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By Michael Trombino
“I haven’t been to Atlanta in far too long,” reflects Tom Goss. “For me, coming back is very special because I’ve always felt such a wonderful sense of community in Atlanta. I am lo oking forward to being back and connecting with people I haven’t seen in years.”
The out singer best known for his fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” is bringing his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to Atlanta on Saturday, June 14. The afternoon performance will start at 2:30pm at Red Light Cafe.
In addition to all of his hits, Tom Goss will perform “Bear Soup,” a high-energy, bass-thumping banger
that celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture. We spoke from him while he was touring Europe.
What can fans expect from your Atlanta stop?
People can expect to hear great music, engaging storytelling, and to leave with a big smile on their faces. I am excited to be performing with Kristen Ford as well. She is such a firecracker as a person and performer. It is impossible not to love Kristen.
How does “Bear Soup” expand on the themes of your earlier hits?
I see “Bear Soup” as a celebration of bears, the gay community, and
body positivity, but I’m not going to lie. Ultimately it was inspired by me wanting bears to twerk their bellies and asses. It’s really that simple. Now more than ever, we need reasons to celebrate who we are.
Why do you think your bear songs continue to resonate with audiences?
We exist in a society that has deemed one way of being as perfect: thin, white, straight, rich. That’s it. The rest is meant to be shameful. Fuck that. I don’t see the world that way and I am not alone. People are tired of being fed the same story that doesn’t, and never will fit them. People see themselves in these videos and feel beautiful. People see who they are attracted to in these videos and feel understood. People see a community that isn’t intent on rejecting them for their differences and they feel at home. Honestly, that’s all anyone ever wants in life.
The bear community is known for its inclusivity and vibrancy.
I cannot express how much gratitude I have for this community and those who have embraced me from the beginning. I think it has provided me with the freedom to be authentic. There are so many artists that pretend to be something they are not because they fear rejection, and ultimately failure. To me, there is no failure. At this point, I have my loyal fanbase and they don’t love me because I got the right plastic surgery or fucked the right producer. They won’t abandon me
when I get older. They won’t shame me when I gain weight. They embrace me for who I am.
Atlanta has a strong and vibrant bear scene.
I expect a lot of WOOFs, laughter, and undies thrown on the stage at Red Light Cafe! I want my Atlanta people to give me a big hug, tell me about their family, their pets, their new jobs, and understand that we are about to have a communal event. Their only job is to come as they are.
more installments in your bear song series?
After “Bear Soup,” I will release another single and video called “Gay Stuff,” then follow all of this up with a full Americana album. It’s going to be a fun year for sure. I will never stop writing about bear. Even my songs that aren’t about bears, are 100% about bears. Visit TomGossMusic.com
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Today, it’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Black liberation and a celebration of Black resilience, culture, and joy.
In Atlanta, a city deeply rooted in civil rights history and vibrant Black culture, Juneteenth is marked with events that honor this legacy. For the LGBTQ+ community, especially Black queer individuals, these celebrations are not only about remembrance but also about visibility and unity.
1. Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival
June 14–15, 2025
Piedmont Park
This 13th annual festival is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the Southeast. It features a vibrant parade, live music across multiple stages, cultural vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event emphasizes unity and showcases the rich tapestry of Black culture.
2. Black ASF: A Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 12:00
AM | 236 Forsyth Street SW
Hosted by Another Lesbian Party, this event is a celebration for the Black queer community. With music, dancing, and
a marketplace, it’s a space to honor Black queer identities and histories in a joyful and affirming environment.
3. Black Queer Voices of Freedom: Call to Action
June 19, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Truth Midtown Restaurant & Lounge
Organized by The Black Queer Collective Inc., this gathering focuses on amplifying Black queer voices and fostering discussions on freedom and activism. It’s an opportunity for community building and reflection.
4. Juneteenth Festival at Adair Park II
June 19, 2025 | Adair Park II
A family-friendly event featuring live music, food, and activities celebrating Black culture and history. It’s a welcoming space for all to honor Juneteenth’s significance.
5. Sandy Springs Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM City Springs
This free event offers educational experiences, live performances, and art exhibits, providing a space for learning and celebration.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check the official event pages for the most up-to-date information.
