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The Name on Everybody’s Lips is Gonna be Maxxie!
By Robbie Todoro
With the world eagerly awaiting the next great superhero, director Anthony Hand is answering the call — in heels. Hand’s groundbreaking animated feature Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero makes its glittering debut on TVOD platforms including Amazon, iTunes, Google, and Dish this June 17. Centered around a shy barista who transforms into a fierce drag queen superhero, the film is a dazzling mashup of drag culture, pulsepounding music, and high-flying fantasy. Featuring the voices of celebrated RuPaul’s Drag Race stars like Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCrème, Monét X Change, and Rosé, Maxxie LaWow isn’t just an animated spectacle—it’s a heartfelt story of self-acceptance, community, and the magic of becoming your true self. We sat down with Anthony Hand to talk about the inspiration behind the world’s first drag queen superhero film, the creative process, and why now is the perfect time for Maxxie to soar.
Maxxie LaWow is the first animated feature film centered on a drag queen superhero—what inspired you to take this bold and groundbreaking leap into uncharted cinematic territory?
After seeing yet another superhero movie about a straight guy, I realized our LGBTQ+ stories weren’t being told so I set out to change that. Drag queens have always inspired me with their resilience, art, and magic. Drag is the perfect metaphor for a superpower, and I knew it would resonate far beyond the queer community.
You’ve mentioned the impact of Drag Race and the lack of LGBTQ+ superheroes as creative motivators— how did those influences specifically shape the character of Simon and his transformation into Maxxie?
Simon’s journey shows that you don’t need a wig, a costume, or a title to be a “Shero.” You just have to believe in the power that’s already inside you. Loving yourself is the real transformation, and that’s what gives you the courage to stand up, speak out, and shine.
Drag is such a physical and expressive art form. What were the biggest challenges in translating that live-action energy into animation, and how did your collaboration with Chubby Beagle Productions help overcome them?
Capturing the magic of live drag in animation was a fun challenge. From lip sync battles to aerial choreography, we worked with an amazing choreographer, studied drag shows, and poured all that energy into the animation. Watching it come alive was pure magic.
The film blends superhero fantasy with high-energy music—can you talk about how the original songs, particularly “Shero” and “Bye Girl Bye,” serve to deepen the emotional arcs of your characters?
From the start, I knew we needed original songs that would celebrate drag, lift up the LGBTQ+ community, and be so good that queens everywhere would want to lip sync to them. Each song reflects what’s happening in the story emotionally, from a
Kylie Minogue-meets-Barbarella anthem about loving yourself to a Britney Spearsstyle banger celebrating Maxxie’s arrival. The songs add heart, humor, and pure pop magic and I can’t wait for everyone to dance along when the soundtrack drops this summer.
influence the tone and style of the film? Working with these iconic queens was pure magic. Their wit, warmth, and hilarious improvisations helped shape Maxxie LaWow into a fierce and funny celebration of drag artistry.
Now that Maxxie LaWow is finding her spotlight on major platforms, what do you hope audiences take away from Simon’s journey of self-acceptance and empowerment?
Maxxie LaWow is a bright, joyful, campy, and uplifting film with a whole lot of heart. From the very beginning, I wanted it to be accessible to drag fans of all ages and backgrounds, including our straight allies, and to create something that queer kids could watch with their families and friends. Everyone who worked on this film poured their passion into bringing Maxxie’s story to life, and I think we’ve created something truly special. I can’t wait for Maxxie to find the big, loving audience she deserves.
Dyna Bolical is a fabulously fierce villain with a wild plan involving drag queen tears—what inspired her character, and how did you approach balancing her camp with complexity?
Dyna Bolical is part Joan Jett, part Jaida Essence Hall, and part Maleficent — a fierce rocker, a fashion-forward queen, and a classic villain rolled into one. Her outrageous plot to harvest drag queen tears was inspired by Heidi N Closet’s hilarious Drag Race win and my love of over-the-top camp.
You’ve assembled an all-star voice cast, including Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCrème, and Monét X Change— what was it like working with these iconic drag voices, and how did they
And the early response has been amazing. Everyone who’s watched it so far keeps asking, “When do we get to see more?” So who knows? Maybe this is just the beginning. Maybe one day we’ll see Maxxie in a series, or another big glittering feature film adventure.
Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero will release to TVOD platforms Amazon, iTunes, Google, indemand, Dish, DirectV, and VUDU on Tuesday, June 17. For more information, visit www.maxxie.com and follow on Instagram @MaxxieLaWow
Creating a Queer-Friendly Wellness Routine
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Dear Coach, I struggle with my mental health. I know exercise can help reduce anxiety and depression. I am curious if you have any other wellness routines you recommend?
Thank you!
Stressed and Blessed
Hey Stud,
I got you. Our community faces unique stressors like minority stress, healthcare discrimination, and lack of representation. So it’s paramount to take care of you and get into a routine that supports your identity, self-worth, and community.
Here are some tips to get your mental health on track:
Exercise
mind. Pro Tip: sign up for weekly classes so you get a full hour workout. It’s also a great way to meet folks!
Build Supportive Social Circles
We all know that community helps us feel less isolated. We need people to share with and listen to! Find groups not necessarily focused on the bar scene to connect with. Have weekly check-ins with a group of 3-4 folks so you can open up and be vulnerable with others.
Moving the body does amazing things for mental health. Taking daily walks, weekend hikes and joining a gym/yoga studio are all good ways to balance body and
Practice Queer-Affirming Self-Care
Being queer in this world can be rough, so take some time to celebrate your queerness. This could be the way you dress, the art you create, or the space you call home. Also, set boundaries with non-affirming folks and lean into your chosen family.
