Compared to the same time last year, I certainly feel very different. Last year, Peach was going into support mode as the community was closing down, and now we are slowly but steadily resuming something resembling normalcy.
With that in mind, it’s time to start thinking about Spring Fashion (something I hardly considered last year), so we’ve put together a wonderful issue for you that will take you stylishly into Spring and Summer. We collaborated with Australian brand Teamm8 for the cover and photoshoot, and I’ve collected a few of my favorites now that Spring is on my mind.
That and so much more in this issue of Peach. mikkeL HyLdeBrandt IG @hyldebrandt
Follow Mikkel Hyldebrandt on Instagram @hyldebrandt
Keep It Short
Spring On My Mind
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Things are both warming up and looking up. Vaccines are being rolled out, and suddenly Spring and Summer look entirely different – and that has me thinking about what items I want to make my season even hotter.
Go Light and Bright
It’s time to switch up your fabrics to lighter and brighter. Introduce some color and get that comfy light feel with a lightweight cotton t-shirt.
Mack Weldon Pima Crew Neck T-shirt, $32
Pep In Your Step
Daily walks will still be part of my routine, but maybe I’ll start venturing out into social settings after being fully vaccinated –and for that, I want some fancy footwear!
Adidas NMD_R1 Primeknit Shoes, $180
They are my absolute favorite shorts with a built-in liner, so I don’t even need underwear. They are great for a workout and look good enough to wear out.
Vuori Kore Short Indoigo Mountains, $68
Floral Spring
Keeping up with the floral trend, this shirt keeps it tropical and cool in blue with an excellent fit for a more muscly body type.
Blade + Blue Tropical Floral Print Shirt, $110
Up Your SPF Game
It’s time to up your sunscreen game no matter your skin type, so switch to a moisturizer with SPF. It’s as simple as that prevent sunburns and prematurely aging skin.
The latest fragrance from the famous skincare brand is a formulation of green citrus and woodsy notes. Although it is marketed as gender-neutral, it does flip towards the masculine.
Aesop Rozu, $180
graphic design / digital
strategies / branding / web design / content
creation / business
identity / banners / graphic design / branding
printing / web design / social media management advertising / project
content creation / wide format printing / branding printing social media management / project window graphics / branding / printing /
Because we all need a wise, Lesbian BFF!
Sometimes you just need the advice of a seasoned queer woman in your life! I have to say, every time I write this column, I get a bigger smile on my face. It really has been a fun experience to both read and answer your questions. Please keep them coming; I promise I will answer them. I also want to thank Peach ATL for giving me this experience. And make sure you check out our new podcast, Let’s Chat - Ginger and I will make you laugh for sure.
Dear Lesbo
I am a married man with two teenage children. My husband and I have been together for over 12 years, and I love our family. My question is, I don’t know how to tell my husband that I really need him to help me in disciplining our children. I have always been the bad guy, and it’s just not fair. When one of our children does something wrong, I am the one that always reprimands them. I feel like I am the only parent, and I am just tired of it. Pissed off Papa
Pissed off Papa
I understand this dilemma all too well. Parenting is tough business. Children need discipline and boundaries. I wish it were all rainbows and sunshine when it comes to raising kids. The reality is it takes a village, and both parents need to take active roles. My advice is simple: let your husband know that y’all are going to discipline your children together. This way, you can support him. After a couple of times of doing this, I promise you, Pissed Off Papa, he will become a pro. You have to explain to him that there is no good dad/bad dad; you both are just DAD.
Dear Lesbo
By Marci Alt
I just came out to my friends last month, and I am very, very scared to come out to my family. I have heard all the horror stories of being disowned by your family for being gay. My parents are quite conservative and believe being gay is a sin. I have avoided my sexuality around them, and I believe it’s time to come out. Any words of wisdom for this Closet Case?
Silent Closet Case
Dear Closet Case
I am so sorry you feel the need to hide who you are. The best advice I have here is just to be you. Who you sleep with or fall in love with doesn’t change who you are. I am sure your parents are going to love you no matter what. Yes, it may be a transition for them or a shock at the moment. Just be you and let them know how much you love them and want their support. My experience in coming out was easy, and my parents love me no matter what, as I am sure your parents will too. I was more scared to come out to my friends. I knew my family would always love me but my friends I wasn’t sure about. The funny thing was that my friends hugged me and said: “girl, we all knew you were gay, we were just waiting on you to say it.” When I heard them say this, I was so happy, and I am still friends with the people today 33 years later. I hope this helps. I know I’m here for you if you need to talk or cry!
