Peach i.33v.3

Concert + Dance Party

October 5th, 2019 The Tabernacle with Martha Wash –

“It’s Raining Men”

152 Luckie St NW Atlanta, GA 30303

Doors open – 8 p.m.

Show begins – 9 p.m.

Tickets: PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org

BENEFITS

and Taylor Dayne –

“Tell It to My Heart”

CONTENTS AUGUST 21, 2019

V3-33 PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 1874 Piedmont Ave NE Suite 580-E Atlanta, GA 30324

MANAGING PARTNER

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Brian Sawyer brian@peachatl.com

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

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EDITORIAL

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com

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Brian Sawyer Graphics

Jessica Watson Graphics

From the Editor

EVENT MARKETING

Labor Day weekend more than 85,000 people will gather in downtown Atlanta for the 33rd Annual Dragon Con: the multi-genre convention for comics, film, television, costuming, cosplay art, music, and gaming. So, this issue is dedicated to all things sci-fi, fantasy, and cosplay.

You can fully immerse yourself in all of the cosplay fun like Brad and Ike we spoke to on page 12, or you can watch the incredible parade either live or televised; Dragon Con proves just how versatile Atlanta is when it comes to hosting a world-class event.

If you are more into the superhero look, Darren has got you covered with his marvelous workout on page 18 that’ll give you a couple of levels of powerup.

The celebrity interview is with out word player K. Flay, who wasn’t serious about pursuing songwriting but then, three albums later, it ‘obviously struck a chord.’ Read more on page 14.

That and so much more in this KAPOW issue of Peach!

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director IG @hyldebrandt ONLINE

peachatl.com

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At Distribution Points Across the City

Thomas Le tomthomas@peachatl.com

SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Kevin Assam Chris Azzopardi Darren Floro-Bryant Mirza Muftic

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

ON THE COVER

Photo LaRue Caillet Photography LaRueC.com Model Tang Nguyen

SOCIAL

FB:facebook.com/peachatlmag

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.

6 | 08.21.19

That Dragon Con Magic

Photos Courtesy Dragon Con Photography (c) 2018 Dragon Con, Inc

The five-day Dragon Con festival attracts over NOTABLE PARTIES & EVENTS 85,000 people to downtown Atlanta for more than 3,000 hours of celebrities, comics, film, The Dark Crystal Ball: Gathering of Gelflings television, costuming, art, music, and gaming.

Center for Puppetry Arts honors Jim Henson’s The massive pop culture event is one of Atlanta’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic in a biggest conventions happening on Labor Day spectacle of Dark Crystal-inspired fantasy attire. weekend with events and activities across the Thursday, August 29, 7–11 pm five host hotels - Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Center for Puppetry Arts Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta – and Americas Mart Buildings The 8-Bit Bash A favorite retro dance party on Thursday of Dragon 1 and 2.

Con: The 8-bit Bash!

Fans will get the chance to meet their favorite Thursday, August 29, 10 pm – 3 am actors, artists, authors, creators, and experts, Dragon Con Video Gaming Track show off their latest cosplay, participate in workshops, make new friends, and revel in the Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium 2019 joy that is Dragon Con. In addition, Dragon Con A unique after-hours experience in the aquarium offers more than 140,000 square feet of gaming, galleries with food, drinks, DJ and all things making it one of the largest gaming conventions Dragon Con. Hosted by Ralph Macchio (Cobra Kai/Karate Kid) in the nation.

Saturday, August 31, 7–11 pm Notable celebrities that will attend this year’s Georgia Aquarium convention are George Takei (Star Trek), David Tennant (Doctor Who), Lana Parilla (Once Upon Spectrum: The Rainbow Flag Party 2019 a Time), Zachary Levi (Shazam!), Joonas Suotamo Dragon Con’s LGBTQ and allied geeks come (Chewbacca from the last four Star Wars movies), together to party as DJ Neon the Glowgobear Catherine Tate and Freema Agyeman (Doctor spins the beats and our go-go girlz n boyz dance Who), and David Ramsey (Legends of Tomorrow). for you in this year’s “Storybook.”

The highlight of the weekend is the Dragon Con Parade that steps off on Saturday, August 31. The Saturday, August 31, 10 pm – 2 am parade is free for the whole city, and you will get Hyatt Regency Atlanta plenty of chances to see just how much attention to detail that is put into creating incredible costumes and floats.

Go to dragoncon.org for more info and to get your membership that will also give you access to parties, workshops, and activities.

WHAT

33rd Annual Dragon Con

WHEN

August 29 – September 2

WHERE

Go to dragoncon.org for info on host hotels, venues, parties, and parade.

