David Magazine v7_i30 | Let's Go Outside

V7-30 07.26.23

Tom Goss Gets Touchy Feely

Embracing Diversity: Outdoor In Atlanta

Splash In Style: Addicted USA

The Spread Eagle + Photos & More

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JULY 26, 2023 V7-30 DAVID Magazine Peach Media 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093

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CAUGHT DOiNG THE SPREAD EAGLE

BY MiKKEL HYLDEBRANDT

The Spread Eagle, co-hosted by Connor perform at the Eagle and how has the Lyons and Mason Frost at the Atlanta Eagle, reception been? is one of the newest, queer comedy variety shows in Atlanta. We caught up with the two Connor: It great to have a show at The Eagle! to talk about the show and why comedy is The gays have been flocking there since particularly important right now. they opened at Pride 2022, and the staff has been super helpful in making it all happen.

The Eagle is a well-known bar in the LGBTQ First tell us a little bit about the Spread community at large, so it’s an ideal place to Eagle comedy night: When did it start and host a queer-forward comedy show. Atlanta how long have you been hosting it? has a fantastic comedy scene with shows all around town every day of the week, but Connor: The Spread Eagle is a new monthly very few queer rooms. So it’s great to build comedy variety show featuring mostly Stand- a bridge between these two communities.

Up, but also drag, DJs and improv. We love We love giving opportunities to queer artists, to call it a variety show to keep things open to but we also love having a straight ally talent different kinds of talent and themes. Our first involved. I love seeing how hetero comics show was February, so we have now had six interact with a queer audience! shows so far.

Mason: I have been continuously impressed Mason: There was a night at The Hideaway by the turnout and energy we’ve received when Connor and I were talking about the month after month. The Eagle has been show moving from its previous location a hub of dancing and fun nights for to The Eagle, and he asked me what I decades, but it so nice to see different thought about joining as a cohost. I didn’t elements of entertainment succeeding remember this conversation until he called in the space, especially the comedy and me a few days later asking for a picture for drag nights that bring a more inclusive the flyer. I said, “flyer for what?” And the environment. I’ve truly loved seeing the full rest goes down in the history of me being rainbow being represented in the space. a very agreeable person after a few drinks.

It seems there is a queer comedy surge You’re now a part of the Atlanta Eagle’s happening right now – why do you think entertainment offering. How is it to that is happening?

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lean into it. It’s on you to write good material and deliver it well. It’s a great feeling making a room laugh, it’s even better if you teach‘em something while you do it. I’m not sure where I’ll go with comedy, been doing this about four years and still feeling it out. It would be great for stand up to lead into sketch and film work.

I just hope to keep doing it and improving as a performer. I love the people and the culture around it.

I’ve found I really love the producing side of Comedy as well and I want to continue to promote the queer artist scene in Atlanta & beyond. It would be great to bring in big name comics to the city. I’ve thought Atlanta could really pull off a queer comedy festival even. There are already 3 other successful comedy festivals here: Red Clay, West End Connor: Loaded Question! But I really think Comedy Festival, And Laughing Skull Fest. the general public are ready to tune in more Why not have a Queer One? Just an idea for to different perspectives and queer artists now. We’ll see. are becoming more bold to create more opportunities for themselves. Hell, we’ve Mason: I don’t consider myself a comedian, been hearing plenty of the hetero narrative more so a storyteller that tries to find the from the beginning of time, it’s time to hear funny parts of this passionate and fanatical more from the Queers. I think queer comics world we live in. I aspire to honesty, kindness, are really bringing something fresh to the and to keep people thinking after they listen to what I have to say. stand-up world.

Mason: Politicians have made a joke of the queer community for centuries, and it’s our turn to get the last laugh. The simple fact that the queer existence lives so heavily in the minds of bigots IS comedy, so let’s mess with them a bit!

Why do you think the queer community needs humor and comedy right now?

Connor: Stand-up can be a more intimate form of entertainment and touch on more specific matters of the human experience.

