Peach Magazine V4-32 - Virtually Present

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The Year of the Virtual Dragon Con Reshaping the In-Person Event

Paula Pell’s Goofy Twist Murder, She Kind of Wrote

Welcome to the Self-Help Aisle A Reading List to Anti- Raci sm

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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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In case you hadn’t noticed, this Summer is unimaginably different from last year. The upside to it all is that we are all coping in innovative ways and even changing things up as we go along with some pretty amazing results!

Take the upcoming Dragon Con weekend. It usually attracts attendees in the thousands, but due to the pandemic, everything has been switched to online programming. And the organizers have done a fantastic job creating a multichannel streaming platform, and they even have a (virtual) parade.

Check out what is in store for all sci-fi, fantasy, and cosplay fans on pages 10-12.

The celebrity interview this week is with Paula Pell. Chris Azzopardi spoke to the Out SNL alum about her goofy queer twist on Jessica Fletcher in the new Mapleworth Murders.

That - and more - in this issue of Peach!

BLACK LIVES STILL MATTER Mikkel Hyldebrandt | Editorial Director IG @hyldebrandt

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SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS Chris Azzopardi, Jamie Kirk

COVER ART Courtesy of Kraven Comics, kravencomics.com

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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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Georgia Equality Then & Now: A Women’s Equality Day conversation

Join Georgia Equality to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the 25th Anniversary of Georgia Equality.

Georgia Equality continues its online event series by recognizing and celebrating Women’s Georgia Equality’s mission is to advance fairness, Equality Day. safety, and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and our allies This two-part conversation will be hosted by throughout the state.

Georgia Equality Board Chair Kenyatta Mitchell and will feature the voices of women who have Learn more at georgiaequality.org been instrumental in the past 25 years of fighting for LGBTQ equality in Georgia, and what the next 25 years look like.

What

Georgia Equality Then & Now: A Conversation in Honor of Women’s Equality Day

When

Saturday, August 29, 7 – 8 pm

Where

Facebook Live

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BLACK LIVES MATTER

The Year of the Virtual Dragon Con

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

One of Atlanta’s biggest Summer events is All photos Courtesy Dragon Con going viral – and no, not as in another Photography (c) 2019 Dragon Con, Inc global pandemic! Dragon Con traditionally attracts thousands of attendees from all over the world, but due to the ongoing pandemic, the massive in-person 2020 event has been canceled.

Luckily, Dragon Con will stay true to form and offer plenty of virtual experiences to satisfy their faithful fanbase. Peach spoke to Dragon Con’s Media Engagement Director, Dan Carroll, a long-time event volunteer and staunch LGBTQ ally, about the many initiatives for the virtual version of Dragon Con happening Labor Day weekend, September 3-7.

The Dragon Con phenomenon has gone virtual this year because of the global pandemic – how was it to make that decision to reshape the traditionally very in-person event to be online?

It was a difficult decision to make, but It was the right decision.

There was no option available to the Dragon Con family to have a safe in-person event. The city, the Atlanta Convention and Business Bureau, and the hotels all worked together.

What are some of the initiatives you are taking to make this feel like a legit Dragon Con weekend?

We will stream channels of classic content, live events, and pre-recorded panel discussions.

We will be preserving our premier events such as the masquerade and the parade, along with other costume contests! Also, we are excited

that up to 160 vendors, artists, and creators will be joining us for a whole exciting world of online shopping during the event. Gaming will be through Discord, as well as other initiatives we will have through Discord to help people feel connected.

It looks like you are switching this around to focus a lot on the people who would typically attend Dragon Con. Has the pandemic struck a sentimental nerve with you?

The real star of Dragon Con has always been the attendees! The hardest part of postponing our in-person show to next year is knowing that it will be a full year before we will be able to hug a lot of our friends.

… And you are even doing a virtual parade! How will that work in a virtual setting?

The participants have recorded themselves walking in costume, and DC TV will stitch all the videos together into a final product and add commentary! The response has been amazing.

What are some online events that you will be looking forward to?

As always, the Masquerade and the parade! I also look forward to seeing many live panels and recorded track panels, which I normally always miss.

