David Magazine v7_i35 | Black Pride '23

V7-35 08.30.23

Your Guide to Atlanta Black Gay Pride

10 Black LGBTQ+ Influencers

The Queen of Funny: It’s Lady Bunny!

Black-Led Orgs Making a Difference

KinkMen In XXX Love

+ Photos & More

Dear Readers, With great honor and excitement, I step into the role of Guest Editor for this special edition of David Magazine. As the Director of LGBTQ Affairs for the City of Atlanta, my journey has been one of advocacy, unity, and celebrating the rich tapestry of identities that make up our vibrant LGBTQ community.

This issue is a celebration of Black Pride weekend in Atlanta, a time when we come together to honor the intersection of Black identities and LGBTQ identities. It’s a moment to recognize the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black LGBTQ individuals who have shaped our community’s history. This edition seeks to broaden horizons, inviting everyone to explore the diverse narratives that enrich our lives.

As a lifelong Atlantan and a first-generation American, I stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way for me. My personal journey, much like that of many others, has been marked by self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s truth.

Growing up in Atlanta, I learned the power of community and the importance of authenticity. It’s a lesson I carry with me as I work to connect the LGBTQ community with our city’s municipal government, fostering equity and driving systemic change.

The stories within these pages reflect the tapestry of our experiences, celebrating milestones and achievements while acknowledging the challenges that persist. From personal anecdotes to community achievements, this issue aims to inspire and inform.

In unity with wishes for a Happy Pride, Malik Brown (he/him) Director of LGBTQ Affairs, City of Atlanta

HAPPY BLACK PRIDE, ATLANTA!

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ith great joy and enthusiasm, I wish Atlanta’s residents and visitors a happy Black Pride weekend! As we gather together in celebration, I am filled with immense pride for the progress we have made and the strides we continue to take towards a more inclusive and equitable Atlanta.

Throughout my tenure as your Mayor, my commitment to the LGBTQ community has only grown stronger. Building on the foundation of previous efforts, we have embarked on new initiatives to foster a city that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to live authentically.

But our work does not end there. Together, with the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs and the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, we are determined to keep pushing for progress. We believe in a united Atlanta, where every individual’s rights and identities are respected and celebrated. Our actions have spoken loud and clear: We are committed to making Atlanta a city that welcomes and includes everybody.

In our pursuit of equality and justice, we have achieved significant milestones. The launch of a first-of-its-kind LGBTQ youth mentorship pilot will provide support and guidance to the next generation of leaders. Additionally, we have made the largest-ever financial investment in our transgender residents, ensuring they have access to vital resources and opportunities.

Furthermore, the release of Atlanta’s first LGBTQ Historic Context Statement honors the rich history and contributions of our diverse community.

As we reflect on the journey we have taken thus far, we acknowledge that there is still much to accomplish. However, with each passing day, we draw inspiration from the resiliency and strength of our city. Atlanta is a place that influences everything and everyone, where diversity is not just celebrated but embraced.

Let us remain united in our efforts and continue to foster a city that thrives on inclusivity.

Together, we will build a brighter future for Atlanta – one that belongs to all of us.

With gratitude and excitement,

MAYOR ANDRE DICKENS

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Go Ahead, Fangirl Over Samantha Irby Like We Are

By Sarah Bricker Hunt Photo: Lori Morgan Gottschling pg| 8

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s I tore through a used library copy of focus on what it’s like to get a colonoscopy at the Samantha Irby’s 2017 bestselling collection hands of a good-looking doctor. It could involve of essays, “We Are Never Meeting in Real adult diapers.

Life,” in one sitting, I felt a kinship with the readers She’s also going to share the visceral pain of who came before me. The ones who collectively growing up with an alcoholic sometimes-dad and adorned the well-worn paperback with chocolate becoming a caretaker at age 11 for a chronically smears, left behind a series of coffee mug rings ill mother and share all-too-familiar dating stories on the back cover, and who had dog-eared the about the series of men who disappointed her corners of dozens of pages, no doubt to quickly before she found her person. find the passages they, too, felt compelled to read Writing is therapy for Irby, a cathartic exercise in aloud to their unwitting life partners or passive pets. trauma-informed recovery. “I work so much shit Before I’d finished, I’d ordered the others, “Meaty” out in the writing,” she says. “And then I’m like, and “Wow, No Thank You,” and pre-ordered Irby’s ‘Hmm, didn’t think about how I’m also working this latest collection, “Quietly Hostile,” which came out out for an audience’ — but by then, it’s too late and in May. I’m like, ‘Well, we may as well just go through this together.’”

