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WORLD AIDS DAY

Wake-up call By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com The signs that something was wrong began to appear in mid-August. “Today has been the worst day ever,” O’Ryan Moss posted to his Facebook page, in what to most people would seem like everyday social media griping until a post two days later. “I’m not dying but I’m ready to go!” he wrote, tagging himself at Grady Memorial Hospital. Then nothing until Sep. 4, when he wrote “Sombody [sic] buy me a new stomach.” The posts from Moss ebbed over the ensuing weeks and into October as posts from his friends and family asking for prayers multiplied. By November, he had entered hospice care. On the evening of Nov. 10, he was gone. Moss, 26, died from complications from AIDS, leaving his loved ones to wonder why the openly gay Atlanta man didn’t tell anyone about his status and how someone that age could succumb to the disease with so many resources around him. ‘He loved to make people laugh’ Darline Dodard met Moss in 2009, when she and a group of Moss’ friends were hanging out at MetroPointe Lofts (now known as WestMar Student Lofts) in West Midtown. The man they called “Oboi” loved to dance; that was his passion. And he made an impression. CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

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New Genvoya is now available

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One pill contains elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you. To learn more visit GENVOYA.com

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

11/18/15 11:39 AM

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

What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA? GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • • • • • • •

feel very weak or tired have unusual (not normal) muscle pain have trouble breathing have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting feel cold, especially in your arms and legs feel dizzy or lightheaded have a fast or irregular heartbeat

• Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take GENVOYA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone. • Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider. • If you stop taking GENVOYA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking GENVOYA.

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What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people.

Who should not take GENVOYA? Do not take GENVOYA if you also take a medicine that contains: • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA? Before taking GENVOYA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B infection • have kidney or bone problems • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take GENVOYA. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in GENVOYA can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in GENVOYA can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Some medicines may interact with GENVOYA. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with GENVOYA. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take GENVOYA with other medicines.

How should I take GENVOYA?

• Take GENVOYA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. GENVOYA is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection.

• GENVOYA is usually taken 1 time each day. • Take GENVOYA with food. • If you need to take a medicine for indigestion (antacid) that contains aluminum and • • • •

magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate during treatment with GENVOYA, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. Do not change your dose or stop taking GENVOYA without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking GENVOYA. Do not miss a dose of GENVOYA. If you take too much GENVOYA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your GENVOYA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to GENVOYA and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of GENVOYA? GENVOYA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?” • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking GENVOYA. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking GENVOYA if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effect of GENVOYA is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of GENVOYA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of GENVOYA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use GENVOYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GENVOYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about GENVOYA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about GENVOYA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.GENVOYA.com. Keep GENVOYA and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: November 2015

EMTRIVA, GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, TYBOST, and VITEKA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GENC0002 11/15

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WORLDAIDSDAY

A death in the family “The thing about O’Ryan is he didn’t tell anyone [that he was HIV-positive]. So I’m still in a state of shock that he had full-blown AIDS. We had to learn that through the GoFundMe page that his father put together. That’s how we all found out. It was just mind-blowing.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “He was funny, very outgoing,” Dodard recalls of Moss. “He always wanted to go out, he never wanted to sit around. He loved to make people laugh. He never wanted people to be unhappy, he would do silly things just to make people laugh.” Dodard would later move to New York City, which is where she was when she got the call that Moss was in the hospital. “He was just saying that he had an infection, that something’s wrong with his stomach and his throat,” she says. After numerous questions from friends, he finally let them know the truth—he was HIV-positive. But it was worse than that. A GoFundMe page set up by Moss’ father on Nov. 9 to pay for medical expenses confirmed the worst—Moss’ health had deteriorated to the point that the disease had progressed to AIDS. “The thing about O’Ryan is he didn’t tell anyone [that he was HIV-positive],” Dodard says. “So I’m still in a state of shock that he had full-blown AIDS. We had to learn that through the GoFundMe page that his father put together. That’s how we all found out. It was just mind-blowing.” Financial hardship a common barrier to access The bigger question is whether, with a strong support system and the number of local resources available, a 26-year-old man should be dying of AIDS in Atlanta in 2015 in the first place. “The obvious answer is no,” says Craig Washington, AID Atlanta’s prevention programs manager. “But beyond the no it drives the why. It did happen and it does happen. The goal is that we move to a place where that doesn’t happen at all.” He cites a number of ways in which to get to that point, including having more of an inter-generational approach, making the messaging less simplistic and getting other players in the community to take more ownership over the issue of HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. “One doesn’t have to be a NAESM or a Sister Love or an AID Atlanta—if you have young black gay men in your midst, then you have a responsibility to provide some support

—Darline Dodard, a close friend of O’Ryan Moss

Friends of O’Ryan Moss say the openly gay 26-year-old Atlanta resident was funny, outgoing and loved to make people laugh. (Photo courtesy Darline Dodard)

in whatever form you can,” he says. “It may be opening up and reaching out to the Health Initiative and saying, ‘Hey we’ll have 100 young guys here at Einstein’s this Friday. Could you come out and do some enrollment work?’” As to Moss’ case, Washington can only speculate, but his financial situation could have been a factor. He reportedly did not have a steady income and was living at friends’ places, with Dodard saying that to her knowledge Moss “had nothing to his name.” “With any of these major health conditions and disparities, the most common factor has to do with lack of resources or poverty,

that always pops up,” Washington says, also noting that people with more resources often take them for granted. “We don’t have to worry about where we’re going to sleep, where we’re going to eat, how we’re going to pay that light bill, what we’ll have to do to pay that light bill, and that can get in the way of coordinating your schedule and staying in care.” ‘We all could have helped him’ Moss’ friends don’t know how long he knew he was HIV-positive or why he didn’t tell any of them. His father did not respond to interview requests. It leaves Moss’ circle

of friends to question what was going on behind the laughter. “He was always looking for love in a way. Not having a steady long-term relationship, not having a steady career, not having his own place, not having anything to call his own. I think he just gave up,” Dodard says. “Maybe when he found out he was positive, he just didn’t care anymore. We all could have helped him. A lot of people act like they’re really happy and want to make people laugh to cover their pain. There’s a lot of underlying issues and now we can’t do anything about it.” But Washington sees hope in the trail of social media posts as word spread about Moss’ deteriorating health and subsequent death. “In the midst of this loss, that’s a win, that people can so publicly embrace this young man while he was in decline,” he says. “And even in his parting be open about his illness. That suggests a certain kind of power. If they can do that, what else can they do in their respective social networks and families?”

6 News November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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Atlanta black gay men offer support, challenge HIV laws Counter Narrative Project hosts letter-writing campaign in support of Michael Johnson By DARIAN AARON His dick was a lethal weapon, at least according to Missouri state law. But before Michael Johnson aka “Tiger Mandingo” was sentenced in May to 30.5 years in prison for felony HIV exposure and recklessly infecting a partner with HIV, he was a fantasy realized. Big, black, athletic and desirable—until his admirers and law enforcement learned that those attributes also belonged to someone living with HIV. It was a perfect storm centered on the complexity of race, class and HIV criminalization that a group of Atlanta black gay men refused to let Johnson endure alone. “Dear Michael: Letters of Support and Encouragement,” held on Nov. 11 at the Phillip Rush Center, was the site of a handwritten letter campaign for Johnson, spearheaded by Counter Narrative Project, a black gay men’s media advocacy group founded by writer and activist Charles Stephens. “There are 530,000 black gay men in this country. Michael is not alone. None of us are. He needs to know that there is a community standing behind him,” wrote Stephens on Facebook. Anthony Antoine, a local activist and HIV counselor, was one of several gay men who showed up to pen a personal letter and to stand in solidarity with those who believe the criminal justice system that convicted Johnson had failed him. “One black gay man to another, I wanted him to know that I cared, that his story and the implications matter to me and many,” says Antoine. “I simply wanted him to know that he’s not alone.” Whose responsibility is it, anyway? Activist and performance artist Mickyel Bradford (who prefers female pronouns) says she had to support Johnson after being faced with the dilemma of whether or not to alert authorities after engaging in sex

Above: Counter Narrative Project and local activists show their support for Michael Johnson at The Phillip Rush Center. Right: Michael Johnson aka ‘Tiger Mandingo.’ (Courtesy photos)

“Laws criminalizing people living with HIV are all about stigma, and the perverse desire for people in power to put people with less power behind bars.” —Writer and activist Charles Stephens with a HIV-positive partner who failed to disclose his status. “I did not ask his status before he fucked me and he did not disclose his status to me,” says Bradford. “I didn’t sero-convert because he was undetectable.” Bradford says she chose not to have her former partner arrested, although her best friend urged her to do so. “Many people see law enforcement as the only possible solution. I cannot let my partner become Michael.” How is one partner’s responsibility for selfcare dependent upon the disclosure of another in an encounter of mutual consent? That was the question asked by AID Atlanta’s Craig Washington in an Oct. 9 op-ed in the Atlanta Voice. If the swift condemnation of Johnson’s

actions in the court of public opinion was any indication, he was the “worst type of homosexual:” “a predatory monster,” “an HIV-positive Buck,” and as a person living with HIV, he was ultimately responsible for ensuring his partner’s safety by refusing to engage in condomless sex. Antoine disagrees. “None of us have a gift certificate to leave protection of a negative status, personal prevention of transmission up to anyone else, not even the law, HIV is 100 percent preventable,” he says. “The idea of onus or personal responsibility is the same framework used by people who talk about sagging pants or black on black crime,” says Bradford. “The onus is on the state, on the government, on the institutions that make it possible for citizens to still be in an HIV epidemic with no end in sight.”

