Peach v2 i01 v1

New Year NEW MOOD A More Active 2018?

No Sweat!

Great! Another Article About “A New Me” New Gay in Town Screen Savor: River Lovers

CONTENTS

JANUARY 03, 2018

V2-01

PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925B Peachtree St. NE, Suite 168 Atlanta, GA 30309 404.439.9838

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

14

8

EDITORIAL

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Rodney Belcher Graphic Designer

rodney@peachatl.com

SALES

32 From the Editor

Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

In case you’ve been living under a rock, 2018, with all its freshness and new promises, is here! At Peach, the last month of 2017 was comparable to a hectic roller coaster ride, so the consensus around the office is to ease into the new year – and we suggest you do the same.

Sure, a new year is perfect for initiating resolutions and ‘new year new you’ habits, but we suggest a little common-sense reflection instead rushing on to decisions about your whole life.

So, listen to what our lifestyle expert, Jamie, has to say about making changes to your life based on what is already in it – some sound advice there! Our New Gay in Town columnist, Branden, gives you the next chapter in his Atlanta dating saga, and we have a particularly delectable Peach of the Week served up for you.

For those of us, who will spend more time than usual at the gym in January, we have put together a little shopping guide for some awesome gear that will have you looking great in and out of the gym.

James Hicks Gregg Shapiro Tony Kearney Casey Deynton Branden Lee

DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Welcome to a new year and a new mood - enjoy, Peaches!

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director

ONLINE

peachatl.com

PRINT

At Distribution Points Across the City

SOCIAL

Facebook, Twitter Instagram and SnapChat | @peachatlmag

The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

6 | 01.03.18

Twisted Broadway at Lips Atlanta It’s the latest show installment at the popular drag dining restaurant in Brookhaven, and it is quite the hidden gem! Twisted Broadway shows are every Wednesday at Lips Atlanta, and it picks out Broadway’s best and most beloved characters to give them a proper drag treatment.

You’ll get a little Wicked, a touch of Dolly, a rendition of the ‘filthy’ Mermaid, an alternative Lion King, and many other numbers that all get that special camp comedy twist, so this is Broadway like you’ve never seen it before. Or rather, this takes you way off Broadway in the most entertaining way.

It is all hosted by the creative and comedic talent of Edie Cheezburger (pictured) whose background in the edgy Other Show has surely rubbed off on Twisted Broadway and given it its clever edge and surprise twists that go beyond catering to a mainly straight (but drag and gay-friendly!) crowd.

The drag dining concept remains unchanged: you book a table in advance for a 7:30 pm seating. You order food and drinks (don’t miss out on the frozen cosmo!), and finish your meal as the performers take the stage.

Other recommendable shows are Charlie Brown’s Glitz & Glam (Friday and Saturday), and Bubba Delicious’ Dragaliciouc Gospel Brunch (Sundays).

Twisted Broadway is every Wednesday at Lips Atlanta, 3011 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Check out atldragshow.com for more info, and call 404-315-7711 for table reservations.

8 | 01.03.18

NEW GAY IN TOWN: On To The Next One Things were finally feeling great between Zimbabwe and me again. We were getting along; we were affectionate, and our communication was better. Although I was miserable during it, our week apart trying out an open relationship had somehow worked for us. That is after deciding that we’d rather be monogamous.

By Branden Lee

T R O B I S

&

B A R

ECLECTIC

V O T E D “ Midt o w n At lan t a’ s be s t n e igh bo rh o o d ge m ” “ At lan t a’ s be s t Am e ric an C o n t e m po rary f o o d”

TUE - SUN D INNE R S U N D AY BRUNC H H A P PY HO UR PR I V AT E P ART I E S C A T ERI NG

404-426-7728 www.eclecticbistroatlanta.com 1425 PIEDMONT AVE. NE, ATLANTA, GA, 30309

LOCATED BETWEEN THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS & BOY NEXT DOOR 10 | 01.03.18

A

fter everything Zimbabwe and I had overcome such as fighting, cheating, threesomes, breakups, makeups, and our brief open relationship, it was hard to believe we’d only known each other for one month. It had certainly been an intense month, but no matter what obstacle had occurred Zimbabwe and I overcame it.