Marci Alt is a household name within the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community – she created the The Gay Community Yellow Pages and runs the popular Gayborhood online platform. Being part of the community does not give her the experience alone to answer the questions on this page, but many years owning and running several successful businesses and being the parent of two amazing children certainly quantifies her knowledge, that she so generously shares with you in this column.
Do you have a question to Ask the Lesbo? Please email your questions to marci@peachatl.com.
Photo: Meak Productions
Game, Set, matCH
Photos courtesy of Teamm8
Photographer: Adrián C. Martin | IG @adriancmartin
A huge trend this Spring is dressing comfortably but also ready to get active at any moment – like taking a conference call while going on a walk. Teamm8 has just launched their new high-performance Match Activewear collection of men’s workout styles, stylishly trimmed with the TEAMM8 insignia with every piece designed to mix and match effortlessly.
It is perfect for an active lifestyle while still looking stylish so that you can jump on the virtual meeting.
The Teamm8 MATCH Collection is available at teamm8.com – and don’t forget to check out their amazing underwear, swimwear, and accessories as well.
eBony & Irony
Drag Stars Monét X Change and Lady Bunny Welcome Margaret Cho
Drag Stars Monét X Change and Lady Bunny have been causing quite a stir in their new podcast series, Ebony & Irony, and in late March, the duo invited Margaret Margaret Cho on the show to discuss the Atlanta shooting of six Asian women.
“The podcast is off to a great start,” confirms Monét X Change. “Well, after Bunny figured out what a podcast was and got internet.” New episodes of Ebony & Irony premiere every Friday and feature drag stars Monét X Change and
Lady Bunny dissecting the latest pop culture, politics and scandals. They dig in deep, interviewing guests who are experts in their fields. “We’re not here to ‘Yass, Queen!’ our guests,” Bunny explains. “We ask hard-hitting questions so that different viewpoints are expressed.”
Past episodes have included conversations with UK historian/ author Stephen Brogan (discussing Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview) and Danny Mandarola, a victim of
sexual manipulator, Sherry Pie. On the episode that aired Friday, March 26, Monét X Change and Lady Bunny welcomed comedian Margaret Cho to discuss the Atlanta shooting were a man killed eight people — including six Asian women — at three massage parlors around the Atlanta area.
“I’m scared to go out. As an older Asian woman… it’s hard out there for people like me. It’s really scary,” the 52-year-old actress and comedian told drag queens Monet X Change and Lady Bunny on the podcast. “Even though there are instances of black on Asian violence, it’s still because of white supremacy,” she said.
“We’re put together from this idea of the myth of the model minority, and that statement is such a damaging one — to be a model minority — because it makes it seem like other minorities are not the model.” She also added: “It pits us against each other as if our only value is our relationship to the white patriarchy.”
Listen to the entire episode of Ebony & Irony featuring Margaret Cho in an honest and open conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
Ebony & Irony is not your typical drag podcast. Rather than discussing the lewks of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the show touches on themes like cancel culture, COVID, and cultural appropriation. It also features light-hearted segments like Definitely Not the News where Bunny and Monét mine the internet for the latest fads and throw more shade than a solar eclipse. “The show is totally unscripted,” says Monét. “We tried some scripted segments, but Bunny can’t read.” “Working with Monét is a rare opportunity,” Bunny quips. “How often to do I get to say ‘I’m the pretty one?’”
Monét X Change is best known for winning Miss Congeniality on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 and winning RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 4. The Brooklyn-based diva cemented her fame with an album, Unapologetically, a Build Series talk show named “The
X Change Rate”, and a stint on London’s West End with Courtney Act. Monét regularly joins her friendly competitor Bob the Drag Queen for their popular podcast, Sibling Rivalry. Lady Bunny created the drag festival Wigstock in the 1980s. The festival is the subject of two documentaries, 1995’s Wigstock: The Movie and 2018’s Wig on HBO. A living drag legend, razor-witted comic, fabulous DJ, and one kooky queen, the Lady Bunny experience can be summed up from her own words in V Magazine’s December issue: “My humor is outrageous, my look is over the top, and my politics are in your face. That’s just the way I am!”
The premiere episode of Ebony & Irony welcomed guest, Linda Simpson, discussing her book, “The Drag Explosion.” Following episodes featured trans punk icon Jayne County, gay porn star Boomer Banks, Dr. Darien Sutton, and nightlife columnist, author and bon vivant Michael Musto.
