BRYANT DEFON (MR. SPRING QUARTER’S WINTER THROWBACK) PLAYiNG CUPiD: GAY MATCHMAKER AMARi ICE AiMS FOR THE HEART YEAR IN REVIEW PART 2 HiSTORY OF BLACK GAY AMERiCA TRIBUTES VOL. 3
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Playing Cupid: Gay Matchmaker Amari Ice Aims For the Heart By Mikey Rox
Recently or still single? No sweat. Gamechanging, history-making queer matchmaker Amari Ice (he recently paired the first successful gay couple on Lifetime’s “Married at First Sight”) answers our burning questions on love, relationships, and whether we really need either one.
M: MAJOR LIFE VALUES This is the most important component of compatibility. Your values pave the growth path of your life. If your highest priority values aren’t aligned with your partner, you’ll eventually grow apart. A: ATTRACTION It doesn’t have to be an immediate or intense pull, but sexual interest must exist in order for romance to exist. The important thing to note here is that chemistry doesn’t predict relationship longevity, and knowing how to create and sustain passion is a skill all successful relationship partners must develop since passion naturally levels off around the two-year mark in a relationship. T: TEMPERAMENT Temperament is your energetic disposition aka your personality. If you and your partner’s energetic temperaments aren’t synergistic, you’ll likely have a rocky relationship. While any mature individuals who share major life values can form a happy relationship, there are certain temperaments that you’ll naturally gel without as much effort. You can find out which type is best for you by taking my gay compatibility quiz at www.lovealchemytest.com.
C: CAPACITY TO MEET NEEDS Your partner must have certain mental, emotional, spiritual and/or material qualities MIKEY ROX: How did you become a in order for you to be happy. The only way to professional matchmaker? guarantee that your partner has the capacity to AMARI ICE: Technically, I’m a love coach first – meet your needs in the future is to verify they matchmaker and hypnotherapist are tied for have the capacity to meet them now; potential second – since the number one reason anyone might not be developed in this lifetime. is single is because they’re trying to have a Potential is the icing. Capacity is the cake. Level 25 relationship with Level 3 skills. We’re 200% to 300% more likely to find love (with or H: HAZARD FREE without a matchmaker) if we’ve gone through This component of compatibility is actually the some sort of romantic coaching first. I primarily simplest: To be hazard free means neither of help gay singles develop their dating skills and you have any of the other’s deal breakers. But only consider matching a client once their the key is to ensure you aren’t using preferences dating skills are already up to par so they don’t as deal breakers. For example, someone’s sabotage themselves. I think this approach – height range is generally a preference, not an coaching 100% of my clients – is definitely a indicator of compatibility. But if you’re allergic key component of what’s made me successful. to cigarettes, smoking would be a deal breaker. MR: Explore the matchmaking process with me. What’s the criteria? How do you know this person is right for that person? AI: Matchmaking is part science, part art. The art piece is more intuitive and can’t necessarily be taught or described, but anyone can learn the science piece which includes the criteria you asked about. Here’s my easy-to-remember model for assessing whether or not someone is a good match for you.
MR: You recently made history by pairing Matt and Daniel, the first successful gay couple in the “Married at First Sight” TV franchise. Yours is a risky business, and much of your professional reputation rides on whether or not matches – least of all high-profiles matches – work. How do you deal with that? AI: Matt and Daniel are so adorable together aren’t they?! It was a ton of fun putting that pair together. Running a business in general is risky but I don’t view mine as any more or less risky than any other business. In terms of
navigating the pressure, I look at it like this: My job is not to fix people’s love lives or save them from singlehood, my job is to give people the tools and help them develop the skills that make their relationship goals inevitable. Recognizing the difference between what’s your responsibility and what isn’t is the key to navigating any business, but especially one like mine. MR: You and I – as gay men – know firsthand that queer romance and love, especially between gay men, can be difficult. First, we’re men – inherently sexually charged – but then there’s all this eager and available temptation, only amplified by GPS-based social media. And that’s not even considering the constant nonmonogamy agenda of influential relationship “experts” like Dan Savage. In your honest opinion, can gay men find true love or is it all just a pipe dream? AI: I take a slightly different perspective one this: All people are sexually charged. Gay men aren’t more sexual than anyone else. However, as a result of cultural unacceptance of LGBTQ+ people, gay men tend to only be able to engage with each other in private, or secret spaces that tend to only have enough space for sex to occur. Love needs more room to thrive and one of the primary indicators of relationship success is the level of social support the relationship has access to. Let’s remember that most gay men alive today didn’t grow up in a world that immediately accepted who they love or have sex with, so a lot of that cultural conditioning around shame is still present in the subconscious minds of many of us. The only reason the closet of sexual orientation exists is because the living room wasn’t a safe space. Gay men can absolutely find – and sustain – true love, but only if they are committed to developing the skills to do so.
MR: We’re all out here looking for the “perfect” partner. Do they exist? Should we settle for “less”? What expectations are realistic, and should we compromise? AI: Perfect partners don’t exist, but excellent partners do. There are many excellent lovers available for all of us, but if we’re looking for perfect, excellence will never be good enough and perfection will never arrive because it isn’t real.
