Peach v2 i12 issuu

MARK DAVID GIBSON

Served in Silence

Lisa Lampanelli: Queen of Mean

Screen Savor: Ice Scream

Dining Out: Grilling & Drinks

Q Music: Betty Hoopla

friday, may 4

jack white

david byrne • fleet foxes • courtney barnett • japandroids franz ferdinand • jimmy eat world • the black angels • rival sons the brian jonestown massacre • waxahatchee • ezra furman • the frights lillie mae • marlon williams • rolling blackouts coastal fever

the ghost of paul revere • welles • the war and treaty l.a. witch • liz brasher • *repeat repeat • amasa hines

saturday, may 5

queens stone age OF THE

the war on drugs • cake • manchester orchestra • matt and kim the distillers • parquet courts • circa survive • greta van fleet chicano batman • andrew w.k. • jacob banks • torres • broncho • bully charly bliss • mikky ekko • bayonne • the night game• teenage wrist the sherlocks • stop light observations • sun seeker

tickets on sale now at

SHAKYKNEESFESTIVAL.COM

the national

sunday, may 6

tenacious d • vance joy • nathaniel rateliff & the night sweats Lord huron • the voidz • all time low • black rebel motorcycle club alvvays • sir sly • the menzingers • basement • lukas nelson and promise of the real parcels • alice merton • mt. joy • the wild reeds • post animal • frankie rose

marshmello

friday, may 11

dillon francis • ludacris • g jones • herobust • quinn xcii london on da track • space jesus • minnesota • manic focus

CENTRAL PARK

atlanta, georgia

marvel years • thriftworks • buku • jack harlow

zedd

saturday, may 12

excision • playboi carti • san holo • borgore • whethan • K?D shiba san • ookay [live] • wolfgang gartner • bonnie x clyde louis futon • the him • bleep bloop • phantoms kidswaste • loosid • halogen • vandal rose

kygo

sunday, may 13

seven lions • louis the child • kayzo • troyboi • tokimonsta autograf • yehme2 • medasin • brohug • ofenbach • dr. fresch unlike pluto • billy kenny • parker • midnite panda

tickets on sale now at

SHAKYBEATSFESTIVAL.COM

CONTENTS MARCH 21, 2018

V2-12

PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925B Peachtree St. NE, Suite 168 Atlanta, GA 30309 404.835.2016

Hosted by

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

34

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

CONTRIBUTORS

From the Editor We talked to a lot of people in this issue of Peach, so settle down with a cup of coffee or a drink, because it is packed with plenty of great reading material you don’t want to miss!

Casey Deyton Branden Lee Jordan Wakefield Gregg Shapiro

On her way to play cards with her mom, Lisa Lampanelli talked to me about how she became the queen of insults, but a lovable one at that. Check out the interview on page 20, and see how she greeted me right of the bat.

DISTRIBUTION

I also talked to retired, Atlanta-based Air Force Captain, Mark Gibson, whose memoir Served in Silence recounts his very personal journey of being a gay man before, during, and after the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Read the interview on page 30.

NATIONAL AD REP

Brian Harmon

Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Finally, Gregg Shapiro talked to pop musician Betty Who about her music, her tattoos, and how many times she’s been invited to gay weddings. Apparently, a flash mob video to one of your songs will get you on the list!

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 | 03.21.18

WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER presents

Deeper and Deeper – a Peach take-over even WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER presents “Deeper and Deeper” sponsored by Deep Eddy Vodka and hosted at the Deep End (formerly known as 4th & Swift) located behind Ponce City Market.

Join us for some delicious Deep Eddy cocktail specials, one of Deep End’s decadent frozen drinks, or grab some dinner and try some of the tastiest tacos in town. Come out, socialize with all your friends, and check out the newest hot spot in midtown.

WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER is a take-over event series, presented by Peach and created by Tom Thomas (Thomas Le). The purpose of WHEN LOVE TAKEs OVER is to celebrate and give back to our vibrant community by partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to create unique, monthly pop-up events that garner support and a renewed sense of togetherness that give love and life back to the businesses and community.

Hosted by

The What, When and Where!

What: When Love Takes Over presents Deeper and Deeper

When: Friday, March 30, 6-9 pm

Where: The Deep End, 621 North Ave NE, Atlanta, 30308

8 | 03.21.18

Book

Launch March 31st, 7PM

Atlanta resident, retired U.S. Air Force Captain Mark David Gibson makes his debut as an author with his memoir, Served in Silence The struggle to live authentically.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA For tickets & info visit: MarkDavidGibson.com/events

Served in Silence is proud to partner with Lost-n-Found Youth (Portion of the proceeds of Served in Silence will go to LNFY)

Lost-n-Found Youth is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that exists to end homelessness for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) and all sexual minority youth. lnfy.org

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE Sam McClure

Eugene Cornelius Jr.

