Peach Magazine V5-21| In Full Bloom

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Actress and Sports Illustrated Model Leyna Bloom Is Changing the Game for Trans Women of Color Head OUT on the Highway: Expert Tips for the Perfect Solo Road Trip

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In Full ‘Bloom’ Actress and Sports Illustrated Model Leyna Bloom Is Changing the Game for Trans Women of Color

By Chris Azzopardi Leyna Bloom made a splash this year for being the first Black and Asian openly trans woman to be featured in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, out in July. But even before reaching that historical milestone, the 27-yearold Chicago native was changing the game both on the runway and on the screen.

In 2019, Bloom was the only transgender woman of color to walk Paris Fashion Week in 2019 at the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya fashion show as part of an all-Black female runway. Then there’s her drama “Port Authority,” which features Bloom making her major movie debut in a prominent role, positioning the model, actress and activist as the first trans woman of color to lead a feature film at the Cannes Film Festival in the festival’s 72-year history. After first premiering at Cannes in 2019, “Port Authority” will expand to VOD on June 1.

In writer-director Danielle Lessovitz’s romantic drama, which was executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Bloom plays Wye, a trans woman of color and “femme queen” who encounters Paul (Fionn Whitehead) after he’s kicked out of his home in central Pennsylvania. Set against the backdrop of New York’s vogue houses and kiki ballrooms is their blossoming love. Bloom’s next film, “Asking For It,” a film focused on sexism that stars Kiersey Clemons, Ezra Miller, Vanessa Hudgens and Gabourey Sidibe, will premiere this summer at the Tribeca Film Festival. The

actress also can be seen as ballroom figure Pretentia Khan in the third and (allegedly) final season of Ryan Murphy’s “Pose.”

During our recent conversation, the rising trans vanguard got emotional reflecting on making Cannes Film Festival history with “Port Authority.” Bloom also talked about drawing on legendary house mother Carmen Xtravaganza for her role on “Pose,” her dashed dreams of being in the Navy like her father, and being celebrated for her groundbreaking Sports Illustrated shoot.

When were you first interested in acting and modeling?

My great-grandmother was a model. My grandmother and my auntie, her daughters were both models. And my auntie was a dancer; she danced for Sammy Davis Jr. So dance and performing have always been in my blood. I come from two backgrounds, Nigerian and Filipino, which has a very rich background full of dance. So my ancestry and my creativity is all inside my body asking to be released constantly.

Acting has always been kind of part of the plan, just like, when am I gonna get there, and what script and what project will be the best project for that opportunity? When “Port Authority” arrived, it was right on time because it was just a dream opportunity to play that character because it is literally the voice and the story of so many trans bodies. So, I’m glad that that was the first Photo by Kim Geronimo opportunity given to me to show the world the future.

“Port Authority” is the first film in Cannes Film Festival’s 72-year history to feature a trans woman of color in a lead role. How do you feel knowing that?

To be able to do something like this, which is my ancestors’ wildest dreams, is truly monumental.

Why has it taken so long? And what can we do with this moment to make sure that it doesn’t take that long for the next person? That’s where my mind is always going to be wrapped up in.

Because I may be the first, but I will not be the last. I think it’s just powerful because just 72 years ago, Black and Brown bodies and queer bodies were nonexistent in this space. I think it’s just... I don’t know. I’m getting so emotional thinking about this.

Who are some of the people who paved the way for you to feel comfortable to be who you are?

A lot of beautiful women. Carmen Xtravaganza.

Halle Berry. Tyra Banks. Tracey “Africa” (Norman). You know, Tyra Banks was the first woman of color to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, so I’m standing on her shoulders.

It’s very powerful and I’m so happy that (“Port

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Photo by Elena Kosharny

Authority,” a story about) love was the first reason why we made history. It wasn’t about war, it wasn’t about pain. It was about love. It was a love story that made history about two people, (featuring a) trans woman, that has been missing in society. That is why it is so important, and that is why we need to continue having more moments like this.

authenticity to the film.

