David Magazine V7-i01 | Here's to a New You

V7-01 01.04.23

8 Strategies For a Consistent 2023 Better Skin Long-Term

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From the Editor

DAVID is back! We are very excited to announce that DAVID Magazine is back after more than five years. We want to thank Peach for carrying the torch in that time and ensuring that Atlanta always had a weekly entertainment guide even through a global pandemic and economically challenging times.

The past years have taught us that we need to provide support and extra care for our community to keep it thriving and growing. So even though you may see DAVID change a little in its transition from Peach, we will still center around providing you with the best content inspired and driven by the voices in our community. With the shift to DAVID, we will be continuously committed to providing you with the premier weekly guide to all things gay in Atlanta.

In fact, we plan to do even more with DAVID and work even closer with local advertisers, businesses, and organizations to bring you even more content in print and online, but also do promotions, events, and parties.

We want to publish the best version of DAVID yet and work with you to do just that. So, get in touch with us if you’re going to promote an event, have an idea for a story, or want to launch your business with us – we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for you!

On behalf of the DAVID team, here’s to a successful, fun, sexy 2023 with David Magazine by your side!

Sincerely, Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editor-in-Chief David Magazine mikkel@davidatlanta.com

DAVID C

ontents

JAN 4, 2023 V7-01

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DAVID Magazine Peach Media 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093

MANAGING PARTNER & OPERATIONS Brian Sawyer brian@davidatlanta.com

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Mikkel Hyldebrandt mikkel@davidatlanta.com

SALES | EVENTS Josh King Josh@davidatlanta.com

SOCIAL MEDIA & MORE Valiant Marketing

I S S U E

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DISTRIBUTION Some Cute Guy

CONTRIBUTORS Russ Bowen-Youngblood Chris Azzopardi Jay Knowlton

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

RADIO PARTNER Meak Productions, Inc. www.meakproductions.com

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The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements.

Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

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DAVID Scene @ FELIX’S NYE PARTY

8 Lifestyle

Hacks for a Consistent

2023

By Jay Knowlton

Did you know that only 28% of you move. Running and jumping are Americans plan to make a New Year’s great cardio, but it doesn’t mean they resolution? If you’re one of them - have to be your thing. If you like what congratulations! That puts you in you are doing, you will do it continually. the minority of adults who want to If you don’t, chances are you won’t make concerted positive changes for stick with it. If you are unsure what you themselves in the year ahead. The would enjoy, try various activities until top five resolutions? Exercise more. you find one that sticks.

Save money. Eat more healthily. Lose Weight. Reduce stress.

It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done Chances are you’re looking to make Instead of formulating your ultimate improvements to your lifestyle that goal as what you are working toward, will benefit your physical and mental break your goal down into smaller health. Working on these in the gym and achievable goals. If you want to lose 10 the kitchen, as well as other activities pounds, think of it as a goal of losing 1-2 in your life, can do all of that and more pounds per week. If you want to add - but only if you make adjustments muscle mass, you can aim for putting to your lifestyle and stick with them. on 1-2 pounds of muscle a month. If The key is consistency. Consistency. you want to run a 5K, try intervals of Consistency. Consistency. walking and jogging to get to the first kilometer, then the second, then the If You Love What You Do, You’ll Never third. Your goals may shift as you work Work Another Day In Your Life toward them but stay committed to Is there an activity you like or at your overall desire to get more fit. least don’t hate? Just do it. If you like swimming, find an indoor pool. If you Share Your Goals with The People In like dancing, join a class that lets you Your Life move and sweat to choreographed Having the support of others can not weight training. Do whatever will make only inspire you but also keep you

accountable. Who wants to tell them in the gym when you have “free time.” later you’ve given up on your goals? There are one hundred and sixty-eight Chances are you’ll want to report that hours in a week. Devote tree or four you’ve been working hard to get what of them to your fitness. Over time this you want. You never know who will habit will become part of your lifestyle. inspire you during this process. You may even inspire others to join you on Fitness Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint your journey or start one of their own. Take your time in the beginning.

Concentrate on developing consistency Best Is the Enemy Of Good and proper form with your exercises.

I hear one question all the time. “If I can All those people you see in the gym only get to the gym for half an hour, is with physiques that you would like it worth it?” Yes! My answer is always have been working on their fitness for a resounding Yes! It’s imperative. Not five, ten, or 20 years. You will get there only can you get a lot done in half an in due time. You just have to put in the hour, it will keep you in the habit of work and be consistent. I’m not telling exercising. Feel like you can only give you it’s going to be easy; I’m telling you 50% today? Fine! Much better than it’s going to be worth it.