Jenn T. Grace

Senior Vice President, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Publisher, Served in Silence, Founder of Publish Your Purpose Press and the Author’s Academy

SERVED IN SILENCE LAUNCH SPONSORED BY

FIRST DATE DOS AND DON’TS

By Branden Lee

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

10 | 03.21.18

Dating causes enough anxieties. It’s hard enough getting up the courage to ask someone out. Then when it’s time for the date, even more concerns emerge. Here are some tips to make sure your future dates go well.

1. Do Research the Location of the Date You don’t want to show up under or overdressed. Communicate with your date if they picked the restaurant, and ask the dress code. Also, do your research to make sure you’re both on the same page.

You don’t want to go somewhere too formal if you would prefer something casual. You don’t want to go to a black tie restaurant if you don’t own anything black tie. If the restaurant is expensive, make sure you have enough available funds to pay for your own meal. Never know if your dates card may be declined, so prepare for anything.

2. Don’t Go to the Club Afterward It’s good to have a post date activity set up after dinner.

Whether it’s going back to someone’s place, going to see a movie, going somewhere else for a date, have something lined up. It’s awkward when both parties are wondering where to go next once dinner is over. If you’re enjoying the date, you’ll want to continue.

Just don’t choose the club as your post-date activity. Your focus should be on the guy you’re on a date with. Don’t go somewhere where there’s distraction of a bunch of potentially hot and thirsty guys that could cause a wandering eye for you or your date.

3. Do Ask the Important Questions A date shouldn’t feel like an interrogation.

Conversation should naturally flow, but the point is also to get to know each other. First dates are extremely important since

they set the foundation for the relationship. Learn as much as possible about your date, their history, their interests, their goals. The date should be a fun time, but also the point of dating is eventually to find someone special to be worthy of boyfriend status. If you ask the right questions to gauge your date clearly isn’t worthy or ready for a relationship, you can save yourself a lot of heartaches later on.

4. Don’t Lie The truth always comes out.

People may brag or exaggerate any aspect of their life to seem more appealing on the date, but if your date is smart and attentive, they’ll be able to catch you in a lie. You can’t build a future with someone based on a lie, so make sure to be honest.

peachATL.com | 11

Springy Cocktail Concoctions

By Casey Denton As Atlanta begins to come back to life, we not only prepare to battle our bipolar weather and stock up on allergy medication; our restless selves tend to move outdoors. We seek a patio, a porch, the park or any friend with a big deck for a good time and socialization.

As we all know, no party is complete without the perfect cocktail. Try a couple of these for your next outdoor gathering.

If there’s one thing about midtown, it’s everybody loves vodka. If you haven’t tried Western Son Vodka you should.

This 10 times distilled vodka is super clean and super smooth. A couple of cocktails to try: Prickly Pear Margarita and the Western Cooler. The Prickly Pear Margarita is a balance of flavor and sweetness, and the Western Cooler made with their cucumber vodka is an excellent choice for any beautiful spring day.

Prickly Pear Margarita 1 1 1 1

oz oz oz oz

Western Son Prickly Pear Vodka silver tequila lime Juice simple syrup

Western Cooler 1 ½ oz Western Son Cucumber Vodka 2 oz tonic ½ oz simple syrup Squeeze of lime

Everything is better with tequila. Dulce Vida is a 100% blue agave handcrafted tequila with some amazing all-natural flavors. The Dulce Vida Lime is perfect for a little midday shot but even better on the rocks. Their Pineapple Jalapeno is sweet with just a slight touch of heat which makes for an absolutely refreshing early evening cocktail. Try the TNT.

TNT 2 oz Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeno ¼ oz Fresh Lime Juice Fill with Soda

12 | 03.21.18

Light and refreshing is the way of spring with a smooth and citrus-forward gin, like Aviation - an American gin which tends to be smoother and more balanced with subtle hints of juniper. The Southside with muddled mint and fresh lime juice will make the perfect cocktail for sitting out on the lanai pondering which Golden Girl you embody. If you fall into the Blanche Devereaux category (let’s face it, most of us do), and find yourself entertaining a number of callers try whipping up a pitcher of fresh Strawberry Gin Smashes.

The Southside 2 oz Aviation Gin ¾ Fresh Lemon Juice Muddled Mint Leaves (about 6) ¾ oz Simple Syrup

Strawberry Gin Smash (Serves 8) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 limes, juiced 1 pound fresh strawberries 2 cups Aviation Gin 3 cups club soda Fresh mint to garnish

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt It seems that with the coming of spring, much of the cooking moves outside. The sound of food sizzling on the grill and the smell of spices and glazes are practically a staple of the warmer months to come. So, we asked an authority on grilling about his freshest take on the art of grilling – and his best advice for when you decide to cook outdoors.

