The Rise of Atlanta’s Phoenix
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
On top of preparing for one of the biggest moments of my life, I decided to move from a place, that I had been living for like 15 years! Only I would time this like I do! When I got my dates to fly out for taping, it was also the same time I had to be out of my place! So not only was I preparing for allstars, but I was hunting for new home, I was packing, and still working my gigs here! Ahhhhh!
Luckily, I found a place, and I have some AMAZING friends that came over and moved me out and in, the day before I left, and they continued to move me while I was gone. So yeah, I came home to a new home after 15 years and boxes lol! Only me…
Who did your incredible promo look?
The amazingly talented Chris Tyler! Chris and I have been working together for a huge part of my drag career, and I always say he’s one the reasons that I’m the queen I am today. I can come to him with an idea or concept, and he knows me so well that he can fully bring it to life. We just have that kind of relationship after many years of working together, it makes for the perfect team. I knew when I decided the direction I wanted to go, that it was going to be a tough one. There were 1100 grommets, thousands of rhinestones, yards of hand-cut lacing, and over 30 yards of fabric.
Chris also designed my Phoenix main stage entrance look and is working on my NYC premiere dress now. He really is incredible and deserves all of his flowers.
Can you elaborate on the whole bracket system of this season?
So basically, there are three groups of six queens. We all compete in a variety of different challenges. I can’t really go into every detail – that NDA is severe until it airs.
What do you think is going to surprise viewers the most about you this season?
My look is probably the biggest! Since then, I’ve really worked on mastering my craft and the art form. Also, me as a person! Ive grown and evolved so much, not only as an artist but as a person.
What surprised you the most being on this season?
Literally everything! It was like being on it for the first time. I’ll be honest, I don’t fully watch it as much as most, so the girls would laugh at me and have to explain drag race
to me! A b*tch has been busy! So yes, everything surprised me!
I, for one, can’t wait to see you on my TV screen again, and if our readers want even more Phoenix, where can they follow you on socials, and when and where can people see you at shows here in Atlanta and beyond?
Thank you! I’m more active on Instagram than any other platform, so follow me at phoenix_atl. You can also follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/phoenix.atl and on tik tok @phoenix_atl.
You can see me every week at Blake’s on Thursdays for Atlanta’s Angels and popping up all over the city. You can see me at the Peach Party on Saturday, May 10, and also on Friday, May 30, at One Magical Weekend in Orlando for “Riptide” at Typhoon Lagoon! Keep a look out on my social media pages for my busy summer schedule, and if you’d like to book me at your venue or event, email Mark@warnertalentagency.com
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ll just add by saying, thank you to Atlanta for showing me so much love throughout my almost 25-year career. Atlanta is one of the greatest cities in America, with one of the best LGBTQ+ and drag scenes. I’ve worked my ass off to keep the Atlanta drag legacy alive and thriving, so I appreciate the continued love and support. Also, remember that while Drag Race is amazing, and it’s launched drag into the mainstream spotlight, there is just as much talent right here in Atlanta, so go out and SUPPORT your local entertainers and shows.
game delves into trauma, autonomy, and queer identity in a way that’s both haunting and healing.
�� Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (2025)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
The follow-up to the medieval RPG adds long-requested same-sex romance options. Players can now pursue relationships with male characters like Hans Capon and Black Bartosch. It’s a welcome addition for LGBTQ+ players who want authentic romance options in historically inspired worlds—proof that even gritty realism has room for queer love.
Honorable Mentions: Queer Gaming on Screen
The Last of Us (HBO)
Arcane (Netflix)
While subtle, the chemistry between Vi and Caitlyn in Arcane has left fans eager for more overt LGBTQ+ representation. Based on League of Legends, this beautifully animated series shows the power of bringing game characters to life with greater emotional nuance—and hopefully more queer visibility in future seasons.
HBO’s acclaimed adaptation of the beloved game didn’t shy away from its queer roots. Episode 3, focusing on the love story between Bill and Frank, became one of the most talked-about TV moments of the year. And with Ellie’s queerness poised to take center stage in Season 2, queer visibility in gaming adaptations continues to rise.
Why Representation in Gaming Matters
Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about validation. When LGBTQ+ players see their identities reflected authentically, it transforms the gaming experience from escapism to connection. Whether through tender love stories, gender-nonconforming characters, or the freedom to choose your own path, games have become a vital space for exploring queerness on our own terms.
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL
840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
ANSLEY
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
LORE ATLANTA loreatl.com 466 Edgewood Ave loreatl.com
DINING
MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
ANSLEY
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
FITNESS MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW SOUTHERN NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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