0%.

Pavlov’s Dog and Classical Conditioning We need achievements to reach our goals, but we also need reinforcement with rewards to remind ourselves of the sweetness of success. Once you hit a goal like getting to the gym four times or sticking to your new diet all week, reward yourself for the hard work. Just try to choose one that won’t undo your efforts: a massage, a favorite meal, or a cocktail you want to enjoy.

Your Body Can Stand Almost Anything… … It’s your head that you need to convince. People are often afraid to try something new. If you’re new to lifting weights in a gym, ask a friend if you can go with them while you get familiar with the machines and movements.

Mirrored walls everywhere at the gym making you nervous? Trust me when I say nobody is looking at you and judging you. They are all too busy judging and looking at themselves.

With over 20 years of experience, Jay

Knowlton brings his training expertise Work Smarter, Not Harder One of the big mistakes you can make to you. Jay’s pursuit of health and when starting in the gym is working wellness extends beyond the gym out too intensely, too long, or doing environment, utilizing a three-pronged exercises that are too difficult for your approach through exercise, nutrition, fitness level as a beginner. This can and mindfulness. Jay is available for onemake you super sore or even cause on-one and couples training at Gravity you to injure yourself. Both can make Fitness. you miserable and discourage you from continuing. Concentrate on developing the habit of dedicating time to your fitness schedule and avoid squeezing

Just Happy to Be Here

By Chris Azzopardi Photo: Music Box Films

On Cole Escola’s Instagram page, the weepy, colorful drag queen, tucked into a 36-year-old nonbinary comedian and phone booth, their eye makeup running actor describes themself as “One of onto their grief-stricken, white-powdered Grindr’s Fresh Faces.” That’s true, of face. Channeling old Hollywood glamor in course, on and off gay social apps. a flower-adorned headdress wrapped in a Escola, who continues their ascension in white veil, Escola sings The Skyliners’ film and TV, is known to show up when 1958 classic “Since I Don’t Have You” you least expect them to — sometimes as into the phone. It’s a scene that could a face, sometimes as a face wrapped in a have been interpreted entirely differently white veil, and sometimes as just a voice. on the page, but Escola envisioned it exactly the way it looks.

Escola has lent their talent to the voice of a gargoyle on “What We Do in the “Amanda and I were just both on the Shadows,” to Amy Sedaris in her craft same page in terms of the tone of that,” room, to a kidnapper known as “the they say during a recent Zoom interview. twink” on “Search Party,” to a sassy “It’s so satisfying to see something look waiter in “Difficult People,” and to exactly how you imagined it would look.”

Bridget Everett in a cabaret show, playing a fetus. With seemingly a no-limit rule on Later in the film, Escola appears dressed the outrageousness of the characters (or in a cowboy costume, as Billy, a role, like things) they play, Escola’s two-role part in a lot of their roles, written specifically writer-director Amanda Kramer’s new film for the actor. Both of the actor’s parts “Please Baby Please,” now available to in “Please Baby Please” are small, and rent or own via all digital/VOD platforms, Kramer initially intended they would go makes perfect sense. to different actors. That was until Escola, who connected instantly to the film’s old In the film, about the influence of misfit Hollywood aesthetic, pleaded a case for queers on a newlywed couple that evokes both roles because, they say, “I was just old Hollywood films like “West Side Story,” so excited.” we meet one of two Escola characters, a 12 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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“I appreciated that I got to play a they’re forced to look at them,” they say. character that was bored and annoyed by “Even just the well-tread queer youth their exploration of their fascination with narrative of wanting to play with dolls gender roles,” Escola says. “Amanda was or walking through the Barbie section really aware of that. It was intentional that Billy was rolling his eyes the whole time at them. I appreciated that point of view.”

In another scene, Billy won’t divulge his “perfect theory” on sexuality to the newlyweds, Arthur (Harry Melling) and Suze (Andrea Riseborough), because, the actor explains, he’s been “exploring and rejecting gender norms and roles probably his whole life.” Billy is just so over it.

“For these two squares to all of a sudden be like, ‘Wait, men can be different and women can be different?,’ he would be like, ‘This is so boring. You’re so boring.’”

Billy tells them he doesn’t believe they’re being honest with themselves or each other about their sexual desires. Suze insists he share that theory, prompting his spectacularly hissed retort: “Moo, you bossy little cow.” When Escola read that at Target. Not turning your head to look line in the script, they were instantly on at the Barbies, but just keeping an eye. board with the film.

