Peach Magazine V4-37 - Atlanta Pride 2020

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This is MY Pride Virtually the same Celebration!

Reba McEn�re, S�ll Fancy Music legend, gay icon & country glamour You Can Count on Sharon Stone Screen icon on her LGBTQ activism The men of CiNava celebrate Pride!

Photo courtesy of CiNava Photography

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ontents

OCT 07, 2020

media & printing ON THE COVER Angel Cintron and Stephen Nava of CiNava Photography capture celebrities and high-end models in images that are sexy, raw, and edgy. Their work has appeared in MOD, HUF, and L’Officiel AU. Visit cinavaphotography.com

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EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt

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FROM THE EDiTOR

This year, Pride will look and feel very different, but even though we can’t celebrate in-person to the same extent as last year, there are still many reasons to feel and show your Pride.

This issue is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Atlanta LGBTQ community and shows just how well we have adapted to the challenging times we face right now. But it also underlines that we indeed have issues to fight for and to vote for, so that we can continue to exercise our hard-won rights.

Yes, Pride will not be the same this year, but no matter who or where you are, you should still feel the Pride of living your authentic life and standing up for who you are. And that is essentially what Pride is about.

Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS Chris Azzopardi, Chad Conroy, John Stein

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HAPPY SAFE PRiDE BLACK LiVES MATTER REGiSTER TO VOTE

MiKKEL HYLDEBRANDT Editorial Director | IG @hyldebrandt

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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.

ANSLEY PRiDE OUTSiDE

Because we are still dealing with pandemic restrictions, Pride looks a little different this year. Midtown Moon and the Hideaway both recognize the need for a safe, outside space where it is possible to socially distance, so they have introduced Ansley Pride Outside.

Both establishments have created elaborate outside spaces with tables, seating, bars with plenty of drink specials, and tents so that you can attend Pride celebrations while being safe. They have even made sure that some of the entertainment lineup will take place outside so that you can feel safe the entire time. Limited capacity, social distancing, and masks are, of course, required.

Stay safe and Happy Pride!

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HAPPY ATLANTA PRIDE! As the 60th Mayor of Atlanta, I am thrilled to wish everyone a happy Atlanta Pride!

As we commemorate 50 years of bravery, visibility, and progress, we must continue fighting to move LGBTQ equality forward.

It is my hope that our continued commitment to Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, alongside our work to better our city for all people, will move us closer to truly becoming One Atlanta.

M AY O R K E I S H A L A N C E B O T T O M S

A ViRTUAL SLiCE OF PRiDE

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

As the COVID-19 pandemic gained momentum, it became clear for the Atlanta Pride Committee that they needed to switch tracks and not do an in-person event. Instead, they have put together a vast virtual program to celebrate Pride that also marks the 50th anniversary of Atlanta Pride. Peach spoke to Jamie Fergerson, Executive Director of the Atlanta Pride Festival, about tough decisions, challenges, and celebrating from home.

Needless to say, Pride will look and feel very different this year. How was it to make the decision to cancel in-person Pride this year?

It was both sad and scary to cancel the inperson events this year, but it was not a difficult decision to make. Keeping our community safe and healthy is always the number one job at the Festival and Parade, and this year, the best way to do that is to celebrate from home. Even so, there was a lot of grieving our plans for the 50th anniversary. It was also a scary decision because we’re a small non-profit, and 80% of our revenue is related to the Festival in one way or another.

We’ve had to figure out how to carry out our mission in completely new ways this year.

COVID for now. I hope to pick it up next year.

Nonetheless, the Atlanta Pride Committee has managed to put together an impressive lineup to celebrate Pride 2020 – can you tell us about some of the initiatives?

We really went back to our mission and asked ourselves how we could do that work in a new way. How do we create community while physically distancing? A Festival isn’t the mission of Atlanta Pride; Community-building is. We’ve had excellent response to our online programs, especially when we partner with other people and organizations to amplify each other’s work.

We’ve tried to create fun, engaging programs but also bring attention to serious topics like racism, transphobia, COVID, struggling small business partners, and combatting isolation that are top of mind right now.

What makes you proud about living in Atlanta?

I am proud of Atlanta’s rich history - and current wealth of riches - in many social justice movements. I love being able to learn from some of the most incredible changemakers in the world here, and I love being able to share that with my child as well.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Atlanta Pride. What is being done specifically to commemorate this?

We’ve been talking about our history all year, and we are highlighting it in our television special with CBS 46 and PeachtreeTV next weekend.

We’re also moving our archives to Georgia State University so that all of APC’s history is safeguarded for years to come. We’d planned to do a documentary film, but that was a victim of

How will your Pride look this year?

I have ordered four (!) different catering boxes from Proof of the Pudding. It will be my first Pride in 19 years when I’m not working and can sit down to eat hot meals. I plan to set up the AppleTV to cast all of our programs to the big tv and watch it there with my girlfriend and my dog.

I can’t wait to see the Cabarets from start to finish for once. We’re also going to walk the virtual 5k next weekend because I want to get one of the limited-edition shirts from ABetterBuzz. I’m sure I’ll also be doing plenty of emailing, answering the phone, and the inevitable troubleshooting.

Looking ahead, what will Atlanta Pride 2021 look like? What’s the vision/dream?

My main hope is that the pandemic is under control and that we can gather safely together.

Everything else is secondary. But I would love to get a do-over of our golden anniversary party; I really wanted fireworks this year. Whether we can gather in crowds or not, though, I hope that we’ll continue to do our mission work in innovative ways.

What are you looking forward to when this pandemic is over?

Hugging my friends and family, catching up on travel. Also, sending my child back to in-person school with their friends. We do really well together, but being an only child with a strict mom in a pandemic is a tough life.

Happy Pride!

JAMIE FERGERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ATLANTA PRIDE COMMITTEE 10 | follow us @ peachatlmag

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Reba, Still

By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Universal Music

Fancy

It was 30 years ago when Reba McEntire – music legend, gay icon, the epitome of country glamour – made Bobby Gentry’s “Fancy” her own. A feminist statement about a woman who turns to sex work to overcome childhood poverty, the story-song became synonymous with McEntire after her version surpassed the original on the country music charts. McEntire’s remake was featured on her 1990 album Rumor Has It, her 17th studio album. It has resurfaced three decades later in an anniversary edition, featuring two new versions of “Fancy.” One, a dance mix, was produced by DJ Dave Audé; the other is an acoustic live version.

On Zoom from her home just outside Nashville, McEntire greets me on my computer screen with her signature Southern charm and a fullface smile. Strands of her fire-red hair are being repositioned by an assistant’s floating hand. “I’m never my own glam squad,” she says. “I have (makeup artist) Neil (Robison) here with me. We were up bright and early this morning gettin’ ready, and I have my team to make sure I am decent.”

Even amid a pandemic, the sight of an undone Reba is ... well, let’s just say there’s a better chance of getting a reboot of her hit TV series Reba (she’s on board). Because no-frills Reba? “I wouldn’t do that to ya,” she jokes.