I chuckled at the line, “I mean, you could be a model or something,” which Paul says to Wye after she tells him that she was in the Navy. Was that based on your own real-life experience?

My dad was actually in the military. He was a Marine. I was raised in that environment, I was raised around my dad and us living on base, and us traveling to many different bases around the world, and officially being a Marine brat.

That was something that we wanted to add to the character. I also wanted to be in the Navy at one point in my life, but because I am trans and because the system is not set up for me to serve my country, I could not do that. So I thought that was a beautiful little piece of nuance.

How much of your own ballroom experience is the experience of your character, Wye, in “Port Authority”?

My experience is very similar. Wye’s character comes from a ballroom family where she is getting ready for balls and she is helping her family get ready for balls. Paul’s character is actually helping her get ready for balls, so that is very familiar to my lifestyle over the years.

I’ve been (doing) ballroom since I was 15 years old, so I’ve gotten ready for many balls and prepared myself for many different competitions How did ballroom culture shape who you are through the circuit. It’s very real, it’s very raw, today? and I love that Danielle wanted to just bring that Ballroom just allowed me to see myself in my

rawest state and understand that if I wanted to change, it’s up to me; it’s not up to anyone else. Ballroom is a place where you can find harmony in yourself, in your community. Where you can feel the vibrations of the people that are feeling the pain that you’re feeling and can heal together because of that. So ballroom holds lots of raw energy and power that the world has been exploring at a very small rate. But now ballroom is going to homes around the world, and people are redefining the ideas about themselves and what’s around them.

As for “Pose,” were you a fan of the series before you starred in it?

I actually auditioned for “Pose,” and a lot of my friends on the show auditioned and got the part. I was a huge fan of any project that was about Black and Brown trans women being the centerpiece of the glory of television. So, I’m a huge fan of that show, and I’m so happy I got a chance to be a part of (this) last season.

How would you describe your character, Pretentia, and what was it like embodying her?

I have so many ideas about her character.

Pretentia is kind of like Carmen Xtravaganza, this amazing ballroom icon woman that is Spanish and Black African, and she just inspired me growing up. I wanted to just really bring Carmen back to life through Pretentia. She’s just a combination of a lot of different strong women that I just grew up loving. She reminds me a lot of Sharon Stone. She had a lot of really strong alpha characters, and I wanted to bring that to Pretentia.

Tyra Banks has been such a huge supporter of yours. How important is it to have prominent cis people, like Tyra Banks, lift up the trans community? And what does it mean for you to have people like Tyra in your corner?

Honestly, it’s full circle for me. I was that kid that was watching “America’s Next Top Model” first season, jotting notes to use in my everyday life.

Tyra was this woman that was giving us access to free information about her lived experience.

And, to one day be aligned in some way, shape or form — aligned to what she has created — is truly powerful. And for her to acknowledge that is even more powerful.

I grew up reading Sports Illustrated, and knowing that Tyra was on the cover many times was truly powerful for me as a young trans woman.

Seeing a beautiful Black woman that was full bust — big smile, beautiful personality, in tune with her femininity — was really powerful for me to see. When I did Sports Illustrated and it was announced, I immediately hit her up to acknowledge her as like, I would not be here if it wasn’t for you,.

Who else reached out to you acknowledging how big of a deal your Sports Illustrated shoot was?

So many people hit me up. People from all different walks of life. A lot of white men reached out to me, and not fetishizing or sexualizing me but acknowledging the fact that the world is 12 | follow us @ peachatlmag

changing and the decisions that Sports Illustrated is making allowed me to not only just be a part of Sports Illustrated but to tell my story through them. (It) was truly monumental for them. They acknowledge that the world needs to change, and why has it taken so long? A huge, prominent person in sports, (NBA star Dwyane) Wade, who is also from Chicago, reached out to me and congratulated me, sent me some bottles of wine — shout out to D-Wade! He’s raising a young trans daughter, and it was just truly powerful to know that the world is really changing in this moment.

When it comes to trans women of color leveling the playing field both in and out of Hollywood, what’s next? What do you want to see leveled up next for trans women of color?