8 | 08.21.19

Join us for an evening of recognition and celebration

Save the Date

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

Learn more at: TheAGLCC.com

Creativity, Covers, and Courage

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Photography: LaRue Caillet

As a Peach reader, you have already seen LaRue Caillet’s work. Back in the Spring, the talented fashion and fine photographer undertook the eponymous task of shooting about 20 cover models in a day. In fact, one of the models graces the cover of this very issue! Peach talked to the artist about his inspiration and his amazing style (not just in photography!).

LaRue, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a jack of all trades, or at least that’s the goal. I’m a fashion and fine art photographer, fashion designer, graphic designer, web designer (if you can’t tell I love design, lol), videographer, and choreographer. I’m passionate about creating art that has both impact and longevity. I moved to Atlanta in 2017, and it’s been a wild ride ever since. I’m originally from New Orleans, and my whole family is full of artists, singers, dancers, musicians, seamstresses, and more.

What would be your ideal photoshoot?

My ideal photoshoot would be one where I’m given a budget to make the impossible possible. I like to create fantasy, and so far, I’ve been able to do that with no budget and no funding, so imagine what I could do with funding. Picture it: Models suspended in the air wearing Tell us a little about the style of your photography? extravagant gowns and suits, taking over locations and sets built by Savana Ogburn (look her up she is My photography originally came from my search for AMAZING). purpose. I was in a dark place, but I never told anyone.

Instead, I asked my mom for a camera, then started ... and who would it be with? creating. I started to get inspired by the movement of dancers, how colors interact with each other, and I would love, love, LOVE to shoot with members of the bring a new personality out of my models. Lately, my Atlanta Ballet, members of the Alvin Ailey American inspiration has been more music-driven. I’ve started Dance Theater, LGBTQ+ dancers and Iv Fisher, have piecing together concepts and think about how I can you seen her, she’s GORGEOUS. The possibilities would create different ways for the viewer to enjoy my work. be endless.

You did a massive cover shoot for Peach in the Spring with almost 20 cover model shot back to back – tell us about that experience!

Oh man, that was a beast of a day, definitely one to remember. I remember walking in nervous but ready to do whatever I needed to do to get the job done.

People never believe me when I say it, but I’m kind of an introvert with extrovert tendencies, so I told myself “LaRue, smile, say thank you and remember they’re nervous too.” After a while, it was like I was a machine, giving direction, easing nerves, and getting great shots frame after frame.

How does it feel to have your work on the cover of a magazine?

It’s something that I’ve always wanted but couldn’t see. I think every person has a vision for themselves and goals that they want to accomplish, and that was one of mine.

The first cover, I cried, the second cover, I cried, the third cover, yes, I cried. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share my work, my vision with the readers.

10 | 08.21.19

Where can we see and admire your work?

Now until August 26th, I have work on display in Atlanta City Hall, in the Office of the Mayor as a part of their LGBTQ+ art show. You can always visit my website at LaRueC.com and follow me on Instagram @LaRueC_ photography.

What upcoming projects do you have going on?

My 30th birthday is coming up on September 4th, so I’m working on putting together my first photobook as a happy birthday to myself. I’m also always looking for models for my glitter series.

Anything you’d like to add?

I’m thankful that I can wake up every day and bring to life the ideas that flow into my mind. I’m ready to do more and show the world what I’ve got!

MY DRAGON CON

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Attending Dragon Con takes skill, time, and creativity! Peach spoke to Brad and Ike, both fervent Dragon Con attendees, about what it takes to do it right!

BRAD GIBSON

Marketing Director and owner of illustration and design business How many times have you attended Dragon Con? This year will be my 8th consecutive DragonCon, I’m addicted.

What is about Dragon Con that is so alluring?

The energy, the creativity, and the connection that you feel with thousands of people who are all interested in geeky things. The cosplays are beyond impressive and the parties every night are always a blast.

From where do you draw your inspiration for your character/costume?

Pop Culture is my biggest inspiration. Though I’ve done a little of every column at some point in time.

I love genderbending cosplays as well, taking female characters and making them male or femme male. I also always want to do a horror look because I like being scary.

What are you going as this year?

This year I may be reprising Wonder Parton (a combination Wonder Woman/Dolly Parton) because I’m very behind on my costume builds. I will also be one of the New Mutants (they all wore the same costume and I’m trying to figure out which one I want to be), an X-Men spinoff from the 80s that’s about to make a comeback.

When did you start making your costume(s)?

I only started a few weeks ago, I’m SO BEHIND. Usually it’s all done and dusted by this point. I haven’t even done my makeup tests, yikes!

What events are you attending?

On Friday nights I always do The Zombie Prom and the 8-bit Bash. Saturday nights are reserved for the LGBTQ Spectrum party, and some friends and myself also organize the Dazzler Happy Hour, a happy hour themed around the X-Man Dazzler.