The fact that’s part of the learning or understanding the mask of gender, like, “I, like a true actor, only read my parts ‘OK, I have to wear this one even though first and I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to say it’s not who I am.’” that,’” they say. Another favorite line of theirs is one that directly quotes Greta Escola was born and raised in Clatskanie, Garbo in the 1932 film “The Grand Oregon, where being queer was what you Hotel.” might expect in a less-than-urban setting.

“If you saw what my queer youth was like “I just like all of Amanda Kramer’s on a TV show, you would be like, ‘This references,” Escola says. “I was like, story again?’ It’s just that rural. Small ‘You seem cool. I want to work with you.’ town. Two gay adults.”

It was really just the lines that I got to say, like a true self-involved actor.”

Growing up, they remember watching Then, of course, there’s what the movie “Will & Grace” in middle school and says about gender and, for Escola, it’s seeing campy queer icon Paul Lynde on somewhat of a reminder that queer “Bewitched,” but they say they “always people investigate gender much earlier related more to character actresses.” than most.

Fast forward to today, Escola played a part, albeit admittedly minor, in bringing “I think queer people, they feel the one of the most spectacular women roles discomfort of gender roles so early that to TV, with Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance | 13

on HBO’s “Hacks.”

Rudolph for a song called “The You That’s In Your Heart,” but they tapped “I was just a part of a three-week writer’s into their own personal beliefs on gender room before the actual writer’s room. Just as part of their performance. sort of concept, like big blue sky,” they say. “I don’t know how or who decides As for their other parts: “I didn’t audition what credits those things are [on IMDB], for the gargoyle, I didn’t audition for the but it definitely makes my role in ‘Hacks’ fetus,” they say, cocking a smile, “but seem much bigger than it actually is.”

I knew in my heart exactly who those characters were and are.”

Acting wise, Escola always seems to “I’ve been a fetus,” they continue. “I relate to whoever and whatever they play, tapped into that.” be it that gargoyle or that fetus. These are roles that just come their way. Maybe it’s because no one else will play them, but maybe it’s also because no one else could, at least not like Escola, with so much irreverent, screw-ball style. (It probably says a lot that Escola grew up admiring Amy Sedaris in “Strangers with Candy.”)

In the latest season of Netflix’s animated series “Big Mouth,” they voice Montel, the nonbinary child of hormone monsters Maury (Nick Kroll) and Connie (Maya Rudolph). Not only did Escola get another musical number, singing opposite 14 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

Better Skin Long-Term

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

After years of living under a global pandemic, our view of our bodies has changed. From being something we lived with but perhaps not always thrived with, the focus on our body is now keeping it healthy and resistant to whatever this world may throw at it.

To keep it healthy, we need to nurture and care for it, which has also impacted our consumer habits: instead of quick fixes, we are in it for the long haul. When it comes to skincare, there are plenty of products to help you reach your long-term skin goals, which will work preventatively while also benefiting your skin here and now.

Cleanse Beyond Clean Sure, a face wash will remove dirt and grime – but what if it brightened and exfoliated your skin with salicylic acid to lift dead skin and reveal bright skin beneath? Get a face wash that will do more for you than cleanse.

Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash, $40

18 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

Serum to Deliver Nutrients

A skin serum is like a not-so-secret weapon to supply your skin with targeted ingredients that will actively improve your skin. Choose a serum that will address any skin concern you might have, or go for one that will make your skin more resilient.

Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Advanced Face Serum, $86

Moisturizing Defense Your moisturizer is the main barrier for your skin, so you better make it good! You should always go a little heavier than too light, so your skin has the proper moisture levels at all times.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care, $31

SPF For the Skin-Win Sunscreen is necessary to protect your skin against damaging rays that will age your skin prematurely. You can choose a moisturizer with SPF, but a dedicated sunscreen is needed in the summer months.

Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50, $22

Night-Night to Skin Issues Making a habit of caring for your skin overnight is one of the best lifetime routines you could ever have. With the proper nightly routine, which includes cleansing your skin before bed, you fight skin issues like dryness and dullness.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream, $53

Target Problem Areas Assessing your skin and defining where it needs help is a great long-term strategy. If you need assistance, consult a dermatologist who can also direct you to products or treatments – like using an eye cream to prevent and improve signs of aging in the eye area.

