriter Kym Ber-

ry, The Ladies of Glo, The Sudden Impact Cloggers and others join the entertainment lineup.

This year’s festival theme is “Pride Without Limits” and is meant to celebrate recent progress made in the LGBT rights struggle, according to festival organizers. In addition to an expanded children’s area, the afternoon will also feature a bevy of guest speakers.

Attendance has doubled each year since the event’s inception. This year, organizers are hoping for more than 2,000 attendees.

“We have a billboard and we’re running advertisements,” Jones said. “Hopefully word gets out.”

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY PRIDE

Georgia’s string of September Pride festivities wraps up on Sept. 28, when Chattahoochee Valley Pride returns to Columbus.

Formerly known as Columbus Pride, the annual Chattahoochee Valley Pride festival underwent a name change in 2006 to better reflect the local LGBT community, according to event organizers. This year’s festival again takes place Sept.

28 at Columbus’ Flat Rock Park.

The goal of the annual event, according to the Chattahoochee Valley Pride website, is “to empower the ‘LGBT’ community as a whole.

To look beyond race or culture and provide the tools needed to elevate the ‘LBGT’ community to a ‘socially’ accepted status. A status that will encourage ‘society’ as a whole to look beyond our ‘sexual orientation’ and view us as we should be as ‘human beings’ first and foremost.

As of press time, CVP had not yet released a schedule of events for its upcoming festival. See the organization’s website for more details.

10 | GA VOICE

www.theGAVoice.com

08.30.13

Federal program drops YouthPride over management concerns

By DYANA BAGBY AmeriCorps VISTA members assigned to work at YouthPride raised concerns in early 2013 about the management of the Atlanta LGBT organization, prompting an investigation by the federal program that questioned the “overall stability of the project” and resulted in YouthPride losing the chance for future funding.

AmeriCorps VISTA, founded in 1965, is a national service program with a mission of fighting poverty. Members sign on for a year with the program to work with specific nonprofits or public agencies. The Corporation for National & Community Service oversees the program.

There were four VISTA members assigned to YouthPride beginning in November 2012 to assist in such categories as grant writing and volunteer recruitment.

The GA Voice received correspondence between the Georgia State Office of the VISTA program and Terence McPhaul, executive director of YouthPride, through a Freedom of Information Act request made on March 4 and received on July 29.

The correspondence received through the FOIA requests dates from mid-January through March 5. It shows VISTA members first raised questions about YouthPride on Jan. 16 to the CNCS Georgia State Office, followed by a Jan. 21 email to the CNCS Inspector General.

VISTA leaders then asked McPhaul to address a laundry list of allegations from the VISTA members who had worked onsite at the youth agency.

McPhaul was asked to address, among other issues, his filing of numerous lawsuits; alleged low attendance of youth at the center’s location at 955 Washington Place; and alleged pornography on the computers located in the center.

He was also asked to respond to allegations that the center did not pay its utilities in the winter and resorted to heating the space with the oven, that discussion groups were not held regularly, whether HIV testing and counseling were being provided as advertised, and even if McPhaul was living in the home at 955 Washington Place that served as the YouthPride center.

MCPHAUL BLAMES GA VOICE

McPhaul denied all of the allegations in a lengthy Jan. 28, 2012, email to Rochelle Barry of the Georgia State Office. He also blamed the GA Voice (which he described as a “gay blog”)

Americorps VISTA volunteers pulled from LGBT youth agency

Fulton wants YouthPride to return grant YouthPride must also pay back more than $18,000 to Fulton County for failure to provide services required as part of a grant it received for 2011-2012. For more visit www.thegavoice.com.

Terence McPhaul, executive director of the struggling YouthPride organization, was accused of poor management skills

by AmeriCorps VISTA program officials. He denies the accusations. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

for many of YouthPride’s troubles.

In responding to the question about the lawsuits, McPhaul said GA Voice Editor Laura Douglas-Brown and former YouthPride counselor Tana Hall are best friends and the “gay blog” reported erroneous stories about the organization.

When YouthPride “requested and demanded that erroneous information be corrected, the blog writers, and the powers that be, never printed a retraction. It became clear that there was no plan to write an article that was neutral, accurate, or based in the tenets of journalism,” McPhaul stated.

McPhaul added he has not received a paycheck from YouthPride in “many months,” saying he has “prioritized the health and strengthening of the YouthPride brand way above my own needs.”

GA Voice began reporting on YouthPride’s financial straits and questionable leadership in December 2011, after the organization’s board chair and McPhaul issued dire calls for funding.

Subsequent questions from GA Voice revealed YouthPride was operating without the five-member board required by its bylaws and the full board had not met since December 2010. An independent, ad-hoc committee formed to try to help evaluate YouthPride’s financial status, determining the agency was

in crisis.

In June 2012, YouthPride was forced to move from its location at Inman Park United Methodist Church for nonpayment of rent.

The youth group then moved to 955 Washington Place, the location where the VISTA members served.

YouthPride was officially evicted from 955 Washington Place by Fulton County marshals June 28, 2013. Its location is now listed as 807 Atlanta Student Blvd., within the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center at the Atlanta University Center.

REPORT: YOUTHPRIDE FACES ‘LACK OF LEADERSHIP’

Rochelle Barry of the Georgia State Office replied to McPhaul’s answers and gave reasons the VISTA program was being discontinued at YouthPride.

“YouthPride is still in the process of recruiting to fill all their agency board of director positions which confirms lack of leadership necessary for the program to sustain its initiatives,” Barry wrote. “[Y]ou note that, ‘I have not received a paycheck from YouthPride in many months.’

This statement raises the question as to whether there will continue to be YouthPride staff to manage the YouthPride Inc. VISTA pro-

gram through Nov. 2013 and the overall stability of the project,” she continued.

Samantha Jo Warfield, acting press secretary for the Corporation for National & Community Service, told GA Voice that CNCS had “substantial concerns” about YouthPride’s compliance with the VISTA project, including supervision of VISTA members, so the members were removed and assigned to other projects.

“Although CNCS initially suspended YouthPride, it was determined that a more appropriate procedural action was for CNCS to deny any refunding of the organization,” Warfield said.

In a statement to the GA Voice about being cut off from VISTA, McPhaul said, “There was correspondence between Rochelle Barry, and myself. There were meetings as well. In this correspondence you should see, someplace, direct reference to the deliberate damage caused by erroneous information deleteriously placed by your organization’s BLOG, and the paper version of the GA Voice BLOG. “Be certain that this matter is not going away as it did cause harm to YouthPride. I’ll be certain to keep you informed on its status — or someone will.”

Editor’s note: GA Voice Editor Laura Douglas-Brown and former YouthPride employee Tana Hall met as teens when they lived in different cities but attended the same summer camp. They currently see each other 2-3 times per year at community events or with mutual friends. This has no impact on GA Voice coverage of YouthPride’s struggles, which have been widely documented by two evictions and multiple community activists.

www.theGAVoice.com

08.30.13

GA VOICE | 11

VISTA’s concerns about YouthPride Details about AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers’ concerns about YouthPride are contained in a series of emails between VISTA staff and Terrence McPhaul, executive director of the LGBT youth agency.

The emails were obtained by GA Voice under the federal Freedom of Information Act. Here are some of the allegations and responses they contained: Allegation: YouthPride Executive Director Terrence McPhaul was living upstairs at 955 Washington Place, YouthPride’s building. [Note: YouthPride was later evicted from this location in June 2013] McPhaul’s response: “Who questioned this? The VISTAs’ office and all work stations were located downstairs, there was never a need to be upstairs.

“I work seven days per week, it is true, and many weekdays 16 hours with Saturday being usually 10 hours and Sunday 8 hours, but I have my own place to live. I have missed family birthdays and special events, funerals and celebrations; to the extent that I have lost really good friends because of my devotion to YouthPride,” he stated.

Allegation: Low youth attendance at YouthPride’s location at 955 Washington Place McPhaul’s response: VISTA members started working in November and December, the slowest months for the organization. He added that YouthPride intentionally downsized attendance in facilitated groups.

While YouthPride at one time had perhaps 30 people in its Young Adult Group, “no clinical significance” could be achieved in a group that size and the ideal group is to be six to eight people, McPhaul stated.

Allegation: Pornography on YouthPride computers McPhaul’s response: He was told there was pornography on a computer but when he checked it, he found no such image.

Allegation: HIV testing and counseling were not being provided as advertised.

McPhaul’s response: He called it “absolutely insulting” for someone to accuse YouthPride of not actually providing HIV

Americorps VISTA members who were assigned to YouthPride raised concerns about the LGBT youth organization, including whether the center at 995 Washington Place had heat in the winter.

testing or counseling services.

“YouthPride wants youth to feel comfortable and safe reaching out for these services so we do not make statements like ‘hey Joey is suicidal and wants to see a counselor today” or ‘Rob just had a sexual encounter and wants [an] HIV test,’” McPhaul wrote.

McPhaul added YouthPride worked with Stand Inc. to provide HIV testing and that he also is a trained HIV tester “whose work has made it into the Global Antiretroviral Journal.” A Google search for “Global Antiretroviral Journal” yielded no results.

On counseling, McPhaul added: “As a person who has had to take calls from the 24/7 Helpline at 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and other times, this is a duty that is never handled and would never be the responsibility of VISTA until there is a need to recruit more volunteers in this area …

“Moreover, the VISTAs do not supervise myself, the counselors, or the HIV tester(s) so they would not have been given this information. If they were to be around long enough, and if the VISTAs worked every single day, and were at YouthPride early in the morning like the ED, counselors and social worker, they may have learned more through vicarious means at a minimum.”

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Allegation: YouthPride utilities were unpaid and an oven was used to attempt to heat the space.

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McPhaul’s response: Hesaid it was not true that utilities weren’t paid or the oven was used. He stated the furnace broke and was repaired after several days by the landlord. Utilities were part of the rent, McPhaul said.

There was one day when McPhaul said he sent VISTA members home because it was too cold in the facility and space heaters were later used until the furnace was fixed.

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08.30.13

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Hundreds expected for trans confab Southern Comfort Workplace fairness a key topic for 23rd annual event

By JIM FARMER Almost 1,000 transgender people and allies from around the country are expected to gather in Atlanta Sept 4-8 for the 23rd annual Southern Comfort Conference, one of the largest and oldest events of its kind.

Alexis Dee, this year’s conference chair, has worn many hats for Southern Comfort over the years. She attended for the first time in 2005 and began volunteering not long after.

“Going that first year changed my life,” she said.

The conference is known for educational and informative speakers and sessions, close to 100 of which will take place. The keynote speakers this year include Masen Davis, executive director of Transgender Law Center; transgender advocate Meghan Stabler; and Kristin Beck, the transgender former Navy SEAL who made national headlines when she released her autobiography earlier this year.

“It’s like I’m on a new mission,” Beck told GA Voice when she visited Atlanta in early August to speak at First Metropolitan Community Church.

“A lot people are listening about this because I was a Navy SEAL then maybe weren’t before.”