We only ever settle when we don’t believe what we want is possible. Plus, our true expectations of others almost always reflect our expectations of ourselves. Therefore, the question we must ask ourselves is, What unrealistic expectations am I holding myself to that don’t serve me? The only way to have realistic expectations of is to shift our expectations of ourselves, MR: Do you think love and/or partnership is others as our own identities are what form the necessary for a fulfilling queer life? of our expectations. The more we AI: The longitudinal data on happiness reveals template ourselves for not being perfect, the that love and money are the two most shame we shame others. The more we deem important factors in a person’s level of life more unworthy of love and affection, the satisfaction. Love is most important, though, ourselves we tear down others who seem to be as money’s influence levels off after we make more when we aren’t. And yet, the more we around $75,000 to $85,000 per year. This thriving and accept our own excellence doesn’t mean you have to be in a relationship acknowledge our own humanity, the easier it is to see in order to be happy, but it does mean that and accept another excellent human as our some form of love is probably necessary for and most of us to feel fulfilled at some point in our equal in partnership. lives. Recognized by the Matchmaking Institute the first Black, gay, certified matchmaker in MR: Is there virtue in being and/or remaining as the entire love industry, Ice and his expertise single? helped 500+ gay men level up their love AI: Singlehood is neutral. It’s neither good have Ice is also the author of the international nor bad. It just is. But if we’ve been made to lives. book Lasting Love at Last: The believe we are somehow inadequate if we best-selling Guide to Attracting the Relationship of aren’t in a relationship – which isn’t true – it’s Gay Dreams and is currently working on his easy to see why many of us struggle with our Your title, Love Alchemy: The Gay Guide self-esteem when we’re single. The only thing second Transforming Your Love Blocks into is, improving your self-esteem is one of the to secrets to increasing the likelihood that you’ll Relationship Gold. both find love and be able to create a healthy relationship once you’re in it.
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BRYANT DEFON Meak Productions’ Mr. Spring Quarter 2021-23 (A Special YEAR IN REVIEW Throwback) All Photos Produced & Sponsored by Meak Productions, Inc. (2021)
Born July 10, 1988 in Washington DC and raised in Wilson, NC, Bryant Defon is a Pop/R&B Recording Artist, Songwriter, Model, Dancer and ChoreWINTER PREVIEW MODELS: ographer. He’s had a love for the arts since the TOMAS COSME’ (Mr. Fall Quarter 2020-22) age of 5 and began singing in School and Church ANGELA HUTCHINS (1st Lady of HBGA) choirs throughout his youth. MIKO “MEAK” EVANS (The CEO) Visit the website at: meakproductions.lgbt Attending the University of North Carolina at To Purchase Psycho visit:his studies of VoWilmington, Bryant Bunny, continued www.psychobunny.com cal Performance and Dance. Although being a Dancer at heart, Bryant found his love for creating music at the age of 28. Bryant’s Vocal and Dance influences are Prince, Keri Hilson, Usher, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and Janet Jackson. Now in his early 30’s, Bryant decided to move to Atlanta to further pursue his goal of becoming a Full Time Entertainer.
Since relocating to Atlanta, he’s performed at various Open Mic Nights, and for a brief time was one of the featured exotic dancers for the famous IN DA CUT All Male Strip Show, produced by Fab5ATL. While performing at In Da Cut, he briefly met the CEO of Meak Productions (World’s 1st LGBTQ EXCLUSIVE Talent Agency).
That chance meeting led him to sign with the Agency in Fall of 2018, which earned him his first feature in the Agency’s annual Fall/Holidays Campaign. Since signing with the Agency, he’s been featured in various marketing campaigns, booked to model for International Celebrity Stylist, Dwight Eubanks, and was booked for his 1st Atlanta Black Pride event WINTER IS IN the World’s in Summer ofFULL 2019,EFFECT, both as and a Model and as 1st a LGBTQ Talent Agency & Production Performing Artist. He now carries theCompany title of Mr.is gearing up for some Fabulous Winter Fashion PreSpring Quarter 2021-23. sentations during the 1st Quarter of the New Year. Bryant Defon currently has multiple singles During laston year’s Campaign shoot, available all Fall/Holiday’s digital/streaming platforms. Meak Productions do a bonus Winter He’s actively in thedecided studio to working on several Preview shoot the new fashion musical photo projects, andfeaturing he just released his dephenomonon, PSYCHO BUNNY! fashionto but album, Moon Sign, which is aThis dedication brand was firstparents. introduced to the Agency’s CEO his deceased by way of Bryant Defon, Meak Pro’s NEW Mr. Spring Quarter 2021-22. For Future Bookings, please contact Meak Productions at: www.meakproductions.com Being by the fashion Office:amazed 1-855-MEAKPRO, x804brand and clothing, the CEO purchased a few pieces to showcase how the LGBTQ Community rocksLLC. Psycho Bunny. Let Bryant Defon Entertainment, us knowBryant what you think. ;) Follow on IG: @bryantdefon_music / Twitter: @BryantDefon
AN ANNUAL PRESENTATION FEATURING THE BEST OF MEAK PRODUCTIONS, INC. Published Presentation Sponsored by PEACH MEDIA & PRINTING! Annual YEAR IN REVIEW Created & Produced by Miko Evans for Meak Productions, Inc.
