People living with HIV continue to have inflammation which is associated with end organ disease and early death.
You can be a part of a 12 week study that evaluates whether Ruxolitinib will help reduce inflammation in the body.
Now Seeking Volunteers who:
• Are living with HIV and have a CD4/T-Cell count greater than 350
• Have an undetectable viral load for the last 2 years
• Have continuously been on HIV medication for the last 2 years
• Are not on HIV medication that includes a protease inhibitor or cobicistat
Want to learn more about this study?
Contact Micheal Barber at 404.576.0992
*Compensation for time & travel provided
TEXAS EXES
By Mike Fleming Editoral Director
THE IDEA OF ROMANTIC LOVE as the basis for long-term relationships is only about 250 years old in Western thought. Unrealistic expectations are why a vast majority of couples can’t stay together.
I blame Hollywood.
I’m a total sucker for those sitcom sappy, rom-com funny, drama-filled epic movie love stories. Yes, I cry when one character
Artists, cowboys, Hollywood, love’s true nature and why all my exes live in Texas
predictably sees the light and crosses the room to finally make out with their soulmate. And yes, Tom Cruise had me at “Hello.” Yes, in “Jerry McGuire” too — but I was thinking about myself going, “hel-LO” when he slid across the floor in his tighty whities in “Risky Business.”
I’m old.
I freely admit to clapping and squeaking
like a schoolgirl during a thousand other movies and TV shows, too. Just when we think all is lost, suddenly one of the characters turns around to see that the only person on Earth for them is standing there waiting to walk into the sunset.
As if.
I FIRST SAW KEVIN BACKSRAGE
during our high school production of the sappy-ass “Carnival.” From across the room, I saw what remains one of the most beautiful faces I’ve ever seen. It was movie love at first sight.
Kevin is a visual artist and philosophical genius who was on the cutting edge of alternative music before that term was even part of the cultural lexicon. He is hilariously dry, silly and spiritually enlightened.
Over the next nine years, he was my best friend, my boyfriend and ultimately my live-in partner in crime. He put my traditional ways of thinking about relationships and every other part of life to the test.
As often as we tried to convince ourselves that we were “meant to be” and tried to rekindle those Hollywood feelings again and again, ultimately it was shared experience — laughter, hardship, fights, trials and celebrations — that kept us going as a couple.
One day, he came home and said he wanted a wife and kids. Obviously, I couldn’t provide that.
There were definitely movie moments in which the soundtrack soared in my heart and mind. But the “it” moment, the Hollywood payoff, didn’t happen.
DAVIS IS AN ARTIST TOO. He has a deep, melodic East Texas accent, and he is the funniest, kindest man I know. For nearly seven years, we laughed and connected as lovers and friends. One year for my birthday, he sang “I’d Waltz Across Texas With You” to me. Sigh.
Davis broadened my scope even further and introduced me to the theories behind artists I instinctively loved: Warhol, Johns, Rauschenberg, Cornell, Bacon, Kahlo, Finster, Magritte and so many more.
He also consistently challenged my notions of romanticism with a Buddhist belief in compassion and kindness over raw sentimentality. Romanticism was an equal-and-opposite reaction against the pure reason of the Enlightenment period, he said.
Long before any state recognized it as legal, I married him — private ceremony, public reception, the works. When we ceased being a couple, we viewed it as a morph in our relationship, not an end.
Just yesterday, we were talking, and he told me about a book of Dalai Lama teachings he was re-reading. “The search for another single soul mate based on sexual intimacy is a fantasy ideal,” he said. “There’s a place for that, but it rarely lasts and is not nearly as deep as the universal human connection
of empathy and friendship.”
“The end of that phase of our relationship was long past lust-only,” he added. “But my deep loving kindness toward you is as strong, or stronger, than ever.”
How ‘bout them apples?
I moved to Atlanta 15 years ago, and I’ve yet to match an iota of that feeling or desire.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS, a couple better have a hell of a lot more going on between them, because Hollywood love doesn’t happen for long, and lust doesn’t last.
We like the newness of those initial stirrings, but it’s hard work that keeps stirring that pot. Don’t spend too much of that work trying to cram real life into movie scenarios.
Who knows why any one couple stays together or don’t? Some of us need another person to validate us. Others find a real connection, foster it, and stick it out. In the meantime, a little lust never hurt anybody.
