Georgia Voice 11/24/23, Vol. 14 Issue 17

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

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

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys.

If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

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

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

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

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about

BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0292 04/23

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#1 PRESCRIBED

HIV TREATMENT* *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 01/20/2023.

ELIAS SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY Listen to REAL STORIES being told by REAL VOICES.

No matter where life takes you,

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

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5/11/23 12:25 PM

voice

georgia

EDITORIAL

VOLUME 14• ISSUE 17 About the cover:

Cover photo by Shutterstock.com/Roman Samborskyi

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

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

Business

Principal/Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com

Editorial

Editor: Katie Burkholder kburkholder@thegavoice.com

Editorial Contributors: María Helena Dolan, Jim Farmer, Luke Gardner, Stephen Spring, Adalei Stevens, Mars Stone

Production

Art Director: Rob Boeger rboeger@thegavoice.com

Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor dtaylor@thegavoice.com

Sales Executive: Jim Brams jbrams@thegavoice.com

Sales Executive & Photographer: Russell Bowen-Youngblood russ@alphabetsoupmarketing.com

Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group

National Advertising:

Katie Burkholder

Rivendell Media • 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

Publisher Emeritus: Chris Cash

Fine Print

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

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

A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 24-issue mailed subscription for $99 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA 30357. Georgia Voice is published twice a month by Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $99 per year for 24 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices.

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

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4 EDITORIAL NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Gifting Stress

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ MARIDAV

Sales

For many, the “most wonderful time of the year” isn’t so wonderful.

While the rhetoric surrounding the holidays is all about gratitude, giving, and joy, the reality of the holidays may be much bleaker. In my editorial for this issue last year, I wrote about how much I love giving and receiving gifts, but as I worked on this year’s gift guide, I couldn’t shake the stress of gift-giving. There are so many people I love who I want to give deeply meaningful gifts, but that hope — that I give everybody something they’ll never forget — can weigh on me, especially as I begin to enter my seasonal depression and just all around feel like I have less bandwidth to do the things I need and want to do.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 46 percent of adults are worried about affording gifts and 40 percent about finding gifts. I’m sure this stress is only exacerbated if you’re buying gifts for your children, for whom you want to maintain the magic of the season. As someone who is an avid gift lover and giver, knowing this makes

me extremely sad. Gift-giving is such a joyful act of connection and love, and it has been perverted into status symbols, unrealistic expectations, and capitalistic stress. Coupled with messaging that the holidays are about joy and love, this stress can make people feel jaded, like they’re failing at this cultural tradition so integral to American society.

out on the many benefits cultural traditions bring, namely community and a sense of belonging. As a white person with no connection to my ethnic background and a strong distaste for nationalistic patriotism, it is very rare that I feel a sense of cultural identity, and I don’t want to pass on the few traditions that do make me feel like I belong.

The truth is that the holidays, if you’re going to go all out, are a lot of work. I’m having to go out of town for multiple days for Thanksgiving with my family, on top of a separate Thanksgiving dinner I’m cooking with my boyfriend and a Friendsgiving potluck. I have to decorate the apartment for Christmas; plan a night to see Christmas lights; make Christmas Eve and Day plans with my family; buy and wrap presents for my friends, boyfriend (eight for him because he celebrates Hanukkah), and family; cook Christmas morning breakfast; and look at that! It’s New Year’s Eve: gotta make plans, maybe host a party, find something to wear, and make some resolutions.

But these festivities are stressful and expensive, and all held during a season when our bodies want to move much slower and do less, not more, and that’s not even considering the grief of lost loved ones who aren’t here to celebrate with us and strained family relationships.

You may read all that and think, “Well, you don’t have to do any of those things.” And it’s true, I don’t. But if I didn’t, I would miss

I say all this as a validation of the stress you may be feeling and continue to feel as you read through this gift guide and see gifts that are unattainable for you. Even though the expectations you may be putting on yourself may feel inescapable, it really is the thought that counts when it comes to giftgiving. This is a season when we’re all feeling stress, and maybe the greatest gift you could give someone is a compliment, help in the kitchen, or a note telling them how much you love them.

THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM

Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA

NOW ON VIEW • HIGH.ORG

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSOR

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS ACT Foundation, Inc. William N. Banks, Jr. Cousins Foundation Burton M. Gold Sarah and Jim Kennedy

BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Robin and Hilton Howell

A V&A Exhibition–Touring the World Beatrix Potter (British, 1866–1943), Mrs. Rabbit pouring out the tea for Peter while her children look on, 1907, watercolor and ink over pencil on paper, Victoria and Albert Museum, Linder Bequest, BP.468. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London, courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

NEWS BRIEFS Staff reports Read these stories and more online at thegavoice.com

Supreme Court Rejects Florida’s Request for Stay Against Decision Regarding Drag Ban In a surprise move, a 6-to-3 majority of the U.S. Supreme Court did something good for LGBTQ people: it rejected Florida’s request for a stay against a lower court decision –a stay that would have enabled the state to enforce its new law banning drag shows under certain circumstances.

The case, Florida v. Hamburger Mary, originated with a restaurant in Orlando that showcases numerous drag show events, including Family Nights. That activity was threatened in May when Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a five-bill package of legislation called the Let Kids Be Kids package. Four of the five parts attacked LGBTQ specific needs. It banned gender-affirming medical care, prohibited LGBTQ related topics in K-8 classrooms, required bathrooms and locker rooms to be used based on biological sex identified at birth, and it banned children from sexually explicit performances. Legislative debate made clear that the latter bill was aimed at drag shows.

