Peach v2i49

Flesh for Fantasy Fuego Productions Presents

GIFTED!

Naughty & Nice Gift Guide

Michael Bublé Gets Into the Heavy Stuff

Holidays Broadway-Style Screen Savor By the Book

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CONTENTS

DEECEMBER 05 2018

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From the Editor December 8th • 10 PM - 3 AM Yup, the Holidays are definitely upon us! Time for being thankful and joyful

Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

– and time for shopping and gifting!

CONTRIBUTORS

Check out our Holiday gift guide with a few nice and naughty items that will make a great gift – either for someone you care about or yourself! Mitzi Pennington gives you inspired advice on how to do your best shopping (at your own risk!), and what about celebrating the Holidays by going to a Broadway show? Jim Farmer has reviewed the best LGBT-themed shows playing right now. Finally, if you’ve had it with all the materialism, please refer to our list of things you can give that are priceless.

Holidays also means parties, and as part of the impressive Toy Party lineup, newly formed Fuego Productions presents their Fetish and Feral parties that will kick off during the Toy Party weekend. Check out the cover and the centerfold to get a taste of what to expect at the sexy parties.

Chris Azzopardi Jim Farmer Mirza Muftic Gregg Shapiro

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All that and so much more in this issue of Peach – so enjoy, Peaches!

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6 | 12.05.18

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme a Legendary Party The Tom Thomas Crown Affair launches a new party celebrating another living diva legend. You get to BELIEVE and turn back time as we celebrate the musical (remix) catalog of CHER. DJ Mike Pope will have you screaming gimme, gimme, gimme as he spins the best dance remixes of all your favorite Cher songs including her past mega-hits and new songs from the latest ABBA-inspired album “Dancing Queen.”

Tom Thomas, the creator of the event, who was also behind the successful M60 Madonna party, wanted to create an all Cher-inspired night to celebrate the album release and get everyone warmed up for her live concert in Atlanta next year.

“As timeless as Cher is, she is so hot right now with a great, new album and another incredible world tour! There’s no time like the present to celebrate one of our biggest musical icons and divas,” Tom Thomas says about the upcoming event.

The night will also feature a special performance by Savannah Leigh, renowned Cher impersonator, and you get the opportunity to win two tickets to see Cher live in Atlanta on January 25, 2019, by merely attending the party.

The What, When, and Where What: Cher Dancing Queen Party When: Saturday, December 8

10 pm – 3 am Where: Heretic Atlanta

8 | 12.05.18

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Shopaholics Anonymous Are you holiday-shopping now that Thanksgiving has given us longer store hours? Are you finding any good deals? I know I am! I’ve become a pro at shopping in crowded places ever since my trip to the farmer’s markets in Istanbul. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush you get pushing down middle-aged mothers to get the last, good tomato. Or insulting the tomato farmer to lower his already-low prices.

Haggling is an art form I fear is leaving us. With so much online shopping taking over, it’s hard to have those person-to-person interactions anymore. The closest experience I can get online to my days in Istanbul is by cyberbullying merchants on Amazon. I can’t see their facial reactions, but I’m sure I’m affecting them in some way. If you have a fear of shopping during the holiday season because of people like me, I’m going to give you some confidence-boosting tips!

My go-to item whenever I go shopping is a concealed, short wig. I’m sure you’ve heard of the “I need to speak with the manager” haircut. Well, imagine the impact you will have when you enter a store, start arguing with a sales associate over something trivial, make a scene, and just when they feel they’ve won, you give them the reveal no one saw coming. It works for me every time. I once even made a teenage employee cry and quit on the spot. The power of a wig reveal is unmatched.

I also hype myself before entering a store. I do my shopping mantra by taking two shots of bourbon and reciting the Green Lantern oath under my breath while staring down other customers in the parking lot. The oath has nothing to do with my shopping, but ever since I watched Ryan Reynolds recite it in green spandex, I couldn’t get the picture out of my head. And I hope now you can’t either. This tip is a little riskier than concealing a wig as it requires having an open bottle of alcohol in your car and getting semi-intoxicated in public. The liquid courage I get from the mantra is usually all I need to start harassing sales associates and demanding they take my expired coupons.

The third weapon you need in your arsenal is catchphrases. A good catchphrase can be the difference between getting one item that’s ‘one per customer’ or getting five of them. This year I cleaned house at my local Best Buy. I already have everything I need, but I went anyway and snatched three LED TVs that were half-off. I even got the store manager to give me one that wasn’t on sale for the sale price! Some of my favorite lines to say are: “How badly do you want to make it home for Christmas? Then get me what I want!”

“Is the security camera above us working, because I swear you just touched my breasts and I am suing if I don’t get this item discounted!

And the classic “Move out the way bitch!” - that one is usually an all-purpose line. Note to only say it when not in the presence of a police officer.

I hope you take this advice with a grain of salt, and I hope that grain of salt was a 2-for-1 deal.

The holidays are the magical time of year when we act like ruthless savages, shopping for family and friends. And we start mere hours after we give thanks on Thanksgiving. If you’re not up to the pressure of punching middle-aged women for those presents or just don’t want to be an asshole to strangers, you can temporarily switch religions until the end of the year.

