Coco Peru Is Here to Fucq Sh*t Up
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos: Randall Whitehead
For more than three decade, Coco Peru has performed one-person shows all over the world, she has appeared in cult classic films like Tirsck, Girls Will be Girls, and To Wong Foo, and she’s done TV shows like Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, and Arrested Development. Through her YouTube videos, she gained a whole new following of “Coco Puffs” and once again cemented herself as a performer, drag artist, and overall cultural phenomenon. Now, Coco Peru is back with another oneperson show, which comes to Atlanta’s Out Front Theatre on September 26. We got the chance to talk to Coco Peru about her new show, memorable career highlights, and her special way with words that have been known to in fact fucq sh!t up and get her in trouble.
You have always had a way with words, and you have never shied away from getting political. Is it the current political climate that has ripped you out of semiretirement?
YES! I think in the near future I will be semiretired, but perhaps I just needed this one last show to get the heaviness off my chest.
On September 26, you are coming to Atlanta to Out Front Theatre to fucq sh*t up with your new show, Fucq This Sh!t. Tell us about the concept and how you came up with the idea. I was talking with my drag sister, Varla Jean Merman, and she told me that, given what
our community is experiencing right now, I needed to write a new show. I resisted at first but did feel a burning need to connect with my audience and be out there with them. I started writing it last February and worked my ass off creating the show, and so far, I’m thrilled that the audience is appreciating what I have to say. And sing! I jokingly called it “FUCQ THIS SH!T” although I actually had another title for it, but then I thought, “F*ck this sh*t” is what so many of us are feeling, and now is the time to be direct about what we’re thinking. It’s unhealthy to not address our feelings and then to constantly feel gaslit when we do.
You have always been able to masterfully blend activism with your performance. Is that still one of your motivations for Coco Peru?
This is really the only reason I do Coco. I created Coco because I wanted to make the world a better place for my community. That has always been my mission. Sadly, in some ways, I feel like politically we’re going backwards, and it’s been painful for me, because over these 35 years, I’ve seen such great changes and saw progress. I think that’s why I needed to do this new show, and I address some of the shit that’s been on my mind.
Throughout your career you have always been known to fucq sh!t up in the best of ways. What are some memorable career highlights?
Honestly, I’ve had so many magical moments; however, I didn’t understand when I made my YouTube videos the impact that I would have on young people who were inspired by me just being out there in the world in drag and owning my space in
the world. Nothing is better than a person coming up to me or sending me a letter and saying that I made a difference in their life. I’ve had so many wonderful people share with me how I touched their lives, and I love it. I don’t take any of those moments for granted. Feeling appreciated by my fans, who have kept me employed for 35 years is the most memorable highlight of my career.
What is your secret to staying relevant and celebrated as a drag icon and artist? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that the younger kids that follow like my Bronx style, and that I’m honest with them. I think with all the hypocrisy out there, people crave this old, blunt queen from the Bronx. I’m called aunt, mom, and grandma, and I love it all! Although, “great grandma” could possibly push me over the edge.
Speaking of political climate, you started drag in a very different one. Can you talk about the trajectory of queer art and community over the years?
I started Coco during the AIDS crisis, and back then we needed to be political in order to survive, and we needed to stand together for our voice to be heard. Great change was created by being out, loud, and proud. I think the younger generation is beginning to see that change doesn’t just happen, we need to stay vigilant and pull together. And this does mean all the letters in LGBTQ and all colors as well. I’ve had it with the bigots, haters, and willfully ignorant. The arts have always been at the forefront of progress, and that’s why it’s important again now to support artists.
Turning back to the show. What can people expect? Will we get fucqed up?
Although no lube is necessary, my hope
is you’ll get fucqed in the best possible way. It’s ultimately meant to be a cathartic experience for those that feel enraged and fearful of what’s happening, and that together we address our rage, fears, and push forward past it, easing the stress... at least for 90 minutes. Being in community together is necessary. Doing it in a queer space like Out Front Theatre makes it even more special to me because so many of our spaces are disappearing.
