Peach Magazine V4-25 - Bob the Drag Queen

BOB DRAG QUEEN THE

Pride Purse First

The Drag Icon On Pride In the COVID-19 Era

Let Me Help You Help Me

Race Relations Best Practices

Alissah Shares Her ‘Daddy’ Fantasy

The Latin Trans Artist Releases New Track

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Contents JULY 1, 2020

V4-25

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EDITORIAL

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Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Brian Sawyer

From the Editor

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It’s hard to believe, but it is July, summer is here, and we’re about to celebrate July Fourth.

Now, with everything going on at the moment – an ongoing, global pandemic that is regaining momentum, civic protests in the name of Black Lives Matter, an uncertain job market, and an even more uncertain economy just to name a few – you may feel a little differently about Independence Day this year.

And it’s okay to feel a little less patriotic. It’s okay if all the red, white, and blue nationalism is giving you the Red White Blues. Luckily, there are many ways to celebrate the Fourth (see our list on page 36) that speaks more to the many ways you still love this country, and the way things should be. I don’t know about you, but I feel like our joint activism and outcry for change and reform is starting to gain effect – and that’s an America worth celebrating.

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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.

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Queer Dating Apps Come Together for Fighting Online Stigma in NiceAF Campaign By Potent PR During this moment in time where racial discrimination and biases are exposed and voiced, a selection of the most popular dating have come together to fight bigotry and stigma on their online forums.

In the first ever cross-site collaboration of this kind, Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) and dating platforms for gay and bisexual men (Adam4Adam, Bro App, Daddyhunt, Grindr, POZ Personals, SCRUFF and Jack’d) have teamed up to make their online communities nicer and kinder for everyone with the newly launched NiceAF.org campaign.

“Racism and other kinds of bigotry and stigma have no place in our society, whether it’s on the streets or online,” said Jen Hecht, director of BHOC, a partnership of dating apps and HIV/STD prevention organizations working together to support gay, bi and trans men’s health.

“Many minority men find themselves either objectified and stereotyped with phrases such as ‘white guys only - just a preference’. Where’s the community? Where’s the respect?

53% of our users are non-white,” said Adam4Adam’s David Lesage.

“Adam4Adam is for everybody.”

“It’s more important than ever that we come together as one community to address these issues of abuse and discrimination online, and we are proud to stand alongside other leaders in this coalition,” said Grindr’s Global Health Projects Manager, Emmett Patterson. “We want to encourage a thoughtful dialogue in the queer community around how we can be more respectful and inclusive, both online and in-person.”

The team behind NiceAF.org has compiled a number of videos featuring men telling stories of how they keep the online experience NiceAF. Since June 3rd, the collaborating apps will invite their users to vote for the video that does the best job of embodying NiceAF’s mission of promoting nicer, kinder interactions between users.

On social media, in news websites, and in nearly every comments section on the internet, people often say things they would never say to each other in person. The anonymity, and the fact that they may never meet, makes it easy for people

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to leave their real-world manners behind once they go online.

The problem is the insults can often have profound, lasting effects. This kind of behavior is too common in dating sites, when people are often at their most vulnerable. Among gay men, these same dynamics can have an even stronger impact. John Pachankis, a Yale psychiatrist who has done extensive research on gay men’s mental health, says “The data are clear. When gay men experience stigma coming from other members of their own community, it can have even worse effects than when it comes from the outside.”

Seeing messages like “no fats, no femmes, no Blacks or Asians, white guys only,” when you open a dating app can turn what should be a playful, hopeful experience into a stressful one. “It takes a toll on your health,” says Hecht. “We’re excited to bring the apps together to help their users find the partners they want, while encouraging them to treat everyone respectfully, whether or not they’re a match.”

“POZ has long fought HIV stigma in all its forms and is thrilled to be a partner with NiceAF.org with the shared goal to make the online dating world a more welcoming place for everyone,” says Ian Anderson, president of Smart + Strong, the parent of POZ Personals.

Adam4Adam, Daddyhunt, Grindr, POZ Personals, and SCRUFF/Jack’d all joined BHOC and will each put out messages encouraging their users to go to the NiceAF.org site and vote for the video that does the best job of embodying NiceAF’s mission.

Carl Sandler, CEO of Daddyhunt, says, “When we launched Daddyhunt in 2005, we implemented the ‘Daddyhunt Code.’ One of the code’s principles is that members treat members with mutual respect. We’re participating in NiceAF because we believe that shaming people for their HIV status, use of PrEP, age or race is not something we want to see happening on Daddyhunt nor in the gay community at large.”

“The queer community has overcome many challenges throughout history,” said Hecht. “We’re confident we can address this challenge as well.”

