William Duffee-Braun william@peachatl.com
Mike Fleming mike@peachatl.com
ART
Tanner Gill
Art Director tanner@peachatl.com
SALES
Russ Youngblood
Senior Sales Representative russ@peachatl.com
Jim Brams jim@peachatl.com
Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Buck C. Cooke
James Hicks
Matthew Holley
Scott King
James Parker Sheffield Chris Vizzini
DISTRIBUTION
Brian Harmon
By Scott King
THE ‘90S WERE GOOD. I WAS IN high school. I was into punk rock and rave culture and being a radical queer. All before bedtime.
Suggested bedtime, I should say. My curfew was to my taste ridiculously early. I almost never got home on time.
But somehow I never got caught. One Sunday morning I literally got home 15 minutes before my parents got up to go to church. Then I went back out. Those were the days.
I wasn’t all that happy, though. I was a queer teenager in East Tennessee. I
went to the prom all four years, but I didn’t get laid until senior year. Senior year. Damn.
But deeper still. Forming my identity, my persona, as a manifestation of the polar opposite of what my insular culture was telling me a young man
should be, the thrill of shirking it all, wore off quickly.
But I’m thankful to the people who said no. They made it clear that this type of person was not acceptable to them and their world. They dished out the wisdom, whether it be scripture or rules or dictums or pejoratives about my sexual orientation or lack of brute manliness.
It’s lonely at the top, they say. It’s also lonely on the skirts, no matter how proud you might be to be “outside of society.”
THE UPSIDE, OF COURSE, IS THAT I learned how to fight for what I believe in. The joy of being unique came later.
It’s hard to be unique when you’re 17. That’s why all us rebels read Catcher in the Rye. It expressed who we were. Lost. Good natured. Frustrated. And not quite articulate in our dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Albert Camus converts rebel into revolution into revolve, as in you always come round to the same damn thing. I disagree. A zigzag line can still move forward. It’s up to us.
It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I could successfully argue politics with my conservative relatives. They remained stagnant. I remained queer. I went to graduate school and got even smarter and learned a lot of new words and concepts and then grew in wisdom and came back with even more metaphorical ammo.
IT WASN’T UNTIL MY 30S THAT I learned to apply my wisdom to my own quotidian dilemmas.
I only follow rules if they: 1. make sense to me, 2. not following them will lead to my arrest or demise, 3. not following them would be awkward, or
4 I’m too bored or tired to resist.
I don’t mean just the hall monitor type of rules. I mean spiritual rules, existential rules and common sense.
Conformists look at me with envy. Alphas look at me with confusion as to why I am surrendering my hegemony. Straight men look at me in awe. Bro has fun, bro.
It’s not all Machiavellian, sadistic, anarchic glee though. The freedom puts a glint in my eye that others pick up on. I can share conspiratorial, furtive eye contact with a store clerk while fellating the ego of the manager. I’m versatile like that.
The binaries of yes and no and black and white and gay and straight aren’t all there is to life, but they are a good place to start. Battle lines to be drawn.
Now that I’m older, I’m pretty much a pacifist, not needing to tear anyone or anything down. Happy to skip across the rainbow crosswalk that is life without making a scene about it.
The conflicts I had with my parents during the teen years have pretty much faded. I can see in their eyes that they’d like to give me unsolicited advice at every turn of conversation, but they don’t. I value their wisdom and experience; I just don’t necessarily wish that it were mine.
What fun would that be?
Midtown’s Newest Mediterranean/American Cuisine
Handcrafted Cocktails, Local Beers, Wines from around the Region Patio Seating up to 150 Guests LUNCH I DINNER I BRUNCH Monday–Thursday: 11:00AM -
We all know the type. Outdoorsy, athletic, always up for fun and down to… Meet this week’s cover guy, the perfect active hunk for our mid-summer Health Issue.
By Mike Fleming
You found him. You fell for him. You got him. Now what? Here are the things to remember to keep every relationship going long after the initial thrill is gone.
1 COMMUNICATE
Talk about the hard stuff. It’s not an option to hole up and be silent.