Besides touring with this show, do you have any other exciting projects coming up?
I’ll be returning to San Francisco in December to play Dorothy in Golden Girls at the beautiful 1600-seat Curran Theatre. It’s a great time, and I have many fans traveling from all over the country now to see it as part of their holiday tradition.
Tell us where we can find you and follow you?
CocoPeru.com, all the socials, TJMaxx, Trader Joe’s, and Home Goods.
Anything you’d like to add?
I just turned 60, and as a gift to me, I expect a sold-out audience! Gifts are cute too.
Key Event Details
What: Miss Coco Peru: FUCQ THIS SH!T
Where: Out Front Thetare
When: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 8PM
How: Tickets at outfronttheatre.com
Self-Care During Pride Staying Balanced While Celebrating
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Pride weekend is a time of joy, community, and celebration—but it can also be overwhelming. Between packed events, social pressures, travel stress, and the temptation to overindulge, it’s easy to lose sight of your mental and emotional well-being. Here’s how to prioritize self-care while still enjoying everything Pride has to offer.
Watch Your Spending
Set Boundaries Before You Go
Create a realistic plan that balances both your enthusiasm and your limitations. Decide in advance how many events you’ll attend, set a spending budget, and establish drink or substance limits if applicable. Having boundaries doesn’t mean missing out—it means being intentional about how you celebrate.
Pace Yourself
Pride isn’t a sprint; it’s often a multi-day marathon. Build rest periods into your schedule. Take breaks between events, stay hydrated, and don’t feel obligated to attend everything. Your future self will thank you for not burning out on day one.
Manage Social Anxiety
Large crowds and social expectations can trigger anxiety, even during celebratory times. Identify a “buddy” you can check in with, locate quiet spaces where you can decompress, and have an exit strategy in place for overwhelming situations. It’s perfectly okay to step away when you need to recharge.
The excitement of Pride can lead to impulse purchases on everything from drinks to merchandise. Set a realistic budget beforehand and consider using cash or a prepaid card to avoid overspending. Remember, meaningful memories don’t require expensive purchases.
Stay Connected to Your Support System
Don’t neglect your regular support network during Pride weekend. Check in with close friends or family members who care about your well-being. If you’re traveling, maintain a connection with home base.
Practice Gentle Self-Monitoring
Pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the weekend. Are you pushing past your limits? Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Honor these signals and adjust accordingly. Selfcare isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Plan Recovery Time
Schedule downtime after Pride ends. Your body and mind will need time to process the experience and recover from the intensity. Pride is about celebrating authenticity and community. The most authentic thing you can do is honor your own needs while joining the celebration.
Bringing It to You Every Year! Pride Blasts Off at the Aquarium
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
It’s a decade-long tradition that virtually blasts off Atlanta’s Pride weekend: Atlanta Pride Official Kickoff at the Aquarium. Ever since its inception, John Walker has been at the heart of the celebration since it was just an idea he toyed with. Today, the event not only draws thousands of visitors, but the scope of the event has grown to include multiple DJs, celebrity performers and guests, and, of course, award-winning décor that transforms large parts of the aquarium into a Pride-themed extravaganza. We got a chance to talk to John Walker about how he keeps the event fresh and current year after year and what’s in store for us at this year’s kickoff party at the aquarium.
Many know that you are one of the main characters behind this party, but what many don’t know is that this party was your idea!
Tell us how you came up with it?
It all started with a rainbow—literally. About 16 years ago, I was walking through Georgia Aquarium early one morning before we opened. The lighting crew was testing the light show, and suddenly, the lights burst into this giant rainbow across the space. I just stopped and thought, “Okay, this is not a drill—this is the universe telling me PRIDE belongs here.”