As we continue our trip “Down Memory Lane”, we bring our attention to Black History Month (February), the Spring and Summer Quarters of 2021, where Meak Productions made HUGE headways in media, journalism and special events. When the former Editor-In-Chief of Peach ATL, Mikkel Hyldebrandt, was seeking contributing writers and historians for the publications’ Black History Month issues, Meak Productions’ CEO, Miko Evans, became the 1st choice. Through Meak Pro’s History of Black Gay America brand, we was able to not only provide Cover Models for 2 of the issues during that Month (Xtasi Vuitton and Deangelo Jackson), we also gained the first Cover Photo story feature ever for our CEO, labeling him as Mr. History of Black Gay Atlanta. Through this opportunity, Mr. Evans provided and presented various bio tributes to honor past and present national LGBT pioneers and trailblazers of color. This was the 1st time ever that 4 issues were dedicated to honor Black History Month in Peach ATL Magazine, and as you can see, it will not be the last (stay tuned for next issue). ENJOY PART TWO OF MEAK PRODUCTIONS’ YEAR IN REVIEW for 2021 Featuring The Best of Peach ATL Magazine! MAGAZINE COVER MODELS: 1. XTASI VUITTON (Mr. SummerHeat 2012-14 & Hall of Famer) 2. MIKO “MEAK” EVANS (Meak Pro CEO) 3.DEANGELO JACKSON (Mr. Meak Pro Adult Entertainment 2021)
2021 BLACK HISTORY MONTH BIO FEATURES: XTASI VUITTON (Mr. SummerHeat 2012-14) DEANGELO JACKSON (Mr. Adult Entertainment 2021) BAYARD RUSTIN SYLVESTER JAMES BISHOP YVETTE FLUNDER DWIGHT EUBANKS PARK CANNON JOAN GARNER CHERYL COURTNEY-EVANS STATE REP. KIM JACKSON MARSHA P. JOHNSON REV. CARL BEAN (Founder of Unity Fellowship Church) JANET MOCK Online Only Tributes: ANTRON-RESHAUD DEVIN BARRINGTON-WARD CHARLES STEPHENS ELLIS HAIZLIP (MR. SOUL) STEPHEN MAGGLOT
SPRING-MEMORIAL VOL. 13 - 2021 Spring-Memorial became the official brand name for our Annual Spring Quarter Campaigns featuring the Best of the Spring Season, New Talent Additions and other Department features such as Meak Pro Music (Our Music Department & Record Label), The Womyn of Meak Productions (Our Lesbian & Trans Department) and Meak Pro Adult Entertainment (Our Adult Division). Last year’s campaign brought back our 1st Gentleman of Inspiration, Dr. Jesse Sanders along with 2 new talent features, cameos from Dominic Albano (Mr. Meak Productions 2018-20) and Dyvon (1st Gentleman of Merchandising & 2018 Hall of Famer). Finally, we presented the announcement of Bryant Defon as our NEW Mr. Spring Quarter 2021-23. SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN ONLINE AT: https://spring.meakproductions.com 2021 CAMPAIGN PRODUCTION CREW: Executive Producer & Photography: MIKO “MEAK” EVANS. Supporting Photography & Videography Sponsored by A-SQUARED VISUAL MEDIA Advertising & Promotions Sponsored & Provided by PEACH ATL MAGAZINE / PEACH MEDIA & PRINTING!
2021 CAMPAIGN FEATURES: (From Left To Right): DOMINIC ADRIANO ALBANO (Mr. Meak Productions 2018-20) JESSE SANDERS (1st Gentleman of Inspiration 2018) BRYANT DEFON (The NEW Mr. Spring Quarter 2021-23) / JAY MAQ (New Music Aritst Feature) HAYDEN JAMES (New Trans Male Model Feature) / DYVON (1st Gentleman of Merchandising & Hall of Famer 2018)
I AM THE AMERICAN DREAM VOL. 13 - 2021 In honor of our Nation’s Independence, our Annual Limited Edition Pre-Campaign for the Summer Quarter became a staple back in 2008 with the introduction of our 1st Gentleman of Independence, John Paul Padilla (2018 Hall of Famer) by way of a photo shoot he did with the American Flag. The campaign adopted the current name as a result of former talent Octavio X (1st Gentleman of Spring 2009), wearing a t-shirt with the statement, “I Am The American Dream” in a photo shoot. The CEO was inspired by the words and decided to use it as the annual campaign theme. This production is always the pre-cursor to the Annual SUMMERHEAT Campaign (Meak Pro’s Largest Annual Campaign). Last year brought back some familiars as well as introduced the 1st July 4th Campaign appearance by Leo Donato (Mr. Meak Pro Adult Entertainment 2018-20), and Bronzell Knight Addams (Mr. Winter Quarter 2020-22). 2021 CAMPAIGN PRODUCTION CREW: Executive Producer & Photography: MIKO “MEAK” EVANS. Supporting Photography & Videography Sponsored by A-SQUARED VISUAL MEDIA Advertising & Promotions Sponsored & Provided by PEACH ATL MAGAZINE / PEACH MEDIA & PRINTING!
