Peach v2 i25 issuu

Drag Queen Story Time: Reading the Rainbow Celebrating Pride Across the U.S.

Dazed But Not Confused

Out Of the Closet’s Taste & Test

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

“ Hear this, HIV: I’m going to take care of me so I can take care of those I love.”

Angie - Loganville, GA Living with HIV since 1995.

I break into dance whenever the mood and music move me. I won’t let my HIV rob me of anything in life. I know that staying in care and on treatment helps me to be the best mother, wife, and HIV prevention educator I can be. I tell other HIV-positive women: All the fear that you have can be overcome. Every day I wash down my pills with a prayer. I’ll continue to do so until my dying day—and HIV will not be the cause of it.

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks

CONTENTS JUNE 20, 2018

V2-25

PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 1874 Piedmont Ave NE Suite 580-E Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 814-3014

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

16

8

EDITORIAL

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

rodney@peachatl.com

EVENT MARKETING

34

Thomas Le tomthomas@peachatl.com

SALES Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

From the Editor With more than 100 pride celebrations across the cities of the United States, Pride month is still in full swing – but that doesn’t mean that the rest of your summer will be devoid of Pride. In fact, we guide you to some of the more significant Pride festivals and cities so that you can plan your own little pride circuit across the country.

We also talked to Malik from the HRC Atlanta, and drag performer Edie Cheezburger about their special edition Drag Queen Story Time at Out Front. The book is a pastiche of a children’s book published by VP Pence, but unlike many of the positions put forth by him personally and politically, this book tells a story of inclusion, acceptance, equality, and love.

Our esteemed team of columnists, contributors, and correspondents give you plenty of additional reading material including a new edition of Q Music and NGIT, advice on how to achieve your goals being SMART, and how not acting your age is a pretty sound strategy!

Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS Scott King Jamie Kirk Branden Lee Gregg Shapiro

DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Enjoy, Peaches!

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director

ONLINE

peachatl.com

PRINT

At Distribution Points Across the City

SOCIAL

FB:facebook.com/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 | 06.20.18

erin

P

n, N

e

llen

riso Har

a

chn

Ra -C •

ok,

h Gad

M

Kath D•

P

N g, F

an e Li

“Pierre Cardin: Pursuit of the Future” - Presented by SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film SCAD FASH is also showing Dressing For Dystopia right, which is costumes by Ane Crabtree from the TV series “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which has been adapted from the classic novel by author and activist Margaret Atwood and is starring Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Samira Wiley, Yvonne Strahovski, and Alexis Bledel.

Best known for his 1960s space-age style, 95-year-old Pierre Cardin has pushed the boundaries of fashion by exploring new materials and silhouettes. The exhibition presents iconic looks for both women and men from the 1950s to present, borrowed mainly from the Pierre Cardin Museum in Paris, which includes several dresses from the SCAD Permanent Collection. Cardin has said, “The clothes I prefer are the garments I invent for a lifestyle that does not yet exist — the world of tomorrow.” The exhibition celebrates Cardin’s spirit and vision, both unwaveringly inspired by the future.

SCAD FASH is also showing Dressing For Dystopia right, which is costumes by Ane Crabtree from the TV series “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which has been adapted from the classic novel by author and activist Margaret Atwood and is starring Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Samira Wiley, Yvonne Strahovski, and Alexis Bledel. As a stark contrast to Cardin’s utopian futuristic style, Crabtree’s costume creations reveal a much darker vision of the future and tells the story of living in the Republic of Gilead, a modern totalitarian society sited in the former United States.

Now on view until August 12, 2018.

The What, When and Where!

What: Pierre Cardin: Pursuit of the Future When: Now on view until September 30, 2018 Where: SCAD FASH, 1600 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 General admission is $10 but is free for all museum members (memberships from $30).

8 | 06.20.18

NEW GAY IN TOWN: Summer of Love vs. Lust

By Branden Lee Branden Lee is a writer and actor living in Atlanta. Follow Branden on Instagram and Twitter @Brandensss. Watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

10 | 06.20.18

Summer is the perfect time to be free. Free to fool around with a hot guy at a pool party. Free to find a fling at the beach. Free to party hard. Free to date around and have one-night stands. Free to travel and have hookups in new cities. Summer is the perfect time to be single, so of course, I ended up finding a guy I want to date.

I started seeing a new guy. We’ve been seeing each other for nearly a month. Our first two encounters were basically hookups, but we talk every day. He invited me to a barbeque at his place, which was really cute. No guy had ever invited me to a holiday cookout of his before.

We finally had a real date where we went to dinner and a movie. He also came to an event I was co-hosting.

He’s been very supportive, communicative, and I’m extremely attracted to him. I really like him, and he’s the first guy I’ve met since my ex that I want to be my boyfriend. I finally feel over my ex since I’ve finally found someone new that I want to be boo’d up with.

The only downside is that he’s a workaholic. He works practically every day. He even flaked on one of our dates so he could work more.

Going from a broke, jobless guy to a guy that is a workaholic should feel like an upgrade, but at least broke jobless guys have time for relationships. Workaholics don’t. He wants to be exclusive and gets jealous at the thought of me still being on dat-

ing apps and hooking up with other guys. He’s also made it clear that work and school are his priorities.

I refuse to be exclusive with a guy that’s not my boyfriend. Exclusivity is a boyfriend privilege. I want him to be my boyfriend, but I understand if he isn’t ready for a relationship.

Some people are too busy for a relationship, and if you’re too focused on work/school/money, it’s hard to make love a priority. I just can’t respect wanting to lock me down without a title.

So maybe this is a sign that I’m meant to be single this summer.

It means I should be free to date around. I’m finally fully over my ex.

I’m ready to explore and be a thot all over Atlanta, and other cities I may travel to this summer. I definitely want to travel, and no vacation isn’t complete without a hookup with a guy in a new city. I should be happy that the relationship isn’t meant to be right now.

Unfortunately, I’m disappointed. I really like this guy. Summer could

be fun just with one guy that I like and want to be with. We can go on cute dates throughout the city.