Dragon Con has always been popular within the LGBTQ community – why do you think that is?

Dragon Con has always been a place for people to be themselves, or anyone else they want to be.

With roots In the Idea that geeks get a chance to express themselves without judgment. It was a natural evolution for Dragon Con to become a place of welcome and joy for the LGBTQ community. We strive as much as possible for Dragon Con to be a place that is inclusive and engaging for all those seeking representation, a voice, a way to celebrate their fandoms.

Since we’ve almost experienced a viral pandemic apocalypse scenario in real life, do you think that’ll influence the theme(s) of next year’s Dragon Con? Will it go viral instead of virtual?

That will be left for next year! My personal guess, and not an official Dragon Con statement, is that post-apocalyptic themes will be played out, and future Utopias will be back in vogue because trends change, and we have the real news and reality-based fiction to show us life In a pandemic.

Of course, without a crystal ball, It’s anyone’s guess.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, pop culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe – and the best place to celebrate all of these things with fellow fans on Labor Day Weekend. This year, the massive fanfest has gone virtual to keep everyone safe and healthy during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more, sign up for memberships, and see the extensive schedule of virtual offerings at Dragoncon.org.

Looking towards 2021 – do you already have things in the planning?

Dragon Con 2021 planning is ongoing! While it is too far ahead to speak of specifics, it will be epic! But first, our priority is to make sure that our Virtual Dragon Con exceeds expectations.

The Year of the Virtual Dragon Con To create a virtual universe that aligns as closely as possible to the awesomeness of the in-person event, the folks at Dragon Con have created three unique streaming channels that will run throughout the weekend – plus a slew of online events taking place on various social media platforms.

The first channel will be the DCTVLand/ Classics feed, which will feature all sorts of content from years past. Did you miss the John Barrowman panel with his gorgeous TARDIS dress on display? Sad to have not yet seen the first show William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy shared the stage at Dragon Con? All of those and many more are available for your streaming eyes only.

continued...

The second channel will feature the amazing track programming, which sets Dragon Con apart from all of the other conventions out there.

More than 35+ tracks are busy generating new content for everyone to enjoy 24 hours a day. If fan tracks are totally your thing, many of them are hosting a whole plethora of other content on their social media pages too.

The third and final channel, what is considered the Main Channel, will highlight new guest programming, performances from quintessential Dragon Con performers, and two of the biggest and best costume contests they host each year among may other exciting programming items including the annual parade.

DragonCon will be streaming live primarily on the existing streaming site at dragoncon.tv/virtual All three channels will be live on that site all weekend long, but because they’re streaming live for free, you’ll also be able to watch on a few other platforms: · Through the Vimeo iOS or Android App. Subscribe to vimeo.com/ dragoncontv. The app also supports casting to devices through Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. · Select content like the Parade will also be streamed to the Dragon Con YouTube channel at youtube.com/dragoncontv. · They’re also working on publishing a Roku channel, so you’ll be able to watch on your big screen.

After content airs live, it will be available on-demand at dragoncon.tv/videos. This will require a membership, but the membership price has been lowered to $10 for everyone, so you can watch as much Dragon Con content as you want for another year after the live streams end.

Find out more information at Dragoncon.org!

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Mu r d e r

S h e K i n d o f Wr o t e

By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Quibi

Writer-actress Paula Pell knows it’s ridiculous: a dowdy, out-of-touch suburban broad with an accent that is somehow a little British – or Irish, or something – who solves murders in her quaint town. But the Emmy winner, who wrote for Saturday Night Live for nearly 20 years and recently made a dildo-assisted splash in front of the camera as Val in the Netflix original movie Wine Country, ate up every bit of Murder, She Wrote. So playing a randy, gay Jessica Fletcher? It’s the kind of role she’d kill for.

Luckily, she didn’t have to. Fellow comedian and 30 Rock actor John Lutz asked Pell if she’d be interested in portraying an amateur sleuth.

She said absolutely. And now, for 12 short-form episodes on Quibi, she is. In the hilarious satire Mapleworth Murders, Pell’s Abigail Mapleworth solves insanely silly murder-mysteries in her own peculiar way, with help from her millennial, selfie-obsessed niece (Hayley Magnus).