Somehow, I’d missed Irby’s rise to the top of the humor memoir genre, perhaps distracted by The approach has garnered the author a fiercely things like the Trump era, a pandemic and warily loyal fanbase on one hand and the kind of internet considering what these new Nazis are all about. I gold we take for granted in 2023 on the other asked her forgiveness while expressing my thinly — for example, a critical review on Good Reads disguised new fangirl energy during a recent Zoom written by Mary (a middle-aged white woman call, where Irby joined me from the home she whose profile pic is encircled by a red feather shares with her wife in Kalamazoo. boa): “What we have here, ladies and gentlemen,” “Listen,” Irby begins, “I have incredibly low self- Mary writes, “is an enraged black lady who had esteem and a massive ego somehow. So, be a a lousy childhood, and has grappled with severe fangirl if you like, and I won’t tell. I’m always kind depression, isolation, racism and obesity all her of surprised when someone says, ‘Oh, I like this life. It’s a perfect set-up for humor! Not.” It’s not thing that you wrote,’ but then I’m, like, flooded with a stretch to imagine why Irby isn’t devoting much gratitude because sometimes it feels like you’re energy to reading what the internet thinks. writing into the void.”

Lately, some of the internet thinks Irby is “Plus,” she adds, “I’m not gonna read reviews ever. responsible for the things they hate about the new I’m never gonna read anything anyone says about “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That...” me online if I can help it. So it is really nice to hear Irby sat in the (virtual) writers’ room for the show, from a real person with a voice and a verifiable an experience she said was a “joy — no, really. identity. You like the book; you just made my day.” But, also, viewers get so mad and somehow, it’s all my fault.” (Since our interview, the Writers Guild Even as a newbie to Irby’s work, it seems reductive of America, which includes television writers, has to reference it in one of the ways other outlets have: gone on strike — Irby has publicly stated that she self-deprecating, vulnerable, scatological (rude fully supports the Guild and stands in solidarity — also, maybe true) or, especially cringeworthy, with the cause.) a “writer and comedy juggernaut.” Can a person even be a juggernaut? I do know that if pressed — if In reality, of course, writers’ rooms include multiple some dude caught me in an alley and demanded voices, and in the case of a show like “And Just at knifepoint that I describe Samantha Irby in three Like That...,” there’s an overarching vision to words or less — one of those words would not be be considered — in this case, it’s the vision of juggernaut. They’d be closer to “Honest. Hilarious. executive producer Michael Patrick King (“This Survivor.” And I would maybe add “painfully so” show is his first born,” Irby explains). ahead of each of these.

Irby also worked on the animated 2019 Netflix series, “Tuca & Bertie,” featuring Tiffany Haddish Because what Irby does on the printed page looks and Ali Wong, and on Hulu’s “Shrill,” starring easy, but her breezy vibe belies a labor of love (and “SNL” alum Aidy Bryant. For “Shrill,” Irby lived in a fight against intense chronic procrastination, Irby Los Angeles for two months, a “fucking dream, but tells me). Where other authors might hold back also I had to live in Los Angeles for two months. I or couch their non-fiction confessionals in vague, was feeling unsettled and discombobulated, but it guarded observations, Irby goes for it. was cool to be there for work. Still — I’m not thin and blonde and I don’t fit the stereotype, I don’t If she’s going to explain the real, literally messy look like Hollywood, but I had trust in my brain. I details about living with chronic conditions like knew I could write a script, I knew I could make a ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (and she Netflix executive laugh. I was pretty confident in is), she’s going there. It might involve cleaning up that stuff.” after herself in socially vulnerable situations or a

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Irby’s love of TV comes up frequently throughout Irby’s latest book, “Quietly Hostile,” focuses on the her memoir writing. Like so many Gen X and older often uncomfortable duality of regular life tinged Millennials, she grew up at a time when something with the experience of being famous, or at least was almost always on in the background. Growing the kind of edge fame typically afforded to writers. up, she remembers watching sitcoms like “Mr. Irby isn’t as likely to be recognized in a grocery Belvedere,” “Gimme a Break!” and “Family Ties.” store as a well-known actor, but she still has to attend social gatherings and events that smack Even now, she says, she returns to certain “comfort of Hollywood from time to time, and she is more shows” that play in the background of her everyday frequently accused of wielding power in ways she life. “I don’t even have to be watching it,” she says. actually doesn’t.