Learn more by visiting NiceAF.org.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER

THE STARS ALiGN BETWEEN TWO PALMS

By Kevin Assam Photo: Anca Gabriela Zosin, Jorge Loria Villaneuva

The Studios of Key West Board President Stephen Kitsakos is a theatre writer and librettist with 40 years in the performing arts. He was a contributing writer for The Sondheim Review and developed LGBTQ courses at SUNY New Paltz as a member of the Theatre Arts faculty for 15 years. Kitsakos recently helped debut Between Two Palms, an ongoing web series of intimate conversations with art and theater luminaries including Kate Burton, Tonya Pinkins, Reed Birney and Constance Shulman. Tickets are available through TSKW.org.

those who are cultural historians, visual artists, and even those from the culinary arts. It doesn’t matter where they are—tundra or tropic—time zone or geographic location. Our webinar platforms allow access to all. The Studios is the tropical destination and we have the palm trees to prove it!

How intimate will each session be? Will participants be able to discuss relevant topics with featured speakers?

Does the name Between Two Palms imply that we Each conversation invites a limited number of can rule out guests from tundra and less tropical audience members through our streaming portal. destinations?

While most of the conversation is between the artist and one of our Studios Artistic Associates, Those participating in the conversations [fall] we allow time for audience members to propose a between someone from the arts and culture world question when they register for the event. If it is and a person who is part of The Studios family. selected, they are invited into the conversation.

We initially focused on participants from stage, television, and film. The arts include a wide and divergent population that employs the creative spirit. We will be including writers, especially

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Tell me about the hosts for this series.

I think my conversation with Italian filmmaker and screenwriter Marco Calvani after we screened Our conversations are grouped together and his short film, The View from Up Here, starring hosted by members of The Studios family. The Melissa Leo and Leila Bekhti. The film’s themes first is theater director, Murphy Davis, one of of islamophobia and ethnocentrism resonated our Artistic Associates. Our next host is Jeffrey because of my work as an opera librettist on Johnson, who currently serves as Board Chair of an adaptation of a novel by Afghan-American, the Williamstown Theater Festival, one of the Khaled Hosseini. Calvani was one of [The Studios] most prestigious regional theaters in the U.S. We Artists in Residence. He is scheduled to teach a are just finishing organizing the second group of number of distance classes on screenwriting and conversations and will start working on the next filmmaking for us this summer. group shortly.

What was the funniest talk you’ve ever participated How was the lineup curated and were there clear in Key West? choices to reflect the changing commercial and creative landscapes as a result of the pandemic? If you mean a non-interview in Key West then it must have been the night I was sitting at the bar We reached out to people we knew would be at a fairly upscale restaurant having dinner. A man great conversationalists. Each has a connection and his brother sat next to me and chatted me up. to what is happening in the world today as it He started talking about his wife and the women impacts their ability to practice their craft. Of in his life and then insisted on showing me photos course, all the conversations have not happened on his phone of women’s genitalia. I said, firmly yet, but, for instance, Kate Burton, the acclaimed but pleasantly, it was unnecessary for him to theater, TV and film actress is also a Professor of share these with me. When I got up to leave he Dramatic Arts at USC. She talked about teaching stood up, pulled me towards him and planted a her acting students via distance learning and the huge kiss straight on my lips saying, “You’re the challenges of that. Tonya Pinkins, who featured best looking thing I have seen in a long time.” [last] Wednesday, has been a social justice Now, that’s funny. advocate for many years. She is an important voice in the Broadway for Black Lives Matter and Interview has been edited and condensed the Broadway Advocacy Coalition.

For more information visit TSKW.org Will these types of remote sessions ‘spoil’ us in that we become accustomed to ‘distance’ learning and entertainment and may not want to return to events of the pre-pandemic lifestyle?

A firm ‘no.’ It might cause rethinking and offer alternatives to creative endeavors. But it can never replace live performance. Theater art is ephemeral. It only exists as a live moment and interaction between spectator and performer. By definition, there is no stand-in for that.

Is that ‘good?’ Do we need to commit to virtual entertainment and learning for quite some time?

Yes, I think it is good. But not for the reason of enduring a pandemic. Virtual entertainment and distance learning offers The Studios a way to connect with those who don’t live here. Part of our mission is to empower artists to show us the world in new ways and use the arts to build friendships.

What was the greatest talk or “fire side chat” you ever participated in Key West?