Among this year’s Southern Comfort sessions are “Make Them Fire You! A Guide to Workplace Discrimination and How to Respond,” conducted

by Vandy Beth Glenn, who successfully sued the Georgia General Assembly when she was fired based on her gender identity, and “Speaking Out for Equality – Using Your Story to Advance Transgender Rights,” by Jeff Graham and Jamie Roberts of Georgia Equality.

For the first time, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is partnering with the conference for an onsite Workplace Equality Track, focusing on job-related issues.

The Internet has changed the scope of the conference, Dee acknowledged. When it started, pre-Internet, little was available for the trans community, yet now there is information readily accessible online.

“When we first started our mission, it was educational but now it’s both educational and social,” Dee said.

This year’s social outings include a movie day, a round of golf, dinner theater and a wine tasting. Social events within the conference include a casino night and a prom.

SUPPORT FOR FIRST TIMERS While Southern Comfort, like the transgender community, has evolved through the years, organizers recognize that the first steps toward

Kristin Beck, a former Navy SEAL who made national headlines after coming out as transgender, is among the speakers at this year’s Southern Comfort Conference.

(Photo by Dyana Bagby)

DETAILS

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coming out can remain difficult. The conference offers specific programs designed to help new attendees feel comfortable.

The Big Sister/Big Brother program is one that has proven instrumental. According to Dee, attendees have come in past years and stayed in their rooms for the entire conference, not having the confidence to get out. Having a mentor helps them with getting out and interacting with the others.

Another fairly new program is Princess Day, which was started three years ago as part of opening day events. Anyone is welcome, although the prime target will be first timers looking to “do the girly things they always wanted to do,” Dee said.

Dee is also proud of the Robert Eads Transmen Health Partnership. The partnership honors Eads, who died in 1999 of ovarian cancer after doctors throughout the Atlanta area refused to treat him. The partnership will offer medical exams/consultations for transmen and transmasculine individuals at no cost.

OPEN AND INCLUSIVE TO ALL Southern Comfort is one of the longest-run-

Vandy Beth Glenn, who successfully sued the Georgia General Assembly when she was fired based on her gender identity, will present a workshop at Southern Comfort entitled ‘Make Them Fire You! A Guide to Workplace Discrimination and How to Respond.’ (Photo courtesy HRC)

ning transgender conferences in the country.

Another well-known transgender conference, the large Be-All conference in Chicago, ended this year when one of its founders, Julie Ann Johnson, passed away.

Events such as these have become increasingly hard to produce.

“This is done on donations,” Dee said. “We have no paid employee.”

Instead, the event depends on volunteers.

The Crowne Plaza has long been a gracious host, Dee noted, and the conference is the largest annual event the hotel holds. 2011 was one of the biggest years for Southern Comfort, prompted by the collaboration of WPATH, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Attending Southern Comfort helps attendees gain support and encouragement to deal with issues such as an ongoing lack of acceptance, Dee said. It’s not just the mainstream world that has been unaccepting; some in the LGBT community have not been welcoming, she said. Other prominent issues are healthcare and employment.

Although it’s hard to get demographics for all the attendees — “some people are hesitant to give out information,” Dee said — the conference hosts a healthy mix of female to male (FTM) transgender, male to female (MTF) transgender, those who identify as crossdressers and those who identify as “other.”

Yet it’s an event that is open and inclusive to all, Dee stressed.

www.theGAVoice.com

LGBT EQUALITY INCLUDED IN MARCH COMMEMORATION Gay rights were part of the dream as thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial Aug. 24 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I have a dream” speech.

The anniversary rally included five gay and lesbian speakers, according to the Washington Blade. At least a dozen other speakers also referenced LGBT equality, including Martin Luther King III, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and NAACP President Benjamin Jealous.

“Yes, we all need to love each other, black and white, old and young, red and brown, gay and straight, Christian, Muslim and Jew and all of God’s children loving one another,” King said.

gia gender t DisRC) Martin Luther King III (Publicity Photo)

NEWSIN BRIEF NEWS

King’s dream, Pride vs. Russia, and more ATLANTA PRIDE SOUNDS OFF OVER RUSSIA OLYMPICS The Atlanta Pride Committee expressed concern Aug. 20 over the safety of gay and lesbian athletes and others in the American delegation ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

In an Aug. 20 letter, Atlanta Pride Board Chair Glenn Paul Freedman encourages Lawrence Probst, chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee, to use his position to keep the pressure on the International Olympic Committee ahead of the games to ensure the safety of LGBT athletes, tourists and others invovled with the games.

Freedman also offered to supply the American delegation rainbow flags to carry during

the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations.

Despite international media scrutiny and criticism from foreign heads of state and hundreds of thousands of activists around the world, Russian officials won’t back down from the country’s controversial law banning gay “propaganda” — prompting calls for boycotts of everything from the 2014 Winter Olympics to vodkas associated with Russia

GRANT TO HELP LGBT GEORGIANS WITH NEW HEALTHCARE LAW The federal government announced $67 million in grants to organizations assisting people in signing up for coverage in new health plans as part of the Affordable Care Act — and Atlanta-based The Health Initia-

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GA VOICE | 17

More @ www.thegavoice.com tive will receive some federal funding to help people with open enrollment beginning Oct. 1.

How much federal funding The Health Initiative will receive and the exact details of the grant is not yet known at this point. The Health Initiative is a resource for LGBTQ seeking health care resources Health Initiative Executive Director Linda Ellis explained in a media release that two grant proposals were selected for Georgia, including a Structured Employment Development Corporation (Seedco), which included The Health Initiative in partnership with Georgia Equality as its “arm for LGBTQ outreach.”

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE NOW LEGAL IN THREE NEW MEXICO COUNTIES Bernalillo County, which has the highest county population in New Mexico, must immediately issue marriage licenses to samesex couples, a judge ruled Aug. 26. Another judge had already ordered Santa Fe County to issue the licenses, and the county clerk in Doña Ana County has said he will issue them as well.

“Our state is now on the brink of joining the growing list of states who live and honor the values of family, liberty and love,” said Peter Simonson, executive director of the ACLU of New Mexico, in a statement quoted by USA Today.

18 | GA VOICE

OPINION

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THE GEORGIA VOICE

PO Box 77401 | Atlanta, GA 30357 404-815-6941 | www.thegavoice.com

EDITORIAL

Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Art Director: Mike Ritter mritter@thegavoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Melissa Carter, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Ryan Lee

BUSINESS

Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Sales Manager: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Anne Clarke The Clarke Agency aclarke@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

FINE PRINT

All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the 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 the 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 the Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the 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 the Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. The 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 the 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 the 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

www.theGAVoice.com

GA VOICES OUR OPINION EDITORIAL

Founding editor bids farewell

Thank you for the privilege of telling your stories

By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN In 17 years as a journalist covering LGBT Atlanta, I’ve written literally millions of words.

These may be some of the hardest.

In September, I’m leaving GA Voice.

Those words aren’t hard because I am worried about either the company or my career; to the contrary, I’m very excited about what the future holds for both. They are hard because of how much I love the people I have worked with and everyone in the community who has allowed me the privilege of helping tell their stories through the years.

With co-founder Chris Cash and support from investors, staff and the community, I launched GA Voice because I believe that we need an independent newspaper and website focused on LGBT issues — a place where readers can turn not only for fun stuff (although that is important too), but for information about our ongoing civil rights movement and the many individuals and organizations working so hard for our equality.

As I wrote in our mission statement, “The Georgia Voice seeks to be the news outlet of record for the state’s LGBT communities and their allies. Through ethical, professional reporting, we aim to educate and empower our readers to become informed advocates for the rights that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people continue to be denied in the 21st century.”

Almost 3 1/2 years after our first print issue hit the stands, our foundation is strong to continue fulfilling that mission for years to come.

It is so strong, in fact, that I feel comfortable stepping away to focus on my own career growth and needs.

Some of you may know that the first anniversary of GA Voice coincided with my mother’s diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. For most of the next 18 months, I took calls from her doctors at my desk at work (we hadn’t transitioned to a virtual office yet) and made newspapers at all hours from the side of her hospital bed (thank goodness for patient wifi). I sang my children their bedtime songs over the phone from both.

D GA V foun pursu “L reach Georg news coun We h tegra miss the b and I the G M years long of Ge “I ity an the d I’m the one on the far left, holding the GA Voice banner and smiling because I am about to march in the Brow Atlanta Pride parade with some of the best, most dedicated people in the world. (File photo) of ed ent a team conti Do South that Cash the ri sion ing o “I’ joinin fer LG said.

Laura Douglas-Brown and p (File photo) ward M If I gained anything from her death a year the timeline of my departure from GA Voiceto 199 ago at age 63, it is a deeper understanding of has been accelerated thanks to the availabilityLGBT what is most important to me, as well as the of David Aaron Moore, the seasoned gay jour-lowed courage to move forward — knowing that nalist who will replace me. chief there is no point in waiting, as our time may I had originally made a decision to leave GAto wo be shorter than we think.

Voice later this year, after Pride and the busiesttions I can honestly say that I enjoy all aspects of time of the year for the company. But when Af GA Voice’s coverage, from news to features. But David, who is moving back to Atlanta afterto hi as our mission statement suggests, it is the several years in Charlotte, contacted us aboutaccep world of activism, nonprofits and the broad available jobs at GA Voice, we jumped at theregio struggle for human rights that most inspires chance to bring him aboard.

Carol me. That is where I want to focus my energy As of Sept. 3, David will be the paper’s edi-paper now, either professionally or in a career that tor, and I will remain a co-owner, adviser andlance gives me the freedom to volunteer for the is- something akin to a proud mommy.

Si sues that mean so much to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart fortoric I’m not sure what my next job will be, as sharing your stories with me. lotte:

I launched GA Voice because I believe that we need an independent newspaper and website focused on LGBT issues — a place where readers can turn not only for fun stuff, but for information about our ongoing civil rights movement.

l

www.theGAVoice.com

OPINION

GA Voice welcomes new editor in September Moore brings 20 years of media experience to paper’s helm David Aaron Moore will become editor of GA Voice as of Sept. 3, when editor and cofounder Laura Douglas-Brown steps down to pursue other career opportunities.

“Laura’s reputation in LGBT journalism reaches far beyond Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” said Chris Cash, co-founder of the newspaper. “She is respected throughout the country both for her skills and her integrity.

We have been blessed to have her as an integral part of GA Voice. Laura will be sorely missed and we wish her and her family all the best. I have known David for many years and I am very excited to have him as part of the GAVO team.”

Moore brings to GA Voice more than 20 years of professional media experience and a long love for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

“I was thrilled to learn of David’s availability and interest in GA Voice as I was making the difficult decision to step down,” DouglasBrown said. “I am confident that David’s years of editing experience, combined with the talent and dedication of the rest of the GA Voice team, will enable the paper and website to continue to grow and thrive.”

Douglas-Brown worked with Moore at Southern Voice — the Atlanta LGBT newspaper that went bankrupt in 2009, leading her and Cash to launch GA Voice. She believes Moore is the right person to continue the GA Voice mission of providing professional, ethical reporting on LGBT issues.