Recently, Pell called to talk about the show’s shenanigans as a pandemic salve, why she thinks Angela Lansbury would be into the show, and that time she accidentally sent a dildo to her parents.

I don’t think there could possibly be a better time for this show. I needed to laugh.

That makes me so freakin’ happy. I hope that that is true for many people, and I hope that a lot of people watch it, because we loved making it so much. It was one of those moments, and there are so few. Wine Country was one of them. But those true things you do and you go, “If I were able to do that as my job, I would do it all the time.” It was just such a romp of joy.

You know, we weren’t sure what date we were launching because of everything that has happened, and schedules were so screwed up. It was getting so … like, god when is this going to come out? And I really am glad it came out when it did because it does feel like our souls are so exhausted that we just need something to laugh at. Something weird that’s not terrifying.

Are you eager to find out what Angela Lansbury thinks of this show?

Because I am.

I am eager. At first we were talking about maybe having a tiny cameo or something if she was able to. I mean, in the second season we would love to have something where I’m having trouble with my niece and then I call my aunt and it’s her; we’re all connected.

Because we’re so filthy in it, I was a little bit worried that if we called her and she saw some of it, she’d be like, “Oh, this is disgusting.”

But then I remembered, of course, that Angela Lansbury is such a theater broad and she played Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, which is just my dream role. And I’m like, “She can be very dark.”

And very sweet, I’ve heard, from everyone I’ve ever talked to that has ever met her. I would be thrilled some time to have her even see it or look at it or know that it’s just an homage, because it’s got so much love behind it for her and for that show.

What was it like to bring Abigail to life?

So much stylistically made me so freakin’ excited because the style is so specific. We wanted her to just be really eccentric and mix all these different patterns. By the end of it everyone on set was so funny because they’re like, “I’m obsessed with the Mapleworth style, and I really, really wanna dress like Abigail Mapleworth.” The bucket hats, the trench coats, the scarves – it’s such a reminder to me of all those old broads in my family: those great aunts, the grandmas and my mother, who is now in her 80s. She’s hilarious, and she’ll just get her slacks on with her little Chico’s jacket and her scarf and her earrings and her lipstick and then she’ll come home from church and go sit in her bra with her necklace still on and eat potato salad and a hamburger. Ha! Just very strong women who are also dainty are my favorite thing of all. I have always loved matrons. I was born at 50. And like, is there anything better than The Golden Girls? I mean, you just want to live with them.

How did you land on that wild affectation for Abigail?

A little bit of it was this actress that I worked with, Anne Meacham, when I was in college. I understudied; we had a pro theater company at University of Tennessee. They would bring in people from Broadway and soap stars. I worked with Melissa Gilbert, and all these people who were on these shows in the ’80s.

And this woman was Anne Meacham. She was a theatrical actress on Broadway who did a lot of Tennessee Williams plays. She was also on _Another World_, the soap opera. And she was just this old theater broad with red-dyed hair pulled back in a tight bun. She was really skinny, and she was blind, and I had to take care of her the whole time because in The Lion in Winter she played the queen. And she was so eccentric: “I love you! I hate all of them! But I love you!”

She would take my dog and put my dog’s face in her makeup mirror and she would put his face

in there to make him look at himself in the mirror.

She was the ultimate theater broad. And I ate it up! I was just so obsessed with her.

I’ve often thought of doing a one-woman show where I just was her and did a bunch of adventures that happened during that time. So all these years, I’ve had that voice in me. So Abigail has a bit of that dainty but sort of “Is she British? No” vibe.

You’re like, “They’re born in Wisconsin but they talk like they’re European.” So I just love those dainty ladies that have a household of knickknacks and a lot of dogs. And a “handywomanman.”

Speaking of a handywomanman, I had to take a double-take because that’s your fiancé Janine Brito as Junie.

Ha! When she kisses me and takes my earring out of her mouth.

Whose idea was that?

That was her idea. She was like, “I think once I’m whispering to you, I should come back and have your earring in my mouth.”