PRiDE iS

THE PEOPLE

By Eve Kucharski Photos: Jacob Ritts

Maintaining a packed schedule can be tricky for drag queens at the best of times, but for Bob the Drag Queen, even a global pandemic can’t keep her down. Despite heading into a Pride season filled with nearly across-the-board event cancellations and postponements due to the novel coronavirus, the season eight winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race is regularly making appearances across the virtual stage everywhere. Fans can catch Bob in the HBO series “We’re Here,” a brand-new comedy special Bob the Drag Queen: Live at Caroline’s, MTV’s Drag My Dad, on her Sibling Rivalry podcast with fellow Drag Race winner Monét X Change and across YouTube.

But as much as this June showcases Bob’s wide range as a performer, she’s also using some of her platforms as an opportunity to make note of, and show support to, the nationwide police brutality protests. In the midst of a packeddespite-the-odds schedule, we caught up with Bob to get a feel for drag in the age of COVID-19, the importance of increased visibility for black queer performers and the deep personal connections people create through drag.

What does it feel like to be a drag queen going into a summer that celebrates Pride virtually this year?

Well, I mean, I’m not saddened by it. I think that it is going to be different. I also think that Pride is going to be different not only because of COVID-19 but because of the Black Lives Matter Movement, and I’m excited that the world is going to be focusing on black queer stories.

A lot of Prides are certainly taking a similar approach. New York City Pride is using its platform to protest police brutality, and there’s a lot of talk about how the first Pride was a riot and really going back to Stonewall’s beginnings. Do you think, given the roots of drag and gay culture stemming from people like Marsha P. Johnson, that it’s the responsibility of fans and performers of drag to really educate themselves on the culture?

I mean, I think it would give you a more fruitful experience in terms of celebrating Pride. Of course, it’s not my job to tell anyone what their job is. But I think if you want to have a fruitful experience with Pride, a fully well-rounded experience to know what it is you’re celebrating, then yeah, you’re gonna wanna do your research, which, by the way, is not even hard. Like, it’s not like this is 1999 where you have to go down to the library or get an Encyclopedia Britannica or something. There’s tons of documentaries and movies, articles (and) entire Instagram accounts dedicated to this stuff.

I was looking at your YouTube channel and you’ve had conversations with fellow Drag Race performer Peppermint about racism in the drag community.

How do you confront conversations about race in drag, whether it be face-to-face or online?

Well, every once in a while, I will have to confront things face-to-face if I experience a microaggression or an “aggression” aggression against myself or my tribe. And online it happens a lot. People feel bold online to say potentially whatever they want to say because they don’t actually have to see your face.

And if I think there’s a moment for growth, then I’ll address it. And if not, then, especially if it’s online, I’ll just let it fly over my head because, you know, some people online are just trolling. You know, looking to elicit a response.

other theater department people leave and I’m going to have no one.” And what I’m realizing now is that there almost certainly was a community in probably all of those towns – they’re maybe small, they probably were reflective of the population, and maybe I would have not have felt so compelled to leave. I didn’t Now more than ever it seems that performers have to be necessarily leave the South with a great case of, “I’m aware of what’s socially and politically going on. Does out for the South,” you know? being “on” all the time in that way get exhausting?

I felt exhausted kind of as a person in general and I You’ve said that HBO really respected the craft when haven’t done drag in over they approached you. a week, and I just didn’t Yes. feel up to it. I canceled a couple of things, quite Do you think that frankly, because I just sometimes drag is not thought of as high of felt so affected. But an art form as it could then again, I would also be? say as a black queer Well, I think it artist I do think that it depends on who is important for me to you’re talking to. I share my success stories mean, in my circles and let people know that it’s regarded as an there are – you know, extremely high art I know how much it form (laughs), but I’m means for me to see sure there’s someone those things from black out there who doesn’t queer artists. So I’m see the value in it. definitely picking myself But, I mean, in my up by the wig straps and experience my craft getting back in there has been respected. because I think it’s And when I say important for people out respected, I mean, there to see a successful like, sometimes you’re black queer artist, quite frankly. doing a TV show or movie and they want you to do drag and Moving onto your HBO show We’re Here,, what you’re like, “OK, but this is all the things was your reaction when that go with being you heard the pitch that in drag.” Like, if we you’re going to go to tell you that we need small-town America and do drag? to do drag at a really elevated level, a lot of Well, at first I was people don’t realize nervous that it was going that it’s really not just to be a show where I going to your local go from town to town Halloween costume and just go and put a store and buying a bunch of straight people couple of costumes. It into drag, and that I is a lot of work to craft didn’t want to do. But a really beautiful drag when I found out that queen from custom wasn’t the pitch, I was garments to custom really excited. There’s hair – everything that no shade or nothing goes into it. And HBO against any show that does do that – Drag My really, really rose to Dad is a show where the occasion. we put straight people In many of your in drag – but I just felt projects, it seems like I would like to have like you’re connecting a different impact on a with people when you different show. And I’m so proud of their show; put them in drag.