“I’m excited about returning to the city and joining the respected team of GA Voice to offer LGBT media coverage for the state,” Moore said. “It’s heartening to reconnect with friends and peers from the past and I’m looking forward to working with many new ones.”

Moore’s career in Atlanta media dates back to 1993 when he served as A&E editor for the LGBT magazine Etcetera. In the years that followed he would later become the editor-inchief at Jezebel Magazine and eventually come to work for Southern Voice as special publications editor.

After his tenure with SoVo, Moore returned to his birthplace of Charlotte, N.C., where he accepted the position of editor at Q-Notes, the regional LGBT newspaper for North and South Carolina. Following nearly five years with the paper, Moore resigned to pursue various freelance opportunities.

Since that time he has authored the historic non-fiction regional bestseller “Charlotte: Murder, Mystery and Mayhem” (History

David Aaron Moore returns to Atlanta from Charlotte, N.C., where he edited the city’s LGBT newspaper for almost five years. (Photo by Adam Kurland)

Press) and has written for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Creative Loafing, FOX News, Yahoo, Popular Mechanics and numerous other publications and websites. His writings have appeared throughout the United States and Canada. In 2012 his coverage of the Democratic National Convention was carried by The Advocate.

“Georgia Voice is an incredibly important resource for the LGBT community throughout the state,” said Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham. “I’m very excited David Aaron Moore is coming back to take over the editorial reins with the paper. He is someone who understands our community and understands the South.

“He will ensure that there continues to be high quality reporting on the issues that matter most to us all,” Graham said. “I’ve worked with David in his roles with other publications — I know he brings with him strong connections to the local community.”

In addition to his work as an author, writer and editor, Moore has appeared as a public speaker and a guest commentator for regional and national television.

“Atlanta is such a great, positive-energy place. I spent much of my 20s and 30s here,” Moore recalled. “That’s a pivotal time when you make so many good friends and important connections with the community around you. Although Charlotte is my birthplace, Atlanta has always felt like home.”

GA Voice was launched in March 2010 by Douglas-Brown and Cash to fill the void left by the closure of Southern Voice and ensure that Georgia’s LGBT communities would continue to have a newspaper and website dedicated to news, information and entertainment.

It has been honored by the National Newspaper Association and the Atlanta Press Club.

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20 | GA VOICE

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www.theGAVoice.com

Brandy: ‘I love love’

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Atlanta welcomes singer/actress back to Black Pride

By DYANA BAGBY

BRANDY’S BLACK PRIDE APPEARANCES SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

Pure Heat Community Festival 12- 8 p.m. @ Piedmont Park www.pureheatcommunityfestival.com

Wassup N ATL’s ‘The Boys Are Mine’ party 10 p.m.-5 a.m. @ Georgia Freight Depot www.wassupnatl.com

Queendom All White Party 10 p.m.-3 a.m. @ The Havana Club www.xplosionentevents.com

Photo courtesy RCA Records

In 2011, Brandy came to Atlanta to perform at her first Black Gay Pride and sang to thousands of people who packed several clubs for a chance to see the singing sensation live. She did not disappoint.

Atlanta’s LGBT fans didn’t disappoint either.

“I had such a great time last time when I was there,” Brandy says in an interview from Los Angeles, while holding the newest member of her family, a Maltese named Sugar, on the way to pick up her daughter, Sy’rai, 10.

“There is so much love for me when I’m in the city. And my gay fans are always so supportive and energetic,” she says.

This year, Brandy will receive the Vision Community Foundation Humanitarian Award on Sunday, Sept. 1, in Piedmont Park as part of the Pure Heat Community Festival sponsored by Traxx Girls and the Vision Community Foundation.

“I’m honored to be honored,” she says.

Of course, Brandy is no stranger to receiving awards. With some 20 million albums sold worldwide, she has racked up a Grammy, an American Music Award, two Soul Train Music Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, three Billboard Awards, four MTV Awards, six Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, two Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards and three BMI Awards.

“This is a different kind of award because it is coming from my fans. My fans are like my extended family. I will probably cry,” she says.

Brandy will also host Wassup N ATL’s “The Boys Are Mine” party Sunday night at the Georgia Freight Depot and will perform at the Havana Club as part of Queendom Atlanta Pride for Women’s All

White Party, also Sunday night.

“Atlanta is like a third home to me,” she says. “I work there all the time. I have friends there. … Atlanta feels like Mississippi, where I’m from, and LA, where I live now — it’s like the city and the South all in one. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Being an ally to her gay fans is easy work because all people should be able to love who they want with no judgment, she says.

“I love love,” she says. “I’m addicted to that feeling.”

ACTING FUN, BUT SINGING BEST

While Brandy is only 34, her career spans nearly two decades already. She released her debut album in 1993, when she was just 15, and her singles “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby” made it to the top of the Billboard R&B charts.

In 1996, she was cast as the lead of the UPN hit TV show “Moesha” in which she played a high school student in a middle class family.

She and her brother were also in VH1’s reality series “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business” and she was a judge during the first season of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

She has also guest starred in other TV shows, including Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva,” which is filmed in Atlanta and stars Margaret Cho. She currently stars in BET’s “The Game,” a comedy-drama about women and their professional football player husbands that is also filmed in Atlanta and is an offshoot of the

hit series “Girlfriends.”

In “The Game,” Brandy portrays Chardonnay Pitts, who married NFL star Jason Pitts after a quick fling in Tijuana. The show was just picked up for its seventh season.

Brandy admits she prefers the acting business over the music industry “because it has a union,” she says with a laugh, and that means only having to work a certain number of hours each day.

With music, an artist might have to work all day and night with maybe two hours of sleep, she explains.

“But singing is the most natural way for me to express myself,” she says.

“Acting is so much fun because I get to be someone other than myself, because I’m always me. I look forward to doing more acting.

It’s fulfilling in its own way.

“I appreciate the chance to do both. I’m not complaining,” she says.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY

Brandy’s current album, “Two Eleven,” was released last year under her new label Chameleon Entertainment and RCA Records.

A grittier, edgier Brandy sings on the album that debuted at the top of Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. It features collaborations with Frank Ocean and also Chris Brown, in which she raps as her alter ego in the song, “Put It Down.”

The title of the album pays tribute to Brandy’s birthday as well as to the date Whitney Houston died.

Houston was an idol for Brandy as she was growing up and became a close friend.

The two starred in the TV movie “Cinderella” in 1997.

“It’s really tough,” she says of Houston’s death. “It was really tough to come to the realization I would never see her again. But I’m still blessed to hear her music and still feel her presence in my life. She’ll never leave me, never be forgotten. I can go back and revisit moments I spent with her. It’s one of those things I will never truly get over. I love her and I always will.”

Brandy says she often speaks to her gay friends about Houston and her music.

“Some of my closest friends are gay and we share and speak about her in a way that is special. I just think the gay community embraces great music,” she says.

ALSO INSIDE: Community events • Nightlife highlights • Plan your Pride schedule

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Community events aim to inspire, educate

Pure Heat fest, In the Life Atlanta focus on ‘holistic empowerment’

More than 25,000 people packed Piedmont Park for the first annual Pure Heat Community Festival held during Black Pride weekend in 2012. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

By DYANA BAGBY What started as simple house parties and picnics more than two decades ago is now one of the largest Black Gay Pride events in the world.

More than 60,000 people are expected to descend on Atlanta over Labor Day weekend for Black Pride. Party promoters pack the clubs with celebrity guests and the popular Sunday in Piedmont Park, which began as an organic gathering of people each year, is now the place to go for the official Pure Heat Community Festival.

Last year was the first time that party promoters Traxx Girls and the Vision Community Foundation teamed up to host the festival in the park that included food and merchandise vendors, live entertainment and a crowd of thousands to enjoy it all.

This year’s festival is set for Sunday, Sept. 1.

Singer and actress Brandy will be presented with the Vision Community Foundation’s Humanitarian Award for speaking out in support of LGBT people.

“We want to thank her for all she’s done for our community,” said Avian Watson, an organizer of the Pure Heat Fest that attracted some 25,000 people in 2012.

Money raised at the fest goes to support the Vision Community Foundation, a program of Atlanta’s The Vision Church, a predominantly African-American church that is gay-led and welcoming of all people.

The foundation provides free HIV testing, GED education, breast cancer awareness and food programs among other initiatives to assist those in need, said Watson, who is also a member of the church.

New this year to the Pure Heat Community Festival is a carnival sponsored by Project Turn Around, a new organization also serving the black LGBT community. The carnival will be set up where the pavilions are in Piedmont Park.

From face-painting to a dunking booth to

MORE INFO In the Life Atlanta www.inthelifeatlanta.org Pure Heat Community Festival www.pureheatcommunityfestival.com Rashad Burgess (right), shown here with husband Oliver Clyde Allen III, serves as chief of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s HIV Capacity Building Branch. Burgess will keynote In The Life Atlanta’s ‘As the Bell Tolls’ event Aug. 29, while Allen, bishop of The Vision Church, will present an award to Brandy during the Pure Heat Community Festival on Sept. 1. (Courtesy photo)

carnival games and stilt walkers, Project Turnaround plans to transform part of Piedmont Park into a truly carnival atmosphere.

Numerous indie acts will perforn on stage during the Pure Heat Festival and there will also be appearances by D. Woods of Danity Kane, who will host a J Sette competition presented by Project Turn Around, and Latavia, formerly of Destiny’s Child, who will join The Vision Church’s Bishop O.C. Allen onstage to present Brandy with her humanitarian award.

IN THE LIFE ATLANTA BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO ITS OFFERINGS

While an informal Black Pride has existed for more than 20 years, it was 17 years ago when In the Life Atlanta formed and became the official nonprofit sponsor of Atlanta Black Pride. A change in leadership this year means numerous new events and partnering with several party promoters as well.

“This year’s synergy in planning Atlanta Black Pride was intense, however the support that we have received is really a result of the

credibility that the community organizers and affiliated promotions firms have garnered with the community,” said ITLA President Rickie Smith in a press release.

“In the Life Atlanta, Inc., The Vision Foundation and Project Turn Around are championing the holistic empowerment of the community,” Smith said. “It has been an incredible combination, the support is phenomenal and the community’s response is overwhelming this year.”

ITLA will host the “As the Bell Tolls: A Celebration of Life” at First Metropolitan Community Church on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The keynote speaker will be Rashad Burgess, chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV Capacity Building Branch.

The first annual LGBT Career Fair & Technology Center Expo, in partnership with Meak Productions, will take place at the Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech all day on Thursday, Aug. 29, and Friday, Aug. 30. The Health and Life Expo will also be held at the Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech on Aug. 31. The health expo will move to Piedmont Park to be part of the

Pure Heat Fest on Sept. 1.

The signature erotic poetry “SpeakFire” event is set for Friday, Aug. 30, at the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

A literary cafe and film fest take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Auburn Avenue Research Library. The literary and film fest together is titled “Pride in the Black LGBTQ Community” and is sponsored by ITLA in association with the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African Culture, and Cycle for Freedom, an HIV/AIDS advocacy organization which has been screening films once a month at the library.