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex, $75 | 19

DAVID Scene @

Photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood

THE HIDEAWAY NYE PARTY

DAVID Scene @

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227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

9 10 & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave NE 10 Campagnolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE 16 G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE 17 Henry’s 132 10th St NE 19 La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr NE 20 Guac y Margys 502 Amsterdam Ave NE

6 My Sister’s Room66 12th St NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE

fitness

BARS not on map

spa/bath

1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite 180

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE 15 Flex Spa

76 4th St. NW

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Piedmont Park BARS

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd

26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd

28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd

30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

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32 Atlanta Eagle 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 33 Felix's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 34 The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 35 Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 36 Oscar's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave SE Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE The T Woof's 494 Plasters Ave NE

Retail

39 Boy Next Door 40 Barking Leather

Fitness

1447 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

41 Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

DAVID Scene @ MANY MORE ONLINE

Photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood

X MIDTOWN NYE PARTY

@ DAVIDATLANTA.COM

CARSON COWAN REALTOR® c. 404.998.9944 / o. 404.874.0300 / carson@carsoncowan.com / CarsonCowanRealEstate

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

SNAPS DAVID Scene @ 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 fb.com/XMidtownX 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 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW

DINING MIDTOWN

10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com 991 Piedmont Ave NE

ANSLEY

G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE

ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE

FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE

THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH

sisterlouisaschurch.com

466 Edgewood Ave SE

LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com

3011 Buford Hwy NE RETAIL MIDTOWN

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE CHESHIRE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE

FITNESS MIDTOWN URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE SPAS/BATHS ADULT FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW CHESHIRE

EMAIL info@Davidatlanta.com for FREE BUSINESS LISTINGs THERE IS ROOM FOR YOU!

BARS & CLUBS

DAVID

MAGAZiNE

DILF Atlanta “DOMINATE” Hazel Lynn Barfield Celebration of Life @ The Heretic @ Blake’s On the Park | January 9, 4 January 6, 10 pm – 3 am pm The hottest and biggest “jock party” in In December, we lost a true legend of the country is back in Atlanta to kick the community. Come celebrate Lynn off the new year in your jock. Dudes, Barfield’s life at Blake’s as we gather daddies, discreet, dunno...DILF is for all to cherish the many memories she was men. such an intricate part of.

RPDR Season 15 Premiere Pajamarama Bingo!

Viewing Party @ Lips Atlanta | January 10, 6:30 pm @ The Atlanta Eagle | January 6, 9 pm Tired from all the holiday parties and Come out to the Atlanta Eagle for the running around, but still want to get out Season 15 premiere viewing party of and have some fun? Just throw on your RuPaul’s Drag Race! Special guest TS pajamas and come to Lips for PALS Madison will be joining, and they’ll be Pajamarama Bingo benefiting PALS. showing not one, but TWO episodes.

Tickets via palsatlanta.org.

Heyday ‘80s Dance Party Valley of the Dolls @ The Basement @ Plaza Theatre | January 11, 7-10 pm January 7, 10 pm – 3 am WUSSY is back at Plaza for our monthly Bring your friends and come dance feature fantastico with the 1967 campy to your favorite hits from the decade classic, ‘Valley of the Dolls’ based on of Rainbow Brite, breakdancing and Jacqueline Susann’s best-selling novel. crimped hair. Come sing along, make Tickets at plazaatlanta.com. some new friends, and dance your cares away with us to the tunes of Madonna, INXS, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney, Queen, Salt N Pepa, and Wham!

A Celebration Of Life For Electra Bell @ Lips Atlanta | January 9, 7:30 pm Celebration of Jim Armstrong aka Electra Bell at Lips. If you would like to come, please know the doors open at 7:30 and the show will start around 8:30.

| 29

Dear,

DAVID

I just met this guy, and he is really great and very sexy. Well, sexy to look at because we haven’t had sex yet because he is very shy.

We’ve made out a lot and done a bunch of on ‘top of clothing’ touching, but we haven’t even come close to going to the next level and now it’s been three months! I’m sexually pretty liberated, so this was initially a turn on, but now it is becoming frustrating. I don’t want to be too forward with him, but I also want to take it to the next level and make him more comfortable around me. How do I show my interest without pushing too hard?

There are a lot of things to consider here. Did he come out late? Does he have a job that keeps him from being open and honest about his sexuality (they still exist, you know), or has he had bad experiences opening up and pushing past the shyness? You are doing the exact right thing with this guy by sticking to it and not applying pressure, so keep that up. Switch things up to create an environment that makes him more comfortable. Invite him to your house for a homemade meal or delicious takeout and let him know that you are very attracted to him, but you want to wait for him to overcome his shyness.

If he is going through some issues with insecurity, you could be the person that he could open up to in more ways than one.