I’m so happy with the What do you think is way it turned out and the so disarming about fact that we’re telling that process? diverse stories. That I’m probably the most proud of. Well, I think it’s disarming because someone is completely out of their element. They have to trust you You’re from the South originally. Did doing the show because they don’t know what they’re doing at all. So actually make you confront some of your issues with they’re in your hands, like, “I have to trust you because small-town America or go face-to-face with that?

I’m so clueless.” And I not only want to take advantage I moved all around the South a lot as a kid, and I of that trust but utilize it to the best of my ability. did have this feeling of, “I have no community here,” especially once I was out of college. Once I got out Was there a drag moment in one of the projects of college I was like, “Once I’m out of college all the that you’ve done where there was a connection that

occurred that caught you off guard?

Well, I really loved the conversation that I had with Nate, Darren and Lady Shug in Shiprock, New Mexico. That was really beautiful, to hear them talk about what it means to be indigenous and the intersectionality between being queer and indigenous. That’s probably one of my favorite moments, and I also really loved the moment that I had with Tanner in Branson, where I basically told them my story with, you know, Christianity and homosexuality and helping come to a conclusion on that.

Do you think COVID-19 will impact the way people do drag not only in the near future but permanently?

As I was navigating the land of the internet and drag shows in quarantine, I realized how many folks were saying, “I’ve never gotten a chance to see you before because I can’t leave the house for a list of reasons.”

Some people have anxiety, some people are disabled, some people just don’t have enough money, some people live in an area where they don’t have access, some people are in the closet. And they finally got to see some of their favorite drag queens perform, and I was like, “Maybe I should continue with this.” I would like to be able to keep this going for people who, you know – I mean, maybe not as much as I’m doing now during lockdown – but maybe I can continue these kind of performances for people who can’t get out of the house.

Do you have a message for people who might be feeling especially vulnerable during this Pride season?

Just think about it like this – this is something I’m pulling from the church, and I’m not religious, but I did go to church for quite some while: Church isn’t the building, it’s the people. And Pride isn’t the parade. Pride isn’t the parties.

It’s the people. It’s what we bring to Pride. So, you can still have Pride without having to be surrounded by thousands of people. Pride is a feeling you have deep inside yourself.

That’s why we call it Pride.

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ALiSSAH’S DADDY FANTASY

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Atlanta-based, trans recording artist, Alissah, is already well-known in the community as a member of the legendary House Of Brooks. Peach spoke to the talented performer about her role in celebrating Pride globally, her artistic background, and her new tongue in cheek track, ‘Daddy.’

First off, give us a quick introduction of yourself. Who is the talented Alissah?

I’m a Latin Trans recording artist based out of Atlanta. I first moved to Atlanta in 2010 after living in Panama City Beach for eight years. I relocated to Atlanta because of the oil spill in the gulf at the time. I was already established with the legendary House Of Brooks, so getting into this already hard to conquer scene was a breeze, and also being talented kinda helped. Since 2010 I’ve made drag performing my full-time job. Just in these last ten years, I’ve managed to keep a consistent presence in the LGBTQ+ community. My intentions were always to entertain first and educate second. Being a Latin trans woman, I feel it’s important to keep my presence visible, and my voice heard in the American scene. I’m one of the few Latin trans women, who have kept a consistent presence, and I’m humbled by that.

In these times of a pandemic, you are releasing your new, hot track, ‘Daddy,’ and you participated major Global Pride event on June 27. First up, tell us about your involvement with the Global Pride virtual event.

The opportunity was presented to me by my best friend, Kat Graham (actress, recording artist).

Alessio Filippelli handled the magic to get me on.

It’s a huge opportunity because it’s a global event.

Pride has always been a huge part of my being, so to have a virtual pride and to be involved in the first is a major honor. During these hard times, we have to acknowledge all the queens who stepped up and took to their virtual pages to continue to entertain their community. These are the true reasons we can get through these times and still feel the presence of unity. During global Pride, I performed my new song, ‘Daddy,’ for the first time ever.

Now, let’s hear about ‘Daddy.’ What inspired you to do this Daddy fantasy universe?

The song was inspired by the iconic scene in one of my favorite childhood movies, “Kindergarten Cop.” “Who is your Daddy? And what does he do?” I was driving down 85 and just fell into a daydream of what my Daddy (if I had one of course) would be like. What kinds of things he would buy me or trips he would take me on. So that is what sparked the song. The hook is usually the first part of the song that comes to me.