Nurture Your Physical Health
Find an LGBTQ-friendly healthcare provider and make sure you get regular check-ups and STI screenings.
Take care of your body! Eat well, hydrate, and REST, sis!
Set Goals That Reflect Your Identity
Try intentional goal-setting (short-term and long-term), avoid comparison culture, especially on social media, and celebrate progress and identity milestones.
Prioritize Mental Health
Working with a therapist or coach can bring clarity and understanding to our lives while providing a safe space to
understand ourselves and our emotions. Do a google search for ‘queer coaching’ or ‘queer therapy’ and see what comes up. I’m also happy to help!
Do you have questions about mental health/wellness? Send them to cator@davidatlanta.com and check each week to see if your question was selected.
Don’t worry, we won’t share your name.
From WorldPride to Pride Around the World
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
WorldPride may be over, but the global celebration of Pride is just kicking off—stretching from summer into vibrant fall.
The Pride season is more than a single month—it’s a global movement spanning continents, cultures, and causes. Whether you’re marching in Helsinki, dancing in Bangkok, or celebrating in Brighton, every spot adds a distinct note to the symphony of LGBTQ+ visibility, solidarity, and joy.
Here’s your ultimate itinerary for hopping between some of the biggest, most colorful, and politically resonant Pride festivals around the world, in chronological order.
Start in Helsinki, step into southern U.S. Pride, live out the legacy in New York, continue through Europe’s summer with Oslo, Barcelona, and Stockholm, slide into seaside Brighton and Copenhagen in August, wave your flag in Ottawa, and cap it off in magical Salzburg come September. This summer-fall, make every rainbow count.
June 23–29: Helsinki Pride (Finland)
Kick off your journey in northern Europe with the Helsinki Pride Week, June 2329, Finland’s largest human rights and queer culture festival. Activities range from art events to parties, culminating in the Pride Parade and Park Festival on June 28, which draws around 100,000 people.
� Check out lansingpride.org for more.
� Nashville, Tennessee – Parade and festival at Lower Broadway and Bicentennial Mall. Check out nashvillepride.org for more.
Check pride.fi for more info.
Augusta Pride / Lansing Pride / Nashville Pride (USA)
For a taste of Southern U.S. Pride, June 28 hosts events across several cities:
� Augusta, Georgia – Pride weekend at Augusta Common. Check out prideaugusta.org for more.
New York City Pride (USA)
Experience the birthplace of modern Pride with NYC Pride. Expect a full weekend—PrideFest on June 28–29, the iconic Heritage of Pride March and main Parade on June 29—through Manhattan’s avenues. Tens of thousands march in solidarity, building on the Stonewall legacy. Check out nycpride.org for more.
� Lansing, Michigan – Free festival with over 200 vendors in Old Town.
Bonus: Pitchfork & Them’s Night Out concert hits Queens on June 26 (pitchfork.com).
Oslo Pride (Norway)
Salzburg
In Oslo, Pride is held in the latter half of the month from June 20-28. The 10-day festival features a cultural program— films, debates, concerts—concluding with a Parade and festival at Kontraskjæret. See more at visitoslo.com.
Barcelona Pride (Spain)
Barcelona’s Pride BCN kicks off June 28–July 19, with the parade and main events clustered mid-July. It blends fierce demonstrations with cultural celebration and political discourse. See more at pridebarcelona.org.
Stockholm Pride (Sweden)
Pride (Austria)
Round out your travels with Salzburg Pride from August 29 to September 7, a picturesque mountain-city celebration featuring a vibrant parade, community events, and Alpine flair. See more at hosi. or.at/pride.
Travel Tips & Highlights
� Timing & Space: Festivals like NYC, Barcelona, Brighton, and Copenhagen draw huge international crowds—book lodging early and expect packed streets.
Stockholm Pride runs July 31 to August 4. Events include seminars, Pride Park concerts daily, and a Parade that culminates in a festive atmosphere. See more at stockholmpride.org.
Brighton & Hove Pride (UK)
Head to England’s seaside cultural capital for Brighton Pride on August 2–3, attracting up to 500,000 on the seafront and in Preston Park. Check out brighton-pride.org for more.
Copenhagen Pride (Denmark)
Copenhagen Pride unfolds August 9-17, featuring city-wide political and celebratory events, capped by a Parade through City Hall Square on August 16 and waterfront parties. See more at copenhagenpride.dk.
Ottawa’s Capital Pride (Canada)
In North America? Don’t miss Capital Pride Ottawa, August 16–24, with parades, picnics, and festivals across the city. See more at capitalpride.ca.
�
Local Flavor: Each destination adds regional color—Nordic activism in Helsinki and Oslo, Thai royal involvement and legislative wins in Bangkok, and Spanish political passion in Barcelona.
�
Balance of Fun & Politics: Every city integrates activism with celebration. Oslo and Copenhagen lean toward progressive policy talks; Brighton blends beachside revelry with inclusive arts.Seasonal Stretch: June–September provides a rich tapestry of Pride experiences, from equatorial festivity to autumnal European charm.
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
CELEBRATE PALS WITH FOOD, DRINKS, MUSIC AND DANCING
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.
Weekends as an adult don’t ma er anymore. I’ll tak a bo le of wine on a Wednesday IDGAF.
Looking for a man in finance, 94, poor health, and no living relatives.
Always be kind. You never know who might own a boat.
So jealous of cats. I magine being a huge bitch all the time, and the person taking care of you is like awwwwww.
Hate when older people say “Youʼre too young to be tired.” Alright, Margaret, youʼre too old to be alive, but here we are.
e way June is ying by, I already know summer is gonna be over in two and a half weeks.
Ever been with me drunk? I bet your night wasn’t boring!
You get pre ier the more you heal your gut, hydrate, and mind your business.