WE MET AT A BEAR BAR
He never had a boyfriend until he moved to Atlanta, and lo and behold, there he was.
By Branden Lee
I’VE BEEN TOLD MANY TIMES, “You’ll find a boyfriend once you stop looking.” I came out at 15 and have been looking ever since. I’m 26 and still never had a boyfriend. I’ve had plenty of other people’s boyfriends, but never one of my own.
Everyone is shocked when I tell them that I’ve never had a boyfriend. I actually enjoy revealing this personal fact about myself just to see how others react. I do get asked a lot about why I think I’ve never had a boyfriend. I guess I’d have to say it’s because the guys I always end up falling for are the bi-curious/ DL/ closeted/ confused guys that don’t know what they want. Though a few of them have started figuring out what they want, and are finally ready for relationships, with someone else. I’m always the mistress, and never the wife.
I just moved to Atlanta. I’m excited to meet new guys, date around, explore the city, and possibly be a THOT. So of course my first week here, I find a boyfriend. Well at least a guy I want to be my boyfriend.
WE MET AT THE EAGLE ON A Saturday night. I saw online they were having a beach party theme. I show up in a tank top and swim trunks, and literally no one else there was dressed in a beach theme. It was embarrassing, but I should’ve known that bears never dress up for a theme party.
I was there alone, since I don’t have any solid friends in Atlanta yet. I’ve always enjoyed going out by myself. I love to approach and meet new people. I hate how everyone goes out in cliques and sticks to their clique all night. You’re not approachable when you’re surrounded by a posse. If you want to meet new guys, you have to branch out, and be vulnerable.
At the Eagle, I saw this guy that also was alone. He looked exactly my type. Tall, beefy linemen build, and had some scruff. I decided to approach him since nobody wants to be lonely at the club, and I wasn’t having any fun. I was already in a flaccid mood since I showed up dressed for a beach party, and no one else did.
Also despite mainly being attracted to bears, I never have fun at bear bars. I’m not a bear, so I feel out of place. Most young guys at bear bars are there with their boyfriends, and the club is mostly older guys, and I prefer guys closer to my age.
Luckily I found a cute, young, bear while there, and we instantly hit it off. He’s 26 and an EMT. He’s a Georgia native, and he decided to show me the city. We quickly ditched the Eagle, well after he bought me a couple drinks, and ventured off to Heretic and BJs.
I SPENT SIX OF THE NEXT seven nights with the EMT. He introduced me to so much of Atlanta. We went clubbing each night and ended up at Burkharts, Mixx, Felix’s, Blake’s, Ten, Bulldogs, Heretic, BJs, and back at The Eagle. He introduced me to Waffle House and Cookout for our end-of-the-night drunk food runs.
I wasn’t expecting to fall for a guy so fast. A week after meeting, we were on our third club of the night, and our third or fourth drink at Burkharts, and he mentions “being my man.” Although we’d known each other for only a week, I really like EMT. He’s been kind, sweet, treats me well, actually likes spending time with me, and I’ve never had a relationship like this before. Most of my “relationships” were with fuckboys that I’d hookup with but only see every few months.
I finally found a guy that is everything I’d want in a boyfriend, and of course it happened when I least expected. I’ve told my friends about EMT, and they think it’s too fast. I’ve been with a lot of guys over the years. I’ve been on tons of dates and had many hookups, and no one has ever been worthy of being my boyfriend like EMT.
PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood
It’s not often we get a bonafide celebrity as our Peach of the Week cover guy, and Shemar Moore certainly has all the right stuff. The Criminal Minds alum tops our cover story about hunks on the new fall network TV season with his new show SWAT..
FALL GUYS
NETWORKS MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE TO TUNE IN AT LEAST ONCE FOR NEW-SEASON EYE CANDY
BY MIKE FLEMING
Stephen Amell, Taylor Kinney, Brett Dalton, Ben McKenzie. We could gleefully go on and on about guys you already know returning to the small screen this fall. Each of them and so many more first appeared in our annual rundown of new network TV hunks and went on to find permanent places in our hearts.
But let’s not dwell where we know our eyes will roam. To keep your viewing options fresh once again for 2017, we find some new faces, as well as several guys you fell for on other shows who are courting new fans on new shows.