“I just kind of like the drone in the background, “It’s been weird to absorb people’s ideas of what and I have to have it on even if I’m not actively my career is like versus the reality,” she reflects. watching TV. I like to put on some sports or news “And sometimes, they over-inflate it by accusing or anything with a live person and just kind of have me of things in the show that I could never have them narrating what I’m doing even though they’re done because I’m the last person on the call not saying what I’m doing. TV is like my pal. Let me sheet.” cuddle up with my TV.” “I have been lucky in that people have enjoyed Now that Irby has peeled back the curtain and has my work, but Hollywood is unpredictable. What’s an intimate knowledge of how the TV sausage is not unpredictable is books. If they keep buying my made, her perspective has changed a bit. “It’s the stupid ass books, I’m happy.” little shit,” she begins. “Like, where the cameras are behind a person who’s talking, but their lips don’t match with what they’re saying. I know it’s because this was the best shot of the person who’s listening, but now that’s bugging me. It takes me out of it a little bit — not to be too melodramatic, but it’s like, there’s no mystery now, right?”

Los Angeles, and even Irby’s hometown of Chicago, are vastly different from her current, quieter life in Kalamazoo. “It’s funny — when the street outside is quiet, it kind of feels like ‘I Am Legend,’ where’s there’s no one but me and a couple animals and some zombie hunter operations... but it’s good. I’m not built for city life anymore.”

Laughing, she adds, “Any excuse to stay in the middle of the country where it’s flat is fine with me.” ” Though Irby says she still calls Chicago home, being there at this stage in her life feels stressful. “I thought I’d feel more stressed here [in Kalamazoo], but it is much more stressful to have to fight for parking spots. And I don’t have to worry about pickpockets. I’m not, every time I go outside, playing a game of chicken. It’s slower, easier, better.”

Irby’s tumultuous young adult years in Chicago, as outlined in her essays about that time, stand in stark contrast to daily life now. “What do I do here?

Well. I take the dog to his expensive daycare, three times a week. I cook meals sometimes because I have guilt for being a writer who’s been home Sarah Bricker Hunt, a proud Eastern Michigan while my wife was out being a social worker. I do University alum and the managing editor for Pride have a few friends here... I go to the library... the Source Media Group, believes in the power of bookstore. Um, these things all sound very boring.” intentional journalism focused on people building Boring, though, doesn’t mean “bad.” In fact, she their communities through everyday acts of love tends to prefer boring over the alleged excitement and service. of fame.

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Jake Waters and Dillon Diaz met in 2019 on the set of a porn film. At the time, Waters was still an industry newbie. In fact, it was only his second time filming an adult scene!

He was booked to film with another actor, but as things happen on adult movie sets, Jake and Dillon were paired together at the last moment.

Sparks flew right away, and the KinkMen considered taking their play off-camera, but they lived on opposite ends of the country.

Still, they exchanged numbers and kept in touch. It wasn’t until March of 2021, when both found themselves to be single and available that they decided to give their relationship a real go. This spring, they tied the knot. We spoke with the newlyweds from their home in Los Angeles.

Jake Waters and Dillon Diaz Tie the Knot

By Jacob Brennan

Before we get into how you met, please tell us about who you each were pre-Kinkmen.com.

Dillon Diaz: I was raised by my mother. My dad and I weren’t close. I lived all over New York but consider myself a Brooklyn boy.

Jake Waters: I was a military brat and lived in lots of different places, but mostly in the Midwest. I was the oldest of three and felt a responsibility to be the upstanding golden child.

Were there hints that you were different from your siblings and peers?

Jake Waters: Sexually, I didn’t notice a difference until my sophomore year of high school. That’s when I started paying more attention to the male anatomy.

Dillon Diaz: I always had secret thoughts about the same gender.

I didn’t feel safe acting on them, though, until I was eighteen. The crazy thing is my little brother is also gay, but he waited until he was forty years old to come out. As his gay big brother, I should have been the first to know, but I wasn’t; his boyfriend was.

We are one big gay happy family now. I love having a gay brother. I only wish I knew sooner.

What was the coming out experience like for you both?

Dillon Diaz: My coming out experience was mostly a non-event. Everyone said they already knew, and they were just waiting for me to say it.

Jake Waters: Same. My parents were supportive but worried about me being a black gay male in the Bible Belt.

me roles in the past, and I had always What led you both to adult film?

Jake Waters: I had always been fascinated by turned them down due to a past abusive the business of pornography. My mom used relationship. Since that first scene, I’ve done to sell lingerie and adult toys, and she took a handful of KinkMen scenes, and each time, me to some of her sales parties. In 2019, I I have continued to push myself to my limits. was single and thought I would give it a try. It has definitely helped me work through my past trauma.