During our conversation, the superstar reflected on how “Fancy” solidified her gay icon status, what impresses her most about drag queens who have performed the song, and why she doesn’t “judge the book by the cover” when it comes to the queerness of out country artists Orville Peck and Lil Nas X. What do you remember about the photoshoot and that whole look for the Rumor Has It cover?

I don’t remember much about the photoshoot except (that) it was Sandi Spika who did my clothes and my hair back in the, oh, late ’80s and ’90s, and then all the way up until I went to do Annie Get Your Gun in 2001. She did my clothes, my hair, and it was her idea to do the rip-off inspired by the Barbra Streisand photoshop album cover. So we did that and everybody loved it. Of course it was the last setup of the day because she had worked two hours on all this hair and then, of course, we had it underneath that little scarf and the hat.

When you go to Walmart like you did to show your Twitter followers the Rumor Has It vinyl – well, first of all, do you always go out to Walmart looking like yourself?

No! Ha! We just popped in to visit the record department and sign a few albums. They were rippin’ the plastic off the record cover and I was signin’ some. It was fun. It was fun

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just to pop in and kind of make a little surprise appearance and then leave.

into a gay bar and heard “Fancy.”

I’m gonna have to make that happen!

So you went there expecting to be noticed as Reba.

Yeah, yeah. Well, I had my mask on.

What do the drag queens who have done “Fancy,” including Kennedy Davenport and Miz Cracker’s performance on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, get wrong and right when they’re performing that song?

Any time I have seen on television or YouTube anybody doing “Fancy” in drag I am in awe of their makeup and the time that they have spent to get all dolled up and just look fantastic.

Anybody who can sing that whole song in heels and the outfits that they wear, hey, I’m applaudin’. There’s not gonna be any criticism from me at all.

When you go as yourself do people actually believe it’s you or do they think they’re getting a Reba look-alike?

No, pretty much they go right for it, especially when I talk.

It’s the voice.

If I say something, then they’re (like), “I knew it was you!”

Are you saying no drag queen could duplicate that voice?

Some have gotten real close!

It’s been 30 years since “Fancy” was released, and by the time it was released in 1990, you already had a fairly devoted LGBTQ following.

But with “Fancy,” is that when you knew you were a gay icon?

If I wasn’t sure, I was definitely sure after I released “Fancy,” yes. I don’t have any reason to think that I had a big gay following before that, but I think I did. But it just increased a lot by the time “Fancy” got out, and then the clothes changes and all that kind of stuff.

There was a whole drag explosion because of the song. Is that what you’re referring to?

Yeah.

For your gay fans, hearing “Fancy” at a gay bar after midnight was sort of just another day. Do you have any memories of hearing “Fancy” at a gay bar yourself?

No, no. Can’t say I have.

I feel like you’ve missed out. These 30 years have gone by and not one time have you stepped

I watched when you dropped the dress at the CMAs and a lot happens in the face. It’s a lot of acting.

Oh, attitude. Lots of attitude.

Well, drag queens have that.

You bet. I do know this: That they get my hand motions down pat, and the way I stand, and it’s just very flattering. I love it.

The “Fancy” remix on the anniversary reissue is produced by Dave Audé. What kind of input did you give Dave on what you wanted for the dance mix?

I didn’t. When a person knows how to do that, do a dance mix, I’m not one to give advice or say, “Do it this way or that way.” That’s their forte.

Let them do their job. I think he did a great job.

I’ve talked to you twice in the past about LGBTQ issues. One of our conversations was about marriage equality, and you came out in support of it. It was a big moment. I remember seeing the headlines: Reba McEntire says everybody deserves marriage rights no matter their sexual orientation. And you illustrated why with a couple of friends of yours. Do you think that you’ve been able to be a bridge between | 13

the LGBTQ community and the conservative community who had or have trouble embracing LGBTQ people?

Maybe. I haven’t asked. I’m not the type of person who forces my views and my opinions on other people when they are so adamant about it, but I am a person that will discuss it and say why I am the way that I am. I walked (my friends) Nathan and Justin down the aisle. It’s all because of love. It has nothing to do with anything except those two boys I love with all my heart and I wanted to be there for ’em. And if we just love each other and quite judgin’, I think this world would be a lot better place. It’s not my job to judge. I don’t want that job, at all. I just want to love people.

I wanted to know if you have heard Orville Peck’s version of “Fancy” and what you thought of it. Also, what do you think of him and his contribution to country music as an out gay artist?

I loved his version of “Fancy.” I thought it was different. I liked how he kept the music, the production, real low until the end of the song and then it got real big. I was expecting it earlier, so that was a great surprise. But I’ve just got introduced to him, because of his remake of “Fancy,” and so I’m not that familiar with him to answer the second part of the question.

What do you think is the significance of Lil Nas X being the first openly gay Black artist to win a

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CMA award for “Old Town Road”?

See, here’s the deal: You’re putting more emphasis on him being gay. To me, I looked right past that. I saw he was a very talented young man who had a vision about this song and he pursued it and it turned into a huge thing. I respected him for that. That he’s gay – that didn’t change my mind about how much I admired him for pursuing his dream.

Yeah. I guess in an industry where it has felt that it’s difficult for a gay person to breakthrough – and a Black person, for that matter – on my end, it seems like a big deal.

Yeah, I can see why. But it’s kind of like, I don’t judge the book by the cover; you gotta know the person, and if I don’t know the person, I’m taking the information I can get – talent, ambition, perseverance, a gift – and going with that.

Have you met Lil Nas? I haven’t. But I know Billy Ray (Cyrus, who appears on the “Old Town Road” remix with Lil Nas X). I’ve looked and seen a lot of things about (Lil Nas X) in different stories. I think it was a Sunday morning program that I learned more about him. But admiration. Total admiration for him doing that.

How’s life in quarantine been for you? Is everybody healthy? Are you healthy?

All of my bunch are doing very well, thank you for asking. And I’ve really enjoyed the quarantine

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because I never had this much time off. I’m enjoyin’ it. I’m just relaxing. I grew a garden this year and I’m cookin’ out of it. I’m lovin’ it. It was weird, the first two months. In March, April and May I was in Oklahoma after my mom passed and we were cleaning her house out and separating everything, and then I came back to Tennessee after Mother’s Day and just kind of stayed out in the country, so not around big crowds at all.

I know you’re an “everything happens for a reason” person, and I was thinking about that because of what is happening to all of us in some way, shape or form right now. We’re all going through our own challenges with the pandemic. What do you believe is the reason for what is happening to us right now? Have you thought about that?

I’ve got different philosophies. Sometimes when things happen to me – like when I broke my leg skiing in ’96 – I always thought that was God’s way of saying, “Slow down, slow down, you’re going way too fast.” Not only skiing – but in life in general. So I see the good things that have come out of the pandemic and the quarantining, where families are sittin’ at the table again eating supper together and breakfast and being a unit instead of everybody going (in) different directions, running 100 miles per hour.

There are bad things that have happened because of people being sick and losing their lives and people losing their loved ones. That hurts my heart. But if I had to say the good parts about the quarantine, it’s that we’ve slowed down. Everybody goes too fast. And if we can just focus on the good and not so much of the bad, I think we’ll just be better off. Just take the good out of every situation you can get and not just dwell on the bad.

read about yourself?