2021 CAMPAIGN FEATURES: DOMINIC ALBANO (Mr. Meak Productions 2018-20) / LEO DONATO (Mr. Adult Entertainment 2018-20) EDDIE “CLARK” POSEY (Mr. Meak Productions 2016-18) / ANGELA HUTCHINS (1st Lady of History of Black Gay America) TOMAS X. COSME’ (Mr. Fall Quarter 2020-22) / BRONZELL KNIGHT ADDAMS (Mr. Winter Quarter 2021-23)
SUMMERHEAT VOL. 13 - 2021 SummerHeat is Meak Productions’ most popular and 1st Large scale marketing campaign in 2008 that featured the majority of the Agency’s Talent roster. Its also the company’s 1st campaign to be publicly featured at a Gay Pride event, and is annually used as a pre-promotion to the company’s anniversary celebration. Last year’s production featured 8 talents total including the return of Elijah Jones, the 1st duet photo session of Tomas & Angela, and introducing the Agency’s New Mr. Meak Pro Music, PrettiBoiRoq, with a special cameo appearance by Xtasi Vuitton to kick off his pre-anniversary with the Agency. Some of the photos from the original shoot didn’t get a chance to be in the original campaign due to limited production time, UNTIL NOW! 2021 CAMPAIGN PRODUCTION CREW: Executive Producer & Photography: MIKO “MEAK” EVANS. Supporting Photography & Videography Sponsored by A-SQUARED VISUAL MEDIA Advertising & Promotions Sponsored & Provided by PEACH ATL MAGAZINE / PEACH MEDIA & PRINTING! 2021 CAMPAIGN FEATURES: EDDIE “CLARK” POSEY (Mr. Meak Productions 2016-18) ANGELA HUTCHINS (1st Lady of History of Black Gay America) DOMINIC ADRIANO ALBANO (Mr. Meak Productions 2018-20) TOMAS X. COSME’ (Mr. Fall Quarter 2020-22) ELIJAH JONES (Youth Talent Feature 2019-21) PRETTIBOIROQ (NEW Mr. Meak Pro Music 2021-23) DYVON (1st Gentleman of Merchandising & Hall of Famer 2018) XTASI VUITTON (Mr. SummerHeat 2012-14 & NEW Hall of Famer 2022)
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BLACK HISTORY Presented & Edited by MONTH TRIBUTES Miko Evans for Meak Productions, Inc. Bayard Rustin was born on March 17, 1912 (to AuVOL. 3
gust 24, 1987). He was an important pacifist, event organizer, human rights advocate, and a leading voice in shaping the strategies and objectives of America’s civil rights movement. Bayard Taylor Rustin was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He had no relationship with his father, and his 16-year-old mother, Florence, was so young Rustin thought she was his sister. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Janifer and Julia Rustin. Many NAACP leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and James Weldon Johnson were frequent guests in the Rustin home. From his grandparents, Rustin took his Quaker values, which, in his words, “were based on the concept of a single human family and the belief that all members of that family are equal.”
BAYARD RUSTIN
PACIFIST, CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST, ORGANIZER, PIONEER
HISTORY & TRIBUTE SOURCES: National Black Justice Coalition Wikipedia, History of Black Gay America Archives, and Various News Outlets.
In 1932, Bayard Rustin entered Wilberforce University in Ohio operated by the AME church, and got involved in a number of campus organizations, including the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He left Wilberforce in 1936 before taking his final exams, and moved to Harlem during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. In 1937, Rustin enrolled at City College in New York City, where he devoted himself to singing, performing with the Josh White Quartet, and in the musical “John Henry” with Paul Robeson. He also joined the Young Communist League. In 1941, Bayard Rustin met the African American trade union leader, A. Philip Randolph. Rustin helped Randolph plan a proposed March on Washington in June of 1941. Disappointed when the 1941 March was called off, Rustin joined pacifist Rev. A.J. Muste’s Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), and when FOR members in Chicago launched the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942, Rustin traveled around the country speaking out. Two years later, he was arrested for failing to appear before his draft board, and refusing alternative service as a conscientious objector. Sentenced to three years, Rustin ended up serving 26 months.
Bayard Rustin recognized Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership early, and helped to organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). In 1956, on the advice of A. Philip Randolph, Rustin traveled to Alabama to lend support to Dr. King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. While remaining out of the spotlight, Rustin played a critical role in introducing King to Gandhi’s teachings while writing publicity materials and organizing carpools. Rustin persuaded King and the other boycott leaders to commit the movement to complete nonviolence. Rustin later demonstrated against the French government’s nuclear test program in North Africa. The idea for the 1963 march again came from Randolph. In 1962, he recruited Rustin, and the two began making plans, this time to commemorate the centennial of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Rustin traveled to Alabama to meet with King, and expanded the march’s focus to “Jobs and Freedom.” But Rustin’s past again came into play when Roy Wilkins of the NAACP refused to allow Rustin to be the front man. As a result, Randolph agreed to serve as the march’s director, but insisted that Rustin serve as his deputy. Bayard Rustin had just eight weeks to plan the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and by all accounts his leadership was visionary and masterful. In his final years, Rustin was active in the protests against the Vietnam War, and in support of the gay rights movement. Bayard Rustin died in New York of a perforated appendix on August 24, 1987. He was survived by Walter Naegle, his partner of ten years. Rustin never fully got his due while alive, in large part because of public discomfort with his sexual orientation. The 2003 documentary film by Sam Pollard, “Brother Outsider” helped to raise awareness of his remarkable life. On November 20, 2013, Bayard Rustin was posthumously awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Rustin is finally emerging from the shadows of history, to take his rightful place as a visionary strategist, and a pioneering civil rights activist.