Jordan Wakefield – Smoke Ring Smoke Ring is a BBQ Restaurant that takes a more modern contemporary approach to the age-old style of cooking that is BBQ. Jordan is the owner and grill master of Smoke Ring, and he likes to put his own spin on Georgia-style barbeque. Anything from the BBQ section of the menu is delectable, and it is recommended to try the pork belly and the lamb belly.

Is there something you love to grill?

I love to work with game cuts. Duck is my favorite food.

Venison, rabbit, wild boar - I love to work with all of it.

Do you see a specific trend or technique of grilling right now?

BBQ is low and slow. It can take up to 16 hours for some of our meats to cook. Smoking meats and veggies is very unique, and also very versatile.

What’s your favorite grilling tip?

When barbequing and smoking foods, it’s important to just let the process happen. Don’t keep opening and closing the grill. Leave it closed. Use thermometers if you are not sure, but for sure keep the smoker or grill closed as much as possible.

14 | 03.21.18

Grilling is more than making those coals glow or firing up that gas grill. With the right accessories and gadgets, you have the potential to elevate your grilling experience.

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

An ultimate tool set for all your grilling needs!

Schmidt Brothers BBQ Tool Set, $100 Gloves that make it possible to handle the meats on the grill are a must.

Cuisinart Heat-Resistant Silicone Gloves, $13

A little smokiness adds layers of flavor to any grilled meat.

Blaze Smoker Box, $45

Why of course you would serve monogrammed steaks! A fun little detail your guests will enjoy.

A delicious rub makes any cut of meat flavorful and delicious.

Gusto’s Rubs of the South Kit, $20

Monogrammed Steak Brand, $50

Accurate and evenly distributed heat and a fresh look makes this grill a perfect patio companion.

Weber Spirit II Grill, $499

Get that steak or roast perfectly cooked with the help of this easy-to-use thermometer.

Taylor Outdoor Pen Thermometer, $15 peachATL.com | 15

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) sex partners. is a prescription medicine that is used together ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for infection.

HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat talk openly with your healthcare provider about HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete your sexual health. treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice treat over time. safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: share needles or other items that have body fluids ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. on them.

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.

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

Hello Fa**ot

By Mik Hyldebrandt

T

he first thing out of her mouth are those two words, but her delivery is laced with sarcasm of the disarming kind. So, even though you dearly wish you’d been able to deliver a snappy ‘hey, you old bitch’ comeback, you immediately sense that Lisa Lampanelli’s insult style - rough and direct as it may seem - does not come from a dark place, but rather out of the desire to shake things up a little. And of course to make you ache from laughter. I had the pleasure of speaking to the lovely queen of insult comedy to talk about her upcoming show at Center Stage Theater.

20 | 03.21.18

Mik Hyldebrandt: Thank you for that greeting. So how are you doing today?

Lisa Lampanelli: Awesome, just doing my shit and gearing up to come to that dirty South Atlanta. I gotta get all the dirty cornholers out to see me. I don’t want to deal with straighties anymore, I’ll take the gays because they are kinder. Well, not to each other, but to me anyway.

You’re known as the queen of mean, but a lovable one at that - when did you realize that it was your ‘thing’?

Right now I’m defying the stereotype of how mean I am because I’m about to play cards with my 88-year-old mother. Because I want her, you know, to keep me in her will. Anyway, I was about a year into doing comedy, and I enjoyed messing with the audience, and they didn’t get mad if I poked a little fun at them. So I did tons of audience work until I realized I didn’t want them to respond back, I just wanted to talk to them - kind of like a relationship where I don’t want to hear your mouth, I just want to hear mine. So I followed what made me laugh and over the years I honed more into that roast style and attitude.

What can the audience expect from the March 24 show at Center Stage?

I took six months off from comedy to do a play in the city, and in that time so much has been happening.

I’m not a political comic, but there is the universal truth that Donald Trump deserves to be made fun of, so I rehash the roast I did of him on comedy central and wrote a whole new roast that’s very inclusive of all the new things that go on, which is a daily occurrence with him. And of course, there’s me working off the audience with stories about the time I was on the Apprentice, my divorce, and my weight loss - so it’s new things plus the classics like calling the gays every kind of name that you are legally allowed to call them.

You draw parallels to your own life and poke fun at yourself all the time. How does it feel to reveal all of that?

It’s great! I always felt that if you can’t make fun of yourself how is the audience going to respond when you’re making fun of them? People said to me after I lost the weight ‘you don’t have anything to make fun of now,’ and I said, you fucking see me? I’m 56 years old, going into menopause, and I have a haircut that looks like Justin Bieber fucked Marge Simpson. There’s enough to make fun of not to mention my horrible personality. It’s an important part of the show.

Do you think that’s where the lovable queen of mean comes in?

