David Magazine v8_i34 | Capturing Legendary

V8-34 08.21.24

Just Toby: 10 Years of Queer History

Are You Ready for The Queen’s Heroes?

Dragon Con: Fandom & Inclusivity

+ Photos & More

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AUG 21, 2024 V8-34

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

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COVER IMAGE Violet Chachki by Just Toby

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Dragon Con 2024 A Celebration of Fandom and Inclusivity in Atlanta Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Dragon Con, one of the largest multi-genre conventions in the world, returns to Atlanta in 2024 with all the excitement, creativity, and community spirit that fans have come to love. While this massive convention attracts people from all walks of life, it has become a particularly important event for the LGBTQ+ community. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse programming, and strong sense of inclusivity, Dragon Con is more than just a fan convention—it’s a safe haven where everyone can express themselves freely.

Dragon Con’s commitment to inclusivity is one of its most defining features. For many LGBTQ+ attendees, the convention is a place where they can celebrate their identities in a supportive environment. Cosplay, panels, workshops, and social events allow individuals to explore and express who they are without judgment. The convention also provides a platform for LGBTQ+ creators, artists, and performers to showcase their work, ensuring that diverse voices are represented.

The Dragon Con Night at the Georgia Aquarium In a world where LGBTQ+ individuals still One of the most anticipated events of face discrimination and exclusion, Dragon the convention, the Night at the Georgia Con stands out as a space where all are Aquarium is a stunning blend of marine welcome. Whether you’re an avid cosplayer, life and cosplay. This after-hours event is a sci-fi aficionado, or just someone looking an LGBTQ+ favorite, offering a chance to to connect with like-minded individuals, mingle with fellow fans in one of Atlanta’s Dragon Con offers an inclusive community most beautiful venues. The aquarium’s where you can be yourself. vibrant atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for elaborate costumes, and the event Dragon Con 2024 is packed with events that often attracts some of the most creative celebrate diversity and offer opportunities cosplayers of the convention. for LGBTQ+ attendees to connect. From social gatherings to themed parties, here The Dragon Con Parade are some of the standout events you won’t The Dragon Con Parade is one of the want to miss: convention’s most iconic events, drawing

thousands of spectators to the streets of Costume Contests and Cosplay Showcases Atlanta. It’s a vibrant celebration of fandom, Cosplay is at the heart of Dragon Con, featuring a diverse array of cosplayers, and the costume contests are a highlight floats, and performers. For the LGBTQ+ for many attendees. LGBTQ+ cosplayers community, the parade is a chance to often use their costumes to express proudly display their identities and celebrate their identities and pay homage to queer the diversity within fandom. Many LGBTQ+ characters in pop culture. The inclusive organizations and groups participate in the nature of the cosplay community at Dragon parade, making it a powerful statement of Con ensures that everyone, regardless of inclusion and visibility. gender or orientation, can participate and be celebrated for their creativity.

Workshops and Panels Dragon Con is known for its diverse As Dragon Con 2024 approaches, the programming, and 2024 is no exception. anticipation is palpable. With its inclusive The convention offers a range of panels programming, vibrant social events, and and workshops that focus on LGBTQ+ issues commitment to diversity, the convention within fandom and popular culture. Topics promises to be a celebration of everything like queer representation in media, LGBTQ+ that makes fandom—and the LGBTQ+ experiences in gaming, and the intersection community—so special. Whether you’re of fandom and identity are explored in depth. a longtime attendee or a first-timer, These sessions provide valuable insights and Dragon Con is a place where you can be yourself, celebrate your identity, and join a community that embraces you for who you are.

Learn more, see the full programs, and purchase tickets to it all at dragoncon.org.

foster important conversations, creating a sense of solidarity among attendees.

Are You Ready for The Queen’s Heroes?