The law banning kids from drag shows did not use the term “drag shows” or any LGBTQspecific term. It defined the target of the legislation to be “adult live performance,” but the bill’s sponsor in the House said its purpose was to target drag shows, including those in various public places, such as “Drag Queen Story Time” at libraries, and drag performers at Pride events.

Hamburger Mary’s sued the state to protect its own right to conduct “family friendly” drag shows and, on June 23, federal district court Judge Gregory Presnell rejected the state’s request to dismiss the restaurant’s lawsuit.

He also granted the business’ request for a preliminary injunction to stop the state from enforcing the law against Hamburger Mary’s.

Judge Presnell said the Florida law was so vague it was “dangerously susceptible to standardless, overbroad enforcement which could sweep up substantial protected speech….” He also

6 NEWS NOVEMBER 24, 2023

"SUPREME COURT" BY MARK FISCHER IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-SA 2.0.

noted that parents are allowed to take children to R-rated movies. And he blocked the state from “any” enforcement of the law against any venue until his court could deliberate on the merits of the lawsuit.

LGBTQ judge to serve on the court, which is located in Richmond, Va., and has appellate jurisdiction over district courts in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

In a 2-to-1 vote on October 13, a panel of the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld that temporary injunction. Florida immediately filed an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the justices to stay that injunction.

Berner was previously a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and a litigation associate at the law firm Jenner & Block.

Things looked promising for Florida at first.

Justice Clarence Thomas is the justice given responsibility for 11th Circuit, and he could have granted the request himself. But, instead, he referred the matter to the full court.

On November 16, the Supreme Court issued a three-page response. In a 6-to-3 vote, the justices denied Florida’s request for an emergency stay.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, said to win a stay on the lower court’s injunction Florida would have to show “a reasonable probability” that the Supreme Court would eventually grant a request on the question presented by the stay application.

Biden Nominates First LGBTQ Candidate for 4th Circuit President Joe Biden on Wednesday nominated Service Employees International Union General Counsel Nicole Berner to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Maryland lawyer would become the first

U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, both from Maryland, had recommended Berner for the position and issued a joint statement following the president’s announcement of her nomination.

“Throughout her career, Nicole Berner has provided outstanding legal representation to advance the rights of working families and historically underrepresented communities — demonstrating her commitment to delivering equal justice to all,” Van Hollen said.

“As the first openly LGBTQ nominee for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, Nicole would also break glass ceilings in our judicial system,” said the senator. “We look forward to advancing her nomination through the Senate.”

Cardin said, “As the general counsel of the 2-million-member strong Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Ms. Berner oversees their legal work in complicated areas of the law, including labor, healthcare regulation and immigration.”

He added, “With this background, I am confident that she will uphold the judicial oath to ‘do equal right to the poor and to the rich.'”

THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM

NEWS

STOPPING COP CITY Luke Gardner Read the full article online at thegavoice.com.

The City of Atlanta has been pursuing the development of an 85-acre police training facility since 2021 and is doubling down on its construction despite an intense public backlash.

The project — which critics dubbed “Cop City” — has been met with local condemnation, international criticism, and a national mobilization of activists citing a bevy of environmental and political concerns about the facility.

In the past several months, state and local police have held activists in solitary confinement for days, killed a protester, and had the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigate that killing only to refuse to release related evidence to the public after a district attorney found the killing to be “objectively reasonable.” In the same period, dozens of nonviolent activists have been charged with terrorism and criminal conspiracy, and the City of Atlanta has worked overtime to prevent a public referendum vote on the facility.

In March, a poll from Emory University found a division in public opinion of the project, with 61 percent of Buckhead residents in support of it and only 46 percent of the rest of Atlanta supporting the project.

The division is also along racial lines, with 55 percent of white respondents in favor of building Cop City and only 44 percent of Black respondents in favor of the project. A separate poll from Data for Progress found that 59 percent of Atlanta voters believe the public should be able to vote on the project directly via referendum.

Those in favor of the project believe the training center will improve public safety

THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM

Protesters gathered March 7 in downtown Atlanta in opposition to the construction of Cop City.

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ RACHAEL WARRINER

by allowing police to train for responses to incidents like armed robberies and mass shootings. Activists disagree vehemently, concerned that the facility’s plans to include a mock city suggest police will train in crowd control techniques to repress protests and social movements.

Major concerns held by opponents of the facility include that it would be the largest police training facility in the country.

Activists also note that the allocated $31 million could be better spent on health care and education, and that since the facility is outside the city of Atlanta, the mostly Black and low-income neighborhoods next door have no representation on the Atlanta City Council, the body that approved the project in September 2021.

Also at issue are the optics of the group largely responsible for the project, the Atlanta Police Foundation.

“The Atlanta Police Foundation is a nonprofit that does a lot of public/private partnerships to acquire additional funding or materials for the Atlanta Police Department,” Satyrn, a local activist involved in the Stop Cop City movement, told Georgia Voice. “This is an unelected body that has representatives from major corporations, including ChickFil-A, Home Depot, Delta, and several real estate companies. President and CEO David Wilkinson makes over $500,000 annually [according to ProPublica] and lives 40 miles away from the city. The APF is rarely mentioned in discussions on Cop City, but they are the main proponent, the ones who lease the land and stand to profit off of it.”