Everybody knows I only make fun of people I love, which is why I never make fun of the French. The French have an exemption because I fucking hate them - everyone else, it’s fair game!

Your jokes can at times be about race and people’s weight and so on. Have you ever been nervous about getting up on stage and making jokes that go too far?

I’ve never gotten nervous for a live performance because I know what I’m good at. It seems the first seven years of comedy is about thinking why did that one person not like me? The next seven are ‘fuck you if you don’t like me!’ And then the rest of my career is more if you like me that’s great, and if you don’t that’s ok too. But usually the audience is there to see me, and I do give a shit that I make them laugh!

Are people in your life or people you met nervous that you will roast them?

YES! But I quickly go ‘I’m not getting paid for this, so don’t worry about it.’ The same if people ask me to be funny, I’m off the clock, and you’ll get nothing for free.

And there is nothing more annoying than a comic who is always on. It is so awful and boring. Everyone deserves equal attention at the dinner table.

What’s something that will surprise people about you?

I host a really fun game night every week for my mom and friends and family. They are not famous people, and I do it because I want more than anything to have that connection with them at this point in my life.

So being with your family is what better defines you now than being on stage?

I don’t care about a job, but I care about doing a good job, so now this game night is the best hour of my week. This tour runs until the end of June, and then we’ll see what happens. I’m at a point now where I make a certain amount of money to pay my bills, and then we’ll see what happens after that. I love looking at an empty calendar.

What’s next for Lisa Lampanelli after this tour?

I love time off, I love nesting, and sitting and looking at the water with my dog. Right now, I’m also working on two books; I’m doing a storytelling event that may turn into a tour. So I like to do anything that tickles me and sounds fun. I got an email a while ago from Comedy Central about this show called Taskmaster where five celebrities compete mentally and physically. And I thought I’m so doing that because Reggie Watts is the host - and I thought it would be fun to go up against other people in a non-dramatic way. And it is so fucking hilarious, and I had so much fun. It was maybe the funnest thing I have done in my career, and it helped me cement my attitude about only doing things I really want. It’s premiering on Comedy Central on April 27th.

Anything you’d like to add?

You know the interview started when I said ‘hello faggot’, so put that in there, and take it from there, faggot!

Lisa Lampanelli performs at Center Stage Theater on March 24. Tickets at Ticketmaster.com. peachATL.com | 21

HENRY'S ST. PATRICKS DAY PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

22 | 03.21.18

THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION

3 PERFORMANCES ONLY!

APRIL 6-7 · FoxTheatre.org/Stomp peachATL.com | 23

PURIM OFF PONCE PHOTOS: Keith Bailey

24 | 03.21.18

TEN PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 26 | 03.21.18

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John was born in Ghana and was raised in Atlanta to where he recently moved back after living in NYC for a year. He has a BA in Musical Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado with a minor in dance. The young actor is represented by the TalentDirect Agency, and when he is not auditioning for roles on stage, film, or television, he trains at the Alliance Theatre and Dance 101 and works as a Lululemon educator.

John Fiscian

The Authentic Life Retired and Atlanta-based U.S. Air Force captain Mark David Gibson makes his debut as an author with his memoir, Served in Silence. The book takes you on Mark’s journey before, during, and after the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, and recounts how he goes from an existence in shame and secrecy to presently living an authentic life.

Although Mark tells his very personal story, the theme of struggling to live life authentically is a universal one that will touch us all. Peach caught up with Mark and his partner, Aaron, to talk about Served in Silence.

What was your motivation to write this book?

I want Served in Silence and my journey to highlight the adverse effects of living in the shadows and a less than authentic life. I was inspired by finally achieving authenticity in both my professional and personal lives, which is a lesson I wanted to share with others.

Also, teaming with Lost-n-Found Youth and learning the perils of LGBT youth who aren’t accepted by their families 30 | 03.21.18

squarely lands at the intersection of young people struggling to live authentically and finding their way forward. This is why this topic is so crucial and timely.

What has the writing process been like for you?

Luckily for me, I teamed with an incredibly talented group of people from Publish Your Purpose Press, in Hartford CT, an LGBT-owned and certified business. I tried to make it fun and enjoyable for everybody involved, but make no mistake, writing a memoir is hard work.

I was so excited once I got plugged into PYP which, in turn, led to the creation of the Publish Your Purpose Press Podcast - An Author’s Journey (now available on iTunes and on markdavidgibson.com/ podcast).

What are some of the important lessons readers can learn from the book?

I agree with RuPaul when she says, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are

you gonna love somebody else?!” Life is difficult, stop being so hard on yourself.

Love yourself. In addition to loving and accepting yourself, the importance of developing conflict management skills early in life. Authenticity wins every time.

You are planning a big launch event at the Fox what can people expect from that?