It can happen in Georgia It’s not far-fetched to believe that the next Michael Johnson is living among us in Georgia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia ranked fifth in the nation for the highest number of new HIV diagnoses in 2013. And while other racial groups have seen a decline in new HIV infections, African-American gay and bisexual men continue to be severely affected. Advocates for the repeal of HIV criminalization laws, such as Georgia Code 16-560, say such laws do more harm than good. “Laws criminalizing people living with HIV are all about stigma, and the perverse desire for people in power to put people with less power behind bars,” says Stephens. Gregory R. Nevins, Counsel and Employment Fairness Program Strategist at Lambda Legal, tells Georgia Voice that “the law is a public health disaster.” “Since the law applies to only those who learn of an HIV-positive test, those who never get tested cannot be prosecuted—another feature of the law that is completely at odds with public health objectives,” he says. “People who are HIV-positive have been prosecuted and sentenced for years simply for spitting on someone,” says Antoine. “Why aren’t we all outraged by this?”

8 News November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

WORLDAIDSDAY

ATL HIV-positive youth prepare for World AIDS Day presentation Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program Participants

Elected officials, clergy, community leaders and CEOs expected at luncheon

YOUTH

By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@thegavoice.com Damonte Pettygrue was receiving treatment from his physician at Grady’s Ponce De Leon Center earlier this year when she asked him what he was interested in doing for a career. The openly gay, HIV-positive Atlanta Metropolitan State College freshman responded that he would love to get involved in HIV-related issues either as an activist or lobbyist. “I have a friend,” the physician responded. “She’s starting an intimate program and she’s with Georgia Equality, why don’t you give her a call?” The friend was Emily Brown, and the program she was coordinating for the Equality Foundation of Georgia (the education, training and analysis arm of Georgia Equality) was the Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program. The program matches elected officials and clergy with HIV-positive youth advocates who serve as their special advisors on the issue. The program, which Brown says has an estimated budget of $20,000, offered training to the youth advocates through a series of summer sessions, followed by an HIV lunchand-learn with the officials in October led and facilitated entirely by the youths, and will culminate on World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 with the second annual World AIDS Day Atlanta Policy & Action Luncheon. Youth get public speaking, media training Pettygrue and the other youths gained valuable training through the summer sessions, which covered public speaking, shaping and molding their stories, interacting with the media and more. “I’ve learned how to deal with sensitive questions, not only just from the media but telling my story,” says Pettygrue, the youngest youth advisor taking part in the program. “I’ve learned that everything that has to be said should be said in a proper manner and

OFFICIAL

Robert (Lamar) Yarborough Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell Livingston (Andre) Johnson State Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) Damonte Pettygrue (l) is one of the Youth HIV Policy Advisors taking part in the program, which includes Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner (r) among the 11 elected officials and clergy. (File photos)

not in a rant. I’ve also learned that really the only people that understand what I’m going through are the people who are dealing with [HIV] as well. It’s very important to interact with the community and the peers around you because you don’t know who has it.” Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner, while unable to fully participate in the program due to her continuing treatment for breast cancer, was eager to be a part of it and will be present for the World AIDS Day luncheon, which is invitation only. “I think that having emerging leaders participate and really take some leadership in owning that program is good because peers listen to peers,” she told Georgia Voice. “So trying to get that message out, especially with Fulton County being number one in newly diagnosed cases of HIV, we have to do everything we can to mitigate that. So I think Georgia Equality is being very aggressive about it along with other AIDS organizations around the state so I am a big supporter of what they’re doing.” Program culminates at World AIDS Day luncheon The youth advisors have crafted a document of “policy asks” for the elected officials regarding HIV prevention and care, which they will present along with their personal stories and a video at the World AIDS Day luncheon on Dec. 1.

“We’re trying to cut out the stigmas, one of which is God’s revenge for gay people,” says Pettygrue, who says he is nervous but excited about the event. “Not all gay men have HIV, it’s not just a gay virus. We have mothers, we have daughters, we have blood transfusion victims. We’re just trying to cut the stigma and we feel like once we get rid of the stigma, then we can actually get people to listen and understand that it’s serious and it’s not what everybody thinks it is. If we can get a few people to open their eyes and take it back to where they’re coming from then I think we can [find a solution].” The luncheon will be attended not only by the 11 elected officials and clergy taking part in the program (see sidebar) but also other elected officials, community members, clergy and CEOs of large health care foundations as well. The timing is right as the organizers and youth advisors hope the elected officials take what they learn at the luncheon and spread the word at the Capitol when the next legislative session begins in January. And Brown confirms that they have already received a grant to do the program again next year. “I’ve just learned how to appreciate the help that I’m receiving, because before this I really wasn’t open to talking about [his HIV status] to anyone,” Pettygrue says. “[Brown] has taught me to accept, own and speak about it and that’s something I would have never done without [Brown] and this program.”

D’Jona King Former State Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) Damonte Pettygrue State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) Jeremy Ford State Rep. Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) Mike Lawrence Rev. Damon Williams (Providence Missionary Baptist Church) Nina Martinez State Rep. Pat Gardner (D-Atlanta) Daniel Driffin Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves Christian Dacus Atlanta City Councilman Alex Wan Brendan Allison State Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) Masonia Traylor Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner

10 News November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

WORLDAIDSDAY

Healthalert By Melanie Thompson, MD

So, what’s in the HIV pipeline? Did you know that people with HIV can live a normal—or even longer—lifespan if they get on treatment early and take it consistently? This awesome news is made possible by potent drugs that suppress HIV to low levels and stop progression to AIDS in its tracks. Yes, we can End AIDS! But drugs have side effects, and some are more complicated to take, posing challenges for the high levels of adherence required for successful treatment. It’s no surprise that safety, tolerability, and simplicity are a major focus for new drug development. Fortunately, we also are still seeing exciting new drugs directed at new targets. The newest HIV drug at your local pharmacy is Genvoya®, a single-tablet formulation of elvitegravir/cobicistat/FTC/TAF (tenofovir alafenamide) approved by the FDA on November 5. TAF is the kinder, gentler offspring of the version of tenofovir found in Viread®, Truvada®, Complera®, Atripla®, and Stribild®. Think of Genvoya® as the “TAF sister” of Stribild®. TAF was developed specifically to decrease tenofovir side effects on kidneys and bone, and studies show less bone density loss and fewer kidney side effects with TAF. But if you switch from TDF to TAF, expect a small increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol, but also in “good” HDL cholesterol. You must watch closely to decide whether the balance is good or bad for you. In 2016, we are likely to see a TAF sister of Truvada® and then Complera®. There will be no TAF-Atripla®, and no stand-alone TAF. The first protease inhibitor single-tablet regimen containing darunavir, cobicistat, FTC, and TAF is in clinical trials.

Doravirine, a member of the NNRTI family that includes efavirenz (Sustiva®), rilpivirine (Edurant), and etravirine (Isentress), is in its final trials before FDA submission. So far, doravirine has caused fewer problems with sleep, vivid dreams, depression, dizziness, and suicidality than efavirenz. A larger study is underway, and another is looking at a single tablet combo of doravirine, 3TC and tenofovir DF. GS 9883, a once-daily integrase inhibitor, is moving like a bullet through the development pathway. Unlike elvitegravir, it does not require cobicistat or ritonavir boosting, and its long half-life places it squarely in competition with dolutegravir (Tivicay®). Few clinical data are public about this drug, but it has sailed through early trials with no safety issues and is being tested as a combo pill with FTC and TAF. Four new studies start this month in people who have never been on treatment and those with “undetectable” virus. Two drugs aimed at new targets also are in the pipeline. Fostemsavir is an attachment inhibitor that keeps HIV out of the cell by binding to viral protein gp120. It is being studied in individuals whose virus has rebounded and who have limited drug options. An early study showed potent decreases in viral load comparable to boosted atazanavir, and no unusual toxicities. Given twice daily, it is now being studied for initial treatment where the standard of care is once-daily dosing. The maturation inhibitor BMS-955176 is once daily and is being studied for persons never on treatment, as well as those on fail-

ing regimens. This drug acts at the end of the viral life cycle, stopping the virus at the stage of capsid formation and causing released viruses to be “immature” and inactive. An early study showed potent antiviral activity and no significant side effects (not uncommon in early studies). A study for patients with viral rebound is now enrolling. Finally, let’s chat about the most buzzed drugs on the planet, long-acting cabotegravir (a cousin of dolutegravir) and rilpivirine. These drugs are being co-formulated as an oral daily pill, and studies are ongoing. But the real buzz is about injectable forms being studied in LATTE-2, where both are given every 4 or 8 weeks following viral suppression on oral drugs. Possible advantages include no pills, injections monthly or less, and better adherence. Risks include long-acting drugs “trapped” in your body if side effects or viral resistance develop, and the risk of viral resistance if injections are missed or not given on time. Long-acting cabotegravir also

is being developed for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). But we’re talking 2019 or 2020 if approved for treatment, and even longer for PrEP. Stay tuned! While we worry that companies are shifting resources to other areas, like hepatitis C, the HIV pipeline is robust for now, and there are even other drugs not covered here. Perhaps our biggest challenge is to ensure that all drugs remain available and affordable to people with HIV. Dr. Melanie Thompson is principal investigator of ARCA and a member of the DHHS Antiretroviral Guidelines Panel. She is also Executive Editor of the Fulton County Task Force on HIV/AIDS’s Strategy to End AIDS in Fulton County. For more information about studies of doravirine, GS-9883, fostemsavir, and BMS-955176, call ARCA at 404-876-2317. Dr. Thompson discloses that ARCA receives research funding from the makers of all these drugs.