Maurice Robert Hines Jr. (born December 13, 1943 in NYC) is an American actor, director, singer, and choreographer. He is the older brother of legendary dancer Gregory Hines. Maurice was born to Alma Iola (Lawless) and Maurice Robert Hines Sr., a dancer, musician, and actor. He began his career at the age of five, studying tap dance at the Henry LeTang Dance Studio in Manhattan. LeTang recognized his talent and began choreographing numbers specifically for him and his younger brother Gregory, patterned on the Nicholas Brothers. Maurice made his Broadway debut in The Girl in Pink Tights in 1954.
MAURICE HINES, JR.
BROADWAY LEGEND, ACTOR, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, PERFORMING ARTIST, SINGER, CHOREOGRAPHER
Shortly after, the brothers began touring as the opening act for such headliners as Lionel Hampton and Gypsy Rose Lee. Their father joined them and “Hines, Hines & Dad” performed on a regular basis in New York, Las Vegas, and throughout Europe and on many television shows, including The Pearl Bailey Show, The Hollywood Palace, and The Tonight Show. Maurice is unafraid to boldly express himself as a black gay man. He came out privately to friends and family in the late 1960s. Being part of an accepting family and showbiz community gave him a safety net. His parents, however, were worried about how this revelation might impact Maurice’s career since there were few to no examples of queer African-American entertainers at the time. Hines decided to pursue a solo career and was cast as Nathan Detroit in the national tour of Guys and Dolls, after which he returned to Broadway in Eubie! (1978). Additional Broadway credits include Bring Back Birdie and Sophisticated Ladies (both in 1981) as a performer, Uptown... It’s Hot! (1986) as a performer and choreographer (earning a Tony Award nomination as Best Actor in a Musical), and Hot Feet (2006), which he conceived, choreographed, and directed.
Hines has directed and choreographed music videos, including one for Quincy Jones. He is the first African American to direct at Radio City Music Hall. Hines has only appeared in one feature film: Francis Ford Coppola’s 1984 film The Cotton Club, in which Maurice and his brother Gregory portrayed the “Williams Brothers”, a tap-dancing duo reminiscent of the real-life Nicholas Brothers. Hines also appeared in Oops, Ups & Downs: The Murder Mystery of Humpty Dumpty in 2007. On television, he appeared in Eubie!, Love, Sidney, and Cosby. Hines played the lead role in Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage production of the Duke Ellington-inspired musical Sophisticated Ladies at the historic Lincoln Theatre in April and May 2010, featuring teenaged tap-dancing brothers John and Leo Manzari. The Washington Post review was positive for his role and the show in general. In May 2013, he performed a tribute to his late brother Gregory, entitled Tappin’ Thru Life: An Evening with Maurice Hines, at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, which was reviewed by the Boston Globe as “a class act by a class act”. The production again featured the Manzari Brothers, D.C. seventh-graders, and identical twins Max and Sam Heimowitz, who tap-danced on stage with Hines. In 2019, John Carluccio directed the feature film Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back, a biographical documentary about Hines. The film was awarded the Metropolis Grand Jury Prize at the DOC NYC film festival in fall 2019. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the film “Digs much deeper than your usual showbiz doc.”Joining Hines, the film includes appearances by Chita Rivera, Mercedes Ellington and Debbie Allen, who’s also one of the Executive Producers. The film was a highlight debut of the 2021 Hybrid Edition of OUT ON FILM (Atlanta’s Largest LGBTQ Film Festival). The documentary can now be seen on STARZ as a part of Black History Month.
HISTORY & TRIBUTE SOURCES: Maurice Hines Archives, Wikipedia, History of Black Gay America Archives, and Various News Outlets.
Tracee McDaniel, renowned Trans Activist, Author, & Organizer was born January 20th and raised in South Carolina. She credits her strength and determination to her family’s unconditional love and support throughout her life, which also enabled her to have stepped knee-deep into advocacy, by becoming the first Trans person invited in 2007 to deliver a key-note speech at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration march and rally. Tracee then marched on to Washington, DC and lobbied the United States Congress in 2007 to support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and increased HIV/AIDS funding. Her personal motto “Show Up and Participate for Equality” attributed to her becoming the Founder and Executive Director of Juxtaposed Center for Transformation, Incorporated which is an advocacy, consulting and social services referral orTRANS ACTIVIST, HUMAN RIGHTS ganization, specifically designed to empower the ADVOCATE, AUTHOR, PERFORMING ARTIST, non-monolithic Trans and Gender Non-ConformORGANIZER, TRAILBLAZER ing community. Juxtaposed Center is also an anchoring organization for Trans Housing Atlanta Program Inc., which provides supportive and emergency housing resources to homeless and marginalized Trans and gender non-conforming people.