2 VALUE PLUS
Look for someone who values the same things as you but also can teach you/ show you new things and vice versa
3 MAKE LIKE A PLANT
Anna Madrigal in ‘Tales of the City’ says, “All of life is maintenance, dear” Tend it; feed it; keep it growing.
4 BE HONEST
It beats lying, even when it hurts, and even when it can get you in trouble. In fact, especially then.
5 LAUGH
Your best match most likely gets your sense of humor. The couple that laughs together, stays together.
6 RESPECT & EMPATHY
When you’re angry, tired or arguing, the one thing that will last longer than any of it is hitting below the belt.
7 KEEP DATE NIGHTS
Life happens, and suddenly you haven’t had time to enjoy each other outside daily grind. Schedule it.
8 SIT. STAY
Agree that neither of you will put up his toys and leave the game when the going gets tough.
9 WE OVER ME
While you should both be getting what you need, the couple, not the individual, should be getting what it wants. Compromise.
10 FRIENDS
As the sage gurus Leslie and Ben taught us on ‘Parks & Recreation,’ nothing beats, ‘I love you and I like you.’
By Gregg Shapiro
A fixture on the Atlanta music scene for more than 25 years, you’ve probably already heard out singer Bret Busch singing with a number of bands. Now it’s time to see what he can really do when he spreads his wings.
Busch most recently fronted the Smiths tribute band Smithsonian. He works a day job in advancement at a local liberal arts college and is finally releasing his formal solo debut, Pills Lace & Confetti on Friday, July 14. A delightful and varied collection of covers and originals, it’s the perfect soundtrack for summer 2017 and beyond.
Even better? Busch hosts and plays an album release show on Aug. 11 at Venkman’s. Check out what he has to say about the album and his process.
Pills Lace & Confetti is your first solo in a lengthy career. Why now?
William Joiner, the producer of the album, and a fellow musician and longtime friend of mine, and I were at a friend’s wedding a few years ago. He asked my why I’d never released a solo album, and I didn’t have a good answer for that. I hadn’t ever really broken out on my own. He said it was time
for me to do that. He spearheaded the project and convinced me to do it.
The song “Ink Black Sea” hearkens The Velvet Underground. Are they a musical influence?
I definitely was obsessed with the Andy Warhol Silver Sixties when I was in my 20s and devoured everything that had to do with it. That branched into The Velvet Undergound. The Velvet Underground and Nico album is untouchable; a great record. That’s where I started with them. I love them. That dirty rock that they did was so fresh and still sounds amazing today.
You do a reverent cover of Gerry Rafferty’s “Right Down The Line.” Why that song?
I’ve always loved that song and his voice. I grew up listening to the music of the `70s. That was a big radio hit when I was a child. His range is perfect for me. It’s such a sweet song, and it made me think of my partner – the album’s photographer and a nationally recognized art photographer, Jody Fausett.
“Puget Sound” has tea dance written all over it. Do you harbor dreams of being a dance diva?
I love pop music, and I have always loved listening to dance music. I’m always watching for releases from the big ladies – Madonna, Kylie, and all that. I would love for somebody to remix a couple of the songs on the record and make them tea dance-ready. When I first heard the demo track of “Puget Sound,” I was so happy. Sometimes it’s hard to find upbeat songs for your record. It’s easy find ones that are more dramatic. We wanted to keep that one in the roster so we had had something to elevate the mood.
Speaking of divas, who’s that belter on “Small Town Fight”? Her name is Natalye Howard. She’s a local singer. One of the best things that Will Joiner brought to the project is that he has worked with so many local professional musicians. Will knows Natalye and recommended her for doing some background vocals. Her background vocals are more like co-lead vocals. She’s got such a strong voice and presence on the songs she’s on.
Pills & Cofetti drops on all platforms July 14. Visit babyrootmedia.com and find Bret Busch on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He celebrates the album release with a concert on Aug. 11 at Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd NE. venkmans.com
While you’re out there being fabulous and taking ‘you do you’ to heart, these medical facilities make sure for LGBT Atlanta, that includes taking care of your health
By Mike Fleming
We see you, Gay Atlanta! And you are amazing. You are a vibrant, smart, magical rainbow unicorn bunch of humans. And gosh darn it, people like you. But how’s your health?