12 News November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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WORLDAIDSDAY

Colleges, AIDS services recognize World AIDS Day By DYANA BAGBY Metro Atlanta continues to rank in the top five cities in the nation for the highest rates of new HIV infections, while Georgia, in 2013, was the state with the second-most new HIV infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Numerous events are taking place across Atlanta and Georgia to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 and to raise awareness. * All events are on Dec. 1 unless otherwise noted. The Strategy to End AIDS in Fulton County, a planning breakfast with Fulton Commission Chair John Eaves, Commissioner Joan Garner and the Fulton County Task Force on HIV/AIDS 8:30 a.m. Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall 141 Pryor St. SW fchatf.gov@gmail.com 404-612-6133

Coastal Health Department event with live music, vendors, education 5:30–8 p.m. Mary Ross Park Bay & Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520 www.gachd.org Georgia Department of Public Health District 4 free HIV testing (Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties) Various times and locations www.district4health.org/clinic-sites Lelavision, Moving in the Spirit and Mausiki Scales and metro Atlanta universities present a full day of artistry, education and free HIV testing throughout Atlanta 10–11 a.m.—Collegiate World AIDS Day Kickoff at Emory University with performances by Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective and Emory Dance, followed by speakers. Also on display on the Emory Quad will be the largest collegiate collection of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Emory Atwood Chemistry Center, 1515 Dickey Drive

Georgia Equality’s policy-focused luncheon with the theme, “Getting to Zero: Zero new infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDSrelated deaths.” Youth HIV Policy Advisors will present their 2016 HIV Prevention & Care policy agenda to Metro Atlanta elected officials, community leaders and media. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. National Center for Civil & Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW atlantapride.org/event/world-aids-day

Ethics Panel on HIV/AIDS Stigma and Disease: “Can We Eradicate HIV/AIDS?” Prior to the start of the panel will be a screening of Lelavision’s short film, “Going #RetroViral” 11:30 a.m. Emory University, Ethics Commons 102, 1531 Dickey Drive

Coastal Health Department event including music, free HIV testing 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Forsyth Park Drayton Street and East Park Ave. Savannah, GA 31401

Performance by Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective 12:30 p.m. Clark Atlanta University Student Center 223 James P. Brawley Drive NW

Performance by Okorie Johnson 1:30 p.m. Clark Atlanta University Student Center 223 James P. Brawley Drive NW

Morehouse College Noon–4 p.m. Forbes Arena www.morehouse.edu/student_life/ studenthealth

Healthy Love Workshop for AUC students by Sister Love 4:30 p.m. Morehouse College, Forbes Arena, 833 Fair St.

Free HIV testing open to the public Grady Family Planning Clinic 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE www.gradyhealth.org/specialty/ family-planning-clinic.html

Collegiate World AIDS Day Finale Rally. Speakers include: Masonia Traylor, CDC Act Against AIDS Ambassador; Rev. Duncan Teague, Morehouse College; Dr. Sinead Younge, professor of psychology at Morehouse College; Rob Woods, senior field organizer for Georgia Equality; and Reggie Smith of Rise Multimedia. The rally will be live webcast at rise4war.com/ broadcasts 7 p.m. Morehouse College Morehouse Sale Hall, 830 Westview Drive SW Free HIV testing for students Georgia State University 10 a.m.–2 p.m. GSU Student Recreation Center healthpromotion.gsu.edu

Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Various sites throughout the county www.fultoncountyga.gov/ communicable-disease-prevention/ 3679-clinic-hours-and-locations NAESM 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 2140 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW www.naesm.org AID Atlanta 10 a.m.–7 p.m. 1605 Peachtree St. NE www.aidatlanta.org

Emory University 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. On the Quad www.emoryquiltonthequad.weebly.com

Other locations providing free HIV testing Positive Impact Health Centers/ MISTER Center 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 1117 West Peachtree St. NW www.mistercenter.org

Clark Atlanta University Noon–3:30 p.m. CAU Student Center www.clarku.edu/offices/health

Positive Impact Health Centers 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 3075 Breckenridge Blvd. Suite 415 Duluth, GA 30096

14 World AIDS Day November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

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WORLDAIDSDAY

HIV BY THE NUMBERS 13,712

People in the United States with an AIDS diagnosis who died in 2012

658,507

People in the United States with an AIDS diagnosis who have died since the epidemic began in 1981

3,310

311,087

Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men in the United States diagnosed with AIDS in 2013

Gay and bisexual men with an AIDS diagnosis in the United States who have died since 1981

5,380

Gay and bisexual men with an AIDS diagnosis in the United States who died in 2012

1.2 million

People living in the United States with HIV

50,000

39,102

469

People in Atlanta who died due to HIV/AIDS in 2012

1,469

New HIV infections per year in the United States

Number of new HIV diagnoses in Atlanta in 2013

156,300

5,804

People in the United States unaware they are HIV-positive

26,743

People in Atlanta living with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis in 2012

Black gay and bisexual men in the United States diagnosed with AIDS in 2013

4,664

White gay and bisexual men in the United States diagnosed with AIDS in 2013

People in Georgia living with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis in 2012

613

Deaths in Georgia due to HIV/AIDS in 2012

Percentage of HIV/AIDS cases in Georgia in 2012 resulting from male-to-male sexual contact

2,520

People diagnosed with HIV in Georgia in 2011 Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, AIDSVu.org

16 World AIDS Day November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Positivethoughts By Diane Anderson-Minshall

“In order for all of us—poz or not, trans or not, queer or not—to do right by trans women, we have to do more than tune in to “I Am Cait” once a week. We have to tear down and rebuild the systems that are here to care for trans and gender nonconforming people in a way that really works.”

Trans women are 49 times more likely to have HIV Let me tell you about a woman I met. Let’s call her Trina. On the surface, we have some similarities. A woman of color and a bottle blonde, Trina grew up feeling like she never fit in. Shuffled between family members, she left home early in an effort to be herself, and ended up homeless at one point. Like my husband, Trina is transgender. Unlike my husband, who grew up in a white middle-class family and has a master’s degree, she doesn’t have insurance (yes, even in this age of Obamacare), worries about paying for her hormones, and has had to do many things to be the person she is. That includes turning the odd trick or two. Trina has HIV. When she tested positive last year, it wasn’t a surprise to her or to the other women in her trans support group, which meets at her local LGBT center each Wednesday night. It’s one of the few places Trina feels at home, accepted, able to be honest. And many of the women are also HIV-positive. Transgender women are 49 times more likely to have HIV than the general population. We first heard this number when The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) released a report in 2014, “Trans Populations and HIV: Time to End the Neglect,” and this summer, the World Health Organization did a new meta-analysis of data from

15 different countries, which again showed that transgender women were nearly 49 times more likely to have HIV than the general population. Both studies argue that trans women are the most at-risk population on the globe. The numbers are even worse for those who are women of color; 56 percent of black trans women have HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, transgender women involved in sex work have HIV rates that are almost twice that of trans women not engaged in commercial sex work. They’re also six times more likely to be living with HIV than other female sex workers. Perhaps you’re ready to turn the proverbial page because you think women who do sex work deserve it. They don’t. My friend Trina gave blowjobs to help pay for the hormones she needs every two weeks. Going off hormones would give her serious medical issues. The waiting list to get into her local clinic was two months. She’s had bad experiences with doctors who refused to treat her because she’s transgender. She’s not alone: The Task Force’s 2011 study, “Injustice at Every Turn,” reports that approximately one in five trans people in the United States has been denied medical care as a result of their gender identity. Trina has also shared injection needles—not for drugs, but at a pumping party, where trans women

get low-cost fillers to create a more feminine look in their faces, breasts and hips. As a once-homeless trans teen, Trina has had to do plenty of things that put her at risk for HIV. But like the majority of HIV-positive people today, Trina became HIV-positive during a relationship that she believed was monogamous. The man she loved was not monogamous—and he was not aware that he had HIV. Today Trina is on antiretrovirals and sees a doctor at a clinic who knows how to treat trans people living with HIV. Those are few and far between. It’s time for all of us to wake up to this issue. As we revive the conversation around gay and bi men and HIV, it’s time to end this epidemic for trans people too.

In order for all of us—poz or not, trans or not, queer or not—to do right by trans women, we have to do more than tune in to “I Am Cait” once a week. We have to tear down and rebuild the systems that are here to care for trans and gender nonconforming people in a way that really works. We have to remove the stigma of being trans, of being positive, of seeking to take an HIV prevention treatment. That’s only one step, and there are many needed, but simply understanding and truly caring about trans people can take us quite a way. Diane Anderson-Minshall is editor-in -chief of Plus Magazine and editor-at-large for The Advocate magazine. This column is a project of Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service.