Any last words?

I’d encourage anyone at any level of geekdom or interest to attend Dragon Con. Yes, it’s crowded, but it’s a fun atmosphere that welcomes all walks of life, and it’s a fantastic escape from the stressful climate we live in. It’s fun to become someone/something else for an entire weekend with thousands of other people.

12 | 08.21.19

IKE CHINUKWUE

Freelance Branding Specialist & Designer How many times have you attended Dragon Con? Four times What is about Dragon Con that is so alluring?

I love the energy of the event. It’s good at capturing a non-judgment zone for everyone.

Dragon Con is also a very safe space for people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

From where do you draw your inspiration for your character/costume?

I draw my inspirations mostly from anime, gaming, a little bit of high fantasy, and pop culture.

What are you going as this year?

I’m going as my elf persona and Rock Lee from Naruto.

When did you start making your costume(s)?

Several months beforehand. It takes a lot of preparation and some things need to be custom-made.

What events are you attending this year?

The Spectrum party, which is the LGBTQ event they throw every Dragon Con. I’m also very interested in attending all the cool panels!

Any last words?

Cosplay is all about having fun. You can mix characters or just do your own thing. People are intimidated by Dragon Con because they think you have to dress up.

Dragon Con is the complete opposite of that and is open to everyone!

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K. Flay, Here to Slay (and Stay)

By Chris Azzopardi Photo: Night Street Interscope Records

14 | 08.21.19

Ask genre criss-crosser K. Flay about all the music she grew up with, what the soundtrack of her youth is, which CDs she rushed to the store for just as they hit the shelves, and she, a twotime Grammy-nominated artist, will shock you: “I didn’t really care about music growing up.”

For kid K. Flay, who was born Kristine Meredith Flaherty and grew up in Illinois, there were no emotional ties to music – certainly not in the way teenagers eat up her pop-rock-rap style and relate to musical themes like unconditional selflove and newfound queer romance, which are scattered throughout her punchy, motivational and moving third studio album, Solutions.

Here, the 34-year-old artist talks about her career starting off as a joke, how she got outside her comfort zone for Solutions and navigating queerness in her music.

In June, you performed alongside Kesha, Tegan and Sara, and Imagine Dragons frontman and festival creator Dan Reynolds at the LoveLoud Festival, a fundraiser for LGBTQ charities. For you, what was the highlight?

Honestly, the highlight for me was: intellectually, I know what that festival’s about from knowing Dan since its inception, and also just kind of following it over the years, but often, no matter what the circumstance, when you’re playing shows you forget that you’re a part of something that’s bigger, you know?

Dan gave this kind of pep talk to all the artists who were performing beforehand and just reminded people that, “Hey, this is an event where, for a lot of folks, it’s the first time they’re interacting with people who openly identify LGBTQ. This is like the first Pride-ish event for a lot of people.” You take so much of that for granted as a performer and as a traveling person, and it was an important reminder. It reframed the whole day for me. I think if there was a highlight it was just kind of, in a weird way, that reframing moment of realizing that you’re part of a day that can really change people’s lives in this quite profound manner.

Having recently spoken openly about your sexuality to GQ with your girlfriend Miya Folick, did LoveLoud resonate differently? Did you get a different kind of response from the queer community?

I think there’s always been a large contingent of people who listen to my music and come to the shows and engage online who are queer, so it hasn’t felt like a sea change. I always tried to create an environment that felt very open and welcome to everybody, so I haven’t; but we haven’t played a ton of shows yet, so maybe I’m still at the frontier of that. I might have a better answer in like four months. (Laughs) You spoke with your record label to make sure they didn’t exploit your queerness to sell this record. Why was it necessary to have that discussion with your label?

Certainly I did not want to capitalize on this identity and this community that in a lot of ways I’m kind of new to and still sort of figuring out my place and role there. The idea that I’d sort of be co-opting something or using something to my advantage just felt totally disingenuous and

bad and not what I was trying to do in any way, or what my goal is. But I think the other side of the coin and story is that this record was made pretty much a week after she and I met. (Laughs) So… it’s pretty queer?

Yeah (laughs). The process of writing this thing, in many ways, was informed by the process of not only falling in love with somebody, but I think really being outside of my comfort zone. That’s very fruitful territory for any creative enterprise, and the best work always comes from being outside of your comfort zone, but for me that comfort zone we’re talking about is a very specific kind of cultural, political and sexual place.

I do think it’s relevant to discuss, and also we talked a little bit about that. Miya and I have talked about this at great lengths: that we do think it’s important and useful for all stories to be a part of the narrative because the great privilege of a straight, white man in the United States, or in the equivalent wherever, is the privilege of nuance. That a straight, white man can do anything and be anything and act any way and have a rich, complex inner life (laughs). And I think the idea that other people’s narratives have to fit into categories is a disservice to everybody.