Maybe your teeth, organs and cosmetic upkeep aren’t as sexy as talking about, say, your clothes, your sassiness, your community, or your accomplishments, but taking care of that body inside and out is actually the number one thing you can do to snatch your best self and keep it going.
And speaking of your fabulosity, does your doctor know you’re gay, bi or trans? It makes a huge difference not only your treatments and the way you’re treated, but in the comfort you feel going to the doctor in the first place. Our connections know this and come at your health with you in mind, not your sexual orientation or gender identity.
We spend a lot of time in Peach ATL talking about the people, places and parties that make our local community so great. So while you’re making plans with some of our advertisers and listings on these pages, these are the Peach-approved community partners that have the vitality of your best self in mind.
This full service medical facility is designed to provide you with one-stop comprehensive health care services. More than a doctor’s office, AbsoluteCARE is conveniently located doors down from Piedmont Hospital. The facility provides a warm and friendly atmosphere while providing patients the latest in medical technology.
They provide a full range of services, including nutrition counseling, diabetes education, healthy cooking demonstrations, walking groups, personalized health assessments and meal planning.
AbsoluteCARE is also partnered with Urgent Care at Peachtree to provide urgent care within the AbsoluteCARE office, provides state-certified radiology and ultrasound services, onsite lab work, a pharmacy, social worker, mental health counseling and more. They also provide PrEP and PrEP-preparedness support.
2140 Peachtree Road Northwest #232 404.231.4431
absolutecarehealth.com
Dr. T. Douglas Gurley, MD
This physician prides himself on being a gay doctor for gay patients. He believes timeless medicine and tomorrow’s technology work better when they are administered by someone who actually cares about the result as much as you do. He’ll treat your illness with expertise, your emotions with care, and your time with respect.
Services at Dr. Gurley’s office include chronic care, high-definition endoscopy, preventative medicine, ultratherapy, botox, derma fillers, fat freezing, and expert application of a host skin revitalization methods.
659 Auburn Ave NE Suite 156 404.888.0228 tdouglasgurleymd.com
Dr. Sophie Lukashok is the principal doctor at Intown Infectious Diseases. A board certified internal medicine and infectious diseases specialist, she offers both primary general medical care, as well as specialty evaluation and treatment of infectious disease problems including HIV, STDs, and recurrent infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, and UTIs.
Dr. Lukashok was born and raised in New York City and completed her undergraduate education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She went on to Medical School at the State University of New York in Buffalo, served her residency at Beth Israel Medical Center, and did an extra year as Chief Resident. Her fellowship was at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She came to Atlanta and worked in the Grady Infectious Disease Program, was on faculty at Emory University, and worked at Piedmont Hospital before Intown Infectious Diseases in 2012.
Intown Infectious Diseases specializes in chronic care, but also administers vaccines, assists prospective travelers with required vaccines and medications prior to international travel, as well as provide post-travel consultations for individuals returning home with medical issues.
619 Rankin Street
404.874.3102 intowninfectiousdisease.com
With six convenient locations throughout Metro Atlanta, SmartCare is a member of the Emory Healthcare Network. It was started to address the need for high quality, immediate healthcare. The staff strives to provide accessible healthcare when you need to see an experienced and caring physician at your convenience.
To achieve quality healthcare provider status within the communities we serve, with an emphasis on patient satisfaction and a focus on cost effectiveness. They are committed to placing the needs of patients first by providing the highest standard of illness, injury and wellness care.
No appointments are necessary at their facitlies, where they create a comfortable and pleasant alternative to traditional emergency room and doctor office visits. SmartCare offers extended hours and courteous, experienced staff to get you on your way to feeling better fast. Their board-certified physicians are trained in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Together with highly trained and certified nursing and physician assistant staff, they are dedicated to meeting the urgent health care needs for you and your loved ones in a fast and efficient manner.
Six locations including:
450 14th Street NW
4400 Peachtree Road NE
1829 Lawrenceville Hwy, Decatur smartcareuc.com
Family Healthcare of Atlanta
Dr. Mark Tanner is an exceptional doctor and caring person. He is extremely thorough and gives his patients time to ask questions. With a medical degree from State University of New York Upstate Medical University, he has been in practice for more than 20 years.