Yours in Shopping and Saving

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www.AtlantaHealthClinic.com peachATL.com | 11

Life-Sized and Representing!

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Photos: Yves Bright, Benny Haddad Freeform is premiering Life Size 2 on December 2 as part of their “25 Days of Christmas” lineup, which was shot in Atlanta and stars Hank Chen who plays the character, Brendan Butler. Peach got the opportunity to speak with Hank, who is gay and Asian-American, about the film, working with Tyra Banks, and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry.

You are part of the cast of Life Size 2 which is an 18year overdue sequel starring Tyra Banks (again) – tell us about the movie and your role in it.

Life-Size 2 is the follow up to the original film starring Tyra Banks and Lindsay Lohan from 2000. We shot in beautiful Atlanta for five weeks. I play a character named Brendan Butler. His name is a play on words because he is the childhood best friend of Grace Manning (Francia Raisa) but also works for her. So literally her butler - driving her around, cleaning up some of her messes.

He loves her because they have such a long history but finds himself doing his best to reign her in as her life spirals out of control and trying to balance the, sometimes conflicting, obligations you’d have to your friend versus your boss.

How was it working opposite Tyra Banks?

Tyra was a dream in every sense of the world - from being so cool and nice, to literally me wondering if I’m legit in a dream while shooting a scene with such an icon. The day I arrived in Atlanta, I got a surprise phone call from her. I will never forget the moment I was at Publix picking out dish detergent when a restricted number called.

“Hi, is this Hank?” I was like, “yes, who is this?” and the chipper voice answered, “It’s Tyra!” I gasped and nearly dropped my phone. She welcomed me to Atlanta, said the nicest things about my audition, and how much she was looking forward to working with me. It was a surreal moment, to say the least. Tyra really set the tone when it came to professionalism, generosity, and general badassery during the shoot.

You are a man of many talents including actor and comedian – where else have we seen you?

For a while, people seemed to recognize me from the first season of Transparent and one of the first episodes of High Maintenance when it was still a web series streaming on Vimeo. Last year I was in the Reese Witherspoon-starrer, Home Again. In between acting

12 | 12.05.18

jobs, you can catch me doing stand-up around town in Los Angeles.

Let’s talk representation: Do you think TV and film do well in representing ethnic and sexual minorities?

It was really cool to observe an Asian man, Steven Tsuchida direct Life-Size 2. I have observed more opportunities for both gay and Asian actors - especially on television, and I love it. I like seeing myself represented in media as well as having the opportunity to possibly reflect someone else’s life experience back to them. As an actor, I’d like to think of myself as the conduit for marginalized voices be it the gay or Asian community, because representation is so important. For young Asian boys who grow up post-Crazy Rich Asians, leading Asian men are now a thing that exists.

What kind of roles would you like to see emerge in the future?

As a trained actor, I would enjoy the opportunity to flex my drama muscles more with no pressure to be funny. As for roles that exist for minorities in general, I have seen the industry head in a positive direction. For decades, it seemed like minorities in television and movies had to have justifications for existing. Like, oh this character is Asian because he’s a foreign exchange student. Or, we need a gay guy to sass it up on the outside but have a lot of inner conflict about his sexuality. We can’t just be in the world as ordinary people. I remember many years ago reading for a role at a director’s callback where I was asked to try it again with an Asian accent even though the ethnicity of the character had not been specified. I felt like was being asked to play a caricature - a white person’s “idea” of an Asian character. I don’t think a request like that would be made today. The happy ending is that I got the job, and the final dialogue on screen is me speaking in a normal American accent without any justification for my ethnicity. Progress!

peachATL.com | 13

By The Book

By Gregg Shapiro

Moviegoers seem to love movies about characters that appear to be one thing, but turn out to be another.

Best Picture Oscar-winner “The Shape of Water” is a good example. So is “Green Book” (Universal), starring Academy Award-winning actor Mahershala Ali and Academy Award-nominated actor Viggo Mortensen.

Yet another of 2018’s movies “inspired by a true story”, “Green Book” tells the early 1960s story of the unlikely friendship between two people on opposite ends of the cultural spectrum.

Bronx born and bred Tony (Mortensen) is a crude and barely literate family man. The husband of Dolores (Linda Cardellini) and father of two sons, Tony works as a bouncer as the Copacabana nightclub. When the club closes for a couple months of renovations, he needs to find a way to bring home the bacon, and winning the occasional hot dog eating contest won’t cut the mustard.

Tony doesn’t have to wait long. He gets a job offer to be a driver for a doctor. When he arrives at Carnegie Hall for the interview, he’s surprised that it’s not a doctor’s office. It is, as it turns out, the apartment of Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), an acclaimed pianist who is embarking on an eight-week concert tour, including several dates in the deep south. After some initial back and forth, Tony accepts the job.

This is where the “Green Book” of the title comes in to play. Essentially a handbook for “traveling while black” in the Jim Crow south, “The Negro Motorist Green Book” was a directory of dining and overnight accommodations where African-American travelers were welcome to stay. As Shirley’s driver, there were occasions on which Tony and the doctor were not staying in the same place.