But our blissful reconciliation only lasted three days. Things were going fine. We hooked up, slept together, cooked together, deleted our apps, would tell each other if an ex communicated with us, and we were working on fixing issues that occurred in the past.

Then I received a text from a guy that was a TV producer, that I’d made out with at the bar before. I hadn’t heard from him in a while, and I wasn’t that interested in him romantically. But if you want to work in TV, it’s all about who you know, and I moved to Atlanta to work in television.

I know Zimbabwe wouldn’t want me to respond to the guy’s message since it violated our rule of not communicating with exes. I knew I shouldn’t have responded, but I also needed to think about my career.

Well, Zimbabwe saw the text from the TV producer. Zimbabwe asked me about the guy and then flipped out. He yelled, screamed, stormed out. Then blocked me

everywhere. This isn’t the first breakup we’d had like this. I was devastated, and knew I made a mistake. But I’m not one to dwell too long on heartbreak. It was time to rebound.

My first rebound guy was nice. He was a Capricorn just like Zimbabwe, which kinda bothered me. You don’t want to rebound with guys just like your ex. But rebound #1 was sweet. We just cuddled and chatted. I wasn’t ready to jump into hooking up with a random, and although this guy was sweet, I didn’t feel any sexual attraction, because I was still hung up on Zimbabwe.

Rebound #2 was a guy I had chatted with here and there online. I learned he lived in my apartment complex. I was craving company, so I invited him over, and we played board games. I was more attracted to him in person than I thought I’d be based on his pics. We did hook up, and I enjoyed it. He definitely wanted to do anal, but I wasn’t ready for that. He seemed to think it was incredulous that I didn’t want to go all the way with him, which I found insulting since he assumed I was sluttier than I really am.

Missing Zimbabwe was starting to set in. I was hating being single and slutty again. I loved having a boyfriend. I loved commitment, trust, and not having to hunt for new dick or dates. I had a guy I

truly loved and wanted to be with, but messed it all up. I wanted Zimbabwe back but was still blocked on all platforms.

Rebound #3 I wasn’t into at all. I thought he was cute in his pics, but in person, I was disappointed. He really wanted to kiss but had bad breath, so I avoided kissing him as much as possible. To avoid that I just let him eat my ass most of the time.

Rebound #4 was another guy that really wanted to do anal, but I didn’t. I liked his body, but I was turned off that he started filming me blowing him and stuff without asking my permission. I’m not camera shy, but it’s rude not to ask first.

All this rebounding was exhausting. All I wanted was Zimbabwe to forgive me.

Our relationship wasn’t perfect, but true love is hard to find, especially in Atlanta. I realized there was one way I could contact Zimbabwe where he most likely wouldn’t have blocked me: Email. As one last ditch effort, I wrote a long, heartfelt, and emotional email to Zimbabwe to try to get my boyfriend back.

Branden Lee is a writer and actor now living in Atlanta. Follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram @Brandeness. and watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

peachATL.com | 11

A More Active 2018?

No Sweat!

By Mik Hyldebrandt

With a new year upon us, many feel it’s time to kick a healthier lifestyle back into gear. Here are some sporty items that will have you looking great while breaking a sweat.

Sneakers

Proper footwear is important whether you are hitting the gym or going for a run.

Reebok Legacy Lifter, $200

Puma Tsugi Blaze Men’s Training Shoes, $90

Under Armor UA C1N Trainer, $120 Adidas Prophere, $120

On Cloudflow, $140

Nike Lunarepic Low Flyknit 2, $100

14 | 01.03.18

Wearable Tech

Enter the world of digital health and fitness with these gadgets made for enhancing your performance and results.

Samsung Gear Sport, $250

Apple Watch Series 3, from $329 Fitbit Charge 2, $180

Garmin fēnixŽ 5, $600

Multipurpose Shorts

Shorts designed for you to be active at the gym and look stylish outside of it.