There was one out just this past week about everybody up in arms about me investing in a CBD store or company or something. Well, I’ve never done that. And then somebody was telling me, “Well, I saw it; here it is,” and I said, “Well, I didn’t do that,” and then another friend in another part of the country sent it to me and said, “Did you do this?” I did not invest in a CBD company. And then there was a lot of very famous entertainers in this article that said, “Reba’s turned me onto this CBD; I am just so thrilled.” Garth Brooks being one of them. I don’t see how they get away with it.

So, you’re not having CBD gummies with Garth? That’s never happened?

No! Ha! Well, we’re gonna nip that one in the bud.

Thanks. I need all the help I can get. Ha! It was great to talk to you, Reba.

Good talkin’ to you too. Stay well, stay healthy and be safe, and I hope we get to talk soon in person or over the phone. I enjoy visitin’ with you.

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.

How do you stay so optimistic through everything that’s been happening that has me all shook up?

It comes with age because you can’t do anything about it, one way or the other. So you can choose to dwell in the misery or you can just search with all your might to try to find the more positive things that are coming out of the situation. That’s just what I try to do. I remember a long time ago, (I decided) to stay away from negative people because that’s infectious and it’s contagious, and I try to stay and hang out with positive people. It just makes the day so much brighter and easier. It just flows easier.

Everything goes better.

To end, since we’re here for Rumor Has It, what have been some of the craziest rumors you’ve | 15

Duff Cookie John Duff Serves Delicious Treats in New EP

By John Stein

John Duff admits that the first two videos he released as an independent artist, ‘Rich’ and ‘Girly,’ were not accurate reflections of himself.

“I was so attached to the way I was perceived that I ended up hiding behind concepts and characters,” he says today. “You don’t get John Duff. You get John Duff trying to give a viral moment. You get John Duff the clown. I only got sober this year, so I’m actually really mortified looking back at a lot of my output. It wasn’t me.

It was a mask; same with the drinking and the drugs.”

He says “Hokie Pokie” and the upcoming songs from his EP are more representative of the real John Duff. “I’m not attached to my success. I’m simply making things that I want to see in the world. Things that I would’ve wanted to do when I was a child. I am honoring that little boy that had to dim his shine to assimilate. This is a healing process for me. I feel bold and clear, and, above all, free.”

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He explains more from his home in Los Angeles.

Do you put the hoe in Hokie Pokie?

I do not, and I don’t know if I’m happy about that or sad about it. I’m a prude. But I love being stupid and writing stupid songs, and sometimes that requires a bit of pretend. This song is me pretending to be a hoe. I wish I was a hoe. I wish I was a stupid hoe, in fact.

What in the world inspired you to create a song about cunnilingus?

I wrote the song for (drag queen) Willam, actually. I had done one for her called “Hoops”.

He sort of commissioned that title, and while I was in the headspace of a girl who would proudly sing ‘the bigger the hoops, the bigger the hoe,’ I wrote “Hokie Pokie”. I decided to release the track myself while quarantine. We were all so stressed out while in the recording studio and I was like, “can I just be a clown for a minute?” If the world is ending, I’d like to have a party. A sexy party with funny people.

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Has your mama heard Hokie Pokie?

My mom said she thought the song was fun and clever. She loved the video and even said “you’re a very handsome man.” That made me cry. I don’t know, it’s almost like I didn’t believe that someone would be able to recognize my beauty in something so out there. I’m literally aggressively writhing in a sea of things I was taught to be ashamed of.

What is the ultimate message that you are putting out to the universe with your music?

Life is short. Make someone happy. Everyone is worthy of happiness. You are someone.

Why is happiness so important?

Because the earth is crying and she needs us to start living more intentional, purposeful lives.

That work is done on an individual level - so I hope my mere existence as an artist helps someone Have you always been so bold and out there? else feel confident in their own expression. I I started being a bold little freak around think most people don’t know what would make 12. Maybe before that. I used to stand in my themselves happy. They think the answer is in a basement, all doughy and awkward, trying to mansion in the Calabasas. Or they don’t ask the perform sexy to Janet Jackson tracks. Like, question at all. I don’t know how one would do me with braces and Old Navy cargo shorts that though - there really isn’t much to do here. sulking around singing “Would You Mind”. I have a specific memory from around 14, being Are you single? on a raft in a lazy river, arching my back and I am single and I’ve been single for years. singing “My Neck, My Back” to a lifeguard.

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever been That provided a lot of inspiration for my video. in the headspace to date until now. I was incapable of dating before this year and now Are all the new tracks on your album so colorful? it’s kind of hard to date, right? I was walking They each have their own sense of identity, for around earth with a lot of bullshit - very sure. I think my music has a lot of personality, broken. I’m quite sure I wasn’t easy to be but not everything is as schticky as “Hokie around. Who wants to date a manic alcoholic?

Pokie”. I have songs about everything. My dog, monogamy, confidence, ayahuasca, being What would it take to make a John bipolar… I want to say it’s deeply personal, Duff a one-man man in 2021? but maybe that’s not the best description. Not much. I want to be seen, heard and respected.

It’s definitely all really important to me. I’d like to meet someone who is actively working on being a more harmonious, integrated person.

What do you love most about the album? Bonus points if you go to therapy, or have some It took a long time to develop a sound that is time of healer on speed dial. I need to cool it uniquely mine. All of the songs have dignity and with my porn intake though, because it definitely hold true to my tastes, and that feels great. I fucks with my head. I believe in love at first sight. believe we as artists are of service when we’re When you know, you know… you know? So, I’m creating things that we want to hear. Whenever just waiting to look across the room and be like, I make a pop song, I’m like, “you know what “that’s him”. music is missing - augmented chords.” And so I write a song with augmented chords. Follow John Duff on Instagram @iamjohnduff

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You Can Count on Sharon Stone

By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Netflix

That scene. You know the one: the one in _Basic Instinct where Sharon Stone’s legs are open. It’s been talked about and talked about, and talked about some more. It’s been talked about so much in the years since it shook the world in 1992 that it has diminished the other non-crotch facets of Sharon Stone.

What nobody talks about anymore is her heart, her courage and her activism. As Stone pushed through the male-dominating Hollywood sphere of the 1990s to reach toptier cinematic heights through her work in 1990’s Total Recall and then Basic Instinct, an Oscar nomination for Casino solidifying her influential screen presence, she was giving a voice to the voiceless. She was speaking up for marginalized women. She was speaking up for the LGBTQ community.

She was speaking up for herself.

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And to this day, she still does. Stone’s enduring affinity with the LGBTQ community might explain why working for the first time with Ryan Murphy, known for bringing actresses over 50 (Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and now Stone) into his lavishly stylized queerverse of prestige TV, was so special. In Murphy’s dark dramedy Ratched for Netflix, an origins story of Nurse Ratched of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the 62-year-old actress portrays the deliciously insane Lenore Osgood, a rich, twice-widowed mother who’d rather spend time with her Capuchin monkey than her queer son (played by openly gay actor Brandon Flynn).