18 Health News November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

NEWSBRIEFS Friends, fans mourn the death of drag performer Lateasha Shuntel Atlanta’s LGBT community mourns the sudden and unexpected passing of popular drag performer Lateasha Shuntel. Shavonna Brooks, a close friend and colleague of Shuntel, broke the news on Nov. 18 in a Facebook post. “It is with great sadness that I inform the community of my sister Lateasha Shuntel’s passing,” wrote Brooks. “Lateasha was found peacefully this morning in her vehicle and was not the victim of foul play THANK GOD! I am hurt, crying, a mess, tore up, anything you can think of at this point.” An iconic drag queen, Shuntel was a mainstay and crowd favorite as a drag performer at Blake’s on The Park. She also worked as a distributor for DAVID Atlanta Magazine and Southern Voice, the predecessor to Georgia Voice. A GoFundMe created on Nov.18 to raise funds for Shuntel’s funeral expenses quickly exceeded its $7,500 goal, with donations pouring in from all around the country. Delta Airlines denies survivor benefits to gay widower Georgia couple Dan Walter and Jay Beadle planned to spend the rest of their lives together. That was before Beadle was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999 and head and neck cancer in 2010. In a committed relationship for 21 years, the couple legally wed in Minnesota two months before Beadle’s death in Jan. 2014. Walter, Beadle’s surviving husband, is now fighting to amend the terms of Delta’s pension plan to allow surviving spouses like him, who were married to long-term Delta employees, to receive survivor benefits. He is represented by attorneys at the Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREE) and Lambda Legal. Delta’s current policy requires couples to be legally married for at least a year in order to be eligible for benefits. Lambda Legal and CREE have sent a letter urging Delta to amend the plan retroactively to waive the one-year marriage duration requirement, as Walter and Beadle were unable to marry under Georgia law prior to the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in June. Delta has been a proud supporter of Georgia’s LGBT community and openly celebrated the Supreme Court ruling in June, www.thegeorgiavoice.com

Beloved drag performer Lateasha Shuntel’s legacy lives on. (Photo via Facebook)

noting that as a result of “the court’s decision to fully legalize same-sex marriage in all states and jurisdictions ... Delta will be able to provide an equitable benefits package to all Delta people.” “Jay and I were blessed with more than 20 years together, taking care of each other in all the ways that a committed couple would— physically, emotionally and financially,” says Walter. “I really hope Delta will get this straightened out before anyone else has to go through this.” The Human Rights Campaign recently awarded Delta Airlines a score of 90 on its annual Corporate Equality Index. HRC releases 2016 Corporate Equality Index The results of The Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, were announced during a press conference in downtown At-

lanta on Nov.18. Chad Griffin, President of HRC, was on hand to deliver remarks on the findings of the annual report. In total, 851 companies were officially rated in the 2016 CEI, up from 781 in the 2015 report. The average score for companies and law firms based in Georgia is 82 percent. Of the 24 companies ranked, 13 earned 100 percent, 3 earned 90 percent or above, and 1 earned 80 percent or above. “Atlanta was the first city in the deep South to score a perfect 100 on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index,” says Griffin. “While support for LGBT workers is growing in the U.S. and around the world, too many companies still fail to guarantee basic, vital workplace protections that allow employees to bring their full selves to work,” Griffin adds. The 2016 CEI revealed that a record 407 businesses earned a top score of 100 percent and the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” November 27, 2015 News 19

Outspoken “For those of us left behind, left here to lift up and carry the torch of those who left us too soon, we must continue to fight. For we know that AIDS is no longer a death sentence.”

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20 Outspoken November 27, 2015

World AIDS Day is every day GUEST EDITORIAL By TERRANCE DEAN My strong and God-fearing grandmother wrapped her weary arms around me, held me close, and cried, “Your mother has AIDS, and your newborn baby brother has the HIV virus.” I remember the room spinning and I became light-headed. The words, “AIDS,” and “HIV” played over and over again in my head. That was in 1990, nearly 25 years ago and those words are still permanent fixtures in my head, and in our world.

meaning and purpose in a world of which the odds were already stacked against me. I did not want to deal with this. As I watched the AIDS virus incapacitate my mother and baby brother my anger and hurt turned to embarrassment and shame. I was ashamed because many of my own family members ostracized my mother and baby brother, and refused to be around them. Many were afraid to be in the same room with her, so she stopped visiting, and stopped attending the family gatherings. The isolation suffocated her as well as me. I cried out asking God why this was happening to my family. Why me? Why us?

World AIDS Day is every day. World AIDS Day is every day. I loved my mother, but unfortunately she, like so many others in the black community, became victims of the 1990s crack and heroin epidemic that ravaged our families and communities. And, because of this drug epidemic, my mother began using drugs intravenously and to support her habit she prostituted herself to maintain that high, the monkey on her back that she could not shake. She did not know she had AIDS. It was not until she gave birth to my baby brother, and the doctors informed her in the hospital that he was born with the HIV virus, and, unfortunately, she had AIDS. As I learned more about the disease and what it was doing to my mother and baby brother’s body, I recoiled and went into a dark depressive state. I was only a teenager, struggling to know myself, while also trying to find

While in college I lost both my mother and baby brother to AIDS. It was the first time I ever encountered death. Not long after I buried my mother and baby brother my family received another devastating blow. My 19-year old brother had been hospitalized due to a severe illness. His kidneys were failing. The doctors pulled us to the side and shared that he was dying. He had AIDS. When he was younger, my brother was in a group home for young boys, and it was there that he was raped by adult male caretakers. He never shared this with us, not until he was lying on his deathbed in the hospital. My heart ached for my brother. I mourned for him. I could not fathom the burden he must have carried of being raped, and then learning he had AIDS. I wanted to take it all away from

him, take up his cross, but it was not my cross to carry. My brother died soon thereafter. In my book, Hiding In Hip Hop, I share the loss of my family members, including many friends over the years to the disease. I keep them alive in memory oftentimes speaking their names aloud. I will never forget. We cannot escape the tragedy of AIDS and the impact it has had on our lives. It is forever etched into our memory, and in our experiences. For those of us left behind, left here to lift up and carry the torch of those who left us too soon, we must continue to fight. For we know that AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Therefore, let us lift our hands, and our voices so loudly that we shake the heavens as we boldly proclaim, AIDS will not destroy us! Terrance Dean is a Ph.D. student in the Graduate Department of Religion at Vanderbilt University. He is the author of several books, including Hiding In Hip Hop (Atria/ Simon & Schuster, 2008), and Mogul: A Novel (Atria/Simon & Schuster, 2010). Follow Terrance on Twitter @terrancedean.

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

OUT IN THE WILD

By Simon Williamson

Starving before summer Simon Williamson lives with his husband in heteronormatively-assimilative fashion in Athens, after a year of surviving rural Georgia. I hail from the land of Nelson Mandela, Charlize Theron, and (formerly) Oscar Pistorius. Indeed, the welcoming embrace of South Africa will envelop me again next month as my husband and I go back for Christmas to spend time with both my immediate and extended relatives. I love the presents and eating part of Christmas. Since my husband and family take the whole birthday of Jesus part quite seriously, we have decided to take a full range of Starbucks cups. However, Christmas in South Africa is bang in the middle of summer. Bizarrely, we still celebrate the holiday like you cultural colonials who have influenced us: with fake snow on our windows and hang models of snowmen on the Christmas tree, despite seasonal temperatures that can take your beer

“To those of us who call ourselves Christians, there is no justification for such an absence of compassion. No defense for such hypocrisy. These are not just a group of desperate refugees. They are our neighbors. This moment will measure us.” I had my column all typed up, and I was proud of it. My first column! It was exactly what I wanted to say and I even managed to throw in some clever alliteration. I had it finished almost an entire month before the deadline, so I had plenty of time to fuss over it and change words, you know, polish it up and make it all shiny. Then, 132 people died in Paris. When I read my piece one last time before emailing it off, it seemed drab to me. Irrelevant. It felt trivial even though it dealt with an important issue. I remember how I felt on 9/11. The news knocked the breath out of me, and for a moment, my body forgot how to breathe. When it finally came back to me, all I could do was sob, lying on my office floor. Who would do such a thing? Why? I couldn’t believe it. We were, for 22 Outspoken November 27, 2015

from fridge to room temperature faster than the world can get over a bombing in Beirut. The severest consequence of having this holiday in the summer, however, is the crash dieting and exercise regimen that is now taking place in this household; with yoga and lemon-water replacing couch slobbing and cheap wine, while cheese platters piled with little treasures from Trader Joe’s exist merely in the imagination. I’m currently trying every available way to make a Wasa cracker taste good without smearing some fatty, delicious, artery-clogging, mass-growing goodness on top, but my efforts are thus far no more successful than trying to get a Georgia motorist to move out of the passing lane. My husband has an alternative approach. For every minute I spent wolfing Doritos on the couch, watching old episodes of “Roseanne”

while trying not to let my chips fall about me (acting out Dan, really), he spends four minutes running. Even HE is watching what he eats before we jet off to South Africa, and he has the figure of an actual athlete—you know, the people who can fit in clothes without an X in the size. You know the seven-minute workout? He does the 28 minute workout, which is the seven minute workout FOUR BLOODY TIMES. And we’re also en route to visit family. We don’t need to be primped and plucked and waxed and tanned and have eaten food in amounts small enough to be put under—this is not a trip to the Kroger around the corner where the hot cashier works, for goodness sakes. We’re going for a nice relaxing holiday somewhere near a beach that is usually emptier than The Annotated Ency-

“Of all the annoying habits from my twenties, trolling people on Facebook and trying to shed fifty pounds in two days before a trip where up to half of me will be uncovered are two I cannot seem to kick, and I am a former smoker, so I know what giving things up is like.” clopedia of Awesome Anne Hathaway Jokes. Of all the annoying habits from my twenties, trolling people on Facebook and trying to shed fifty pounds in two days before a trip where up to half of me will be uncovered are two I cannot seem to kick, and I am a former smoker, so I know what giving things up is like. It is sad that we spend so much time trying to build up the confidence of those close to us who struggle with their own issues about how they look. I am going to visit people predisposed to loving me, and I am still terrified of them being judgmental. And it is stuck in my brain like Adele sang it. Oh Lord, I’ll go back to using the Starbucks cup with the snowflake if you will just let me Photoshop myself!