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Photos courtesy of Kraven Comics

Ever since he was a teenager, Fernando Velez felt that ability to take or give life. She bears the divine mission there was no representation of himself and the LGBTQ+ of safeguarding humankind. Queen Izaar is increasingly community in comic books. Today, he is creator, isolated, responsible for humanity’s fate. She crosses founder, art director and writer of Kraven Comics that paths with The Sisters, a group of drag non-binary has published the Class6 comic book series, featuring a cast of characters representing all the colors of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. Now, he is ready to launch his first book project called The Queen’s Heroes where the same characters will engage in epic battles to save humanity. Welcome to the universe of The Queen’s Heroes.

The first book introduces us to Queen Izaar and her journey of ultimately safeguarding humanity. As the conflict intensifies, the enemy prepares to create an entity so powerful and unstoppable that it will set humanity on a path to destruction and extinction.

Queen Izaar crosses paths with what will become her heroes, each playing a crucial role in the fate of humanity, and their lives have been interconnected since the beginning of time. Despite enduring rejection, attacks, and ostracism for generations due to their identities, they must find the strength to forgive humanity and unite with Queen Izaar to prevent such an evil entity from being created. But they wonder: Is humanity worth saving?

The Characters Queen Izaar is a genderless, immortal being, the creator of modern humans, and a self-made warrior with the

activists who introduce Izaar to the art of drag, igniting manipulate nanos. Kuo constructed an underground a new passion that will transform Izaar’s life. empire using his son’s abilities, which Nami ultimately dismantled after a series of terrible events. In the Neveah’s journey began on Montenegro’s harsh streets, aftermath, Nami grappled with an obsession to find where she was homeless and endured relentless the organized crime ring that his father was part of and homophobic attacks until Dr. Jovanovic, a stem cell destroy them too. scientist, stepped in and adopted her. Dr. Jovanovic used his knowledge to develop a procedure for gender transition using stem cell genetic manipulation.

However, the procedure was reversed when Dr. Tihon, Jovanovic’s superior, intervened. Unexpectedly, this intervention bestowed Neveah with remarkable abilities to manipulate stem cells. Using her newfound abilities, she escaped from Tihon’s control.

You can pre-order The Queen’s Heroes by contributing to the Kickstarter through the link found on kraven.us.

Jaseri, emerging from the depths of Uganda, is a survivor of her father’s abuse and a symbol of resilience, with her fate tied to ancient powers. As a Loa, her lineage holds West Africa’s secrets, with her ancestors shaping Earth itself. With the power to command nature, she rescues and defends vulnerable individuals who are persecuted by the government for the way they identify.

Eron’s story begins tragically in Venezuela. As a child, he was given to the cartel, who raised him to be a hitman until one night, a series of events gave him a chance to escape, with newfound abilities caused by an accident. His brain is continuously activating more parts, and with each percent increase, he finds new abilities. As he finds himself in a new world, and with the traumas of his childhood, Eron starts to battle with drug addiction.

Kian, or how some will refer to him as “the Catalyst,” originates from another universe, encoded within his DNA is the most advanced technology and data dating back to the universe of KE20.04. Brought to life against protocol, Kian embarks on a quest for his identity and to discover his capabilities, all with the desire to be loved by the one who brought him to life, Queen Izaar.

Nami was born in Hong Kong with a life-threatening illness that only Kuo, his father’s nanotechnology, could cure. However, an unexpected consequence of the treatment bestowed upon him the power to

Just Toby: Ten Years of Shaping Queer History

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

All Photos courtesy of Just Toby

To be politically correct and play it safe, I’d say you’re the worst—but I’m just kidding! In general, though, the worst is when a young entertainer gets a taste of fame, and their attitude completely changes. It’s so important to stay humble.

Tell us about your show at Out Front’s Queer Spaces.

How did that come about?

This opportunity came from a conversation with Paul from Out Front Theater. He proposed the idea of showcasing local artists for a period of time while their work is displayed in the theater, which I thought was fantastic. When he asked if I was interested, I Toby – also known as Just Toby –is an Atlanta-based immediately said yes—I had been looking for a venue photographer who has captured the essence of drag for this year, and it just fell into my lap. I’m so grateful to for ten years In Atlanta and around the world. Right have my work showcased throughout the year. Raising now, you can see a collection of his work that celebrates awareness of art and charity through this project is ten years of capturing local and legendary queens and incredible, and the blend of my work with Out Front shaping queer history. We got to talk to Toby about Theater’s performances is a wonderful mix. Oh! And to his work, how it all began, what stands out, and be clear, this is my first solo show, and it’s an honor that what is coming up for the artist and master of drag I was able to have this space! photography.