Teamm8 Bounce Short, $49 Vuori Kore Olive ositive Short, $68

Myles Apparel Everyday Short, $58 Falke Ergonomic Sport System, $155

peachATL.com | 15

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

® 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 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA What is the most important information I without first talking to your healthcare provider, should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? as they will need to monitor your health.

Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? ® You must be HIV-negative before you start Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do tested to make sure that you do not already not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the positive, you need to take other medicines with risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not to be HIV-negative. a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become in a person who has recently become harder to treat over time. infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B could have recently become infected with infection.

HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before What are the other possible side effects of starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA TRUVADA for PrEP? for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in check your kidneys before and during treatment the neck or groin. with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: your healthcare provider may tell you to stop ® You must continue to use safer sex taking TRUVADA. practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic may not keep you from getting HIV-1. acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking emergency that can lead to death. Tell your TRUVADA for PrEP: healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and your healthcare provider right away. vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or ® To further help reduce your risk of getting lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

HIV-1: ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right your partners. away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” infections. Other infections make it easier urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several for HIV to infect you. days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

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.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

I’m passionate, not impulsive.

I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.

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.

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.

Learn more at truvada.com

® 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. ® 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.

IMPORTANT FACTS

(tru-VAH-dah)

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.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP 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.

• 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. w

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • 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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

• 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. TVDC0180 08/17

TEN PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

20 | 01.03.18

peachATL.com | 21

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME SHOWING AT MIDTOWN ART CINEMA PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

22 | 01.03.18

JOIN OUR VIP LIST

AT LIVEATPH.COM

CONTACT INFO: (844) 227-9541

Wood You Be My Neighbor

205 12th Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309

LiveatPH.com *subject to change.

peachATL.com | 23

LIPS

PHOTOS:Sher Pruitt

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 24 | 01.03.18

SmartCare Welcomes Dr. John Destito as Our New Medical Director.

www.smartcareuc.com peachATL.com | 25

The 32-year-old is born and raised in South Georgia, and now lives in Atlanta with his partner Dennis and their dog Vlad. Slade is a bartender at Bartaco Inman Park and a part-time personal trainer. He enjoys traveling, working on that toned physique of his, and spending time with his partner and their friends.

Currently, he is planning a trip to Mexico in 2018.

SLADE ATKINSON

Towns at Druid Hills Townhomes from the low $500s

GATE D C O M M U NIT Y

Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018 and receive:

Up To

Towards $5,000 Closing Costs*

When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

– PLUS – For Quick Move-in Homes with unfinished basements:

Half Price Off,

Up To

$25,000 Value**

For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Towns at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Receipt of up to 50% off discount (up to $25,000 value) the costs of unfinished basements is applicable only to quick move-in homes that have unfinished basements. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Completion and/or move-in dates are estimated. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.

Jan 4 – Jan 10

Last Chance for Holiday Lights!

Leather & Lace Drag Queen Bingo

Experience the beautiful gardens illuminated for the We bet you’ll never look at bingo in the same way again holidays in the most spectacular fashion before the light after this night! All proceeds from the night go to PALS extravaganza ends. This is a special ticketed event, so Pets Are Loving Support. visit the atlantabg.org for more info.

Through January 7 Atlanta Botanical Gardens STAFF PICK!

Tuesday, January 9 Lips Atlanta

Cowtippers Heifer Review: New Year, New You! The Heifers are ready to perform their favorite new numbers as Ruby Redd, and her stable o’ Heifers stampede down Piedmont and stop traffic!

Sunday, January 9 Cowtippers

No Pants Subway Ride Be part of the Improv Everywhere movement that started as a prank where random passengers board MARTA trains at separate stops in the middle of winter without pants. improveverywhere.com

Sunday, January 7, 2018, at 3 PM - 6 PM MARTA in Midtown 30 | 01.03.18

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Auditions Love to sing? Join the AGMC in time for the 2018 Spring and Summer concerts: “Midnight Train: The Georgia and Alabama Tour” and “Broadway Now!”

Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 10am - 4pm St Mark United Methodist Church

Enclave at Druid Hills Townhomes from the upper $500s Sign a purchase contract on a quick move-in home between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018 to receive:

Up To

Towards $5,000 Closing Costs*

When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

– PLUS –

Up To

in Flex $25,000 Credits**

Towards Design Center options and upgrades, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs.

For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a select quick move-in home in the Enclave at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Up to $25,000 Seller provided Flex Credits may be applied to available upgrades and options at Seller’s Design Center, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs. Availability of items may vary. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.

peachATL.com | 31

Great! Another Article About “Get Ready for a New Me”

By Jamie Kirk

A

s much as I cringed at the thought of the subject for this week - New Year/New Me - I figured I would give it a shot of trying to be a little more REAL about what that really means. It means nothing. It’s just another year. Another year of committing to do the same things, the same way, it’s just another four-digit number that starts with 201, yet now has an 8 at the end.

The truth of the matter is that we are still going to be the same person, no matter how hard we try to change at 12:01 a.m. on January 1st, 2018. We are still going to have the same attitude, the same family members, be in the same relationship, have the same job, same beliefs, etc. The one thing, and the ONLY thing, that will change is the way we look at it, and the way we take control of whatever “IT” is, instead of allowing whatever “IT” is to control us.

Breaking It Down into Smaller Bites … and not a word about New Year’s Resolutions Our Attitude - including political beliefs Support whoever won. Don’t comment on social media if you agree or disagree with their policy. Actually, no one cares.

Manage your anxiety by focusing on helping others understand the issues and be informed of the political process. Continue to educate others, so they understand the importance of voting on all levels not just our four years for POTUS. Our Family Members - including extended family Love them anyway. Avoid interactions that are not necessary.

Attend family functions to keep the noise down, and gravitate towards conversations that will be positive and uplifting and avoid those that will make you want to jump off the roof. If you need to de-friend them and start a less intense family social media page, do that. Vacation pics are a great way to not solicit opinions of others.

Current Relationship Status Either start dating or Not. Stay or go. Stop waffling about “what should I do?”, you know what to do. Just pull the trigger.

Stop boring the rest of us with your philosophic blah-blah-blah of weighing options, pondering both sides. Make the decision and move on. Once you decide, the next steps will be easy peasy.

32 | 01.03.18

Profession/Going Back to School Ask for the promotion, enroll in school or stay stuck. It’s really not that hard. Yes, there are steps like updating your resume, making the appointment to see an Academic Adviser, readying the HR handbook to find out if your company has tuition reimbursement, or sending a calendar invite to simply ask your supervisor for the promotion that you know, you deserve. Honestly, either you really want to make the change regarding how you spend 40+ hours a week or you don’t.

Religion/Belief Systems Confirm it is working for you. Stop feasting, praying and lighting candles to worship something that is not serving you to be a better person. Take an inventory of your life and determine if you are becoming more grounded, happier, more centered and overall a better YOU. If you answer no to any of these, it might be time for a realignment exercise to get what you need out of life. You should only believe in someone or something that will help you be at peace with who you are, and not cause you to be stressed looking for a sign or listening to a voice that seems to have forgotten how to speak to you.

So, the above is the “what” and the “how,” so the only other data point you need is the “when” - duh, that’s easy also; 12:01 a.m. on January 1st, 2018. Commit to the commitment to avoid over-thinking situations, decide to decide and just freaking do it. All the extra that comes along with New Year’s resolutions is just noise. Tune out detractors, eliminate folks that will not be supportive, and march on towards the goals you set for yourself. I’ll recommend one more thought to consider: you don’t have to start on New Year’s, and I realize this is total crazy talk, but you could actually start to work your plan after you put down this article.You don’t always have to change the goal; sometimes you have to change the approach.

The New Year doesn't have to start for you on 1/1/18.

Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad

peachATL.com | 33

Screen Savor: River Lovers

By Gregg Shapiro

W

riter/director Azazel Jacobs’ The Lovers (A24) is as much about a married couple who couldn’t remain faithful to each other as it is about their inability to be committed to anyone. Mary (Debra Winger making a long overdue return to movies) and Michael (the ubiquitous Tracy Letts) are at the tail end of a threadbare marriage.