The series also stars out actresses Sarah Paulson, as nurse Mildred Ratched, and Sex and the City star and political activist Cynthia Nixon, who portrays Gwendolyn Briggs, the press secretary for the Governor of California.

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When I spoke with Stone recently by phone, she did talk about the show’s queerness. But it was the touching story of her late father, Joe, who took her gay friends under his wing, that you won’t forget.

Where do you think your role as Lenore Osgood will rate on the “Things Queer People Love That I’ve Done” scale?

Right? (Laughs.) I have to say that it’s full of beauty and full of style and full of the immense tenderness that happens when we confront abuse. And because of the nature of what it is to live a queer life, I think all of that will be very moving.

While watching Ratched, I was reflecting on your LGBTQ roles. There’s been some that are blatantly queer, and others that are more nuanced in their queerness. Catwoman with Halle Berry came to mind because I really do think it’s part of the queer canon.

(Laughs.) I think because the character was so intriguing – and so catty, also! And I think because the character was really based in an intense beauty-centric world, maybe. I just feel like my characters are all based in a “for everybody” kind of world, but I really believe there’s something when you work for people who are gay-friendly and people who hire gay people on the set, where costumes and sets and things have an opportunity to grow and become even more lavish.

We shot (Catwoman) in Tony Duquette’s estate house (Duquette was an artist who specialized in fantastical set designs for stage and film); he was a very good friend of mine and, you know, he said to me when he met me, “I haven’t seen any of your pictures, darling.” But truly he was engaged in the (Canadian-American film actress and Duquette’s wife) Mary Pickford and (silent film actor) Douglas Fairbanks universe and swashbuckler films and all of these extremely lavish and beautiful filmmaking experiences.

versus gay or queer male directors and their treatment of the women that you’ve played?

(Laughs tellingly, as if she has a lot to say about this.) That’s a beautiful question.

Well, it doesn’t just break down to gay and straight; it breaks down to people who have self-respect and people who do not. And our business was very much dominated by straight men – and a lot of straight men who felt that self-respect for them meant that there wasn’t any for women.

Now that we are opening the business to a more sincere and honest appraisal of reality, women, men, gays and straights get to participate in the business with a treatment of white male abuse, which is starting to calm down but not completely. And as we can see from our worldview here and certainly from our national view, the resistance to the end of it, it’s so violent; the resistance to the end of white male supremacy is so violent, and the women who have thrived on being victims and being victimized are unsure of what to do too because being a victim is an identity and having that situation where you call your husband or wife “mommy and daddy” is also part of that system. There’s a whole mindset that goes with that system that’s leaving, and as that leaves we have to start addressing all the other things, the underbelly of that, like child abuse and pedophilia.

When it comes to Ratched and working with someone like Ryan Murphy, who loves women differently than a straight man might, do you notice a difference in the way the character is being treated? For instance, was your experience different on, say, the set of Basic Instinct?

Well, I was protected on Basic Instinct because I had a European director (Paul Verhoeven). I had a very intelligent European director, so I was protected. I was not abused at all, or I could never have been able to play that part. We made agreements even prior to shooting that if we had disagreements One was not allowed to have a homosexual we would take them off the set and into a identity in those periods, so people private place and talk so that it wouldn’t tear had partners and the partnerships were down the authority of the character. agreements, and they were often very artistic agreements. In this case, very beautiful When Basic Instinct was released, it agitated artistic agreements, very accomplished LGBTQ activists who were taken aback by artistic agreements. And this was a way to your character being a bisexual psychopath. love, be loved, be safe, be protective and Seeing as though you were passionate about work in the industry.

LGBTQ issues and you are an activist for the community, how did you process their You’ve worked with straight directors as well concerns at the time? as gay and queer directors. Ryan Murphy At the time we had all kinds of problems, now among them. And when I think of not just LGBTQ people feeling like they him and the gay men I know, I think of the were going to be abused and not knowing reverence and respect we have for women. what was going to happen and showing great Based on your experiences, what is different concern. But there were just people acting for you working with straight male directors out all over the place over this movie. People | 21

blowing horns, trying to destroy the sets.

Getting back to film, I’m curious about your role in the 2000 HBO film If These Walls Could Talk 2. You must still get stopped by lesbians everywhere you go for being a part of that movie.

Well, I just think it was really great that we had this opportunity for Anne Heche to direct Ellen (DeGeneres) and I. Ellen was so brave and so cool to come out and use her platform to get so much good work done.

Vermont changed their laws after we did that film (the year the film was released, Vermont became the first U.S. state to pass same-sex civil union legislation). The Vermont senator (James Merrill Jeffords) then changed from And you did. being a Republican to a Democrat, and I And I did. And Micheal and Sherry were like, went to visit him at the Senate in Washington “You’re willing to do this?” And I’m like, and there was a lot more action.

“I’m absolutely willing to do this, and there’s nothing about me that would cause people I know everybody wants to be mad at to distrust that that’s what I’m going to do.” Ellen right now, but let’s not forget all of the incredible things she took on her Would you say that was the moment in your own shoulders and her own back, and the life when LGBTQ issues became especially pressure she took. I mean, when we did that, important to you? my parents were like, “Why are you doing I was already working for amfAR (The this? And what are you doing?” And when I Foundation for AIDS Research, which really explained it to them, my dad was like, So (co-star) Michael Douglas and Sherry Lansing, the head of Paramount Pictures, and I sat down and we talked about it. I said that I would be very happy to become the person who talked about these LGBTQ issues and to discuss that what we were trying to do was put LGBTQ characters in a major motion picture from Paramount and that we were trying to, for the first time ever, do this. That we were trying to give the LGBTQ community a platform. And that I would take on the position of being the voice of that platform if this community would trust me.

Stone began working for in 1995, as Global Campaign Chair) at that time, so no. And I had already begun working for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation because my neighbor had funded it. So I was already heavily working on that with our pediatrician Dr. Peter S. Waldstein and his wife. I was into the pediatric aspect of it, and then I went to the Dominican Republic as a guest of the president because they were beginning to have extreme AIDS issues. This was a really long time ago. This was even before amfAR. Then amfAR asked me if I would work for them.

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“So you mean those two uncles that lived together down the road were queer? And those old ladies were queer?” And I’m like, “Yeah, dad.” And he’s like, “Well, isn’t that nice. So they weren’t lonely and alone.” And I’m like, “Yeah, dad; they weren’t lonely and alone.” And he goes, “Well, that’s so good.”

That’s a beautiful response.

Right? So he started to have this revelation about all these old men or old women that he’d known all his life that lived together that weren’t alone and lonely. He started inviting my gay friends up to the hunting cabin, www.peachatl.com

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including my friend whose father had kind of dismissed him as not being masculine enough to do anything. My dad would take them out on the boat and teach them how to shoot and fish and drive the boat and walk in the woods. These were my 40 and 50-yearold friends who were standing up and saying, “I had a dad but my real dad was Joe Stone because this is what he did for me. He taught me how to shoot a bow and arrow.” All of these things that their dads wouldn’t spend the time doing with them because they were mad at them for being gay.

I’m getting a mental image of me, a gay man, learning to walk in the woods from your father and what that experience might have been like.