Dillon Diaz: For me, it was the need for change. I had a great job traveling the world Is kink something you do as a couple in as a celebrity makeup artist, but after a few your private bedroom? years, I was burnt out. I was in desperate Dillon Diaz: We have enjoyed exploring our need of something new. First, I tried go-go own level of kink in the bedroom. It’s not as dancing, and I loved It. I was having the extreme as what we do on set. time of my life! The opportunity to do film presented itself over and over again. I had Might we see you both starring in a my reservations about it, but I decided to give KinkMen film together in the near future? it a try. I didn’t hate it, not one bit. In fact, it Jake Waters: You never know what the future was a feeling of liberation! I decided to make holds. We’re open to it!

Dillon Diaz: I always love working with my a career out of it. husband, especially if it’s a threesome or a Does being an adult performer involve its group. Being able to share that experience with him and then climb into our car and go own coming out process?

Dillon Diaz: I started working in porn in my home with my best friend just feels good. late thirties. I was grown by then, and I never felt the need to explain myself to anyone. Is there anything you’d like to try?

Even today, I choose to share my career and Dillon Diaz: I hope I don’t regret saying this: happiness with a few people, but I never feel I’d like to give sounding and latex a try. like it is absolutely necessary. Nor do I feel the need to hide It. If someone asks me, “Is Do you have advice for couples who might that you?” I will proudly say “Yes,” and I’ll ask, want to introduce kink into their sex lives?

Dillon Diaz: Communication is key. Have an “Did you cum?”

Jake Waters: When I entered the industry, I open and honest conversation about your was still living in the Midwest. I had to keep interests and limits, and agree on safe words. making up excuses as to why I was going to California all of the time. Three years ago, What is the biggest misconception of on Father’s Day, I finally told my parents the kink? truth. They had questions, but they were cool Jake Waters:That it’s dirty, rough, abusive, with it. Today, I have told a lot of friends and and one-sided. In most cases, it’s the sub that has the power, not the dominant, family members.

There are some who simply don’t need to because once the sub uses the safe words, the activity is over. know.

Dillon has had a long history working in What is the best part of being newlyweds? kink with KinkMen.com. How did you Dillon Diaz: The stability. Knowing the hunt for ‘the one’ is over is such a relief. discover your love of fetish?

Dillon Diaz: On set. I’ve had many firsts on Jake Waters: Marriage is easy work. We’re the KinkMen set. It has provided me with a excited to buy a house with a big yard for our safe space to explore my diverse sexuality canine baby. and my love of power play. It doesn’t matter if I am in the dominant or submissive role; each Are your younger selves proud of all that you have accomplished? provides an electrifying pleasure.

Dillon: My younger self never saw any of this You’ve participated in some intense coming. I was painfully shy and awkwardly proper. I still have a little of that left, but scenes!

Dillon Diaz: I’ve done several scenes that mostly, I’m fearless. include suspension, but the most intense was Jake: I, too, was shy, soft-spoken, and felt the the time I had a zipper up and down my body need to be perfect at everything. Today, none attached to a Harley Davidson. I had no idea of that is true. what was about to happen, and when they explained to me that the Harley was going to Watch Jake Waters and Dillon Diaz in pull the zipper off, it seemed easy enough. action at KinkMen.com.

Ha! You’ll have to watch to see what I mean.

Jake, you recently entered the kink world, too, in the KinkMen film Divine Bitches.

Jake Waters: I am extremely impressed with myself! The team at KinkMen has offered

10 Black LGBTQ+ Influencers You Need to Follow

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Curated by Malik Brown

In the dynamic landscape of social media, Black LGBTQ+ voices are rising as influential beacons of empowerment, education, and change. These ten remarkable individuals shape discussions on identity, love, and acceptance and amplify the community’s intersectional struggles and triumphs. From thought-provoking content to unapologetic selfexpression, these influencers are redefining norms and inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves.

DaShawn Usher DaShawn is a writer, executive producer, community mobilizer, and culture curator. DaShawn founded MOBI, a series of curated social connectivity events for gay and queer people of color to see their holistic selves while promoting community, wellness, and personal development.

Follow him at @dashawnusher Dominique Morgan As an activist, speaker, author, musician, and recording artist, Dominique has a powerful platform for her mission is to dismantle the systems that perpetuate violence against Black Trans people. With a decade of changemaking artistry, advocacy, and background in public health, Dominique continues to work in spaces of sex education, radical self-care, and transformative youth development.