In addition to being a general medical practitioner, Dr. Tanner specializes in patients with HIV and other chronic or infectious diseases.
1935 Howell Mill Road NW 404.355.2000
Dr. Chip Hill, DDS
The patients are the most important part of this general and cosmetic dental practice, and this gay and gay-friendly staff strives to develop long-lasting, trusting relationships with all of their patients. They are proud to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the highest quality dental care available
Services with the latest in state-of-theart equipment include general preventative and hygiene dentistry, as well as white fillings, bridges, crowns and crown lengthening, whitening, veneers, implants, dentures, extractions.
Dr. Hill’s office also regularly contributes to charities, including a Who’s Who of Gay Atlanta organizations.
1355 Peachtree St. NE
404.724.9918
chiphilldds.com
Anderson Hair Center
With a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing the most natural, permanent hair restoration results, this office emphasizes artistic concepts, patient comfort and natural, permanent results.
Founder and Director Dr. Ken Anderson is unique in his field of hair restoration surgery. He is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who has dedicated his practice solely to the treatment
of hair loss since 2003. Dr. Anderson and his highly trained staff have over 60 years of combined experience.
He has specialized in the Follicular Unit Extraction method of hair restoration for over 10 years, and has delivered lectures and course for physician audiences around the world about the FUE method.
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd #106 404.256.4247 atlantahairsurgeon.com
This studio for cosmetic enhancement is unique. It provides Botox, dermal fillers and other non-surgical procedures in a 5-star setting that focuse on premiere service at great prices. As a leading provider, AgeLess offers a full range of treatments with a friendly, professional service team and affordable fees.
Services include Xeomin, which eliminates crow’s feet & forehead lines. Botox for eliminating crow’s feet & forehead lines, Radiesse, which minimizes lines from nose to mouth, Juvederm for approving appearance under eyes, Restylane that adds a more full, sensual look to lips, Perlane for lines from mouth to chin, Microdermabrasion for smoother skin, Leg Veins to treat visible veins, and Latisse ,which grows eyelashes longer, fuller and darker.
2770 Lenox Rd NE
404.233.5255 theagelesscenter.com
Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Mark M. Beaty heads this cosmetic and facial reconstructive surgery practice. In addition to its founder and leading Atlanta plastic surgeon, Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery is staffed by a team of experts and support personnel who are dedicated to providing patients with superior care in a safe, clean and comfortable environment. The team is committed to working closely with patients to achieve ideal results.
Facial procedures offered include Brow Lift, Neck Life, Facelift, Implants, Rhinoplsty, Blepharoplasty, Otoplasty, and Facial Liposuction. There are also body services, laser procedures, non-surgical options, and medical skincare.
1100 Peachtree St NE #850
844.372.3289
beatymd.com
Dr. Keith K. Jeffords M.D., D.D.S. brings an unusual perspective, depth of knowledge and experience to the practice of both plastic surgery and surgery of the head and neck. He has studied dentistry and medicine and has trained in multiple surgical disciplines. With his unique background, Dr. Jeffords brings a different creativity to the practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jeffords has been formally trained in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Plastic Surgery.
Called a “surgical maestro,” there are fewer than fifty surgeons in the United States with his background. Dr. Jeffords is able to combine techniques from these two specialties for the benefit of his patients. As an Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, he seeks creative solutions for each patient’s desires. He can look at both the skeletal and soft tissue needs of his patients and develop a surgical plan for facial reconstruction or rejuvenation.
Come to him for plastic surgeries, Collagen Tightening Laser Treatments, Dysport/ Botox, Erbium Micro-Laser Peel, Fractionated Laser Treatments (C02), Hydrafacial, Laser Facial Resurfacing, Latisse Eyelash Enhancement, Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling Skin Therapy, NeoGraft Light Therapy, Restylane/Juvederm, Rosacea
3964 Atlanta Road, Smyrna 678.370.9854 paramountplasticsurgery.com
Urology Centers of Alabama
Dr. Brian Christine specializes in sensitive and knowledgeable male sexual health, both for cisgender and transgender men. With a degree from Emory and other respected hospitals and universities, he ultimately made the commitment to pursue excellence in those fields from his practice in nearby Birmingham, Alabama.