A new twist on a road movie, the pair becomes better acquainted as they travel from New York to Pittsburgh to Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky and then deeper into the south, including North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. Along the way they learn a great deal about the other. Each, in his own way, attempts to get the other to expand his limited horizons. Shirley, for example, expresses his concern over Tony’s diction, correcting him on several occasions, as well as his lack of finesse. When he discovers that Tony has been writ14 | 12.05.18

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Peach.

ing letters home to his wife and kids, Shirley offers his superior writing skills. Tony, on the other hand, who is unabashedly racist, is shocked to discover that Shirley has never eaten fried chicken. The opportunity to enjoy Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky provides one of the more comical scenes in the movie.

But the movie is definitely more serious than humorous.

Shirley’s run-in with rednecks in Louisville is eye-opening for Tony who comes to his rescue. Shirley, who is gay at a time when it was even more dangerous to be a homosexual than it was to be black, gets into trouble with another man at a YMCA in Macon, Georgia. Tony, who is unfazed after years of working in nightclubs, bails him out of jail. One night in Mississippi, on the way to a gig in Alabama, the two are pulled over by cops in a “sundown town” (where blacks are expected to leave by sunset) and jailed, leading to the possibility of Shirley missing his gig in Birmingham. Released from jail after Shirley uses his lawyer phone call to ring U.S. Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, they face even greater discrimination upon their arrival in Birmingham.

But, “Green Book” is a true-blue Christmas movie and the touching finale, which includes Tony being home in time to celebrate the holiday with the family as Dr. Shirley promised, is sure to warm your heart.

Ali’s performance is so good that he may find himself with another Oscar nomination. Mortensen, however, is a little disappointing, especially after his Oscar-nominated turn in 2016’s “Captain Fantastic”. “Green Book” also marks a big step forward for director Peter Farrelly, best known for fare such as “There’s Something About Mary” and “Dumb and Dumber”.

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Celebrate the Holiday Broadway-Style

By Jim Farmer

Traveling to New York to see a Broadway production (or two) is, for many, a huge part of the holidays. The new season is up and running, and it’s a strong one, with a number of LGBT-themed shows and some star wattage as well. Here are quick takes of some current shows.

Photo: Joan Marcus/Production still from “Head Over Heels.”

“Torch Song” I missed the remount of “Angels in America” on Broadway earlier this year as well as the all-star “The Boys in the Band,” but there was no way in gay hell I was going to miss “Torch Song.” Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy” was a landmark on Broadway, winning multiple Tonys and later adapted into a film. The legendary playwright has trimmed 40 minutes for this new staging. Michael Urie steps into Fierstein’s shoes as Arnold Beckoff, a drag queen looking for love in New York. The first act is erratic, sagging when the drama finds Arnold visiting a farmhouse with his current boyfriend as well as his ex. The drama finds surer footing in Act II when a knockout Mercedes Ruehl enters the picture as Arnold’s overbearing mother.

Urie and Ruehl going head to head makes for dynamite theater.

The Hayes Theater, 240 West 44th Street, torchsongbroadway.com

“Head Over Heels” Even counting “Torch Song,” this might be the gayest show on Broadway. Inspired by Sir Philip Sidney’s “Arcadia” and conceived by “Avenue Q’s” Jeff Whitty, it takes place in a kingdom with a duke, a prophecy, daughters and various same-sex couplings. The musical features transgender performer Peppermint, of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame, who plays an oracle. At heart, it’s basically a jukebox musical, using the Go-Gos as its source. Its plot can be a little nonsensical at times but when the score is this bouncy, why quibble? The cast digs into the material with aplomb. Expect some local theaters to jump on this - soon.

Hudson Theatre, 141 West 44th Street, headoverheelsthemusical.com

“Apologia” This off-Broadway play is headlined by stage veteran (and Emmy winner) Stockard Channing as Kristin Miller; an activist turned historian who begins to rue some moments from her past. “Hannibal’s” Hugh Dancy, in a dual role,

16 | 12.05.18

plays both her sons. Alexi Kaye Campbell’s play could use some tightening and refinement. Some of its supporting characters feels retro, such a wisecracking gay friend, but the opportunity to see Channing onstage is not to be missed. Megalyn Echikunwoke is also wonderful as a soap star girlfriend.

Laura Pels Theatre, 111 West 46th Street (closes Dec. 16.)

“The Waverly Gallery” Along with “The Ferryman,” this is the play everyone is raving about. Elaine May stars as the owner of a tiny art gallery in Greenwich Village She has Alzheimer’s and her family, including daughter (Joan Allen) and grandson (Lucas Hedges of “Boy Erased”) are coping with it the best way they can. Penned by Academy Award winner Kenneth Lonergan, this is funny and heartbreaking. Michael Cera doesn’t add much to an underwritten role as a young artist, but the rest of the cast is splendid. May’s performance should win her a Best Actress Tony next summer.

John Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street, thewaverlygalleryonbroadway.com, (closes January 27.)

“King Kong” This new musical is an experience unlike anything you’ve seen onstage before. Directed by out Drew McOnie of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame, this is a spectacle about a giant ape and actress Ann Darrow, who meet each other on the infamous Skull Island where a movie is being filmed. This boils down, simply, to whether you’re in a mood for traditional theatre or an “experience.” Musical theater snobs will turn their heads quickly, but there’s no denying the 20-foot puppet itself is a magnificent creature – expressive and nimble. Its score and story are bony, but the set design and visuals, such as the sight of Kong scaling the Empire State Building, are technical marvels.

Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway, kingkongbroadway.com.

peachATL.com | 17

Michael Bublé Gets Into the Heavy Stuff

By Chris Azzopardi

“You’re my first. Be gentle with me. Can we start with, like, a foreplay thing where you can just take it easy on me? Some gentle licking perhaps, and then we’ll get into the heavy stuff.” And so my interview with Michael Bublé, who has almost made me forget he has a wife, Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato, begins.

Returning to music with a new heart-emoji-titled album called love that he will support on a world tour in 2019, Bublé – who introduces himself by that mononym when he rings me directly – spoke openly on a variety of topics, including the difficulties of being a public figure amid familial distress, atoning for his “sexist” Christmas song and doing his part to support the LGBTQ community.

It’s sweet that this album uses the heart emoji for its title, though the gay community certainly wouldn’t have argued with you naming your album using the eggplant emoji.

Oh god, I wanted to use the eggplant. You have no idea.

You fought for that.

I did. I had long conversations about it. And you think I’m joking. I’ve already said this a million times when talking to my friends: They were like, (in a deeply bro voice) “Why didn’t you use the eggplant?” and I’m like, “Oh, I would have.”

Did you intend for the album to be a Band-Aid for our divisive times?

Yeah, it’s funny that you just said that: I’ve actually said that in private. You know what, man, obviously everything I’ve gone through has everything to do with this record and what I want to put out to the world. I had different names that I’d come up with, but there was nothing that really explained the record and the concept as well as just one word could.

The record is about love, but it’s not simply about romantic love. It was really a record that was kind of my theory on this word, this emotion that has so much range. When you hear it you think, “Oh god, romantic and lovey-smovey,” but there’s so many different things that happen with that word.

Photography: Evaan Kheraj 18 | 12.05.18

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every time you go out and people speak and you’re trying to move on with your life or yourself and your family. At first, there were always these reminders of it and so it was hard to just move on.

I made a promise to myself that it would be organic and that it would be joy and it would be blissful – and if it ever becomes what I consider work, or egotistically driven, then I would step away. But I never fell out of love with making music. You know, I’m having to leave the family and stuff for little bits, and if I do then it has to be for the right reasons.

Harder than usual to leave the family right now?

“When I Fall in Love” is such a beautiful track and people say, “Oh, it’s so romantic.” It is romantic. But for me, it’s really sad. As I put myself into the character of that song, I thought about a guy sitting at the bar at 4 o’clock in the morning, drunk, looking over at another couple, wishing that he had that because it hasn’t happened for him. It’s very unique in that way. It’s a very sad song about longing. I could go on through the whole track list.

They all have a story for me.

Did you personalize any of the songs?

I wanted to do the best I could to be as personal and honest in the storytelling, in becoming the characters for the song, but at the same time give the audience a way to be able to hear and have their own opinions.

If I want to use this album to get a guy to fall in love with me, which song do you suggest I play to make him swoon?

Honestly, I think “La Vie En Rose” (a duet with jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant) is incredible because when I did this song my concept was to build a mirror of the relationship I had with my wife. It was me going to this foreign land with someone who didn’t speak my language and having this kind of dance of love with them.

I felt like there were these two characters and one is singing to the other, where I was singing to her in my language and my culture and she was answering in hers.

Though we were on this path together, we were still apart; and by the middle of the song we have this beautiful dance together, this incredible night, and by the morning we were walking through the streets of Paris. I have sort of assimilated to her culture and I am singing in her language, and I loved that because that’s exactly what happened in my life.

I don’t think you thought you’d be recording music again after your 5-year-old son, Noah, was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2016, days after our last conversation. But I’ve heard you say he’s holding up and is in remission. Was creating this album more cathartic than past albums?

I don’t think I ever fell out of love with making music or being a creative person; I just think I knew it had to be put aside. The part of being a public person, that part I didn’t know if I was ready for. There are always reminders

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No, it’s not. When I do something, I know that there’s a great reason for it. We can make more money and we can make more music and we can make more this and more that, but it’s time – you can’t make time. I wanna make sure I’m spending time doing what I love and that it’s all worthwhile.

You talked about being an LGBTQ ally in our last interview. Why did you decide to express your compassion and advocacy for the LGBTQ community at that moment in your career?

I don’t know if it was about that moment. I think I had an opportunity to speak with you, and I felt like it was a really good chance to say how I felt. Now more than ever I think it’s important for me to just be honest, and it’s what I believe. It’s part of who I fundamentally am, how I was raised. And it’s about equality. It’s simple. That’s it.

I wish it were so simple. When we last spoke, Trump hadn’t been elected, and a lot has changed in the last couple of years politically. How are you feeling about the way this administration has treated the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups?

I don’t… (pause)... it sounds crazy, but after what I’ve been through, I really promised myself that I would try not to get into – and when I say “get into,” I just didn’t want to be a part of negative things. So I stopped reading things. I stopped reading things about myself. I stopped reading things that made me feel badly.

I really, truly feel like more than ever in my life actions speak much louder than words do and how you treat people is – it’s funny, a friend heard me talking to my son.