“The films selected are about HIV-related stigma, homophobia, depression and standing in our collective truth as LBTQ folks,” said Khafre Kujichagulia Abif, founder of Cycle for Freedom.

The literary fest will feature local and national LGBT authors of color.

“It is my hope that people will come to engage in the dialogue and discussion with the filmmakers [and authors] as well as each other,” Abif said.

Also on Saturday, Aug. 31, ITLA sponsors “Community Conversations” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown.

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Plan your Pride

Atlanta’s Black Gay Pride is a massive celebration packed with cultural events and too many parties to count. Check out these line-ups from some of the biggest community organizations and nightlife promoters.

Events are orgwanized by promoter because many offer all-access passes covering each of their weekend events.

Some events may be listed under multiple promoters.

Details are subject to change; visit websites to confirm.

COMMUNITY EVENTS In the Life Atlanta

www.inthelifeatlanta.org

Wednesday, Aug. 28 “As the Bell Tolls” Celebration of Life 7 p.m. @ First Metropolitan Community Church Keynote speaker: Rashad Burgess of the CDC SkateBoyz ATL: Official Black Pride Kickoff 9 p.m. @ Metro Skates

Thursday, Aug. 29 – Friday, Aug. 30

GLBT Career Fair & Technology Center 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday @ Historic Academy of Medicine @ GA Tech Presented by Meak Productions

Thursday, Aug. 29 – Saturday, Aug. 31

“Boi, Pull Your Pants Up! The Play” 8 p.m. @ Historic Academy of Medicine

Evolution Project

www.evolutionatl.org

Friday, Aug. 30 Pride Youth Lounge 583 Juniper St. #1

Charis Books & More

www.charisbooksandmore.com

Sunday, Sept. 1

Black Gay Pride Author Celebration 6 – 9 p.m. @ Charis Books & More Features Skyy, Fiona Zedde, Nikki Rashan and Tononiya D.

NIGHTLIFE & SOCIAL EVENTS Piedmont Park will be the place to be on Sunday, Sept. 1, for the second annual Pure Heat Community Festival. New to the park this year are Project Turn Around’s Coming Out Carnival and In The Life Atlanta’s Health & Life Expo. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

Friday, Aug. 30

Mr. & Miss Atlanta Black Gay Pride 7-11 p.m. @ Historic Academy of Medicine With Mistress of Ceremony Ava Alexandria J Setting Competition & Labor Day Jump Off Party 10 p.m. @ 595 North Ave. Presented by Project Turn Around; hosted by Derek J Onyx Black Gay Pride Mix & Mingle 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Atlanta Eagle Features DJ Ron Pullman SpeakFire: Erotic Poetry 11:30 p.m. @ Hyatt Atlanta Midtown Hosted by Lakara Foster; featuring Theresa Davis

Saturday, Aug. 31

Community Conversations 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. @ Hyatt Atlanta Midtown Topics include relationships and dating, holistic health and wellness, HIV and sexuality Health & Life Expo 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Historic Academy of Medicine Includes health screenings and financial workshops Onyx “Safe, Sane & Consensual” Workshop 4 – 5:30 p.m. @ Hyatt Atlanta Midtown

Featuring live demonstrations Pride in the Black LGBTQ Community: Film Festival and Literary Café 12 p.m. @ Auburn Avenue Research Library Hosted by the library in collaboration with ITLA and Cycle for Freedom Mimosa Brunch 12 – 3 p.m. @ Do Restaurant Presented by Project Turn Around

Sunday, Sept. 1

Poetry Slam Jazz Brunch 12 -3 p.m. @ Hilton Garden Inn Hosted by Queen Sheba Health & Life Expo 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Piedmont Park Part of the Pure Heat Community Festival

ProjecT Turn Around

www.projecturnaroundga.com

Friday, Aug. 30

J Setting Competition & Labor Day Jump Off Party 10 p.m. @ 595 North Ave. Hosted by Derek J; celebrity Judge Mrs. Quad

Saturday, Aug. 31

Mimosa Brunch & Male Review 12 – 3 p.m. @ Do Restaurant

Pool Party 4 – 8 p.m. @ The Mansion Hosted by Ms. Sohia; swimsuit competition Masquerade Ball 10 p.m. @ The Melia Hotel Features R&B artist Sammie, sexy costume contest

Sunday, Sept. 1

Blue Diamond Entertainment

www.facebook.com/bluediamond entertainment

Thursday, Aug. 29

“The Hideout” Dance Party 10 @ Halo Features DJ M

Friday, Aug. 30

Pretty in Pink Booze Cruise 7-11 p.m. @ Lake Lanier (Buses depart 5:15 p.m. from host hotels) Hosted by Queen Sheba

Coming Out Carnival 12 – 7 p.m. @ Piedmont Park During the Pure Heat Community Festival

Grown Folks Take Over 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ My Sister’s Room

Monday, Sept. 2

Saturday, Aug. 31

Pajama Jam Party 2 a.m. – 6 a.m. @ Inventor’s Loft Sexiest sleepwear contest

All White Party 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Venetian Room For grown & sexy women; features DJ

Big Indoor Foam Hot Tub Pool Party 4-8:30 p.m. @ Club XS Hosted by Aneesa Ferriera; in conjunction with Traxx Girls

Sunday, Sept. 1

Pure Heat Community Festival

http://pureheatcommunityfestival.com

Sunday, Sept. 1

Pure Heat Community Festival 12-8 p.m. @ Piedmont Park Features honoree Brandy, additional entertainment, Coming Out Carnival sponsored by Project Turn Around, and much more

“A Place of Love & Acceptance” LGBT Friendly Church Service 11 a.m. @ Tabernacle Baptist Church Culture Club Daytime Dance Party Mix-Her 5-10 p.m. @ Barone Tapas & Restaurant Hostd by DJ M

Ladies at Play

www.ladiesatplay.com

Saturday, Aug. 31

DJ Battle: DJ E vs. DJ Cowboy 6-10 p.m. @ Aurum

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World’s largest Black Gay Pride celebration packs Atlanta Poetry Slam Jazz Brunch 12 -3 p.m. @ Hilton Garden Inn Hosted by Queen Sheba

Unity Ball 4-8 p.m. @ Piedmont Park, dock side Hosted by Jaimee Page and Amiyah Scott

WEEKEND CALENDAR Pull out and take with you this weekend!

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Celebrity Showtime Sundays 10 p.m. – 5 p.m. @ Mansion Elan Featuring K. Michelle of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”

Monday, Sept. 2 ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’ stars Mimi Faust, K. Michelle and Joseline Hernandez are set to appear at Black Gay Pride events. (Publicity photos)

www.atlantaprideweekend.com

Thursday, Aug. 29

Sexy in the City 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Aurum Lounge

Friday, Aug. 30

GA Voice Welcome to Atlanta Party 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. @ XS Ultra Lounge

Saturday, Aug. 31

QueenDom

http://xplosionentevents.com

Thursday, Aug. 29

The Showdown: 4th annual Stripathon 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Crème Ultra Lounge

Friday, Aug. 30

The Little Black Dress Affair 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Compound Featuring Teyana Taylor, Mimi Faust and Ariane

Saturday, Aug. 31

Saturday Day Party 3 – 8 p.m. @ Prive Hosted by Joseline Hernandez

Sunday, Sept. 1

QueenDom All White Party 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ the Havana Club Features Brandy

Rockstars Production

www.labordayrock.com

Traxx Atlanta

Labor Day Rock Official Kickoff Party 8-10 p.m. @ Museum Bar

Monday, Sept. 2

Soaking Wet Pool Party 5-10 p.m. @ location TBA Featuring RockStars HotBody contest Saturday Night Live 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ 595 North Ave. Featuring Kelly Rowland

Sunday, Sept. 1

Pure Heat Community Festival 12-8 p.m. @ Piedmont Park Sunday Night Main Event 10 p.m. – Midnight @ Opera Features performance by K Michelle

Monday, Sept. 2

Private Event for VIP Card Holders 4-8 p.m. @ private location White Party 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Krave Nightclub

Thursday, Aug. 29 Friday, Aug. 30

Thursday, Aug. 29

GA Voice Welcome to Atlanta Party 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ XS Ultra Lounge

Friday, Aug. 30

Black Pride Pool Party 4-10 p.m. @ TBA location

Flash Back Throwdown J-Sette Competition 6-9 p.m. @ XS Ultra Lounge Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Block Party Block of 708 Spring St. & 3rd St. Black Pride Body Party @ XS Ultra Lounge & Club 714 Featuring Ciara and Redickulous

Sunday, Sept. 1

Pure Heat Community Festival 12-8 p.m. @ Piedmont Park Durand Robinson’s Ol Skool Music Party Traxx & Friends Reunion Doors open 6 p.m. @ XS Ultra Lounge

Monday, Sept. 2

10 p.m. @ Club 253

Hip Hop Karaoke 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ My Sister’s Room

Saturday, Aug. 31

Friday, Aug. 30 Saturday, Aug. 31

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Strip Her 2013 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ My Sister’s Room

www.rtparties.com 10 p.m. @ Club Rain

Traxx Girls

6th Annual Fire & Desire Mini Ball Doors open 9:30 p.m. @ XS Ultra Lounge

Celebrity Showtime Sundays 10 p.m. – 5 p.m. @ Mansion Elan Featuring K. Michelle of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”

RT Parties & FAB5ATL

10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ location TBA

www.atlantaprideweekend.com www.traxxatlanta.com

Gala: DJ E & DJ Xzact 10 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. @ Aja Recovery: DJ Cowboy 5-10 p.m. @ Loca Luna

10 p.m. @ Cream UltraLounge

Meet & Greet 7-11 p.m. @ Einstein’s

Rock Boy Takeover 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ Museum Bar Hosted by Joseline Hernandez of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”

Sunday, Sept. 1

Sunday, Sept. 1

Black Pride Foam Party Doors open 3 p.m. @ XS Ultra Lounge Black Pride White Party

Pretty in Pink Booze Cruise 7-11 p.m. @ Lake Lanier (Buses depart 5:15 p.m. from host hotels) Hosted by Queen Sheba Mega Ladies Lounge 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ 200 Peachtree Features Joseline Hernandez from “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” Grown Folks Take Over 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ My Sister’s Room Features DJ Missy B

Saturday, Aug. 31

Ladies of Literature 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Hilton Garden Inn Includes Skyy, Fiona Zedde, Robin G. White and more WETher Celebrity Block Party 3 – 8:30 p.m. @ Club Opera Hosted by Stevie J The Big Bang 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. @ The Freight Depot Featuring Kelly Rowland and Ciara

Sunday, Sept. 1

Pure Heat Community Festival 12-8 p.m. @ Piedmont Park Features honoree Brandy, much more entertainment, Coming Out Carnival

Big Indoor Foam Hot Tub Pool Party 4-8:30 p.m. @ Club XS Hosted by Aneesa Ferriera; in conjunction with ProjecTurnAround DJ M Annual Bday Bash 10 p.m. – 12:45 a.m. @ Diamonds of Atlanta Strip Club All White Party 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Krave

Wassup N Atl

www.wassupnatl.com

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Diamond Kesawn presents “The Stars Of Atlanta” 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Jungle

Thursday, Aug. 29

Meat Market 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ Phase One Hosted by “The Marie Effect”

Friday, Aug. 30

Man Hunt & Stars of the Stripper World Competition 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Jungle Hosted by Mimi Faust of “Love & Hip Hop” and Brent Star, featuring Redickulous

Saturday, Aug. 31

Pool Party 4-8 p.m. @ Holiday Inn Atlanta Airport North Features FlavaMen swimsuit contest Ultimate White Party 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. @ Tantra Lounge

Sunday, Sept. 1

Lose Your Clothes Underwear Party 2 a.m. – 6 a.m. @ Holiday Inn Atlanta Airport North Sunday Day Party 4-10 p.m. @ Kouture Lounge “The Boys Are Mine” 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. @ The Freight Depot Hosted by Brandy

Black Pride brings the party

26

‘Love & Hip Hop’ stars, entertainers line up for weekend events

By Ryan Watkins

STARS ALIGN THIS WEEKEND

As tens of thousands of revelers descend on Atlanta this Labor Day weekend for the city’s annual Black Pride celebration, organizers are offering a packed schedule of nightlife events, dance parties and more to do once the sun goes down.