With cable and online channels inching on their territory, these are our favorites of the fall network season out to get a piece of your attention. 1 4 2 5 3 6
1)SHEMAR MOORE SWAT CBS
WHERE HAVE I SEEN HIM? CRIMINAL MINDS, YOUR DREAMS
2) MIDSEASON 2018 BLACK LIGHTNING CRESS WILLIAMS THE CW
3) BRANDON MICHEAL HALL THE MAYOR ABC
4) STEPHEN MOYER MARVEL: THE GIFTED FOX
WHERE HAVE I SEEN HIM? TRUE BLOOD
5) OLIVER HUDSON SPLITTING UP TOGETHER
ABC
6) MATT CZUCHRY THE RESIDENT FOX
WHERE HAVE I SEEN HIM? GILMORE GIRLS
7) RAFAEL DE LA FUENTE DYNASTY 2017 THE CW WHERE HAVE I SEEN HIM? EMPIRE
8) ADAM SCOTT GHOSTED FOX WHERE HAVE I SEEN HIM? PARKS & RECREATION
9) DYLAN MCDERMOTT LA TO VEGAS FOX
WHERE HAVE I SEEN HIM? AMERICAN HORROR STORY
10) JOSH RANDALL TEN DAYS IN THE VALLEY ABC
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.
that
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.
Taylor Alxndr hosts this special service featuring your favorite fictional characters come to life at the hippest gay-owned, queer-tastic straight bar in town. Dotte Comm, Koochie-Koochie Ku, Molly Rimswell, and D’Knighten Dae, plus a costume contest.
THUR, SEPT 7
SISTER LOUISA’S ‘CHURCH’ 466 EDGEWOOD AVE. SE SISTERLOUISASCHURCH.COM
Ho Sho 5: Diversity School
Come for an evening of live music like no other with eight of Atlanta’s trashiest ho’s on stage for their annual high-camp charity “performance.” As part of their court ordered community service, they’re back and more nasty and contagious than ever. This year benefits Voices of Note, the umbrella group that includes Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus.
SAT, SEPT. 9
JUNGLE
2115 Faulkner Road NE | hoshoatlanta.com
Black Gay Pride Journey With Compassion
Jerusalem House hosts this compassionate, educational event on supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Individuals directly affected by HIV/AIDS and individuals with affected family members will share their experiences with a panel discussion.
SAT, SEPT 9
RUSH CENTER ANNEX | 328 MELL AVE. SUITE B jerusalemhouse.org
STAFF PICK! Sept 7 - Sept 13
DILF Party
Atlanta’s favorite jock and underwear party returns to kick off September and heat things up Southern style. Daddies, pups, boys and all the men of Atlanta are due for hot music, hot men and dancing in their jocks. Want more? DJ Bret Law of Seattle cranks the tunes.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 8
HERETIC
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road | hereticatlanta.com
New Faces: September
The talent contest that keeps on giving hits the floor this month with special guest stars Aqualencia Litre, 2016’s New Face Roxy Red, and last month’s winner, Coco Oman St. James! Of course, Charmaine Sinclair and the eternally effervescent Regina Simms are also in the house.
SUN, SEPT 10
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Friendsonponce-atl.com
RUSS YOUNGBLOOD
SLAVE TO LOVE
Gay writer James Magruder lets us in on his sexy new novel.
By Gregg Shapiro
James Magruder is a busy man. In addition to teaching at Swarthmore College, Magruder’s 21st century output has included his 2009 debut novel Sugarless and the 2014 linked short story collection Let Me See It
His incredibly sexy and funny new novel, Love Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall, takes readers back to 1983 on the campus of Yale University. The titular Hadley Hall is the dormitory site of a series of escapades, sexual and social, hilarious and heartbreaking, and all observed and reported by none other than the ghost of Helen Hadley herself.
A playwright whose works have been performed on and offBroadway and around the globe, Magruder lets us in on how Love Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall fits into his life and his own literary canon.
YOUR FIRST NOVEL, 2009’S SUGARLESS HAD A STICK OF GUM ON THE COVER. NOW LOVE SLAVES HAS A PLATE OF DONUTS. ORAL FIXATION?
Good call, Gregg [laughs]. Both books are saturated with sex, although Love Slaves covers more bases and more orientations.
The stick of gum in Sugarless was metaphorical, while the doughnuts are a major plot point in Love Slaves.
THE BOOK UTILIZES A NARRATION DEVICE CALLED “ECTOPLASMIC EMANATION.” WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO TELL THE STORY THAT WAY?
