Q ATLus Magazine | April 15, 2021

April 15, 2021

Coming Up

ROSES LGBTQ Hope Rises Over Atlanta

Q Shots Return with Joey Jay & Easter Drag Leather Love Amid Eagle’s Big Timeout You’re Slipping Under A Toxic Relationship

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4 theQatl.com

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Outlook

GOOD

THE SUREST SIGN YET that things are looking up in

LGBTQ Atlanta is a rebirth in the Q Events listings. On top of weekly events that kept us going through Pandera, specials were fewer and further between. No more.

The growing social calendar sets the tone for this week’s issue.

Our cover guy is in rose-colored glasses, our first two sets of Q

Shot galleries by Russ Bowen-Youngblood are here, and we unveil plans to bring back Joining Hearts this summer.

We also find Atlanta’s second pro-transgender billboard cam-

paign, offer a takedown of toxic relationships, and list 10 ways to celebrate leather — even while the Eagle is on a break.

With all this burgeoning activity, the growing accessibility of

vaccines, and the weekly Q content you love, we hope things are looking up for you as well. Shoot us a note via social media, our

contact page on theQatl.com or by email at mike@theQatl.com.

RICHARD CHERSKOV PUBLISHER & SALES RICHARD@THEQATL.COM 404-917-9678 JOHN NAIL ART DIRECTOR JOHN@THEQATL.COM

MIKE FLEMING EDITOR MIKE@THEQATL.COM RIVENDELL MEDIA NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM 212-242-6863 theQatl.com 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 21

APRIL 15, 2021

BOUND

What We Love About Leather

COVER

19

8

Looking Up

Special Events Back in ATL

11

14

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Joining Hearts Set for July

Transgender Billboard Project

Vacc 4 Vacc

10 Q Things................. 8 Q News...................... 11 Q Community............ 14 Q Events.................... 19 Q Map........................ 24 Q Advice.................... 29 6 theQatl.com

Drive By

Q ADVICE

So Toxic

You’re Bad for Each Other

29

Q

10 THINGS

Unity

It’s not the gear, but the welcoming attitude that makes the queer leather community so appealing.

Diversity

Far from clone wars, leather events embrace more gender expressions, body types, demographics and queer archetypes than other LGBTQ circles.

The Unknown

If you’re always seeing the same people, shake things up with a new view.

LEA T

What’s So Great About Body Positive

Welcome to the birthplace of the bear, otter, cub, wolf and pig communities, where more than one beauty standard reigns.

Self Empowerment

Whether it’s because the gear makes you feel like a badass, or a harness focuses your super powers, leather can embolden your confidence.

8 theQatl.com

Walk on Your Wild Side

Head Games

Let go of restrictions and see what you find. Others are into that one thing that’s always been in the back of your mind.

THER? Roleplaying and fantasy scenes can heighten pleasure. Experiment with your own psychology.

10 reasons to check out

Atlanta’s LGBTQ leather scene

By Mike Fleming

Rock Out

Embrace the scene that metal icons Judas Priest and others specifically cite as their inspiration — long before JP’s lead singer came out.

Brunch

Sensory Overload

You don’t necessarily have to be into BDSM to enjoy the sensations of this particular textile against the skin.

Yes, sir! With Eagle on break, Woofs now does a Leather Luncheon every third Sunday, beginning this week! woofsatlanta.com

theQatl.com 9

Instagram.com/theQatl

NEWS

Q

Splash DOWN Joining Hearts returns for summer 2021

By Matt Hennie THE POOL DECK PARADE OF ABS AND skimpy swimsuits that is LGBTQ Atlanta’s social event of the summer is back. But expect a Joining Hearts main event that is smaller, safer and simpler.

Organizers of the pool party in Piedmont Park, which raises funds for HIV organizations, said the event will return July 17. Last year, the main event fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic and a ban

by Atlanta city officials on large outdoor events.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms lifted the event moratorium in late March. Joining Hearts then  theQatl.com 11

JOINING HEARTS continued jumped at the chance to host the pool party — and a schedule of other social fundraising events later this year.

be vaccinated, reduce its capacity and change the usual indoor food and alcohol service areas, Henderson said.

“I miss the laughter and the camaraderie with all of the different organizations supporting the event and the guests coming to the event,” said Jerry Henderson, president of Joining Hearts. “Seeing the smiles of everybody is going to be good.”