Though events kicking off Black Pride began earlier this week, the party shifts into full gear with Thursday night’s GA Voice Black Pride kickoff at XS Ultra Lounge.

As to what to expect from this year’s party lineup, Avian Watson from Traxx Girls says there’s something for everyone among the 40-odd Black Pride events happening during Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta.

“You should be ready to be entertained,” Watson says. “It’s going to be a great weekend. We have people coming in internationally to enjoy it. Be safe, be ready, be easy and have fun.”

LADIES LEAD NIGHTLIFE LINEUP Traxx Atlanta owner Phillip Boone hopes to avoid entertainment comparisons to previous years. The goal, Boone says, is to ensure Atlanta’s Black Gay Pride weekend is a continued success. Moving forward is his primary concern.

“It’s hard to top yourself from year to year,” says Boone. “We try to continue the legacy and keep the momentum of what we’re trying to do here in Atlanta, creating a great pride for our people.”

Even without comparison, this year’s Black Pride entertainment schedule features several big name singers and TV personalities. These stars are important, Boone says, because of their reach to an audience larger than that at Black Pride.

But not all star-power is created equally.

Female artists, who have dominated the marquee events in recent years, are generally more accepting and willing to participate in events during Black Pride Weekend, Boone says.

Kelly Rowland, Ciara and Brandy are among the highest-profile performers at this year’s Black Pride events.

“Celebrities have a large voice in the gay community. That’s very important. We only use the girls now, because some guys still

Singers Kelly Rowland (left), Ciara (right) and are among the dozens of performers scheduled at more than 40 events for Atlanta’s Black Pride weekend. (Rowland photo by Eva Rinaldi; Ciara photo by Benedictine/CC 3.0)

have homophobic feelings about performing before our audience,” he says.

But Boone is not discouraged, believing those boundaries will be crossed soon.

“Those are still walls for us to try to break down. It won’t matter your ethnicity, we will be able to get any artist to perform for us, whether male or female,” he says.

Boone says the weekend festival, which has grown to become one of the largest Black Pride events in the country, is a testament to those who came before.

“When we do this, we’re doing this out of many years of people that have passed, who have paved the way for us to be able to do this,” Boone says. “I want everyone to know this isn’t something we put together, this is something that’s been planned over a couple

decades. I’m so glad it’s still here and available.”

For the star seekers, the highlight event for Traxx Girls is sure to be Saturday’s “Big Bang” party at the Georgia Freight Depot. The event features former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland playing emcee and a musical performance by singer Ciara, whose latest effort, a self-titled album, dropped earlier this year.

Rowland is also slated to host Traxx Atlanta’s “Saturday Night Live” at 595 North Event Center on Saturday while Ciara joins Redickulous for the Black Pride Body Party at XS Ultra Lounge, also on Saturday night.

“It’s always good to bring something back that’s current,” Boone says. “And Ciara is at the top of her game.”

Another of the weekend’s major draws is R&B singer Brandy, who is scheduled to perform Sunday night at the Freight Depot.

Mario Harris from Wassup N ATL says his organization is happy to bring Brandy back to Atlanta for Black Pride.

“Brandy is very easy to work with,” Harris says. “She’s very supportive of the gay community and she loves her fans.”

Harris adds that’s he’s excited to return to the Freight Depot for 2013.

“It’s a large venue with plenty of space,” Harris says. “We definitely wanted to go back because it’s a great space and one of the only spaces that could hold an artist of that magnitude.”

Brandy is also scheduled to appear at the Queendom “All White Party” at the Havana Club Sunday night, as well as accept a humanitarian award at the Pure Heat Community Festival on Sunday afternoon.

Events featuring Rowland, Brandy and Ciara stand out on Black Pride’s nightlife calendar, but the weekend’s parties will also feature several TV personalities and national DJs. “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” star Joseline Hernandez is the featured guest at Friday’s “Mega Party” at 200 Peachtree put on by Traxx Girls.

Herandez will perform her new single. K. Michelle, also a “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” vet, will perform Sunday at the “Celebrity Showtime Sundays” at Mansion Elan, also hosted

by Traxx Girls.

Actress and singer Teyana Taylor joins “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” stars Mimi Faust and Ariane Davis at Queendom’s “The Little Black Dress Affair” Friday night at Compound.

Entertainer Kamille Leai joins singer Stevie J for Traxx Girl’s “Atlanta WETher!” celebrity block party at Opera.

Some 25 DJs are spinning parties across the city over the weekend. DJ M, also a Black Pride organizer and owner of Traxx Girls, kicks off the weekend at Halo with “The Hideout” dance party Thursday night.

DJ E and DJ Cowboy go head-to-head Saturday night at Ladies at Play event at Aurum while DJ D Nice and DJ D Cas spin at the Blue Diamond Entertainment “All White Party” at the Venetian Room.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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o value f

mobility

Gay Atlantan hopes to turn his ‘amputations’ into good deeds

By RYAN LEE Mark Sweatman hopes to change lives with a 120-mile walk from Atlanta to Birmingham, a feat he would have never thought of undertaking were his life not forever changed by a Sunday stroll through Piedmont Park.

“I’m more active now as an amputee than I was before I lost my leg, because I don’t take things for granted as much,” says Sweatman, a gay Midtown resident whose left leg was amputated below the knee in January 2010. “I know how valuable mobility is, how precious it is to be able to get up, be active and do things.”

Sweatman is now attempting to harness the value in his own mobility, hoping his extraordinary journey across the state line will raise money for Limbs for Life, a charity that provides prostheses to amputees without the resources to obtain them.

“There’s a lot of people out there who can’t afford it, and prostheses are so vital to an amputee for their mobility and their independence,” says Sweatman, who kicks off his fundraising with a Sept. 5 launch party at 10th and Piedmont.

His walk from Midtown Atlanta to Birmingham, primarily via the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trails, is scheduled to take place Nov. 7-17.

In the fall of 2008, Sweatman was walking through Piedmont Park when he twisted his ankle and broke a bone in his foot. After wearing a cast for two months, instead of Sweatman reaching the finish line of his pain and discomfort, his foot became more inflamed with swelling and discoloration.

Sweatman was eventually diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a short-circuiting of the nervous system.

“It started spreading up my leg, slowly at first but then it started intensifying,” Sweatman recalls. “The treatment options we explored seemed to make it worst, making the nerves more sensitive and irritated. The last option we had was to amputate the leg below the knee before it started spreading up the entire leg and quite possibly — probably — to other parts of my body.”

But his leg wasn’t the only loss Seatman

DETAILS Mark Sweatman Fundraiser Sept. 5, 6-8 p.m.

10th & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave. www.amputatedyetwhole.com

faced, as he explores in his book about his experiences, “Amputated Yet Whole.”

“Even though my neurological condition and having my leg amputated were both very difficult and painful, the mental, emotional, and spiritual amputations I’ve experienced have been far worse,” Sweatman writes on his website, www.AmputatedYetWhole.com

DISOWNED FOR BEING GAY

The injury to Sweatman’s leg compounded the pain he was already feeling, as he broke his foot just months after he was disowned by his family for being gay. Rather than coming out to his conservative parents in Forsyth County, Sweatman had tried to ease them into awareness by bringing his boyfriend home and to family functions.

The couple attended a Christmas Eve party with Sweatman’s maternal family the holiday before his injury, and a day later Sweatman was exiled by his parents.

“My parents at that point couldn’t deny it anymore — they knew what was going on, and they stopped speaking to me,” he says. “On Christmas morning, my mom wouldn’t even come out of her room until I left, or until we left, me and my partner.”

A few months later, Sweatman broke his foot, then lived through 18 months of physical pain and immobility that left him unable to work, and without any support except for his savings.

“I didn’t have my parents to turn to for them to say, ‘Everything’s going to be OK,’ and that was very difficult, especially the day of surgery,” he says. “My parents had always been there with me, any time I had surgery or any life-altering event, and they weren’t there. So I was dealing with the emotions of not having

Mark Sweatman credits his rescue dog, Diamond, with giving him a reason to live after a series of misfortunes, including being disowned by his parents for being gay. His book, ‘Amputated Yet Whole,’ recounts how the losses in his life have made him stronger. (Courtesy photos)

my parents there, and losing a part of my body at the same time.”

REASONS TO LIVE

Shortly before his surgery, Sweatman was grocery shopping at Ansley Mall when he decided to stop by the Pet Supermarket. The pet store had rescued animals available for adoption, including a shaved Shih Tzu who had spent her entire life producing litters in a puppy mill, and who had developed mange.

“I was immediately drawn to her; it was just one of those moments where I laid my eyes on her and I just knew,” Sweatman says. “ I knew that God brought her into my life. After I helped save Diamond’s life, two month later she was saving mine.”

Losing his leg was not the end of Sweatman’s misfortunes, as his partner of five years left him shortly after the amputation, breaking up with Sweatman on his birthday.

“I just felt like I didn’t have anything to live for,” Sweatman recalls. “I was starting to lose my mind at my point. I didn’t see any positives

in my life and I tried to kill myself.”

Sweatman was hospitalized after an unsuccessful suicide attempt, but returned untreated and dispirited.

“My dog Diamond eventually gave me the will to live,” he says. “On days when I wanted to take my own life, I would look at her and think to myself that I can’t abandon her. She had been through so much at that point, and I couldn’t make her go through something worse. And I knew how horrific it felt [being abandoned by loved ones], and I just couldn’t do it to Diamond.”

Sweatman’s selfless love for his dog, as well as a rekindling of his faith, helped him get past his darkest moments, and motivates him with his upcoming trek.

“After I had my leg amputated, one of the goals I had for myself was to walk a 5K because I thought that would get me back to a normal way life and being in control of my physical circumstances,” Sweatman says. “I just felt a calling from God that I can do better than a 5K, and that I could do it for other people, and not just for me.”