My son was going to his first day of kindergarten and he saw me kneel down to my boy and I said to him, “Noah, I just want you to know that” – and it sounds like a cliché, but I said, “You treat people the way you want to be treated, kid.” I said, “If you’re kind to people and you’re good to people, life will always be OK for you.” And I got up and I walked away, and my friend said to me, “They may not remember what you did or what you said but they’ll remember how you made them feel.”

I can’t stop the politicians or stupid, uneducated people from thinking and saying and doing stupid things, but I can make a stand, I can talk to you, and when I’m with groups of friends or I’m in public places or when I’m with people who I think can use that sense of love and educa-

tion, I can open my mouth and tell them how I feel. And one at a time, you can change the world like that.

Listen, I’ve gone through too much not to feel this way. I just feel this way really strongly. I also think it’s important – it’s really easy for someone selling something, an artist, to say that they support or love the gay community; I just think it’s a different thing to say it than to do it.

When we spoke in 2016, you told me you had plans to get involved with the Harvey Milk High School in New York City, but then, of course, you had to tend to your family. Do you plan on picking up where you left off?

As a matter of fact, (my publicist) Liz (Rosenberg) and I have spoken many times and talked about the plan that we have. We have a plan (that involves) The Hetrick-Martin Institute (a NYC-based professional provider of social support and programming for LGBTQ youth and host agency for the Harvey Milk High School).

To start, I just wanted to go. I wanted to go and just let people know they had my support. Young kids who have been bullied and haven’t felt comfortable have a place to go, which is just disturbing in the first place, that in 2018 they didn’t. There wasn’t an environment where they felt they could be who they are. Listen, I can’t get into the details. I can’t.

You can’t get into details about the project?

Not those details, but within my family there are things that I can’t really speak to that have made this even more pressing for me. It’s because it’s not my story to tell.

But I’ll just say that within my family these are the same issues that every family has. I wouldn’t and I couldn’t talk about something so personal. Definitely, I just know there needs to be advocates. Being a public person is having a responsibility sometimes to show that kind of love and that kind of support and to step out there and to do that. It’s not an edgy fucking thing to do. It’s not.

Again, clichés, but I just tell both of my boys now that they’re old enough to understand: “You know, boys, the things that make you different are what makes you special.” What’s amazing to me about that school and wanting so badly to go to that school is, I just feel so strongly that the difference between a child and an adult is only life experience. An adult’s life experience is, “It’s gonna get better. This isn’t how it has to be, and this isn’t how it’s going to be.” So for me, it’s really massive to be able to meet kids and to say publicly – really: “It’s not going always going to be like this.”

In light of the holidays, you do realize your gay fans would’ve gone wild for a version of “Santa Baby” by you that was actually called “Santa Baby,” right?

(Laughs) Yeah, exactly. Instead of “Santa Buddy.” I think I used “Santa Baby” in one of the lines.

You did.

I should’ve gone full.

I mean, a straight man can shop at Tiffany’s.

(Laughs) Yeah, no, you’re right. It’s funny: When I did that song, I tried to put it into my perspective and modernize it. I changed words; I asked for a Rolex or Mercedes or things I would want. The best part about it is: I get to sing those kinds of songs now in my life, and if I do concerts and I wanna add a Christmas song, then you know what? I can amend it and I can sing “Santa Baby.”

A straight guy singing “Santa Baby” is the progress we need.

Fuck yeah. You’re right, you’re absolutely right. It was sexist of me not to.

I’m looking forward to your live rendition of it.

I’ll do it for you. That’s a promise. I promise I’ll do it for you even if it’s not fucking Christmas.

For some public figures it seems so.

Even if it’s the middle of summer?

Why? Because what – half of the audience doesn’t buy your records anymore? Well, that’s fucking stupid, isn’t it? Then you gotta ask yourself if you want half of those people buying your records in the first place, and what’s really important to you. Because if you’re gonna tell people that you know what’s important or that you’ve had an epiphany in your life that you know what matters then, again, actions speak louder than words, don’t they?

You think I’m kidding, but you shout it out and I promise you I’ll get it done. Madison Square Garden, fucking done.

Knowing what Noah has gone through, has the feeling of loving your kids no matter who they are, which we discussed in 2016, intensified in the last couple of years?

No, it was always the same. I could tell you the truth: I never had to find that perspective, I always felt that way.

And I think I’m very lucky because I really do think that came from the way I was parented. I really do think I was very lucky to be raised in a family that was so open and liberal and loving. I just think they were always so unconditionally loving – not just toward us children, but toward our family.

