30+ Years In Photos
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Russ Youngblood has been photographing and documenting Atlanta’s LGBTQIA+ community since 1994 – and he hasn’t stopped! In fact, you will still see him in Atlanta’s nightlife scene and at signature events with his camera as David’s lead photographer – and he was recently named Atlanta Pride Grand Marshal. Now, more than 30 years later, he is ready to release his book “What I Saw…,” which compiles decades of photos from the Atlanta community.
Russ, first, tell us about how you got started in photography.
I started visiting and photographing Atlanta’s LGBTQIA+ community in the summer of 1994, when Jason Gilbert introduced me to Backstreet. I permanently moved here in 1999 with my best friend, Steve Ryan, who is still a close friend and like family.
That same summer, I began photographing for David Magazine and have since worked with every gay publication in Atlanta, as well as several national gay publications. It has been an honor to document our community through its celebrations, protests, and all the moments in between.
Now you’re about to publish your book “What I Saw…” which is a memoir and collection of thousands of photos from decades of capturing and documenting the ATL LGBTQIA+ community. When did you get the idea to make a book of it?
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment I decided to publish “What I Saw…”. It feels like an idea that has been floating around for a while. The initial spark came when I realized that publications only wanted a small number of photos from events and weren’t interested in keeping all the negatives or purchasing the DVDs (yes, I’m that old!). I knew this was our community’s
history and journey, so I took it upon myself to preserve it, buying thousands of CDs, DVDs, and eventually using Dropbox and hard drives. I’ve roughly estimated that I’ve accumulated over a million images in the last 31 years.
I’m incredibly excited and grateful that, with a lot of help, I’ve managed to edit those down to about 1,300 images for this 156page book. To me, it’s more than just a photo book; it’s a family album.
What was the process like selecting the photos? You must have picked from thousands upon thousands of images? It must have been quite the trip down memory lane!
It was a pretty intense process going through all those images. I rediscovered so many photos I’d completely forgotten about—the faces of old friends and past events brought back a lot of emotions. It was also incredibly moving, and at times, heartbreaking, to find people who once brought so much joy and laughter to our Atlanta community, but are no longer with us. I miss some of them dearly, and I truly hope this book serves as a reminder of who they were and that we are still here.
What did you learn from sorting through all these photos? How have times changed for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community?
The saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” certainly holds true. Our community continues to face challenges as we litigate for equal rights, not special ones, but simply equal. It seems the current administration is intent on
moving our community backward.
On the other hand, the nightlife scene is constantly evolving. The faces, fashion, and music always change, but the one constant is the community and friendships that form under the lights and beats of the night.
This book is also a testament to your legacy and contributions to this community. What’s next for you?
I’m happy to hear that the book reflects so many different times and people. I hope my contribution to our community is seen as that of a visual historian.
As for what’s next for me, I’d say I plan to slow down. I’ve officially joined the ranks of senior citizens, but I don’t think I’m pretty ready for that yet! If I’m not going in three directions at once, I start to wonder what’s wrong.
Let’s talk more about the book. How many photos does it contain?
It contains just over 1300 images across 156 pages. Initially, I planned for 140 pages, but I kept finding more photos I wanted to include. I was even “threatened” not to add any more pictures! I’ve done my best to include as many people and events as possible, which is why it feels more like a family album of my extended Atlanta family.
Russ Youngblood’s “What I saw…” will be published on July 31, 2025. You can pre-order your copy now for $29.99 at alphabetsoupmarketing.com.
25% of all profits from sales of the book will go to support Lost-n-Found Youth and Positive Impact Health Centers.
Struggling
No cutting. No stitches.
Minimal discomfort.
Back to your routine fast.
Performed
Jae XO is “Fabulous”
By Shane Gallagher
Jae XO is reclaiming their power with the release of Fabulous, a bold, brass-infused anthem of queer joy, self-worth, and rebirth. The new single marks a powerful turning point for the revolutionary transgender artist, who spent much of 2024 grieving the loss of their mother after a decades-long battle with addiction. “I wouldn’t let another year be defined solely by my grief,” Jae XO explains. “I wrote Fabulous because I needed to remind myself how fucking fabulous I am.” The song, born from a New Year’s vow to step beyond depression and anger, is more than just a personal pep talk. It’s a glittering
declaration of survival and self-discovery, inviting listeners to join Jae XO on a journey of radical visibility and celebration.