I just feel it’s very important to be a part of the nuance conversation, and I think it’s useful and it’s important, and I just wanted to make sure to do that in a way that was honest and authentic.

Like, it’s not about selling a record; it’s just that it was created in this context and I feel it’s important for me to talk about that.

The album’s sound is more optimistic and lighthearted than your past work. Is that because of your relationship with Miya?

Yeah, I think being in love, in general, you have to be kind of optimistic to do that. (Laughs) The odds of it working are greater if you are optimistic. If you aren’t, it probably won’t work.

Right, exactly! To successfully fall in love you need to be optimistic. But I think there was an optimism and a hopefulness that was emanating.

I think the other component of that is that I’d gotten off the road; I was out for about two-anda-half, three years touring, and I kind of lost the plot a little bit. I think I was sort of burning the candle at both ends, and I got off the road and just felt like I was out in the middle of the ocean pretty untethered and kind of fundamentally not grounded. I just felt like I was at a point in my life where I needed some answers, in a pretty basic way. For me, those kinds of solutions were really returning to the basic things I know about: how to live, how to treat myself well, how to hopefully treat other people well and how to be creative and productive. It’s hard to parse it all out because it’s all connected, but in a broader sense I felt like I had creatively and experientially explored problems and I wanted to move toward solutions.

(Laughs) Hence the album title.

Exactly.

You actually got a late start to music. In fact, you studied psychology and sociology at Stanford University before pursuing music. Were you a musical kid at all?

My dad was kind of a hobbyist guitar player and so my dad taught me how to play guitar – pretty basic guitar, maybe in fifth grade, something like that. I think in large part he just wanted a rhythm guitar player while he sort of drunkenly noodled (laughs), so I kind of learned some of the basics.

Definitely my dad listened to a ton of music, so there was music in the house, but my parents are all pretty ... I have two dads. One was a lawyer, one’s a doctor, and my mom is a lawyer. Everyone has these straight-laced professional jobs, so it wasn’t a super arty house but there was music in the air, you could say.

What artists did you latch onto growing up?

I had no real emotional connection to music as a teenager, which is sort of interesting to me in retrospect. But the music I really started connecting with was in college. It was during the tail end of my freshman year when I started listening to a lot of West Coast indie-rap; the Bay Area has a pretty vibrant scene for that. What I really loved about it, and this is sort of my entry point to really loving music, was wordplay. I mean, that’s the most fun and exciting part of hip-hop: just that it’s one giant crossword puzzle.

Besides the content of what you’re saying, that just felt so exciting and energizing to me. I think it’s a very confessional genre in many ways, so that was what I started listening to. Then I started listening to music and started making music, and just discovering all sorts of different things, and then getting into more altindie rock, a lot of female driven stuff.

During college, a friend suggested you make a song and then you made a song. What was the first song you wrote?

It was just a joke song, a parody of a song. I was at the time, again, very, very into indie-rap, and on the radio it was like the Ying Yang Twins and I was just on my high horse about why they don’t play this on the radio. It was sort of made in the spirit of that, which I think is a good spirit. I think when you see the world is some way and you would like it to be different, that’s often a good starting point.

But it really just started out as a joke, just for fun. But I think there was something about the process that obviously struck a chord.

While on tour a few years ago, you brought along a blank notebook and had fans write 16 | 08.21.19

entries about their experiences getting their heart broken or breaking someone else’s heart. Fittingly, you titled it the “Crush Me” book. For this current tour, can we expect anything along those lines?

I don’t want to really just rehash that exact thing, but I do think – and this is something I just really believe, and then when I go out on the road that belief is confirmed – live shows still, especially in this moment, remain very unique spaces for people to just be themselves.

I know people bring their phones to shows and that’s a part of this thing, but if you want to, it’s a real space to get away from that. It used to be movies were like that but nobody even sees movies anymore (laughs). But it feels like this moment for a real exchange, so I definitely want to reinforce that feeling because I do think it’s special and it’s worth celebrating. So TBD. But that’s the spirit undergirding that enterprise, and I’d certainly like for it to live on. **

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in GQ, Vanity Fair and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @ chrisazzopardi.

Hot cakes it’s Super YOU! It’s a Bird! i t’s a Plane!

By Tom Santorelli

By Darren Floro-Bryant These exercises are designed to build up size, strength, endurance, and stamina. Train like the superhero you know you are! Before you know it, you’ll marvel at the justice you are doing to your body by the increase in your power and your strength to take on the world.

Do each exercise for 10-12 reps

Option 1: Complete each exercise once from start to finish and then start again and repeat 3 times.

Option 2: Complete each exercise for each body part 3 times before moving on to the next.