At my dad’s memorial, one of my friends stood up and he said, “I don’t suppose you would recognize why I’m such a fashion plate in these flannel shirts, but these were Joe Stone’s shirts and he treated me like I was his son.”

Did your dad ever see If These Wall Could Talk 2 then?

Of course. He saw everything. He died 10 years ago, and he really became a very Zen-like dude who actually talked to a lot of my friends about a lot of big things in their lives. He used to do this thing where he’d go, “I’m gonna go out to the hardware store,” and he wouldn’t come back for seven or eight hours. He’d go to the hardware store and he’d go to the little shops and he’d go sit in the park and he’d literally wait for a person who needed to talk to him and help people with their life traumas. I can’t tell you how many people – giant businessmen, rock stars, political figures – that have come to me saying, “I knew your dad and I was having such a terrible time and I sat with your father and he helped me. Your father changed my life.” It was just all these walks that he went on, and all these walks to the hardware store.

24 | follow us @ peachatlmag

Do you think you’ve been influenced by him in regards to the work that you do for the LGBTQ community but also how vocal you are about other causes that matter to you?

Yes, by both my mother and my father.

Because my mother always said, “It doesn’t matter who you love, it matters that you love.”

I couldn’t end this interview without mentioning the fact that you performed with Kylie Minogue in Cannes for AIDS research, and then you gave the gays an iconic moment with Mariah Carey on the red carpet at the 2018 Golden Globes and said you were going to trade diamonds with her. Did you realize the gay magic you were creating in both of those moments with two of our biggest gay icons?

No, but I can tell you that both of those women have been through their own personal major difficulties and giant triumphs. I admire both of them for being able to live

in the public life and continue to be so generous.

I admire that about you because you have also been that person. I’m so happy we have your voice and that it’s been heard.

Thank you. One-hundred percent, you can count on me.

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.

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by Jeffrey Solomon

December 11-13

Tickets & more at: OutFrontTheatre.com

COOL NIGHTS @ BLAKE'S Photos by Snow

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HAPPY PRIDE

ATLANTA!

THE FUTURE IS

“WE” + Q T

B G L ESS SIN I T BUM M U S

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JOIN US For an exciting three-day virtual event bringing Georgia’s LGBTQ+ and allied business community together to learn, support, and celebrate with each other.

November 17-19, 2020 Register today: outgeorgia.org/summit

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| 35

Tommy is originally from the Midwest, and he grew up in Indianapolis. He has lived in Atlanta for almost two years now and can’t get enough of the culture and great weather. He is an artist, choreographer, and show designer for the marching arts community, inspiring him to live as authentically as possible.

He cares deeply about advocacy and visibility within the marginalized and often overlooked LGBTQ+ communities. He also loves to laugh, the outdoors, house music, dancing, and being creative. Tommy is six years married to Chris, and they have been together for 16.

@samsondrexel

TOMMY ALLEN

John Chandler is Missing

The Atlanta-Native former Boybander Breaks Out on His Own

By Chad Conroy Photos by Tyler Weerges

The road to pop stardom has been long and hard for Atlanta-native John Chandler.

Much of his struggles, he realizes today, stem from finding success as a teen. “Being discovered by Maurice Starr, the man behind New Kids on the Block and New Edition, was a blessing and a curse.”

“I thought dreams were just handed to you at 16, and then you lived happily ever after.”

John Chandler was born in Alabama and lived on a cattle farm in Ozark with his parents, both pastors, and little sister, until he was 4. The family relocated to Atlanta for the Church, where John attended Christian On one hand, it was an amazing opportunity schools. to open for NSYNC on the Pop Odyssey Tour and share the stage with acts like Alicia He met Maurice Starr in the lobby of the Keys, Jagged Edge, and Trisha Yearwood. On Ritz Carlton in Atlanta. At 17, John and his the other, it gave John a false sense of how new band, 6PIECE, were signed to No Limit Records/Universal Music Group and they the world works. released their first single through a national

promotion with McDonalds, appearing on allow room in our lives for what has truly been missing. We have the opportunity to Nickelodeon and MTV. find a new type of happiness and way of life.

Unfortunately, they entered the pop scene That’s what my song and upcoming EP are at a precarious time for the music industry. all about.”

A new craze called digital streaming was taking over teendom and labels didn’t John Chandler’s “Missing” is being released quite understand how to navigate the new independently and is available now on Apple marketplace. 6PIECE fell victim to the Music, Amazon and all other major retailers, as well as for streaming through Spotify. Its uncertainty. video is on YouTube. For more information, John went back into the studio to begin work follow John Chandler on Instagram @ on his solo project, ‘24 HOURS.’ Drawing johnchandlerofficial and Facebook @ inspiration from artists like Prince and Bruno johnchandlerr. Visit Johnchandlerofficial.

Mars, the EP detailed a 24-hour period in com. his life: going out, drinking with friends, and ending up in a one-night stand. John’s R&B baritone vocals shined over funky beats with electric synths and live guitars, but the EP didn’t grab the traction from 6PIECE fans that John hoped it would.

He is taking a different direction with “Missing,” the first song off his next EP that chronicles John’s road to self-discovery.

The working title is “Running, Missing, Changing, Growing”; literally, the EPs track list. Each single has sad but hopeful lyrics, set to real piano and guitars, mixed with 808 drums and some vocoder, that each tell a story all their own.

“2020 has changed my life forever, and this EP reflects that,” John says. “I’ve been wrestling with the end of a relationship, being fired from my job, living in a new city, raising money for my Mom’s stage 4 Cancer treatment, and all during a global pandemic.”

Because of the pandemic, John couldn’t shoot the music video in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, as he had intended.

He shot it in Nashville, the city he calls home now.

“This year the universe told us all to take a seat,” John Chandler reflects. “It didn’t matter who you were or where you lived, we were all forced to put things on pause.”

“When COVID passes, and we start reintroducing things back into our lives, my hope is that we don’t just go back to life as normal,” he continues. “I hope we let go of the things that never really mattered and

MY FAVORITE THINGS

Little Luxuries

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt A new season is here, and even though we are still pretty confined to our houses, there are still things that emerge as little luxuries that just make quarantine a little sweeter. And of course, we can still celebrate Pride although not in person to the same extent as last year.

Spot On Mikkel Hyldebrandt is the editor of Peach ATL. Follow him on Instagram @hyldebrandt

A really helpful tool for all those Zoom meetings is this ‘broadcasting light’ that casts you in the most pleasant light possible. And the telescope tripod lets you position the light at the ultimate angles.

Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit, $129.95

Designer Sanitizer One of my favorite beauty brands, Byredo, has just come out with a hand sanitizer in one of my favorite fragrances, Suede.

I did notice that if the hand sanitizer I use smells pleasantly, I tend to use it just a bit more, so…

Byredo Vetyver Rinse-Free Hand Wash, $35

Calm Down With the added stresses of today’s world, I admit to having the occasional case of restlessness or even sleeplessness at night. These (totally legal!) CBD gummies make going to sleep easy, and I get to sleep through the night without any side effects.