This book took seventeen years to write, nearly one third of my life. I started it in 1996 before I had any business writing fiction. Over the years, I tried several different narrators. Trouble was, no single love slave – and there are five of them in the novel – could possibly be able to narrate all these concurrent plot lines, so eventually I had to rule out first person. On the other hand, an unbiased “historical” third person perspective ran counter to my incurable need to employ as broad a lexicon as possible.
Fifteen years in, I had a “Eureka!” moment. What if Helen Hadley herself, 121 years young, who had been on page one all along, in a full-length portrait, told the story?
IN 1983, YOUR CHARACTER CAROLANN HADN’T KNOWINGLY MET ANY QUEER FOLKS. HOW HAVE TIMES HAVE CHANGED?
Unthinkable today. The more time I spent on this book, the more historical it became. There was no Internet, next to no cable TV, Madonna was a brand-new artist. AIDS, which is discovered to be caused by a virus in the second half of the book, and the activism it unleashed, made gays and lesbians permanently visible.
RELIGION ALSO FIGURES INTO THE NOVEL.
It was fun to have Becky Engelking, a full-gospel Baptist from Iowa, really examine the pros and cons of her faith. Randall Flinn’s steadfast Catholic faith creates his greatest obstacle, yet becomes his greatest solace. Everyone else just wants to get laid.
DOES WRITING ABOUT THEATER MAJORS, AS A THEATER PERSON YOURSELF, WORK IN YOUR FAVOR OR AGAINST IT?
The ego, self-delusion and bravery required to be a stage artist in this country is perpetual comic gold. I was happy to stripmine my time at the Yale School of Drama, both my three years as a student in harness, and my eleven years as a professor of translation and adaptation, for Love Slaves
Love Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall is available on Chelsea Station Editions, 2016/2017.
1/8 Mile Running Track
Heated Saltwater Pool with Resistance Lane
Membership-Class Fitness Center with Yoga Studio
Internet-Enabled Fitness Equipment and Outdoor Crossfit Stations
LEATHER MAKES THE MAN
By Matthew Holley
There are countless tastes, facets and fetishes of gay life out there, and not to be ignored are those guys with a healthy appreciation of leather. Atlanta’s locals are no strangers to the leather scene, with multiple outlets catering to its many splendored pleasures.
WHETHER YOU’RE SEASONED OR A NEWBIE TO THE SCENE, THESE RETAILERS CAN HELP YOU PUT THE LEATHER IN LEATHERMAN.
chain, metal, wood, leather and plastic for any variety of BDSM/fetish and fashion tastes and pleasures. With the majority of their products hand-made on site, Barking Leather is gearing up to release its own exclusive line in the coming months. Stop in, stock up and strap on everything you need to bring all the boys to your yard.
Also visit Barking Leather After Dark, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Thur-Fri-Sat nights on the deck level at Atlanta Eagle.
Bulldog Custom Leathers
2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
678-901-7621
bulldogcustomleathers.com
For the aficionado, an acquired taste for leather can’t be beat. It can be a confidence booster, stress reliever and a healthy addition to your sex life. To bolster the fever, Atlanta BDSM community thrives in support of this private and sometimes not so private practice.
The following four locations are here to fulfill all of those leather desires. Whether you’re an accomplished connoisseur or a naive apprentice ready to dip your toe in the naughty end of the pool, you’re welcome and embraced behind these doors.
Barking Leather Mon – Sat 12pm – 9pm, Sunday – CLOSED 805 Lambert Drive NE 404-900 – 5847 barkingleather.com
Leather Artisan Tory pup and his partner Sir Ray are a match made in heaven. The duo has been together since 2002 and are active in the Atlanta BDSM community, which helped bring them together. With a shared vision, the couple opened Barking Leather in 2009, and it’s been going strong since. They specialize in unique adult accessories ranging from rubber,
Located inside Heretic, Bulldog custom-makes each product to fit each client’s specific needs. Not only does Bulldogs work with latigo (belt leather) for some of their belts and slings, the majority of their gear is made from soft leather designed to not be rough against the wearer’s skin.
Leaving items unfinished, any leather lover can walk in for an on-the-spot fitting. Within 10 minutes you will have a custom piece ready to break into your very own. Adding flair to their craft, BCL can also embroider your gear, vests or patches with any artwork by request.