Others note that the facility is to be built on

land that was once sacred to the Muscogee Indigenous people, which later housed the Atlanta prison farm, where incarcerated people — including some civil rights activists — were forced to do slave labor, a phenomenon still happening in U.S. prisons today.

Others oppose the construction for environmental reasons, citing a lawsuit by South River Watershed Alliance that claims construction on the site has led to sediment leaking into the South River, exceeding legal limits as set by the Clean Water Act. On December 14, the oral hearing regarding the legal case involving the referendum will be held. The South River Watershed Alliance also just filed a complaint with the EPA on top of its separate, preexisting lawsuit. An APF board member said in a hearing that if the court ordered a stop-work injunction, it could mean the end of Cop City, according to the Atlanta Community Press Collective.

Satyrn said that construction has halted all week in preparation for the protests. They also noted that several contractors have already dropped out of the project and that the remaining ones might also drop out if they continue to lose property and time.

In the meantime, activists show no signs of relenting, as more and more people condemn the repressive actions taken by city and state officials. It has been made abundantly clear that the project’s goal is to stampede ahead, regardless of who gets trampled along the way.

“People have to physically stop the project,” Satyrn said. “Collective resistance is the only thing that will stop this. The most dangerous thing we can do is do nothing.”

NOVEMBER 24, 2023 NEWS 7

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For the

Barbie

Girl Katie Burkholder

In the midst of the smash hit Barbie movie, these pink, Barbieinspired gifts are sure to make a splash this holiday season.

A. Wrap Me in Feathers Mini Dress

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This gorgeous feather-trimmed pink tie dye wrap dress is perfect for the Barbie girl in your life! $98, Bombchel at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE; shopbombchel.com.

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B. Rose Quartz Gem Essential Oil

This pretty-in-pink essential oil harnesses the power of rose quartz to promote love, self-esteem, and forgiveness. $22, Modern Mystic at Ponce City Market; modernmysticshop.com.

C. Leather Heart Earrings Wear your heart on your ear with these gorgeous, lightweight leather earrings. $29, Glad & Young Studio at Ponce City Market; gladandyoungstudio.com.

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D. M2180 String Body This sexy, shiny one-piece is a guaranteed showstopper – Ken-approved! $115.99, Boy Next Door Menswear; 1000 Piedmont Ave NE Ste A; boynextdoormenswear.com.

E. Discglow Inferno Beautyblender Set Give the gift of the perfect makeup look with this hot pink, limited edition set, which includes two Beautyblenders, a vegan cleanser, a silicone scrub mat, and a stand. $36, Anthropologie at Ponce City Market; anthropologie.com.

F. Shagalicious Cropped Tee It’s fuzzy, furry, and fabulous! This faux fur crop top gives hot Barbie realness. $48, Boy Next Door Menswear.

G. Fuschia Spinarela Bag This pyramid-shaped, uber shiny bag from the Black-owned Aubrey Jai Collection is the ideal statement piece for the fashionista in your life. $175, The Village Retail at Ponce City Market; thevillageretail.com.

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The 2024 Regular Season is stocked with incredible division and interleague matchups.

Tickets go on sale December 1ST!

APR 19-21

MAY 7-8

JUN 14-16

JUL 2-4

AUG 20-22

SEP 13-16

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Spirited

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Subscriptions Katie Burkholder

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Is a one-time gift not enough for you? Give the gift of goodies yearround with these monthly subscription boxes!

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A. Rainbow Crate This queer subscription box includes a traditionally published queer book with an exclusive dust jacket, an indie or self-published special edition book, signed book plates, and a spoiler card with art. $45/ month, rainbowcratebookbox.com.

B. Lesbian Love: Date Night Boxes This is the perfect gift for your girlfriend. Ignite your love life with intimate games designed specifically for lesbians, all approved by a couples’ therapist, as well as date cards, massage oils, and more! $26/month, cratejoy.com

C. Breo Box This pricey box is perfect for the techie who’s hard to impress! Breo Box delivers 5-8 gadgets, home goods, and everyday lifestyle essentials every quarter. $159/box, breobox.com.

D. Undiscovered Artisan Box The only better gift for the traveler in your life is a plane ticket – and this is much more affordable! This seasonal box includes handcrafted, fair-trade products from a particular region of the world. This winter’s box is all the vibrant culture of Guatemala! $59.99/box, undiscovered-artisan-box.com.

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E. Crystal Variety Box Perfect for the witch in your life, each box comes with 4-6 crystals or minerals and a newly designed and hand-crafted cloth grid! Plus: each stone comes with a QR code so they can learn more about it! $39/ month, cratejoy.com.

F. The Send

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Who doesn’t love a bouquet of flowers? Each box includes a bunch of fresh, gorgeously arranged flowers, perfectly packaged to make your loved ones feel as special as they are. Starting at $54/box, freshsends.com.

G. Horti Are you a plant novice buying for the green thumb in your life? Or is your friend looking to get into plants, but they have no idea where to start?

Horti takes the guesswork out of gift giving: this box includes a potted plant each month, specifically catered to beginner planters if needed, along with easy growing instructions and information about each plant.

Starting at $28/month, heyhorti.com.

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Self-Care Surprises Adalei Stevens

Give the gift of relaxation and self-love this holiday season!

A. Lip Incense Burner For the person you spill your secrets to, consider getting them this cute, handmade incense holder. Available in mocha, cocoa or charcoal concrete, these large incense holders can match and relax the vibe of any home. $43, Souk Bohemian at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE; soukbohemian.com.