Legs with the power and strength of the Flash 1. Front Lunge to Reverse Lunge superset with Side Steps holding Kettle Bell Do all the lunges front to reverse on the right leg before switching to the left, then immediately into the side steps 2. Goblet Squat to Sumo Squat with a Kettle Bell superset with Jump Jacks Kettle bell should touch the floor for each sumo squat and elbows should touch just inside the knees for each goblet squat Chest like the son of Krypton, Superman 1. DB Overload Press on Flat Bench superset with Plank Hold the dumbbells at 90 degrees at the lower end of the press for 30 seconds, immediately followed by 10 repetitions, then a 30 second extended arm high plank 2. Incline DB Chest Press superset with Standing, PlateSqueeze & Press on angle Regular incline dumbbell press Standing plate squeeze and press-hold a weight plate flat between your palms and press the plate up at a 45-degree angle 18 | 08.21.19

BACK LIKE THE AMAZON GODDESS, WONDER WOMAN 1. Kneeling alternating Cable Pulls superset with Bent Over DB Reverse Flys - Keep elbows “tucked” into your Lats and alternate pulls, leaving one side flexing as the other side pulls, immediately followed by the reverse flys 2. Narrow Overhand Grip Cable Pulldown superset with Seated Cable V-Grip Row - For both exercises keep the elbows tight to the body throughout the movement and elbows pushing down to avoid transferring into the shoulders

SHOULDERS LIKE THE INCREDIBLE HULK 1. Seated DB Alternating Shoulder Press superset with Bent Over Y-Ups - Hold the dumbbells at 90 degrees (do not go lower) at the lower end of the press, alternate presses leaving one side flexing as the other presses, immediately followed by the Y-Ups (palms facing outwards, away from the body) 2. Upright Row with DB’s superset with Bent Over DB Highrows/ Scarecrows - Grip just slightly narrower than shoulder width apart and pull the bar up towards the shoulders (between the bottom of the chest and the collar bone), immediately followed by the bent over high rows.

Keep shoulder blades shrugged down throughout the move

ARMS LIKE THE NORDIC GOD, THOR 1. Standing Alternating DB curls, palms facing front, superset with Seated DB Hammer Curls with 10 degree forward lean 2. Flat Bench EZ Curl Skull Crushers superset with Single Arm DB Tricep Kickback 20 | 08.21.19

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A S O U T H ERN

e l a t y Fair WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY TY AUTRY DIRECTED BY DAVID L. CARSON

The story of a gay Christian growing up in the Deep South

August 24, 2019

Tickets: $15 Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta

www.OutFrontTheatre.com

TALKBACK FOLLOWING SHOW WITH LOCAL GUESTS

Sunday Funday Patio Party

Come and beat the heat with your best friends and some cool, crisp cocktails!

Support Atlanta's LGBTQIA+ Theatre by dancing and drinking before the sun sets on your summertime fun!

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This week’s cover model, Tang, moved from LA to Atlanta in 2014 to pursue his career as a stuntman in film and TV, which includes working on “Black Panther,” “Walking Dead,” “Godzilla,” and “WestWorld” to name a few. He also recently started Midnight Train Productions which promotes parties in the Atlanta nightlife.

In his downtime, he characterizes himself as a big geek who has a collection of hundreds of collectible toys, and he loves to participate in cosplay at the annual DragonCon. He works out at least six times a week, and he is the proud parent of two exotic cats.

Photo: Li Su / lisuphotography.com

Tang Nguyen

30 | 08.21.19

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consider when designing floats and costumes? Is a fire breathing dragon that hovers ten feet in the air out of the question?

No fire ever! [laughs] We are a small town that is primarily two streets wide with houses built out of 200 year old. No fire. That is rule number one. Your float has to survive the parade without falling apart. As long as you stay within the guidelines anything is possible. We have seen queens in heels who think they are going to be able to walk the 2.5 miles parade route and be fine. They never are. Float height is important because of banners, flags, and wires that cross the street. It’s Carnival! Make it bright, have fun, and stay on theme!

What’s the playbook for finding a partner at Carnival?

It is the busiest time of the year for anyone living and working here. Open your door and walk out onto the street.

Aaron Korch Is Squashing Fire Breathing Dragons for Ptown’s Enchanted Forest Carnival

By Kevin Assam

Aaron Korch is the Creative Director of Provincetown’s weeklong Carnival extravaganza – this year themed to the queer flora and fauna of an Enchanted Forest. He’s also one of the founding minds behind the costumed nightlife revelry, Fagbash. As Provincetown hits peak season, Aaron explains the ideation process for the town’s most attended event, why fire breathing dragons are not the best fits for Commercial Street, and shares his quintessential Ptown itinerary for the summer weeks ahead.