The launch event is not only a celebration, but it brings the message of Served in Silence center stage highlighting the importance of living authentically. I am honored to have Eugene Cornelius (SBA), Sam McClure (NGLCC) and Jenn T. Grace (PYP) as part of the program because it demonstrates the intersection of authenticity for me personally and professionally.

People can expect to hear from my Publisher and leaders in LGBT economic development. An opportunity to learn that the first step in authenticity starts today. The launch of Served in Silence will be an enjoyable evening at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre; guests will have an opportunity to meet me and other distinguished guests from around the country. Plus a fantastic after party celebrating my partner’s birthday!...

There will be cake!

As the author, what is the targeted audience of Served in Silence?

househusbands or professional women that are serving in silence in some degree or capacity, use my memoir to predict the hazards.

What do you want the Atlanta community to know about this project?

My partner and I are firmly committed to supporting the LGBT community across the country. We feel that one of the best ways to accomplish this is by intentionally selecting LGBT professionals to support that end. As a certified LGBT business, we understand the importance of supporting our community.

What’s next for Mark David Gibson?

The Served in Silence book tour across America and Europe (fall 2018).

Continuing to enjoy an authentic life with my partner splitting time here in Midtown Atlanta, Lake Oconee, and our Airbnb in Savannah. Between work, a book tour, and speaking engagements, it should be an exciting and productive year.

Tickets for the 3/31 book launch are still available at MarkDavidGibson. com/events. To learn more about Mark David Gibson and to order your copy of ‘Served in Silence,’ please visit markdavidgibson.com. #LiveAuthenically - Live on!

I believe Served in Silence is for all audiences. I use the example of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy of how I served in silence. There could be peachATL.com | 31

Hosted by

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Betty Hoopla:

an interview with Betty Who By:Gregg Shapiro Betty Who’s gay fans love her and she loves them right back. With a voice as big as Australia (that’s where she was born Jessica Anne Newham), Betty Who is someone who knows the value of an anthem. After all, she packed both her 2014 debut Take Me When You Go and 2017 follow-up The Valley with memorable ones. One such tune, “Somebody Loves You”, figured prominently into a viral YouTube video, featuring a dancing flash mob, in which a gay man proposed to his boyfriend in a Home Depot in Utah. Known for including LGBTQ Pride festivals as part of her multicity concert tours, you can be sure she’ll be singing “Somebody Loves You”, as well as her other hits, wherever she’s performing. I had the pleasure of speaking with Betty Who about her music and much more.

Gregg Shapiro: What is the genesis of the name Betty Who? Betty Who: It actually came from a song I wrote forever ago. I had named the song “Betty Who” because it sort of just felt right. Then a year or so later when I was deciding on a stage name, that name popped back up and I tried not to overthink it! If it feels good, just go with it.

GS: What can you tell me about your ink?

BW: I have ten tattoos now, I think [laughs]! I don’t even know anymore. I’m fairly precious with my body and what I want to put on it so I have tried to not go too crazy. But you know what they say, once you start you can’t stop [laughs].

34 | 03.21.18

My favorite one actually makes a cameo on my album cover for The Valley. It’s coordinates of places I’ve called home over my lifetime.

GS: Prior to this happening, had you been aware of LGBTQ folks being interested in your work?

GS: Your cover of Donna Lewis’ “I Love You Always Forever” on your recent album The Valley is a good example of the `90s influence on your music. Who are some of the other artists you admire from that decade?

BW: It was fairly clear to me that I had this very passionate, underground LGBTQ+ following from my first show. Truly it was a shock when it started happening, I couldn’t believe anybody at all wanted to come to my show, let alone an entire room full of gay men. I was so happy to have anybody at all show up [laughs]!

BW: Britney Spears is one of my favorite artists ever. I could teach a course in the study of pop just based on her first three albums. Her and Usher, particularly his 8701 album, were very important in my early years of music.

GS: In September 2013, your song “Somebody Loves You” was incorporated into a YouTube flash mob video, which went viral, in which Spencer Stout proposed to his boyfriend Dustin at a Home Depot in Salt Lake City.

What did that mean to you?

BW: It still, to this day, means the world to me. Every time I watch it I don’t just well up with tears, I actively sob! It’s such an honor to be included in somebody’s life story like that.

To have written the song that is the soundtrack to this massive moment in someone’s history is all I could ever hope for as an artist.

GS: Were you invited to the wedding and did you attend?

BW: I was and I did! I actually sang “Somebody Loves You” as they walked down the aisle, although I feel like I didn’t see a lot of the wedding because I was so emotional I had to sort of shield my eyes so I could still sing!

GS: How many other same-sex weddings have you attended?

BW: I’ve only attended a handful of weddings in my life, but I have been invited to more same sex weddings than I can count [laughs]!