I want to see education level up. I think it’s important for me to pass on information just like information was passed onto me. Since we are in a time when education is always going to be a powerful tool, I definitely want to see how I can work in that environment, whether it’s me opening my own school or building a curriculum in a school to develop some type of information and data so people like me can have resources that I didn’t have when I was growing up.

What’s next for you?

One of my mentors, Carmen Xtravaganza, I’m writing her story. That was one thing she wants to leave on this Earth. Just information and ideas and wisdom, and I want to put it in a book. After I write her book, I’m going to be writing my own book.

Momentum Pictures

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ wire service. He 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.

www.peachatl.com

| 13

Head OUT on the Highway: Expert Tips for the Perfect Solo Road Trip

by Mikey Rox

Sixteen months ago, I sold almost everything I owned, hopped in a van outfitted for living, and hit the road. I had done a few short solo road trips in the past, but this was different. This was permanent. I didn’t have a place to call home anymore. Out there was where I lived now.

Nearly a year and a half later, I’ve learned a lot about nomad life and solo road tripping specifically, especially under the limiting parameters of a pandemic. Since sharing is caring, here are my expert tips on how to plan the best road trip in the year 2021 AC (After Covid).

Prepare your vehicle Before embarking on any road trip that will take you more than a few hours from home, make sure your vehicle is prepared. Change your oil, top off your fluids, check your wipers, and rotate or upgrade your tires; the last thing you want on this mobile vacation is frustrating and expensive car trouble.

If you’re not a card-carrying AAA member, consider becoming one.

(Road trips notwithstanding, it’s great coverage to have in an emergency.)

Because I’m on the road full time now, often in remote areas, I have the premier membership plan that provides me with full benefits, including up to 200 miles of towing, an important perk if the nearest service center is a long distance away. There are lower, less costly levels of coverage that you can purchase to fit your individuals needs.

change it. I spent an hour frightened in the middle of nowhere frantically searching my Volkswagen for the tire-changing tools before locating it in a hidden compartment that I failed to familiarize myself with before I desperately needed it. It’s also critical that you learn how to change a flat yourself if you don’t already know how.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask a friend or family member to show you. If you want to DIY it, YouTube has plenty of videos, some specific to your vehicle’s make and model. Or, if you prefer a little eye candy with your manual labor tutorials, let one of the hot bois of TikTok educate you.

Flares also are important to have on hand for two reasons: So other vehicles can see your vehicle in the dark and avoid crashing into it by accident and to alert emergency services that you may need assistance. A police officer will stop to help if they see flares marking your vehicle’s location. You’ll welcome that help if you’re stranded at night with no way to contact anyone else.

Rest up and start early

I hate being rushed and I hate driving long distances, but I often can’t help the latter if I have to be from A to B in a short period of time. To allow myself ample breaks on the road, I leave as early as I can with sufficient rest from the night before. I don’t drive more than two hours straight without taking a reprieve, and I try to find interesting stop-offs along my route that will allow Make sure you know where all your me to stretch my legs and take my vehicle’s tools – including spare tire mind off driving for a bit. and its change kit – are located too. I was once driving on New York’s back Your start time plays an important role roads late at night with no cell service in how efficiently you’ll get to where when I blew a tire that required me to you’re going. If I’m departing from

a metro area, I always leave after morning rush hour to avoid beginningof-day traffic that will automatically stress me out. Your road trip should be fun; don’t put yourself in a position to get flustered as soon as you leave your driveway.