Did you do it in one take?

No. We did a bunch of different versions of that, because there were some where she was whispering a lot of things and I was saying, like, “Oh, well, we can do that together. Or separately and watch each other!” But we do want to do more of Junie. We want Junie to be in there always, like, cleaning out my pipes, or down under the floor, under my bed doing something. Just always working.

Your characters in both Wine Country and Mapleworth Murders are involved in some way with dildos.

Which got me thinking: dildos really are as erotic as they are completely silly. Is that why they end up in your projects?

Ha! I spent a lot of time alone! There were times, like after my divorce or before I was ever even married, you do have to have that little drawer.

You have to have something in that little drawer.

I have to tell you something funny about a vibrator. I bought a very haphazard vibrator on Amazon – ha! – not too long ago. It was at Christmas that I ordered this vibrator and I was like, “Oh, I’m going to order this very basic one.”

I ordered it, and then I went home for Christmas

and then went back home to LA after Christmas.

It was January 15th, and I looked on my phone.

It said, “Your package has arrived” and showed the picture of the vibrator and I was like, “Oh, did we get a package?” And I look out at my house in LA and I didn’t get a package. Then I looked, and you know how they show you where they delivered it? It was delivered to my mom’s front porch, like, with her poinsettias and her little beagle statue that says “Welcome.” So next to that is a box with a basic Amazon vibrator in it and it made me laugh so hard. I called my mom and was like, “There’s a package there, it’s something for me, just send it back to me.” Of course they opened it and then repackaged it with Orlando newspapers.

That seems horrifying.

Well, it was really fun to talk to props in two different projects about my vibrators and dildos and have them discuss with you, like, “Now, this one, you’re gonna have to push this” – like, the prop department is showing you!

In Wine Country too. It was like, “Now this thing, this button is kind of ... it sticks a little bit. So you gotta turn this here.”

Would you be any good at solving a murder?

I’ve always loved the idea of being a detective, but I would want to be the one that’s in the office, or going to the people that aren’t scary and dangerous to ask them questions. I would love being part of solving something that helped people have closure or helped find a bad person.

Like, I would love doing that. But I also have fear of that sort of repercussion of criminals. When I was young I was always afraid somebody was going to be stalking me for turning them in.

So I would love all the sitting and talking about the human nature of it and trying to interrogate someone and getting them to admit something and be good cop, bad cop. That part really is interesting. But the rest of it would scare me. I wouldn’t want to be the one in the danger part of it. I’m a chicken that way.

As editor of Q Syndicate, the LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Photos: PR, Kraven Comics

Getting Graphic The Midseason Special is a collection of the first six episodes of Fernando Velez’s Class 6 comic universe with purely LGBTQ+ (and allied) superheroes. We look into the heroes’ pasts and presents, we learn how they’ve become who they are, and we see how their lives are irrevocably interconnected. Great story and an absolutely amazing visual story!

Class 6 Midseason Special By Kraven Comics, available at kravencomics.com

Although not overtly so, Doctor Aphra is definitely a queer character. Borrowing the vibe of sexual fluidity from Young Avengers, Aphra glides through the universe, leaving hints about her sexual identity behind her. In this issue, she’s off in search of rare artifacts from the galactic center to the Outer Rim — and everywhere in between.

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1: Aphra by Marvel. See store directory at marvel.com

Iceman is one of Marvel’s highest-profile gay characters, so he has faced quite a few challenges – but in this issue, he faces his greatest challenge yet: coming out to his parents! Apart from a great story, the plot delivers a wonderful exploration of the whole mutant metaphor.

Iceman Vol. 1: Thawing Out by Marvel, see store directory at marvel.com.

Midnighter is a superhero who is rarely seen without his costume and mask, which does bear a resemblance to Batman – except for the fact that Midnighter is married to a man. Another comparison point is the relationship between Midnighter and his husband that, in instances, could be paralleled to Batman and Superman.