Where would you recommend for a less crowded and not too erotic post Carnival wind down dinner?

Truro, Wellfleet, or your rental.

Has the housing situation for full and part time workers improved with the increased attention of the past year?

It gets worse every year. It gets harder and harder for people to move here and work for the summer. Year round is almost impossible. Especially for the younger kids. When you are able to make it work you have to work harder and longer to cover the cost of living here.

This is a major problem with producing a large Carnival parade during the busiest time of the year. Workers and businesses are stretched thin during the short 8–9 week peak season. It is difficult to get businesses to contribute to the parade as they previously have. Part of my job is generating ways to reinvigorate community excitement and ownership of the parade.

Mark Louque did an impressive job with this year’s Carnival How does one land the Creative Director role for poster. It’s almost nostalgic. Where are you hanging yours in your bedroom?

Provincetown’s Carnival Week?

I have been hosting and producing a party on Provincetown called Fagbash for the past 12 years. It involves weekly themes, decor, and costuming. My reputation as a “community creative” and ability to get a lot done got me the job. Plus, I came cheap.

Above my couch in my Brooklyn living room next to my collection of Fagbash posters that local artist Paul Rizzo did for us some years back. Mark Louque is one of my partners in Fagbash.

Vegas Zombies during Viva Las Vegas. The space ship from the Marc Jacobs store during the space themed year.

The bubble wrapped queen from last year. Sometimes the best part of the parade is on Commercial Street before the parade. The costumes can be wild and fun. Commercial Street at its widest is maybe 30ft. and for the most, much narrower. Getting a parade with 80 different participants and over 100,000 spectators is a logistical nightmare.

The West End breakwater. It’s a stunning place great for reflection. A late afternoon high tide swim at the breakwater can cure anything.

How should one strategize when planning one’s Carnival This year Ptown is infusing an element of magic with its party itinerary?

“Enchanted Forest” theme. What is the process for deciding Eat, nap, clean up, and go out to the A-House? The town on the theme? What does “magic” mean to you? is small. You can bounce around to all the bigger clubs.

Each year is different. Last year, there was a Facebook Nothing is more than a five minute walk. There’s Porch poll to decide what the theme should be. We tallied the Bar of course. It’s the gathering place before one heads suggestions. There was a lot of flora and fauna, fairy type down to the A-House aka the Atlantic House. Unless it’s suggestions so we landed on Enchanted forest. Magic is Sunday, then it’s all about the Grotta Bar and Church.

It’s a great party that takes place in a tiny space and so about making the impossible possible. it spills out on the restaurant’s outside patio. Everyone It’s one week till the launch of Carnival and FOMO has kicked is there chatting and making plans for the week. I also in. How can I quickly throw together a nice enough float for recommend the Grotta Bar on Friday nights for Scream the parade? Where in town can one find a hot glue gun?

Along with Billy. Once the season hits, I am really too Amazon and Shindigz.com would be your best friends. busy to do much else than work and plan Carnival. It’s It takes a lot of planning to put together a float. We are important to take care of yourself during the season and encouraging smaller vehicles such as bikes, golf carts, occasionally get up early every now and go to the beach. and shopping carriages [to participate].

Is there a particular spot you recommend for a pained artist What were some of the most memorable floats of the past to go to reflect on their flinching embarrassment of some of their earlier artistic works? few years?

What are other elements of Commercial Street one should 32 | 08.21.19

** Kevin is a middling writer but top-notch interviewer. His ideas on love and relationships are mostly fueled by his wild imagination. He often orders dessert first!

Looking for Love?

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TheSingleWallflower@protonmail.com

THE HIDDEN D OF DRAGON CON In one week, Atlanta will be home to possibly the greatest annual event the South ever gets: Dragon Con! This four-day celebration brings all walks of nerd to the downtown hotels, bars and streets. I will sadly be missing it this year. I’m mainly upset I won’t “accidentally” be running into this hot-ass Instathot I’ve been lusting after. Like most thots at Dragon Con, he will be donning some sexy cosplay (costume in nerd language).

If you have never been to Dragon Con and want to test the waters before you splurge on those passes, pop a seat on follow Mitzi @itsmitzip Peachtree St, bring a concealed beverage of your choice, and watch the annual parade.

My personal favorite day is Saturday. You get the biggest celebrity turnout at the autograph galleria, the dance parties at night, and of course the after-hours sex parties the many sexy Insta-thots throw in their hotel rooms. I have a good friend who hosts his own themed sex party called 12-Sided Dice-a-Thon. Guests get to take turns being the metaphorical “white girl on the couch” and getting pegged by twelve men at a time. He offers a free take-home wheelchair for the receiver of all the love.