We can go to various festivals, go to the beach, travel together. I’ve never gotten to do any of that with a boyfriend before. There’s still so much I never got to experience in a relationship, since I’ve only had one boyfriend and that was a dysfunctional mess. I’m ready for my second chance, to have a healthy functional, loving relationship. I’m ready for boyfriend #2.

Love finds you when you least expect it, and often it doesn’t work out because one party isn’t ready for it.

I’m still optimistic that me and this new guy will eventually get to the right place and become an official couple. Until then I’m not compromising by being exclusive with a guy that doesn’t have time for me.

Summer is here, and I want to have fun. This is my first full summer in Atlanta, and it will also be the one-year-anniversary of me moving to the ATL. I plan to live it up regardless of my relationship status.

peachATL.com | 11

Taste, Test and Know Your Status

By Mik Hyldebrandt

In honor of National HIV Testing Day (June 27), the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is throwing a Taste & Test event at their Out Of the Closet thrift store location this coming weekend. Peach spoke to Lorenzo Davis, who is a tester with AHF and creator of the Taste & Test event, about the importance of getting tested and knowing your status.

Who is AHF? AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 910,000 people in 39 countries. Based in Los Angeles, AHF is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S. Since 1987, AHF has cared for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.

AHF funds its mission to rid the world of AIDS through a network of pharmacies, thrift stores, healthcare contracts and other strategic partnerships. Generating new, innovative ways of treatment, prevention and advocacy have been the hallmarks of AHF’s success.

As we create and implement new programs in communities across the U.S. and abroad, we expand delivery of healthcare and influence over policy with the aim of saving more lives.

What services are provided by AHF? Free HIV and STD testing, AHF Pharmacy services, and AHF Healthcare Centers (Clinics) that also manage HIV healthcare. AHF also provides the Healthy Housing Foundation which is support services with sustainable, affordable housing for the homeless and low-income populations. And of course, we have our Out of the Closet thrift store location on Cheshire Bridge.

Who is LDP Visions?

LDP Visions is a production company creating visions that are classical, musical, and most of all spiritual.

LDP Visions produces myriad subject matters ranging from race relations to love stories - reflecting society as it exists today, presenting shows with topics addressing sexuality, drug abuse, sex abuse, and 12 | 06.20.18

self-hate. LDP Vision’s main goal is to educate and cultivate lessons learned in their productions that will help the world become a better place through the visual arts.

How did you come up with “Taste & Test” event idea?

Right now, there is a spike in HIV cases in the Metro Atlanta area. Pair that with a lack of education, advocacy, and awareness about HIV in the community, and we wanted to find a way to draw people’s attention and reach as many people and advocate the importance of GETTING TESTED and Knowing Your Status.

What is the purpose of the Taste and Test event?

The purpose of the Taste and Test event is to encourage individuals to get tested for HIV and know their status. As a part of the campaign, restaurants in the area will collaborate to provide food samples and discount coupons to participants, and patrons can take this opportunity to shop at our Out of the Closet Thrift Store.

What are the event details?

The event takes place on Saturday, June 23, 2018, 11am-5pm at the Out Of the Closet thrift store location, 1858 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30315. There will be free HIV testing, of course, along with free food, a live DJ, live artist performances, and a special Walk the Ribbon fashion show.

Will there be any special guests?

There is host Dynasty St. James and the team of fashion designers for the show include Darris Rushing (celebrity wardrobe stylist), Ebony P (The Gang Apparel), Kourtney Daniel-Robinson ( Clutches Bags/ Blazers), and Ellle Michelle (The Ellle Brand). Performance artists include T3, Rain Johnson, Ireyon “Chase Dat Truth,” and L. Hayes.

Second City Soundcheck

By Gregg Shapiro

After a lengthy absence, the Chicago rock music scene is back on our radar again. With the reunited Smashing Pumpkins (minus D’arcy, of course) embarking on a huge concert tour and Liz Phair’s 25th-anniversary reissue of her groundbreaking debut album Exile in Guyville (under the moniker Girlysound to Guyville) on almost everyone’s playlist, the Second City sounds good.

In addition to the Girlysound to Guyville reissue, Liz Phair is also being feted on vinyl via the LP reissues of 1994’s WhipSmart and 1998’s Whitechocolatespaceegg (both on Capitol/ UMe). Arriving as it did so soon after Exile in Guyville, WhipSmart had a lot resting on its shoulders. It not only held up on its release, it still holds up today. Aside from featuring a few songs from the legendary Girlysound sessions (such as the lo-fi tunes “Chopsticks” and “Shane”), Whip-Smart also included numerous daring standouts such as the rocking single “Supernova”, “Cinco de Mayo”, the early alt-country of “Nashville” and the sexy punk sneer of “Jealousy”. It may have suffered by comparison to Exile in Guyville upon its release, but if you’re wise, you’ll give WhipSmart another chance.

Four years passed before the release of Phair’s Whitechocolatespaceegg. Like its predecessor, this album also contained a revisited Girlysound selection, “Polyester Bride.” The remainder of the disc sounds like a marriage of the hipster aesthetic with arena rock. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and songs such as “Johnny Feelgood”, “Big Tall Man”, “Shitloads of Money”, “Go On Ahead”, “Ride”, “What Makes You Happy” and the gorgeous “Uncle Alvarez”, sound as good now, if not better than they did 20 years ago. More than anything, what this album does is pave the way for Phair’s self-titled 2003 pop-oriented album which gave her an official hit single in “Extraordinary.”

The early `90s success of Chicago rock acts such as Phair, the Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Urge Overkill, Material Issue and others, led to a major-label feeding frenzy. One beneficiary was Jonny Polonsky whose major-label power-pop debut was released in 1996. It would be eight years before there was an official fulllength album follow-up to the first record. In the interim, Polonsky kept himself busy as a session musician. His rock-oriented 2018 LP Fresh Flesh (jonnypolonsky.com), Polonsky’s first in three years,

14 | 06.20.18

features impressive guest musicians including Kevin Haskins (Love and Rockets) and Mark Lanegan (Queens of the Stone Age).