IN THE MIDDLE

By Kim Riggins

Outrage and the absence of humanity Kim Riggins lives in Smyrna with her two incredibly spoiled dogs and an unhealthy obsession with Star Wars. the first time in a long time, a nation unified, but unified in grief. We know the shock. We remember the pain. We felt it again this weekend. We stand, empathetic, alongside France. Now, imagine feeling that way every day. Imagine your family, your children, everyone that you love living with that pain and fear every day. Wouldn’t we do everything in our power, risk life and limb, to escape it? In the wake of this tragedy, we have an opportunity to let love win. Again. We have never allowed fear to stop us in the past. Now is not the time to start. Our governor has “closed the borders” to refugees desperate for shelter (as though he has the authority to do that, but that’s a different issue). Moments like these are the tests of our true selves. They measure us, taking the depth and weight of our character.

Whatever they find, be it exceptional or lacking, will be stamped in time. Our grandchildren’s children will look back on this moment either with pride or with shame. In a few weeks, we will begin decorating for the holiday season: the most wonderful time of the year. Peace on Earth, goodwill to all men. For those who celebrate Christmas, it will be time to put up the nativity scenes. Churches everywhere will be staging plays celebrating the story of Christ’s birth, which starts with a Middle Eastern couple seeking shelter only to be turned away at every door. To those of us who call ourselves Christians, there is no justification for such an absence of compassion. No defense for such hypocrisy. These are not just a group of desperate refugees. They are our neighbors. Do we truly believe what Jesus

taught? If so, is our faith more important than our fear? We wiggle and worm our way around so many other issues, justifying our little prejudices and vices. Not this one. Either you follow what Christ taught or you do not. There is no gray area. Not for those of us who call ourselves Christians. Anyone wondering what Jesus’ final word on the matter is can find it at the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan. “Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” That’s it. No excuses. No exceptions. Go. Love your neighbor. “Whatever you did for the least of these ... you did for me.” Fear cannot rule us because we are not cowards. We have always loved defiantly because we know that love conquers hate. It also conquers fear. Terror cannot crush it. So, let’s love defiantly. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

WORK Young Democrats elect Javier Brown as Communications Chair Young Democrats of Atlanta, the official Fulton County chapter of Young Democrats of Georgia, has elected Javier Brown as its new communications chair. Brown serves as a legislative assistant to politician and LGBT ally state Sen. Vincent Ford (D-Atlanta). Brown tells Georgia Voice that he is “excited about the work we have to do.” “We (Young Democrats) must develop a message and plan to not only get young adults to the polls, but engage them in the political process to support our Democratic candidates so that we ensure victory.” AJC Decatur Book Festival names new program director The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival has named Julie Wilson as its new program director. Wilson succeeds former program director and former Outwrite Bookstore owner Philip Rafshoon, who has stepped down after serving in the role for three years. Prior to taking on her new role, Wilson spent nearly seven years managing customer feedback and process improvement, measuring and evaluating customer experiences and developing marketing communications programs for the American Cancer Society. However, the bulk of Wilson’s career was spent in media relations for Ketchum, a leading international communications agency. Wilson says she’s “ecstatic about this opportunity to serve as program director for such a successful, well-regarded event.” “I have some pretty big shoes to fill following Philip. I gained incredible experience in 2015 working with the AJC DBF team, learning from the very best in the business. I look forward to building upon my experience to continue evolving our program offerings and strengthening our ties with authors and publishers locally and nationally.” Lambda Legal elects new board of directors Atlanta residents and business leaders Jeffrey Cleghorn and Katrina Quicker have both been named to the board of directors of Lambda Legal. Cleghorn manages the family law practice of Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC, in Atlanta, with a focus on issues affecting LGBT

IT!

Family law attorney Jeff Cleghorn has been appointed to Lambda Legal’s board of directors. (Screencap image)

individuals and their families. “I am pleased and honored to join the Board of Lambda Legal. In victory after victory after victory, in courtrooms all across our great country, Lambda Legal has made the case for equality since 1973,” says Cleghorn. “I continue to be inspired by Lambda Legal’s brilliant and hard-working attorneys, and am proud to expand my service to this vital organization.” Quicker is a partner in the Atlanta offices of BakerHostetler, a firm specializing in patent and intellectual property law. “I believe in their work,” says Quicker. “I am honored to join the board of directors to ensure that Lambda Legal’s vision of full recognition of the civil rights of the LGBT community and all who experience discrimination is realized.” SBA, NGLCC name Atlanta as host city Atlanta has been named one of two cities to host the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as it launches the LGBT Business Builder, the first initiative of its kind focused specifically on LGBT business owners. “During the one-day event, businesses will learn how to leverage NGLCC’s LGBT Business Enterprise certification and explore opportunities through SBA’s suite of services around government contracting, exporting, and other SBA initiatives,” says David Perry, National LGBT Outreach Director, in a statement. The Atlanta SBA/NGLCC event will be held on Dec. 9 and tickets are sold out. Sacramento is the other chosen city, and will host an SBA event on Dec. 1. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. Georgia Voice is NGLCC certified.

24 Community November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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COMFORTABLE IN HIS OWN SKIN Senses Fail frontman Buddy Nielsen on identifying as queer in underground rock scene By GREGG SHAPIRO Buddy Nielsen, who recently came out as queer, is the frontman for Senses Fail, a band known for its “scream” sound. His coming out is the kind of act one hopes will inspire others like him to feel safe enough to do the same. Nielsen, currently on tour with Senses Fail in support of its latest release, “Pull The Thorns From Your Heart (Pure Noise),” talks about the band and more. Georgia Voice: Buddy, I’d like to begin by asking you about the genesis of the name of the band Senses Fail. Buddy Nielsen: When I was in high school I took an Eastern Philosophy class. I was introduced to Hinduism and Buddhism and Taoism and Jainism and all sorts of Eastern thought. It really spoke CONTINUES ON PAGE 28 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

November 27, 2015 A&E 27

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 to me. I pulled (the name) out of a mix of some of the things I’d heard about Hinduism and Buddhism and the unsatisfactory nature of life. Senses Fail spoke to this transcending of what our reality is. It spoke to me because at an early age I had a traumatic experience and went into a dissociative state. I didn’t feel like I was in my own body. A lot of my life I was never really able to feel comfortable in my own skin. It was a reference to that, as well. In terms of the band’s sound, was it always the plan for Senses Fail to be a hardcore metal band? It started off a little dark, a little heavy. Then we had some success with some of the more poppy, catchy stuff. That’s what was going on at the time. We morphed into more of a rock band with some heaviness to it. Then, over the last three years, we’ve morphed into more of a hardcore sort of heavy metal act. There was no plan. Everything was pretty natural. You recently came out as queer. What was the reaction from your family? It was very positive. I think it’s just confusion, honestly. A lot of people didn’t really know what the hell I was talking about. I’m engaged to a cisgender woman. I didn’t live my entire life only being attracted to women. If I had felt more comfortable, who knows if I would have been in a committed relationship with a woman. I think everybody was a little confused about what it was exactly I was coming out for and what I was really saying. Because no one has ever known me to have any other sexual identity; but that’s just because I didn’t feel comfortable being in a relationship with a man or someone genderqueer. A lot of my attraction was to genderqueer people as well as transgender women. I never felt comfortable exploring any of that, really, so no one ever knew. They were all surprised. How did your bandmates react? They were fine. That was probably the easiest. Do you think that’s because you spend so much time together? Yes. It’s also because for the younger generation who are involved in this style of mu-

Details Senses Fail

Dec. 9 6 p.m. The Masquerade $18 www.masqueradeatlanta.com

Buddy Nielsen (Publicity photos)

“I don’t really have a place in this music scene. Indie rock is different and pop music is a little different. But in this underground rock scene, it’s very straight male-driven. That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of advocates. But there’s a difference between advocates and people who identify.” – Buddy Nielsen

sic—everybody’s pretty open. It wasn’t that big of a shock and nobody batted an eye. Had you or have you spoken with other LGBTQ musicians within your musical genre about the coming-out process? No, I haven’t really had a chance to. For this, it’s not really like there’s a community. That’s one of my issues and that’s what I’m trying to do and that’s why I’m being so vocal about it. There’s just not that many of us [laughs], especially in this musical genre. I don’t really have a place in this music scene. Indie rock is different and pop music is a little different. But in this underground rock scene, it’s very straight male-driven. That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of advocates. But there’s a difference between advocates and people who identify. Do you think by coming out, you can set an example for other musicians, as well as fans of yours who are struggling with the same issue? Yeah! I would hope so. Giving people a place where they can voice that is really important. People need a place to discharge this stuff. That’s what I’m working towards; my role of becoming a safe place for people to connect. I spent a long time dealing with a lot of mental anguish over something that now, having come out—I just wish I would have done 10 years ago. But 10 years ago was a very different time in this country.