His practice is exclusively centered on erectile dysfunction, curvature of the penis, premature ejaculation, low testosterone, genital aesthetic surgeries like circumcision, scrotal aesthetic, penile girth and length enhancement. Of note, he specializes in erectile dysfunction in patients who have undergone female-to-male gender reassignment and the treatment of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy.
A passionate educator, Dr. Christine also hosts urologists from around the world who travel o Birmingham to observe him in the operating room. He has authored articles and conducted lectures on his specialties. His staff and surgical team are compassionate, highly motivated and qualified, and determined to provide the very best patient care.
3485 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL urologycentersalabama.com 205.930.0920
Located in Amsterdam Wal, Replenish by NomadMD is an elective wellness boutique that specializes in Intravenous (IV) hydration and vitamin therapy focusing on Holistic Health and Wellness, Sports performance Enhancement, Beauty and Over-indulgence Relief (Hangovers). With a team of ER trained medical professionals, you’re in some of the most capable hands in Atlanta.
At Replinish, they believe happiness starts with good health. That’s why they are dedicated to enhancing the overall wellbeing of every client they treat. They are dedicated to offering an experience that leaves you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for any challenge you may face.
549 Amsterdam Ave NE 404.939.7666 replenishiv.com
Alliance Community Pharmacy 1529 Piedmont Ave NE 404.461.9105 | alliancecrx.com
Discount Nutrition Centers Ansley Mall 1544 Piedmont Road NE, Ste 318 404.228.2712
By Mike Fleming
It’s easy to get lost in the gay penchant for pretty. Too many of us spend so much time objectifying others, criticizing our own looks, and obsessing over fitness and fashion that we forget what makes guys really attractive.
Sure, we should probably bathe, groom, dress and exercise enough to meet our basic health needs and presents an impression to the world of an engaged adult. By all means, do that to the level of your own satisfaction. But there’s something missing if your physical presentation is as far as your effort goes, your inner self knows it, and it will age you to the world without you even realizing it.
We’ve all met them: The guys with the perfect body, whitest teeth, best haircut, great clothes, and – wompwomp – personality of a wet dishrag. The more you dig, you uncover an unhappy person who’s conversation, not to mention his priorities, don’t go further than the gym.
Still, it’s common to get caught up in their world and get frustrated about not measuring up to that often-unattainable standard of youth and beauty. Well, we’re here with a new standard that allows you to feel good about yourself at every age, no matter who you are, who you wear, or who your body type most resembles.
Feeling young doesn’t come in a bottle, and there’s no one recipe, but the real Gay Fountain of Youth boils down to pride, personality and passion. Here are our top tips to get your head right so your true beauty shines.
1
Your self-doubt has deep roots. For many gay man, that can stem from bullying early in life, or from ongoing references to what is “hot” and what is “not.”
Fuck that. Shake off the precepts by taking some specific time to
identify what’s naturally youthful and gorgeous about you. Maybe it’s your optimistic attitude and your commitment to worthy causes. Once identified, spend effort to nurture those qualities and consciously, actively reject your doubts about it.
Tell others when you think they look great and appear to feel great. Create a conversational space in which we lift up others – It breeds good thoughts in them and in our ourselves.
Nothing makes you look younger and sexier than confidence that comes from knowing who you are, accepting it, and loving yourself.
Gay men deal with an array of issues that hold us back. Maybe you have internalized homophobia from years of straight society defining your gayness as undesirable. Maybe you have unre-
solved conflicts with family. Maybe you are obsessed with youth as you age.
Well, stop it. Counselors are worth every penny and can actually help you break the cycle of self-punishment. Once you’re free of these roadblocks, you’ll look and feel better than you have in years, no matter how old you are.
The Fountain of Youth has less to do with physical attributes than character traits. A sense of humor, sharp intellect, plus hobbies and interests to talk about can be even more attractive than toned abs.
Become good at something. Do projects you love. Develop a career that fulfills you. Your inner passions, skills and extracurricular pursuits make you more
interesting, and other guys see it even when they can’t put their finger on what makes you so awesome.
4 / HEALTHY IS YOUTHFUL
Nobody ever looked at a person and said, “Oh it’s so hot that he looks sickly and weak.” Still, don’t feel pressured to conform to a standard of beauty. Avast majority of us don’t want to spend excessive time in the gym or slaving over a restrictive diet. You don’t have to.