Featuring album cover images by beloved Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick, Crooked Love (Rock Ridge Music) is the first album by Ike Reilly (aka Ike Reilly Assassination) in three years. Since the beginning, Reilly has had a fondness for songs about colorful characters living on the fringes. This album is no exception, as you can hear on songs such as “She Haunts My Hideouts,” “Living in the Wrong Time,” “Boltcutter Again,” “Took It Lying Down” and “Clean Blood Blues.”

Uber-hipster act Joan of Arc has been challenging and rewarding listeners with its particular brand of post-art-rock for more than 20 years. Is it possible that 1984 (Joyful Noise) is a bridge too far? Even for longtime devotees? It’s hard to say, especially when you hear the incredible “Punk Kid,” with lead vocals by Melina Ausikaitis. It’s a musical life vest in the midst of this bizarre concoction in which what sounds like improvised story-slam pieces are set to avant-garde music.

The instrumental “Psy-fi/Fantasy” is also worth mentioning, especially for the use of kazoos.

If you’re craving something more accessible (and who isn’t?), check out Parallel Person (Babe City), the sweet second album by Varsity. Coming across like a Jenny Lewis tribute band, with lead vocals by Stephanie Smith, Varsity makes delightful and timeless indie-pop music that sticks to your ribs. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself listening to the album on repeat, lingering over songs such as “A Friend Named Paul”, “Gordi, You’re A Saint”, “Settle Down”, the subtle surf of “Watching You”, “Krissy” and the bouncy “Alone In My Principles”.

In addition to having a have a female lead vocalist (Berit Ulseth), like the aforementioned Varsity, The Claudettes have a gay bassist, by the name of Zach Verdoorn. The Claudettes’ third album Dance Scandal at the Gymnasium! (Yellow Dog) has its own distinctive sound, a blues-tinged retro pop that would make for a good soundtrack to a school dance in the titular gymnasium. Highlights include “Naked on the Internet,” “Don’t Stay With Me,” “Bill Played Saxophone,” “Taco Night Material” and “Total Misfit.”

“

Don’t think about it.

Just do it.

Protect yourself and make HIV testing part of your routine like I do.

”

— Jaime Pressly, Actress

I’M

DOING IT Testing for HIV

#DoingIt

Testing is Fast, Free, and Confidential cdc.gov/DoingIt

Reading the Rainbow

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Tell us a little about the Drag Queen Story Time: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo?

The event is open to all ages, but the target audience is LGBTQ (and ally) parents and families. Guests will get to hear about the vital work that HRC does, as well as the event’s partnering organizations For the Kid In All Of US, Out Front Theatre, and PFLAG. After Edie’s book reading, they’ll be able to hang around for actives, arts & crafts and other fun surprises.

HRC has greatly expanded on our focus on partnering with like-minded civic organizations - on a national and local level. In choosing the partnering organizations for this event, we really wanted to work with youth-serving organizations.

Talk to us about some of HRC’s youth-serving programs?

Absolutely! HRC has several programs and initiatives geared towards LGBTQ youth. The Welcoming Schools program works with schools nationwide to create inclusive environments for LGBTQ students and diverse families. There are several Georgia schools that participate in the Welcoming schools’ program.

The organization recently launched a groundbreaking LGBTQ Youth Survey; the results were a call to action for all adults who want to ensure that young people can thrive. HRC’s annual Time to Thrive conference addresses safety, inclusion, and well-being for LGBTQ and questioning youth, and brings together youth-serving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, healthcare settings and beyond.

What about family-serving programs?

HRC’s All Children – All Families project promotes LGBTQ inclusive policies and affirming practices among child welfare agencies and formally recognizes those

16 | 06.20.18

On Saturday, HRC Atlanta is hosting a special edition of Drag Queen Story Time with Edie Cheezburger and partnering organizations For the Kid In All Of Us, Out Front Theatre, and PFLAG. Peach had the pleasure of talking to Malik Brown, member of HRC’s National Board of Governors, and Edie Cheezburger about HRC’s programs and why reading a children’s book is so impactful.

agencies that are leading the field with innovative approaches to inclusion. HRC recently partnered with the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) to release a groundbreaking, new report underscoring the urgent need for inclusive employer-paid family and medical leave for LGBTQ working people of color. In 2016, HRC launched the Parents for Transgender Equality Council, a coalition of the nation’s leading parent-advocates working for equality and fairness for transgender people.

You are working with the illustrious Edie Cheezburger on this event - why did you choose her?

We’re very lucky in Atlanta to have a diverse and thriving drag scene. There are a number of drag artists we could have chosen, but our first choice was Edie. She’s one of Atlanta’s most seasoned and recognizable drag queens, and she’s also very familiar with the Drag Queen Story Time format - having her own series.

Why did you choose the book “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo”?

In today’s polarized political state, “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo” made a lot of sense because it shines focus on the themes of acceptance, love, and equality. The LGBTQ community is incredibly diverse, and this book celebrates those differences.

How do you think this kind of event will have an impact?

My hope is that this event, and all events like it, will highlight how diverse families can truly be - and the beauty in that diversity. HRC relies on thousands of volunteers from all walks of life, so I hope this event motivates folks to get involved. They can visit hrcatlanta.com

Talk to us about your Drag Queen Story Time events?

Drag Queen Story Time started in Atlanta last June, in collaboration with Posman Books at Ponce City Market.

The event is an all-ages, hour-long reading that happens every month, alternating between Brent Star and myself.

We both choose books that speak about inclusion and acceptance.

What are your thoughts on this special event and collaboration with HRC, For the Kid In All Of Us and Out Front Theatre?

The organizations planning this event are doing incredible work in the LGBTQ community. Whether it be advocacy, supporting our youth, or focusing on the arts, they’re all doing great work. I’m excited to work with them.

What is it about a drag queen reading a story to children (and childish souls) that is so powerful?

I think that the reason Drag Queens love reading to children is that we are given the opportunity to entertain an entirely different audience. It’s nice to get out of the bars and perform for a new kind of audience. They are generally much more well-behaved!

Talk to us about the choice of book for this event?

The book that was chosen for this Story Time has a powerful message about acceptance of not only self but others as well. It has a great message about standing up to tyranny and doing what’s right. The most transgressive thing about this book is that it was written as a parody of a children’s book about Mike Pence. I cry every time I’ve read this book, and I’m hoping that I can get through it this time.