GS: Your songs are often cited for their messages of inclusivity, self-love and body positivity, with the song “Beautiful”, fromThe Valley, being one of the best examples. Please say something about those kinds of messages in your music.

BW: I struggle just as much with confidence and body dysmorphia as the next girl.

Particularly in my line of work; it gets really hard to find your way out of darker moments when everybody looks to you to be a certain way.

So, songs like “Beautiful” are as much for me as they are for my fans. Sometimes I think I still need to be reminded to be kind to myself.

GS: Speaking of “Beautiful”, you embarked on The Beautiful Summer Pride Tour in 2017 in which you performed at Pride Festivals in Kansas City, Buffalo, Milwaukee, Des Moines, Albany, Columbus, Knoxville, San Francisco, Provincetown and Reno. How did this concept come about?

BW: I have played at least a hundred Pride Festivals over the last five years. Every summer I embark upon this never-ending circuit of fabulous shows and humans celebrating the most wonderful parts about themselves. We named the tour The Beautiful Tour because it felt the most appropriate for the energy I wanted to bring. I know there is a lot of hate and judgment being thrown around and I wanted to create an environment of safety, a place anybody can come and say, “This is who I want to be today, and I’m okay with that, so you should be okay with it, too”. peachATL.com | 35

Ice Scream

By Gregg Shapiro

Photo: courtesy of NEON

E

ach year, there are more and more movies depicting the lives of real people and historical events. 2017 was no exception. From World War II (“Dunkirk” and “The Darkest Hour”) to the 1970s (“The Post”, “All the Money in the World” and “Battle of the Sexes”) and the near-present day (“Molly’s Game”), there was no shortage of material to be dramatized onscreen.

One such movie, “I, Tonya” (Neon), stands out from the rest for its inventive and memorable approach to storytelling. “Based on irony free, wildly contradictory, totally true interviews with Tonya Harding and Jeff Gilooly”,director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter StevenRogers present a hilarious, frightening and deservedly unflattering portrait of ambition, competition and abuse.

“I, Tonya” alternates between interview segments featuring disgraced skater Tonya (Oscar-nominee Margot Robbie in a career-defining performance), her violent ex-husband Jeff (Sebastian Stan), her sadistic mother LaVona (Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated Allison Janney), Hard Copy reporter Martin (the ubiquitous Bobby Canavale) and others, and being an explosive journey through Tonya’s soul-crushing childhood and adolescence. The movie regularly melts the fourth wall, permitting characters to directly address the audience mid-scene. This device is both effective and surreal.

LaVona, with a Crimson-bellied parrot perched on her shoulder during her interview segments, describes Tonya, the fifth child from her fourth husband, as “spoiled” and “a handful”. But she 36 | 03.21.18

never takes credit for creating the monster that was her daughter. Raising Tonya as a potential meal ticket, LaVona pushes an underage Tonya on skating coach Diane (the underrated Julianne Nicholson). Initially hesitant, Diane takes the poor redneck girl under her wing and grooms her into a medal-winning champ.

Accustomed to taking abuse from the relentlessly cruel LaVona, Tonya’s life takes a decisive turn for the worse when, at 15, she gets involved with the brutal Jeff. Nevertheless, Tonya is able to remain focused on her goal of becoming a skating Olympic medalist. Unfortunately, Jeff’s pathologically stupid and dishonest sidekick Shawn (Paul Walter Hauser), who also functions as Tonya’s bodyguard, has undue influence over Jeff, leading to the planning and carrying out of the infamous 1994 assault on skater Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver).

In case you didn’t think the twisted tale of Tonya Harding and her cohorts wasn’t bizarre enough on its own, the final sequence, in which Harding, admitting to doing what she can to stay in the public eye and make money, can be seen as a “lady boxer” seals the deal. Skating on thin ice has never been this entertaining. Blu-ray + DVD + Digital bonus features include deleted scenes, Gillespie’s film commentary and five featurettes, including “All Sixes: The Perfect Performances of I, Tonya” and “Irony Free, Totally True: The Story Behind I, Tonya”.

Rating: A-

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Mar 22 - Mar 28

Spectra: Queer Art Showcase

Neon Neverland Party

Spectra will feature Atlanta local queer-identified artists with an art opening event that will unveil artworks from artists Jon Dean, LaRue Caillet, Savana Ogburn, Shanisia Person, and Taylor Alexander. Attendance is free with RSVP - go to their FB page for more info.

Come dressed as your favorite character from the Peter Pan Movie at the annual theme party at BJs and XION. DJ Brian Rojas will make sure to keep the party moving!

Friday, March 23, 8-11 pm

BJ Roosters

Saturday, March 24

Revelator Coffee Company STAFF PICK!