Kore Organic CBD Gummies Jar 15mg/525x, 35 ct., $59.99

Scalp Scrub During these uncertain times, I really enjoy moments of self-care – and if you have never scrubbed your scalp before, you are in for a treat!

It feels wonderful while you’re doing it, and the feeling afterward is hard to beat. And your hair will even benefit from it!

Philip B Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub, $75

Signs of Pride I Although we can’t celebrate Pride in-person this year, there are plenty of ways to show your Pride – like these cool yard signs designed by ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods! And you support the Atlanta Pride Committee, who are putting up an extensive virtual program for Pride this year!

Atlanta Pride 50 Yard Sign, $25 – available at atlantapride.org

Signs of Pride II Every year, ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods creates a limited Pride collection, and this year, he’s collaborated with Atlanta Pride to create a design for a hat – the same design that is featured on the yard signs! I am definitely getting one of these too!

ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods Atlanta Pride Cap, $30

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THiS iS MY

Pride

BY MiKKEL HYLDEBRANDT

Although this year’s Pride is vastly different because of the ongoing pandemic, it can’t keep us from celebrating Pride. So what is your Pride this year? Peach asked a few community members about how they plan to celebrate – and what Pride means to them.

JiM FARMER FESTiVAL DiRECTOR, OUT ON FiLM How do you plan to celebrate this year?

We will just be finishing Out On Film, so we’ll be tired. But my husband Craig and I fully plan to participate in as many virtual events as we can.

In the light of not being able to celebrate on the same scale as usual, what does Pride mean to you this year?

It means being proud and comfortable in who you are. We all take varying roads to being who we really are, and it’s nice when you can have that comfort level with yourself.

Looking ahead (to when all of this is over) – how do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

Relishing the opportunity to socialize again and being able to celebrate with my Atlanta community and friends

LYNN BARFiELD OPERATiONS MANAGER FOR ATLANTA PRiDE COMMiTTEE, INC. How do you plan to celebrate this year?

I plan on celebrating this year honoring the day with good food, great friends, and my family. And well, a little bit of being on duty since I work for APC. LOL. I think it’s important that everyone do something to mark the weekend – even though we can’t be together, nothing can stop people and its movement from celebrating achievements!

What does Pride mean to you this year?

To this year, Pride means an even bigger sense of love and community. We are living in a pandemic, and I have seen so many rituals, including this festival, taken away from our life routines. But I have also seen this community come together to feed people who are out of work, support organizations that STILL have to serve the community, and our gay-owned businesses pivot to make their businesses still thrive. We have a lot to be proud of in 2020!

How do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

I plan on celebrating Pride 2021 with copious amounts of champagne…after the festival is over, and the park is clean, of course.

NEON THE GLOWGOBEAR IT GEEK BY DAY AND A DJ AT NiGHT How do you plan to celebrate this year?

I am excited to be working with many of the Atlanta Eagle’s DJ’s for a “Pride Inside” that will be several DJ’s over the weekend broadcast via the Atlanta Eagle’s Twitch page (twitch.tv/atlantaeagle).

What does Pride mean to you this year?

Though I will seriously miss all the amazing events that Atlanta has to offer and seeing people from around the country enjoy my city, these are still uncertain times. This Pride will allow me some time to take in a number of the virtual events that are a part of the virtual Atlanta Pride offerings. There are still events going on that aren’t in person (for those of us that are choosing to continue to avoid large groups).

It’s not the same, but we carry on. Our community has two difficult battles ahead: the political situation of our rights possibly going under fire and Covid-19.

How do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

Depending on what nightlife looks like a year from now, I am hoping to share my music and energy around the country once again because I have found that a dance floor can be a place of joy, camaraderie, and is a great way to blow off the negative emotions that we are all working through.

Great music lifts us up and brings us together.

That’s something I hope to be able to continue to offer through these times and on into 2021!

RAFAEL GOMES DiRECTOR OF FASHiON EXHiBiTiONS AT SCAD FASH, ATLANTA’S FASHiON + FiLM MUSEUM How do you plan to celebrate Pride this year?

I think the best way to celebrate Pride this year is to vote, so we do not lose our hard-earned rights.

In the light of not being able to celebrate on the same scale as usual, what does Pride mean to you this year?

We are living in uncertain times, and our voices need to be heard, especially since we are not able to parade on the streets. Personally, I’m celebrating and contributing by participating in the online commemorations. Our museum highlight is an exhibition called: Derrick Adams: “Patrick Kelly, The Journey.” It presents Adams’ artwork honoring the African American fashion designer Patrick Kelly.

Kelly lived for several years in Atlanta and, after his success in Paris, he returned here in 1988 to stage a fashion event that raised money for AIDS research. He, unfortunately, like many other art-

ists at the time, succumbed to the virus in 1990. Kelly was the first American designer to ever show his collection in the highly competitive Paris fashion week calendar, and instead of being celebrated as a hero, he has been forgotten by many, particularly the younger generations.

How do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

I want to be optimistic and have faith that the world will be in a better place next year, so ultimately, we can go back to similar ways we used to live and celebrate our lives.

THiS iS MY Pride

CHRIS LUGO EXECUTiVE DiRECTOR, OUT GEORGiA BUSiNESS ALLiANCE How do you plan to celebrate this year?

For Atlanta Pride this year, my husband Tommy and I are keeping it lowkey and personal, but we’re looking forward to digging into the extensive lineup of virtual programming and events.

In the light of not being able to celebrate on the same scale as usual, what does Pride mean to you this year?

While we’d typically be out and about celebrating with our friends, I think the ongoing concern

for our government’s leadership, COVID-19, systemic racism, and racial violence underscores exactly why we must focus on supporting and showing up for each other and our community. To me, Pride means actively advancing the LGBTQ+ community by committing to deliberate education, collaboration, and generosity.

Looking ahead – how do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

For Atlanta Pride 2021, I really hope we’re able to have that much-needed and joyous celebration in person while remembering the challenges we faced and honoring the people we lost over the past year. I think we’re all looking forward to a brighter 2021!

MiKO EVANS

Tom Thomas

FOUNDER & EXECUTiVE PRODUCER OF MEAK PRODUCTiONS, INC.

COMMUNiTY OUTREACH FOR CORE (COMMUNiTY ORGANiZED RELiEF EFFORT)

How do you plan to celebrate this year?

I will be celebrating Pride by continuing to support our community partners as we do every year via my company’s Media & Production outlets, and by taking time to celebrate my own Pride personally.

In the light of not being able to celebrate on the same scale as usual, what does Pride mean to you this year?

Pride This Year, for me, means Perseverance, Strength, and Legacy.

The community as a whole has faced A LOT this year politically, financially, and holistically, and not just with the Pandemic, which by the way, was very similar to how HIV & AIDS was in the ’80s. The fact that we are STILL HERE and lived to tell how we overcame these challenges is a Testimony.

How do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

For me, I think it’s too soon to talk about 2021, however, I think Pride next year will be on a completely different level after everything we’ve learned this year.

How do you plan to celebrate this year?

I am working on bringing free Covid-19 testing to the heart of midtown in October during Pride month. I plan on celebrating PRIDE this year by spending some quality time with good friends and my chosen family.