28 A&E November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

ACTING OUT

By JIM FARMER

Lights up on ‘ELF,’ ‘Let Nothing You Dismay’ during holidays In a madcap, busy holiday season for theater, almost every local company has a show running. Making its Atlanta debut next week courtesy of Broadway Across America is “Elf The Musical,” with out performer Spencer Glass as part of its large ensemble. The stage version is not much different from the hit 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell, in which an elf named Buddy, after realizing he is a human being, leaves his adopted family at the North Pole to find his father in New York City. Casey Nicholaw, the out director who was in Atlanta recently with “Tuck Everlasting,” directed the first Broadway run in 2010. As part of the ensemble, Glass plays eight different roles. He also understudies for Buddy and recently got to go on in the lead role. Glass describes the character as “a puppy dog. He’s a beautiful child living in a 30-year-old man’s body, a human born in America who accidentally made it to the North Pole,” he says. The performer attended the Boston Conservatory, graduated in 2013, and afterward dabbled in roles here and there and also worked for Disney Cruise Line. This is his first national tour and he is understandably excited. It’s a short run, though, since it’s a production for the Christmas season. He will end his run in January. After that he has no set plans—it will be back to auditioning. Glass feels “Elf ” is a show that LGBT audiences can appreciate just as much as anyone. He is particularly proud of the final scene, which involves a gay couple onstage. Topher Payne’s new production, ‘Let Nothing You Dismay’ Another production to watch out for over the holidays is Stage Door Players’ “Let Nothing You Dismay.” It’s the latest work by local and out playwright Topher Payne, who is coming off the successful off-Broadway debut earlier this fall of his Atlanta-hatched “Perfect Arrangement.” Stage Door Players—the Dunwoody-based troupe run by openly gay artistic director Robert Egizio—is hosting the world premiere, which is directed by Shannon Eubanks, a long-time collaborator with Payne. “Let Nothing You Dismay” is a comic tale about what happens when a married couple decides to become parents via adoption and are waiting for a phone call to make it all hapwww.thegeorgiavoice.com

More holiday productions ‘Christmas Canteen 2015’ Aurora Theatre; Through Dec. 20 www.auroratheatre.com ‘A Christmas Carol’ Alliance Theatre; Through Dec. 27 www.alliancetheatre.com ‘Merry %#!*ing Christmas’ Alliance Theatre; Through Dec. 27 www.alliancetheatre.com ‘The Santaland Diaries’ Horizon Theatre; Through Dec. 31 www.horizontheatre.com ‘The 12 Dates of Christmas’ Aurora Theatre; Nov. 28–Dec. 19 www.auroratheatre.com ‘The Snow Queen’ Serenbe Playhouse; Dec. 3–23 www.serenbeplayhouse.com ‘A Little Princess’ Theatrical Outfit; Dec. 3–27 www.theatricaloutfit.org ‘A Year With Frog and Toad’ Synchronicity Theatre; Dec. 4–27 www.synchrotheatre.com

The cast of ‘Elf The Musical’ (Publicity photo)

pen. In all, eight performers take on more than 20 characters. The playwright started writing it earlier this year. “I had had ideas on it for a while, playing with the idea of doing a holiday show as I experienced it—a collection of family of origin plus family of choice,” he says. “I wanted to tell that story but in the model of a very traditional holiday show. It’s a traditional show about non-traditional families.” It’s a personal project for Payne in other ways as well. Both of his nephews—”The center of my universe,” he says—came into his life via adoption and the playwright also wanted to pay a tribute of sorts to the times his entire family converges for the premieres of his shows.

Details

‘Elf The Musical’ Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30308 Dec. 2–6 www.broadwayacrossamerica.com ‘Let Nothing You Dismay’ Stage Door Players 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338 Dec. 4–20 www.stagedoorplayers.net

Threshold festival of new play readings Actor’s Express; Dec. 5–6 www.actors-express.com ‘Madeline’s Christmas’ Horizon Theatre; Dec. 5–31 www.horizontheatre.com ‘Libby’s at the Express: Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays and a Connie Sue Day Christmas’ Actor’s Express; Dec. 11–20 www.actors-express.com November 27, 2015 Columnists 29

EATING MY WORDS By CLIFF BOSTOCK

Staplehouse: must-taste unconventional dining

“What I like best about Pine Street Market are the fresh sausages they make - whether it’s bratwurst or a classic American hotdog. They are made with hogs grown and processed here in Georgia. Rusty and his crew are proud of what they do and stand behind their products. They are just happy to do what they do and I appreciate that. It comes through in the end product.” – Kevin Gillespie

404.296.9672 4A PINE STREET AVONDALE ESTATES, GA 30002

30 Columnists November 27, 2015

Staplehouse, six years in planning, has finally opened in a 100-year-old brick building in the Old Fourth Ward (541 Edgewood Ave., 404-524-5505, www.staplehouse.com). The restaurant is a groundbreaker in several respects—from its heartfelt purpose to its brilliant cuisine and unusual business style. Let’s start with the latter. Staplehouse offers two basic dining options. The big attraction is a prix fixe, five-course tasting menu for $85 in the main dining room. There’s a separate (considerably cheaper) a la carte menu served on the restaurant’s sheltered patio. You can order either way in the bar area. Finally, to reserve a seat for the tasting menu, you have to go online and buy a “ticket” from Tock (www. tocktix.com). No reservations are accepted for the bar and patio. It’s strictly walk-in. Staplehouse is owned by Chef Ryan Smith, his wife Kara, and her sister Jen Hidinger, who originally planned the restaurant with her husband Ryan Hidinger. He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2013 and died a year later. In the interim, the restaurant community rallied to support Hidinger, creating The Giving Kitchen, which provides financial assistance to hospitality industry employees in crisis. The net profits from Staplehouse benefit The Giving Kitchen. So this is an innovative restaurant with a big heart. Chef Ryan Smith’s brilliant approach will seem hellish to some and paradisiacal to others. The five-course tasting menu, which changes biweekly, is interspersed with several amuse-bouches. One, which I think is particularly characteristic of Smith’s wit and genius, was a “soup dumpling” that was actually some grilled bologna streaked with mustard seeds and pureed white bread. Pop it in your mouth and get a blast of bologna broth. A typical course was my first one. Imagine sunchoke custard and smoked sable fish, chips of fried sunchoke peels and fish skin, aromatic with juniper and glistening with a foam made of the whey from housemade ricotta. Dig into a plate of shelled razor clams about a dark globe of kale filled with gold rice

Staplehouse’s tasting menu offers smoked lamb, root vegetables and celery. (Photo via Facebook)

and fermented bok choy. That licorice flavor is fennel powder. Those puffy crouton-sized crackers are benne. Meat eaters will swoon if they get a chance to sample ribeye cooked sous-vide and surrounded by two varieties of sweet potatoes. Look for nasturtium petals on your plate of carrots and duck confit. Dessert might be a composition of candied squash and apple, sorrel leaves and milk jam. Each course is gorgeously plated, brought to the table with a flourish by well-informed, personable servers. You really need to try it. If you don’t want to spend $85, you can dine remarkably well on the patio for less than half that. Notable restaurants Calavino Donati and her wife Doria Roberts have opened Madre + Mason (560 Dutch Valley Rd., 404-748-1498) and the second incarnation of Urban Cannibals (368 5th St., 404-230-9865). Both are killer. I especially keep craving an astounding carnitas sandwich I had at Cannibals ... I finally got to try O4W Pizza inside the Irwin Street Market (660 Irwin St., 678-515-3388). We have several fantastic pizzerias in Atlanta, and this one belongs in the top five. Cliff Bostock, PhD, is a longtime Atlanta food critic and former psychotherapist who now specializes in collaborative life coaching (404-518-4415), www.cliffbostock.com. www.thegeorgiavoice.com

LGBT

TA N A L T

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Twists and turns on every page

REVIE W Six degrees of separation. That, supposedly, is the social distance between you and any given person on the planet. Your dentist, for example, knows somebody who knows someone who ... and pretty soon, you’re linked to a famous scientist or Hollywood star. It’s a fun pastime, that “Six Degrees” thing, and surprisingly easy to do, but in the new novel, “And West is West” by Ron Childress, it could also be a deadly game. Living with Zoe wasn’t originally Ethan’s desire. She’d stayed at his Manhattan condo many times—they were a couple, after all— but he was still surprised when he heard himself ask her to move in, and equally surprised that she agreed. Yes, he loved her— which was something he only truly realized just before she left for a job in D.C. Heartbroken, Ethan turned to his other love: coding for United Imperial Bank. For him, it was the perfect job. UIB gave him an office and the freedom to write algorithms to follow terrorists in order to follow the markets, creating serious money for Ethan and for his employers. That, plus Zoe, could’ve made him happy. Except Zoe was gone, and then someone set Ethan up to fail at work and his job was gone, too. And just as he thought things were looking up, Zoe was dead and Ethan was left holding the secrets of her life that her parents couldn’t tell her. It always seemed as though Jessica Aldridge was running. She ran away from her mother’s alcoholism as a child. She ran away from family as a teen. She ran to the Air Force, where she became a highly trained drone pilot, but since a remote strike had gone horribly wrong and someone had to take the fall for it, she ran from that, too. But Jessica had just been following orders then. Her real mistake, she understood, was confiding her misgivings to the wrong person: her imprisoned father, whom she barely knew. She also understood that the government wasn’t going to take a breach of secuwww.thegavoice.com

Details ‘And West Is West’

by Ron Childress Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2015 $26.95 320 pages rity lightly—and with the FBI on her tail, Jessica had to run again. I have to admit that I was no big fan of “And West is West” when I started it. Its first few pages were techier than I expected, and I wasn’t in the mood for that. Woo, was I glad I stayed. Once you get past the prologue, author Ron Childress takes you in a whole different, unexpected direction with what seems like a profile of a psychologically flawed man. Ethan, in fact, is driven, indecisive, and so very imperfect—which makes him the perfect distraction from the page-ripping thriller that is Jessica. It seems unlikely, then, that the two are connected, but you recall that six degrees stuff? Yep, and it doesn’t even take that many steps. This is one of those keeps-you-up-atnight, miss-your-subway-stop kind of books that you’ll pass around to friends. It’s one to take to your book club. For sure, “And West is West” is a solid ten. November 27, 2015 A&E 31

BETS ST

Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events in Atlanta for Nov. 27 - Dec. 10

T N A L AT T B LG EVE NTS

SUNDAY, NOV. 29–MONDAY, NOV. 30

Kristian Bush of Sugarland brings his guitar skills to Eddie’s Attic for four shows, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Monday, www.eddiesattic.com (Publicity photo)