Get regular checkups, get enough sleep, find ways to quit or limit bad habits, eat mindfully with moderation in treats, and find activities that get your body moving. Whether walking, biking, hiking, playing sports or more strenuous exercise is your thing, do it enough to increase your energy and boost your confidence – the two real ingredients to a fountain of youth.
5 / DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS
It’s easy to see a random guy and think, “I wish I could look that good” and get caught up in the gay obsession with looks and stereotypical physical traits. Don’t. Comparing yourself accomplishes nothing except making you feel worse, which literally makes you look worse. Embrace your own look. Recognize your own beauty, and allow the best parts to shine.
6 / FIND YOUR NICHE
There is no single answer to what looks great. Some gay men find skinny, hairless guys attractive. Others prefer big hairy bears. Still more like daddies, frat boys, rockers, painted twinks, and slacker geeks. If you want to feel beautiful, don’t change yourself, but instead surround yourself with people who like you as you are.
When you’re surrounded by others who fill you with self doubt, it’s toxic. When you’re surrounded by guys who think your way is the hot way, the good feelings feed themselves. Look for guys who see the beauty that already exists in you.
The Human Rights Campaign invites you to our second annual tennis social - Serving for Equality! Players of all skill levels are welcome to participate in this fun doubles event, and will receive a gift bag with a retail value of over $40. Don’t have a doubles partner? We will pair you up with other players and you can make some new friends along the way.
Not a tennis player? That’s okay! Join us as a spectator. We will have a DJ, food, cocktails, a silent auction, and a photo booth to enjoy while you cheer on your friends as they serve aces for equality.
Saturday, July 22nd, 2017
Sharon Lester Tennis Center | Piedmont Park 400 Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30306
6:00P.M. - 11:00P.M.
Ticketing: Player: $60 Spectator: $25
HRC membership or renewal, complimentary food from Shane’s Rib Shack and drink tickets.
If you liked Sing For Your Life a few years back, you’re going to love this addition from many of the same party people. Come knock back some drinks while solos, duets and groups move better than you ever will for cash prizes and a slot at the next Icon party.
THURSDAY, JULY 20
JUNGLE
2115 Faulkner Road NE | forallhumans.com
Are you more a green guy, or a beer boy? You don’t have to choose to support Atlanta teams headed to the Gay Softball World Series in Portland. The Wet Demons host endless margs at Zocalo, and the Reign pour bottomless brews at BJ’s. Play ball.
SATURDAY, JULY 22
WET DEMONS AT ZOCALO REIGN D AT BJ ROOSTERS
2pm | 187 10th St. NE 3pm | 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd
The gay men’s mentoring group taking Atlanta by storm pulls you in and inspires you with a TED Talk format featuring guest speaker Angel Poventud, a gay train conducer, housing advocate and Radical Faerie who just may be Atlanta’s most interesting human.
FRIDAY, JULY 21
OUT FRONT THEATRE COMPANY
999 Brady Ave. NW | rainbros.us
The gays of For the Kid in All of Us presents its 12th annual event, an enchanting party to collect book bags filled with supplies and donations to benefit children in need all across Georgia. Come for the kids. Stay for the entertainment, cocktails, and catered food.
SATURDAY, JULY 22
1815 Ponce de Leon Ave NE forthekid.org
When HRC Atlanta fights for your equality, it’s a guaranteed good time for a good cause. Summer’s big do is this doubles tennis tourney. You don’t have to play to do cocktails, silent auction, photo booth and beats by Neon the Glowgobear. Afterparty at Ten Atlanta.
SATURDAY, JULY 22
SHARON LESTER TENNIS CENTER
400 Park Drive NE | hrcatlanta.org
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
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
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
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
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
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com
500 Amsterdam Ave NE
CHESHIRE
GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
FLEX SPA flexspas.com
76 4th St NW
CHESHIRE
MANIFEST 4U
manifest4u.org
2103 Faulkner Rd NE
Tickets are on sale from June 20 through September 29 while supplies last!
Do Pride big this year. Give yourself the VIP TREATMENT in the name of a very important cause!