How do you think this kind of event will have an impact?

Every time I that I read at Story Time, I am able to see an impact on children’s lives. I bring joy to their lives for an hour and give them an alternate view of what an adult can be. My purpose is to entertain and spread love and joy as best I can.

Edie Cheezburger, Drag Performer Hosting at Lips, Midtown Tavern, and Blake’s

Drag Queen Story Time: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo HRC is hosting the event with For the Kid In All Of Us, Out Front Theatre and PFLAG Saturday, June 23, 10am-12pm Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Go to hrcatlanta.com/events/ for tickets.

peachATL.com | 17

Get on The Circuit - Celebrating Pride Across the U.S.

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Photo: AtlantaPride.org

Even though June and Pride Month is coming to close with more than 100 celebrations and parades across the country, there are still plenty of options to get on the pride circuit and celebrate the colors of the rainbow the rest of the summer – so here’s a lineup of some of the best pride parties!

June

July

As official Pride Month, June hosts the majority of pride celebrations across the nation. In fact, more than 100 pride festivals take place during June, and if you’re quick you can still make a few of them!

July is definitely more chill following the intense June but still offers some excellent opportunities to continue the celebration of pride.

Chicago Pride Parade – June 30 Even though the actual Pride Fest in Boystown with an incredible lineup of parties and DJs is over (June 16-17), you can still catch the Pride Parade on June 24. See where it goes and where all the after parties are by visiting

chicagopridecalendar.org.

New York City Pride – June 23-24 Spanning over two weeks the NYC Pride culminates on the weekend of June 23-24 with the Pride Fest and Pride Island, which will offer headlining acts like Tove Lo, Lizzo, and Kylie Minogue, which is reason enough for most to take an impromptu trip to the Big Apple. Ticket info at nycpride.org.

San Francisco Pride – June 23-24 As one of the original cities that organized demonstrations following the Stonewall Riots, which later grew into a Pride celebration, San Fran’s pride is a spectacle of diversity and generations of queer strength. The Castro is the focal point of it all, and the amazing parade goes down Market Street. More at sfpride.org.

Provincetown - Bear Week (July 7-15) & Family Week (July 28-Aug 4) P-Town’s offerings are perfect for those seeking a less ‘circuity’ environment. Bear Week is nine days of pool parties, beach outings, dance parties, and leather events, while Family Week is mainly for LGBTQ families with opportunities to relax and participate in family-oriented activities. Check out ptownbears.org and ptownfamilyweek.com for more.

San Diego Pride - July 7-15 A festival, a rally, a massive parade, and a dedicated She Fest makes the San Diego Pride a good West Coast option to visit. See more at sdpride.org.

San Francisco – Up Your Alley – July 28-29 This Folsom Street Event is best described as the even kinkier sibling to Folsom.

The weekend presents a lineup of parties, events, and a Sunday fair that will be on the wilder side of the BDSM spectrum. See more at

folsomstreetfair.org/upyouralley/

August August heats up with some good pride celebrations now that summer is at its peak!

Austin Pride – August 11 The Fiesta Gardens will extensive Pride festival Please note that the date changed, so it is now on

austinpride.org.

18 | 06.20.18

be taken over for an and ensuing parade. for the Austin Pride has August 11! See more at

WE'RE HIRING

WE ARE SEEKING Motivated, Hard-Working, Innovative People to be Our Next Superstar Ad Sales Representatives.

Jumpstart Your Career by Joining Atlanta's Newest Gay Media Company!

We are the Atlanta HIV, PrEP and PEP pharmacy experts!

• Free and complete coordinaaon of benefits to ensure that you can afford your medicaaon and have liile to no out-of-pocket cost • Clinical support from pharmacists who are experts in HIV, PrEP & PEP and who will explain your medicaaon therapy so that you can achieve the best results • Ideally located in Midtown, at the interseccon of Piedmont and Monroe, with free parking and easy access to Marta

Big enough to serve, small enough to care!

One Year Sales Experience Required

EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO

Jeff@peachatl.com

1529 Piedmont Ave NE Ste C Atlanta, GA 30324 404-461-9105 | www.alliancecrx.com

peachATL.com | 19

Chicago Market Days – August 11-12 The massive street party and festival takes up Boystown on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison and is attended by visitors in the hundreds of thousands. See more at

October With summer coming to an end, you can still close out the pride season with some excellent pride festivals that celebrate sexually diverse communities.

northalsted.com/marketdays.

Atlanta Pride – October 12-14

Key West Pride – August 15-19

As the most significant pride in the Southeast, Atlanta offers an extensive official pride schedule, all centered around Piedmont Park, and with an amazing opening party at the Georgia Aquarium.

It does, however, also offer a considerable ‘unofficial’ program for the emerging queer underground scene. See more at atlantapride.org.

If you have ever been to the tip of the Florida Keys, you know that this is a fun place to be if you’re gay – and the Key West Pride makes it even more fun! This year’s theme is fittingly Tropical Heat, so get ready to get hot and soak up some fun in the sunshine. More at tropicalheatkw.com.

New Orleans Southern Decadence - August 30 – September 3 Labor Day weekend in New Orleans is something else. The famous Bourbon Street is transformed into a gay street party where you will probably catch some slightly debaucherous things going on…

More at southerndecadence.net.

September Even though summer is coming to an end, there are still plenty of hot pride celebrations to attend.

Burning Man – August 25 – September 3 In the middle of the desert in Black Rock, NV, Burning Man is celebrated annually with a themed festival and party that is about radical self-expression, inclusion, and immediacy. This year’s theme is ‘I, Robot’ which will no doubt give inspiration to inventive costumes and happenings in the name of self-expression. burningman.org

Las Vegas Pride – October 19-21 Pride in Las Vegas includes outdoor activities, a festival, a drag queen pageant, and a bunch of parties in the city of sin. The absolute highlight is the parade, a glittering and glamorous spectacle, which takes place at night on the 19th. More at

lasvegaspride.org.

Orlando Pride – October 13 In lieu of the Pulse massacre two years ago, the pride in Orlando has become even more of a beautiful and intense celebration of inclusion, awareness, and love. See more at

comeoutwithpride.com.