FRIDAY, NOV. 27 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 28

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

In anticipation of December’s worldwide release of Star Wars—Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Delta POPS! series presents three performances of “Star Wars & More: The Music of John Williams” including scores for “Superman,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jurassic Park,” “Saving Private Ryan” and other favorites with Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski. The Saturday matinee performance is a 75-minute family-friendly event for all ages. Both evenings at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Saturday performance, www.atlantasymphony.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 28

FRIDAY, NOV. 27

Funnyman and late night TV host Craig Ferguson cracks jokes as part of his New Deal Tour at the Cobb Energy Centre tonight, 8 p.m., www.cobbenergycentre.com (Publicity photo)

32 Best Bets November 27, 2015

Join KJ Lance, KJ Steve and KJ James for Karaoke Friday at Faces Lounge in Marietta, 9 p.m.–2:30 a.m., faceslounge.com R and R Entertainment present the Grown and Sexy event from 10 p.m.–3 a.m. at Mixx Atlanta, www.mixxatlanta.com

The infamous Charlie Brown hosts Glitz and Glam tonight at Lips Atlanta, www.lipsatl.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 28

Ponce City Market’s inaugural Holiday Spectacular will officially usher in the 2015 holiday season. A family affair, the Holiday Spectacular is a playful celebration offering festive fun for all ages throughout the day. Guests will enjoy a gingerbread house display, face painting, magic tricks, chalk art, elf sightings and the tower lighting at 7 p.m., with an extra special appearance by Santa. The choir schedule will include the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus, 3–9 p.m. www.poncecitymarket.com Celeste Holmes hosts the festive Boys of BJ’s event, 9 p.m., BJ Roosters, 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324 The Atlanta Eagle hosts the Panther Levi/Leather Bar Night, beginning at

10 p.m., as well as the White Party with a guest DJ, www.atlantaeagle.com Get ready to Bare Your Briefs with DJ Jack Chang, Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 29

DJ Kevin Durand spins at Xion Atlanta, 3 a.m., www.facebook.com/ Xion-162659260451683 The queer-inclusive Atlanta Bar Church meets tonight for Bar Church, Word and Sacrament, Smith’s Olde Bar, 7 p.m., www.atlantabeerandhymns.com

MONDAY, NOV. 30

Monday night is the Pride kickball after night event at Blake’s at 7:30 p.m. followed by trivia at 10 p.m. with weekly guest hosts, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

TUESDAY, DEC. 1

Join Georgia Equality in commemorating

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

MONDAY, DEC. 7

Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Sarah Paulson star in the acclaimed lesbian drama, “Carol,” directed by out director Todd Haynes, TBD theaters. (Publicity photo) World AIDS Day in 2015 with a policy-focused luncheon at the Center for Civil & Human Rights. This year’s theme is Getting to Zero: Zero new infection, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. At this luncheon, the Youth HIV Policy Advisors, who are youth living with HIV in the Metro Atlanta area, will present their 2016 Youth HIV Prevention & Care policy agenda to elected officials, community leaders and the media. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., www.civilandhumanrights.org MAAP (Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals) hosts its Connecting Atlanta lunch on the first Tuesday of every month from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Egg Harbor Café, 1820 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309 Enjoy trivia and games with Jason Walker every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at The Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2

The fourth annual Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) Out in the Kitchen event is tonight, featuring bites and tasting from some of Atlanta’s best chefs, including Shean Suter from Trace and Patric Bell-Good, as well as a live DJ, 6–8 p.m., Atlanta W Midtown, www.atlantagaychamber.org SunTrust, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, BB&T and more come together for Banker Pride, with food sales going to Trevor Project and Georgia Equality, 6:30–9 p.m., Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com The 2015 Dave Koz and Friends Christmas tour will feature Dave along with three special guests. Jonathan Butler, who has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields, Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer, who was introduced to American audiences with the

smash pop single “Lily Was Here” and the legendary Bill Medley, co-founder of The Righteous Brothers, who will be touring with Koz for the first time. 8 p.m., Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, www.cobbenergycentre.com Come hang out and dance to DJ Super Blue, Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA, 30308

THURSDAY, DEC. 3

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly social hour and potluck, 10 a.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org Passion for Paws and Two Tailz Rescue present their “Jingle Tailz Holiday Celebration & Fundraiser” tonight. The evening will be full of fun and FUNdraising and will include live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auc-

CONTINUES ON PAGE 34

EVENT SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY, DEC. 3

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly social hour and potluck, 10 a.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org (File photo)

November 27, 2015 Best Bets 33

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 tions, and a wine pull, all benefitting Two Tailz Rescue, which rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes abandoned, neglected and homeless dogs in Georgia. 6:30– 9:30 p.m. at W Atlanta—Midtown, twotailzrescue.org/event/jingletailz The Atlanta Symphony hosts Michael Feinstein’s Sinatra Centennial Celebration tonight. The out Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and

five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer has been dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.” 8 p.m., www.atlantasymphony.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 4– SATURDAY, DEC. 5

Join the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus as it launches the holiday season with “Deck the Halls: The 35th Annual Holiday Concert” this weekend. This is the Chorus’ 20th year at the beautiful Cathedral of St. Philip in Buckhead. From

traditional carols to fun, up-tempo holiday favorites, there’s something here for everyone in the family. Friday night at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

FRIDAY, DEC. 4

In the mood for great music? DJ Daryl Cox brings it on at Ten tonight, tenatlanta.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

Tony Award-winning musician/performer

Fun holiDAy eVentS

KicK oFF your giFting

special shopping days • tree and menorah lightings live music • marshmallow roasting • Santa sightings visitdecaturgeorgia.com

with local cheer!

Holiday shopping and dining on Sycamore Street

Levi Kreis returns to Atlanta for his festive Home for the Holidays concert, 7 p.m., Spiritual Living Center, 1730 Northeast Express NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 Attention fairies, bears, queens, and everything in between—the Heretic is kicking off the holiday season with Glitterball! Snow Edition presented by Just Toby. Enjoy a glorious night where your glitter fantasies become a reality! Dress up in your shiniest and sexiest garments with a holiday twist! DJ Neon spins and is joined by special guest JuJubee from “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” 10 p.m.–3 a.m., www.hereticatlanta.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 6– WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9

The LGBT Institute hosts the National HIV Prevention Conference beginning today. This four-day conference will include oral, panel and poster presentations, as well as plenary sessions, roundtable and debates. It’s designed as a platform as well for conference participants to engage in rigorous scientific, programmatic and technology information exchange, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 8 a.m., 265 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.lgbtinstitute.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 6

Mister Georgia UsofA and Miss Georgia Diva UsofA host the Checkmate pageant, presented by Devin Liquor and Owen McCord, with a bevy of special guests, and categories such as talent and evening wear, 7 p.m., My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

MONDAY, DEC. 7

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their gender, and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz and is co-sponsored by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children. Donations are accepted. 7–8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

atlanta’s eastside Gem

join in the jolly!

Small Business Saturday (and Sunday!), brings free fun, live music, hot cocoa, gift wrapping, and giveaways to our downtown square, Nov. 28 and 29. Shop local any day! – enjoy seasonal sales, snacks, and extended hours on Terrific Thursdays in December.

decaturga

downtowndecatur

Decatur-ga-voice-nov27-2015 junior.indd 1

34 Best Bets November 27, 2015

holidaydecaturga

Decatur

Visitors Center

The PFLAG Atlanta support group meets today from 7:30–9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 8 113 Clairemont Ave. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm

visitdecaturgeorgia.com/terrificthursdays 11/23/15 5:15 PM

Join Charis, Raksha, and the National Asian/Pacific-American Women’s Forum in welcoming author and activist Deepa Iyer to read from and sign her new book, “We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future,” 7:30– 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

www.thegeorgiavoice.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LGBT EVENT Submit your LGBT event for inclusion in our online and print calendars by emailing event info to editor@thegavoice.com

Tuesdays are Latin Industry Nights as well as Papi’s Tuesdays with $2 tacos and $3 tequila shots at Las Margaritas, lasmargaritasmidtown.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9

B-14! PALS (Pets are Loving Support) presents Christmahanakwanzika Bingo with hosts Bubba D. Licious, Jaye Lish, Edie Cheezburger and special guest Erica Lee, with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com Blake’s hosts a Christmas Carols and Show Tunes singalong, 8 p.m., www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Enjoy Game Night at Woofs tonight, 8 p.m., www.woofsatlanta.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

Thursday night is both Texas Hold ‘Em night at 8:30 p.m. and Ladies Night with Regina starting at 10 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com

UPCOMING SATURDAY, DEC. 12

Caroline Aiken, Michelle Malone and Dede Vogt host a songwriting workshop and concert, 5 p.m., Red Clay Music Foundry, www.eddieowenpresents.com Got your new outfit ready? Atlanta’s favorite holiday cocktail party and charity toy drive, the Toy Party, returns tonight—its first Saturday night outing—and promises to be an unforgettable evening. The Saturday soiree will last an hour longer, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 11:30 p.m., with a silent auction, live entertainment and a DJ set, all supporting 18 agencies and nonprofits that work tirelessly to benefit Atlanta’s at-risk children, America’s Mart Building 3. Atlanta, Georgia 30303

SUNDAY, DEC. 13

Expect to hear naughty stories galore at A John Waters Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Variety Playhouse, www.variety-playhouse.com (Publicity photo)

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Saturday, December 12, 8:00 pm

“Carries forward the vital tradition of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Betty Carter with an astonishing vitality, zest and good humor.” –The New York Times Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater puts her unique spin on standards and re-envisions jazz classics. Her many theatre credits include her 1975 Tony Award-winning role as Glinda in The Wiz.