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

peachATL.com | 21

TRIVIA AT WOOFS PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

22 | 12.05.18

peachATL.com | 23

SEEN AT ATLANTA EAGLE PHOTOS: RenZo

24 | 12.05.18

The Heretic

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE

December 8th • 10 PM - 3 AM

ALL STRIPES AT THE GEORGIA BEER GARDEN Photos: Andrea Dwyer

26 | 12.05.18

visit www. fuegoproductionsatl.com for more information

FROM NYC via PUERTO RICO

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

Phoenix BY

HERETIC ATLANTA

2069 CHESHIRE BRIDGE ROAD NE

DEcember 14th · 10pm - 3Am

a portion of the proceeds goes to toy party 2018

visit www. fuegoproductionsatl.com for more information

FROM MIAMI via PUERTO RICO

@ BJ ROOSTERS 2043 Cheshire bridge road

DECEMBER 15th · 3AM - 7AM a portion of the proceeds goes to toy party 2018

Sherrod is originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, and has been living in Atlanta for five years. He currently works as an HIV Prevention & Health Educator, and when he is not protecting the health of Atlanta’s surrounding communities he enjoys traveling, hiking, tennis, fitness, and wine tasting with friends. As you can see from his stunning photos, he is passionate about his modeling career, and he has also started his own photography business. Please be sure to stop by his IG @SherrodBLOVE to say hi, and check out his amazing work @SherrodBoldenPhotog.

@SherrodBLOVE

30 | 12.05.18

You’re so

GIFTED!

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt You can create detailed lists or give subtle hints at what you want forChristmas. Let Peach help you break it down for you, so you get some really nice gifts - and some naughty ones too.

Photos: PR

A new generation to better integrate the watch even more with your life!

Apple Watch Series 4 starts at $399

Quilted bomber jackets and plaid are right on trend this season.

Todd Snyder Champion Quilted Bomber Red Buffalo Check, $298

The sophisticated garment translated into a sexy and sophisticated fragrance.

Wear it around your waist or cross body for your most prized belongings.

The high-top sneaker is designed for an active lifestyle and extreme comfort.

Eastpak Doggy Bag Camo, $30

Suavs Men’s The Legacy Sneaker, $110

Yves Saint Laurent Exclusive Le Vestiaire Des Parfums Tuxedo Eau de Parfum, $175

A simple but efficient daily moisturizer that replenishes water and balances the skin.

Panacea The Aegis Daily Facial Moisturizer, $36

Windproof and touch panel compatible to keep your hands warm.

Uniqlo Men Heattech-Lined Function Gloves, $20 32 | 12.05.18

Artisanally scented ‘VHS cleaner’ – you know the drill – and this one is sweet like honey…

Double Scorpio Honey, $25

Three graduated sizes for the perfect fit – for both of you?

Tom of Finland 3-Piece Cockring Set, $22

The stocking stuffer that slides right in!

Have him slip into a sexy union suit so that you can take it off him again!

The jock strap is part of the Wood Collection by Charlie – it’s easy to see why.

Nasty Pig Union Suit, $119

Charlie by mz Wood Collection Jock Strap, $38

One Oasis Lubricant, $14

Beautiful, dark, and mysterious – a sexy and arousing scent!

Comme des Garcons Incense Avignon, $95

Tell him how you feel with a piece of jewelry – how about making him your Daddy?

Tom of Finland Bjarne Melgaard X Bjørg Daddy Necklace, $1,075 34 | 12.05.18

Membership Required.

Must be 21 to Enter.

Get the details on these and other great upcoming events on our website calendar.

We’re closer to Atlanta than you think!

1/2 price winter rates in Dec, Jan & Feb! Regular rates apply for extended New Year’s Weekend.

Friends & Family Weekend, Dec. 7 - 9 Volunteer Campground Cleanup, Dec. 15 - 16

You deserve Personalized Care & Individual Attention – that’s what we deliver at Family Health Care of Atlanta • Participating in many clinical trials • Certiied HIV Specialist, American Academy of HIV Medicine • 20+ years experience in Family & HIV Care SPECIALIZING IN DERMATOLOGY, STD’S, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, UROLOGY, PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

peachATL.com | 35

New look and feel, same great cause!

December 16th 2018 at

Opera

1150 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

● Photos with Santa ● Silent & Live Auctions ● Raffles & Games

● Catered hors d'oeuvres ● DJs & Live Shows ● Adult Beverages

VIP Tickets $250 (+Toy) General Admission Tickets $25 (+Toy) Purchase tickets in advance at forthekid.org and bring an unwrapped toy valued at $20+ forthekidatl

Dec 5 – Dec 12

Bad Santa Benefitting AV200

The 10th Annual Atlanta Santa Speedo Run

Have your picture taken in Santa’s lap! The annual Bad Santa fundraising event benefits the AIDS Vaccine 200 and offers photo ops with several Santas and Mrs. Claus too!

Get in the Holiday spirit by watching hundreds of Speedo-clad men dashing through the streets of Atlanta.

The 1-mile, non-competitive dash raises money for local charities. If you want to join the run, register at firstgiving.com.

Thursday, December 6, 7-11 pm Woofs on Piedmont STAFF PICK!

Saturday, December 8, 12-2 pm Hudson Grille Midtown

Party With Impact 2018 The event celebrates the accomplishments of Positive Impact Health Centers in Atlanta and looks towards the future of HIV services in Atlanta. Music, open bar, silent auction, body painting, delicious dinner by Endive, and so much more. Tickets at PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org.

December 9, 7-9 pm Summerour Studio

Brent Star’s Holiday Game Night

BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon:

Just in time for the Holiday, Brent Star returns for one To Jesus, Thanks For Everything! night only for a spectacular Holiday Game Night with The spankin’ new two-queen holiday extravaganza feaspecial guests Mona Lott and Tristan Hartman Panucci. turing BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon deals with Monday, December 10, 8 pm the stress of the holidays with a little song and lots of eggnog!