I chatted with another good friend of mine, Dimitri Garabedian, and convinced him to throw a party in the fashion of my own, since I won’t be attending this year (did I mention that already). He will be renting out the penthouse suite at the top of one of the hotels. To find it, you’ll have to get on a rooftop and look for the “bat signal” in the shape of a penis. Once at the entry door of the penthouse suite, give the secret password, which is just the Xena Warrior Princess battle cry. Inside you’ll be treated to an open bar of just Tito’s vodka (I may have scored a sponsor from a certain liquor mogul), small snacks of ice lettuce (don’t want to get too messy at the party), and of course a few rooms themed after different sci-fi sets.

The rooms are certainly the focal point of this questionably built penthouse. If you’re into going where no top has gone before, try the Verse Trek room. Just be sure to actually commit and don’t chicken out two inches in. For the guests who swear that they’ve “never done this before”, we have an Interior Delusions Lounge. Although technical it’s not sci-fi, this room (inspired by Drag Race) will feature mannequins dressed just like the contestants did for their season 2 sci-fi challenge. You get a $100 cash prize if you and your partner climax before Shangela finishes her infamous sugar daddy speech. The third room is styled after the iconic throne room of Lord Zedd’s palace from Power Rangers. To enter, you have to don some sort of spandex suit, or come in full Rita Repulsa geish.

There is rumor of a hidden fourth room themed after the classic series Doctor Who. Set inside the TARDIS, you can experiment with a sonic screwdriver or travel through time with fun-sized tabs of acid. If you’re feeling extra kinky, put on a Dalek costume and really go to town. Did someone say exterminate? More like ejaculate!

Dragon Con is sure to be a fun time, but sadly I won’t experience it as I will not be attending (not that I sour about it or anything). If you find yourself at any of the fun after-hour hotel room parties, be sure to send me pics and videos to my Instagram. I love living vicariously!

Yours in dragon conning,

Mitzi Pennington is the self-proclaimed sex symbol and advice-giving-guru alter ego of Mirza Muftic. She came from humble roots of middle America and married into money shorly after dropping out of college. Her late husband’s fortune allows her to travel the world andhave a sense of enlightenment one normally gets from actually working for their money. Mirza has had none of those experiences in his life. On occasion, Mirza will perform as Mitzi around Atlanta. His other interests/day job include film editing, retouching, and stop-motion animation.

34 | 08.21.19

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Atlanta Black LGBTQ community, as the Atlanta Black Pride $30 Out Front Theatre Company production (restrictions apply) ONLY weekend kicks off. The event is free, but RSVP through Sunday, August 25, 2-6 pm Eventbrite is necessary. www.OutFrontTheatre.com Out Front Theatre Company Wednesday, August 28, 7-9 pm Atlanta City Hall

38 | 08.21.19

PANTHER'S FAREWELL PARTY @ THE EAGLE PHOTOS: SNOW

40 | 08.21.19

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

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18

Pi e

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7

9

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10th St. NE

10

. NE

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oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

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9 10 th & Piedmont 10 Campagnolo 11 Einstein's 12 F.R.O.G.S

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

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14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

42 | 08.21.19

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Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

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44 | 08.21.19

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46 | 08.21.19

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Straight people, look behind you! Chances are there’s a gay person trying to get past because you’re moving at a glacial pace.

Me: You know when I knew we would be besties?

Him: No, when?

Me: When we had that healthy juice

Him: It was good!

When someone actually buys you a ticket out of here, don’t announce your immediate return.

Byyyyyyeeeee!

Me: Yes, and I asked you what would make it better

Him: I said ‘Vodka’ Trying to make protein shakes but they keep coming out as frozen margaritas!

Me: I knew we were soulmates then

I’m at that delusional age where I think that everyone my age looks way older than me.

DAD JOKE ALERT I sold my vacuum cleaner – it was gathering dust!

How long are you supposed to rest between gym sets? A couple of weeks? A year?

Lady honked at me at the McD’s drive-thru, so I paid for her meal and picked up my food – and hers – at the pickup window.

48 | 08.21.19

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) While it won’t all be clear sailing in your career, a more focused and incisive frame of mind can make solid headway possible. When talking to others, you might need to ignore their words and instead go with your gut feelings, particularly when sussing out deals or job opportunities.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) Where your job and lifestyle are concerned, whether you feel a restless stirring within or circumstances beyond your control provide the motivation, it’s to your advantage to embrace the notion of change.

Regret can hurt you over a long period. Lament today, but tomorrow must be a day for anger and retribution.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

Harmless fun may come back to harm you over the coming weeks. Tailors and Bodybuilders may have a surprise in store for you this week. Also keep on the lookout for butch hairdressers. Meditating and reflecting on your goals and dreams could be particularly rewarding, especially if you’ve been feeling uncertain about a course of action.