B. Queer Tarot Cards Empower your favorite witch with this inclusive tarot deck

by Ash + Chess. $28, Modern Mystic at Ponce City Market; modernmysticshop.com.

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C. Lavender Shea Butter and Soap Experience moisturizing relaxation like never before with 100% pure shea butter from Ghana. Scented with natural lavender, these body products are a great stress reliever for the workaholics in your life. $55, Bombchel at Ponce City Market; shopbombchel.com.

D. Sculpture Candles

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Candles are a must for any professional relaxer, and these soy wax candles in a ceramic body sculpture are the perfect two-in-one gift. Starting at $40, Souk Bohemian at Ponce City Market

E. Sage Bouquet It goes without saying that this year has been a lot. Help your friends (or yourself) cleanse bad vibes with a bouquet of sustainably sourced white sage, locally dried flowers, dried citrus and your choice of rose quartz, pyrite, selenite or tiger’s eye gemstone. $25, The Village Retail at Ponce City Market; thevillageretail.com.

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THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM

NOVEMBER 24, 2023 CULTURE 11

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Beautiful &

Bejeweled Adalei Stevens

Every fashionista knows that accessories are best in excess! These stunning pieces of jewelry will make great gifts for the accessorizers in your life.

A. Mini Earrings Elevate your gifting game with these simple, timeless chunky hoops from Souk Bohemian. Available in silver or gold, these understated earrings are a must-have this holiday season. $70, Souk Bohemian at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE; soukbohemian.com.

B. Vintage Brooch Anthropologie’s Restored Vintage Collection offers a variety of inspired brooches and other accessories, including this gold-plated silhouette brooch. $38, Anthropologie at Ponce City Market; anthropologie.com.

C. Beaded Statement Earrings Make a statement with your gifts this year! These Kenyan beaded statement earrings are ethically sourced. $38, Bombchel at Ponce City Market; shopbombchel.com.

D. Opal and Diamond Necklace Dazzle your special someone with this gorgeous 14k yellow gold cushion opal necklace, made extra sparkly with diamond accents. $1,419, Worthmore Jewelers; 500 L3 Amsterdam Ave; worthmorejewelers.com.

E. Triple Opal Ring This doublet ring is simply divine. Available in size 7, this 14k yellow gold ring honors the organic shape of the opal as it catches the eye. $1,769, Worthmore Jewelers

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Outdoor

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Offerings

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Katie Burkholder

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the sporty friend, gym addict, and camp connoisseur in your life, look no further!

A. Omega Trunk Short Whether you’re heading to the gym or running errands, these Nasty Pig shorts are sure to make you look effortlessly hot. $48, Boy Next Door Menswear; 1000 Piedmont Ave NE Ste A; boynextdoormenswear.com.

B. Pickleball Paddle Bag and Ball Carrier Any sports aficionado will tell you: keeping your gear in tip-top shape is crucial to playing a good game. Gift the pickleball player in your life this paddle bag and all carrier so they can focus on their game. $60 for both bag and ball carrier; Uncommon Goods; uncommongoods.com.

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C. Liquor Canteen This rainbow canteen will keep your favorite camper’s drinks fresh without the metallic aftertaste found in other stainless-steel flasks. $24.99, Mountain High Outfitters; 1248 W Paces Ferry Rd NW; mountainhighoutfitters.com.

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D. Theragun Mini 2.0 Your gym rat friend will thank you for the gift of relieved aches and pains. This mini massage fun is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter, making it easy to bring along wherever you go. $199, High Country Outfitters; 3906 Roswell Rd NE; highcountryoutfitters.com.

E. Women’s Volley Dress This athletic dress is perfect for the active femme in your life. $108, Mountain High Outfitters

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F. 22ft Portable Pickleball Net System Give the gift of pickleball at anytime, anywhere with this lightweight, regulation size net. $129.99, A11N Sports; a11nsports.com.

14 CULTURE NOVEMBER 24, 2023

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GIFT THE GIFT OF THEATRE!

UNWRAP SOMETHING NEW

JAN 31–MAR 3 2024 Winner of the Alliance/ Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition

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For fans of The Hot Wing King

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The Pulitzer Prize-winning new play reinventing Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

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Tickets and memberships at alliancetheatre.org 1280 PEACHTREE ST NE // ATLANTA, GA 30309

BOYNEXTDOORMENSWEAR.COM THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM

NOVEMBER 24, 2023 ADS 15

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Fashionistas

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Katie Burkholder

Give the gift of serving a look this holiday season!

A. Spence Coat This stunning, full-length, handsewn coat will withstand the test of time. A beautiful, unisex investment piece, this coat is timeless and the perfect gift for the upcoming cold. $270, Souk Bohemian at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE; soukbohemian.com.

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B. Atlanta Influences Everything Crop Top This Atlanta-made tie-dye t-shirt is a must-have for all the Atliens you love. $60, Bombchel at Ponce City Market; shopbombchel.com.

C. M2368 Bomber Jacket Put this glitzy jacket under the tree to dazzle all your loved ones. This glam bomber will be the perfect addition to your favorite fashionista’s wardrobe ahead of NYE. $250, Boy Next Door Menswear; 1000 Piedmont Ave NE Ste A; boynextdoormenswear.com.