Cowtippers Steaks & Spirits

Wednesday, December 12, 8 pm Center Stage – The Loft

38 | 12.05.18

BIRDCAGE BINGO FOR RAINBOW HOUSE AT THE HIDEAWAY PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

40 | 12.05.18

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6 12th St. NE

18

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

2

10th St. NE

10

. NE

19

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charles Allen Dr. NE

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

4th St. NE

8

13

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

5

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

9 10 11 12

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

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

42 | 12.05.18

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

When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com

Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

e

ge

Rd

on tC ir .

Piedmont Park BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd

32 33 34 35 36

Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

805 Lambert Dr. NE, Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 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

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

NE

.

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

e. nt mo ed

39 38

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

41

Pi

28 20

Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

Av

ge Rd Brid hire

r.

E

Ches

.N

.

25

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

35

24

id Br

Dr

Rd

BARS 20 21 22 23

40

32

oe

hir

36

nr

dm

es

ll D

31 er

Mo

Pi e

29

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 | 43

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

MARY’S

MIDTOWN

amsterdamatlanta.com

1287 Glenwood Ave SE

AMSTERDAM

502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

ATLANTA EAGLE

marysatlanta.com

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

sisterlouisaschurch.com

CHESHIRE

SWINGING RICHARDS

BARKING LEATHER

1400 Northside Dr NW

805 Lambert Dr NE

BULLDOGS

Dining

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

MIDTOWN

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

10thandpiedmont.com

atlantaeagle.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK

blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

893 Peachtree St NE

friendsonponce-atl.com

466 Edgewood Ave SE

swingingrichards.com

10TH & PIEDMONT

MODEL T

991 Piedmont Ave NE

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

einsteinsatlanta.com

modeltatlanta.com

EINSTEIN’S

MY SISTER’S ROOM

1077 Juniper St NE

66 12th St NE

frogsmidtown.com

mysistersroom.com

TEN ATLANTA

tenatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO

ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

GCB & PLEASURES

brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

FROGS CANTINA

Fitness

931 Monroe Dr

MIDTOWN

G’S

gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE

HERETIC

HENRY’S

2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

132 10th St NE

BJ ROOSTERS

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

hereticatlanta.com

barkingleather.com

henrysatl.com

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com

500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com

bjroosters.com

joesonjuniper.com

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

1049 Juniper St NE

OPUS 1

LA HACIENDA

Spas/Baths/Adult

900 Monroe Dr NE

MIDTOWN

1931 Piedmont Circle N

CHESHIRE

FLEX SPA

WOOFS

LAS MARGARITAS

76 4th St NW

2425 Piedmont Road NE

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

CHESHIRE

ANSLEY

ROXX

MANIFEST 4U

MIDTOWN MOON

1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

ANSLEY

FELIX’S

COWTIPPERS

1086 Alco St NE

TRIPPS

woofsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

lahaciendamidtown.com

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

cowtippersatlanta.com

THE HIDEAWAY

1600 Piedmont Ave NE

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

MIXX

LIPS ATLANTA

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

3011 Buford Hwy NE

mixxatlanta.com

OSCAR’S

oscarsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

44 | 12.05.18

atldragshow.com

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

flexspas.com

manifest4u.org

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

THE DEN

thedenatlanta.com

2135 Liddell Drive NE

Georgia Body Works.com Mobile Fitness and Massage “I come to you, so let’s get started!”

678-557-1780

Personal Training • Massage • Entertainment georgiabodyworks.com

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peachATL.com | 45

10 ALTERNATIVES TO HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING SOMETIMES GIFTING IS PRICELESS!

Share an experience – plan an outing together Do an abundance swap – Give away an item you really don’t need For couples: put the money for presents towards a trip together

Send a care package to a soldier Deliver treats to people who have to work during the Holidays

Donate your time to a charity

Do a DIY gift swap

Adopt a family in need

Make a custom coupon book (perhaps a sexy one?)

46 | 12.05.18

Spend time with the elderly or those who don’t have a family

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:

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peachATL.com | 47

Text your Peach Pits to 540-30-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com

Him: URGENT! Are you there?!

Me: Yes, what’s going on? Are you alright?

(single for 20 years, bitter, hostile to men, afraid of commitment): Yeah, sure!

Him: How much money do we have to buy antique tree ornaments?

Can I ask you for some relationship advice?

Me: Absolutely not – no money for that

It is so hard to pick the right snacks for when you find a show that has 8 seasons with 20 episodes each!

Him: Is that more or less than $345.65?

If your conversation with your hook-up is getting shorter, it is because it is getting longer with someone else.

I don’t want a lot for Christmas – other than not hearing that damn Mariah Carey song everywhere!

Don’t you just love it when you go out for coffee with your friends and it turns into breakfast margaritas?

Asking for a friend: Anyone know of a good job for someone who hates people?

48 | 12.05.18

If you can’t think of anything nice to say about people at the Christmas party, come sit by me, and we can make fun of people together.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20) Vow to be a solid contributor at home today.