TRACEE MCDANIEL
Additionally, Tracee has previously served on the Atlanta Police Department’s TLGBQI Advisory Boards and a Working Group on Prostitution after a local security company petitioned the City to ban Trans people from Midtown, specifically Trans women of color. In 2013 Tracee published “Transitions-Memoirs of a Transsexual Woman”, which chronicled her unordinary life growing up Trans in the South and then eventually in 1990 escaping to Los Angeles, CA to save her life from a domestically violent intimate partner relationship.
In her performance artist Alter-Ego “Destiny-Mistress of Illusions”, Tracee was in the right place at the right time to be a featured background performer (hand-selected by producers) for the legendary icon Diana Ross, during her “I Will Survive” music video shoot. Tracee was also featured in the VH1 Miniseries “The Jacksons”-An American Dream, all before meeting the man of her dreams. After being retired from the entertainment stage now for well over a decade, In 2014 Tracee became a Vetted Trainer for the United States Department of Justice CRS Program “Law Enforcement and Transgender Community”, which is a life-affirming training that educates Federal Law Enforcement Officers on how to better interact with Trans people and treat us with dignity and respect. Another highlight and milestone for Tracee was on March 31, 2015, she was invited to brief the White House Washington’s “Trans Women of Color Women History Month Briefing” on Employment and Economic Equity and how those inequities affect Trans Women of Color. Tracee felt affirmed by her community’s support after an unprecedented appointment in 2016 to serve a three-year term on the Atlanta Citizen Review Board. She was appointed by Mayor Kasim Reed and sworn in as a member of the Atlanta Citizen Board on October 11, 2016. On her 2nd term, Tracee continued to serve under the Office of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , also unanimously elected to leadership serving as Board of Directors Vice Chair for the ACRB. On November 18, 2018 Tracee traveled to Vancouver, Canada and delivered her Trans empowerment international keynote address at British Columbia Nonprofit Housing Association’s Housing Central annual conference. Currently, after retiring from organizing Atlanta’s annual Trans Day of Remembrance Vigils for ten years, Tracee continues to serve on Trans Housing Atlanta Program’s Board of Directors, and Center for Civil and Human Rights LGBT Advisory Board.
R. DARLENE HUDSON
ACTIVIST, HEALTH EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY LEADER, SOCIAL WORKER SOUTHERN ORGANIZER
Roshelle Darlene Hudson, originally from Arkansas & born November 13, 1961, is a renowned Community Activist, Health Educator, Event Host, Social Services provider and all around Southern Community Organizer. Affectionately known in the community as “Darlene”, she has a career that spans over 30 years including two professions: Health Educator with the State Health Department in her home state of Arkansas, and currently as a Social Worker with the Department of Family & Children Services, DeKalb County, Georgia where she relocated in 1998. Her community activist work has been as long as her professional career. She was the co-founder of the Annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast in 2002 (the Official MLK Holiday LGBTQ Event), along with Atlanta Activist legend, Craig Washington. She also serves on the Atlanta Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board on the homeless youth committee, which was created under the leadership of former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; and Co-Founder of the Southern Unity Movement. Ms. Hudson received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Arkansas in the field of Health Education in 1985. In 2011 she obtained her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) and graduated with honors from the Whitney M. Young Jr., School of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University. In 1992, she founded and directed for 10 years Arkansas’s first Black gay organization, Brothas and Sistas, which addressed AIDS awareness and social change issues. It was this previous experience that prepared the way for Darlene’s historic contribution to the growing evolution of Atlanta’s Black Gay Movement during the Silver Age (2000’s). In 2003, Ms. Hudson became the Executive Director for ITLA (In The Life Atlanta - the 1st & Original Organizers of the Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration). With the support of the ITLA Board, She was able to take the annual celebration to heights unknown, thanks to her new partnerships formed with local businesses and club promoters at the time. After her 1st term with ITLA, Ms. Hudson co-chaired for 5 years (2007 -2012) the annual State of Black Gay America Summit, which was the non-profit arm of the legendary Xtreme Entertainment’s The Lion’s Den.
Afterwards, Ms. Hudson held numerous other volunteer positions including: Board Member of the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Center, executive council member of the Georgia Community Planning Group, and the Ryan White Council. She was Vice Chair and later Chair of the Governance Board of Directors for Destiny Achievers Academy 2016-2018, a charter school established to serve as a second chance school for marginalized youth. Ms. Hudson has presented at national conferences and conducted trainings in South Africa in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention, advocacy, capacity building, and self-empowerment. She is a published author, charter member of the Alpha Epsilon Lambda graduate honor society and was inducted into the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. She has been a recipient of many awards and honors including: Gentle Woman of Service award in 2017 from the Gentlemen’s Foundation of Atlanta, the Community Service award from Georgia Equality 2012, and a Resolution from the state of Georgia recognizing her work in Georgia, a distinguished honor. Darlene is the current co-founder of the Southern Unity Movement (which is the new home of the Rustin/ Lorde Breakfast). She is also a proud member of The Vision Church of Atlanta. Ms. Hudson loves family, fishing, dancing to house music, grilling, and cooking for family and friends in her home.