How did you even select the pieces for the show?

The selection process for my pieces was clear in my Toby, congratulations on the 10-year anniversary! mind. I wanted to represent the people who brought How does it feel to have made it this far? How has the me to where I am today—those who believed in journey been? something I didn’t believe in at the beginning. It’s deeply emotional to present this to you, and like the tip Thank you so much. To be honest, the past ten years of the iceberg, there is a lot behind my success. They have flown by, and only recently have I taken a step know who they are back to realize just how much I’ve accomplished. It shows just how busy I’ve been. It’s been an incredible What’s next for you? Are any big projects coming up? ride, especially with how much the drag scene has evolved. Being a part of that cultural shift has been At the moment, I have another show exhibiting my truly humbling. work at the mayor’s office here in Atlanta; I also have a display outside the Civil Rights Museum, and I got to know you just as you were starting out. I am also working on hosting/promoting a pageant, a Looking back, what are some of the biggest lessons preliminary for Entertainer of The Year, which will be that you have learned? on September 23. I am also working on projects that I have never revealed. One project I’m excited about is to Over these ten years, I’ve learned that staying true to have a roast for my 10-year anniversary, which I hope your art and yourself is crucial despite the many forces y’all can sponsor HAHAHA. that can try to steer you off course. One thing I’ve come to believe strongly is the importance of keeping your Finally, tell us how we can watch this show and follow close friends close. They are the ones who will uplift along your journey on socials. you, support you, and stand by you through thick and thin.

The show will be displayed until the end of September.

You can purchase any of the works, or you can Tell us about some of the most significant moments always donate to Out Front Theater so we can keep throughout your career. art alive. You can find my work mostly on Instagram (@justtobyMe) or my personal Facebook, with my There have been so many great moments. One that personal accounts being the most frequently updated. stands out is when Mariah (Paris Balenciaga, ed.) I’m finally working on my website, and I hope it will encouraged me to pursue photography while still in soon become the central hub for connecting with me the corporate world. I vividly remember the day she and exploring my art. convinced me to take that leap, and I’m so thankful for it. Another unforgettable highlight was the day RuPaul’s Anything else you’d like to add?

Drag Race followed me on Instagram. It sounds silly, but having your favorite show acknowledge your work and My journey is far from over. For years, I’ve struggled tell you that you’re excelling in the industry is truly one with insecurities about releasing some of my work, but of my proudest moments. now I’m finally at a point where I’m ready to share it.

As Brigitte Bidet once said, “You have iconic photos that … and some of the worst? You don’t have to name the world would die to see.” names…

JUST TOBY JUST TEN

The collection showcases entertainers that have a special significance to the artist personally; in no particular order: Mariah Paris Balenciaga, Ben DeLa Creme, Evah Destruction, Bob the Drag Queen, Alyssa Edwards, Adore Delano, Coco Montrese, Trixie Mattel, Katya, Alaska, Joslyn Fox, Sasha Velour, Bianca Del Rio, Delta Work, Aquaria, Violet Chachki, Brigitte Bidet, Lena Lust, and entertainers from “The Other Show” (not all pictured here).

Catch JUST TOBY JUST TEN at Out Front Theatre until the end of September.

All Photos courtesy of Just Toby

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PAPI’S ORIGINATED WITH A FAMILY RECIPE, A DREAM, AND THE WILLINGNESS TO RISK EVERYTHING.

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41 Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

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Being in a throuple sounds so good financially

My therapist is actually the one that grows as a person just by talking to me.

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I hope this email sucks you off.

I love that being tied up is a fetish. Like okay go off shoes.

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He’s nice, but he’s an Insta model, which in gay is like a club promoter.

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