D. Faces Jumpsuit Whoever is lucky enough to receive this incredible jumpsuit will be the star of any room they walk into. Simultaneously stylish and simple, it’s perfect for the fashionista who knows that casual doesn’t have to mean boring. $310, Souk Bohemian at Ponce City Market

E. Silk Boxers What better way to treat the family jewels than with silky softness? This splurge may seem silly, but when it comes to basics, it pays to invest. $195, Tom Ford at Phipps Plaza; 3500 Peachtree Rd NE; tomford.com.

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F. Nasty Pig Varsity Jacket This jacket is your letterman badge for cruising. This fresh new take on the teddy jacket is on-trend right now, making it the coolest gift you could give. $149, Boy Next Door Menswear

G. Velvet Disco Platform Sandal Talk about a statement! These platform heels put the “stun” in stunning. Gift these to any fashionista to be their favorite person this holiday season. $1,250, Tom Ford at Phipps Plaza

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Sexy Stocking

Stuffers Katie Burkholder

These pleasurable presents are perfect for your partner or feisty friends.

A. Crystal Delights Rainbow Bubble Dildo and Pineapple Delight Plug This gorgeous glass toys are equal parts pretty and pleasurable!

Surprise your partner (or partners!) with these this holiday season to amp up your sex like. $245 for both, Kiss and Ride; 482 Moreland Ave NE; kissandrideatl.com.

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B. Banana Pants Lippi and Honeybunch These luxurious silicone toys are lusciously soft and multifunctional: use them as a grinder, stroker, or a dildo base! Starting at $39.99, Kiss and Ride

C. Leather Barber Strap Handle Amp up your BDSM game this holiday season with this stunning and sexy leather paddle, complete with a walnut handle. $76.99, Barking Leather; 1510 Piedmont Ave NE; barkingleather.com.

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D. Ultra Thigh Strap On Discover new levels of intimacy: regardless of your body. This thigh strap on harness is built for all body types and abilities, with plenty of flexibility for many types of mobility. $30.99, Kiss and Ride

E. Bone and Gagged Black Silicone Dog Bone Gag This inhibiting bone gag will help you train and control your “pet” comfortably. At six inches in length, it’s the perfect size to bite on while in training. $45.99, Barking Leather

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F. Bamboo Packing Harness Playfully nicknamed the “Cock Sock,” this packing harness is designed specifically to hold an STP or soft packing device under underwear or clothing. This queer, trans-founded company offers free custom sizing to give you the perfect fit for your body. $38, Origami Customs; origamicustoms.com.

G. Nude and Black Wide Gaff Bundle This sexy panties are designed for pre-op transgender women, non-binary people, and anybody who tucks by a transgender women who tucks. These wide gaffs are made with more robust and firm fitting elastic bands, offering security and coverage. $64, Gaff and Go; gaffandgo.com.

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For the Kid in All of Us

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Katie Burkholder

Whether you’re shopping for a little one or a fun-loving adult, these toys and games are sure to bring bright smiles this holiday season.

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A. Drag Match Pair up the queens and kings with their out-of-drag looks in this fabulous new card game. 50 cards depict stunning before and after photos of the glamorous drag transformation, and text is included in the accompanying booklet to give an insight into the incredible character creations and the people behind the makeup. $16.99, Richard’s Variety Store; 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Unit 191; richardsvarietystore.com.

B. Rainbow Stackers This twelve-piece rainbow toy is multi-functional, growing as your child grows. They can use it as a teether, build shapes, use them as a baking mold – the options are endless with a little imagination. $69.99, Rhen’s Nest at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave; rhensnesttoyshop.com.

C. The Raconteur Puzzle Immerse yourself in the beautiful illustration of Ilya Milstein with this 1,000-piece puzzle depicting a colorful dinner party in New York City, as friends commune over food and wine. $19.99, Posman Books at Ponce City Market; posmanbooks.com.

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D. Queer Magnetic Poetry Kit Take your poetry out of the closet and put your pride on the fridge with this fabulous collection of over 200 magnetic word tiles – all relating to the LGBTQ community – to be arranged into a work of genius. $13.95, Richard’s Variety Store

E. Isla Playing Card Set Looking for a beautiful gift for the card shark in your life? Look no further.

Elevate your friend’s poker games with these stunning playing cards. $28, Glad & Young at Ponce City Market; gladandyoungstudio.com.

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F. Unicorn Poo: The Game This magical superpooping card game is perfect for all ages and only takes minutes to learn. Race against your friends to be the first player to flush all of your unicorn poo cards out of your hand to win the round. Make sure you win and don’t have a stinker of a game! $24.99, Rhen’s Nest at Ponce City Market

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G. Amuseable Candy Cane What better way to spread the holiday spirit than with an adorable holiday treat!

This stripey rascal is the perfect stocking stuffer for little ones and adults alike. $40, The Merchant; 99 Krog St NE Unit A; thekrogdistrict.com/the-merchant.

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Bookish Bounty Gifts for the bookworm in your life!

Mars Stone

A. Boys! Boys! Boys! Volume 3 This collection, edited by Ghislain Pascal, features photography by over 60 queer artists. It makes a great gift for your artist friends or a coffee table staple. $56, Charis Books and More; 184 S Candler St; charisbooksandmore.com.