When setting your GPS, type in national monuments to see what’s available along the way. I recently traveled to Birmingham and Montgomery, Ala., and discovered the Freedom Riders National Monument, one of the National Park Service’s newest installations. I would have driven right past it if I hadn’t Have a destination in mind done the advance research. Plus, I got a little civil-rights history lesson during Some road trippers love the element of my stop – something we can all use in surprise on their adventures by ending this day and age. up where they end up. Not me. I like to have a plan with a destination in Make it a little gay mind. Specifically, it’s wise to know where you’ll end up so you know where With gay bars dwindling in number you’re staying the night. You don’t want across the country it can be difficult to to travel all day just to pull into a city find one in less populated areas, and or town that has no vacancy at its it’s not the best decision to get tipsy in lodging choices. You’ll be forced to get an unfamiliar area when you have to hit back on the road and drive further, and the road the next day. In lieu of those probably out of your way in the dark, options, I look for bathhouses, clothingto find a safe place to sleep. That’s optional hot springs (I love a good naked not ideal on any trip, and certainly not time), and LGBTQ campgrounds for an opportunity to unwind with likeminded while traveling queer and solo. folx. You’ll be surprised at how many of these exist when you start searching Add fun stops along the way for them. I can almost guarantee you’ll To break up the monotony of driving find at least one of these destinations (it’ll get tiresome if you’re traveling within four hours of your home. mundane highways with equally unremarkable scenery), I choose a few These places are often much attractions to stop at along my route. less expensive than mainstream destinations as well. For instance, I I love taking an hour or two to explore stayed in my van at the Oz Campground a small town’s shops and cafes, in Unadilla, Ga., for three nights this peruse an antique mall (great for spring for around $170 total, and I picking up meaningful mementos of popped into the El Dorado Hot Springs your travels), or visit historic sites, outside of Phoenix, Ariz., during my national monuments and parks. I travels late last year for $30 a night. have an annual National Parks pass, Day passes are even more affordable available for $80 at USParkPass. if you don’t plan to overnight. Pop in for com, which grants access to more a little R&R and be on your merry gay than 2,000 federal recreation sites way. that fall under the jurisdictions of the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Mikey Rox is an award-winning Wildlife Service, Forest Service, US journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau whose work has been published in of Land Management, and Bureau more than 100 outlets across the world. of Reclamation. Some of these sites Connect with Mikey on Instagram @ require entry fees of $30 or more, mikeyroxtravels which allows the annual pass to pay for itself in a few visits.

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LET’S CHAT

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A Talk Radio and chat show by Atlanta legendaries Marci Alt and Ginger Nichols

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Join the dynamic duo as they explore current issues, share life experiences, and dive into the topics that you want to hear about!

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Marci & Ginger chat together about topics you want to know about!

Available on peachatl.com, meakproductions.com, and Mixcloud.

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peach of the week

Mik moved to Atlanta from Copenhagen, Denmark almost ten years ago. You may recognize him as the previous editor of Peach, but now he is working in marketing – and that makes it possible for him to be this week’s Peach! Now that the world is opening back up, he can’t wait to get back to a gym, seeing friends more, and travel the world. First trip will likely be to a beach and then to see family in Denmark! Mik also volunteers his time as a For The Kid board member and as a team member of More To Love.

IG@hyldebrandt

Mik Hyldebrandt

This workout is designed to attack every aspect of the body, promoting a greater use of range of motion, stabilization, balance, and stamina/endurance. This is achieved by creating a flow between exercises and utilizing compound movements.

Do each exercise for 12 reps, before moving onto the next, but there is no rest until all of the exercises have been executed. Then a quick hydration break and start again!

For Personal Training contact: DFBFIT4LIFE@gmail.com

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FREESTANDING DUMBBELL ROW 30 SEC HOLD DUMBBELL TO CHEST IRON CHAIRS

Here are a couple of ways to make the exercises a little more intense: -Use a BOSU™ Ball for the Plank Get Up / Get Downs.

-Use a heavier dumbbell for all exercises -Use a dumbbell for the Leg focused Get Up / Get Downs

LEG FOCUSED GET UP/GETDOWNS

SIDE STEP W/ KNEE UP

DUMBBELL SQUAT TO PRESS

BIRD DOG X-BODY CRUNCHES

PLANK GET UP/GET DOWNS

ARC ANGELS W/ LEG LIFTS

Here’s a great workout that you can do with very little equipment, and it takes up very limited space. This workout can be done by anyone, is easily adaptable, and very easy to level up (or down) the intensity.

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Dear Peach,

lately. trouble with family g, because I am having some to eye on everythin e ey en se ly tru r escalated.