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LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Sci-fi and authors and DJs, oh my!

Big events set to draw LGBT crowds over holiday weekend

By GA VOICE STAFF Black Gay Pride may be the biggest LGBT event in town over Labor Day weekend, but several other huge events are set to draw queer crowds. From proud gay geeks at DragonCon to gay authors at the Decatur Book Festival, and from gay tennis players at The Peach tournament to gay DJs at bars around town, the long holiday weekend is packed with a rainbow of options.

Dragon Con, the world’s largest science fiction and fantasy conference, hits Atlanta Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, bringing 50,000 fans to five downtown host hotels. One of the most popular events is the costumed Dragon Con parade; participation is limited to Dragon Con attendees, but many more will pack the streets to watch the show, which steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

Dragon Con attracts dozens of high-profile presenters, including several LGBT favorites.

Among the best known is George Takei, who came out years after portraying Hikaru Sulu on the original “Star Trek.”

Takei has become an Internet sensation, known for posting pithy, often pro-gay messages — including responding to a Tennessee bill that would prevent teachers from discuss-

DETAILS Dragon Con Aug. 30 – Sept. 2 www.dragoncon.org AJC Decatur Book Festival Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 www.decaturbookfestival.com Peach International Tennis Championships Aug. 30 – Sept. 2 www.atta.org

ing “gay” issues in class by offering his name as a synonym (“It’s ok to be Takei.”) He currently has more than 4.4 million Facebook likes and more than 790,000 Twitter followers.

Hunky British actor John Barrowman also returns to Dragon Con this year. Barrowman rose to international fame playing the “omni-sexual” Captain Jack Harkness on the “Dr. Who” spin off “Torchwood.”

Barrowman has an extensive stage resume and produced a documentary, “Making Me,” that attempted to examine what caused him to be gay.

Lesbian fans are sure to flock to see Lucy Lawless, who is perhaps best known for playing the titular character on “Xena: Warrior Princess.” The show achieved a cult following in the 1990s in part for its lesbian subtext.

Other guests of LGBT interest include Jane Espenson, who is privately producing the web series “Husbands,” which is a gay take on “Mad About You”; actress Kathy Najimy, an outspoken gay rights advocate; and actor CCH Pounder, who was an early activist in the fight against HIV. Dragon Con sells memberships either for the day or for the full weekend, but the parade on Saturday morning is free to the public and always features over the top costumes.

LARGEST LGBT TRACK EVER AT DECATUR BOOK FEST

Gay poet Richard Blanco, who read an original poem at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration, is among the authors attending the Decatur Book Festival. (Photo courtesy DBF)

As sci-fi fans gather downtown, readers and writers alike will fill Decatur for the annual AJC Decatur Book Festival. This year features the largest LGBT track in the festival’s history, led by gay poet Richard Blanco, who was chosen to read his original work at President Obama’s second inauguration.

“Of course we’re very excited to have Richard Blanco,” says DBF Programming Director Philip Rafshoon, who previously owned Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse. “He read at the inauguration in January, he put a face on poetry for so many people around the world, and being

George Takei, who gained fame as Sulu on ‘Star Trek’ and has since offered up his own name as a synonym for being gay, is among the guests sure to draw LGBT fans at this year’s Dragon Con. (Publicity photo)

openly gay, I think, is very important to so many people out there.”

The LGBT line up further includes Wayne Koestenbaum, a New York avant-garde poetcritic; Manil Suri, who will read from from his controversial novel, “The City of Devi,” that is set in the apocalyptic future and includes one of the first openly gay characters in Indian-American literature; Alysia Abbott, whose memoir “Fairyland” is about growing up with her gay father; and more.

Local LGBT authors are also well represented at the Decatur Book Festival, including Megan Volpert, Collin Kelley, Stacy Braukman, Tracee McDaniel and others.

PEACH TENNIS TOURNEY DRAWS LGBT ATHLETES

Now in its 26th year, the Peach International Tennis Championships, a sanctioned stop on the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Alliance tour, draws players from around the county to Atlanta each Labor Day weekend.

In addition to competition for men’s and women’s singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles, in four skill divisions, the Peach includes a draw party on Thursday, Aug. 29, at Ein-

stein’s and the Peach Banquet at Hudson Grille on Sunday, Sept. 1. Most matches are played at the Dekalb Tennis Center.

GAY BARS HOST POPULAR DJS

Atlanta’s gay bars never miss a chance to party, and a three-day weekend always brings in popular DJs to keep the clubs hopping.

On Friday, Aug. 30, get the long weekend started with DJs Jonny Mack and Sean Mac at Bear Invasion at the Heretic, DJ Liz Owen spinning for the ladies at Blake’s, DJ Ron Pullman at the Atlanta Eagle, or DJ Missy at My Sister’s Room.

Saturday continues the dancing with “Deejay Woman” Ana Paula bringing her Brazilian beats to Jungle and DJ Mike Pope at the Heretic.

Then head to private club Xion, where DJ Lydia Prim spins starting at 3 a.m. as Saturday night stretches into Sunday morning.

Sunday brings internationally known DJ/ remixer Alex Acosta to the Heretic, leaving you with Monday — Labor Day — to catch up on your sleep before heading back to work on Tuesday.

Matthew Schafer, Robin Kemp, Dyana Bagby and Laura Douglas-Brown contributed.

www.theGAVoice.com

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“SMART. SEXY.

By

DAVID IVES

Directed by DAVID CROWE

HILARIOUS.”

- VOGUE

PREVIEW TICKETS! SEPT EMBER 5&6

SEPTEMBER 4 - OCTOBER 6 actors-express.com 404.607.SHOW Actor’s Express at the King Plow Arts Center

PHOTO CREDIT: BreeAnne Clowdus

32 | GA VOICE

fulton county arts & culture

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.

AE-Venus4.917x5 9.13.indd 1

8/9/13 10:38 AM

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THEATER BY JIM FARMER

Johnny Drago’s campy trailer ‘Trash’ World premiere brings dark humor, dream cast to Onstage Atlanta

Gay playwright Johnny Drago has written numerous shows, but perhaps none have approached the camp level “Trash,” which gets its world premiere next week via Process Theatre.

“Trash” is the story of Jinx Malibu, a former D-list movie star who has spent most of the last two decades holed up inside her mother’s trailer with her two children, popping pills and fantasizing of a comeback.

When a stranger shows up claiming to be from Hollywood, Jinx just knows it’s her final chance at a big break. Terrible and beautiful things ensue, according to the playwright.

“I’ve been calling this Anna Nicole meets ‘Glass Menagerie’ meets ‘Hoarders’ – on diet pills,” Drago says.

One of the inspirations for “Trash” was the Alliance Theatre’s production of the Tony-winning “August: Osage County” that Drago saw a few seasons back.

“I literally ran out of the theater and all the way down Peachtree crying my eyes out afterwards, and I knew I wanted to take a stab at the pitch-black melodramatic qualities of the play,” he says. “So ‘Trash’ has a certain number of twists and dark revelations.”

He describes it as campy and dark, with a cast that has proven game.

“The actors have been utterly fearless in approaching their roles,” Drago says. “The whole play is basically set on a giant pile of garbage.

Jo Howarth, in the role of Othermomma, has to navigate the whole thing in a wheelchair.

They definitely go above and beyond in terms of embracing the piece’s broad comedy, but they also have to hit some pretty serious dramatic notes as well.”

Directing the piece is Topher Payne, who Drago worked with in the spring with Payne’s play “Angry Fags.”

“I feel so lucky to have Topher as the director,” Drago says. “He’s been instrumental in shaping the piece with his vision, experience and insight. Not to mention his own very twisted sense of humor.”

The playwright wrote the lead role of Jinx Malibu specifically for DeWayne Morgan, artistic director of the Process Theatre, who directed Drago’s “Kiss of the Vampire.”

“I love watching DeWayne onstage; he’s so fearless and sensitive and funny,” says Drago.

“I knew I wanted to write a great drag role for him, and he’s absolutely killing it as Jinx.”

Playwright Johnny Drago describes ‘Trash’ as Anna Nicole meets ‘Glass Menagerie’ meets ‘Hoarders.’ (Photo

by Bo Shell)

DETAILS ‘Trash’ Sept. 6 – 28 Onstage Atlanta www.theprocesstheatre.com

Morgan, Payne and Drago have also worked together in Process’ “Designing Women Live.”

Drago has been writing plays, with what he calls “varying levels of success and producibility,” for over a decade now.

“While my imagination runs as wild as ever, I think my writing has matured a lot in the sense of having more production experience under my belt, learning what actually works in practice, and how to write for that,” he says. “This play in particular is unique, since it’s the first time I’ve gotten to write for a specific group of actors.

“It’s been such a treat to write for people’s strengths, their own senses of humor, watch them embrace some very difficult material without question, and then commit to it wholeheartedly night after night.”

Acting in “Angry Fags” was an amazing experience, Drago says.

“Looking back on it, ‘Angry Fags’ seems like such a perfect storm to me,” he recalls.

“Dream cast of actors, dream director. It was the first play of Topher’s I’d seen that really felt dangerous and raw to me, politically, emotionally, artistically. And then getting to do it all at 7 Stages, smack dab in the heart of Little Five, under the new artistic leadership of [gay leaders] Heidi Howard and Mack Headrick.

On Stage ONGOING

“Les Miserables” Through Sept. 8 Aurora Theatre www.auroratheatre.com A number of gay actors appear in the ensemble of this lavish musical, based on the Victor Hugo novel and a Tony and Oscar winner.

UPCOMING

“Harmony – A New Musical” Sept. 6 – Oct. 6 Alliance Theatre www.alliancetheatre.org A new version of the Barry ManilowBruce Sussman musical about The Comedian Harmonists, composed of six young men in Germany in the 1920s. They sold millions of records and starred in films.

But three members were Jewish and as anti-Semitism grew, the group fell apart.

Nazis eventually disbanded them.

“The role I got to play was so complicated and delicious, every night I felt like someone had handed me a Rubik’s cube, and I got to try over and over again to solve it,” he continues.

“A few nights, I thought I came pretty close; other nights, I was just happy to give it my all, and then walk away and see the phrase ‘Angry Fags’ over my shoulder on the marquee.”

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PHOTOS by SHER PRUITT

Gay chamber of commerce honors leaders The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce held its 15th annual Community Awards Dinner on Aug. 23 at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta hotel. The event, hosted by television personality Brandon Rudat, included a reception, silent auction, dinner and award presentations in a variety of categories.

Vanguard Award: Chef ART SMITH

Member of the Year: KARDON TECHNOLOGIES

AGLCC President SUZANNE BAUGH

Lifetime Achievement: BETH SCHAPIRO (right)

Guardian Angel: Atlanta Pride Committee (BUCK COOKE)

Business Woman of the Year: PAMELA STEWART

Corporate Ally: THE W MIDTOWN

Business Man of the Year: RICK KERN

Find full photo albums from this and other events @ www.thegavoice.com

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A&E IN BRIEF October festivals take shape

TAYLOR DANE TO HEADLINE ATLANTA PRIDE IN OCTOBER

Singer Taylor Dayne, best known for her 1987 hit “Tell It to My Heart,” will headline the Saturday lineup at this year’s Atlanta Pride festival.

