Research Matters. You Matter.
Consider Volunteering in a Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are the only answer to the future for medical and scientific advancements, including new drugs that will lead to the treatment and cure of HIV
Volunteer with The Emory-CDC Ponce Clinical Research Site:
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Help others as you improve care for the future
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Financial incentive given at each visit for time & travel
Most of the study medications are provided at no cost
To learn more contact the Health Educator, Anna Benbrook, at 470.585.3655 or send her an e-mail to arbenbr@emory.edu
Informative sessions and workshops • Interactive exhibits Health & Wellness booths
Join the conversation about setting — and getting to — your new goals to do more than be undetectable.
Reserve your spot today. Food will be available. Call 1-844-682-7234
New Gay in Town: Rebuilding. Rebounding.
By Brandon Lee
But it really cuts to the core hearing a guy tell you he wants to be with someone else. Though it is a bit easier to move on from a guy when you learn you aren’t his first choice. There’s no hope of reconnecting or even wanting him back after that. Tell me you want to be with someone else, then bye. It hurts, but I definitely won’t
I took my breakup with EMT really hard. It’s one thing if a guy dumps me for being too dramatic or too psycho, that I can understand.
want you back. One of my best friends had a guy he was seeing dump him to pursue someone else. The guy came crawling back after things didn’t work out with the guy he chose. My friend was always full of paranoia and doubt about the relationship, since he always felt like a second choice.
Eventually they broke up. I don’t think I could give a guy another chance after they left me for someone else, because I never want to always know I wasn’t their first choice.
Although I was devastated over being dumped, I wasn’t going to mope around. I had to jump
back into the dating world. Not that I hadn’t already been hooking up with other guys while seeing EMT. EMT and I were never official. I could hookup with whoever I wanted.
First I went out to dinner with a guy visiting from LA. He was in town for a GLBT organization conference. We went out and grabbed a drink at The Eagle, before getting dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room.
The guy was nice, though I wasn’t really into him. He was also engaged but in an open relationship. My date was a big, black, 30 something year old bear, engaged to a younger white cub. Although his fiance was white, my date kept going on about how much he loves black men and wanted to get with as many as possible in Atlanta. I found it off putting. I reluctantly went back to his hotel after dinner, and he obviously wanted to hookup. I wasn’t in the mood. We chatted, cuddled, but I knew I wasn’t putting out. So I left.
The next guy I met up with we just chilled and smoked hookah at his place. It was a much more enjoyable encounter than the previous guy. I wanted to throw myself back into dating and random hookups, but the truth is I wasn’t that ready to put myself out there like that. I enjoyed just having someone to talk to with no sexual tension. It was nice to have a chill, relaxing encounter, and being able to open up to someone.
The next night I was home and horny. I invited a random over, that I’d previously chatted with on Growlr. There’s a reason why our convos never lead to meeting, something seemed off about him. He was too aggressive, and kept trying to stick his dick in me raw. I made it clear I didn’t want to do anal, especially not without a condom. I didn’t come to Atlanta to get HIV. I had enough of him, and kicked him out.
The next day I went on a date. I wasn’t into him either. None
of these rebound guys were clicking for me. I just didn’t feel any attraction, interest, or chemistry with anyone. I did feel a bit broken after the breakup. It’s hard to trust and open up to guys, when you feel like you’ve been lied to for an entire month thinking you were entering a relationship, only to be dumped because they’ve been plotting to get back with their ex while seeing you. Talk about trust issues.
After my bad date, I invited a guy over I’d been chatting with on Jack’d. I was originally planning on doing a quickie before heading to the club. He told me he wasn’t a quickie kinda guy, which I found sweet. I invited him over, and wasn’t expecting much. Sometimes the encounters you have the lowest expectations for turn out to be the best.
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Girl — You. Better. WERQ!
BY CHRISTIAN LARKIN
When she joined the 8th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Kim Chi made history as the first Korean-American drag queen on American national television. And while on the series, she werq-ed it, landing among the top three competitors.