At the time, Atlanta Pride was facing some stormy weather—both literally and figuratively. Years of unpredictable weather, shifting venues, rising costs... it was a rough patch. But Georgia Aquarium was all in. We approached APC and said, “Hey, what if PRIDE Friday night had a home with controlled climate in the most iconic attraction in Atlanta?” We all took a leap in 2009, and here we are—still making waves (and rainbows) every year since.
Tell us about how the party has grown over the years. How many are you expecting to host this year?
It’s honestly amazing to look back and see how far we’ve come. The very first Kickoff was a complete unknown. We believed in the idea, but we weren’t sure if the community would support an event outside of Midtown. We planned for 700 guests—we sold 700 tickets in advance— and then, on the night of the event, another 1,000 people showed up at the box office. It was overwhelming in the best and worst ways.
Truthfully, that first event was really tough. In my eyes, it felt like a bit of a disaster—we faced so many unexpected challenges, and it just didn’t match the vision I had hoped for. But instead of giving up, we took every piece of feedback to heart. We had long conversations with APC, with our vendors, with our staff, and together we made a commitment to learn from our mistakes and make the next year better. And we did. Every year since, we’ve improved, grown, and built something the community can truly be proud of. What started with 1,700 guests in 2009 has now grown to a forecast of over 4,200 guests for 2025. It’s incredibly humbling. I never imagined the event would become what it is today—but I’m so grateful that it has.
If you have ever attended this party, you know that it transforms the aquarium
into a Pride extravaganza. Can you reveal what you have in store for us this year?
OHHHHHH, you know me—no spoilers! That’s part of the magic! But what I can say is that the Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff is deeply important— not just to me, but to our entire team. This isn’t just an event we produce; it’s something we pour our hearts into every single year. The Georgia Aquarium Events team, YES Event Designs, Active Productions and Design, and Wolfgang Puck Catering are the true stars behind this event, their hearts and souls are woven into each part of this event!
One thing we always promise: no two years are ever the same. We completely reimagine the experience every time—new layout, groundbreaking décor, immersive lighting, cutting-edge technology, and always a lineup of incredibly diverse talent that reflects and celebrates our whole community. Each year, I push myself—and my team—to go bigger, be bolder, and create something even more unforgettable than the last. So, while I won’t give anything away just yet… let’s just say, you’re not ready for what we’ve got planned.
This year, given the heavy emotional and mental toll so many in our community are feeling, we knew we needed to go big—not just visually, but emotionally. The 2025 theme will be an assault on the senses in the best possible way: whimsical, uplifting, vibrant, and fantastical. Think of it as a magical world that blooms—a place where hope, beauty, and joy grow wild. And for the eagle-eyed among you: yes, our event graphics always drop little hints about the theme. So, pay attention—you might just spot something blooming already.
This party is so good that is has won numerous awards for its concept and décor. How do you keep it fresh and current year after year?
I’m incredibly grateful for my team—truly, they’re the reason this event continues to grow and evolve. For the past 16 years, the same core group has stood by me to bring this vision to life. Every year, we lock ourselves in conference rooms, throw out wild ideas, challenge each other, and push boundaries.
And just because people like to dress up according to the theme: Can you reveal what the theme for the ballroom is this year?
Themes are something we take very seriously. Our community deserves more than just a party— they deserve to be transported. Every year, our goal is to create a space where our guests can drown out the negativity of the world, and— for just a few hours—escape to a place that feels safe, welcoming, joyful, and full of love.
I’ll admit—my sketches are terrible—but we brainstorm, research trends, build vision boards, and dream up something new from the ground up. Then, I step back and let the team work their magic.
Since 2016, the Pride Kickoff has won over 12 prestigious event awards, which is surreal. But here’s the thing—once you’ve won, the bar only gets higher. So, every year, we push even harder to innovate, to surprise, and to create something unforgettable. We don’t just want to keep up— we want to set the standard.
You have obviously scaled up the entertainment factor over the years as well. Tell us about what’s in store for us at this year’s party?
Oh, we’re definitely turning up the volume this year—literally. The entertainment lineup for 2025 is stacked, and we’ve curated it to bring a little something for everyone.
