QATLus Magazine | July 29, 2021

July 29, 2021

Stay

COOL Chilling Through Summer’s Dog Days

Big Smiles Caught at Joining Hearts 2021 Coupled, Couped Up & Ready to Lose the Cuffs LGBTQ Trouble You’ll Love Getting Into This Weekend

Good Vibes

ONLY

ARE YOU FEELING DOWN as LGBTQ Atlanta enters the dog days of summer? You’re not alone. This issue of Q ATLus helps meet it head on.

A combination of oppressive heat, long days, overhyped expectations and vacation envy lead to just as much seasonal depression as the

oft-heralded winter variety. 10 Q Things serves up our cover package with proven ways to beat back the blues.

More good vibes for your queer psyche come in the form of local activist Liliana Bakhtiari. Meet Atlanta’s first lesbian Muslim candidate for city

council. Other locals putting smiles on their faces, and yours by proxy, ap-

pear in an expanded Q Shots section featuring photos from Joining Hearts, Kimora Blac at X Midtown, and the gay flag football championships.

In Q Advice, we challenge those nagging feelings to get rid of a good

relationship. A few tips help us remember it’s the season, not the cuffing, that messes with your head.

As always, there are even more positive experiences waiting in this

week’s Q Events, and more fresh news daily on Project Q Atlanta at

theQatl.com. Hit us up via the socials or mike@theQatl.com any time.

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 36

J U LY 2 9 , 2 0 2 1

EVERY DAY

Local LGBTQ Things to Do

8 15

COVER

Cool It

Chill the Heated Summer Sads

11

18

NEWS

Q SHOTS

Queer Muslim Council Candidate

Photos from Joining Hearts

HerStory

10 Q Things................. 8 Q News...................... 11 Q Events.................... 15 Q Shots...................... 18 Q Map........................ 24 Q Advice.................... 29

Snapped

Q ADVICE

Cuffed Up

Liven Up Live-in Relationships

29

LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER

HIV prevention our way.

HIV doesn’t have to stand in the way of a healthy sexual relationship.

PrEP is a daily pill that can help prevent HIV.

FIND A PrEP PROVIDER NEAR YOU

Q

10 THINGS

Cooler HEADS Rethinking the Summer SADs

BUILD IN RELAXATION TIME

By Mike Fleming

Getting the blood pumping keeps your mind sharp and lifts your spirits. Simply walking 35 minutes a day, three times a week, can stave off mild to moderate depression.

THE EXCITEMENT OF MEMORIAL DAY, the thrill of Stonewall Month, and the giddiness over weekly pool parties are long gone. Netflix and pornhub are endless, but their entertainment value isn’t. Plus, it’s basically too damn hot to do anything but hole up near an air conditioner and pray for the sweet relief of fall.

For some people, the body has a tough time adjusting to earlier sunrises and later sunsets.

Instead of waking and enjoying the extra daylight, you get the “sads.”

Literally. SAD is an actual a thing — Seasonal Affective Disorder. A whole other set of circumstances usually affects people in winter, but the Summer Onset SAD variety is just as, well, sad.

Beyond that, maybe summer has just gone on too long, and it’s time for a change. Maybe you have vacation envy from your social feeds.

Cruel summer? If you succumb to the summer SADs, try these tips. They actually work.

SLEEP IN That blinding light through the window at the butt crack of dawn may make sleeping sound impossible, and endless weeks of getting up with the sun could be taking its toll.

Consider blackout curtains or a sleep mask to get extra winks.

It’s overwhelming to overdo, and burnout is common during summer. Map out some down time.

WORK IT OUT

SOCIAL REALITY CHECK

No, everyone on Facebook and Instagram does not have a better dog, boo or schedule than you. Stop comparing your movie to their highlight reel.

LOVE THAT BODY

Warm-weather fashions send you running for cover-ups? Stressing about your body every time you get dressed? Fit or not, love your body enough to pamper and celebrate it as is.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

New Year and spring feel like beginnings, but summer flying by can feel like time is fleeting.

Print your best summer photos and put them on your wall to celebrate — not what was, but the here and now.

BRIGHTEN UP TO LIGHTEN UP

Surrounding yourself with light and color really helps you feel better. Wear bright hues. Get out, use light therapy devices (Google it), or sit by a window.

GET THE D

LOWER EXPECTATIONS

Your body gets most, if not all, of its Vitamin D3 from the sun, so if you’re avoiding the heat, you could be starving for sunlight. A full 88 percent of Americans don’t get enough D3, so consider a supplement if not getting outside.