Field Day Margarita Bust and Opening Ceremonies Size up the competition for this year’s Field Day and join the margarita fun with a silent auction, raffle, and jello shots. Team captains and their teams will be able to pick up their team t-shirts and information.

Sunday, March 25, 2-5 pm TEN Atlanta

Twisted Bear London’s infamous bear party, TWISTED BEAR, is coming back to Atlanta’s Eagle. TWISTED is based in London and is fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after events that brings together cutting-edge music and a masculine theme for bears, cubs, muscle bears, and their admirers.

Saturday, March 24 Atlanta Eagle

Savor: A Sensory Overload for Impulse 5th Anniversary Impulse Group Atlanta - the international group dedicated to promoting healthier sexual lifestyles among gay men around the world - turns five! To celebrate Impulse invites you to a titillating party with beautiful male models and even some adult film stars.

Free entry and registration on the FB page.

Saturday, March 24 Defoor Centre

38 | 03.21.18

VENGEANCE EXTRA INNINGS BEER BUST AT COWTIPPERS PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

40 | 03.21.18

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

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FRIENDS ON PONCE: NEW FACES PHOTOS: Keith Bailey

44 | 03.21.18

WHISKEY & WIENERS

wednesdays

JOINING HEARTS MARGARITA BUST AT THE HIDEAWAY PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS

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

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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

50 | 03.21.18

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

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28 20

25 rid

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24

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Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

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Lambert Dr.

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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 peachATL.com | 51

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

cowtippersatlanta.com 1600 Piedmont Ave NE

flexspas.com

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE

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10 SONGS FOR THOSE SPRING VIBES

ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN AND TURN THE VOLUME UP

1

2

3

4

5

No Excuses – Meghan Trainor

6

IDGAF – Dua Lipa

7

Show You Love – KATO & Sigrala

8

Top of the World – Kimbra

9

Dang! – Mac Miller

La Selva – Angelo Ferreri & Cassara

I’ll Get You – Classixx

Stop Me From Falling – Kylie Minogue

My Life – ZHU & Tame Impala

54 | 03.21.18

10

The Middle – Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey

Sunday Funday = Playmates and soul mates...

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peachATL.com | 55

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

It’s impossible to drink all day - unless you start in the morning

Asking for a friend: Does swiping right on every guy on Tinder make you a slut?

Me: I wonder how much rent is for this absolutely gorgeous apartment?

Dang, I woke up this morning and I was still old.

Hate it when that happens...

Him: Uhm, this is a liquor store…

You say four-hour road trip - I say fourhour live concert featuring yours truly

Who knew that an Atlanta United soccer match was the perfect gay cruising grounds Folks in Atlanta would rather see you die than to let you merge onto the interstate and get in front of them

That moment when Netflix freezes to ask if you’re still watching and you see yourself reflected in the screen… #couchpotato

I have raised so much money for the LGBTQ community considering all the money I’ve spent at bars.

56 | 03.21.18

58 | 03.21.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

Your fantasies could come true now, especially when it comes to relationships. This could be the moment you’ve always dreamed about, so get ready. The attractive, romantic person in the corner has been keeping an eye on you all night. Your blood is pumping faster than ever. Remind yourself that all dreams can come true.

You’re apt to be somewhat fickle when it comes to love and romance right now. The key for you now is freedom. The problem with this mindset is that it might be misinterpreted. Your partner may think you simply aren’t interested in him or her anymore. Remind your partner that it’s OK to love someone while also needing time and space to do things on your own.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

While you normally like all of your romantic relationships to be extremely nurturing and comforting, you may find that this isn’t always possible. There’s a disconnect between you and a close partner right now that could be hard to rectify. Time is really the only thing that’s likely to resolve this sort of problem.

Remember that all of your relationships can’t always go exactly according to plan.

You may be confused when it comes to matters of the heart. Perhaps you feel cheated when the object of your desire doesn’t give you complete attention at all times. The fundamental security of your being is your responsibility, not someone else’s. Find a way to incorporate your dreams into the dreams of others instead of always working toward goals at opposite sides of the spectrum.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

A creative project that you’ve been working on may be coming to a climactic peak now. Discuss your progress with others and feel free to hold an informal critique in order to get honest feedback on your work. A piece of art should stir some sort of reaction inside another person. Consider ways in which you can challenge the people around you with your talent.

Your fairytale imagination of how your romantic life should run is hooking you up with many different opportunities. Whether you realize it or not, the optimal situation you seek is within your grasp. Make sure that you aren’t trying to manipulate a certain person into becoming the person you want him or her to be. If you’re unhappy in your relationship, perhaps you need to find someone new.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Be aware that love is likely to wear some sort of disguise this week. There’s something fanciful about the way in which this new romance will manifest, so get ready. Don’t think that love always has to be planned and calculated. There is a strong sense of spontaneity associated with the delicious love interest of the day.