“Daddy pays the bills, Daddy Daddy pays the rent.” I wanted this song to be fun but also a hyper fantasy.

Most trans women struggle with always being treated as a fantasy, fetish, or secret, so I wanted to have the song be an extension of trans women having the power in these scenarios. The song was produced by Ryan Snow of BSE and was co-written by Ashley Breathe and Nicole Wallace. Two amazing trans women whom I wanted to involve based on their strong views and positive energy.

What are some of the challenges you have experienced within the music scene?

I started my music career back in 2015 in the all-trans girl group, “The Secret Girls.” From that experience, I started to feel the pressures of the music scene.

Constantly being judged by my image, weight, sound, etc. It’s a vicious world. I’ve had to train myself not to look at comments or to let others’ opinions become my reality. Most people just don’t understand that it’s not an artists’ job to live up to what they expect.

We just create and are. And that’s the beautiful part about making music that you can escape into any world you want.

What are your thoughts on the BLM movement?

The BLM movement is the beginning of a new world.

Changing the world is never easy, but we, as human beings, have to acknowledge that no race is superior to the next because we live together and die alone.

No life matters until black lives do. Me being a Latin trans woman, I feel I’m last when it comes to equality, You are known for your explosive tracks and gag- and yet I find the time and courage to fight for BLM. worthy lyrics. Where you always musically talented? Because it’s the right thing to do.

I’ve always had the talent bug. Like most dramatic kids, I would put on plays and dance at home for As we conclude Pride Month, what is your message of my family. When I arrived in high school, I mainly Pride during this challenging time in America? gravitated towards the theatre, where I trained and This Pride is different, and we will always remember became heavily involved throughout my high school it. This unique virtual experience is a test to our Pride. career. I would always play with music producing We still get up every day and continue to have Pride, programs and would compose and have my sister sing not just for one month; this is an all-year-round thing. along. My passion has always been clear and present. During these times, especially is when we must be even more visible and vocal. We will all be heard, and we will continue to be prideful one movement at a time.

‘Daddy’ by Alissah is out now on all streaming platforms.

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David is a proud Middle Eastern man who was born in Dallas, Texas, but now lives in Atlanta. He works as a server at an upscale fine-dining establishment in the city, and he has been a member of the Hotlanta softball league since 2016. He loves going on long hikes, camping, and he is a great dancer too. He is also a great baker and likes coming up with original desserts. Another passionate hobby is to review movies and music on social media platforms, and a huge future goal for him is to become an entertainment review critic.

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LET ME HELP YOU HELP ME

By Jamie Kirk

To continue the much-needed awareness and positive momentum towards racial equality and to address police brutality that is causing so much unrest and chaos in our country over the past 45 days or so, I wanted to point out that there is still so much more work to do. I think it is awesome that the conversations are starting, and that local and state officials acknowledge something is severely wrong with how we enforce the law. For only a few times in our history has a unified front been put forth at such an International level. We haven’t come this far to turn around.

W

e have GOT to keep the dialogue open, fluid, honest, timely, and often. Instead of what usually happens, which is that an “unfortunate incident” occurs, there is a bit of media coverage, a few social media posts, maybe a segment on the evening news, and then radio silence. We forget to “say their names,” heck, because we can’t even remember their names or the circumstances of the “unfortunate incident.” At this point, we do not have an option to start-stop these critical and necessary conversations and acts of peaceful protesting. We don’t have the option to rely on others to carry the torch of equality and march for acceptance. Each and every one of us owns the responsibility. Not only for ourselves, but our kids, our grandkids, our friends, relatives, co-workers, and even neighbors.

middle-class friends, may not have the darkest complexion, may not be 6 ft tall and look, dare I say, intimidating; I still check African-American box on any application, any survey, census report, et cetera. My point is, that despite my past and the grace I have been given in not having been to jail, wrongly accused of a crime, racially profiled, been in the wrong place at the wrong time; I am still a black man that could at any given moment experience what we are all seeing in the news and hearing about day in and day out.

Because I am a black guy, I am also getting DM messages, text, and phone calls from my non-black and brown friends that sincerely ask:

“How can I help?”

“What can I do?”

Even though I grew up middle-class, went “I stand with you, but I want to do more!” to good schools, have a good job, have great “Help me help you get your voice heard!”

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And even though I am extremely grateful for my tribe, that is not Black, there are still some coachable moments that need to be shared with them. These little nuggets should be used as a framework to start the conversation and to gain understanding about how to best support someone you love that could be impacted any minute or hour of every day, in a way that is authentic and meaningful. Let’s call them Race Relations Best Practices.