“I’ve learned so much doing this podcast,” reflects Bunny. “Including who Monét X Change is.”
Ebony & Irony is available for free or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are
available every Friday
You Still Have Time
By Jamie Kirk
The pandemic has changed the way we dress. Additionally, where we go, how we greet one another, how we travel, how we work, and taught us different ways to ensure we are engaging with friends and family, all while remaining a cool six feet apart.
Fortunately, as we ease our way out of the current pandemic restrictions, we will be able to get back to a somewhat normal state. This normal state of mind includes getting out of our “grey” sweatpants, finally washing our pajama bottoms, and putting on a clean white t-shirt that doesn’t have coffee stains on it. To say the year 2020 was a year of individual style and a year of taking fashion risks is an understatement. However, it’s not too late, and we still have time.
There was not much to be thankful for during the pandemic, and I want to acknowledge the lost lives and the families that have changed. But, the little light at the end of the tunnel during this time allowed many of us to not have to put any effort into our hair, our skin, or our clothes. We have been content slipping on something comfy and not being uncomfortable in a suit and tie or a dress and heels. We got a chance to explore who we wanted to be when no one else was watching.
However, because our bodies have changed, mostly in a bad way, we have to keep on our radar some of our clothes will not fit. Period. I don’t know an-
other way to say it. Most of us have gained a few pounds in the wrong places. And because of these unwanted pounds, here are few things I think we should try and keep in mind.
Be Comfortable
Throwing on joggers, gym shorts, and college t-shirts became the norm. No collar shirts, no khakis, and nothing that constricted sitting at a desk staring at a wall for 8 hours. Hopefully, those days are getting behind us, and we need to transition back into clothes that are appropriate for a Zoom call with the camera on. We need to switch to a nice pair of Joggers with perhaps a short sleeve polo shirt. Comfy, not tight. Avoiding stuffy is the way to go.
Think for More Than 60 Seconds
Give a little thought to what you are going to wear. Even though a few pounds may need to be shed, you can pick out clothes that don’t make you feel like a busted can of biscuits. I like to call it the 50/50 rule as we roll out of the current state of affairs. Nice top, pajama bottoms. T-shirt up top, but a nice pair of jeans. We have to ease our way
back into being fashionable. But first, we have to care. Care = yes, Be fussy = nope.
Emergency Gear Close By
Be prepared to go visit a client at a moment’s notice. Perhaps have a coffee look/see for someone you have met on a dating app. Just don’t panic. Always keep one piece you can reach for that will make it appear that you have it all together. Maybe a blazer, a non-fitted shirt, dark jeans. The objective is not to be caught off guard. Because fashion is about appearing at ease, not that you necessarily are at ease.
Machine Washable Garments
Likely our neighborhood dry cleaners are hurting financially because we have not visited them in a year. We can make it up by taking more items throughout 2021. However, having go-to outfits that you can easily toss in the machine is key. Items that don’t shrink and items that will dry pretty easily will help us back into the transition of wearing clothes that fit, are easy to throw on, and easy to take off. Washable garments are always in style because they don’t require much to maintain.
At the end of the day, we all like to feel handsome or pretty. That feeling of putting on fresh out of the package boxers or a brand spanking new bra gives you power. Don’t let the extra pounds stop you from taking control of your day. Decrease your calorie intake, get back to the gym, you know all the stuff we have not been during all year, and let’s get back into being fashion-forward individuals. If we are being honest, it feels good to look good. And when you look good, that directly impacts your mood, and you end up feeling good too.
There’s nothing better than being the object of admiration by others, but especially by yourself... to yourself. After all, we are all worth dressing up for, every now and again. Let’s be intentional about making it more NOW.
Jamie Kirk works in Marketing for an automotive company. When he is not traveling for work, he enjoys a good spin class, running, hiking, and all Big Ten College sports.
Photos by Snow
Let putAtlan ta in Prin t LGBTQ+ Peach Media
Business Cards | Flyers | Graphic Design | Book lets |Postcards | Event & Tradeshow Banners | Brochures | Letterpress | 3d Print | Engraving | Embroidr y |Tshir ts | Hats | Authentic Letterpress and more
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FEELING THE SPRING VIBES @
Photos by Snow
Preston is no stranger to Atlanta, having resided here the last five years. Actor, fashionista, photographer, sarcastic socialite, and sasshole are a few of the terms his friends would use to describe him! He enjoys photography, reading rather long books, video games, and spontaneous nights out with his friends. Preston has a huge appreciation of the arts and has been in several musicals around the city of Atlanta. When not enjoying his social life, he can be found serving up tacos at local Ford Fry restaurant Little Rey or photographing various projects around the city.