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9 10 & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave NE 10 Campagnolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE 16 G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE 17 Henry’s 132 10th St NE 19 La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr NE 20 Guac y Margys 502 Amsterdam Ave NE
6 My Sister’s Room66 12th St NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE
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14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE 15 Flex Spa
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2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd
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Midtown Moon 1492 Piedmont Ave NE Felix's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave NE Oscar's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave SE Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE The T Woof's 494 Plasters Ave NE
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1447 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
41 Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
Peach Scene @
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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 Peach Scene @ MIDTOWN 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 X MIDTOWN fb.com/XMidtownX 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
WESTSIDE
DINING
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
MIDTOWN
MIDTOWN
10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com 991 Piedmont Ave NE
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N
840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW ANSLEY MIDTOWN MOON 1492 Piedmont Ave NE FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH
sisterlouisaschurch.com
466 Edgewood Ave SE
G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE
FITNESS
CHESHIRE
GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW CHESHIRE
DEKALB LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com
3011 Buford Hwy NE
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
EMAIL JOSH@PEACHATL.COM FREE BUSINESS LISTING, THERE IS ROOM FOR YOU!
BARS & CLUBS
February 16th - 23rd The Office Trivia @ Guac Y Margys (Beltline) | Feb 16th (7 PM)
Guac y Margys is transforming into Dunder Mifflin Scranton. Because our trivia nights have become a big night at GyM, particularly this one, we will be selling tickets moving forward to ensure everyone who comes gets a seat! A ticket reserves your seat and gets you two tacos and a margarita! We are selling a limited number of early bird tickets so grab one (or 6) while they're still available. “I’m an early bird and I’m a night owl. So I’m wise and ... I have worms”.
Rick Springfield w/ The Atlanta Symphony @ Symphony Hall LIVE | Feb. 16th (8 PM) Over the past four decades, Rick Springfield has worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest power-pop of the ’80s, a Grammy winning singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” "I've Done Everything for You,” “Love Somebody,” and “Human Touch.” He’s an accomplished actor who has starred opposite Meryl Streep in the feature film “Ricki and the Flash,” gave a chameleonic performance as the creepy Dr. Pitlor in HBO’s prestige drama “True Detective,” earned great reviews for his portrayal of Lucifer on the CW hit “Supernatural” and most recently played Pastor Charles on “American Horror Story.” In 2014, Springfield was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located around the corner from the first apartment he lived in when he first arrived in the U.S. from Australia in 1971.
Therapy Sessions: Eli & Fur @ District | Feb. 18th (10 PM) Tickets on sale December 3rd at 10 AM
[ ]: bit.ly/EFATL2022 To book a VIP bottle service section please email mitul@collectivpresents.com - You may also text or call Mitul at 404-936-0340 (21+) Where: District Atlanta [ Collectiv Presents ] x Liquified: ELI & FUR
Medusa Weekend @ Heretic, Future, Believe and The Piedmont Room | Feb. 18th Weekend Friday February 18th Medusa Tribal @ The Heretic w/ DJ Theo & DJ Danny Verde XION After-hours @ FUTURE w/ DJ Cesar Hernandz Saturday February 19th Medusa Greek Gods Main Event @ FUTURE w/ Paulo Fragoso & DJ Allison Nunes Xion After-hours @ WIsh Lounge (Believe Music Hall) w/ DJ Marvin Ayy Sunday February 20th Garden of Medusa Tea Dance @ The Piedmont Room (Patk Tavern) w/ DJ Musculoca & DJ Orel Sabag Medusa Love & Lust @ WIsh Lounge (Believe Music Hall) w/ DJ Juan Villalba & DJ De Felipe Monday AM February 21st (Sunday Night) Medusa After-hours @ FUTURE w/ DJ Enrico Meloni
Atlanta Oddities Expo @ AmericasMart |Feb. 19th (10 AM) For Lovers of the Strange, Unusual & Bizarre... DATE: Saturday, February 19th 2022 TIME: 10AM - 6PM LOCATION: Atlanta Convention Center - Building 3 / Floor 1 ENTRY COST: $10 advance / $15 days of Kids 12 and under free (no ticket needed) COVID Guidelines: ** Masks are highly recommended for all large indoor gatherings regardless of vaccination status.