B. Boys Come First In this novel by Aaron Foley, three Black gay millennial friends are navigating the ebbs and flows of life while also trying to escape the dating pool in Detroit. Dom, Troy, and Remy face real-world issues such as layoffs, cheating exes, and family drama. $17.95, Charis Books and More

C. Wrath Goddess Sing For the fantasy/mythology lovers! This is a new spin on a classic story that you’ve probably at least heard of. It’s the Trojan War… but Achilles is trans. $19.99, Charis Books and More

D. Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much This comedic collection of essays explores the conundrum of feeling “queer enough” and Jen Winston’s battle to navigate bi stereotypes even when they sometimes ring true. $18.99, Charis Books and More

E. How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity While being educational and informative, this book is also fun and lighthearted. Stuart Getty shares many personal stories of their own journey of discovery in gender nonconformity and answers many questions you may have as an ally, a partner, a friend, or as a non-binary person yourself! $19.95, Barnes and Noble; barnesandnoble.com.

F. The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation In this memoir, Georgia-born Black trans activist Raquel Willis navigates hardship and struggle on her journey to liberation. This is an inspirational story of a rose being able to grow from the cracks in the concrete. $29, Charis Books and More

G. Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones The incomparable Dolly Parton explores her life through her iconic sense of style in this brand-new coffee table book, with personal stories and 450 photographs – including exclusive images form her private costume archive. $50, Charis Books and More

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Purrfect Presents Katie Burkholder

This holiday season, you don’t want to overlook your furry friends!

Make sure Fido and Fluffy also have a gift under the tree this year.

A. Chill Treats Humans aren’t the only ones that experience stress. Give your pup the gift of relaxation with these yummy CBD treats. $29.99, The Village Retail at Ponce City Market; 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE; thevillageretail.com.

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B. Noodle Bowl Rope Toy These trendy rope toys are fun for your pup, perfect for holding or throwing and look stylish while lying around the house awaiting playtime. $24, The Merchant; 99 Krog St NE; thekrogdistrict.com/the-merchant.

C. Inflatable Unicorn Horn for Cats Why have just a regular cat when you could have a unicat! This fun inflatable unicorn horn fits comfortably on your kitty’s noggin, magically transforming them into a mystical creature. $7.99, Richard’s Variety Store; 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Unit 191; richardsvarietystore.com.

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D. Main Course Pet Food Bowl Just because they occasionally try to eat their own vomit, it doesn’t mean that your pets don’t have discerning taste. This simple and elegant ceramic pet bowl by Brass Monkey adds a touch of class to the 13 seconds that they spend inhaling their food. $20, The Merchant

E. Cat Wipes by Dr. Lisa Most cats groom themselves, but if you have an older, sick, or injured cat, they might not be able to. With a hint of catnip and honeysuckle, they’re like a relaxing bath for your kitty. $17, The Merchant

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F. Holiday Fun Drinks Squeaky Toy Even you pup deserves some holiday spirits! Crinkle paper inside these toys gives it a crunch that dogs love, and with a jumbo size squeaker, it’ll be a favorite. $8.99, Pet Supermarket; 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Unit 403; petsupermarket.com.

G. Pet Santa Hat and Scarf Your pet will look extra adorable in this two-piece Santa set.

This festive outfit is purrfect for parties and photos. $8.99, Pet Supermarket

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YOUR VOICE STEPHEN SPRING

Alfred “Shivy” Brooks Deserves Your Consideration Dec 5 Stephen Spring, Atlanta Voter There’s a truism we in the LGBTQ community experience at the visceral level: “Elections have consequences.” If you've been paying attention to what’s going on in Florida, Texas, and Cobb County, school boards have agendas. In 2023, the trend is for these local elected officials to use their actual and perceived power to beat up on our community. As a former school board member twice endorsed by the Victory Fund as well as by Georgia Equality and as a person who has dedicated his life to public education, I urge you to give Alfred “Shivy” Brooks your vote in the December 5 runoff for a seat on the Atlanta Public Schools Board.

Brooks is a teacher, community inspiration,

24 YOUR VOICE NOVEMBER 24, 2023

and a strong advocate for what’s needed in APS. We taxpayers spend way more per student than any other district in the Metro ATL. This is understandable given the complexity of our city, but we are not seeing results from this investment in student learning. The solution is simple: reallocate the money from administration to the point of learning, the classroom. Brooks’ platform aligns: pay teachers well, reduce class size, and resource our learning spaces.

In 2020, the LGBTQIA+ Taskforce was formed and crafted Overview and Recommendations. It is far-reaching in terms of the health, safety, and academic well-being of our community. Though a resolution was passed by the board over two years ago to support enacting the recommendations, the LGBTQIA+ Taskforce dissolved. Tamara

Jones and the current board have done absolutely nothing to further LGBTQ equality in the impactful ways the report detailed. This is not surprising, given Jones’ choice of debate language while running for School Board in 2021. Jones disregarded advice to drop her heteronormative messaging around the need to be a parent to serve. Despite being called out by LGBTQ candidates in public forums, she persisted. Simply put, we have no ally in Jones. In contrast, Brooks has a lifelong record of pushing back against the dominant power structures that have so often treated our community as political pawns. He shows up and stands up for equality.

One recommendation that I sponsored as an active member of the LGBTQIA+ Taskforce, to “center literature and history curricula

in the lives of Black queer leaders,” was excised from the list of recommendations by the APS administration. With Brooks’ unapologetic leadership, the task force can be reinstated, this language can be inserted, and the board can finally be held accountable for the totality of the 2020 resolution. Imagine students understanding the contributions and historical context of national heroes like Storme DeLarverie, Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, Barbara Jordan, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and the countless other impactful LGBTQ figures.