Folsom Street Fair – September 30 Although it has lost a little of its original, raw flair, this leather festival is still a great option if you want to explore or expand your leather kink side. Lots of events, parties, and happenings evolve around the kinky street fair to so check out folsomstreetevents.org/folsom-street-fair for more.

Charleston Pride – September 22 You can actually catch the annual Pride on the Harbor Cruise this weekend in Charleston, but if you can’t make that, the September Pride in the Southern gem is recommendable. See more at charlestonpride.org.

20 | 06.20.18

Feeling like some international Pride flair? Check out the current issue of Fenuxe with a lineup of European Pride festivals.

VIP FESTIVAL PASS TICKETS ON SALE NOW DO PRIDE BIG THIS YEAR. GIVE YOURSELF THE VIP TREATMENT AT THE FESTIVAL AND SUPPORT ATLANTA PRIDE'S YEAR-ROUND WORK. DON’T DELAY - VIP TICKET QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED AND WILL SELL OUT! VISIT ATLANTAPRIDE.ORG/VIP FOR ALL INFORMATION.

OCTOBER12-14,2018 atlantapride.org

EXTRA INNINGS STOPLIGHT BEACH PARTY AT F.R.O.G.S PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

22 | 06.20.18

Brian had his HIV under control with medication. But smoking with HIV caused him to have serious health problems, including a stroke, a blood clot in his lungs and surgery on an artery in his neck. Smoking makes living with HIV much worse. You can quit.

CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

HIV alone didn’t cause the clogged artery in my neck.

Smoking with HIV did.

Brian, age 45, California

CHRIS 180 WHITE PARTY AT MASON FINE ART PHOTOS: MH

24 | 06.20.18

“Memory is a funny thing.”

by Colman Domingo Directed by Kenny Leon Southwest Arts Center July 17 - Aug 12 BUY TICKETS truecolorstheatre.org 1-877-725-8849

Celebration of Life!

1946-2018 Come celebrate the life of the Fashionista “Man about Town" & his Love of Life

Saturday, June 30 7pm - 9 pm BJ Roosters 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 Chuck Raymond’s ‘Atlanta Family’ (404) 216-8019 peachATL.com | 25

SUNDAY SERVICE WITH BRIAN ROJAS AT SISTER LOUISA'S PHOTOS:MH

26 | 06.20.18

DO YOU WANT TO LOSE ANOTHER PIECE OF GAY ATLANTA?

TR BACKS

EET

LE G N U J

ATL

R ARMO

Y

XT? E N E ULD B O C WHO

Go to gagapac.com for free membership and help save gay Georgia

PRESERVING CULTURAL AND LANDMARK LOCATIONS IMPORTANT TO GAY GEORGIA

CONTACT US (470) 658-7629 INFO@GAGAPAC.COM

Tamer was born in New Jersey, went to college in Chicago, lived in San Francisco for a year, and is now putting down roots in Atlanta. He has been with his fiancé Spencer for six years, and they’re coming up on one year with boyfriend Daniel.

Tamer is a software developer at a small startup, but he is also a part-time brand manager for his puppy, Bruno (@brunothebrownboston). You can catch Tamer sipping on a Lime-A-Ritas in Piedmont Park or capping off his night with a shot of Rumple Minze at Blake’s - because he is above neither of those things.

Tamer Barsbay

Pet Sitting • Dog Boarding • Dog Walking • VIP Doggy Bath • VIP Pet Taxi

404.623.9448 | CrateEscapeAtlanta.com

ATLANTA OFFI CIAL

K I CK OFF

10.12.2018

WWW.GEORGIAAQUARIUM.ORG/ATLANTAPRIDE

peachATL.com | 29

I’m S.M.A.R.T. You Should Be To

By Jamie Kirk

Progress, not Perfection should be our goal. Why is it that we tend to strive for perfection and get disappointed when that goal is not met. Most of us are closer to the failure portion of the barometer anyways (if we listened to that little devil on our shoulder called low-self esteem). Following these five steps in a SMART model should help us get on track towards our #summertime roadmap, whatever that may be.

S

pecific

When we plan out our goals, we are setting up selves up for disappointment if we don’t have a number in mind, a destination or purpose in mind. Yes, I get it “shoot for the moon, and at least you will be among the stars.” That’s a load of crap. For our purposes, we need to set goals that are specific. Generally goals or getting “close,” is not gonna cut it to get us where we need to be. Your goals should be clear and concise, black and white. Don’t leave any room for misinterpretation. Example - Run at least 5 miles a week from June to October.

M

easurable

That which is measured gets improved. Whichever goals we set, we have to be able to measure it against something. Be it the past, be it a friend, or just a stat we read about in a magazine. The measurement looks like something that you can quantify. Something that you will provide a status of how close and/or how far you are to your goal. Example - I want to reduce calorie count by 500 a day for 30 days.

A

ttainable

This is obviously the hardest one. If you are 6’2, it is unlikely you will weigh 162 pounds and have single digit body fat. That is not attainable. The goal-setting process should indeed stretch you, but not to the point that you are stressed out about not even getting close to your goal. Make sure the goal is something that you feel is achievable through your blood, sweat, and tears, and NOT only achieved if you were bleeding, sweating and crying the process. Example - I would like to learn a foreign language before the holiday season to prepare for my trip abroad.

30 | 06.20.18

R

ealistic

Be kind to yourself. Don’t overextend yourself. Being realistic means is this in the realm of reality for you, based on your situation. If money is a challenge right now, maybe traveling to three countries this summer is out. Having a goal to be married and have a June wedding, in mid-June and you’re single? Ummmm, likely not realistic. Keep in mind having a goal that is attainable and realistic are similar, but the difference is that you will suffer a bigger blow to your ego or pride, etc. if the goal never even had a chance. Example - I would like to take my dog for longer walks in the evening, I can’t because of my time crunch in the morning.

T

imely

Choose goals for yourself that work with the timing of your life. Continue to choose goals for yourself that represent your lifestyle, your family, and your working environment. Sometimes the intent of the goal is timely, but the execution of the timing may not work out.