But inertia is preventing the couple from calling it quits.

That doesn’t mean that they haven’t found ways to get their jollies. Michael is involved with dancer/dance instructor Lucy (Melora Waters), who is as utterly in love with him as she is unbalanced. Her dramatic crying jags and demands are legendary. Mary is slightly better off with the lover that she has chosen. Writer Robert (Aidan Gillen) is hot, although his habit of hanging out in front of Mary’s office borders on stalking.

Distracted at their respective offices, Mary and Michael, keep promising their lovers that they will end their marriage so that they may be with them. Adding an increased level of stress is Mary and Michael’s son Joel (Tyler Ross), who is coming to town with his new girlfriend Erin (Jessica Sula).

Just as everything reaches a fever pitch, Mary and Michael suddenly find themselves passionately attracted to each other again. In other words, in addition to cheating on each other with their respective lovers, they are also cheating on their lovers with each other.

Got that?

Funny, complex, surprising, intimate and draining in equal measure, The Lovers feels a little stagey, as if it was born in the theater before making its way to the big screen. Nevertheless, Winger turns in a marvelous late-career performance that makes getting involved with The Lovers worthwhile. Blu-ray special features include a pair of featurettes, as well as audio commentary by writer/director Jacobs.

Inspired by actual events, the Wyoming-set Wind River (Lionsgate) is a thriller with a message about the unaccounted for women who regularly go missing from Native American reservations across the country. The movie opens with a harrowing scene of a woman running barefoot across a snow-covered prairie, her face battered, until she falls over and dies.

The next day, we see Cory (Jeremy Renner), a sharpshooting Fish and Wildlife Service hunter, picking off a wolf to protect sheep grazing in a snowy pasture.

Cory also has a tender side, which we witness as he picks up his young son Casey (Teo Briones) at the home of

34 | 01.03.18

his ex-wife Wilma (Julia Jones). There is an unspoken sadness between the former husband and wife, which we later discover is due to the rape and murder of their teenaged daughter.

While another in a series of ferocious storms moves in, Cory is called to investigate a steer killed by a mountain lion on the Wind River Reservation. When looking for the mountain lion den, Cory finds the young woman’s dead body in the snow.

The FBI is contacted about the dead woman and Jane (Elizabeth Olsen), who had been on duty in Las Vegas and is the closest agent on the scene, arrives. From Fort Lauderdale, Jane is completely unprepared for the brutal environment in which she will be working. She borrows boots, a hat, gloves and other winter gear. The only way to get to the crime scene is by snowmobile.

As Jane moves forward with her investigation of the rape and murder of Natalie (Kelsey Asbille), she enlists Cory for his expertise in “hunting predators”. Cory, whose outsider status as a white man is overlooked because his ex-wife is Native American, is hesitant at first. His daughter was a friend of Natalie’s and suffered a similar fate.

Cory agrees to help look for the killer as much for FBI as for himself and Natalie’s parents.

Jane and Cory’s search leads them into a variety of violent situations, including one at the drug den where Natalie’s tweaked-out brother Chip (Martin Sensmeier) lives with a group of lowlife meth-heads. When the dead body of Natalie’s boyfriend Matt (John Bernthal), who worked security on a drill site, is discovered in the woods, the intensity of the hunt increases.

A flashback scene to the night of Natalie’s brutal rape and a bloody standoff between law enforcement and the employees of the fuel company where Matt worked, more than justify Wind River’s R-rating. To its credit, Wind Riversucceeds in being both a riveting thriller and a social commentary, and that’s a rare combination.

Blu-ray special features include a behind-thescenes video gallery and deleted scenes.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Thank you, Atlanta, for helping brighten the lives of local families in need! featuring DJ Liz Ellis Presented by

special thanks to

sponsored by

RBR Financial LLC

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Dance 101 Innerfusion fitness the other show Rainbow trout

AMENITI ES, OPTIMI ZED

Our 27-story high-rise in the heart of Tech Square features three levels of the most unique amenities in Atlanta (if not the U.S.!).