Mark December 5 on your calendar. A strong LGBTQ vote in this off-year runoff election will determine the outcome for this critical seat on Atlanta's School Board. Elections have consequences.

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ACTING OUT JIM FARMER

‘Rustin’ Details Life of Out Civil Rights Activist, ‘Next Goal Wins’ Charts Out Soccer Player Jim Farmer Read the full article online at thegavoice.com.

The life of gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin is explored in the new film “Rustin,” starring out actor Colman Domingo in the title role.

It’s a project a long time in the making.

Producer Bruce Cohen had seen the acclaimed documentary “Brother Outsider” in the ’90s and was familiar with Rustin’s work. He produced the Oscar-winning “Milk,” which was written by Dustin Lance Black, and then the pair also worked on the ABC miniseries “When We Rise,” about LGBTQ activists in San Francisco. When he learned Black was writing a script about Bayard Rustin, Cohen lobbied hard to get a chance to be involved.

Cohen saw a script way back in 2017 but ran into a big hurdle. As the team started looking for a home, they became starkly aware that almost no one knew who Bayard Rustin was.

“We were hearing that again and again,” he said. “Even people that should have – young activists – had not.”

Luckily, Cohen did know of one person who knew Rustin’s work well: President Barack Obama, who awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

In what Cohen calls “a gift from the film gods,” the Obamas had just opened Higher Ground, their production company at Netflix, about a month before. By that time George C. Wolfe had come in to direct. The team sent the script to the Obamas and fate intervened – they loved it.

“Fortunately for the legacy of Bayard Rustin, once this comes out in theaters and worldwide on Netflix, I truly hope and believe people will know who Bayard is and his name isn’t going to be lost in history,” Cohen said.

The day of the March on Washington there were a lot of leaders present and Martin Luther King Jr. was just one of them. Although he was starting to become regionally known he was not a nationally or

“Rustin” starring Colman Domingo PUBLICITY PHOTOS internationally known figure until that day.

“One of my favorite parts in the movie is after King has given the ‘I have a dream’ speech, and he and Rustin share a look,” Cohen said. “Bayard understands in that moment that King has now become a world-famous icon and is not just a man anymore. He is someone for the people. Now King has his own holiday and airports streets named after him all over the world and that is who people remember. Bayard was not remembered but we are hoping to change that.”

The Emmy-winning Domingo is receiving some of the best reviews of his career for the film. Colman and Bayard have a lot of innate things in common, according to Cohen.

“They are both incredibly charismatic, wildly entertaining, funny, a bit irreverent,” he said. “There were ways that he had to transform into Bayard but there were so many commonalities that made him perfect.

I was really proud as an out gay producer to cast an out gay actor.”

Based on a true story and directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi, “Next Goal Wins” is about the American Samoa soccer team, who are known for their 31- 0 FIFA loss in 2001. As World Cup qualifying nears, the team hires coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) in the hopes he can turn the team around.

“Next Goal Wins”

26 COLUMNIST NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Performer Kaimana plays the real-life character of Jaiyah Saelua, who was the first trans person to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Jaiyah is fa’afafine — a recognized third gender in Polynesian society.

“I didn’t know a thing like being the first out trans people to play even existed,” Saelua said. “In the many years FIFA had existed and with more than 200 members there hasn’t been a single out trans person to play.

It was so shocking.”

Jaiyah and Thomas start off with a rocky relationship, and Waititi wanted to focus on that.

“Without giving too much away, I think bringing in a character like Jaiyah into Thomas’ world helps his character move towards the place he needs to be at the end of the film,” he said.

The director was blown away by a documentary on the team. He had been away from New Zealand and the Pacific many years and wanted to come home.

“The story was uplifting for me but also for Polynesians, to be able to see ourselves and poke fun at ourselves for being the worst soccer team in the world,” Waititi said.

“But also – where do you go to from there?

It showcases our sensibilities in the Pacific and the way we really live. A lot of people, when you think Maori, will think of a warrior doing a war dance and there is so much more to us. For us, it’s putting brown people on films so that other brown people can be inspired.”

MORE INFO “Rustin” is now in select theaters and on Netflix “Next Goal Wins” is in area theaters THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM

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PRIDE NIGHTS ARE BACK! 25% OFF WITH CODE PRIDE25 TUE, JAN 23 AT 7:30PM

Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

ATLANTAOPERA.ORG | 404-881-8885 La bohème

Giacomo Puccini

Jan 20 - 28, 2024

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

LGBTQ NIGHTLIFE FORECAST NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 8 Katie Burkholder

Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love November 24, 9pm Atlanta Eagle

Featuring Just Jermaine, Malaysia Black, Taejah L. Thomas, Lacie Bruce, Tatiana Tuesday Dickerson, A’Jivan Avoince Dickerson, Chavon Scott, and Jeremiah Tymes Starr. $5 cover.

Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX RATED Cougars November 25, 9pm Atlanta Eagle

Featuring Niesha Dupree, Misti Shores, Lena Lust, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover.

Willow Pill

November 25, 10pm My Sister’s Room Season 14 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Willow Pill performs, along with Cola Fizz, Drew Friday, EllaSaurus Rex, Ivy, Kitty Bubbles, Molly Rimswell, and more!

Tickets at wussymag.com.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love

Utopia

Atlanta Eagle

November 25, 10pm District Atlanta House music and Latin tunes all night long.

Tickets via Eventbrite.