We believe in safety first, so this lineup features mainly virtual events or in-person events with limited capacity that enforce CDC guidelines. Please keep yourself updated on an event’s status as it may change last-minute. aPr 7 - 14
Business Builder Lunch
OUT Georgia Business Alliance presents their popular virtual Business Builder Lunch series, bringing Georgia’s LGBTQ+ and allied business owners, nonprofit leaders, and professionals together for a concentrated networking session centered on referrals and connections.
Wednesday, April 7, 12 – 1 pm Register at outgeorgia.org
Never Turning Back
As we all look toward better days, join the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus for a joint and live-streamed concert where they will perform an array of emotional and uplifting pieces. Tickets available at voicesofnote.org.
Friday, April 9 + 10, 8 pm Online at voicesofnote.org
Atlanta Spring Wine Festival
The rescheduled event will feature 50+ Wines, Beer and Cider, Live Music, Air-conditioned DJ Tent, and more. Get your tickets at bigtickets.com.
Saturday, April 10, 1 -5 pm Historic Fourth Ward Park
2021 PALS Pet Cotillion Registration
Pets Are Loving Support (PALS) is searching for their Spring “spokespet,” so now is the time to register your pet for the 2021 PALS Pet Cotillion. Voting begins April 12, and winners will be announced on April 27. Join at givesignup.org.
Sunday, April 11 (Submission deadline) Online Event at givesignup.org
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
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
SEQUEL 1086 Alco St NE TRIPPS 1931 Piedmont Circle N
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
HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE
JOE’S ON JUNIPER joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE
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
RETAIL
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
CHESHIRE
NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com
Incorporate these in your wardrobe for a quick refresh that will take you stylishly into Spring and beyond
1. Floral prints Yes, still in style!
2. Relaxed fit
A little comfier, less skintight
3. Nautical Stripes Think Jean-Paul Gaultier
4 .Versatile shorts Work out and meet friends in the same shorts
5. Outdoor-inspired gear Fashionably great outdoors
6. Relaxed tailoring Comfy jackets and pants
7 Mid-wash denim
That perfect middle blue tone
8. Lots of layering
Transition stylishly from cold to hot
9. Dressy joggers
Look nice, feel comfy
10 .Camp collar short sleeves
Formal but still relaxed
I had a great time
You know, if you flex your arm in your vaccine selfie, it won’t be as effective…
Bearded men in 1890: I will kill a wolf barehanded
Bearded men in 2021: is this hand cream organic?
Me too Definitely, I’m game!
We should do this again
By cutting off the sleeves of all your t-shirts?
I really like your personality
Thanks, and that’s not all because I have like three more
I would love to be mysterious but unfortunately, I never shut up
Please text me or I will 100% watch the phone ring
That moment you realize that it’s too late to die young…
Asking for a friend Where is everyone finding these husbands?
Daddy Joke Alert
The past tense of William Shalespeare would be Wouldiwas Shookspeared
ARIES (MAR. 21 -
APR. 19)
Things have been seemingly slow for the past year, but things are picking up speed again. In your drive for success, the on-ramp may not be readily apparent. Find the best approach by slowing down and waiting for opportunity to present itself. Make sure you’re ready to step on the gas when the light turns from red to green.
TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)
Living during a pandemic has deeply changed your views on people in your immediate (and socially distanced) surroundings. You will gain a deeper understanding of a person or situation if you look at things from a different angle. Your own personal ideals and sense of purpose may also undergo a sea change as your enlightenment grows.
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)
Dynamics in your relationship have changed in the last year. Confusing undercurrents abound as your partner becomes more like your boss than your lover. There may be something he’s not telling you, and it’s what he’s not saying that has you concerned. Through gentle persuasion he could reveal a personal problem that’s causing his recent change in behavior.
CANCER (JUN.
21 - JUL. 22)
How well you deal with a problem could spell the difference between a great day and a crappy one. Your proven ability to turn snatch victory from the claws of defeat may be tested as a solution could call for extreme measures that make you uncomfortable. But if you have learned anything from the last year, it’s that you have excellent people skills and can make just about anything work.
LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG.