Follow Dominique @thedominiquemorgan

based organization is committed to building a power base for Black lesbians over 40 living anywhere in the country.

Follow Mary Anne @ zaminobla Alex Santiago Alex is the Chief Executive Officer of Destination Tomorrow in Atlanta and the founder of I Am Human United, an organization committed to creating a safe space for individuals who are homeless, living with HIV, and trans youth, with a focus on those who experience discrimination due to their lifestyle or gender identity.

Follow Alex and his organization @iamhuman_ foundation Charles Stephens Charles is the founder and Executive Director of The Counter Narrative Project (CNP). This non-profit shifts narratives about Black gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men to change policy and improve lives.

Follow Charles @charlesdotsteph

Victor Jackson Victor Jackson has worked in entertainment for more than 15 years. As a choreographer and creative director, he has worked with superstars including Jennifer Octavius Terry Hudson, Lil’ Wayne, and August Alsina and has appeared Octavius is a realtor and CEO at the menswear lifestyle on several TV shows. Besides his incredible musical brand Octavius Marsion. He is also a noted stylist and talent, Victor uses his voice to speak up for inequalities fashion designer to the stars. within his community.

Follow him at @octaviusterry Follow Victor @mrglamrocksoul Malik Khalid Chef Deborah VanTrece Apart from being a truly gifted yoga instructor, a Chef Deborah VanTrece is one of the South’s most lululemon ambassador, and the founder of the Amador recognized culinary personalities, best-selling author, yoga community, Malik has also been outspoken on and founder of the VanTrece Hospitality Group. As a social media about his gender expression journey. female African American restauranteur, business owner, Follow them @ malikyoga_ and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Chef VanTrece is a passionate and vocal advocate for social Drew Friday justice, especially issues that impact marginalized and Known as one of Atlanta’s most well-known drag vulnerable populations. performers, Drew Friday, also known as Sevyen, Follow Deborah @ chefdeborahvantrece has talked openly about her transition journey in the media. The self-proclaimed drag princess also stars on several YouTube shows, and her Instagram account is Mary Anne Adams overflowing with fantastic content.

Mary Anne Adams is the founder of ZAMI NOBLA, the Follow Sevyen/Drew Friday @drewfriday_ National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging.

Deeply rooted in Atlanta, Georgia, the membership-

Empowering Equality and Well-being:

Black-Led Organizations Making a Difference In a world marked by systemic inequalities, a group of remarkable black-led organizations is stepping up to reshape narratives, dismantle barriers, and empower marginalized communities. From advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health equity to fostering empowerment in underserved neighborhoods, these organizations are driving profound change.

those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BEAM paves the way for accessible resources, education, and With a focus on the advocacy that redefine mental health support LGBTQIA+ community, through an intersectional lens. With unwavering particularly transgender commitment, BEAM envisions a world where and gender non-conforming mental wellness is a fundamental right for all. people of color, the To learn more about how you can support this organization advocates for organization, go to beam.community. resources, empowerment, and policies that replace punitive measures with Destination Tomorrow holistic support, fostering true equality and social change. Through resilience, education, and unity, S.N.A.P works tirelessly to build a just and compassionate society for all.

Learn more on how to join the collab and to donate, go to snap4freedom.org/thecollabo.

Destination Tomorrow embraces the keyword “empowerment” from its mission statement.

Dedicated to Bronx LGBTQ+ community The Black Emotional and Mental Health members, particularly from the Black and Collective (BEAM) Latinx communities, the organization empowers through holistic support, education, and advocacy. By addressing systemic barriers, fostering resilience, and providing resources, Destination Tomorrow envisions a world where BEAM stands as a vital, black-led organization everyone can thrive authentically. With a focus that echoes the principles of “healing justice, on social justice, health equity, and community radical acceptance, and intersectionality.” By building, the organization paves a transformative prioritizing the mental well-being of Black path towards a more inclusive and empowered communities, BEAM disrupts systemic disparities future. and cultivates safe spaces for holistic healing. To learn more on how you can support this Rooted in an understanding of the nuanced organization, go to destinationtomorrow.org. challenges faced by Black individuals, particularly

Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative

Your Guide to ATLANTA BLACK GAY PRIDE

By Miko Evans for History of Black Gay America Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt for David Magazine

On Labor Day Weekend, the world’s second-largest Black Pride event returns for another round of cultural celebration, community recognition, and various nightlife events. The 27th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebrates activism, inclusion, and excellence in the city’s African-American queer+ movement.