Experience our stunning collection of features and imagine your life, optimized.

Penthouse units will be available early 2018.

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 95 8th Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30309 P. 855.208.3555 ModeraMidtown@MillCreekPlaces.com ModeraMidtown.com peachATL.com | 37

BLAKE'S PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

38 | 01.03.18

peachATL.com | 39

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6 12th St. NE

18

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

2

10th St. NE

10

. NE

19

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charles Allen Dr. NE

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

4th St. NE

8

13

BARS Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends The Model T My Sister’s Room Ten Atlanta

5

Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE

9 10 11 12

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

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

40 | 01.03.18

991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE

fitness

retail 8 Barking Leather

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

Spring St. NW

17

76 4th St. NW

16 17 18 19

G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda

219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE

billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio

www.SavedAndGay.com NEW COVENANT Church of Atlanta

404.929.1400

Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

ge

R

on

Piedmont Park

ir .

BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE

Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd 805 Lambert Dr. NE, Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Jungle

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2115 Faulkner Rd NE

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

32 33 34 35 36

Burkhart's Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

2103 Faulkner Rd NE 2135 Liddell Drive NE

1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Dining 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

NE

38

tC

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

e. nt mo ed

39

d.

BARS 20 21 22 23

41

Pi

28 20

25 rid

Av

ge Rd Brid hire

.

24

B ire

E

Ches

.N

35

29

r.

Dr

h

Rd

40

32

oe

dm

es

ll D

36

nr

Pi e

Ch

idde

31 er

Mo

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

kn

27

33

. NE

26

ul

IX

34

x Rd

Fa

BL

Le no

30

Lambert Dr.

PU

St.

.

A l co

1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

The Cockpit Atlanta Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta

465 Boulevard SE 1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

Bars & Clubs

OSCAR’S

MIDTOWN

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

AMSTERDAM 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

ATLANTA EAGLE

THE COCKPIT

amsterdamatlanta.com

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

oscarsatlanta.com

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

66 12th St NE

10TH & PIEDMONT

TEN ATLANTA

communitashospitality.com

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

tenatlanta.com

991 Piedmont Ave NE

brushstrokesatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

EINSTEIN’S

1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

einsteinsatlanta.com 1077 Juniper St NE

Fitness

FROGS CANTINA

MIDTOWN

CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr

G’S BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com

communitashospitality.com 219 10th St NE

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

HENRY’S

OPUS 1

132 10th St NE

graviteeatl.com

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE

Spas/Baths/Adult

LA HACIENDA

MIDTOWN

1086 Alco St NE

TRIPPS 1931 Piedmont Circle N

WOOFS woofsatlanta.com

henrysatl.com

lahaciendamidtown.com

GRAVITEE FITNESS

900 Monroe Dr NE

FLEX SPA

ANSLEY

CHESHIRE

76 4th St NW

BURKHART’S

LAS MARGARITAS

CHESHIRE

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

MANIFEST 4U manifest4u.org

2425 Piedmont Road NE

burkharts.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

THE HIDEAWAY

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ROXX 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

ANSLEY

MIXX

COWTIPPERS

mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

42 | 01.03.18

cowtippersatlanta.com 1600 Piedmont Ave NE

flexspas.com

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE

HELP WANTED

FOR 2017 SEASON

Timberfell Lodge Men's Resort and Campground is seeking energetic team players for the 2017 Season. Base wage, tips, housing and meals included for staff position.

Please contact us at

800-437-0118

or at timberfell@timberfell.com

FULL BODY MASSAGE by Walter @ 404-872-5671 (8th St. @Monroe Dr.) Only $40..Shave too License No. MT003122

Hot Tub and Swim Spas

60% OFF RETAIL AquaLivingStores.com 404-382-5329

ADVERTISE In Atlanta's newest and

ONLY LGBT MAGAZINE for as little as

35 per week!