Now she’s werq-ing it across the country on the RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Werq The World Tour. After sold out shows throughout Europe, she and her fellow queens are unleashing hilarity and hijinks at Opera Atlanta Event Center on Sunday, October 22nd. Michelle Visage will host with performances by Alyssa Edwards, Shangela, Latrice Royale, Violet Chachki, Peppermint,
Kim
Chi Performs
Atlanta As Part of RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Werq The World Tour
Valentina and of course, the
We spoke to her as she was preparing for the American tour.
What are you going to be for Halloween this year?
Kim Chi: A man in a wig, probably.
What were you last year?
Kim Chi: Last year, I dressed as an aborted devil baby in a head to toe latex costume.
Do you prefer to dress scary or cute for Halloween?
lovely Kim Chi.
Kim Chi: I prefer cute costumes with a dark twist for Halloween!
What do you think of ladies and gay men who choose to go slutty on Halloween?
Kim Chi: If you’ve got the goods, show ‘em off.
Is the Atlanta show going to be Halloweenthemed?
Kim Chi: It should have been since it’s so close to the big day. Where were you and all of your brilliant ideas when we were planning the tour? You know we queens don’t think that far ahead! Maybe we’ll arch our brows higher on that day.
You queens always turn out the most amazing costumes everyday.
Kim Chi: I try.
Besides you (of course), what queens are serving the best looks at Werq The World?
Kim Chi: You’re gonna get me in trouble with all the other girls I don’t name, but just between us, I’ll tell you, Detox and Violet Chachki always serve the most amazing and expensive looking looks. I live.
What is like traveling the world with drag queens and Michelle Visage?
Kim Chi: It’s not as insane as you’d think it would be. Everyone’s super professional and kind to one another. Usually there’s a lot of shouting of inside jokes at each other and never ending laughter. Not too much madness since everyone’s been in the industry for a long time and knows exactly what to do.
Is everyone being nice to the new girls,
Peppermint and Valentina?
Kim Chi: We’ve slapped them around and kicked them with our heels for initiation. We’ve gotten them under control now.
I’m guessing that you are representing Korea in Werq The World.
Kim Chi: Good guess!
You have said previously that you have a desire to spread Korean culture to the world. What do you want Americans to know about Korea?
Kim Chi: Korea is a beautiful country surrounded by seas and full of mountains. Seoul, the capital, is so high tech and advanced. If you come to visit, you won’t be bored with all the sights to see, shopping to do, food to eat and kind people to hang out with.
How do you feel about Trump taunting Kim Jong Un with military action and calling him “Rocket Man”?
Kim Chi: Why hasn’t he been impeached yet? The lack of professionalism is just maddening.
Do you worry about friends and family in South Korea?
Kim Chi: The tension in Korea has been a going thing for a long time now. We can’t live in fear of the North Korean government. Gotta keep our heads high and live our life to the fullest everyday.
Did you catch Margaret Cho’s impersonation of Kim Jong Un at the Oscars?
Kim Chi: I didn’t watch but Margaret Cho is a hilarious comedian so I’m sure it was amazing.
Can comedy and entertainment heal the world?
Kim Chi: Without a doubt!
How do you plan to WERQ it so that Atlanta fans get an escape from all the political madness, at least for one night?
Kim Chi: By not falling on stage. Hopefully the stairs are rigged tight at Opera Atlanta Event Center.
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE WERQ THE WORLD TOUR takes place Sunday, October 22nd at Opera Atlanta Event Center (1150 B Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta). $49 - $69 tickets on sale now at www.werqtheworld.com.
What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP?
Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative.
® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.
® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.
TRUVADA can cause serious side effects:
® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:
® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.
® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.
® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP?
Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include:
While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.
® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months.
® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away.
® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:
® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.
® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.
® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA.
® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
We’re adventurous, not reckless.
And we make choices that fit our lives.
TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices.
® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex.
® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.
® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.
® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP?
® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.
® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA.
® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
(tru-VAH-dah)
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP:
• You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.
• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP.
While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
• You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.
• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months. MOST
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP
TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.
• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP
• Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.
• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.
• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
• If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.
• See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.
TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including:
Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:
• Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.
• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP
TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including:
• Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section.
• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.
• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
• Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.
• Have any other medical conditions.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK
• Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.
GET MORE INFORMATION
• This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.
• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
• Bone problems.
Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.
These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
• Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.
• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5
• If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0136 08/17
MCCALL STUDIO GEAR GALLERY OPENING
OVER 100 IMAGES OF HOT MEN IN GEAR WILL BE ON DISPLAY AS MCCALL STUDIO OFFICIALLY OPENS THE “GEAR” GALLERY AT BARKING LEATHER’ PRIMARY LOCATION. THIS PRESENTS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT SOME GORGEOUS, SEXY PHOTOS WHILE GEARING UP FOR THE UPCOMING PRIDE WEEKEND.
FRI, OCT 6, 6PM-9PM
BARKING LEATHER
805 LAMBERT DR. NE, ATLANTA, GA 30324 BARKINGLEATHER.COM
DILF HERETIC PRIDE KICKOFF
THE POPULAR DILF PARTY BY MAN UPP COMES TO THE HERETIC ONCE MORE TO KICK OFF PRIDE WEEK WITH A SEXY UNDERWEAR AND JOCK PARTY. SO STRIP DOWN TO YOUR SKIVVIES AND SHOW YOUR PRIDE
FRI, OCT 6 HERETIC
5 - OCT 11
SPLISH SPLASH DOGGIE BATH
SAT, OCT 7 & 8
PIEDMONT PARK POOL
SAT, OCT 7
6PM-9P
JUNGLE ATLANTA
THIS EVENT WILL HAVE YOU AND YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FAMILY MEMBER WAGGING YOUR TAILS OFF! THE BIGGEST AND BEST DOGGIE POOL PARTY OFFICIALLY CLOSES THE POOL SEASON WHILE RAISING FUNDS FOR THE PIEDMONT PARK CONSERVATORY.
TICKETS AT PIEDMONTPARK.ORG.
THIS FUNDRAISING EXTRAVAGANZA BENEFITING LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH WILL FEATURE TEN COMPETING LOCAL AND GAY-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES, A BOY NEXT DOOR FASHION SHOW, RAFFLES, A SILENT AUCTION, AND A PERFORMANCE BY PEACHES TO NAME JUST A FEW THINGS.` THE EVENT IS HOSTED BY BRIGITTE BIDET, AND THE SUGGESTED DONATION IS $15.
BLAKE’S KICKS OFF PRIDE WEEKEND WITH THEIR SEXY SHAMELESS PARTY HOSTED BY KYRA MORA. SPECIAL GUEST IS HUNKY BOOMER BANKS WHO WILL BE MINGLING THE CROWD AND ALSO BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF HIS BOOMER BANKS FLESHJACKS.
WED, OCT 11
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK
SOLO NATION: AN INTERVIEW WITH EMILY SALIERS
By Gregg Shapiro
A long time in the making, Emily Saliers’ Murmuration Nation (Emily Saliers Music) is the Indigo Girl’s solo debut album. Worth the wait, the 12-song album reveals a thrilling new side to Saliers, beginning with the rocking and riveting opener “Spider”, and continuing with the dance break in “Serpent Love”, the moody and rhythmic “I’m High I’m On High”, and the various shifts in “Hello Vietnam”. Naturally, Saliers doesn’t forsake longtime fans, as is evident on “Train Inside”, “Slow Day Friend” and “Sad One”. I spoke with Emily about the album and the state of the world in early autumn 2017.
Gregg Shapiro: Congratulations on the release of Murmuration Nation, your first solo album. Why was now the right time release a solo disc?
Emily Saliers: It was kind of a culmination of things. I’d been talking about it as if were just an idea for a long, long time. Also, what Amy (Ray) and I did together, was very fulfilling to me in all musical ways. But then, little by little I started to have a strong desire to do something more rhythmic and groove-centered, which Amy and I don’t do a lot of together. Hip-hop, R&B, all the groove music that has so inspired me my whole life. Then, when I met Lyris Hung, who produced the album, and she plays violin with Indigo Girls, and does many things. We worked really well together on a song for a film. I started sending her ideas for fun. She started doing little production responses in her studio. What she did was exactly what I couldn’t create myself in production. Basically, when I found Lyris and I wanted to do more of a groove-centered R&B record, she agreed to produce it. From that point on, the record was on its way. It still took three years from the time I asked her [laughs] to the time we actually
got in the studio with the pledge campaign in between and all that.