Midnighter, DC Comics, available on Amazon

Whether you want superheroes, sci-fi epics, fantasy, or simply a visual way to communicate a complicated topic, there is a queer comic or graphic novel there for you. Just like a convention like Dragon Con offers a place and opportunity for LGBTQ folks to express themselves fully, the world of queer comic books and graphic novels opens up a world where all colors of the rainbow are represented, and even the most difficult themes from the LGBTQ world are chronicled without judgment.

As a follow-up “Avatar The Last Airbender,” the queer relationship between Korra and Asami isn’t revealed explicitly until later in the series. In this book, Korra, Asami, Mako, and Bolin have to take drastic measures to halt the move towards another war in the Earth Kingdom.

The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire Part One by, available on Amazon

After James Belly is forced out of the closet, his middleweight championship title is disqualified on a technicality. He vows to return to the top even if it means being coached by the man who killed his father—a very different coming out story.

Kill A Man, available on aftershockstore.com

This story about finding your true self and coming out under difficult immigration circumstances is both compelling and beautiful. Tien reads fairytales with his parents, which helps bridge a language barrier between two generations. The family’s communication skills are put to the test when Tien decides to tell his mother he is gay, a word he cannot find in Vietnamese.

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen, available at rhkidsgraphic.com

Catboy is a series that tells a story about Olive, who wishes her cat, Henry, would become her best friend, and he transforms magically to become a catboy who can talk and stand on two feet. Olive doesn’t want him to be naked, so he raids her closet throughout the stories, and of course, he looks cute weather donning a dress or pants. The whole story is draped in this beautiful gender-bending style that is very endearing.

Catboy by Benji Nate, available on Amazon

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José is originally from Panamà, but he moved to Georgia when he was young, so Atlanta is his home away from home. In his last year of school at Kennesaw, he’s majoring in Apparel & Textile Technology, and he works at the Tough Boot & Co, a men’s luxury vintage store. His true passion is the study of social equity and engaging in socialpolitical activism whenever possible. To cool off (or rather heat up) after a long week of school and work, José likes to go salsa dancing to reconnect to his Afro-Latin roots.

@thecurlyhairedking

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OPINION

­Welcome to the

Anti-Racism Self-Help Aisle

By Jamie Kirk

If the nationwide uprising following the horrific murder of George Floyd has left you eager to actively tackle and dismantle racism in your community and learn more about the practice and ideology of anti-racism, one of the best things you can do is to educate yourself by opening up a book. No Facebook Post. No Instagram post. No Tweets. A Book. You’d be forgiven if you’re unsure of where to start since there are truly hundreds of compelling topics and books on the subject of racism. Don’t sweat it too much. The important thing to do is to start: Here are a few picks I feel are essential reading. Maybe challenge yourself to read two of the below by the end of the year - not having time is not a good excuse these days.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

Beverly Daniel Tatum Walk into any racially mixed high school, and you will see Black, White, and Latin youth clustered in their own groups. Is this self-segregation a problem to address or a coping strategy?

So You Want to Talk About Race Ijeoma Oluo In this breakout book, Ijeoma Oluo explores the complex reality of today’s racial landscape from white privilege and police brutality to systemic discrimination, and the Black Lives Matter movement offering straightforward clarity that readers need to contribute to the dismantling of the racial divide.

How to be an Antiracist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi The author’s anti-racism concept re-energizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America - but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other.

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The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett

The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, Southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults; it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Ten years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same Southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters’ storylines intersect?

Black Skin, White Masks Frantz Fanon

A major influence on civil rights, anti-colonial, and black consciousness movements around the world, this book is the unsurpassed study of the black psyche in a white world.

Hailed for its scientific analysis and poetic grace when it was first published in 1952, the book remains a vital force today from one of the most important theorists of revolutionary struggle, colonialism, and racial difference in history. www.peachatl.com

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism Robin DiAngelo This New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality.

Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and It’s Urgent Lessons for Our Own Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. James Baldwin grew disillusioned by the failure of the civil rights movement to force America to confront its lies about race. In our own moment, when that confrontation feels more urgently needed than ever, what can we learn from this struggle?