Building up summer in your mind can create a disconnect when compared to reality. Prepare for boredom, and be pleasantly surprised when everything goes fine.

Looking toward the future is one of the best spirit lifters. Plan a vacation, a weekend, a night on the town, or a walk.

8 theQatl.com

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NEWS

Q

Liliana Bakhtiari

She’s On TOP Queer organizer leads fundraising in District 5 council race

By Patrick Saunders A QUEER MUSLIM COMMUNITY ORGANIZER raised the most money so far in a crowded race for the District 5 seat on the Atlanta City Council.

Liliana Bakhtiari, 33, raised $193,000 and had $140,000 cash on hand in the District 5 race, according to the second-quarter fundraising report she filed with the city’s Office of the Municipal Clerk. Bakhtiari hopes to continue LGBTQ representation on the council.

“Atlanta is supposed to be the gay mecca of the South,” she told Project Q Atlanta. “If we don’t have representation on council – the very body that has the ability to affect the LGBTQIA population, that proposes the budget that goes into serving the LGBTQIA population – then we are failing as a city, and we’re failing as the leader of the South that we’ve always claimed to be.”

Bakhtiari is followed in District 5 fundraising by sustainability expert Mandy Mahoney ($158,000 raised with $147,000 on hand), civic activist Samuel Bacote ($129,000 with $129,000 on hand), neighborhood activist Katie Kissel ($39,000 with $18,000 on hand) and community organizer Doug Williams ($2,600 with $500 on hand). theQatl.com 11

BAKHTIARI continued EXPANDING HER EXPERIENCE

routes and light-rail options; help city fire, police

Bakhtiari came within about 250 votes of un-

and 911 departments reach staffing minimums;

ng in 2017. This year, Archibong is running for

people to connect with mental health, housing

seating City Councilmember Natalyn Archibo-

and help create a diversion center for homeless

council president.

and other resources.

After the first campaign, Bakhtiari lobbied for

Planned Parenthood and Pro Georgia, wrote policy for first-time political candidates and helped

oversee food distribution to homeless shelters and encampments. She’s now strategic director for the

Blue Neighbors Project, a political action committee that supports progressive candidates for the Georgia Legislature.

“I definitely learned that the real work was in finding solutions. Everyone can point out problems.”

— Liliana Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari also wants the council to play a more

Bakhtiari said she learned during her first

active role in reforming HOPWA, the city’s

outside the political system.

low-income people with HIV.

campaign how easy it is to critique things from

long-troubled federal housing program for

“It’s a whole other beast to understand all the

“The argument being made is it’s always under

stakeholders involved,” she said. “It’s not so

much advancing your own vision but taking

in the perspectives of people who you disagree

with personally. I definitely learned that the real work was in finding solutions. Everyone can point out problems.”

Bakhtiari was born in Atlanta and lives in Grant Park. The Victory Fund, a national

the mayor’s purview,” she said. “But council also

has a platform and connection to the community.

We can hold town halls to put pressure on the

mayor’s office or ask for a release of the funds the city is sitting on.”

“Council getting involved and engaging the public in what’s going on helps break down silos,” she added.

organization that works to increase the number

She is at least the eighth openly LGBTQ

Bakhtiari in March.

year. The other LGBTQ candidates include

PLATFORM AND CONNECTION

District 4, Devin Barrington-Ward in District 9,

of openly LGBTQ elected officials, endorsed

Bakhtiari, if elected, wants to tackle affordable

housing, public transit, public safety, workforce development, homelessness and infrastructure.

candidate running for Atlanta City Council this Kelly-Jeanne Lee in District 1, Larry Carter in

Jereme Sharpe, Brandon Goldberg for Post 1 AtLarge, former state Rep. Keisha Waites for Post

3 At-Large, and Mike Russell who is running for

“We have no complete streets in our district, so

council president.

paving and repaving roads, providing lanes with

vember.

we need to work toward complete street design – sidewalks,” she said.

She would work with MARTA to expand bus 12 theQatl.com

Qualifying is in August. The election is in NoVisit lilianabakhtiari.com. Find more local LGBTQ news on Project Q Atlanta at theQatl.com.

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Q Events

The Best LGBTQ Things to Do in Atlanta This Week

SATURDAY, JULY 31 Lily White: A Celebration The legendary drag queen

THURSDAY, JULY 29

left us for her reward

PALS Online Trivia

a few weeks ago.

While some Pets Are Loving Support events are

LGBTQ Atlanta

live again, virtual fun continues with the group

pays homage to her

that helps critically ill people keep their pets.