Your partner may have been hinting that you’re slacking off on chore duty, so prove him wrong. Give all your tasks your complete focus today – those kooky celebrities on Dlisted will be there tomorrow.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20) You want to spend the day doing nothing under the sun, but it may be better to balance it with a bit of errand duty in the morning. Take care of some chores that you have been putting off a little too long and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the hammock.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) Do something for Mother Earth today. By planting an apple tree you can kill two birds with one stone. Think of the delicious pies you can make with the bounty of apples from your very own tree. Of course, you may have to wait fifteen years for that, but at least you’re on your way.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19) Don’t lose yourself in social networking where people might expect you to be something you’re not. Playing eager to please may be just what they want, and the next thing you’re wearing marionette strings. Be your own guy today and go your own way. You’re your own best company today.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) Your ambition to be a world famous anything may be tempered by a minimum of talent. But do what you can today to get better. Take a few classes and learn some new tricks. When you return you may not yet be a household name, but at least you’re working on it.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22) Throwing temper tantrums will be no way to get what you want today. In fact, friends who are used to your outbursts will only turn away and laugh. You may have to tone down the Joan Crawford act today, since they’ve seen that movie too many times to take you seriously.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22) Today may be fraught with relationship problems, so you’ll have to come up with good solutions. This will put a taxing toll on you as you’re forced to take control. You’ll be careful of hurting his ego as you manage this crisis, but it could be unavoidable.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22) When you offer your opinion you do so with the blunt intensity of a jackhammer. This often leaves people bruised and bloodied. Replace your big tool with a wet noodle today.

That should be a familiar position for you and it won’t hurt as much when you start lashing at them.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

You’ll rapidly lose what little focus you start with today. Pray it’s a slow day because you won’t be able to deal with any details or problems. Slack about and then hit up with your pals later for some fun. Just don’t tax yourself, please.

Couples living together should think twice before working together as well. A little space is needed in any relationship, and sometimes too much togetherness is way too much. Keep your relationship exciting and vital by seeing as little of each other as possible today.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Shine a light in your community by fighting for gay rights today. Educate your friends on the magnitude of the issue, and get them to join in too. It’s grass roots efforts like this that get people aware, so use your powers of persuasion by talking to whoever will listen.

Let your partner redecorate today, but keep the kitchen off limits. Some places don’t need a makeover, especially a familiar old friend like your trusty kitchen. As least you’ll know your way around there, something you might not be able to say about your house once your partner is through.

50 | 12.05.18

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 am being left alone on Christmas – again. My boyfriend is going home to spend the Holidays with his family for the third year in a row, and I have yet to be invited to meet his parents and family. They know I exist but have no interest in meeting me, and my boyfriend has made no effort even to introduce me. And that really hurts my feelings. His parents are in their 80s and have a lot of health problems, so he’s afraid that it would upset them too much if I were to be brought home with him. For the past three years, my Christmas has been incredibly lonely. I don’t have a lot of family, and practically no contact with them, and all my friends are busy with their families. I don’t know how to talk to my boyfriend about this because I’m scared that we’ll end up in a situation where I force him to choose them or me – but the situation has me feeling hurt and angry! Am I terribly mean for feeling this way?

Sincerely Holidazed and Confused Dear Holidazed and Confused It is painful to be treated as ‘less than,’ so no, you are not mean for feeling this way! But introducing a consequential dynamic into the relationship – them or me! – is almost never a good move. Instead, start by engaging in conversations where you discuss you opposite points of view – be empathetic and remind each other that you come from a place of love, so you better get to understand each other’s position. Maybe you’ll learn to view his leaving you on Christmas as devotion and not a fear of parental rejection. Maybe he will understand just how rejected and lonely you feel and will try to make an effort to pry open the minds of his parents. Perhaps you work out some agreement, so you have an early or late Christmas celebration together. If nothing is set to change, you may also consider building closer relationships with your friends, or maybe making new friends, so you are a little better off not relying on just one person for companionship. Celebrating Christmas with friends will make you not feel as abandoned by your boyfriend. It is clear that no 52 | 12.05.18

matter what, Christmas is not going to be exactly what you imagined – the question is if you are both willing to reach a compromise.

When I was going through our closet to put together a clothing donation for a charity, I found a box full of BDSM toys. My partner and I have been together for seven years, and I always thought we had a great, although vanilla, sex life. With this box, I feel like I don’t know my partner at all. If he is into that stuff, we are on totally different levels. Furthermore, what does this mean to the sex we’re having? Is he using these toys with someone else? I don’t know how to start this conversation with him. I’m afraid of what he might say. Help, please!

Sincerely Vanilla Thrilla Dear Vanilla Thrilla First of all, think of this box of BDSM toys more as a conversation starter than a threat. You may feel that your partner is hiding something from you, but so are you for not bringing it up with him. In a way, you are both keeping this at arm’s length, which is keeping everything perfectly vanilla so far. It is scary to acknowledge bigger issues in a relationship but facing them also allows for a deeper and more genuine connection. You need to tell him what you found, or you’ll be putting a bigger wedge between you. This is also a perfect opportunity for you to talk about your sex life. Have you been satisfied with the sex? Has he ever expressed an interest in BDSM with you? Did he ever plan to tell you about his interest in BDSM? Why do you have such negative views of BDSM? Opening up about these things will bring you closer together and also teach you both a valuable lesson about keeping secrets in a relationship.

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