The Importance of Juneteenth for the Black Queer Community
Juneteenth is not just a historical marker; it’s a call to action. For Black queer individuals, it’s a reminder of the dual fight against racism and homophobia. Celebrating Juneteenth in queer spaces affirms identities that have often been marginalized within both Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
Events like Black ASF and the Black Queer Voices of Freedom gathering provide platforms for expression, solidarity, and joy. They honor the contributions of Black queer individuals to the ongoing struggle for equality and recognize the unique challenges faced at this intersection.
Atlanta’s Juneteenth events offer a blend of celebration and contemplation. Whether you’re dancing at a queer-centered party or attending a familyfriendly festival, each event is an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision a more inclusive future.
For more information on Juneteenth events in Atlanta, visit Discover Atlanta’s Juneteenth page.
By Dr. Zachary LaVigne, B.S., D.C.
Anxiety isn’t just a feeling—it’s a signal. And for LGBTQ+ folks, that signal is often firing on high. Studies consistently show that queer and trans people experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than their cisgender, heterosexual peers. But it’s not because we’re inherently more anxious. It’s because the world gives us more to be anxious about.
From growing up with subtle (or notso-subtle) messages that something about us is “wrong,” to facing real risks of rejection, violence, or legal discrimination, our nervous systems are often doing their best to keep us safe in a world that doesn’t always feel safe. This is what researchers call minority stress—the chronic, cumulative strain of navigating life in a society that marginalizes your identity. And lately, it feels like those stressors are intensifying.
supporting one another. And those same instincts still serve us today.
Start with the breath. It may sound simple, but conscious breathing is one of the fastest ways to calm the nervous system. When your body thinks you’re in danger, your breath gets shallow. But when you slow down and breathe deeply into your belly—try inhaling for four counts, exhaling for six—you tell your body, “Hey, we’re safe now.” Do this often. Even better, pair it with a daily mindfulness practice or grounding technique, like placing your bare feet on the earth or holding something textured in your hand to bring your awareness back to the present.
Scrolling through the news can feel like stepping into a minefield. Bans on gender-affirming care. Attacks on drag. Book censorship. The political is personal for us—every headline has the potential to shake the foundation of our security. So it’s no wonder our bodies feel on edge.
But here’s the good news: we’re not powerless. Our ancestors—queer and otherwise—survived by forming tightknit tribes, tuning into their bodies, and
Get outside and move. Long before we had couches and phones, we moved across forests, plains, and mountains. Our bodies evolved to regulate stress through physical movement, especially in nature. Hiking, even just a slow walk among trees, helps calm the sympathetic nervous system. The smells of pine, the crunch of leaves, the natural light—it’s medicine we were built for. If you can’t leave the city, find a nearby park and walk without a destination. Can’t get to green space? Pop in headphones and play soft music or nature sounds as you walk—blocking out honking horns and distant sirens can keep your nervous system from slipping into fight-or-flight. Even a short walk with intention can change
the way your brain processes stress.
And perhaps most importantly: connect. Anxiety thrives in isolation. It tells us no one will understand, that we’re a burden, or that we have to get ourselves together before we reach out. But connection is the antidote. Whether it’s a text to a friend, a queer hiking group, a drag brunch, or even an online forum where you feel seen— community calms the nervous system like nothing else.
The truth is, the world may stay uncertain. But we can build something more certain between us. We can choose to tune into our breath, our bodies, and each other. The same way early humans sat around fires and
shared stories to ward off the dark, we too can sit together—maybe not always in person, but in spirit—and remind each other we’re not alone.
Your anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your body is paying attention.
So listen with compassion. And when you’re ready, speak up. Someone out there needs your story to feel a little less alone in theirs.
Dr. Zachary LaVigne, D.C. William Hernandez, LMT
By Jimmy Newsum
As Pride heats up and summer pulses just around the corner, a vibrant new wave of anthems is ready to ignite gay dance floors everywhere. From euphoric club bangers to fierce empowerment tracks, these releases aren’t just songs. They’re rallying cries for freedom, joy, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether it’s On Mekahel’s circuit-party sizzler or Sarah Schroeder’s fiery anthem of resilience, each track offers a high-energy escape tailor-made for Pride season. Get ready to hit the floor. These five tracks are your soundtrack to the most unforgettable Pride yet.