Knowledge is Power Understanding what you are protesting for. “Is there a call to action?”, if yes, what is it. Where are the protests being held? Would you be in danger? What about the incident, don’t you feel was fair? You have to be fully educated on the issues that pertain to us, all of us, regardless of color. You have to feel the full level of pain so that you can have a thorough understanding.

Know the issue, do your research, and question what you see in the media outlets. Arm yourself with the facts.

Don’t confuse Rioting with Protesting Rioters Riot, Protesters Protest. Admittedly, that one frightful Friday night (mostly) in Atlanta was disheartening and disgusting.

The narrative changed from peaceful language to demeaning rhetoric in many cities around the country. Keep in mind that rioting is the language of the unheard. People are/were frustrated and felt no one was listening.

Hopefully, everyone understands that rioting is not productive, but yelling “something has to change,” and yet nothing is changing for over almost 50 years, there is likely going to be a collision of some sort. The chaos we are experiencing as a country is likened to the five stages of grief. And that final stage is Anger.

Sometimes those emotions don’t understand the downstream impacts of their actions.

Sometimes pain and hurt don’t know how to express themselves. Not defending, just explaining.

Understanding the Word Privilege Privilege has been confused with fairness. We all get defensive when someone says we are not playing fair. In many minds, the opposite of being fair is cheating. Having or not having privilege is relative to race, gender equality, sexual orientation, and age discrimination.

However, as it relates to race, it is a fact that Black people were held back for hundreds of years, and then in the late 1960s, it was determined “okay, Black people civil rights granted, you are good-to-go,” that is not a fair race. LBJ said, “you can’t shackle and chain someone for hundreds of years, liberate them to compete with everyone else, and still believe that you have been justly fair.” So think of it this way, white privilege is having a head start due to many many years of systematic

and systemic racism. It’s having a head start intrinsically built into your life. It’s not saying your life has not been hard, but it is saying is that your skin color hasn’t contributed to the difficulty in your life.

Understanding Why It Seems Black People Have a Chip On Their Shoulder That chip comes from daily having to overthink, the way you speak, the body language of your approach, what you have on, having the radio too loud, or maybe even standing around other black people in the break room. It’s the perception that you are doing something wrong or, at any given moment, “could” do something wrong. So the chip is about always being in a defensive mode of survival. Even in Corporate America, even though it is unspoken, Black people do feel that they have to come earlier, stay a little later, not speak up every time you disagree, and simply overlook some things that you honestly may not support or agree with.

You have to fit in. Otherwise, you “could” be considered a trouble-maker. This constant submissive approach is taxing. More often than not, you have to be aware of how the actions you portray could be taken out of context. Black people, in many cases, are unconsciously guilty until proven otherwise. If you pull someone over at a certain time at night, in a certain type of car, with perhaps tinted windows, you can’t convince me the potential arresting office is not thinking, “this is probably going to go sideways.” What people (e.g., Black people, trans people, brown people, gay people, et cetera) are fighting is the unconscious biases that each of these are a threat to society for just being who God made them.

Because so many people feel passionate about chipping in and helping remove social injustices and want to stand up for what is right, it is essential that you understand these Best Practices are only a few for Racial Equality.

However, for any area in your life that you see as wrong, or you see as wanting to make a difference, you will need to challenge yourself to ask yourself first, “Let me increase my level of understanding so that I can fully understand the level of pain.” The only way we can get to the other side of this horrific mess we are in is to work TOGETHER and allow education, exposure, compassion, and empathy to be our guide.

June 24 - July 01

Due to the ongoing pandemic, please keep yourself updated on the status of an event!

OUT Georgia Virtual BBL OUT Georgia Business Alliance is still offering their amazing virtual Business Builder Lunch series as a great way to network on a smaller, more intimate level through Zoom. Sign up at outgeorgia.org.

Wednesday, July 1: OUT Georgia Virtual BBL: Decatur Wednesday, July 2: OUT Georgia Virtual BBL: Perimeter

Changing the Game Wieving Party Georgia Equality and Out On Film present Michael Barnett’s dynamic documentary takes us into the lives of three high school athletes all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. Get your tickets at watch.eventive.org.

Thursday, July 1, 7 – 9 pm watch.eventive.org

Midtown Moon Drag Entertainment The entertainment returns to Midtown with all of your favorites, including Birdcage Bingo, Pussycat Karaoke, Madams of the Moonlight, Divas of the Moonlight, and Tossed Salad.

July 1 – 5 Midtown Moon

Tuesday Night Trivia with DeWayne The weekly trivia night has returned to the newly renovated Hideaway. Enjoy drink special and the chance to win a $50 bar tab.