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America Richard Rothstein In this groundbreaking history of the modern American metropolis, the author explores the myth that America’s cities came to be racially divided through de facto segregation - that is, through individual prejudices, income differences, or the actions of private institutions like banks and real estate agencies. Rather, the book incontrovertibly makes clear that de jure segregation - the laws and policy decisions passed by local, state, and federal governments - that actually promoted the discriminatory patterns that continue to this day.

Invisible Man Ralph Ellison

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong James W. Loewen Americans have lost touch with their history, and in this book, the author shows why.

After surveying eighteen leading high school American history texts, he has concluded that not one does a decent job of making history interesting or memorable. Marred by an embarrassing combination of blind patriotism, mindless optimism, sheer misinformation, and outright lies, these books omit almost all the ambiguity, passion conflict, and drama from our past.

First published in 1952 and immediately hailed as a masterpiece, this book is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature.

For not only does the author’s nightmare journey across the racial divide tell unparalleled truths about the nature of bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators, it gives us an entirely new model of what a novel can be.

AUG 12 - 19

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

Slow Jamz Light some incense, put on your silk robe, kick back and relax - because you’re invited to Slow Jamz, a drag show of R&B classics sure to set the mood and the groove.

Tickets at tayloralxndr.com.

Friday, Aug 28, 9:30 pm – 12:30 am Online Event (Zoom)

The Chromatica Hour: Goo Goo for GaGa Since we can’t be in the clubs being served this album up ancient city-style, all Little Monsters are called to join the online dissection of Gaga’s latest album featuring original music, comedy, sketch, drag, and more! Hosted by Brigitte Bidet and Ella/Saurus/Rex of Good Judy Podcast.

Saturday, August 29, 8 -11 pm twitch.tv/wussymag

Quarantalk Jack Chang will host the first edition of Quarantalk, the nightlife chat show where performers from around the world will be invited to join the show to share their experiences of how their lives have been affected by the pandemic. The first episode welcomes Tony Moran, Deanne, Curtis Atchison, and Brian Cua. Saturday, August 29, 4 pm (EST) Online Event (Facebook Live)

Heifer Review Ruby Redd hosts the fabulous return of the Heifer Review and Atlanta’s best gospel hour of drag. $20 Endless Mimosas during brunch and a parade of special guest stars!

Sunday, August 30, 12 – 3 pm Midtown Moon

History of Black Gay Atlanta Pride Press Conference 2020 Presenting the 9th Annual Virtual (Online) Edition of the Atlanta Black Pride Press Conference Series. Presented and Produced by the Atlanta Chapter of History of Black Gay America (Meak Productions’ National Black LGBT+ Division), Monday, August 31, 7 – 9 pm Online Event (Facebook Live)

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

12th St. NE

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Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

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10th St. NE

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19

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e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charle s Alle n Dr . N E

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

P o n ce D e Leo n Pl . N E

Spring St. NW

17

4th St. NE

8

13

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

BARS 1 2 3 4

Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends

6 My Sister’s Room 7 Ten Atlanta

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

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

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

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

fitness

retail 8 Barking Leather

9 10 11 12

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

36 | follow us @ peachatlmag

76 4th St. NW

16 17 18 19

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

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

billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio

www.peachatl.com

When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com

Cheshire

ansley 21

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

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd

32 33 34 35 36

Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd

Fitness 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 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 38 Eclectic Bistro

clubs

30 Gravitee Fitness

e. nt mo ed Pi

Piedmont Park

Retail

28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

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36

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Dining

26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

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38

BARS

24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

Av

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28 20

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26 35

24

20 BJ Roosters 21 Sequel 22 Tripps

42 The Den

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27

33

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34

x Rd

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

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30

Lambert Dr.

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.

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1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

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

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta The T Woof's

1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE 494 Plasters Ave NE

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

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 38 | follow us @ peachatlmag

ANSLEY MIDTOWN MOON 1492 Piedmont Ave NE FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE SWINGING RICHARDS swingingrichards. com 1400 Northside Dr NW

DINING MIDTOWN 10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com 991 Piedmont Ave NE EINSTEIN’S einsteinsatlanta. com 1077 Juniper St NE FROGS CANTINA frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE

RETAIL MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE

GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

JOE’S ON JUNIPER joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE

BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A

LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE CHESHIRE LAS MARGARITAS lasmargaritasmidtown.com 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ROXX 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE DEKALB LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE

FITNESS MIDTOWN URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N

CHESHIRE

GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

SPAS/BATHS ADULT FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW CHESHIRE THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE

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39

Essentials for Cosplay

Just because it’s virtual, it doesn’t mean that you can’ t put together an amazing costume (maybe for next year?)