$

Call 404.439.9838 or email jeff@peachatl.com for more information. peachATL.com | 43

t ha nks T H A N KS TO AL L OF OUR F RIEN DS A N D S P O N S O R S! S EE Y ’AL L N EXT YEA R !

ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL Oct. 13-14, 2018 | atlantapride.org

10 THINGS THAT’LL HELP YOU CLEANSE YOUR BODY THEM HOLIDAYS HAVE TAKEN A TOLL!

1

2

3

4

5

A good steam

6

Salt scrubs

7

Coconut water

8

Honey (local)

9

Fresh ginger

Alcohol-free week(s)

No more fried foods

Vegetarian diet

Sweat-dripping exercise

46 | 01.03.18

10

Water with lemon

Sunday Funday =

Playmates or soul mates, you’ll find them on MegaMates

MISERABLE MONDAY

MAKE MONDAY YOUR B#TCH!

Always FREE to listen and reply to ads!

feel better faster with Intravenous (IV) Therapy

20% Off Your first visit Promo code: davidmag 404.939.7666 | replenishIV.com | Hours: 10am-6pm 549-6 Amsterdam Avenue NE | Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta:

(678) 528-2525 www.megamates.com 18+

peachATL.com | 47

Text your Peach Pits to 256-60-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com Illustrations by: Jerel Ely

This ‘Christmas break’ was way too short. Way. Too. Short!

Judging by my dance moves on NYE, I will be a master at dodging negative vibes in 2018 Him: You did something to your lips – they look like they’re getting bigger!

The bitter rage you feel when the server doesn’t tell you they’re out of blue cheese dressing until he brings you your order of wings…

Me: No, they’re not! You can’t gain weight on just your lips.

Him: I think you did…

Me: (gasp)

Asking for a friend: How long should a box of 24 chocolate truffles last if you’re the only one eating them?

It’s hard for me to take your advice on how to live my life when you did that to your eyebrows…

Scenario every morning: I set my alarm way too early so I have plenty of time to bitch about getting out of bed

48 | 01.03.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

Take some time to chill out and find some balance.

It’s great to have goals, and working toward them can give one’s life a sense of purpose. But one-track minds often don’t see all the lovely roses along the way. Smell that? Thought so.

It’s okay to feel selfish today. You do and you do and you do for those people for what? Do unto yourself today, because no one else is going to. Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and rank them in terms of how recently you’ve made time to do them. Then do the one that is at the top of the list -- you deserve it!

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You have a tendency to cling to boyfriends with the strangling intensity of an anaconda. Strange, though, that no matter how tightly you coil, they still manage to get away. Perhaps a looser grip will keep them from running away in the first place.

People will be drawn to you like paparazzi to Brangelina today and, for once, you won’t mind the attention.

You’ll make the social rounds and enjoy the company of those you meet. They’ll like you, too, until you inevitably start stinging them with that pointed tail. Then they won’t be so enthusiastic.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

You may not like taking the risk, but you may have to probe into unknowable depths today. It’ll be strange and new and you may stumble along the way. But you’ll suddenly have a feeling that you’ve been there before, and the rest will be sheer pleasure. Ah, aren’t those first dates the best?

It’s good to use your dreams as an insight to what’s going on in your subconscious. In your case, you may want to call a therapist. Perhaps he can best explain the type of dreams that would have Freud, Dr. Phil and the Amazing Kreskin baffled.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Your emotions will rage like a storm at sea today. The churning and upheavals will be enough to make a normal man nauseous, but you’ve navigated these waters many times. This tempest will run it’s course, too, and it’ll be smooth waters until the next one blows in.

Today’s a good one for decision making. Your confidence and research usually produce a sure-fire winner, and you rarely make the wrong choices. Word of this gift may filter to friends, who will ask you to make their decisions for them. Kindly decline, because your superpowers only work on yourself.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Your search for Mr. Right may be hampered by your inability to see past the surface. He may look good on the outside, but that’s all there is. Get to know someone before jumping head over heels. He may not be there waiting for you with a net.