Don’t delay - quantities are limited! Visit atlantapride.org/vip for all information.
October 13-15, 2017
ARIES (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Worries about your relationship, or fears of never getting in one, are mostly groundless, but do say something about long-buried wounds or anxieties. Talking it out with your partner or a close friend can be very illuminating.
TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)
Whatever you do with your money or flirtations will come to naught, but there’s nothing wrong with feeling flirty and confident. “Wasting” time with pleasant company can make good practice to shore you up for real investments of your treasure or time.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)
Humility is your big issue now. Whether you are too cocky or too shy you need to get back to knowing that in the grand scheme you are anyone’s equal – no more or less.
CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22)
Be discreet and strategic. That doesn’t mean “be shy.” Know what you’re worth, but keep your cards close to your chest. Trust your instincts, be adaptable and know whom you can depend on. Even with all that, hard work counts for more than politics.
LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)
Trying to smooth over differences only causes problems to fester. Deal with it now. Solutions require original thinking, and you probably will make mistakes, but better to do that and correct them than not to try.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
You might get to act out some long-hidden desires. Revealing that secret side can cause doubts, especially if word gets out. Hold your head high, dismiss lurid rumors as trashy gossip and let them wonder. The mystique will do you good.
LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
However you need to revise plans, stay focused on your goal and clear on your limits. Promising too much can ruin everything. Talk up what you realistically can do; that’s quite enough.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
Let people know what you can do that will really make a difference. You may need to work on getting it across diplomatically. Think carefully before speaking, but it’s better to risk offending than to say nothing and let opportunity pass you by.
(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
A new adventure will liven up your partnership, or help you build or find one. Be daring and bold. It doesn’t have to be expensive. For some people roller skating or karaoke are daring and bold. What would get your pulse racing?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
You could be the center of domestic disturbances, a force of change in the community, and/or a dynamo in the bedroom. Any one of these can support another. Thinking of others first will help to keep it all clean and positive.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
You need to get a grasp of deep worries that are affecting your relationship. Talking with your partner is generally better than talking about your partner, but find a sympathetic and trustworthy ear where you can.
(Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
Confusion at work can stir a greater range of anxieties. Take a break and think through the problem at hand. It will get crazier before you can solve it, but control the damage and don’t let it undermine other parts of your life.
I can’t get enough sex in public places. I’ve done it in parks, in bus stations, cemeteries, industrial complexes, and even a church pew (Sadly, not during Sunday Service).
I love the risk of getting caught as part of foreplay, but actually getting caught probably wouldn’t go over well at work, or say, with my parents. How can I enjoy the adventure but avoid the actual threat?
A lot of gay men have nugged and tugged in public, and even more say they fantasize about it. I couldn’t and wouldn’t stop you, but do
know that the thrill in the risk has very real risk in the thrill.
Going to jail could totally happen. Arrests are made in Piedmont Park fairly regularly. That said, there are a few things to minimize your chances of literally getting caught with your pants down and more vulnerable to danger.
Scout out places with privacy, cover, and a wide vantage point that allows you to see anyone approaching. If that won’t work, consider a lookout.
Dark, deserted sites draw characters more unscrupulous than yourself, so hide valuables or don’t bring any. Find restrooms with two doors. When someone enters the first, you have a few extra seconds before they come through the second.
I know what I want in a guy on paper, but I end up with the wrong ones in bed. The “great husband” type of guy doesn’t turn me on. Where’s the guy who’s good for me on the streets and under the sheets?
Not Into Proper, Patently Into Creeps & Kooks
It’s the classic struggle between big head and little head. Your adult self thinks it’s in charge, but your inner child formed your sexual tastes at a young age.
Some say marry Mr. Right and cheat. Others say literally force yourself to go after a different type, citing high satisfaction rates in arranged marriages.
Call me a hopeless optimist, but I believe there are guys you’d love to take home to Mother who would do things with you that Mom would never approve. It may take a more focused eye, but hold out hope.
He knows the answers you need, and you’re going to get them. Reach out to him with your burning questions via our editor, Mike@PeachATL.com.
Warning: Advice given in this column is intended for entertainment and novelty purposes. Please proceed at your own risk.