Bulldog opens its doors at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights ready to collar and let the dogs out. They are also available by appointment Wednesday through Saturday during the Heretic’s normal operating hours. Bulldog also carries Fort Troff products.
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
Retail
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 Spas/Baths/Adult
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
Illustrations by:
‘Years are only garments, and you either wear them with style all your life, or else you go dowdy to the grave.’ –Dorothy Parker Text your Peach Pits to
Not giving AF is so much sweeter than revenge.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Just when I thought I’d seen the bottom of bat shit crazy, you go and build bat shit crazy underground garage.
All that you are you owe to your parents. Why don’t you send them a penny and square the account? The biggest mistake I ever made was putting the key to my happiness in someone else’s pocket.
ARIES (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Stand your ground this week. You may not feel right if you’re not moving forward all the time, but right now, you need to just hang tough and make sure you don’t end up moving backward.
TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)
You’ve got good friends, and that counts for more than you can imagine. It’s a really good time for you to give them the thanks and props they deserve—life is too short to put off the important stuff!
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)
You need to find new ways to handle frustration— or you could boil over and explode at whomever is handy, which could also work. Your maturity is being tested, but you don’t know who’s grading.
CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22)
Avoid the temptation to force yourself into repetitive or detail-oriented tasks—daydreaming and brainstorming are much more appealing and worthwhile this week!
LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)
Don’t fall into the trap of going along with a toobig plan just because your business or romantic partner is on board. In fact, that’s exactly the kind of thing you need to avoid at a time like this!
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
Your most important relationships need attention right now. That’s not to say that you’re in big trouble or that you need to walk away, but that you’ve just got to spend extra time and energy building bridges.
LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
You can see every side of every issue—but that very positive trait can sometimes lead to unfortunate side effects! Make sure you avoid the paralysis that is staring you in the face.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
You need to harness your imagination now—and it’s much easier to access it! You should be able to get your friends or coworkers to follow along as you lead them to awesome new heights.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
It’s time for you to stop thinking and start acting— you’ve got plenty of material to work with. Your own life is a canvas, and you’re an artist with a deep well of inspiration to draw from.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
All that good energy has to be put to some good use— so go for it! You may be able to push forward in a new direction, but no matter what happens, you’re likely to feel quite good about it.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
You’ve got to make a conscious effort to lend a hand when friends or colleagues need you this week—but it’s worth it! Even if you’re emotionally overdrawn, you can still expect some good karmic interest in your future.
PISCES
(Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
It’s a long way off from your birthday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a little present anyway. Find something you’d never think to buy for yourself and then force yourself to get it.
LIVING MY PARTNER’S LIFE…
Hey, Daddy!
My husband of one year, who I adore with every fiber of my being, controls my life.
Before we were married, it was little stuff. When I would make suggestions on anything, he’d shoot them down. I got used to it.
After a whirlwind courtship, including leaving my job, my belongings and my friends to move to his city, it has evolved into his making every decision for both of us. He even approves (or more accurately, disapproves) my clothing choices.
He is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. I never thought I’d find one like him who was as into me as I am into him, but I did, and it’s
often perfect.
Still, I did upend my life. Now he has announced that his dream is to live in another city, and that he’s already landed a job there. We move in a month. I’m not ready to unsettle yet again. Then again, my devotion to him is non-negotiable.
Situation Ugly But Marriage Idealized Totally
Dear SUBMIT:
There’s a line between dominant personality and control freak. You’re husband crossed it a long time ago. Control freaks are actually more about “freak” than “control,” and you already know where he stands on the continuum.
He’s been grooming you for this role, and you consciously or unconsciously decided to go along with it as the noose tightened on your individuality. It’s a tough knot to loosen when it gets this far, as you already know, but not impossible.
On the surface, yours is like a traditional dominantsubmissive relationship. The Dom is in charge, and the Sub lets him call all the shots. The difference is that Sirs and Boys have a predetermined agreement and adore their roles. You and yours shaped your relationship into something you would have never agreed to at the start.
You can either formalize your dom-sub interactions if you realize that’s what you wanted all along, or you can pull yourself up by the insecurities to change your situation. Either way, it’s crucial that you come to an understanding. You probably can’t fix it before you move, but try to sort out what you really want before approaching your husband.
DADDY LOVES HIS BOYS
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.