GS: Were all the songs on Murmuration Nation written specifically for the album or did some of them begin as Indigo Girls songs?
ES: There are a couple of songs on the album that are very old. The song “Match” I wrote with my friend Kristen Hall. We go way back. That song “Match” is kind of a shimmery pop song that we wrote more than 15 years ago, I’m sure. In the studio, it got transformed into what it is today. But I always knew that I wanted to record it. It was always just hanging around. Another song, “Slow Down Day Friend”, was the first song I ever wrote on ukulele. That was also hanging around; Amy and I never recorded it. Everything else I can think of was written specifically for the solo album over the course of three years.
GS: I’m so glad you mentioned Kristen Hall. There is an interesting Sugarland connection on Murmuration Nation. You talked about the song “Match”, co-written by Kristen, an original member of Sugarland. You also sing a duet on “Long Haul” with Jennifer Nettles, who was lead vocalist of Sugarland.
ES: Both Kristen and Jennifer came out of the Atlanta and Decatur music scene. We’re old friends. The community has remained very tight over the years. Sugarland went off and exploded. We used to see them at teeny tiny places. I knew they were going to explode and they did. We remained friends through the years. I love Jennifer’s voice. I made a wish list of people I want to sing on my album. When I asked Jennifer, she immediately agreed, which was very generous of her because she’s very busy. I didn’t know what it was going to be. I just wanted her voice on the album. I had decided on “Long Haul” and she came in and did it so well, knocked it out of the park, that it became a duet. It was undeniable. Yeah, man, this is a duet [laughs], because of Jennifer’s voice. Her presence in the studio is so positive. It’s a nice thing to have old friends that record or sing with you. They’re stamped forever on your project. I don’t know how to describe that feeling, but it’s one of the most gratifying feelings of the whole music experience that Amy and I have had.
GS: I’m glad you brought that up. In addition to Jennifer, there are some other marvelous guest musicians on the album, including Jonatha Brooke, Lucy Wainwright Roche and Sierra Hull, to name a few. It reminded me of how you and Amy organized the legendary Suffragette Sessions tour (featuring female singer/songwriters). Please say something about the role of community when it comes to making music.
ES: First of all, we call ourselves a hootenanny band. When we were playing in the local bars, everybody was invited up on stage. It was a motley crew. I have to give thanks and credit to our original followers, women and lesbian followers, who helped us have a career. Then it was just a matter of loving to play with these people, these women. We’ve all remained friends over the years. In the end, collaborating and sharing is the best part of the musical experience. Which is why we never get tired of singing a song like “Closer To Fine”,
WE’RE FAMILY Y’ALL
entertainment atlanta pride
NOW WITH THREE STAGES!!
COCACOLA STAGE | BUDLIGHT STAGE
NEW! NISSAN CELEBRATE EQUALITY STAGE
THE POINTER SISTERS | DEJ LOAF | RITA ORA
MAX | ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
STARLIGHT CABARET | TY HERNDON
MADISON BEER | DJ TRACY YOUNG | DJ NICK AYLER
CHELSEA SHAG | NORWOOD | PRISCA | TOMBOI
MONTEQARLO | THE COVER GIRLZ | EVAN GREER
JOHNATHAN CELESTIN | TANGINA STONE
JASON MAEK & ZAENA | HERO THE BAND
MICHEL JONS BAND | DJ MARK DEMARKO
HEATHER MAE | DJ CANVAS
For the full talent lineup and schedule, please visit atlantapride.org/entertainment
OCTOBER 14-15, 2017 | PIEDMONT PARK
Sun., Oct. 15, 2017 | Empire State South 999 Peachtree St., N.W., Atlanta, GA
10:30 AM Doors Open, Cash Bar Available • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Open Bar 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Brunch Service • 2:00 PM Event Ends
Celebrate Atlanta Pride at the 16th Annual HRC Atlanta Pride Brunch, the official brunch of Atlanta Pride! Guests will be treated to two hours of complimentary cocktails and a delicious Southern brunch catered by Empire State South - while watching the Atlanta Pride Parade from the best location on the parade route! Join us for fun, music from DJ CANVAS, brunch, cocktails and more - as we celebrate our PRIDE! 100% of the proceeds benefit HRC’s essential work in Georgia and around the country.