In the light of not being able to celebrate on the same scale as usual, what does Pride mean to you this year?

PRIDE to me this year is all about Hope.

I recently read a great article about living in a time of fear and uncertainty. It reminded me that we need to stay connected and to remember that we are all in this together. PRIDE may be canceled, but…

Looking ahead (to when all of this is over) – how do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

I would like to attend some other Pride festivals in different cities throughout next year. I am also considering World Pride 2021 in Copenhagen.

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THiS iS MY Pride

MALiK BROWN DiRECTOR OF LGBTQ AFFAiRS, OFFiCE OF MAYOR KEiSHA LANCE BOTTOMS How do you plan to celebrate Pride this year?

Like most ATLiens, I’ll be celebrating Atlanta Pride at home this year. There’s a lot of great virtual programming coming, and I’m excited to participate.

I’m sure I will see a small group of select friends for outdoor and socially distant celebrations.

“Conversations will not be canceled.

Relationships will not be canceled.

Love will not be canceled.

Songs will not be canceled.

Reading will not be canceled.

Self-Care will not be canceled.

Hope will not be canceled.”

- Jamie Tworkowski

In the light of not being able to celebrate on the same scale as usual, what does Pride mean to you this year?

The first “Atlanta Pride” gathering was a tiny fraction of the parade and festival we see these days. That small group of brave pioneers was fighting for acceptance, visibility, and basic rights. Their Pride wasn’t about the parties and events, which are so much fun; it was about community and belonging. While I desperately wish I was able to enjoy our fabulous nightlife options and beautiful parade this year, this is a good opportunity to channel the energy of those who came before me.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

The thing I miss most about Pride this year is the Mayor’s Pride Reception, hosted by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. These annual events have become a staple in our community over the last few years. You never know who you’ll see at them, and I do love a catered, open bar event. If science says we’re in a safe place to have events next year, that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.

DARREN FLORO-BRYANT PERSONAL TRAiNER How do you plan to celebrate (Pride) this year?

This year for Pride, I plan to spend it with my husband and close friends. In the current situation (Covid-19), it is important to me to appreciate all that I have and all that I have worked for. Spending time with friends this year seems more important than ever before. Sharing laughs and being authentic seems like the right way to celebrate.

What does Pride mean to you this year?

Pride means the same thing this year as it has every year. I appreciate where I am at personally.

Ever since I accepted who I was as a person, I had an understanding that being gay is not everything that I am, but rather a piece of me. I am made up of many different things that make me unique.

Being gay is a part of it, and I take Pride as a time to be grateful that being gay is one of those parts. Usually, I get to celebrate by going to parties, picnics, parades, and dancing. This year I will celebrate a little quieter by being surrounded by

friends and family (and chosen family) that love me for being me.

How do you plan to celebrate Pride in 2021?

Next year I plan to travel to a few different cities around the world (with my husband and close friends) to see how they celebrate their Pride. I plan to dance and celebrate and keep trying to help the world understand we (the gay community) are part of the world. As soon as I accepted, or came to terms with being gay, I vowed to live my life true to myself. I also chose to continue being me. I may not be loud and boisterous about being gay, but I do NOT hide who I am, either. I also chose to live this way to respect all of the gay people (however they identify themselves) before me that have made it possible for me to be comfortable with who I am in a world that is not always understanding.

OCT 07 - 14

Due to the ongoing pandemic, please keep yourself updated on an event’s status as it may change last-minute. We believe in safety first, so this lineup features mainly virtual events or in-person events with limited capacity that enforce CDC guidelines.

Good Judy LIVE The Queens of Good Judy podcast are hosting an extraordinary one-time LIVE episode of the podcast via Zoom. Their special guest of the week will be former ATLqueen, Evah Destruction from Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 3. To participate, you must purchase a Digital Ticket or become a Patreon subscriber ($5 or more!).

Thursday, October 8, 7 pm patreon.com/goodjudypod Exhibition: High Visibility The virtual group exhibition features artworks from over fifteen Atlanta LGBTQIA+ photographers. All work will be presented digitally through the APG website, making it safely accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Pieces will be made available for purchase, with 95% of the proceeds going directly to the artist. Get your pass at atlantaphotographygroup.org.

Friday, October 9, 7 – 9 pm atlantaphotographygroup.org C

M

Oktoberfest

Y

CM

Celebrate the greatest Oktoberfest party in Atlanta. Enjoy ‘Munich on Marietta’ in the heart of downtown. Grab a stein and indulge in over 18 different German draft beers and authentic cuisine.

MY

CY

CMY

Friday, October 9, 4 – 9 pm Der Biergarten

K

The Ho Show Atlanta’s only live-singing and choreographed drag troupe presents their second live streaming show where the hos talk pandemic and the upcoming election – and it’s not for the faint of heart! Tickets at thehoshow. veeps.com.

October 9 & 10 Online Event

PALS Drag Queen Bingo - Rocky Horror Night Come up to the LIPS lab and see what’s on the slab. Grab your mask, put on your creepy attire, and get ready to have some spooky fun that’ll have you do the time warp again and again. Get your tickets at palsatlanta.org.

Tuesday, Oct 13, 7:30– 10 pm Lips Atlanta

Atlanta Pride Virtual Programming Despite switching the Atlanta Pride festival to a virtual event, the committee has put together a fantastic lineup of programming that will stream right to the comfort and safety of your own home. Go to AtlantaPride.org for the full lineup and set your streaming device into Pride!

October 9 -11 Online Event Ansley Pride Outside Midtown Moon and the Hideaway both recognize the need for a safe, outside space where you can socially distance.

Their outdoor spaces have tables and bars with plenty of Pride drink specials – and of course, social distancing, limited capacity, and face mask requirements.

October 9 – 11 Midtown Moon & The Hideaway Eagle 50th Anniversary Pride Celebration The Atlanta Eagle has planned a weekend of Pride celebrations for the leather community and beyond. There will be more bars outdoors, and limited capacity and masks are enforced.

October 9 – 11 The Atlanta Eagle

2020 Atlanta Pride Rainbow Run The virtual 5K run or walk is already happening, but you can still participate and support by simply signing up – because it is a virtual 5K, you can run or walk wherever you are, at your pace, on your time. Sign up at atlantapriderainbowrun. com Happening now until Oct 10 Virtual Event Pride Circuit Kick-Off The Heretic has lined up a full weekend of circuit DJs for you to dance the night away to. Friday night kicks off with popular DJ Isaac Escalante who is a well-known face at the dance club.

Friday, October 9, 9 pm – 3 am The Heretic

Ruby’s Big Fat Pride Revue Hostess Ruby Redd invites you to join the cast of stars for The Saturday Gay Pride Showstopper Revue! Featuring special guests Tristan Hartman, Lacey Bruce, Nix Karres, Jealous and more! Come out to the outdoor party and stay for the show! Touchless tipping, masks, and temp checks while inside.