Make sure the timing of things you want to achieve works for you. Not your neighbors, not your mate, not your kids, but for YOU. Example - I am going to start a neighborhood watch for my community because of the high crime in the warmer months in my area.

I think this SMART strategic model is an excellent way to do a deep dive and inventory of your life and see if you are on the right track. SMART personal goals really do work as long as you stay committed to the process.

Oh, and the process contains the attributes above. It’s good stuff, when you are able to set a goal, remain diligent to your goal and eventually hit your goal. As this summer begins to hit full force, don’t wait another day to lay out your planned attack on your goal setting.

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

Dazed But Not Confused

Or Progress, the Passage of Time, and WTF Who Cares

By Scott King

“That’s the best thing about millennials.”

“What’s that?”

“They keep getting younger, but I stay the same age.”

From Dazed and Confused, Part II: Millennials Approaching I turn 37 next week. That number on paper looks painfully naive.

Because it is.

The older I get, the younger I feel. I was the oldest I will ever be when I was a teenager. I had such gravity. I had such angst. And those hormones.

When I got out of college, I felt like a very dumb baby. As a bonus, I was at that point responsible for feeding myself, for cleaning the house and for making a living somehow.

Then I hit my Saturn Return. I moved to Vermont for grad school and ruled the world.

Any shyness or fetal shell I had holding me back was left in the debris of liftoff into the rocket ship of adulthood.

A lot of energy is focused on you during your Saturn Return. That’s why so many rock stars die at 27. They can’t take the heat. They flame out. Dust to dust.

It’s better to rise than fade away. That’s what the Widow Cobain told us in the 90s. I was fortunate to thrive during my SR. It was like 34 | 06.20.18

one of those booster pads in Mario Kart. I skidded through right into my 30’s, part of me thinking I was the shit, part of me scared shitless. Regardless of the ups and downs, it’s ten years later, and I’m still here, damnit.

A good portion of the detritus that populates my life at this existential moment, I COULD have imagined it ten years ago. I was planning for it. It makes sense. It represents the accomplishment of goals.

Other things, like writing for this magazine, weren’t in my plan or even my dreams ten years ago. I was in law school, working for post-conviction relief for poor people in Vermont. I was mourning the defeat of Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary and staring at the cracks in the glass ceiling.

So many cracks. Dennis Kucinich was the sole left-wing candidate who supported same-sex marriage ten years ago. Barack Obama didn’t.

Hillary Clinton didn’t. Bernie Sanders had just been elected to the US Senate. I voted for him. In 2006. Ani Difranco was so proud.

What does all of this have to do with my birthday? Nothing, except for the fact that my birthday wish, close your eyes and blow, is for all of us to remain engaged in the political process and not become disheartened, pessimistic or unnecessarily antagonistic towards those who do not support our goals.

STORY TIME:

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

OUT FRONT THEATRE COMPANY 999 Brady Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Corporate Sponsors Presenting

Platinum

Gold

Join HRC Atlanta, For the Kid in All of Us, Out Front Theatre Company, PFLAG Atlanta and Edie Cheezburger for a delightful and fun reading, for all ages, of “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.”

TICKETS*

Adults (18+) $5 Children Free or Optional $5 Donation *Includes HRC Annual Membership or Renewal

Community Sponsors

We didn’t repeal “Don’t ask, don’t tell” by calling John McCain hegemonic. We did not get to marriage equality by trolling RuPaul on Twitter. We did not get to where we are, or at least where we were before Donald Trump ascended to the center of public life, by segregating and walling off ourselves into the smallest subculture possible so that we could be right and self-righteous about everything. And be the sole authority on every issue that is important to us.

Things look bleak. Things look petty. Things look like we’re moving backwards.

But think about it. Barack Obama survived the Tea Party Movement and the birther movement and all the bullshit that accompanied the 21st Century’s first progressive president, and first African American leader of the free world.

A female President. Most likely Republican.

The daughter of a Clinton or an Obama running for office. And fucking winning.

An LGBT Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Or at least a Minority Whip.

Me publishing a novel about a hooker with a heart of Bitcoin.

The media coming up with a label for the generation of 20-somethings that I see at my gym and me being all like, “Shouldn’t you be in class?”

But the question remains. Will ever act my age? Nah.

The next Democratic President, whether she is progressive enough or not, will do some mighty righteous things. Obama pushed things way forward, way past most of what Bush did.

In 10 years, I can imagine: Various states and then every state and then the federal government requiring access to non-gendered bathrooms in all public facilities.

Me being married. To a man. And it still being legal.

36 | 06.20.18

Scott King’s milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. He could teach you, but he’d have to repeal and replace. Scott King is, like, a really smart person.

peachATL.com | 37

June 20 – June 27

Braves Present: LGBT Night Pregame Party La Choloteca Show your pride before the Braves take on the Baltimore Orioles at this special pregame party where you get to take home a special ATL Braves Pride hat as a souvenir. Tickets include a $3 donation to Lost-N-Found – get them at mlb.com.

The Latinx party returns with their special Latin flair that will have you dancing all night. Guest DJs Hijx de la Chingada and Mike Zarin will headline alongside resident DJs Esme, Santiago Paramo, Brian Rojas, and Nena Linda.

Friday, June 22, 7:30 pm

Thursday, June 21, 10:30pm

The Coca-Cola Roxy

MJQ Concourse

STAFF PICK!

Drag Queen Story Time Join HRC, For the Kid in All of Us, PFLAG, and Edie Cheezburger for a delightful, fun, and all-ages reading of “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo” – a children’s book about equality, inclusion, and love.

Tickets at hrcatlanta.com.

June 23 at 10 am Out Front Theatre Company

The Unity Ball! A Big Ole’ Dance Party

2018 Pride & Unity Night Celebration

The unifying and queer dance party event will be brought to you by LovHer, T A S T E, FOR ALL HUMANS, WUSSY MAG, and Jaimee Paige Robinson.

Come party and bring the queer community even closer together!

Atlanta United FC hosts the Unity Night Match to celebrate pride and commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City as they play the Portland Timbers. A special block of $40 tickets is reserved for this event – get them at fevo.com.