Don’t dismiss those who don’t seem practical or levelheaded enough for you.

Your dreams work out quite nicely in your head, but the problem now is how to turn them into some sort of real life scenario. Be careful of taking too intellectual of an approach. When it comes to relationships, things don’t normally happen logically or rationally. You’re going to have to leave a great deal up to chance, so just learn to deal with things as they come.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Take your loved one out for a romantic dinner. Escort him or her on a magic-carpet ride to fantastic places that encourage a playful mood and carefree attitude.

Consider having a bottle of wine at a playground.

Decorate your house with candles and burn some incense. Create a mood that will calm the nerves and soothe the soul. Your sense of romance is right on target.

Love and personal relationships are likely to take on a much dreamier and more romantic tone now. Your eyes are apt to sparkle as you speak or even think of the person you care about the most. The unmistakable glow that surrounds you is likely to attract others to your side even if you aren’t in the market for a romantic relationship right now.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

When it comes to romantic relationships, you might find that you’re playing more of a game of hide-andgo-seek than a combined effort toward friendship, trust, and honesty. It could be that you’re purposely trying to hide in order to test the stamina of your opponent. You might want to take a new approach now, one that involves an effort toward connecting instead of distancing.

When it comes to relationships with others, be careful about insisting that everything be done only your way.

It could be that you have such high expectations of your partner that he or she will never be able to live up to your standards. Basically, you’re setting the stage for failure by demanding that the person for you be of a certain make and model

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.

My partner and I have an open relationship, which has been working fine so far. We are dating an incredible guy, but I am definitely developing deeper feelings for him than my partner is. I feel like I can easily love them both, but I fear that if my partner doesn’t love him too, we’ll be in trouble. On the other hand, he has hinted that he would like to be more adventurous with other people, so what if I get a ‘boyfriend,’ and he gets to have more casual sex with strangers? Will it be too complicated?

of an intimate and not so much a sexual connection with this guy, which is perfectly alright although not so common.

You obviously enjoy being physically close to him, so there isn’t a physical barrier there; you just don’t have the sexual dimension. Have you considered that maybe you are just in a place where you need more intimacy (cuddles!) than actual sex? Sex doesn’t have to be the endgame of every physical relationship, so if you are both happy with what you have right now, go for it! There is something to be said about having an intimate connection with someone – it’s certainly not a given! So what if you started by developing that side of the relationship. If things develop, the sexual side will likely follow.

If it doesn’t, there could be reason for some concern, but if you let it develop organically, things will happen (down there).

Sincerely Even More to Love Dear Even More to Love Threesomes, throuples, tris. It is great that you can open your relationship to another person, but with that also comes peril – because no matter what a relationship is not unbreakable.

It is also great that you are experiencing a deeper emotional connection with this guy, and that it seemingly isn’t a cause for jealousy. What you need to be careful with is that you don’t end up in a give-and-take situation with your partner – like what you are hinting that if you get the emotional connection, he gets to have more casual sex. That kind of division tends to remove people further from each other and not bring them closer. So tread carefully and start communicating, so things and actions don’t spiral out of control. Talk about what an open relationship means to you – is it about getting a boyfriend or having multiple sex partners? Right now you seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, and that can prove to be dangerous territory.

I’m seeing a guy, and I like him a lot, but I’m not sure if I’m sexually attracted to him. I love the cuddles, kisses, holding hands, and the conversations, but I just don’t get turned on when I’m with him. We do have sex on occasion but I’d much rather cuddle with him – and I’m normally a very sexually active person! What’s going on here?

Sincerely Cuddle Bug Dear Cuddle Bug The relations you have with people take on many forms and they are never the same – the same goes double for physical relationships. Right now, you are experiencing more

60 | 03.21.18

A friend recently insinuated that I was promiscuous and that I over-shared about that part of my life. He also said that people (apparently other friends in our group) thought the same and that they thought I should be more private, so others didn’t ‘think things’ about me. I’m completely stunned because I thought it was a staple of our relationship that we were open.

And now I just don’t know how to handle this situation. A little help?

Sincerely Oversexed not Oversharing Dear Oversexed not Oversharing First of all, your friends should be thankful that you are letting them into your personal life and talk openly about these things. Even though the gay community is supposedly freer, it still adheres to a lot of the social norms that apply to being a white, cis, hetero man. So, even though you live and have sex like a gay man, you can still experience toxic masculinity that is condescending to perceived sexual promiscuity. Like what is happening to you right now! So, in a way, your ‘friends’ are actively complicit in sustaining systems of oppression and male-dominated social structures. You need to ask your friends to back off and not judge you for your lifestyle, and if that is a problem, you may need to consider if they are real friends. Start a conversation with them about why they think it’s important that others may ‘think things,’ and teach them about your way of seeing sex and sexuality – they can obviously learn a lot from you!

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