I like to think of it as having a conversation with the room. That’s definitely how we like to set things up at our show. We’ve had so many moments of comics and the audience bantering back and forth. I love it. Sure, we can see a drag show any time – and we got great drag in this city – but try something different! We have great queer comics in this city too!

Mason: As beautiful as it is to be a part of the queer community, it doesn’t come without strife, heartache, and darkness. Bringing some light and humor into the mix gives us moments of intermission during the fight for equality.

What are your aspirations as a queer -The Spread Eagle comedy is every first comedian?

Connor: Doing comedy is fun but very Monday of the month at 8 pm at the challenging. Most of the time I do stand up, Atlanta Eagle.

I’m the only gay dude in the room. It can be a struggle, but it can also be invigorating if you

DAVID Magazine

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Touchy Feely

By Simon Norris Photos by Dusti Cunningham

Tom Goss’ ninth studio album, My need to achieve perfection has Remember What It Feels Like, is a done little in the way of producing 15-track collection of fast, fun, summery happiness. I have noticed that joy pop songs punctuated by beautiful and creativity flow when I allow ballads and raucous rock. In it, he myself to be flawed.” reflects on the up and downs of the life he has lived, including his loves We spoke with Tom from his home and losses. “The truth is, most things in Los Angeles. in life happen for no reason at all, and are completely out of our control,” Goss In Remember What It Feels Like, you says. “There are sweet times and sad, look back on your forty-two years. Is highs and lows. I’ve learned to embrace it true that forty is the new thirty? them all because they’ve all shaped me I have no idea. My body definitely doesn’t into who I am today.” feel like it’s in its thirties. I’m really starting to feel the wear. But, nevertheless, I Along with the album, Goss is still laugh like I’m thirty, dream like I’m debuting the single and music twenty, and I’m more comfortable in my video for “Enemy of Good,” his own skin than I’ve ever been. song about his lifelong need to be perfect. “I’ve always been very selfWhat are some of the biggest life critical. Even as a kid, my mother events that have shaped you into the would say, ‘Tom, the perfect is the man you are today? enemy of the good.’ And she’s right.

Growing up as an athlete and mid-

westerner shaped how I approach That’s resilience and that’s something, I life and my intense work ethic. I am at suppose. I’m in the process of falling in the gym right now! Also, my parents love with myself. Being my own savior. bitter divorce, contrasted with falling in Loving me in a way that doesn’t need love and getting married, shaped and love from some else, but welcomes it, reshaped how I see love and connection. cherishes and embraces it.

I sound hardened, but I’m not, really. The caveat In your last album, you explored your is “need” verses “want.” I want love. I am experience with infidelity and the in love. I want to give it and receive it opening up of your marriage. fully and completely, but I don’t need it.

Yes, infidelity sucks. Falling in love with I can be secure in who I am, and love my husband saved my life. It opened myself unconditionally, without external me up in ways I never dreamed. Then, help. Ultimately that’s life. We’re here, it hurt in ways I never imagined. That’s might as well make the best of it. not to say the love’s not there, it is.

It’s just there’s also some pokey bits Based off of your new single, “Enemy swirling around in the deepest of places. of Good,” it sounds like achieving Forgiveness, I’ve learned, is beautiful. perfection is no longer the goal for We ended up opening our marriage, you. Is that true? which has been hard, but learning how Heck no! I still want perfection. to expand my idea of what love can be Nevertheless, I’m embracing the is freeing. moment as it is, and loving the flow of energy and art that comes through me.

In this album, you reveal that you fell in love with someone else… who turned out to be a con man.

Oh, where do I begin? Falling in love a second time helped keep me open. It showed me a beautiful new way of life and taught me about my capacity to love more freely. But when I learned he was a con man leading a secret life, well, that changed everything. Falling in love with someone who turns out to be a con man is hard to explain. It’s like looking back at old photos and they’re all blank. You will never know what was real and what wasn’t. Everything and nothing is real.