22)
Whether you have been quite the gym bunny or you have been turning looks lately, you feel really good about yourself. This gives you an even higher sense of ego, but don’t go overboard on the flexing and posing while looking at yourself in the mirror. Others will get bored with your ‘look at me’ preening, and you risk looking silly.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)
Problems with a relationship only strengthens your resolve to make it work. Get him involved and talk about it. Better yet, make plans to share some entertaining activities with him today. By not being so critical, and keeping things light, you might be able to put the ‘fun’ back in dysfunction.
LIBRA (SEP. 23 -
OCT. 22)
You love fashion and a recent successful move gives you a well-deserved edge. You love mixing and matching and it’s time to flaunt your finely honed sense of style. Buy yourself something pretty today, preferably in pink, pale green, and shades of blue. Don’t worry about affording it. If the devil can wear Prada, why can’t you?
SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)
After having everything seemingly come to a stall for the past months, getting the ball rolling will prove easy today as roadblocks fall, and friends are receptive to your leadership. Even your partner will be impressed with your skill in implementing plans and communicating ideas.
SAGITTARIUS
(NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)
The focus will be on finances right now as unexpected expenses cut into your mad money. Since a sugar daddy isn’t readily available, some belt tightening may be in order. Be smart about how you spend, as you may have to live on the cheap for a bit, or at least until the next paycheck.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)
You’ve admired him from a social distance, and you’ve finally caught his eyes above the masked face. Now what? Good energy and confidence in yourself has gotten you this far, so don’t stop now. Taking things slow, or at a pace you like, will pay off, as you impress him with your quiet, yet steadfast pursuit.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB.
18)
Managing a roomful of monkeys banging on buckets may be easier than handling your pals in the group text today. You may have to dish out some discipline if anything is going to get done, a position the water bearer is never comfortable with. Do it with tact and grace, and they could see things your way and making plans will suddenly be much easier.
PISCES
(FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)
A group you are part of suddenly finds itself rudderless, drifting along without direction. Take charge by helping to find someone who will take the reins. You’ll need someone who is loyal, dedicated and who leads with a quiet aura of empathy. Sound like someone you know? This is the perfect time for you to be part of a volunteer board or involved with charitable giving.
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.
It’s been two years, and I want to move in with my boyfriend. During this pandemic, we have been isolating together, and I feel like it has been a pretty good trial run on how things would be if we moved in with each other. I’m tired of the endless planning, bringing clothes back and forth, and sometimes sleeping alone. I want to build a home together, so after two years, isn’t it time? I feel like it’s the next natural step in our relationship to really share our lives like this. But my boyfriend keeps saying he wants to wait and that he needs time and space for himself. I guess I’m ready for more commitment, and I’m scared that my boyfriend isn’t, and that he just wants to do this endless dating game – even when we practically live together now! What should I do? Just wait for him to get ready? Or should I move on because things aren’t changing? Sincerely Move-In-Ready
Dear Move-In-Ready
A big part of being in a relationship is figuring out how to be a couple despite all the differences between you. So in a sense, it is okay for your boyfriend to not wanting to move in with you just as it is okay for you to want to make a home together. The question is, can your differences on this be reconciled? Being in a relationship also means that you get to know each other better and better with time, so you start by engaging in a talk about why he is closed off to the idea of moving in together. If he is good at talking about other sensitive topics, then it shouldn’t be a problem. If he is unwilling to discuss your plans, you have some deeper-rooted issues at hand. In that case, you can talk to him about why he is having difficulty even talking about it – it may not solve anything, but you’ll at least get to know him even better. And that’s the whole point, right? And you’ll see if he is willing to deepen your relationship or not. Suppose he continues to stay shut off from discussing sensitive or serious issues in your relationship. In that case, many red flags point out that he may not be interested in being any closer than you are right now. And that’s where you both have to consider if it makes sense to part or not.
I’m seeing this guy, we are on the way to becoming boyfriends, but there is one thing that is somewhat off. Although we have really great sex, there is one thing we can’t really do because of his anatomy: Anal! I have always enjoyed bottoming, but with him it is an issue because he is gifted with a very long and thick penis. It is amazing in all other capacities, but I simply can’t accommodate it ‘back there.’ What can I actually do better take him. Is there a training tool?
Sincerely Beyond the Tip
Dear Beyond the Tip
You can get a variety of inflatable butt plugs that start at a low circumference and expand to a point where you can take him too. You can always consider exploring the wonderful ways of fisting as a playful way to help with your expansion. Just always remember to use lots of lube – and that goes for everything that you do with him! Take it slow and gradual, use breathing exercises to relax those parts that you need to loosen up! And finally, how about you try and top him for a change?