The host organization, Atlanta Black Pride, and veteran event producers, non-profits, and nightlife promoters continue this long tradition to provide a beacon of hope and inspiration during a political anti-LGBTQ climate, especially in the South.

Initially established in 1996 by In The Life Atlanta, the annual holiday event provides workshops, seminars, performing and literary arts, award ceremonies, concerts, and nightlife events for all members of the Black queer community.

To kick off the weekend, the State of Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, OUT Georgia Business Alliance, will present the second edition of Power Connect, in partnership with The Gathering Spot’s LGBTQ Circle Group, on Wednesday, August 30, at 6 p.m. visit outgeorgia. org for more info.

Also, the fourth Annual Black Pride Mayor’s Reception, presented by the Mayor’s Office and the City’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, will take place Thursday, August 31, at Atlanta City Hall.

During the holiday weekend, the LGBT Greek Weekend will return, brought to you by Real Bois Talk and ABP, featuring their annual brunch, Greek Fashion Show, Greeks in the Park, and other events.

The third Annual TransLife Awards (in partnership with Swank Entertainment) will occur at the Center for Civil and Human Rights on Friday evening, September 1, starting at 6 p.m.

Visit thetranslifeawards.com for details.

The office of Councilwoman Keisha Waites will present the second Equality & Unity Interfaith Pride Celebration on Friday, September 1, at City Hall at 7 p.m., with a pre-reception for faith leaders hosted by Bishop Sonya Williams starting at 5 p.m.

The Legends, Traxx Girls, and veteran promoter Rockstars Production host Labor Day Weekend events at various venues in Atlanta, including the host hotel, The Starling by Hilton at 188 14th Street NE.

Created by DJ, reality TV star, and entrepreneur Melissa Scott, Traxx Girls, and the new brand Pure “EnHergy,” is the number one Pride event for Lesbian and bi Women in the Southeast, featuring various parties with celebrity tars and the Black Pride Booze Cruise at Lake Lanier on Labor Day. Rockstars Annual Labor Day Rock continues to excel with events for gay and bisexual men. The Upgraded Events will feature celebrity guests such as Sexy Redd and Saucy Santana, along with the Influencers Dinner, paying tribute to icons in the Black Queer community such as Derek J, Earl Fowlkes, Jr, Vaughn Alvarez, David Graves, Tori Cooper, Dedrick Tillerson, and more. Also, RockStars’ newest event, Men Empowerment Brunch, takes place on Saturday from 12 p.m.

to 3 p.m. Visit the websites atlantablackprideldr. com and rockstarsproduction.com for details.

The weekend climaxes with the Pure Heat Community Festival created in partnership with The Vision Church & Community Foundation at Piedmont Park on Sunday, September 3, from noon - to 8 p.m., featuring various vendors, celebrity guests, and performers. The highlight will be the LGBTQ Youth Festival, which will focus on workshops at various Atlanta venues and a Kiki Ball, DJ, karaoke, games, and more for queer youth. Visit pureheatcommunityfestival. org for details.

The “Artists In The Afternoon,” presented by Rethink The Narrative Media Company & The Esteem Awards, will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 3, at 1 p.m. at the Atlanta Public Library on Metropolitan Avenue located at 1332 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta 30315. This event is free to the public and will highlight written and spoken word, music, art, and more.

JT Events returns with various events in partnership with the 2021 HBGA Hall of Famers, the legendary Marquette Lounge. This year, JT brings the ATL Black Pride Skate Party to the Cascade Skating Rink in the Adamsville community on August 31 at 8 p.m. And, as always, The Marquette turns things up with their block party indoors and outdoors in the parking lot all weekend long.

Follow JT Events and the Marquette on IG @868marquette and @jteventsatl for more event info.

Blue Diamond Entertainment’s PRIDE25+, Black Pride for mature women, introduces a new “invitation only” experience.

The legendary Blue Diamond will bring class and style back to the ladies while partnering with other female promoters for various day and nightlife parties for the weekend.

Legendary RT Parties ATL, in partnership with Mixx Atlanta Lounge, home of Destination Fridays and Parties for the Grown & Sexy on Sundays for men over 30, will hold their festivities at the host location with the all-you-can-eat BBQ on Monday, and the bonus Swagg Out Tuesday.