We have neve cently things have re t bu . y.. ga am I of the fact that ll ey didn't text or ca me and see me, th co to nt out wa h n't ac re do ly They s they on a half, and it seem d an ek we ey st th pa at e for th dumb to think th something... am I to me if they need nt" familial e than a "convenie want anything mor relationship?

I am glad this is being brought up during PRIDE month.

First of all, HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! You need to take this month to really celebrate who you are and what you've been through. No one will ever take that away from you. You are a unique individual with a unique story, and that deserves to be celebrated. This is your month to do just that.

Now, with your family...

A lot of families feel the need to keep lines of communication open because they are "family".

What people dont seem to understand is that there is often toxicity that we push aside because of that blood-line. Do not allow yourself to fall victim to this way of thinking. You are your own person, and you can act autonomously. You persevered for years on your own most likely, and you can continue to do so.

It's time for you to focus on your chosen family who supports and loves you!

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BARS 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

9 10 th & Piedmont 10 Campagnolo 11 Einstein's

fitness 14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

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991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE

76 4th St. NW

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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

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When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com

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clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino

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Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

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

SNAPS BARS & CLUBS

ANSLEY

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BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

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RETAIL MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. 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 SWINGING RICHARDS 1824 Cheshire swingingrichards.

Bridge Rd NE com 1400 Northside Dr DEKALB NW LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE

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

CHESHIRE

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THE PEACH TEA

weekly bar schedule

BLAKES

BJ ROOSTERS

S

BULLDOGS Hookah Night @ 8 PM

**NIGHTLY DANCERS**

M

Hookah Night @ 8 PM

T Latino Night

Hookah Night @ 10 PM

Taco/Tequila Tuesday @ 8 PM

W

Hookah Night @ 10 PM

Karaoke Night @ 8 PM

TR F S

FELIX'S

HERETIC

FRIENDS

S Featuring DJ KINZIE M

Stars of The Century @ 10:30 PM

T

Karaoke Night @ 10 PM

W Featuring DJ AF

WarpedZone @ 6 PM

TR Featuring DJ K2

Country Night @ 8 PM

F Featuring DJ AF

Check Facebook for Events

S Featuring DJ AF

Mix Tape Sunday Night w/ DJ Darlene

HIDEAWAY

LIPS

Check Facebook for Events

MARY'S

S 80s/90 Videos @ 12:30 PM, Honey Pot @ 7 PM M Nick at Night (Industry) @ 8 PM T Trivia w/ DeWayne Morgan @ 8:30 PM W Sex & The ATL Martini Night @ 8 PM TR Game Night w/ DJ Darlene @ 9 PM F Fuck It Fridays w/ DJ Mister Richard @ 10 PM

**CALL FOR NIGHTLY SHOW RESERVATIONS** Hump Day @ Mary's | $5 Thicker, Longer, Fuller Thursdays | $5 Queer Bait | $5 Cover

S Love Saturdays w/ Tristan Hartman @ 10 PM

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drinking schedule THE PEACH TEA

MIXX

MOON

S

Heifer Review @ 1:30 PM Other Side of the Moon @ 9 PM

MSR

2-4-1 @ 7 PM (No Cover)

M Flavors of The Moon @ 9 PM T

$3 Tacos (ALL DAY) Latina Divas @ 10:30 PM

Sessions ATL @ 8:30 PM, $5

W Ruby Redd's Birdcage Bingo @ 9 PM

Karaoke Night @ 9 PM

TR Kit Katt Karaoke @ 9 PM F

R&B Night @ 10 PM

Mama Mya's Talent Show @ 9 PM Madams of the Moonlight @ 11:30 PM

Fem Fridays @ 8 PM

S Divas & The Divo @ 11:30 PM

Secret Saturday @ 11 PM

OSCAR'S

TRIPPS

THE T

S

Live Music @ 5 PM

Free Lunch @ 3 PM

M Messy Monday Karaoke @ 10 PM T W Fireball, Trivia and Drag w/ Misti Shores @ 9 PM Karaoke @ 9:30 TR

DJ Lowe Ki @ 8 PM

F

"Friday Night Skin"