1. Plenty of room 1.

2. Tights (and possibly a cup) 3. Makeup Makeup kit 4. Fabric steamer 5. Sewing kit 6. Craft foam 7. Sewing machine 8. Heat gun 9. Scissors/cutters Scissors/cutters 10. GLUE! Lots of glue!

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41

I think I’m ready for a marathon Oh yeah, me too!

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

Did you really take a break from social media if you didn’t write a long, dramatic goodbye post about it?

I just think if Dolly Parton and Stevie Nicks did a duet, it’d close whatever vortex 2020 opened

By cutting the sleeves Really?

A off marathon?

You? of all your t-shirts?

Yes! What should we watch?

A marathon as in running!

Oh, I thought you meant Netflix

If you walk a mile in my shoes, you’ll end up in a bar

I gained a lot during this pandemic – mainly 25 pounds!

Asking for a Friend Dear Life, would you at least start using lube?

Honey, you couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions!

I want a man who can tell me to shut up and obey. I won’t ever do it, but I’ll be turned on as hell!

42 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) That new guy in your building seems like a loner, not the type of person an extrovert guy like you would associate with. Still, there’s something fascinating about him. If you want to meet him, you will have to break the ice. There are many ways to do that, and some don’t involve stalking.

Just knock on his door, and welcome him to the neighborhood. He may surprise you by inviting you in.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) A down-on-his-luck friend may owe you sum of money you know he can’t pay back. You could find ways for him to repay you short of making him your personal manservant. Still, this is putting a strain on your friendship. Be a humanitarian today and absolve him of his debt.

Never make money more important than the people in your life.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

You’ve been hanging out virtually with the beautiful people lately, and you’re on the A-list for all the big social events that are starting to emerge again. You love being part of the glitterati, but even you have to admit there’s something shallow about that scene – plus you worry about the health of yourself and others. Sure, it’s nice to see old friends, but right now, you don’t need to be with them in person, because even apart, they have the power to remind you of who you really are.

You won’t take no for an answer, and your charming personality always has people saying yes. You usually get what you want, but are you using people for your own gain? Curb the selfishness today and give back instead. As hard as it is to believe, it’s not all about you.

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

Today will be a great day to get out of the work from home situation and breathe in the fresh air. Being in stagnant environments can have an oppressive effect on your mind and soul. So go for a brisk walk, or open the windows as you go on a long drive. You’ll be amazed how your energies will be revived when you let a little cool, clean water flow into that brackish pool.

We’re living in a material world, and today you are a material girl. Your many possessions give you a strong sense of security – especially now that they have been your trusty base during the pandemic. Add to them today by buying tasteful things for the home but don’t go overboard.

Persian rugs and Ming vases may be out of your price range, and you can’t exactly travel to Bali for that bamboo room divider. Unearth treasures in your own backyard – or go online!

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

You’ve been pursuing that guy for some time now, but making advances online prove to be quite elusive. Normally, you love the challenge of the chase, but that involves getting up close and personal, and that just isn’t happening right now.

Asking yourself the tough questions today may give you a new realization and open you to some cold truths. Maybe you’re just not that into him!

Everything, and everybody, has two faces today and you’re not sure which one is real. There are shadows lurking behind every corner, so be careful with the people you deal with. Think clearly and be sure of yourself. Don’t add to the confusion by wearing a mask of your own – except for when venturing outside, then it’s mask on!

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

Your two key words for today should be fun and laughter. And nothing’s more fun than laughing.

You can’t go to the comedy club or the movies right now, so watch your favorite episode of The Simpsons or read the latest book from David Sedaris. Best yet, learn to laugh at yourself. As a wise writer once said, he who laughs, lasts.