Tickets: Each ticket includes brunch catered by Empire State South, bottomless cocktails and annual HRC membership or renewal. Early Bird Deadline expires 8/10.
General Admission: $100 - Includes admission. (Early Bird $75)
VIP Admission: $150 - Includes reserved seating, $20 Lyft credit to or from the event and an exclusive HRC gift bag. (Early Bird $125)
Host Committee: $400 - Name recognition on all print and digital marketing + reserved seating, $20 Lyft credit to or from the event and an exclusive HRC gift bag.
VIP Table: $1,500 - 10 Vip Tickets w/ Premier Seating (Early Bird $1,250)
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable. Please contact hrcprideatlanta@gmail.com with any questions.
*The Atlanta Pride Parade will pass by the event beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m.
For sponsorship inquiries or other questions, please email hrcprideatlanta@gmail.com Buy tickets today at www.hrc.org/atlantapridebrunch
THANKS TO OUR SPON SORS
Bars & Clubs
MIDTOWN
AMSTERDAM
amsterdamatlanta.com
502 Amsterdam Ave. NE
ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
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
MODEL T
modeltatlanta.com
699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM
mysistersroom.com
66 12th St NE
TEN ATLANTA
tenatlanta.com
990 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC
hereticatlanta.com
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
JUNGLE
jungleatl.com
2115 Faulkner Road
BJ ROOSTERS
bjroosters.com
2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
OPUS 1
1086 Alco St NE
TRIPPS
1931 Piedmont Circle N
WOOFS
woofsatlanta.com
2425 Piedmont Road NE
ANSLEY
BURKHART’S
burkharts.com
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY
1544 Piedmont Ave NE
A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
MIXX
mixxatlanta.com
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S
oscarsatlanta.com
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
THE COCKPIT
thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com 465 Boulevard SE
MARY’S
marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH
sisterlouisaschurch.com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
SWINGING RICHARDS
swingingrichards.com 1400 Northside Dr NW
Dining
MIDTOWN
10TH & PIEDMONT
communitashospitality.com
991 Piedmont Ave NE
EINSTEIN’S
einsteinsatlanta.com
1077 Juniper St NE
FROGS CANTINA
frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr
G’S communitashospitality.com
219 10th St NE
HENRY’S henrysatl.com
132 10th St NE
JOE’S ON JUNIPER
joesonjuniper.com
1049 Juniper St NE
LA HACIENDA
lahaciendamidtown.com
900 Monroe Dr NE
CHESHIRE
LAS MARGARITAS
lasmargaritasmidtown.com
1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ROXX
1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ANSLEY
COWTIPPERS
cowtippersatlanta.com 1600 Piedmont Ave NE
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
CHESHIRE
BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE Fitness
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
CHESHIRE
GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
MIDTOWN
FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW
CHESHIRE
MANIFEST 4U manifest4u.org 2103 Faulkner Rd NE
THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE
ARIES
(Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Your moods will be ignitable today. Couple that with a hectic day and spontaneous combustion is a very real possibility. Keep cool, diamond dog, because it’s embarrassing to lose it in public. Sure, it always makes you feel better, but it’s still embarrassing.
TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)
Don’t be sad about another busted romance, as there’s always another one right around the corner. Romance, that is. That, yes, will probably end up busted. It may seem like you’re stuck in a vortex, but this curious cycle must end some time. They can’t all be Mr. Wrong.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)
Listen to the advice of friends today, but don’t act on that alone. They only know so much about your personal situation, and only you know the rest. See how your gut feels, since it rarely lies, and then act. Sometimes you just have to solve things yourself.
CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22)
Seek out the company of those who share your personality traits today. This way everyone will agree with each other, and no one will be surprised by emotional outbursts or dark moods. But too many of you can get the water boiling, and that’s not going to be good for anybody.
LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)
You see fiery potential in a new guy in your life. He smolders and simmers and you can see things getting quite hot. But remember that everything that glows eventually dims, and then you’re stuck with something lukewarm, tepid, and no longer of any use.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
Problems with coworkers could reach a boiling point today. It may be time for a mediator, someone other than your boss to help you work it out. Because escalating tensions will lead to a public catfight, and with the way you two have been sharpening those claws, it ain’t gonna be pretty.
LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
Don’t obsess over relationships if you’re a single guy. Haven’t you ever heard that the grass is never greener yada, yada, yada? Enjoy being single while you can, and don’t be in such a hurry. The money you’ll save on years of couple’s therapy alone will make it all worth it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
Don’t do anything butch or manly like tune up your car or work with power tools today. The possibility of debilitating injury is only a hedge cutter away. Breaking a nail while fixing the plumbing in the bathroom could keep your out of macrame class for weeks.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Today will be fun, and you won’t believe how much you’ll get done! This will leave spare time for flirting with the UPS guy, gossiping with the gals in accounting or bidding online for a Burberry man purse. Why can’t work be this much fun all the time? Ponder this as you leave early.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Cancel dinner plans and postpone coffee dates for tonight. You’ll be gripped by a strong urge to be alone and there won’t be a man handsome or rich enough to keep you from that. Well, there may be one thing to lure you out, but you’re not willing to do the work required to find out.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
It’s tough selling advanced ideas to prehistoric minds. That’s what you may face at work today. It may be time to start thinking about changing jobs or careers. Keep a job search on the down low, but be prepared to bolt faster than Elton John from paparazzi should the right offer come along.
PISCES
(Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
Trying to work through the fog in your head will be like trying to figure out the relevance of Kim Kardashian. That’s right, a complete waste of time. Try your best to get through a trying day. After work, engage in the type of brainless activities that only the Internet can offer in such abundance.
and having the opening act sing a verse or the audience sings a verse. There’s different participation all the time. Music is meant to be shared. We love joining up with other people. Even Amy, on her solo records, will tell you that she’s a collaborator and she loves her band. I loved working with Lyris and I learned so much from her. I can’t wait to go out with a band. We just like being around other people playing music.
GS: Throughout your career, you have also found a way to include social and political commentary in your work and songs such as “OK Corral”, “Fly”, “Spider” and “I’m High I’m On High” on Murmuration Nation continue in that tradition. Please say something about the importance of including that in your music.
ES: It’s not really like I’m going to sit down and write something about a social issue. It’s more like the only reason we ever wrote songs was to try and get out what we’re feeling and thinking about. I use music and lyrics to understand the world around me. For instance, there’s a lot of social issues and politically charged material on the solo album because of what’s going on in our country. I can’t help it. With the situation with guns and religious zealotry and all those things. The last song written for the album was “Fly” and that was written right after the election. It’s a result of why I write songs. Some end up being about relationships and some are about social issues as I explore my world.
GS: With that in mind, as a musician and an activist, in what way, other than through the songs on this album, do you make your voice heard in terms of the 2018 and 2020 elections?
ES: I’m going to have a group called HeadCount go out on the road with me. They’ve been out a lot with Amy and me. They engage people in the voting system. They register people if they’re not registered. They’re a great outreach group to get people involved in voting. If it’s difficult for people, they make it easier for them. It’s a bipartisan effort to get people to the polls.
Another way Amy and I have done it historically, not just with regard to the election, but regarding issues, we have groups such as Amnesty International come out and (staff a) table at the shows. We have local queer groups doing work in the community, wherever the show is, come out and (have a) table. We make announcements from the stage about things that are going on in your community. As we know, community outreach and work is critical. It can’t just be about big federal issues, but what’s going on in our community as we build the groundswell of response to hatred, exclusion and racism, things like that. That’s another way that I will engage in my own activism.
GS: You are embarking on your first solo tour. Will you be incorporating Indigo Girls songs into your set along with the songs from Murmuration Nation?
ES: Yes. We also have beautifully filmed videos by my friend filmmaker Kathlyn Horan. There’s going to be video production, some still and some moving. There will be a full band. It’s going to be a texturally dense experience. I think we’ll take a break from that and do an isolated acoustic set or break down some old Indigo Girls songs and do them in a new fashion. There will definitely be that element. We’re going to throw in a cover or two. I won’t reveal that [laughs], but I’m very excited about the song that I picked. It’s from the `70s, of course [laughs]! We’ll mix it up like that.
BUCKHEAD
THEATRE
OCT 21