Tuesday, July 7, 8:30 – 10:30 pm The Hideaway

Lips Grand Reopening Lips Atlanta will reopen so that they can bring you the best in drag dining again. The ladies of Lips can’t wait to get back on stage to entertain you – for reservations, call 404315-7711. Social distancing protocols will be in place.

Thursday, July 9, 7 – 11 pm Lips Atlanta

SATURDAY JULY 4TH DOORS OPEN 12:30pm $4 HOUSE COCKTAILS ALL DAY! ALL NIGHT!

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clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

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BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN AMSTERDAM amsterdamatlanta.com 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl. com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE TEN ATLANTA tenatlanta.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE SEQUEL 1086 Alco St NE TRIPPS 1931 Piedmont Circle N 34 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE JULY FOURTH A LiTTLE DiFFERENTLY With thousands of people giving voice to their anger and grief to the systemic racism generations of Black Americans have suffered, and with well over 100,000 deaths from the coronavirus, a lot of people feel differently about July Fourth this year. Patriotism just seems a little inappropriate, plus it is still not safe to gather in numbers without social distancing and masks – so here are some alternative ways you can celebrate Independence Day.

Protest

The fight to end systemic racism is not over, so join a protest, observe social distancing, and wear a mask

Contact your representatives

Exercise your First Amendment right and let lawmakers know how you would like change

Donate to a worthy cause

Many BLM organizations need your assistance right now

Read About the America YOU love

There are many stories that celebrate what America is about

Record YOUR story

America is made up of millions of voices. Record your particular story with NPR’s Story Corps

Register to VOTE

Or commit to register others to vote, so we all exercise our civic duty for change

Support Community Businesses

Buy from businesses owned and operated by communities who face systemic disadvantages in the US

Volunteer

Reach out to your local mosque, Black Lives Matter chapter, or LGBTQ center to help organize or celebrate this Fourth

Support Free Press

Subscribe to a local or national paper or news outlet for a year – you can re-evaluate next year

Celebrate Resilience

If you host a get-together, dedicate it to a marginalized community to set an intention of non-nationalism 36 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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The River’s Edge is open and invites you to come, relax and enjoy an escape in the country.

We practice social distancing and work to provide a safe environment.

RV Sites, Cabins, & Tent Sites Available!

Pool is Open!

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The Rivers Edge Campground, 23111 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose, GA 30634

Why is the trash full of t-shirt rags?

I’m getting ready for summer!

E-mail your Peach Pits to mikkel@PeachATL.com

Asking for a Friend Is “I don’t want to be there” a valid reason to cancel plans?

Bycutting cuttingoff offthe thesleeves sleeves By ofall allyour yourt-shirts? t-shirts? of Yes,I’m I’mmaking makingtank tanktops tops Yes, andcrop croptops. tops. and But it looks like it’s ALL of your t-shirts. Why?

You may be complaining about idiots not wearing a mask at the supermarket – but I see your photos from the weekend, so yeah, I’m lumping you all together at this point.

IT’S CALLED ROTATING YOUR CLOSET, OK?

This CAN’T be the same USA Miley was partying in

If I want your opinion, I’ll remove the tape, okay?

Daddy Joke Alert

Why can’t a leopard hide?

Because he is always spotted

Honey the steroid look isn’t working for you – arms should never be bigger than your thighs!

2019: “Keys? Wallet? Phone?”

2020: “Keys? Wallet? Phone?

Mask? Spread awareness about systemic racism? Hand sanitizer?!”

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SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) Annoying and meddlesome people will sorely test your sense of humor today. What started out as a lighthearted social media post is being dissected by Keyboard Karens, and they’ll eventually work your last nerve, bringing you to the brink of explosion. Chant your mantra to get through this trying day without a blowup, and then log off all social media, and stream endless episodes of ‘The Golden Girls’. Now that’s funny!

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19) During isolation, you have updated and upgraded just about all of your technology, so no one can accuse you of being a dinosaur. They can, however, rightfully accuse you of being a nerd. But you take that as a compliment, so wear your badge with pride today. Go out and show guys a nerd can be sexier - and a lot smarter - than one of those Insta swimwear models.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Suspend your usual frugal self and buy a gift for the person you love best today: Yourself. You have already saved a lot of money while being in corona isolation, and your first instinct is to spend it on others, so it is time to treat yourself.

You know you won’t get extravagant, but you deserve something special.

After feeling like everything has been monotonous for the past three months in lockdown, sudden changes may rock your world today. You’ll be blindsided by most of them, but keep on keeping on. No matter how harsh, changes are a part of life. Dealing with them in a mature and professional manner is the only way to get through them.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

Yes, the world deems to be spinning out of control these, and you’ll need supreme confidence in yourself to get through some tests today. They’ll seem daunting, but handle it well, and the success will open a lot of doors. That will be something you could really get used to, especially after having so many slammed in your face in the past.