A fight with a friend or lover may have you feeling emotionally exposed today. There’s nothing worse than a knock down drag-out brawl with another to make you feel like crap. Offer an olive branch today, and maybe you can talk without coming to blows.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

Your emotions will determine whether you’re prancing through fields of flowers today, or shaking your fist at the storm clouds. It could go either way and the truth is you won’t be able to control it. You’ll have people around you walking on eggshells, not knowing with which ‘you’ they’re dealing.

Prepare for a coming onslaught as your emotions begin to rage. You’ll question every aspect of your life shortly before bursting into tears. You’ll scream at people who ask what’s wrong with you, then fall into a pitiful display of self-loathing and despair. You know, just an average day.

50 | 01.03.18

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

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

I’m currently in a happy relationship, but I’m black and he is white, and even though we don’t have any issues regarding race whatsoever (he is, for lack of a better word, ‘woke’), I do feel like I’m starting to get some push-back from his friends. It’s not blatantly biased or racist, but subtle hints that I should feel lucky to date my boyfriend, and that I’m somehow privileged because of him (I’m well-educated with a flourishing career). Not to mention the remarks that slip out that are borderline offensive to me as a black, gay man.

My boyfriend is seemingly unaware of all of this, and all he notices is my hesitancy to hang out with his friends. How do I deal with this situation without seeming overly sensitive or like I just don’t like his friends?

Sincerely Interracially Challenged Dear Interracially Challenged It is sad that to this day interracial same-sex relationships are served with a unflattering dose of subconscious disdain that some people have for something or someone who is different than themselves. It can manifest itself as blatant racism, biases, ignorance, or like with you; subtle hints and actions that make it clear to you that you are somewhat included, but still different than the rest. Either way, it still hurts. I’m sure all of your boyfriend’s friends will tell you straight up that they are not racist, but as has been made clear to you, there is a profound difference in how you are treated. You need to start with your boyfriend; if he is as woke as you profess him to be, he will understand where you are coming from immediately. If he views your feelings as hyper-sensitive, he may be part of the problem! The feeling you are experiencing is surely founded in years of similar moments and events that have sharpened your focus when it comes to feeling marginalized or even discriminated against. Explain your unique insight to your boyfriend, and let him know how his friends sometimes make you feel. And don’t worry about his friends, they are his and not yours to lose. And you don’t have to defend yourself in front of his friends, that would also be his job in this situation. If his friends find that you are being overly sensitive, well, then you have your proof in point, don’t you?

I’m really trying to do an alcohol-free January, but my friends are really getting on my case about it. It’s like they are almost ready exclude me from the circle of I don’t meet them for a drink. What can I do?

Sincerely On-the-Waggon

52 | 01.03.18

Dear On-the-Waggon Assuming you are doing this as a cleanse and not because you have a problem with alcohol, this one is pretty straightforward: Explain to your friends what you are trying to do, and let them know that you are feeling pressure from them regarding drinking. If they are true friends, they’ll understand when you lay it down like that. You can also try to engage them in activities that don’t necessarily include alcohol, like watching a movie at your house, or taking your pets for a good, long walk. It’s only a month, and there is nothing wrong with taking it easy for a while – your friends should understand that. And before you know it, January is over!

I have a nicely sized penis but it bends at a rather sharp angle which makes anal penetration almost impossible and even oral sex a challenge. It is starting to frustrate me, and I find I turn down a lot of offers because I just don’t want to be embarrassed like that in the bedroom. I have even considered surgery, but I’m afraid. What can I do?

Sincerely Curve and Balls Dear Curve and Balls You’d be surprised at how many guys struggle with how the penis is bent. Often it also depends on how to bodies are compatible, and how you find the right position to make it work. But if your penis really is curved that much, it could a condition like Peyrione’s disease in which case it would be a good idea to talk to a specialist about what your options are. Another aspect is to maybe talk to a therapist about the embarrassment you feel, because no matter what, that is not a feeling that should be carried into the bedroom. In the meantime, don’t be too hard on yourself. In many cases, the problem can grow much larger in our own mind whereas other hardly notice it or couldn’t care less.

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