“Taylor Dayne has one of the strongest and most recognizable voices in music and her career spans from the ‘80s when she was on Top 40 radio through today as a chart-topping dance artist,” said Buck Cooke, Atlanta Pride’s executive director. “We are thrilled to have Taylor perform as our headliner on the CocaCola Stage on Saturday, Oct. 12.”

Dayne has sold some 75 million albums during her 30-year career. She’s currently on tour promoting her latest single, “Floor on Fire.”

OUT ON FILM ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL OFFERINGS

Organizers of Atlanta’s Out on Film recently announced the schedule for the 26th annual LGBT festival, set for Oct. 3-10 at Midtown Art Cinemas. The fest opens with comedy “G.B.F.” and closes with the award-winning “Bridegroom.”

Out on Film Director Jim Farmer describes “G.B.F.” as “a gay ‘Mean Girls’” and “Bridegroom” as “the best gay romance since ‘Brokeback Mountain.’”

Some 75 films will screen as part of the eight-day festival.

“We are very proud of this year’s schedule, which I think is the best and deepest in our history,” Farmer said. “There’s literally something for everyone.”

Festival passes and the full schedule are available online at www.outonfilm.org. Tickets to individual films will also be available through the theater box office.

TAYLOR DAYNE Publicity photo

Ken Britt, who serves as executive producer of the film, and aims to raise the final 5 percent of funding needed to complete the endeavor.

The wrap party will feature special guest Shane Bitney, whose film “Bridegroom” will be screened at Atlanta’s Out on Film fest in October. “Breaking Through” filmmakers met Bitney at the Little Rock Film Festival.

“Yes, it is rare that one filmmaker helps another in this way, yet that’s who Shane is: committed to using his voice to achieve full equality, regardless of the forum,” they said.

For more information about “Breaking Through,” visit www.breakingthroughmovie. com

‘BREAKING THROUGH’ PARTY HONORS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

“Breaking Through,” a documentary about LGBT elected officials led by Atlanta filmmaker Cindy Abel, celebrates Sept. 10 with a wrap party at Tribute Lofts’ Skyline Room. The event honors longtime Atlanta gay rights advocate

Shane Bitney’s film ‘Bridegroom’ will be featured at Atlanta’s Out on Film festival, while Bitney will also be in Atlanta Sept. 10 for the wrap party for ‘Breaking Through,’ which screens at Out on Film as well. (Publicity photo)

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Publicity photo via Facebook

Event spotlight

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Publicity photo via Facebook

Le Sexoflex presents The Happy Ending, featuring LUST and Rica Shay and all sorts of naughtiness all night, starting at 9 p.m. at the Drunken Unicorn, www. thedrunkenunicorn.net

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

Publicity photo via Facebook

Some of the biggest names in black lesbian fiction — Skyy, Fiona Zedde, Nikki Rashan and Tononiya D. — will read, sign, and take photos with fans from 6 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1 It will technically be Sunday morning as Lydia Prim performs at Xion, beginning at 3 a.m., www.cariocaproductions.com

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EVENTS FOR LABOR DAy WEEKEND Photo by Dyana Bagby

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Black Gay Pride draws tens of thousands to Atlanta every Labor Day weekend for a packed schedule of community events and nightlife parties. Highlights include events from nonprofit coordinator In the Life Atlanta (http://inthelifeatlanta.org) and Sunday’s Pure Heat Community Festival, created by the Vision Community Foundation and Traxx Girls (http://pureheatcommunityfestival.com). Many other party promoters also have multiple events. Please see special section starting on page 21.

The Decatur Book Festival takes place this weekend in downtown Decatur, with an impressive LGBT track including inaugural poet Richard Blanco. See story, Page 31. www.decaturbookfestival.com Science fiction and fantasy fans will be out in the thousands for the annual DragonCon event, as well as the spirited DragonCon downtown parade. See story, Page 31. www.dragoncon.com Deuce! Hundreds of tennis players from around the country bring their rackets to the ATL this weekend for the annual Peach tennis tourney, sponsored by the Atlanta Team Tennis Association and held at various area locations. See story, Page 31. www.atta.org An annual weekend-long gathering of the LGBT community celebrating recovery and those inter-

SUNDAY, SEPT. 2

With Brandy in attendance, the first annual Pure Heat Community Festival heats up from noon to 8 p.m. in Piedmont Park, www.pureheatcommunityfestival.com

SOMETHING GAY EVERY DAY! Bookmark www.thegavoice.com to get your daily dose of local LGBT events.

ested in finding out what recovery has to offer, Hotlanta Round Up kicks off Aug. 30 and lasts through September 2 at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center, www.hotlantaroundup.org

It’s Ladies Night upstairs at Blake’s, with special guest Liz Owen, sponsored by Absolut, from 10 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

FRIDAY, AUG. 30

Guest DJ Ron Pullman is the headliner for the Black Pride/Onyx Party, from 10 – 11 p.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

As part of the Decatur Book Festival, eyedrum sponsors the eXperimental Writer Asylum, a three-day literary “free for all” at The Seen Gallery, www.theseengallery.com Jennifer Knapp performs with Levi Lowrey and Travis Meadows for Songwriters in the Round, 8 p.m. at the Red Clay Theatre, www.eddieowenpresents.com DJs Jonny Mack and Sean Mac liven up Bear Invasion at 9 p.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com Swank, Atlanta’s new women’s event, gets cranking from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. with VJ Prism at 10th & Piedmont, www.communitashospitality.com/10th-and-piedmont/

Angelica D’Paige hosts “The Fab Five” drag show revue with an amazing line-up of performers, 11 p.m. at Burkharts, www.burkharts.com

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Come enjoy a real, open air patio Hawaiian luau at the Lure Luau, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Lure, http://lure-atlanta.com The Atlanta Overdose Awareness Vigil is tonight from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Piedmont Park.

Participants are encouraged to bring photos or memorabilia of a loved one to the event. www.piedmontpark.org

he

“DeeJay Woman” Ana Paula spins at 10:30 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com Sinful Saturdays includes a diva cabaret, beginning at 11 p.m. at LeBuzz, www.thenewlebuzz.com Enjoy early country and late night dance with DJ Mike Pope at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com Don’t miss the Atlanta WETher! Celebrity Block Party @ Club Opera tonight, www.atlantaprideweekend.com Kelly Rowland performs at 595 North as part of Black Gay Pride weekend, www.labordayrock.com Ciara performs at the Hot Body Contest at XS Ultra Lounge, www.traxxatlanta.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

The Soulfood Poetry Slam JAZZ Brunch is today from noon – 3 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, www.atlantaprideweekened.com A special Military Edition/Labor Day Edition of the weekly Harness party starts tonight at 6 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleclubatl.com The Armorettes perform at 8 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com The Ladies at Play party at Aja is from 10 p.m.

– 2:30 p.m., http://h2sr.com/aja/

MONDAY, SEPT. 2

Grab your cue for the Labor Day Pool Tournament at 4 p.m. at The Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com

The Ladies At Play party at Loca Luna is from rag 5 – 10 p.m., http://ladiesatplay.com/ The PFLAG Atlanta support meeting takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org

luau TUESDAY, SEPT. 3 Enjoy team trivia with SAGE at 7 p.m. at Decatur’s Trackside Tavern, www.tracksidetavern.com s Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturdays are . or Three Legged Cowboy country nights at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Publicity photo via Facebook

Girls everywhere: the Traxx Girls “Big BANG Event,” billed the Biggest Girl Party In The Country, with 4,000 women, is tonight from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. at the Georgia Freight Depot, www.atlantaprideweekend.com

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Event spotlight

Publicity photo via depechemode.com

My Sister’s Room and Shaun Daniels welcome Fabulous Showstuds, Sin City edition, at 8 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

Called by Q Magazine “the most popular electronic band the world has ever known,” Depeche Mode performs at 7:30 p.m. at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, www.livenation.com

Every Tuesday, sing out at Mary-oke starting at 9 p.m. at Mary’s, www.marysatlanta.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4

Join Regina for Hump Night fun at 8 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4SUNDAY, SEPT. 8

The Southern Comfort Conference, one of the nation’s largest events for transgender people and allies, convenes at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia for a long weekend of education, empowerment and social events. http://sccatl.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

www.atlantarollergirls.com Spades anyone? The final LGBT Game Night of 2013 is tonight, 7 – 10 p.m. at the Rush Center, www.RushCenterAtl.org

Blue? Yellow? Pink? Come to the Hanky Party at 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

Johnny Drago’s world premiere “Trash” opens at 8 p.m. at Onstage Atlanta, www.onstageatlanta.com

Fall ball registration is now open - Hotlanta Softball is looking for men and women players for the ASSC Fall League, www.hotlantasoftball.org

Dirty Sue Martinis are only $5 at the Hideaway all night, www.atlantahideaway.com

You’ll still be partying from Saturday night as Martin Fry performs at 3 a.m. at Xion, www.cariocaproductions.com

Photo from Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, U.S. News & World Report Magazine Collection

The legacy of Bayard Rustin will be discussed at “Queering the March: Intersectional Politics, LGBT Activism, and the Legacy of the 1963 March on Washington” from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Join Team Impact for a beer bash to raise funds for Positive Impact, from 3 – 6 p.m. at F.R.O.G.S., www.frogsmidtown.com Get you dance shoes out for Old Skool Dance Night at 10 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, www.mixxatlanta.com

MONDAY, SEPT. 9

Knomie Moore hosts Jukebox Drag at 8 p.m. each Monday at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 The Atlanta Rollergirls have a double header bout, at 5 and 7:30 p.m., Yaarab Shrine Center,

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5

Get out your harness and leather gear for Gagged, a themed fetish ball dance party, at 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Star Community Bar, www.starbaratlanta.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 8

DJ Vicki Powell and DJ Ree De Le Vega are part of “Getting Dirty in Atlanta,” an after-party for Southern Comfort Conference attendees at 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

Internationally known DJ/remixer Alex Acosta cranks it up at the Heretic, beginning at 10 p.m., www.hereticatlanta.com

Contestants vie for tiaras at the Miss Gay Southern States USofA At Large pageant, at 7:30 p.m. at LeBuzz, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Alan Avery hosts a reception for Atlanta photographer Harriet Leibowitz, 7 - 10 p.m., at Alan Avery Art Company , www.alanaveryartcompany.com

Tonight’s Cupcakes and Cocktails is a dessert party to benefit muscular dystrophy research, at 8 p.m. at 2777 Eastwood Drive, www.razoo.com/ATLcupcakes

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Publicity photo

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CALENDAR

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

The Barry Manilow musical “Harmony” opens at 8 p.m. at the Alliance Theatre, www.alliancetheatre.com

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COntinued FROM PAGE 39 Wild Cherry Sucret hosts Trivia and Family Feud at Blake’s beginning at 9 p.m., www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

TUESDAY, SEPT. 10

Local filmmaker Cindy Abel celebrates the finish of her moving documentary “Breaking Through,” about openly LGBT elected officials, at a wrap party, 6:30 p.m. at Tribute Lofts Skyroom. www.breakingthroughmovie.com Mixx Atlanta hosts Piano Night with David Reeb at 8 p.m., www.mixxatlanta.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11

Enjoy five dollar tacos at Tacos, Tequila and Beer night from 6 – 11 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, www.amsterdamatlanta.com Join Charis and Atlanta Pride to plan the 2013 Dyke March, 6 – 7 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com It’s TV Land night at PALS Bingo, with hosts Bubba Dee and Kimora Layou, 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

Athens Pride weekend kicks off today and lasts through Sunday, Sept. 15, www.athenspride.com g,

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OUT TO WIN

AT L A N TA CHAMPAGNE BRUN C H SUNDAY, OCTOBE R 6 , 2 0 1 3

Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta | 12:30pm - 3:30pm

R E G ISTER TO DAY AT V ICTORY FUND. O RG / AT L ANTA Paid by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, www.victoryfund.org.