We’re featuring four incredible DJs who will keep the energy pulsing all night long across multiple spaces: DJ Shane Marcus, DJ Brian Rojas, DJ Amy Alderman, and DJ Kevin Durard.
And yes — queens are back! We’re thrilled to welcome three iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race alums for exclusive meet & greets: Phoenix, Jorgeous, and Detox
But that’s not all. Our official media partner, DAVID Atlanta Magazine, is leveling up your selfie game with an upgraded photo booth experience located in our newly upgraded Lounge area. Let’s just say—you’ll want to dress for the theme and the cameras. From music to drag to moments worth capturing, this year’s party is designed to be an all-out celebration of joy, community, and creativity. It all sounds incredible. You must get a lot of requests from friends and acquaintances about tickets? Has that already begun?
Lawd, YES! The requests started rolling in the moment tickets went live! The LOUNGE option sold out two weeks ago, and let’s just say—my inbox, texts, and DMs have been working overtime ever since.
At this point, my closest friends know better than to even try me. I love them dearly, but fair is fair! The demand for this event has grown so much, and while I wish I could hook everyone up, the truth is— we want to make sure the experience is amazing for everyone who planned ahead and secured their spot. So, if you are reading this and have not grabbed your ticket yet… don’t wait. Seriously.
You are always great at “warning” everyone that the event will sell out if you don’t get your ticket in time: Tell us where to get a ticket (if you don’t have one already)?
Listen, I say it every year because it’s true: this event will sell out. And honestly, it’s an incredible deal. Your ticket is the same price as general admission to Georgia Aquarium—but with a whole lot more included. You’re getting:
- Full access to the Aquarium
- Live entertainment, special celebrity guests and stunning décor
- An unforgettable Pride experience
- And two complimentary cocktails
But there is only one official way to get your ticket: www.georgiaaquarium.org/pridekickoff
Besides putting on this momentous party, what else are you planning to do during Pride?
Atlanta is hands down the best city for Pride collaborations, and I’m all about supporting our community all weekend long. After the Pride Kickoff, I’ll be heading to the Official After Party at The Heretic—Alan Collins always goes above and beyond to make our guests feel welcome and keep the celebration going.
Saturday is all about tradition for me—I’ll be at Kween on the Green in Piedmont Park supporting my chosen family and best friend Mike Woodside. This has been a Saturday Pride ritual for us for years, and it’s always a highlight.
From there, I’ll swing by Vicki Powell’s Deep South events and then close out the weekend at a Georgia Boy events with my dear friend Keith Young.
And of course, don’t forget to cheer on the Georgia Aquarium float in the Pride Parade! Our incredible LGBTQ staff is going to take that float to the next level this year, and I couldn’t be more proud!
Anything you would like to add? Honestly, words just don’t do it justice—I am so friggin’ excited for Pride this year! It’s going to be a celebration of love, joy, and community like no other. I can’t wait to see everyone on Friday, October 10th—let’s make memories, spread love, and dance the night away. Pride is our time to shine, and this year, it’s going to be unforgettable!
Walking, Running, Dancing
AIDS Walk Atlanta Matters More Than Ever
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of AIDS Walk Atlanta
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Atlanta’s Piedmont Park comes alive not just with the energy of footfalls and live music—but with purpose and community. The AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run is an annual gathering that blends fitness and activism to raise vital support for people living with HIV/AIDS in metro Atlanta. It’s one of the most visible ways queer, allied, and caring communities come together to say: we see you, we care, and we will not stop until the epidemic ends.
Though HIV/AIDS may not always be at center stage in media attention, the impact remains acute. Thousands in Georgia are living with HIV; many are marginalized by race, income, housing status, or sexual identity. The AIDS Walk helps amplify awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources directly where they’re needed. “While HIV and AIDS have fallen out of the spotlight in recent years, the epidemic is far from over.” For many in our community, this walk is more than an event — it’s an act of solidarity, survival, and remembrance.