This month, it’s Oscars-themed trivia @ GiveSignUp, 8 p.m. palsatlanta.org

FRIDAY, JULY 30

impactful life with a show and remembrances from friends @ Heretic, 7 p.m. hereticatlanta.com Blackout Party

Atlanta United

DJ Stan Jackson turns down the lights, and the

Watch Party

clothes check counter is open. No cover charge

The LGBTQ pro

@ Heretic, 10 p.m. hereticatlanta.com

soccer fans of All Stripes watch the match

SUNDAY, AUG. 1

against Orlando on the big

Queer Home CookOUT Tour

screen @ Georgia Beer Garden, 7:30 p.m. Same

To celebrate the anthology Home

again on Wednesday against Montreal, this time @

is Where You Queer Your

Element, 7 p.m. facebook.com/allstripesatl

Heart, Charis hosts

James Baldwin: Begin Again Writer Eddie Glaude Jr. discusses his book, subtitled James Baldwin’s America and It’s Urgent Lessons for Our Own. Virtual event hosted by Charis @ Crowdcast, 7:30 p.m. charisbooksandmore.com Sweet Tea Southern Fried Queer Pride’s previously postponed variety

readings from several of the local LGBTQ contributors like Topher Payne @ Heck House, 4 p.m. charisbooksandmore.com

TUESDAY, AUG. 3 Trivia Tuesday Drop in on a full afternoon and evening of specials, 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.

show hits the stage @ Mas-

com/atlantahideaway

querade, 8 p.m. southern-

Find the full weekend calendar of LGBTQ events

friedqueerpride.com

each Thursday at theQatl.com theQatl.com 15

Q SHOTS

PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD

18 theQatl.com

JOINING HEARTS 34

Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com

JOINING HEARTS 34

Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com

Q SHOTS

PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD

theQatl.com 19

20 theQatl.com

NFFLA FLAG FOOTBALL

Full gallery on Project Q at theQatl.com

Q SHOTS

PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD

theQatl.com 21

Instagram.com/theQatl

KIMORA BLAC AT X MIDTOWN

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

Amsterdam Ave.

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14th St. NE

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Q Atlus Map

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11th St. NE

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10th St. NE

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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 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

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Charles Allen Dr. NE

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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.

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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

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4. Oscar’s 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

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

3. Midtown Moon 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

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1. Sequel Bar 1086 Alco St. NE

6. Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave 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

Coming

UNCUFFED

How to cope after being cooped up

Q

We joked through 2020 that we lasted after cuffing season, and that cuddling through dark times would be nice while it lasted.

Well, recovery is here the sun shines, and our little inside jokes are starting to gnaw at me a little.

After months and months (and months!) of indoor life, we’re out more, and temptation is everywhere. Not only that, but the monotony of being cooped up is beyond over. We are familiar with each other’s every move and utterance, and both our tempers get short sometimes.

How can I keep it interesting and throw out the boyfriend with the bathwater?

Dear Cuffed & Cooped: One of the best things about the pandemic recovery, such as it is for the vaccinated, is the relief to shake the shackles. Spending so much time together, many couples do expose cracks in their relationships. More than a few entertain the urge to start fresh on every part of their lives and bolt.

Don’t Shut Them Out. If you’re angry, go out of your way not to avoid them. It’s really just game-playing, and it doesn’t solve anything. If you don’t talk it out, the problems will persist.

Compromise. Relationships are not about winning. It’s not about seeing who gives in first. Start with small stuff, like where to eat and what to watch, then giving a little on the big stuff will be easier.

Only Argue About Solvable Issues.

You can work out who gets which side of the bed or who takes out the trash. You shouldn’t try to change religious or political differences. Stop harping on core beliefs that are part of who they are.

Value Their Opinions. One of the big reasons we seek out relationships is for support during tough times. When you ask for advice, make sure they know it’s because you value their input, even if you choose not to follow it. No need to put each other down or try to sway every opinion.

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

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD GIBSON

Little did you expect to be cooped up together through pandemic pandemonium, but you did.

You made it. Sounds like you might have a good thing worth keeping.

Luckily, there is plenty you can do during any “uncuffing” urges to strengthen your bonds even as they are stretched and tested.

Nurture Your Affection. Resist the rabbit hole of who else is out there vs. your partner’s idiosyncrasies. Spend time thinking of what you love about them. Go out of your way to show you care. Flirt. Keep the butterflies in your stomachs with sweet nothings and special surprises. theQatl.com 29