You won’t be hospitalized this week, but things may not go as planned. Things might be made all the more difficult as your motivation could limp along on Thursday and Friday. You’ll need to summon your energy and make a determined effort to face up to whatever is bothering you. It’s party time over the weekend!

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

Deja vu is not that Thai dish that you had two weeks ago. At times you could hit up against communication problems that might not yield easily to discussion or compromise. However, with a fabulous social scene showing up, time spent with friends can help ease any heartache.

There may be a power struggle going on, so be careful what you say if you want to come out of it looking good. All of that which you experience this weekend will be catalogued under “things not to do in public again”. Seems like damnation awaits you from every angle.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

A fortunate trend provides freedom of action and the chance to showcase your skills and abilities to good effect. With a sizzling focus on career, opportunities abound for enhancing work and business success. Fun is a word that will score you few points in scrabble...but then when was life all about scrabble?

If you pick yourself up by your shoe-strings you are likely to fall flat on your ass. The good and the great come together today and miss you entirely during all their endeavors. Which is a bit sad, really.

However, there’s a lively social undertone this week encouraging you to pursue contacts, friendships, and memberships.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

The urge to get away is strong, which could mean getting lost in a daydream, fantasy, good book, or movie. Equally, you’ll be eager to travel to new places and explore new horizons. Whether or not you can take a trip now, contemplating one for the future may give you something to look forward to.

Directing your energy into the right channels brings opportunities for success. In this case, brainstorming moneymaking ideas and coming up with creative outlets for your talents could substantially increase your income. Butter your bread on both sides so that if the bread falls, you’ll be screwed no matter what.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

Whether you want to or not, this week will have a journey in store for you. In addition, your social life looks livelier than has been in some time. Use this opportunity to network with folks who pull the strings and make the decisions.

My gift to you is this wisdom: he who makes love at awkward angle, gets back problems for next day.

You’re vibrating to the social buzz of summer and eager to mix and mingle with pals and associates.

And you’re truly in your element with your astrological ruler, the Sun, in your sign.

50 | 08.21.19

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and you’ll get answers served straight up and with a little ice.

I

went on a coffee date with a guy a year ago, and we got along pretty well. We talked for about two or three hours, and I thought we made a connection. But when I tried to hang out with him again, he just ghosted me. And now I see him from time to time at the gym, and he stares at me from across the gym but never comes over to speak. I still like him and would like to get to know him better, but I feel like he does not want anything to do with me. So, I went up to him at the gym and started the conversation he seemed kind of resistant, but he answered and had a short conversation with me. So, I’m confused, does he like me or was he just responding to me speaking or is it all in my head. I want to know him more or go on a date, but should I just give up on him entirely?

Sincerely Completely Lost Dear Completely Lost From the ghosting over the glances at a distance to the hesitant conversation at the gym, I’m afraid it’s pretty clear that this guy isn’t interested in you. I also see why you would initially like this guy because in a world with a multitude of dating apps and casual hookups, having an actual date that turns out to be an hour-long conversation is quite rare! So yes, there was a connection, but perhaps not a romantic or sexual one. You say it’s been a year since you met his guy, so clearly, he has made an impression on you to a point where you have even struggled through awkward conversations with him – but it’s been a year, so it is time for you to focus your energy and attention on all the other guys out there. Maybe for a while, start going to another gym, so you can avoid bumping into him and start checking out all the other men at the gym. Use the skills you have honed in the past year of catching looks through the room and even starting conversations, but do it with other guys. This guy is not worth your time, but with a renewed focus so many other guys are.

I

am a gay man who came out later in life, and I have a son from my previous marriage.

He recently came out as bisexual, but he has disclosed to me that he much prefers to sleep with guys, but he is unsure of how it all works.

He is 18 years old, and I really want to be a support to him, so I thought maybe I could buy him some sex toys – more particularly for anal play, so he can have a great experience for when he bottoms for the first time. I know this sounds unconventional, but I just want to help him get past some of the obstacles that I experienced when I came out. Is this a good idea, or am I overstepping my boundaries?

Sincerely Like Father Like Son Dear Like Father Like Son There are so many other ways that you can help your son figure out sexuality than buying him sex toys. Be there for him to talk and give advice on how to navigate this whole thing. Also, remember when you were 18? Did you disclose all the details of your sex life to your parents? Probably not, right? Especially at this critical juncture when your son is figuring out everything, you don’t need to buy him sex toys and inadvertently put that kind of pressure on him. There are plenty of resources for him to access online (and not just porn), and just being an understanding father that is willing to talk about these things is more than enough. Instead of an anal training kit, let him know that he needs to find someone who will take it slow and make the necessary preparations for having sex. That’s the kind of fatherly advice everyone would appreciate in that situation.

NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.

52 | 08.21.19

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