“All Night Long” Kory Burns
Kory Burns turns up the heat with “All Night Long,” a sultry, soulstirring triumph that marks a bold evolution for the rising pop-R&B star. Co-written with Grammy-nominated producer Tauren Stovall (Usher’s “Good Good”) and hitmaker Sean McMillion (DJ Khaled, Trey Songz), the track oozes sensuality with sleek, slow-burning production and Burns’ signature velvet vocals. But more than a sexy groove, “All Night Long” is a declaration of identity. With this release, Burns publicly comes out as bisexual, channeling the vulnerability and pride of that moment into every note. The result is a deeply personal yet universally resonant anthem of love, truth, and liberation.
“Fake Ass Bitch (F.A.B)”
Océane Aqua-Black (ft. Kween Kong, Ra’Jah O’Hara & Silky Nutmeg Ganache)
Canada’s Drag Race icon Océane Aqua-Black delivers pure attitude and empowerment with “Fake Ass Bitch (F.A.B),” a fierce, no-holds-barred
anthem featuring fellow Drag Race royalty Kween Kong, Ra’Jah O’Hara, and Silky Nutmeg Ganache. Produced by Velvet Code, the track pulses with high-gloss electro-pop and gritty hiphop flair in the style of Todrick Hall. But beyond the beat, “F.A.B” makes a vital statement about Black representation in drag and dance music. “Too often, we’re passed over,” Océane says. “I wanted to show the world what we can do together.” Mission accomplished. This is a strut-worthy banger with heart, sass, and a whole lot of soul.
“On the Wire”
Sarah Schroeder (a.k.a. Sarah Sasha)
Emerging pop powerhouse Sarah Schroeder, stepping into her alter ego Sarah Sasha, makes a fearless debut with “On the Wire.” A soaring anthem of rebirth, it fuses
cinematic pop with raw, emotionally charged lyrics that speak to anyone balancing on the edge; vulnerable, yet unbreakable. “There comes a point when you stop playing by the rules and start playing by your truth,” she says, and the track captures that transformation with electric intensity. Paired with a visually stunning music video packed with fierce choreography and symbolic imagery, “On the Wire” announces Sarah Sasha as a bold new voice and a force to watch.
“Pretty Boy”
On Mekahel
On Mekahel, the out singer, reality TV personality, and fashion designer, brings highglam energy with “Pretty Boy,” a glittering dance anthem that blends playful lyrics, cultural pride, and fierce self-love. With its pulsing beat, catchy hooks, and tongue-in-cheek swagger, the track sees Mekahel stepping fully into the confident persona he’s long dreamed of becoming. Co-written with his husband Dave and produced by Tel Aviv’s Ran Ziv, “Pretty Boy” is more than just a club track. It’s a personal celebration of beauty, identity, and the power of loving who you are, out loud and on your own terms.
“Bye Girl Bye”
Maxxie LaWow (voiced by Angie Fisher)
Fueled by the powerhouse vocals
of Grammy-nominated Angie Fisher, “Bye Girl Bye” is a dance-pop anthem
that dazzles with polish, theatrical flair, and unapologetic club energy. It is featured in the new animated film, Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, depicting the moment Maxxie steps into her power, silences the haters, and lets her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent take the spotlight. Imagine the fire of P!nk, the glam of Gaga, and the soul
of Robyn—all wrapped in drag-fueled fabulousness. The remix package turns up the heat even further, with Grammy-winning DJ Tracy Young, Dirty Disco, Until Dawn, Division 4 & Matt Consola, and Jace M & Toy Armada each delivering their own electrifying take on the track. “Bye Girl Bye” isn’t just a song—it’s a declaration. Stream it loud, stream it proud, and keep it on repeat.
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
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
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
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
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE
GRAVITY FITNESS gravity tnessatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
SOUTHERN NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
PARK TAVERN - PIEDMONT ARK - AUGUST 23 - 7 PM
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
It hurts ge ing dunked on by Gen Z because they’re just si ing theredressed like season 2 of Friends.
My boyfriend saw a cockroach in the kitchen. He did a deep clean and sprayed everything. Today, I’m putting it in the bathroom.
Biggest pro of being 40+? We did all of our stupid shit before the internet and smartphones. The rest of y’all are in trouble!
Not now lane assist, Iʼm trying to do something cool!
I hate when someone makes me be mean. I was just a pocket full of sunshine, you b*tch!
I really just want two drinks, but if God wants me to have four then 25 it is.
You think I’m rude? You should hear the unfiltered voice in my head!
It’s officially unsticking your thighs from chairs season in Atlanta.