Saturday, October 10, 8 – 11 pm Midtown Moon

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Dining

2 Blake's 3 Bulldogs 4 Friends

227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

6 My Sister’s Room 7 Ten Atlanta

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 BarkingLeather

9 10 11 12

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

56 | 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

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

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd

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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

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30 Gravitee Fitness

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28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

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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 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

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

DINING MIDTOWN 10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com 991 Piedmont Ave NE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

FROGS CANTINA frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

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

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE SWINGING RICHARDS swingingrichards. com 1400 Northside Dr NW

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

58 | follow us @ peachatlmag

CHESHIRE

EINSTEIN’S einsteinsatlanta. com 1077 Juniper St NE

WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE

MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE

RETAIL MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

ANSLEY

GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A

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 www.peachatl.com

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10

Proud and Anti-Racist Things To Do

Celebrating Pride also means taking inventory of how we can continue to fight for our rights. Right now, our Black LGBTQ brothers and sisters need all of our support and help, so here are ten things that keep up the anti-racist momentum.

1.

Keep engaging Like, comment, share, and save

6. Get an accountability buddy

posts, accounts, and resources

Someone who can keep you

2. Keep learning There is a world of information out there

3. Look for ways to build anti-racism into your daily

motivated and inspired

7. Keep speaking out Use your voice every chance you have

8. Keep planning

life

Plan ways to be proactive and

Take a moment to reflect on

not just reactive

how you think about these things

4. Keep being uncomfortable Being corrected is not an attack but a chance to learn

5. Keep connected

9. Keep responding Responses to developments as they happen are valuable

10. There is no quick fix for racism Don’t underestimate the

Find likeminded people and

influence you can have in

share thoughts and views

changing someone’s mind

Do you run?

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

Yes, every day I’ve made a lot of mistakes but the fact that I’ve never been invited to a gender reveal party means I’ve cut the right people out

If you’re one of those people refusing to wear a mask because you’re concerned about enough oxygen getting to your brain, don’t worry that ship has sailed

By cutting off the sleeves I can’t imagine that of all your t-shirts?

Every day.. how? out of fucks, money, patience!

After all the stupid things I’ve done in my life… if I die from touching my face, I’ll be pisseed What kinda hoe y’all gonna be for Halloween?

A hoe in this house!

I hate this pandemic. If I wanted to waste my 30s, I would have gotten married and had kids

62 | follow us @ peachatlmag

Single and ready to get real awkward around anybody that I find attractive

Daddy Joke Alert Lance is a pretty uncommon name, but in medieval times, people were named lance a lot

www.peachatl.com

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20) You are cooling down your hoot-tempered summer mood as the temperatures cool – and it suits you well! In fact, you may have some surprising prospects hitting you up now that you seem to be balanced and approachable. Focus on keeping your cool, and you will go into the Fall season with lots of romantic possibilities.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19) Your fantasies could come true now, especially when it comes to relationships. This could be the moment you’ve always dreamed about, so get ready. The attractive, romantic person in the corner has been keeping an eye on you all night.

Your blood is pumping faster than ever. Remind yourself that all dreams can come true.

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22) This is your time to focus on YOU as the moon align for a double full moon in October. You’re apt to be somewhat fickle when it comes to love and romance right now. The key for you now is freedom. The problem with this mindset is that it might be misinterpreted. Your partner may think you simply aren’t interested in them anymore.

Remind your partner that it’s OK to love someone while also needing time and space to do things on your own.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20) A creative project that you’ve been working on may be coming to a climactic peak now. Discuss your progress with others and feel free to hold an informal critique in order to get honest feedback on your work – it’ll only make it better. A piece of art should stir some sort of reaction inside another person. Consider ways in which you can challenge the people around you with your talent.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

The change of season, has you confused when it comes to matters of the heart. Perhaps you feel cheated when the object of your desire doesn’t give you complete attention at all times.

The fundamental security of your being is your responsibility, not someone else’s. Find a way to incorporate your dreams into the dreams of others instead of always working toward goals at opposite sides of the spectrum

All the positive energy generated by the celestial atmosphere seems to come together as you experience a rush of sensual passion for a romantic partner. An unexpected encounter could not only fulfill this desire but also bring you closer. If you aren’t already committed, expect to discuss it soon. Be careful to exercise restraint.

Your lover could panic if you push too hard.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

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

Take your loved one out for a romantic dinner.

Escort them on a magic-carpet ride to fantastic places that encourage a playful mood and carefree attitude. Consider having a bottle of wine at a playground. Decorate your house with candles and burn some incense. Create a mood that will calm the nerves and soothe the soul.

Your sense of romance is right on target.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

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

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

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

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

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

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www.peachatl.com

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.

S

o Pride is coming up, and is it just me, or is everyone advertising parties and in-person happenings? I thought that we were still in a pandemic and that we weren’t supposed to hook up and have sex with a bunch of guys? Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to get it on like I did at last year’s Pride – but aren’t we supposed to, like, NOT have sex with a bunch of people?

Sincerely Perplexed but Proud Sincerely Perplexed but Proud Yes, it is confusing. The official Atlanta Pride lineup is all virtual and they are not promoting any in-person events, so there is that. What all the local bars and clubs are doing is a completely other thing, and it seems like the lineup is pretty extensive for in-person events this year. In terms, of gathering in groups and having sex, the guidelines are the same: You should limit groups to less than 50 persons, and you should socially distance, and wear masks. When it comes to sex, the guidelines are still that you should only have sex with the people that are strictly in your ‘COVID pod’. That means people, who are being safe and are limiting their socializing with others, so that you limit the spread of the virus. Additionally, there seems to be a trend in the LGBTQ community that people, who have been sick and potentially have antibodies, are gathering in bars and not adhering to guidelines because they can’t get sick again (perhaps). We are at point in this pandemic, where everything could pivot for the worse, like it is in several other states – and Georgia has not been doing great from the get-go. So be sensible, and perhaps read up on what the guidelines actually are instead of what we are starting to see everywhere.

I

’m in a relationship, and overall, I’m happy, but I’m starting to see a few issues. The biggest one is that my opinion doesn’t seem to matter. Whenever we argue, I’m simply overruled, and my arguments are dismissed as petty or stupid – and he will continue to argue as to why he is right and I’m not. This is really starting to get to me, but I can’t seem to get through to him. What can I do to break this cycle?

Sincerely Talking to a Wall Dear Talking to a Wall One-sided communication is actually not communication at all! This is indeed a vicious cycle that will eventually break you down because you and your opinion are completely disregarded – and no one can live with that long-term! You need to let him know about the gravity of this issue, and that you need to be respected and have the room and opportunity to voice your opinion as well, without any counterarguments sometimes. If he really thinks that his point of view is the only one that matters, he has an even bigger problem than you – and maybe, you should take some time apart so that you can have some space, and he can realize that you mean business. Hopefully, that will change his mind.

HAPPY PRIDE!

NEED ANSWERS? SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM 68 | follow us @ peachatlmag

www.peachatl.com

We’re surely going to miss you this year for the Atlanta Pride Kickoff.

The time to gather, unite, and celebrate will return.

In the meantime, keep your sparkle, stay safe and dream big.

GET READY ATLANTA!

SHARKS! Predators of the Deep......Opening Soon!

For discount tickets visit georgiaaquarium.org/prideguide