How You Can Participate
· Walk or Run — The 5K route is open for both serious runners and walkers, early risers or late movers. Everyone is welcome, whatever pace you keep.
· Form or Join a Team — You can register individually or as part of a team. Many teams set their own goals, rally friends, workplaces, or social circles for fundraising, friendly competition, and collective impact.
· Virtual Participation — Not in
town, busy, or prefer a different kind of connection? Virtual walking or fundraising options are available. Your support still counts.
Registering online at aidswalkatlanta.org is the easiest way, but for those who prefer paper, there are registration forms that can be mailed in (by a certain date) or you can register the morning of the event at the Registration/Tickets tent. Children 5 and under participate free; those 6 and up need registration.
How To Donate (Even If You Can’t Walk)
· Use the donate link on the AIDS Walk Atlanta site to give what you can. Every dollar goes to local HIV/AIDS organizations in Georgia.
· Tell your friends. Your individual fundraising page or team page are tools you can personalize and share widely — via email, social media, or in person. Matching gift programs are also encouraged.
· On the day, QR codes will be posted throughout the site so attendees can contribute via mobile phones.
Who Benefits: The Organizations You’re Supporting
Funds raised at AIDS Walk Atlanta benefit a wide spectrum of nonprofits working on the frontlines of HIV/AIDS, homelessness, health equity, LGBTQ+ youth support, and social justice. Key beneficiaries include:
· Positive Impact Health Centers, providing medical, prevention, screening, immunization, emotional wellness, and recovery programs.
· Lost-n-Found Youth, which serves unhoused LGBTQ+ youth with support, shelter, and resources.
· I Am Human Foundation, focusing on wellness and equity in the Black trans community, especially around HIV awareness and stigma reduction.
· Many more: AID Atlanta; Georgia Equality; Center for Black Women’s Wellness; Bridge of Light; Trans Women of Color Healing Project; Status: Home; Aniz, Inc.; A Vision for Hope; among others. All these groups work on everything from housing, medical care, mental health, legal advocacy, to daily vital services.
Festival & Music Highlights
It isn’t all sweat and cause — there’s also music, community, and joy. The schedule includes a high-energy line-up after the 5K, with performances that help transform the park into a celebration space. Artists like King Jai, CeeLo Green, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue bring soul, horns, and star power. The festival kicks off early—site opens around 9:00 a.m., run/walk starts about 11:00, then after the finish, the music festival carries things forward.
This Walk Is Critical to the Community
For many in the queer community, the AIDS Walk is more than history; it’s living present. It fights invisibility, ensures services for those too often overlooked, supports LGBTQ+ youth, trans folks, people of color, those facing homelessness— groups disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. It’s a reminder that epidemics are not solved by silence, but by action, visibility, compassion. The walk educates, it connects, it restores dignity.
If you care about ending HIV stigma, supporting marginalized lives, or just want to be part of something bigger than a single day—this is for you. Lace up your sneakers, donate what you can, bring your voice, bring your love.
Key Event Details
· What: AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run
· When: Saturday, September 27, 2025
· Where: Piedmont Park, The Meadow, Atlanta
· Registration: www. aidswalkatlanta.org (or onsite)
· Schedule Highlights: Site opens 9:00 a.m. → Opening program at 10:30 → 5K Run/Walk at 11:00 → Music acts including King Jai, CeeLo Green, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue following the walk → Festival ends ~2:00 p.m.
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
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
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
Photos by: Russ Youngblood
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.
Just got diagnosed with needing a hot dog.
I don’t care if people think I’m crazy as long as they think I’m hot.
What motivates me the most is that it’s boring to do nothing.
Plane tickets should be free if you miss your friends.
My favorite Fall activity is to not sweat anymore.
Why would I care if he’s a man faith. at’s made up.
Unfriending your friend’s boyfriend after the breakup is so satisfying. Like b*tch, I never liked you anyways.
I’m proud of myself. I haven’t done any crazy sh!t in a while!