Are you still in touch with the creep?

He’s in prison now, and I haven’t spoken with him in a year and a half.

Nevertheless, sometimes I grab the mail and there’s a letter from prison in it. It’s very strange. I don’t open the letters. I don’t throw them away, either. They just sit there. It doesn’t seem real.

Has he apologized?

Sure, he’s apologized. But what does that even mean? Apologizing for a lie doesn’t really do anything if there is no framework for the apology to exist in.

Did you learn anything about yourself through the experience?

I’m still here, still thriving and smiling.

What is the biggest life lesson you can share with your younger gay brethren?

Be who you are. You don’t have to assimilate to heteronormative society if you don’t want to. You also don’t have to assimilate to homonormative society if you don’t want to. Wait, is homonormative a word? In any event, don’t question the things that make you smile, laugh, and bring happiness into your world. Be a dork. Be a nerd. Be uncool. Most importantly, be joyful. If you do that, the rest is irrelevant.

Final thoughts on love?

Do it. Any opportunity you get. The risk is always worth it.

Visit tomgossmusic.com, and follow him everywhere on social media @ tomgossmusic.

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Embracing Diversity Atlanta’s Top LGBTQ+ Outdoor Destinations

Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving LGBTQ+ community, offers an array of outdoor destinations that warmly welcome everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. From lush green spaces to buzzing urban spots, these LGBTQ+-friendly locations provide a safe and inclusive environment for all to explore and enjoy. and features vibrant art FREEDOM PARK installations, beautiful Nestled in the heart of parks, and lively community Situated just east of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is spaces.

Embracing a downtown Atlanta, Freedom an iconic green oasis that progressive atmosphere, Park is a popular spot stands as a symbol of unity the BeltLine encourages all for LGBTQ+ individuals and acceptance. As one individuals to come together, seeking an inclusive outdoor of the city’s most beloved enjoy outdoor activities, and experience. Known for its outdoor destinations, the revel in the city’s spirit of history of promoting social park plays host to numerous inclusivity. justice, the park features LGBTQ+ events and scenic trails, a playground, CANDLER PARK festivals throughout the year, and a dog park, making it an including the Atlanta Pride ideal destination for families Festival. With its scenic Located in the eclectic and friends to gather and walking trails, tranquil lake, neighborhood of Little Five enjoy the great outdoors. and recreational facilities, Points, Candler Park boasts Piedmont Park offers a a welcoming environment EAST ATLANTA delightful escape from the for LGBTQ+ families and ViLLAGE urban hustle, fostering a friends. The park offers sense of community and excellent facilities for East Atlanta Village (EAV) picnicking, sports, and stands out as a vibrant belonging. leisure activities, and it and LGBTQ+-friendly ATLANTA BELTLiNE frequently hosts events that neighborhood brimming celebrate Atlanta’s diverse with character. With an The Atlanta BeltLine, LGBTQ+ community. From assortment of quirky shops, an impressive urban outdoor concerts to family- trendy bars, and delicious redevelopment project, has friendly gatherings, Candler eateries, EAV is an excellent become a focal point for Park exemplifies the city’s spot for LGBTQ+ individuals LGBTQ+ gatherings and commitment to equality and to socialize, explore, celebrations. This multi- acceptance. and experience Atlanta’s use trail system connects dynamic street culture. diverse neighborhoods Piedmont Park

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BARS & CLUBS

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.

Why are all the bottoms in Spain right now?over.

I’m sorry I was so weird the other night. That’s how I am every night.

Might wake up early and go for a jog. I may also win the lottery. Odds are about the same.

The exact speed at which I drive is the most correct, and everyone else is stupid and should lose their license.

Everybody hates math until that paycheck looks funny, and now y’all know calculus.

I mean y’all broke up 23 times, pressed charges, and blocked each other’s social media. But yeah… Happy anniversary!

Guys, please keep me in your thoughts. Nothing happened, I just want you to think about me.

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