F*** Cancer 2022 @ Dr. Scofflaw at The Works | Feb. 19th (12 Noon) Save the date and grab a ticket to BREWHAHA! Drag Bingo, hosted by ATL's favorite queen TAYLOR ALXNDR! Grab drinks + food BEFORE 1PM or you’ll miss some of the bingo fun! Coffee available for purchase at FiNCA’s Coffee Bar and beer available at the Wild Heaven Bar. WHAT: Rounds of bingo, pop-up drag performances, and more in 2 hours of fun! WHERE: 1010 White St. Atlanta, GA 30310 The small event space at Wild Heaven Brewery and Gardens
Atlanta Bucks Rugby 101 | Feb. 19th (1 PM)
RUGBY IS BACK! Come join the Atlanta Bucks for Rugby 101. We will learn basic skills, learn about the game, and have a lot of fun! This is a big year for us as we gear up for Bingham Cup next summer in Canada, and we need you to represent Atlanta on the International Stage. Rugby is for everyone, so if you’ve ever thought about it, come out and give it a try. “Third Half” to follow at Woof’s for 101 participants. Please arrive 15 mins early to fill out paperwork. 600 Hortense Place NW, Atlanta GA 30318
Deviant ATL "All About the Benjamins" @ Heretic | Feb 19th (10 PM)
Deviant ATL returns with a MONEY themed party for President’s Day weekend— Feb. 19! Get creative, stay sexy, and let's have some fun, celebrating our own freedoms as black and brown queer people! Saturday, Feb. 19th. General Admission is completely FREE until midnight! ( TICKET REQUIRED) Covid regulations in place. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR recent negative COVID-19 test result is REQUIRED for entry (subjective to venue regulations and state/ city laws). Deviant Dress Code is required! Don't kill the vibes- Have fun with it! Dressing the part is half the fun, and kind of the whole point: #QueerAF #SexPositive #BodyPositive
MUG Check! A Drag Kiki, ixer and Open Stage! @ MSR | Feb. 20th (6 PM)
We're back for another round of mixing, mingling, and open stage performances! Want to meet other drag performers? Looking to network? Want an open stage to perform? Look no further... Save the date for MUG CHECK, a drag kiki, mixer & open stage, happening Sunday, Feb 20th from 6PM to 9PM at My Sister's Room. Come out, meet other performers, make connections, and if you're interested - sign up for the open stage show!
Drag Benefit Night @ Elsewhere Brewing | Feb 20th (7 PM)
Feb 20th at 7pm we will be hosting a drag show benefitting Mona Lott as she prepares to compete for Miss Atlanta Showgirl on April 25th! Miss Atlanta Showgirl is meant for professional female impersonators and Mona is hoping to be the next to representative Atlanta Drag is all about! ! All ticket sales will go to helping pay for costumes and pageant costs. Mona and her business partner Kitty Love are the wonderful people that have brought Drag to Grant Park, so let’s give back and help a sister out! Tickets are $15 per person and please bring DOLLAR BILLS to tip Tables must be purchased in Advance at Elsewherebrewing.com! $5 dollar cover for bar seats and standing will be available at the door! Seating begins at 6pm, show is from 7-9pm Show Host: Misti Shores
ARIES: Prove yourself week after week and you will see what it can do to your psyche. It amps you up and you live for the acknowledgement, but what if you dont get it this week? Then what?.
LIBRA: Your emotions have been running wild the past few weeks and you are finally starting to level off. What was different? Can you isolate the key things that made you happy and keep them coming?
TAURUS: This week is going to really test your self confidence when someone thinks that they know more than you and others lead them. How can you handle the shift in the wind?
SCORPIO: Take that stinger and put it away this week! You are hot this week with everyone around you and your sting is deadly. If you get too wound up you are going to regret what happens in your relationships this week.
GEMINI: Every week we have been talking about what a leader you are becoming, so what do we have to show for it now? Is it everything you wanted? If not, then what else do you NEED to see?
SAGITTARIUS: Money has been on the radar for you lately and after really taking some time to focus in on saving, there might be a big cost coming to you that was unexpected. Do not worry, you have the tools now to level the playing field.
CANCER: Thrive in the face of adversity. When one door closes, another one opens and in your case, there are going to be MANY opening soon. What do you need to do to prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime?
CAPRICORN: Venturing into a new journey might be something on your mind lately and you have no qualms about being on your own. Maybe it is time for that solo trip somewhere to potentially meet someone new?
LEO: You're an absolute beast when it comes to finishing a task on time, but others around you not so much. As you start to see the faults of others, can you also look at your own and self reflect?
AQUARIUS: Now that last week you had that closure, this week you can start with a fresh view on the world. You no longer have that baggage from before so take the time to really recognize the doors that are opening for you.
VIRGO: There is nothing that you CAN NOT do. You have overcome some of the most difficult things that you have shared with others and they are even in awe, so why are you so down this week?
PISCES: While you were the caregiver last week to your friends, this week you might need some assistance from them. Can you focus on one friend who you know will be by your side this week?
Dear Peach, I feel like you already got a question similar to this so I am going to be clear and concise to the point… how can I be a better ally to those POCs (People of Color) in my life that mean the most to me? I want to make sure that they realize and know that I am here for them in whatever facet that they need.
POCs have had it rough the past few years. They have had to endure a president who really did not acknowledge the need for reform, they had individual after individual being killed by police and bystanders who “thought” they were doing the right thing, and generally the world has become more racist towards people of color. However, if there is something that has really come out of all of this is resilience. The Black experience has evolved in such a way that includes the modern day much more than ever before. So people who felt as though their ancestry was the main defining factor to their identity are now having to relive it. Show compassion. Show empathy. Show strength in the face of adversity and help them continue on with their everyday. Do the research; because POCs don't have to continuously teach about their experience. AND, this goes for folks of all shades of brown! Everyone has a different experience. Take the time to learn theirs.