Saturday, June 23

Sunday, June 24, 12pm

Deep End

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

38 | 06.20.18

FRIENDS NEW FACES PHOTOS: Keith Bailey

40 | 06.20.18

peachATL.com | 41

peachATL.com | 43

HENRY'S SUNDAY FUNDAY PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

44 | 06.20.18

we’re excited to announce that

PATIO SEASON IS BACK!

peachATL.com | 47

MIDTOWN MOON BRUNCH PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

48 | 06.20.18

The River’s Edge9 DEWEY ROSE, GEORGIA

We’re closer to Atlanta than you think!

Southeast Leatherboy - Jocks for Cause, June 8 - 10 BlaqjaX Weekend, June 22 - 24 Deep South Weekend, June 29 - 30 Get the details on these and other great upcoming events on our website calendar.

Membership Required.

Must be 21 to Enter.

The Rivers Edge Campground 2311 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose GA 30634 (706) 213 - 8081 www.camptheriversedge.com “Like” us at www.facebook.com/camptheriversedge

peachATL.com | 49

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

12th St. NE

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6

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

50 | 06.20.18

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

’ Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

e

on

Rd

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

Midtown Moon 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

.

tC

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

e. nt mo ed

39 38

BARS 20 21 22 23

41

Pi

28 20

25 ge

Av

ge Rd Brid hire

.

24

id Br

E

Ches

.N

35

29

r.

Dr

Rd

40

32

oe

hir

36

nr

dm

es

ll D

31 er

Mo

Pi e

Ch

idde

kn

27

33

. NE

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

ul

IX

34

x Rd

Fa

26

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

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

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

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

Retail

MIDTOWN

THE COCKPIT

MIDTOWN

thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK

AMSTERDAM

amsterdamatlanta.com

502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

BULLDOGS

465 Boulevard SE

MARY’S marysatlanta.com

1287 Glenwood Ave SE

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch.com 466 Edgewood Ave SE

SWINGING RICHARDS

barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

CHESHIRE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO

swingingrichards.com

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

1400 Northside Dr NW

ANSLEY

friendsonponce-atl.com

Dining

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR

MODEL T

MIDTOWN

1447 Piedmont Ave NE

modeltatlanta.com

10TH & PIEDMONT

893 Peachtree St NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

communitashospitality.com

MY SISTER’S ROOM

991 Piedmont Ave NE

mysistersroom.com

EINSTEIN’S

66 12th St NE

TEN ATLANTA tenatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

BJ ROOSTERS

einsteinsatlanta.com

WOOFS

Fitness URBAN BODY FITNESS

frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr

urbanbodyfitness.com

G’S

500 Amsterdam Ave NE

communitashospitality.com

CHESHIRE

219 10th St NE

HENRY’S JOE’S ON JUNIPER

1931 Piedmont Circle N

1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

MIDTOWN

OPUS 1 TRIPPS

brushstrokesatlanta.com

FROGS CANTINA

henrysatl.com

1086 Alco St NE

GCB & PLEASURES

1077 Juniper St NE

bjroosters.com

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

boynextdoormenswear.com

132 10th St NE

joesonjuniper.com

GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spas/Baths/Adult

1049 Juniper St NE

MIDTOWN

LA HACIENDA

FLEX SPA

lahaciendamidtown.com

flexspas.com

900 Monroe Dr NE

76 4th St NW

2425 Piedmont Road NE

CHESHIRE

CHESHIRE

ANSLEY

LAS MARGARITAS

MANIFEST 4U

woofsatlanta.com

MIDTOWN MOON

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

manifest4u.org

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

FELIX’S

ROXX

THE DEN

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

THE HIDEAWAY

ANSLEY

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

COWTIPPERS

MIXX

cowtippersatlanta.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

mixxatlanta.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

52 | 06.20.18

1600 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com

3011 Buford Hwy NE

thedenatlanta.com

2135 Liddell Drive NE

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

XXX-tra

Nude erotic deep tissue rubdown, trained, use lotion.

Midtown 10 AM - 10 PM daily.

Shower, safe parking NO Smoking, NO Pets, NO drama

Call Butch 404-876-5111

TOP Rubdown around. Come relax and release your stress!

ADVERTISE In Atlanta's premier

LGBT MAGAZINE for as little as

35 per week!

$

peachatl.isexypartynetwork.net/vipr

vipr isexy party network

®

presents

TM

Email jeff@peachatl.com for more information.

A

D E S I G N AT E D

DRIVER

IN

MINUTES

25 peachATL.com | 53

10 THINGS THAT WILL MAKE OUR SUMMER BETTER RIGHT NOW! IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE THE SUN SHINE IN OUR LIFE… PHOTOS: PR, MERCEDES-BENZ, DIPTYQUE, ORIGINS

Homemade ice cream

Tall, dark, and handsome

A convertible

A slushy cocktail

Beach Vacation

A multi-tasking cooler

Swimsuit

Sunscreen

Summer Fragrance 54 | 06.20.18

A new puppy!

Sunday Funday = Playmates and soul mates...

MISERABLE MONDAY

MAKE MONDAY YOUR B#TCH! 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

18+ MegaMates.com

11pm Thursdays

peachATL.com | 55

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

It only took me 20 mins to realize I rubbed “shampoo” not “lotion” on this AM

Just because I’m moody, it doesn’t mean you’re not irritating Me: I need to get a hobby!

Him: You already have a hobby – eating!

Me: Well, I need another one.

I must burn about 5000 calories a day by fidgeting alone.

Him: Your other hobbies include thinking about the next time you will be eating.

Asking for a friend: So, does sub/dom role-play ever involve anything useful, like putting a collar around somebody’s neck and having them paint a wall or mow your lawn or something?

Life Hack: Hate ironing? Just gain weight, and the wrinkles in those shirts will disappear!

Asking for a friend: It’s still breakfast for one even though you are eating for two, right? #bulking If you line up all your ex’s in a row, you can see the flow chart of your mental illness

Is it just me or do you visualize the duck tape over someone’s mouth when they speak?