S

DJ Lowe Ki @ 10 PM

WOOFS

X ATLANTA

10TH & PIEDMONT/G'S

S M Poker Night @ 7:30, 1/2 Price Wine

Funk & Soul Martini Mondays @ 7 PM

T Retro Video Night w/Mister Richard @ 7 PM W Wing Wednesday (ALL DAY) TR$5 Burger Day (ALL DAY) F BBQ & Sangria Fridays S

X After Dark| Show at 12 Midnight

Karaoke @ 10 PM

Fellowship Back in Full Force

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Photos by Alli Royce Soble

After more than a year of hiatus, Deep South’s Sunday Service returned at the end of May with an outside but in-person event. It was a night of tears, hugging, and full-force fellowship. Peach spoke to Vicki Powell, who’s held the queer Sunday party for over a decade now.

Vicki, as a pillar of Atlanta’s nightlife, what is about the city that can’t stop, won’t stop?

I grew up clubbing in Atlanta in the age of Backstreet, Weekends, Velvet, The Cove, Club Rio, just to name a few.

Nightlife was extremely abundant back then.

I’ve DJed for decades here, and although the nightlife scene has changed, it is still abundant. With my DJ collective Deep South, I try to create events and parties that are unique, queer, and for everyone, and that is exactly why Sunday Service is so near and dear to my heart.

Last year, right before Deep South’s huge Spring event, Sheaster, you were forced to cancel because of COVID, and Deep South laid very low for the ensuing year. What did it feel like to make that decision?

We waited to the very last minute, hoping we could do it. We didn’t really have to make the decision. There was no other option. We wanted to make sure we were doing whatever we could to help slow the spread of COVID. We had no idea it would last as long as it did.

How did you get by during the lock-down months of the pandemic?

It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. I spent some time reading and learning about music production and organizing my vinyl collection. I bought a tiny cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spent time renovating and creating. I tried to stay creative in any way possible. I received my SCUBA certification, and now I’m working on getting my sailing captain’s license.

On May 23, Deep South was back to kick off the season with Sunday Service Resurrection! So when did you decide that it was time to get back to it?

Once the CDC said it was safe to gather outdoors, and once the vaccine was available to every single person in Georgia, we decided it was safe to get together again.

And Sister Louisa’s has doubled their outdoor space during the lock-

Hugging everyone and seeing all of the beautiful smiles. All the people dancing, hugging, singing along – it really felt like we were back again. The emotion is right there in the photos. It was fellowship, and it was love.

down, so we felt it all came together for us.

Also, the response was overwhelming once we announced Sunday Service would be back.

This party holds a special significance to you – can you tell us a little more about that?

This party brings me so much joy. It’s so much more than a dance party. It’s a gathering and a place for fellowship. It feels like a house party, and these are all of my

favorite people that I would have in my own home. This party has been around for 14 years, so it’s one of the ‘original’ queer Sunday parties in Atlanta. What’s so special about it is that there are no strangers on the dance floor at Sunday Service. Only friends.

Sunday Service is back – how about Deep South events? Anything in the pipeline for us?

Yes! Deep South will be returning soon as well. I can’t say just yet but be ready for some announcements very soon.

How did it feel to be back at Church (the bar) after all this time?

Sunday Service with Vicki Powell, Brian Rojas, Ash Lauryn, and guest DJs is back at Sister It felt overwhelming at first—a lot of tears Louisa’s Church bar on Sunday, June 13, 6 pm and hugs. I had missed it all so much. It’s – 12 am. Free for everyone, never a cover. hard to put into words, really. It was so wonderful to play again and reconnect with the other Deep South DJs, Ash Lauryn and Brian Rojas. We even had a guest artist, DJ AEESB, so the music was just flowing. I guess it felt like the happiest reunion EVER! Photographer Alli Royce Soble documented the party, and their photos tell a story of a collective sigh of relief – what was your favorite part of the evening?