Karaoke Night

November 26, 7:30pm The T

Country Night November 28, 8pm Atlanta Eagle

Show up at 8pm for the dance lesson before line dancing the night away at 9pm with DJ Dice.

Trivia Night

November 28, 8:30pm Atlanta Eagle Hosted by DJ DeWayne.

Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo November 29, 8pm Atlanta Eagle

Rock Haus Karaoke November 30, 9pm

28 LGBTQ NIGHTLIFE FORECAST NOVEMBER 24, 2023

November 24, 9pm & December 1, 9pm

Featuring Just Jermaine, Malaysia Black, Taejah L. Thomas, Lacie Bruce, Tatiana Tuesday Dickerson, A’Jivan Avoince Dickerson, Chavon Scott, and Jeremiah Tymes Starr. $5 cover. Photo by TiosPhotography.com via Facebook Atlanta Eagle

District Atlanta

Hosted by Raqi.

Tickets at bit.ly/MAZATL2023.

Karaoke Night

Hotlanta Rubber and Gear Night

November 30, 9pm The T

Myah Ross Monroe’s House of Love December 1, 9pm Atlanta Eagle

Featuring Just Jermaine, Malaysia Black, Taejah L. Thomas, Lacie Bruce, Tatiana Tuesday Dickerson, A’Jivan Avoince Dickerson, Chavon Scott, and Jeremiah Tymes Starr. $5 cover.

Ron Pullman

December 1, 11pm Atlanta Eagle $5 cover.

Maz

December 1, 11pm

December 2, 9pm Atlanta Eagle

Come meet up with the HRG crew in your favorite latex, rubber, sports gear, leather, uniform, or whatever make you feel hot, sexy, and ready to party! $5 cover.

Mr Charlie Brown’s XXX RATED Cougars December 2, 9pm Atlanta Eagle

Featuring Niesha Dupree, Misti Shores, Lena Lust, and co-host Shawnna Brooks. $5 cover.

Karaoke Night

December 3, 7:30pm The T

Trivia Night

December 5, 8:30pm Atlanta Eagle Hosted by DJ DeWayne.

Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo December 7, 8pm Atlanta Eagle

Rock Haus Karaoke December 7, 9pm Atlanta Eagle

Hosted by Raqi.

Karaoke Night December 7, 9pm The T

Westend: Trace Amounts Tour December 8, 11pm District Atlanta

Tickets at bit.ly/WESTENDATL2023.

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Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic | January 17 | 7:30pm Join the Atlanta Hawks for the fifth annual ‘Pride Night’ to amplify the importance of allyship and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

Get tickets and learn more at Hawks.com/pride

@ATLHawks | #TrueToAtlanta | Hawks.com | StateFarmArena.com

REELING IN THE YEARS MARÍA HELENA DOLAN

Joseph Beam, 1954 – 1988, Groundbreaker and Earthshaker Maria Helena Dolan Read the full column online at thegavoice.com.

“I dare myself to dream of us moving from survival to potential, from merely getting by to a positive getting over.”

As we approach World AIDS Day on December 1, we should look back toward the horrifying first waves of AIDS deaths that threatened many peoples, but particularly an entire generation of queer men.

Current accounts too often told in the States appear as though only white gay men were there. This is a false narrative.

Many others were in the trenches, representing life preservers thrown out into those terrifying riptides. And a very large preserver was imprinted specifically for Black gay/same gender loving men: Joseph Beam’s seminal 1986 anthology, “In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology.”

Thousands of men wept and celebrated the contents provided by 29 authors, poets, artists and playwrights.

Joseph Beam was a man as proud of his gayness as his Blackness, no matter the rooms he entered and the people he encountered. He'd already been a journalist and activist for well over a decade when this hand-dragging-you-down-below-the-waters struck with its collection of dreadful and disgusting maladies and appalling medical ignorance and social opprobrium that left people to die untended and apparently unloved in hospitals, apartments, prisons, and streets.

It was hard to keep your sanity, looking at dwindling friendship groups and now absent lovers, hard even to express positive feelings and affection for your still-living brothers.

Joseph saw and recorded it all. But how did he become that man?

30 COLUMNIST NOVEMBER 24, 2023

He was born and raised in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. He went to Franklin College in Indiana, where he played roles in Black Power and civil rights work. He returned to Philly in 1979 and began writing ardent and elucidating articles about all kinds of queer life.

He worked at Giovanni's Room, the stillstanding gay bookstore founded in 1973, named for a James Baldwin novel. But the shelves were filled with whiteness.

Where were books by and about Black gay men? The Black lesbians had produced important volumes by authors such as Audre Lorde and in anthologies like, “All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave,” and “Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology.”

Meanwhile, Beam’s work appeared in all the major and local queer publications, including The Advocate, New York Native, Philadelphia Gay News and Gay Community News.

Joseph compiled, edited, and in 1986 published “In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology.” Nothing like this existed before it. Men described their actual lives, interior and exterior, their hopes and visions.

Thousands wept over it; many others celebrated it.

He was in the process of doing it again with “Brother to Brother: New Writings by Black Gay Men,” but he died before completion.

His good friend, the poet Essex Hemphill, moved in with Joseph’s mother, Dorothy, so they could complete the tome. It was published in 1991, to great acclaim.

In 1992, Dorothy donated her son’s papers and works to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York. This collection led to the curation of the In the Life archive, a major vein dedicated to all manner of Black LGBTQ experiences.

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