Starting new projects may prove to be a challenge today, as people with other ideas stand in your way. Your first reaction may be to retreat, but that would be giving up, something that goes against your nature. Instead, find a like-minded pal who supports your views and ideas and tag-team your adversaries. Brilliant minds often think alike and together, the two of you can get the job done.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

You’ve been so focused on work lately that you’ve been ignoring the friends who’ve been trying to reach you. Your dedication to your job and being safe in isolation is admirable, but you know what they say about all work and no play.

Screw the overtime and reconnect with friends instead today. Having fun in your social life will rejuvenate your work life.

Your larger than life personality leaves no space for others to be around you, and they flee the scene of your self-obsession. You may need your friends right now, but before you can access them, you need to stop looking and marveling at yourself in the mirror and admit that there are greater things than you in this universe. Before you know it, your amis will notice the gentler side to their Lion friend and slowly return.

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 are in a committed relationship, which has deepened even more during this quarantine, but somehow, that seems to be kind of an issue to others. We have a good group of friends, and we are pretty much the only ones that have a strictly monogamous relationship. We have no intentions of opening it up, and we remain ‘closed’ and monogamous. But my friends keep talking to me about how great it is to be open and poly and whatnot, and it’s seems like they’re expecting us to cave at some point and just open it up. When I reiterate that we are indeed monogamous, they have this overbearing attitude, and it annoys me because I feel secure in my monogamous relationship. How do I deal with this?

Sincerely Clear Lines

Sincerely Clear Lines For many couples who choose to open up their relationship or to be polyamorous, it often feels like it’s like a next step or development of the relationship.

Which it kind of is because you have to deal with a whole new set of emotions and reconfigure the way your relationship works. But opening up a relationship is certainly not for everyone, and it is still far from the mainstream – even in gay culture – even though from where you’re standing, it may seem as if you are virtually the only couple that’s not open. But as you say, you and your boyfriend are in a committed, monogamous relationship, and it works for you. That message should be enough for your friends who all think they know better – because in your case, they don’t. You just have to keep repeating your message, and honestly, you can also kindly ask them to mind their own business when it comes to your relationship, and hopefully, their know-it-all attitude will cease.

Otherwise, you’ll just have to make some new friends that are in monogamous relationships too!

During this pandemic, I have had two virtual doctor appointments to renew my PrEP script because I haven’t been comfortable enough to have an in-person appointment. The first one was fine; I saw my regular (gay) doctor, and we talked briefly before he approved my Descovy, but the second one was strange, because I had to see another doctor because my regular doctor had some time off. I could have waited to see my regular doc but I had this weird rash that worried me, so I took the appointment. And here’s where it got strange: We completed the consultation about my PrEP, and then moved on to my rash. I showed him the rash on my arms, and he asked me to take off my shirt, so he could see the rash on my upper body. Then he asked me to remove my pants so he could see my penis and balls. Through our conversation about PrEP he alluded to him being gay also, so at this point I just felt slightly uncomfortable.

He then asked me to turn around and spread my butt cheeks, and I just got increasingly uncomfortable about the whole situation. He then determined prescribed some medication for the rash that was likely just some kind of allergic reaction, and then the consultation ended. I just feel so weird about him having to see everything, and then it was just allergies? Was I somehow violated?

Sincerely Online Offering Dear Online Offering With a raging global pandemic, the medical community is scrambling to make do with what they have – tele doc consultations being one of them. There aren’t yet that many guidelines for them yet, but they are being made along the way because of this unprecedented phenomenon. What happened to you may seem out of the ordinary but imagine you were at the doctor’s office and he examined your rash; that would probably feel okay, right? As a doctor, he needs to eliminate a bunch of factors including the possibility of it being related to an STI, which is probably why he requested you to show ‘everything.’ Doing that in front of a webcam was likely what made it uncomforrtable. Next time you have a doctor’s appointment, see your regular physician and ask him about the guidelines for tele doc appointments and mention that it made you uncomfortable. He’ll be able to explain the reasoning behind your online medical examination.

NEED ANSWERS? SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM

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