It's Pride Month! And you know what that means? It's time to get super gay and super proud; as if you weren't already! For the month of June I will be curating music playlists for our Top Ten meant to pump you up and keep you dancing all month long. This week, the playlist is not only meant to help you get ready for a night on the town, but also to help you power through Darren Floro-Bryant's workout in this issue! Enjoy!

-Chris G.

Available on Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/peachprideplaylist1

Playmates and soul mates...

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I think we need to break up

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

Ok bye!

If you see me talking to myself just move along. I’m selfemployed, we’re having a staff meeting When people tell me “you will regret that in the morning,” I sleep until noon because I’m a problem solver

ByYou’ll cutting off find the sleeves never anyone like of me all your t-shirts?

Thank the gods for that!

Ok, this didn’t go as planned…

Yeah, in case you need a news flash? We’re through

Apparently, when you do a shot, you shorten your life span by nine minutes. So according to my calculations, I died in 1765 Just a reminder to set boundaries. The audacity is at an all-time high

Asking for friend Tequila sunrise is a shot at dawn, right?

I may jiggle when I wiggle, but you gawk when I walk

Daddy Joke Alert

I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know why

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You are feeling less than, Gemini. You feel as though your contributions to society are not enough, but what you have to realize is that your contributions don't have to be gigantic in order to make an impact.Take compliments and gratitude for your assistance with heft, and revel in the good you are doing in the world.

You are going to be offered something major this week, Cancer. The issue with this is that you are not sure if that is what you want. You have your eyes set on something else and because of that you do not see the value in what you are being offered. Take your gifts with thanks and see how they can benefit you or how you can truly enjoy them.

You are going to be recognized for your contributions this week, Leo. You have gone a long time without any sort of recognition and this week those around you who truly see the effort you're putting in will acknowledge it.

You need this.Open up and take the compliments and appreciation!

You might already know your next love interest, Virgo. You are surrounded by a solid support system that is stable and always there when you need them. So maybe you need to take a look at those in that friend group and see if there's a potential love interest there. Just check.

You might be surprised.

It's time for you start thinking about packing your bags, Libra. Now that COVID is coming to an end, you have saved money and it is time for you to take that trip you have been wanting for some time now. Start planning, get your ducks in a row and whether it is a short trip or a long vacation; take the trip and see the world.

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It is time for you to take a wild leap of faith, Scorpio. Your fear has always been (and still is) that you wont have a net to catch you. But, joke is on you... You just have not been able to see the net but it is most definitely there. It is in your friends, family, and support system. Now , you are skeptical about the net... but trust us... it's sturdy enough.

You have some secet admirers this week, Sag. While you have been blind sided by work and other things around you, people have definitely noticed YOU! They are taking in as much information as possible and they are making sure that they have the right vibe before they approach. So don't be surprised when it happens, just let it happen.

This week, you will receive a gift of appreciation Capricorn. Your hard work is not going unnoticed, even though you feel it is. People are noticing and they're waiting for the right way to show their gratitude and appreciation. You are also feeling philanthropic this week. Take time to volunteer or give back. It will be your gift to yourself as a humbling experience.

Be cautious about spending money this week, Aquarius. You have your eyes set on something that you want to purchase but it might be slightly out of your budget. Do not stretch yourself too thin Aquarius. As you saw this past year, everything can change in the blink of an eye. Make sure you can survive on other finances FIRST before you spend too much!

It's beginning to look a lot like LOVE, Pisces. And it's coming to you in the form of BBQs and outdoor gatherings this Spring/Summer. You need to keep your eyes peeled for potential love interests, because people are keeping their eyes peeled for you. Who knows, there might be a love connection over the open bar or the grill. And if not, at least there's tons of eye candy!

Your family needs you this week, Aries. It is about time that you all reconcile that issue you have with each other. It is going to be difficult at first, but you are going to see and reap the benefits of reconciliation with one another. It's about time. Just breathe and reach out, even if just virtually. Be the bigger person and it will pay off.

Stand your ground this week, Taurus. It is about time that you dig your heels in and stop chanign who you are for others. You have a passion for charity and helping others, but people tend to take that for granted. This week, set your goals in sight and make sure that people work WITH you, not against you.