“To attend the event, you will have to show proof of your full vaccination. Safety is key this year more so than anything. We are going to try and do most of the event outside,” he said.

Joining Hearts hosted only one of its signature events in 2020 — Love on the Rocks in February — before the pandemic erupted and forced an end to fundraisers and nightlife, and crippled many LGBTQ-owned businesses. With a “Uniting Together” theme, Joining Hearts wants to play a role in the city’s recovery, Henderson said.

The city needs something, our community needs something,” he said.

As organizers scramble to pull together an event plan, COVID-19 will be front and center. The city requires a detailed health plan outlining how the event will abide by coronavirus mandates. The plan will include mandatory face masks, social distancing and a platoon of hand sanitizer stations.

Joining Hearts will also require all attendees to

12 theQatl.com

In 2019, Joining Hearts donated $136,100 to five HIV/AIDS service organizations. Without a full schedule of events last year, that amount dropped to $20,000 — $10,000 to Jerusalem House, $7,000 to Project Open Hand and $3,000 to Hope ATL. With the main event and three other events in the works for 2021, Henderson hopes fundraising will improve.

“Hopefully that number will go up,” he said. “It will probably not be as much as in previous years.

We are hoping our donors come through and the word gets out that we do have events this year and to support them.”

Details about entertainment, ticket pricing and volunteer opportunities will be made public soon.

Visit joininghearts.org

NEWS

Q

Q

COMMUNITY

Roadside

ATTRAC

Atlanta billboard campaign calls for end to anti-trans violence

That’s the goal of Alex Santiago, a local transgender activist and non-profit leader. He wanted to call attention to violence against Black transgender women, so he launched a billboard campaign featuring the transgender flag and a call to action along some of the region’s most heavily traveled roads.

By Matt Hennie

message as they head south on the Downtown

“I wanted something that would be in your face,” Santiago, the executive director of the I Am Human Foundation, told Project Q Atlanta. “I thought that would be a good way to get the message to people who might not necessarily receive it.”

der people.

“It starts a conversation with people who wouldn’t necessarily even think to ask — and it makes

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF METRO ATLANTA drivers a day can’t miss the simple yet powerful Connector – stop the violence against transgen14 theQatl.com

and organized two marches in Atlanta focused on Black trans people.

“There was a lot of conversation going around that we shouldn’t support it because they don’t include the LGBTQ community and damn sure don’t include the trans community,” Santiago said.

“We are here, we are visible, and we are not going anywhere,” he added.

“I wanted something that would be in your face.”

— Alex Santiago, Executive Director, I Am Human Foundation Santiago approached outdoor media companies with the idea for the campaign, and Outfront Media jumped at the chance. He footed the nearly $5,000 cost for a University Avenue billboard, and Outfront donated space on two smaller billboards along Moreland and Ponce de Leon avenues.

TION PHOTO BY MATT HENNIE

people uncomfortable. I wanted to make people a little uncomfortable, and it did that,” he added.

In addition to a message on the Connector of “Trans Lives Cannot Be Erased,” the campaign includes “Stop Killing Black Trans Women” along Interstate 75 and “Trans People Should Be Loved Not Killed” on Interstate 20.

KEEP IT GOING

The idea for the campaign grew out of Santiago’s involvement in racial justice protests during summer 2020. As the movement unfolded, trans activists questioned whether they were welcomed

Since then, Outfront donated more space and kept the campaign alive past its initial eight-week run. Donations from AIDS Healthcare Foundation – Santiago co-chairs the Atlanta chapter of FLUX, an AHF affinity network for transgender people – helped fund the second leg of the campaign.

The second stage of messaging focused on the violence faced by trans people after Santiago learned of the murder of Bianca “Muffin” Bankz.

She was among at least six transgender and non-conforming people who died in Georgia since March 2020.

Supporters can donate online through the I Am Human Foundation’s website. The financial support will help expand the campaign to other cities, with the first likely being Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

“I have people reaching out to me from all over the country. We are going nationwide with this,” Santiago said.

Visit iamhumanfoundation.org. theQatl.com 15

theQatl.com 17

18 theQatl.com

Q Events

The Best LGBTQ Things to Do in Atlanta This Week

The Dark Beyond the Stars

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

and join this month’s online discussion of Frank M.