The Soul Rebels Friday, December 18, 8:00 pm

“The Soul Rebels are the missing link between Public Enemy and Louis Armstrong.” –Village Voice The Soul Rebels combine pop music with the New Orleans brass band tradition, resulting in funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz, and rock. Their weekly show at New Orleans’ Le Bon Temps Roulé is popular for their contagious, shout-along musical mayhem.

CALL NOW FOR TICKETS!

404-894-2787 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

details and more events at

arts.gatech.edu November 27, 2015 Best Bets 35

All performances live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra

December 11 – 27, 2015 at the Fox Theatre

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Call 855.285.8499 or visit atlantaballet.com Groups of 10 or more, call 404.873.5811 x207

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Anne Tyler-Harshbarger. Photo by Jim Fiscus.. Additional photos by Charlie McCullers

36 Columnists November 27, 2015

OUTSIDE THE BOX By BILL KAELIN

Bridging the divide Recently my sisters and I planned my father’s 80th birthday celebration. It was quite the milestone and we really wanted to do something special. My sister Cheryl, who is a self-proclaimed “Army Strong Mom,” came up with an idea to send our dad on an “Honor Flight” that lets veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam take a bus trip around DC to see all the memorials. It was the perfect gift, but there was a catch: someone had to be his guardian for the day. With an overwhelming majority vote, my five sisters elected me. My dad’s and my relationship hasn’t always been easy, and I have to admit I was a bit anxious about the responsibility I was given, simply because this would be the longest time my Dad and I would spend alone together in my entire adult life. What would we talk about? It’s not like my dad isn’t a man of many words. He has very strong opinions and has no problem voicing them, and he raised his son to be the exact same way. The challenge is our views couldn’t be more different on some of life’s most controversial topics, like politics, religion and all those other liberal vs. conservative hot-button issues that can ruin relationships. There we were; the conservative, Fox Newswatching, Air Force veteran and his liberal, anti-war, NPR-listening gay son, off to the most divisive place in America: Washington, DC. Little did I know that the city that usually breeds so much division would actually bring the two of us together like never before. I learned a lot about my dad that day. I found out that he was in charge of security for the B-52 nuclear bombers during the Cold War, and I actually got to see one of the two-seater planes that he flew. During a hot debate about music with some Vietnam vets on the bus, I found out that “Cheek to Cheek” is one of my dad’s all-time favorite songs, but to my greater surprise, I realized that my father and I could be comfortable

“My father and I found our own personal freedom by finally relaxing in each other’s presence and enjoying each other’s company. I think we finally realized that we both are a part of that big, beautiful melting pot that makes America so great.” sitting in silence while we absorbed the many moving sights at the national memorial parks. Seeing the number of men and women who lost their lives for all of us was breathtaking, and traveling with over 150 veterans to pay respects was humbling. I feared I would be trapped on a plane full of political posturing that would have forced me to bite my tongue out of respect for those who fought for my right to express myself. To my surprise, the words “Republican” and “Democrat” were never even uttered, and the only thing that mattered was that we were all Americans. I have never been more proud of my dad, and it was such an honor to finally see him accept the gratitude from me and the numerous strangers who thanked him for his service that day. My father and I found our own personal freedom by finally relaxing in each other’s presence and enjoying each other’s company. I think we finally realized that we both are a part of that big, beautiful melting pot that makes America so great. We finally put our differences to rest out of respect to those who fought for both our rights to be our authentic selves. And for that, I am forever grateful. Bill Kaelin is the owner of Bill Kaelin Marketing Events and Consulting Agency in Atlanta. www.BillKaelin.com www.thegeorgiavoice.com

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID By MELISSA CARTER

Nudity: A gateway to peace? It’s been a difficult few weeks with the constant news of terrorism and the threat of war. You’ve also seen the international movement to bring peace to those conflicts currently taking place in Europe. But there is another effort you may not know about that’s trying to promote peace in a different part of the world, and one that as a lesbian I can get behind 100 percent. Ladies, it’s an effort you need to support, too. The drug wars in Colombia are infamous and have been ongoing since the 1960s. Basically, the conflict involves the government in Colombia, crime syndicates, paramilitary groups, and left-wing guerillas, and has killed over 200,000 people and displaced another 5 million. So the hatred is deep-seated. That’s why a recent photo shoot with a former drug cartel leader and the ex-detective that investigated her gang is catching headlines, and made me nearly spit out my coffee at work when I first laid my eyes on it. This effort to promote peace shows Ana Pacheco and Isabel Londoño posing together, naked. In the cover shot, Pacheco, a former senior member of the cartel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is naked with her arms and legs over former policewoman Londoño, who is kissing Pacheco’s cheek. The photo is reminiscent of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous naked pose for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Once sworn enemies, the pair agreed to pose like this in the Colombian magazine SoHo. Other photos included in the shoot show the women standing topless in an embrace, and pressing against one another wearing white, sweaty tank tops. Oh my. But this wasn’t a reunion that they expected or initially felt comfortable with. “At first I was surprised when they asked me to pose with hardly any clothes on with a guerrilla,” Londoño told The Daily Mail, “But I liked the message and we in Colombia are so used to strong images that we needed to do something shocking to reach the people and show them there is a way to peace.” www.thegeorgiavoice.com

“Once sworn enemies, the pair agreed to pose like this in the Colombian magazine SoHo. Other photos included in the shoot show the women standing topless in an embrace, and pressing against one another wearing white, sweaty tank tops. Oh my.” Pacheco told local media that although her initial reaction was one of hesitation, she decided to accept the invitation. “It’s been very important for my life, the image is about being at peace, and what’s more beautiful than two women from the opposite sides doing it. It’s time to ask for forgiveness from those I hurt during my time as a guerrilla.” As much as I enjoy these photos, I hate to report that the two are not lovers in real life. In her interview, Pacheco says her husband has been really supportive about her career choice to continue modeling. Oh well. Still, in this time of sadness SoHo’s effort is a nice respite from the contrary images of despair and disgust I’ve been seeing for far too long. My lesbian sisters and I will appreciate this display of togetherness, but what has the reception been in South America to these attractive women tangled up with little or no clothes on? One reader of the magazine commented, “This is the peace we want in Colombia.” I add with arms open, “En Estados Unidos tambien.” (In The United States also.) Melissa Carter is one of the Morning Show hosts on B98.5. In addition, she is a writer for the Huffington Post. She is recognized as one of the first out radio personalities in Atlanta and one ofthe few in the country. Follow her on Twitter@MelissaCarter November 27, 2015 Columnists 37

SOMETIMES ‘Y’ By RYAN LEE

Courting expectation and frustration I recently walked in on two female coworkers commiserating over the immaturity and aversion to commitment shown by straight men. One of them assumed their bitterness was foreign to me, since the gay dating scene (she assumed) attracted upstanding, loving men who were eager to marry. “This conversation could be a template for half the profiles I see on gay dating sites,” I said. “Every other guy is like, ‘Gay men are no good,’ and ‘All gay men think about is sex,’ and ‘Everybody just wants to play games.’” I’ve always thought it was dangerous for gay men, or any minority, to view themselves and their people as uniquely deficient in any area; in this case, the presumption that we lack a sexual restraint and emotional capacity that heterosexual men possess. This mindset not only frustrates gay men’s search for love, but can sabotage the potential for friendship. Many of my friends are guys I met on a gay hookup site—some former sexual partners, but most with whom a friendship developed over shared interests in tennis, politics, nightlife or marijuana. There is an abundance of opportunities for platonic bonds to develop between gay men, if only so many of us didn’t view our interactions with each other as tainted. About a year ago I sent a friend request to someone with whom I shared several mutual Facebook friends. I’d enjoyed his comments on various threads. After reading a few weeks of his status updates, seeing similarities in our interests and thought processes, I sent a message asking if he would be interested in meeting in real life for a movie or drink. In fairness and full disclosure, he was an attractive man, and I likely wouldn’t have sent the friend request or message had he not been. Still, it was an earnest invitation to someone whose worldview seemed to harmonize with mine that was received, and rejected, as a sexual advance. He later posted his frustration with gay men turning Facebook into a hookup site, and I cringed at being perceived as a troll. I’m secure in my intentions given that I am

“I’ve always thought it was dangerous for gay men, or any minority, to view themselves and their people as uniquely deficient in any area; in this case, the presumption that we lack a sexual restraint and emotional capacity that heterosexual men possess.” not looking for a boyfriend and sex without pretense is one of my favorite parts about being gay, and further comforted by the knowledge of how straight men employ an arsenal of “likes” and inbox messages to pursue women they wish they could fuck. Despite being singed by someone I’ve continued to admire, and who has since expressed appreciation for my perspective on issues, I repeated this sequence with another guy who had mutual friends, who had intriguing opinions, who happened to be attractive... Based on his posts and comments, I thought he might be interested in an exhibit at the High Museum this past January. We got together for brunch before the museum, enjoyed the novelty of exploring fine art with a stranger, and kept the good time going with dinner at Henry’s. There was a glow to our conversation that caused someone to approach our table and guess that we were on a first date. My Facebook friend and I looked at each other and couldn’t deny that our day was filled with idyllic courtship, and we shared the hope that a friendship would develop. One of the things I’m most thankful for over the last year is the growth of our bond, going to art shows, symphonies and nightclubs, talking about politics, passions and sexual philosophies and behaviors. It’s generally difficult to make friends in adulthood, and I think it’s a mistake for gay men to let distrust of today’s tools and people to make it harder. Ryan Lee is an Atlanta writer.

38 Columnists November 27, 2015 www.thegeorgiavoice.com

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