56 | 06.20.18

306 PONCE DE LEON AVE NE ATLANTA, GA 30308

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

You’ll brag to others today about all the action you’ve been getting lately. You’ll go into gory detail and leave nothing to the imagination. But they’ll look at you in skepticism, and wonder why your nose keeps getting longer and longer.

You’ll get good responses to ideas you pitch to your boss this week. So hit the social scene filled with the confidence of having such a positive week. But don’t expect to get a similar reaction from the guys you hit on around town, and be prepared to have more than one drink thrown in your face.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You may find yourself attracted to a sexy new neighbor this week. That tingling sensation in your loins may be telling you that a romance could be in the offing. But asking him out could be risky, especially if you’re not sure which team he plays for.

Beware of persuasive people this week. They may strike when your will is weak and talk you into performing some unsavory acts. Unless, of course, you’re into role-playing where he’s the naughty king and you’re the naked serf. Then you’re on your own.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Preaching about people’s fashion choices this week won’t get you anywhere. They’ll be loath to take your advice and you won’t understand why. But one glance in the mirror will tell you everything. So lose the pocket protector and suspenders before pointing out the fashion flaws of those around you.

Expect the unexpected. This week it could come in both positive and negative forms. You could win the lottery, get fired from your job or meet the man of your dreams.

The latter will sound promising until you realize that he doesn’t speak your language and he’s wearing adult diapers.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Your energy flow will be reduced to a dribble at some time this week. A lack of sleep could be the culprit.

So do your best to get through the week and stay off the Internet when you get home tonight. Staying in the gay chat rooms until the sun comes up could be the indicator of a deeper problem.

Like the twin giants Jupiter and Saturn, most of the men you’ll meet this week will be bloated and gassy. There won’t be anything wrong with that; they’re just not your type. But hang in there. There’s sure to be a Venus or Mars willing to orbit your sun, although at this point you’ll settle for Uranus.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

You seem to have boundless energy this week. Or do you? Pass on that fourth cup of coffee -- it may loosen your tongue enough to tell your coworkers all the sexy details about your latest conquest. That’ll be too much information for some of them, but others will want to hear even more ... and that’s just plain creepy.

A glimpse of heaven may lure you into a descent into hell. Looks can be deceiving; an angel may be the devil in disguise. So keep your eyes wide open all week.

There won’t be a ladder in the world tall enough to lead you out of the abyss you’ll so willingly fall into.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You may have to dive headfirst into the abyss if you want to find romance this week. Risks can be a good thing, but you’ll never know unless you try. So give your phone number to the cute guy at the coffee shop. And try not to look surprised when he asks what took you so long.

Luck will be on your side when you find yourself sitting on the bus next to the hottie you’ve been pining for. But luck can only go so far, and it’ll be up to you to take the next step. Will you say hello or sit there tongue-tied and stammering? Better decide soon because the next stop is his.

58 | 06.20.18

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

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

I just started dating this guy, and things are going along nicely. We are both still active on the dating apps, but when do we actually go off them? Do we get off Grindr, Scruff, etc. at all just because we are dating? Need some help, please.

Sincerely Next Level Dear Next Level It’s no surprise that this is confusing and difficult to navigate. In many ways, turning off or deleting hookup apps is a both practical and symbolic way of gauging the seriousness of the relationship and what the other person (and yourself) expects. There is no set time frame or rules, but you can use these guidelines to move forward: Align expectations – if you are deleting, will he delete too? Start with a conversation about what you would expect from each other.

Don’t delete right away – it may seem like a cute sign of commitment, but you also need to find out if he is as committed to you, so don’t delete right away. Give it a good 30 days before reconsidering.

Tell him about it – once you decide to delete or turn off, tell him about it! Don’t just assume he is on the same level as you – if you do that, you are setting yourself up for anxiety and potential heartbreak. This is another excellent opportunity for you to balance expectations.

I am very well-endowed which is very nice in many situations, but more often than not, it is expected that I am a power top – and guess what, I am not! I have always preferred bottoming, and I am really tired of people just expecting me to put it in them because I’m large! I’m so tired of the awkward situations that arise from this – How can I get past this?

Sincerely Big Bottom 60 | 06.20.18

Dear Big Bottom There are so many assumptions and myths that pertain to being large ‘down there.’ Whether it is gay porn or just a general emphasis on size in the gay world is hard to say, but they are definitely out there! As you have also experienced, it is difficult to break these assumptions because they seem to be so ingrained in the gay culture especially. Bad news is that they are not bound to change anytime soon. Good news is that the whole top or bottom culture is slowly but surely being abandoned for a more (for lack of a better word) versatile disposition where the lines between either or are more fluid. A perfect world for you but that also means that you have to work on your own definition as being a bottom only (especially if you are not!). An added bonus is that you are changing the perception by having sex!

I frequently hook up with this gorgeous guy, but every time we go to his place, his dog is watching us have sex.

Well, staring is more like it, and it is very distracting for me to a point where I lose interest and just let him finish on his own. Do I tell him that his pooch is messing with my spruce?

Sincerely No Doggy Style Dear No Doggy Style Yes, you need to tell him that the dog is making you uncomfortable! Didn’t he notice that you weren’t into it?

This is really an easy fix, and it shouldn’t be a big deal for him to shut the door on the dog. It doesn’t mean you don’t like the dog; it just says you want to focus your attention on him and not his four-legged friend. Woof!

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

BECAUSE YOUR CAR NEEDS A GOOD OIL CHANGE SPECIALIST THREE CONVENIENT

INTOWN

LOCATIONS

HOURS: MON-FRI 8AM-6PM FULL SERVICE CONVENTIONAL OIL CHANGE

$

19

99

OFFER EXPIRES 8/30/18

Most vehicles. Includes up to 5 qts oil. Excludes high mileage & synthetic oil Not valid with other coupons, specials or discounts.

SAT 8AM-5PM SUN 11-5

FREE Pair of Standard WIPER BLADES With purchase of High Mileage, Synthetic Blend, or Synthetic Full Service Oil Change

OFFER EXPIRES 8/30/18

SPECIAL OFFER

PRESENT AD FOR SPECIAL PRICING WWW.HAVOLINEXPRESSLUBE.NET