From Atlanta’s LGBTQ sci-fi, fantasy and gaming group comes the OurReaders Book Club. Read up Robinson’s novel @ Zoom, 2 p.m. outworlders.org Sprung Two of RuPaul’s Atlanta queens, LaLa Ri (photo) and Trinity K. Bonet, host the return of Wussy mag throwdowns to Atlanta’s nightlife @ My Sister’s Room, 9 p.m. wussymag.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

Excuse the Art Fly On a Wall hosts its annual works-in-progress series ‘ETA’ with three nights of performances @ Windmill Arts Center, 8 p.m. each night through Sunday. (Photo of Benji Stevenson’s ‘Return to Sender’ by Christina J. Massad)

West End Artist Market All the dance music, booth vendors and outdoor LGBTQ camaraderie you can handle returns @ Wild Heaven Beer, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. facebook.com/ chakakhanhacienda Leather Luncheon

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

With their gathering spot

Bloodthirsty

closed at least temporarily,

The highly buzzed lesbian

leather afficionados suit up

werewolf film gets an Out

for a big brunch

on Film debut before its wide-stream debut. Tickets include OOF conversation

each month @ Woofs, 12 noon. woofsatlanta.com

with the director and two stars @ eventive, avail-

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

able at noon and through Sunday.

Trivia Tuesday

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

Drop in on a full afternoon and evening of spe-

DJ Guy Scheiman The Tel Aviv hottie flies in from the most vaccinated nation in the

cials, and don’t forget Trivia Tuesdays with a $50 bar tab prize @ Hideaway, 9 p.m. Happy Hour specials every weekday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. facebook. com/atlantahideaway

world to spin dance music @

Find an expanded calendar of weekend events every

Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com

Thursday at theQatl.com. theQatl.com 19

EASTER GAMES AT MIDTOWN MOON

Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com

Q SHOTS

PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD

theQatl.com 21

IDENTITY WITH JOEY JAY AT DISTRICT ATLANTA

Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com

Q SHOTS

PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD

theQatl.com 23

on tA ve .N E dm Pi e

4

9

11th St. NE

8

10th St. NE

Amsterdam Ave.

Dr. N E

Piedmont Park

14th St. NE

12th St. NE

12

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West Peachtree St. NE

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75

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85

ach Pe

Spring St. NW

Q Atlus Map

10 5

Virginia Ave. NE

1 9th St. NE

227 10th St. NE 2. Bulldogs Bar 893 Peachtree St NE 3. Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 4. My Sister’s Room 84 12th St 5. X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave. NE 6. Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

24 theQatl.com

 Bars

 Restaurants North Ave. NW

North Ave. NW

 Clubs  Retail/Services

Not Shown

Future (opening soon) 50 Lower Alabama St SW, Suite 180

8. Henry’s Midtown Tavern 132 10th St NE

Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave SE

9. Joe’s onRalph Juniper McGill Blvd. NE 1049 Juniper St NE

Sister Louisa’s 466 Edgewood Ave SE

10. Zocalo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina 187 10th St NE Highland Ave. NE 11. Barking Leather After Dark 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (inside Eagle) 12. Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

The T 465 Boulevard SE Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Dr NW Lips Drag Show Palace 3011 Buford Highway NE Lost ’n Found Youth Thift Store 2585 Chantilly Dr NE

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

3

Key

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

7. Flex 76 4th St NW

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

r. NE roe D Mon

Charles Allen Dr. NE

11 6

St. Charles Ave.

Glen Iris Dr. NE

1. Blakes on the Park

NE

NE

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Ave.

Spring St. NW

7

2 Juniper St. NE

85

Peachtree St.

75

West Peachtree St. NE

8th St. NE

Lin

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Piedmont Ave. NE

3

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Bri

Key

 Bars  Restaurants  Clubs  Retail/Services

Cheshire Bridge Road 5. The Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

9. Gravity Fitness 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

2. Tripp’s Bar 1931 Piedmont Circle NE

6. Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

10. Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

3. Woof’s Sports Bar 494 Plasters Ave NE

7. Roxx Tavern 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

11. Tokyo Valentino (Cheshire Bridge) 1739 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

4. BJ Rooster’s 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

8. 2Qute Hair Salon 1927 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

nr Mo

3

5

Pied

4. Oscar’s 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

tA ve .N E on ed m

r. NE

Pi

5. Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 6. Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

D Monroe

Piedmont Park

1. Felix’s on the Square 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

3. Midtown Moon 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

8

6

Ansley Park 2. The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE

E

4

r. N

7

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2 1

Morningside Dr. NE

mon t

Ave. NE

1. Sequel Bar 1086 Alco St. NE

Key

 Bars  Restaurants  Clubs  Retail/Services

7. Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 8. Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave NE

theQatl.com 25

Q Atlus Map Directory The businesses on the preceding pages are integral parts of Atlanta’s LGBTQ landscape. Those listed in boxes are consistent Q partners and community allies.