Contributions or gifts to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund are not tax-deductible.

SAGE’s social hour includes plenty of games and interaction, 10 a.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org Charis Books and the GA Center for the Book welcome author Jojo Moyes to the Decatur Library auditorium to celebrate her newest book, “The Girl You Left Behind” at 7:15 p.m., www.dekalblibrary.net Join some bands such as The Queers, The Coathangers, The Booze and many more at the Little Five Fest from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. in Little 5 Points, www.littlefivefestatlanta.com Expect a shake and bake from DJ King Atlas at the Haus of Glitz-sponsored Deep Fried Disco from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Mary’s, www.marysatlanta.com Phoenix from Rupaul’s Drag Race hosts Dancefloor Divas at 11:30 p.m., www.burkharts.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

GURLfrandz, the new Hollywood Babylon show, is a new drag event featuring the likes of Violet Chachki, Kryean Kally, Lavonia Elberton 10:30 PM at Mary’s, www.marysatlanta.com

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

DJ Gustavo Scorpio comes to the Heretic for the Ready 4 Hope Kickoff Party, 10 p.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

A full day of activity highlights the 14th annual Savannah Pride, today at Savannah’s Forsyth Park, www.savpride.com Two new counseling groups start today: at 3:30 p.m. is “Coping With Life’s Issues,” and at 4:30 is “LGBT Today” at the First MCC Community Center, www.firstmcc.com Atlanta Pride raises funds at Flower Hour at the Garden Hood, 5 – 7 p.m., www.atlantapride.org Join author Kenya Jackson from 7:30 - 9 p.m. as she discusses concepts from her self-help memoir, “empty. s p a c e: Where is My Stuff?

Navigating the Quarterlife Crisis with Wisdom and Skill” at Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com The Atlanta Eagle hosts the Clipper Party for Charity, with haircuts and massage, benefitting Lost –N-Found, 8 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com DJ and Producer Barry Huffine visits from Florida for the Southern Bear’s Bear bash, 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com DJ Rodolfo Bravat spins at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

BUY EARLY & SAVE!

September 6–October 6 Tickets @ 404.733.5000 alliancetheatre.org/harmony Groups 404.733.4690 Barry Manilow is a registered trademark of Hastings, Clayton & Tucker, Inc. All rights reserved.

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omMELISSA CARTER

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID I love Lucy (Lawless) Can I play it cool with Xena at DragonCon? It started with a text at 7:30 one July morning.

That’s when a buddy of mine — who in our nerd circles we call the Dread Pirate — discovered the news that impacted us both greatly: Lucy Lawless was coming to town. Xena herself had just committed to attending DragonCon. I’m a geek, and like any lesbian old enough to enjoy ‘90s television, I have loved Xena for nearly 20 years now. Add to that the fact Ms. Lawless also appeared in “Battlestar Galactica,” “X-files,” “L-Word,” starred in the lesbian short “Peach,” and even played the Honey Badgerette, I can barely believe she is going to finally be in Atlanta.

I have attended DragonCon every year since the ‘90s and have witnessed its tremendous growth during that time. So to actually see (or dare I imagine, meet?) the cult figure this weekend will be a challenge, since thousands of diehard fans will have the same goal in mind.

But the Dread Pirate and I are seasoned vets of this iconic event, and there is no excuse for us not to achieve our goal. Unless, of course, we pass out, which is a possibility.

Those who have listened to me on the radio know how intimidated I become when meeting celebrities. I know most people in media describe themselves as being beyond star-struck, since they are around celebrities so often.

I, too, have been around a lot of celebrities and without fail I find myself dry-mouthed and fumbling, as if I’m stuck in the Chris Farley Show skit on SNL and unable to interview them.

“Ms. Lawless, you remember when you played the Warrior Princess? That was cool.” I try to be smooth, but I’m sure my stare and cascading beads of forehead sweat give me away.

The Dread Pirate is even worse than I am in these situations. She and I met while working at Oxford Bookstore in Atlanta many years ago, and my job was to play host to authors who

Melissa Carter is also a writer for Huffington Post.

She broke ground as the first out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter

came to the store for book signings.

One night when Dixie Carter was signing her book, she took a moment to meet the staff before the event. Waiting in line and anticipating what she might say to the “Designing Women” star, the Dread Pirate panicked when it was her turn and physically fled from Ms. Carter’s outstretched hand, only to fall UP a staircase nearby.

Because of our potential shortcomings, I thought it might be a good idea to research exactly what to do if we did find ourselves in Ms. Lawless’ presence. Here are two suggestions from WikiHow: • Stay composed. Don’t start freaking out and screaming. You might scare the person away.

Just because they’re celebrities doesn’t mean they enjoy hearing fans scream in their face.

• Remember to smile; it will make you seem friendly and approachable. Try not to smile so long that it creeps them out, though.

These seem like good suggestions, yet somehow I fear collectively the Dread Pirate and I have already violated each one.

For those unfamiliar with DragonCon, it is a convention like any other that includes a series of scheduled talks from experts, including the celebrities. It also includes the chance to take a picture with your favorite actor, but the bigger that celeb, the longer those lines are for each of these opportunities.

Given my previous example, those lines can also elevate an already intense anxiety level which could lead to loss of consciousness, or even worse, vomiting on the woman we hold in such high regard.

This could be the only time Lucy Lawless comes to Atlanta, and we must seize the moment as ugly as that might end up being.

Maybe I should also take this opportunity to apologize to her in advance.

NOTE TO LAURA: I changed headline from ‘In love with Lucy Lawless’ for space reasons

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TOPHER PAYNE

Domestically DISTURBED Strangers wirth candy Counting out my revenge on rudeness I do all I can to avoid situations where I ask my husband for money. The chasm between Preppy’s income and my own is almost comical, but I like to think I can get by on my earnings without asking for a handout.

Granted, I have no issue with him covering things like health insurance, the mortgage, or household bills. But I will go to great lengths to avoid requesting cash, because then I can maintain my carefully constructed delusion that I am in some way self-sufficient. As a result, I make a lot of trips to the CoinStar with a tube sock full of small change, most of which is also probably my husband’s.

I’m in line at CVS, waiting to purchase deodorant. In one pocket, a sock of coins I’ll be cashing in at my next stop. In the other pocket, nothing but quarters. I pick all the quarters out before I cash in at CoinStar, because they’re almost like real money.

One can maintain a shred of dignity when making a purchase using 16 quarters. Paying for that stick of Old Spice with 40 dimes is just humiliating.

Remember when stores had four or five people working the floor during business hours?

Alas, those were the days. I try to be as patient as possible when I encounter this scenario, as Preppy is responsible for staffing retail with limited hours and I hear the daily horror stories.

I see the only apparent employee in the store assisting at the photo-retouching kiosk. As best I can tell, this guy has brought every family photo taken in the last 30 years. Seriously, he has a cardboard box filled with picture frames.

I find it intriguing that he didn’t even bother to take the pictures out of the frames before making the trip over. What sort of retouching emergency would have a person frantically ripping photos off the walls and dashing out the door? I’m more than happy to busy myself with his imagined backstory. Besides, I’m just here for my stick of Old Spice, and as long as nobody stands too close to me it’s not all that urgent.

Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book “Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life.” Find out more at www.topherpayne.com

The elderly woman behind me with a cart full of discounted candy, however, apparently has places to be. Important places where a shitload of Gummi Bears and Circus Peanuts will be required.

“I need help!” she screams to no one in particular. I’m not certain if she’s referring to the current circumstances, or just bemoaning her life. Both seem valid. Between her leopard-print blouse, bright orange scarf, she could certainly benefit from the help of a stylist. The lone employee assures her she’ll be with us momentarily.

“Ohhhhh, come on!” says Candy Lady, shuffling her feet like she has to pee, which could be the source of her anxiety.

“I think they’re short-staffed,” I say.

“Oh, you think so?” she says with an arched eyebrow. “This is foolishness. She needs to get over here and do her job.”

“She IS doing her job. It’s not her fault.”

Candy Lady responds with a disgruntled snort — the exact sound my dog makes when she cleans her bikini area for upwards of 20 minutes. The beleaguered CVS cashier has heard this exchange, and gives me a weak smile.

When she makes her way to the register, apologizing for the delay, I feel a bony finger poking my shoulder.

“Can I go in front of you?” says Candy Lady. I look at my one item, and her cart full of sweets.

Before I can respond, the cashier speaks up.

“You can wait your turn, ma’am. Please be patient.”

“Foolishness! This. Is. Foolishness!” Candy Lady is on the verge of a breakdown. Maybe she’s grumpy because she has low blood sugar. Maybe she needs to eat candy every 20 minutes to survive. Or maybe she’s just awful.

I give a nod of solidarity to the cashier. And, with barely contained glee, pull the sock from my pocket.

“I hope it’s alright if I pay in nickels and pennies.”

The cashier flashes a beautifully wicked smirk. Candy Lady moans in agony. I turn to her.

“Quiet please. If I get distracted I’ll have to start all over again.”

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What is Out on Film?

Out on Film is Atlanta’s own LGBT film festival.

We’re in our 26th season. Out on Film was created in 1987 to inform, entertain, educate and enrich the regional LGBT community by recognizing the creative work of LGBT artists and professionals.

What films will be shown?

Out on Film selects a variety of films for our LGBT audiences, including comedies, dramas, romances and documentaries. In addition, we screen multi-racial and multi-cultural films.

Where is the event?

Our Movies • Our Stories • Our Lives

Atlanta’s LGBT Film Festival Celebrating Pride at the Movies October 3 - 10, 2013 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

The majority of films are shown at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta GA 30308. Additional screenings will be held at other local venues.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at www.outonfilm. org, the Landmark theater, and online at the Landmark’s website. Please visit www.outonfilm.org for more ticket information.

Are there other activities?

Yes. Out on Film schedules opening and closing night parties plus events before and after select films, including Q&As with filmmakers.

How can I learn more?

For details about films and schedules, including trailers, special events, and volunteering go to

www.outonfilm.org

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