You describe “FABULOUS” as a love letter to band kids. How did your time as a drum major influence the song’s sound and spirit?
There aren’t words to describe the feeling of 100 musicians blasting their horns at your command as you conduct 15 feet in the air on a podium while a stadium full of fans cheer behind you. I wanted to make a song that brought me back to my drum major era, but now as a majorette. I pulled so much inspiration from pop icons like Gwen Stefani, Janelle Monaé, Fergie, Missy Elliot, Madonna, and Destiny’s Child who were making these mega hits in the early 2000s using big brass and drum line sections. The spirit of that music was the soundtrack of my childhood, and shaped my love for music from an early age. It’s a visceral, thrilling, and nostalgic soundscape that we need to bring back into the mainstream. Being a drum major also taught me how to be a leader and inspire others through the love of art, which is always the end goal at the core of my music. I want “FABULOUS” to inspire people to be themselves and show it off to the world loud and proud.
There’s a strong message of radical visibility in this track. In today’s political climate, how do you view the act of being openly queer and trans as both celebration and protest?
Especially in the current political climate, being proud and queer is a protest at its core. Owning your truth and strutting your stuff is an act of rebellion. Being FABULOUS doesn’t just mean looking pretty and acting sassy, it’s a lifestyle that puts the trans and queer experience out in the open. You can’t deny our existence when we’re standing right in front of you in platform patent leather heels, stuffed bra and a mini skirt, wearing a lace front 26-inch honey blonde wig, screaming “PROTECT TRANS YOUTH” into a megaphone. We’ve always been here and we always will be. Accepting yourself and committing to it every single day is so immensely liberating that all I can do to contain my joy is celebrate that with my community. And sometimes, under certain circumstances, that act of celebration is so powerful that it can’t be described as anything less than revolutionary.
What was it like collaborating with Velvet Code and Grammy-winning engineer Denise Barbarita on this song?
This truly was the dream team. When I first brought this song to Velvet Code, it was an amateur garage band demo I had thrown together paired with a thousand and one ideas bouncing around in my head. We spent a couple months putting together the track, and when I heard the final version, I knew I had to get to the studio immediately. I scheduled a session that same week with Denise Barbarita and she took me from a singer to an artist. Then the track went back to the magician himself, Velvet Code, who worked at lightning speed with the engineers of SoFierce Music to mix and master this track into the pure joy and magic that you’ll want to play on repeat all summer!
Follow @jaexo.music
AUGUST 3, 2025 |
Brunch, beats, and giving back. Enjoy great food, craft cocktails, entertainment, and a fabulous silent auction—all to help local kids head back to school with confidence, pride, and the supplies they need to succeed.
Purchasing a $40 virtual backpack secures your entry into backpack party.
The Queer Compass Tips for Navigating Loneliness in the Queer Community
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Dear Coach,
To be frank, I’m lonely. I’m single, and I go to bars, but I don’t find a connection, and the apps are exhausting. Any tips? Thanks, Seeing Community
wide social circle. Invest in friendships that feel reciprocal and emotionally safe.
3. Volunteer or get involved
Giving your time to causes you care about, especially queer-centered efforts, can bring a sense of purpose and introduce you to others who share your values.
You are not alone! I hear this from so many clients.
Loneliness is a deeply human experience, but for many in the queer community, it can feel especially heavy. Whether it stems from rejection, invisibility, or the lingering impact of growing up without reflection or support, loneliness can quietly settle in—even in the midst of a crowd.
The good news? You’re not alone in feeling alone. And there are gentle, powerful ways to navigate through it.
1. Find affirming spaces
Seek out places where you don’t have to explain or defend who you are—queer community centers, support groups, LGBTQ+ events, or even online forums. Being in environments where your identity is normalized and celebrated can be profoundly healing.
2. Nurture quality over quantity
Even one or two deeply connected relationships can be more fulfilling than a
4. Talk about it
Silence can deepen isolation. Reach out to a friend, therapist/coach, or community group and name what you’re feeling. Vulnerability often creates space for others to say, “me too.”
5. Practice self-compassion
Loneliness isn’t a personal failure. It’s a signal that you’re wired for connection. Be gentle with yourself, and create moments of joy—whether it’s dancing in your room, journaling, or spending time in nature.
Remember, loneliness doesn’t define you. It’s a season, not a sentence. In the queer community, where chosen family, resilience, and joy run deep, connection is not only possible—it’s waiting for you!
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.
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