BARS, CLUBS & RESTAURANTS Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE BJ Roosters 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Blakes on the Park 227 10th St. NE Bulldogs Bar 893 Peachtree St NE Felix’s on the Square 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Future 50 Lower Alabama St SW, Suite 180 Henry’s Midtown Tavern 132 10th St NE The Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road NE The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Joe’s on Juniper 1049 Juniper St NE Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Lips Drag Show Palace 3011 Buford Highway NE Mama’s Cocina 1958 Piedmont Road NE Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Midtown Moon 1510 Piedmont Ave NE My Sister’s Room 84 12th St Oscar’s 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Roxx Tavern 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

26 theQatl.com

Sequel Bar 1086 Alco St. NE

Sister Louisa’s 466 Edgewood Ave SE Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Dr NW The T 465 Boulevard SE Tripp’s Bar 1931 Piedmont Circle NE Woof’s Sports Bar 494 Plasters Ave NE X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave. NE Zocalo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina 187 10th St NE

RETAIL & SERVICES 2Qute Hair Salon 1927 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Barking Leather After Dark 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (inside Atlanta Eagle) Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave NE Lost ’n Found Youth Thrift Store 2585 Chantilly Dr NE Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

ADULT Flex 76 4th St NW Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Starship Galaxy/Starship Novelties 2273 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Tokyo Valentino 1739 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

Q Advice

Not

LOVE

Signs that your relationship is abusive

Q

I want to first say that my partner and I love each other passionately. We are both known for fiery emotions, and usually, we are proud of it.

It’s the flip side that brings trouble.

We both have hair triggers and short fuses, so the anger is just as explosive as the passion.

I don’t even mean physical outbursts, though those have happened.

We lash out unfairly, even cruelly. We aim to wound instead of heal. When I’m not afraid of my partner flying off the handle, I worry I create the same fear in him.

I couldn’t say I’m abused without admitting I’m also abusive. We can’t both be victims and perpetrators, or can we?

Dear Abuse Paradox:

More troubled couples fall into mutual abuse than the oft-discussed power dynamic of one person exclusively mistreating the other. They are often thought to be “giving as good as they get” or “holding their own,” but both are likely suffering.

abusive relationships tick every box, but it’s a good to see if you fly more of these red flags than fewer.

RED FLAGS ABOUT ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS 1. Blame you for how they treat you.

2. Blame you for everything bad that happens.

3. Speak ill of family or friends.

4. Try to control who you see or where you go.

5. Force or manipulate you into things you don’t want to do.

6. Lying or being unfaithful.

7. Make you feel fearful, insecure or unfree.

8. Physically rough.

9. Unhappy whether you do it their way or not.

10. Little interest in your opinions or feelings.

11. Ignore or give the silent treatment as “punish- ment.”

12. Regularly compare you with others.

13. Threaten harm to themselves or someone else.

14. You’re the greatest one minute, the worst the next.

15. Putting you down — dumb, stupid, ugly, fat, etc.

16. Abusive behaviors get worse over time.

Source: Jim F. Jackson via Banlican House Publishers.

Sounds simple, but the fact that it feels bad is the best signifier that it is bad. It’s a paradox, but both partners can be abuser and abused.

Another classic paradox is that you are each drawn to the very thing in each other that causes the trouble. Addicts have similar love-hate relationships with whatever destructive behavior or substance makes their synapses fire.

Some of our most satisfying traits stem from the same place as our darkest ones. Recognizing both sides of our natures is where we start.

Sit down in a calm moment, not the heat of an episode, and see if you are both on board with creating change. Then consider counseling separately and together.

Speaking of professional help, author and counselor Jim Jackson identified signs of abuse. Few

The Q is for entertainment, not counseling. Send burning Qs to mike@theQatl.com.

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD GIBSON

theQatl.com 29

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