Even though your social media feed is overflowing with ample opportunities to engage, mind your own business today and don’t involve yourself in drama and catfights.

Let the rest of them slug it out while you focus on your own life. The hammer will fall, but not on you, and you’ll come out of it smelling like a rose and first in line for good karma.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

Your carefully thought out plans to organize your entire house during this global pandemic will go quickly out the window today. This may cause some dizziness and disorientation, and repeated tries to bring things to an even keel will be futile today, as distractions and other pressing matters fill your hours. This sounds like a good time to curl up in the fetal position.

You’ll hope for a day that will be a scorching hot ball of fire that will jumpstart your new ‘post-lockdown fabulous Me’ project. What you’ll get will be the complete opposite, and it’ll be hard to keep your eyes open. Get in a vigorous workout to break the fog. Follow that with a few dairy-free lattes and you’ll be good to go for the rest of the day.

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

You may have to establish yourself as group leader today. Your surroundings won’t have a problem with that, as they don’t want the responsibility.

Rule with the wisdom of Solomon today. It’ll be far more effective than being bitchy and mean, although not as much fun.

Sometimes a guy needs to let go of unneeded attachments. Sometimes a guy carries around too much extra baggage. Sometimes a guy needs to know when to just let go. This could be you today. So took a hard look at your personal baggage, and just let go.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

Your significant other will create problems for you today. His demands will be outlandish and his mood foul, and that’s tough when you’re confined to the same house! It’s never easy being the whipping boy but grit your teeth and hang in there.

With so much going on right now, you’ll express your opinions in loud and forceful tones today.

People have come to expect that of you, but you still seem able to strike a few raw nerves.

So expect today to be scrappy, with people telling you to put up or shut up. That second choice would probably be smarter and a lot less painful.

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.

My boyfriend and I have been together for three years, and we have been quarantined together throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We are happy and communicate well, but since we have been confined together for so long, the sex between us has changed. Or rather, I have changed because I am increasingly repulsed by it. I think what we’re doing is kinda gross, and I think my boyfriend’s penis is unattractive. I have never felt this way about him before, and I am surprised that many of the things we used to do – oral, rimming, and sometimes even kissing – are now grossing me out. I have a hard time finishing with him or even getting turned on by him. When I masturbate on my own, I have no issues. What is going on? Are we just not sexually compatible anymore?

Sincerely Check My Repulse

Dear Check My Repulse We live in unprecedented times right now, and we all react differently to the stresses of living during a global pandemic not to forget the national movements to end racism that are happening now. I preface my response with this because when we are faced with conscious or subconscious high stress or anxiety, we can react counterproductively, so that what we associate with lust is now aligned with disgust.

Now, sexual arousal usually helps us override the ‘disgust mechanism’, so that for instance, oral, rimming, and even kissing is totally fine and sexy when aroused but loses its sexy once the arousal subsides. So if your sex drive is affected by stress or anxiety, you don’t have that override. What you can do is get aroused on your own, and then demand sex from your boyfriend other than masturbation. You can also think about what is different when you masturbate and look for clues that you can take with you when you have sex with your boyfriend. But if this feeling of disgust persists, it would also be a good idea if you sought out a sex therapist to go a little deeper with this.

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I am a gay man who came out later in life, and I have a son from my previous marriage. He recently came out as bisexual, but he has disclosed to me that he much prefers to sleep with guys, but he is unsure of how it all works. He is 18 years old, and I really want to be a support to him, so I thought maybe I could buy him some sex toys – more particularly for anal play, so he can have a great experience for when he bottoms for the first time.

I know this sounds unconventional, but I just want to help him get past some of the obstacles that I experienced when I came out. Is this a good idea, or am I overstepping my boundaries?

Sincerely Like Father Like Son

Dear Like Father Like Son There are so many other ways that you can help your son figure out sexuality than buying him sex toys. Be there for him to talk and give advice on how to navigate this whole thing. Also, remember when you were 18? Did you disclose all the details of your sex life to your parents? Probably not, right? Especially at this critical juncture when your son is figuring out everything, you don’t need to buy him sex toys and inadvertently put that kind of pressure on him. There are plenty of resources for him to access online (and not just porn), and just being an understanding father that is willing to talk about these things is more than enough.

Instead of an anal training kit, let him know that he needs to find someone who will take it slow and make the necessary preparations for having sex.

That’s the kind of fatherly advice everyone would appreciate in that situation.

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