Wassup N’ ATL’s Manual Labor (trailblazers of exotic entertainment since 2002), will present the Club Django’s Reunion, featuring legendary district House Mutha, DJ Sedrick, and DJ Trans Activist/Entrepreneur and founder of 100 Brice, along with other events at Future Atlanta in Underground Black Trans Men, Dr. Elijah Nicholas, will present Atlanta. Exotic dancers and music performers will the inaugural reproductive/sexual/social justice be in appearance. The Embassy Suites Atlanta think tank in partnership with Positive Impact Health Buckhead is the official host hotel for Wassup N’ ATL. Centers in Decatur, GA, on Saturday, September 2.

Check out wassupnatl.com and atlantablackpride.

Three Plus Media Events will present their Atlanta info for more.

Black Pride Showcase on Saturday, September 2, Romeo Michael in South Atlanta, which features a fashion show, a and Fab5ATL, male dance revue, music performances, and reality home of the TV stars. weekly IN DA CUT, Meak Productions, returns with Colors in partnership with Black Pride, a History of Black Gay variety of events America, will present featuring celebrity the inaugural Literary special guests, Artists & Entrepreneurs’ in partnership Spotlight Brunch with Sean Karta featuring Dr. Jesse Promotions and Sanders on Sunday, others. This year’s highlight will be the Chaparral September 3, at 11 a.m.

Reunion, featuring the return of legendary promoter at Saltbox, West Midtown.

Mario Young and My ATL Productions.

Joining Fab5 ATL, the Iconic Superman & Friends (of the city’s most popular exotic entertainment revue) along with club 840 ATL will present the Savage Saturday Only Fans Mega Party, featuring Atlanta’s hottest male dancers and OnlyFans Stars, plus sounds by the legendary The Atlanta Eagle hosts a Black Pride weekend full of music with DJ Kurtis Jose and two nights with DJ Angel X and others. legendary DJ Ron Pullman of Pullman Soul.

For more info, follow @Fab5Atl, @romichaelworld1, and @seankarta.

Additionally, here are some new events on this year’s Labor Day weekend itinerary: Newcomer Classy Connections (queer events for Women) introduces their Caribbean Fete, Scarlet Night, and the Sassy White Affair (all featured Finally, the nationally known Deviant Events brings their sexy circuit party, “Milk,” to the Heretic on throughout the weekend).

Saturday, September 2, and their BBQ Day Party at the Luxe Galore Studio on Monday – visit deviant. live for more info.

For more information on additional events and updates about the Atlanta Black Pride during Labor Day weekend, please visit davidatlanta.com.

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online@davidatlanta.com and social media

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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

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

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1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite 180

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14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE 15 Flex Spa

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DAVID Magazine

NEW ONLINE CALENDAR of EVENTS

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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

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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

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1447 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

41 Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

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The Queen of Funny: It’s Lady Bunny!

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

The original creator of Wigstock, your take on that whole thing? superstar DJ, and queen of all things uber- Drag and trans issues are a wedge issue, camp: Lady Bunny, is coming to Atlanta which the GOP can use to gin up their – and DAVID got a chance to talk to the base to vote for them. They can’t focus on legendary queen and former Atlanta local the economy, since the GOP’s only answer about the current state of drag, big wigs, has been Reagan’s failed trickle-down big careers, and her show at the Atlanta economics. We’ve tried that for decades, and Comedy Theater Underground. it hasn’t worked. Democrats also like to focus on the drag/trans wedge issue, because if First of all, welcome back! You had to they had a fix for the economy, they would’ve cancel your show in April because of a used it over the last two years. And they did foot injury – so I gather all’s well and you not. are back in heels?

I did break my foot, so last Easter, Bunny Why do you think drag queens are the wasn’t hopping at all. She was limping! But subject of so much conservative vitriol?

I am back in heels. A year before that, Covid Conservative/evangelical voters are often caused us to cancel. So thanks to ticket two-issue voters: stopping abortion and gay buyers and the promoters at Wussy Mag for rights. That gets them to the polls. Attitudes their patience. I haven’t performed in ATL for have softened towards average gay people about five years, and I have loads of new even among GOP voters—the world didn’t fall material to tickle, delight, and horrify you apart (as some predicted) when gays could with! get married or serve in the military. And even GOP senators felt they had to vote with Dems Your career in drag spans over decades to vote for light gay marriage protections – besides a big wig and (always) lashes, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe and what makes Lady Bunny, Lady Bunny? said the ruling could be applied to same-sex My pronouns are slutty and Sugar Tits. And nuptials. I go into this in my show because my sexual preference is often! I grew up there’s something else which strikes me as in Chattanooga, where I got to see great odd. I’m a drag queen, as are half of my performers like Taisha Khan, Daisy Dalton, friends. I know none who wake up and think and even Lady Chablis when she came “We’ve got to read stories to more kids.” So through town. If you want to find out what makes me Lady Bunny, just google Trixie Mattel—she stole my entire look! And she made me thinner and younger!

Tell us a little about your time in Atlanta as an up-and-coming drag superstar.

Honestly, RuPaul and the other queens in our crew were the town boogers back in the 80s. We shopped in thrift stores since that’s all we could afford. We loved the Charlie Browns and Yetteva Antoinettes, who starred at the big venues, but we were too artsy to fit in with that crowd. I can’t overstate this. I am very proud to be a southern drag queen.

Despite living in NYC for several decades, there’s something extra about southern queens, which I adore. You do not get up on that stage with nothing.

And on the subject of drag: Drag is being weaponized in politics right now. What is

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

SNAPS 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

WESTSIDE

MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW 840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW ANSLEY

ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE

FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW

THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE

WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE

HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

DINING MIDTOWN

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

1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A 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

EMAIL iNFO@DAViDATLANTA.COM FOR FREE BUSINESS LISTINGS THERE IS ROOM FOR YOU!

BARS & CLUBS

who is setting this agenda for the community?

GLAAD and HRC? They’ve both been very For people who have never experienced wrong about other stuff. a Lady Bunny show, what can they expect when you come to Atlanta to Since I perform in clubs where underage perform at the Atlanta Comedy Theater people can’t get in, I’ve never had to deal Underground? with kids at my shows. I don’t want them I sing a lot of song parodies, with new ones there because my act is dirty. I put on the by Ariana Grande, Adele, Bruno Mars and ticket links to my shows not to come if dirty Kylie Minogue. I also like to read celebrities humor offends you—cuz I’m too dirty for and spread vile gossip—especially about some adults. And definitely not PC enough RuPaul, Bianca Del Rio and the Drag Race for some pride events. That doesn’t mean crew. There’s a teeny bit of politics, an that all drag is inappropriate for kids, or original song or two, costumes changes, that queens are sexually grooming kids at two hysterical videos, and even a Broadway these story hours. But I say the same thing showstopper! And I’ve re-written Cardi B and about whoever is pushing trans people and Meghan Thee Stallion’s WAP for us older pronouns. Do you know any trans people? gals, who just don’t get as moist down there In my world, it would be an insult to ask a as we used to! trans person their pronoun, because that implies that I can’t tell what sex they are, or Will you have any special guest stars? that they aren’t “passing.” So if most drag Yes! A different queen for each show. I queens aren’t pushing for story hours and believe the only one I’ve met is Bridget Bidet a lot of trans people aren’t concerned with and she’s a hoot! pronouns—who is creating this movement for us?

Drag gone mainstream: good or bad?

It’s mixed bag. There are more opportunities for drag queens, but mainly for the queens on Drag Race. And bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. I agree with what Drag Race queens like Sasha Velour have said, that if you don’t know your local performers’ names, yet you obsess over Drag Race challenges, you’re not actually a drag fan.

You’re a Drag Race fan. Big difference. Drag Race de-emphasizes performance skills by only making the losers lip-synch. And many young queens just copy what they see on the show. So we’ve got lots of young queens with incredible make-up, costumes, and wigs, but who sometimes lack talent. If a queen walks on to stage looking like she spent hours on her make-up and hair, I‘ll clap for her. But that’s just the look. Now entertain me!

The word “shade” is being thrown around a lot among the younger queens (especially on drag race). Now, as the queen of throwing shade, can you tell us the correct definition?

I mainly know that term from the voguing community in NYC. Throwing shade” means insulting someone. Or you might call someone with unethical business practices “shady.” Drag Race has appropriated so much of ballroom lingo that they should be credited! Shade, slay, fierce, gagging, bring it to the runway—all that’s from the ballroom community portrayed on Pose. C’mon now, Ru, give those girls some credit. Cuz they Lady Bunny’s Pig in a Wig - One Woman also came up with “You better work.”

Show is playing September 1-3 at the Atlanta Comedy Theater Underground.

What about the word “camp”?

For more info and tickets, please visit It’s hard to define. There’s an element of atlcomedytheater.com. outrageousness, humor and sometimes a gay sensibility to camp. So, Liberace was camp. Charo is camp. Carol Channing was high camp. Grace Jones put a high-fashion spin on camp. Today, I’d say that Jennifer Coolidge characters are camp. It’s a vibe which gays love, and don’t always know why!

DAVID Magazine

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