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03.16.12
NEWS
Gay beating victim speaks out against anti-LGBT violence. Page 4 Soulforce Equality Ride burns through Georgia. Page 6 YouthPride sues landlord over $40,000 in back rent. Page 8 New guidelines seek better HIV care retention. Page 10 Gay-friendly resolution voted down by Ga. House. Page 13 Pasha Nicole sentenced to 14 years on sex charges. Page 15 GA Voice enters third year of publishing. Page 17
I have a man crush on Adam ... I want to kiss him. I want to kiss him so bad. I dont care if its mutual or not ... Hes sexy, is the word Im using.
Country singer Blake Shelton, on his Voice co-star, Adam Levine (inset). Shelton has drawn ire in the past for changing the lyrics to a Shania Twain song, tweeting, Any man that tries Touching my behind Hes gonna be a beaten, bleeding, heaving kind of guy. Shelton apologized, saying when it comes to gay/lesbian rights or just feelings I love everybody. (MTV.com, March 7)
VOICES
Editorial: Survival is a beautiful word. Page 18
A&E
I love a gender play; I love not being sure. I love walking down the streets of New York and when people pass me by dressed in an androgynous style Photo via Facebook Thats what Im aiming to do. Bring a style that does look androgynous, but really does t a womans body.
Out lesbian fashion designer Kara Laricks, who will compete on NBCs new reality show Fashion Star, which debuted March 13. (March 9, afterellen.com)
BY THE NUMBERS
OUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY
Spring Film: ATL Film Fests Pink Peach has many themes. Page 20 Spring Music: Gay artists got you covered. Page 22 Spring Theater: Stage menus full of LGBT goodies. Page 24 Spring Books: Local author events continue. Page 26
Stories posted to www.theGAVoice.com since our launch on March 5, 2010
4,299
It is my deepest hope that the LikeMe Lighthouse will stand tall, illuminating hope in every direction for all who have a need, whether its one of the many great, local LGBT advocacy groups the not-quite-out 19-year-old or the parents of the 14-year-old who sat his folks down the night before and nervously said, Mom, Dad... I think I might be gay
Out country singer Chely Wright, who on March 10 cut the the ribbon outside the LikeMe Lighthouse, an LGBT community center in Kansas City, MO. The center is a part of Wrights LIKEME organization, a non-prot dedicated to providing education, assistance and resources to LGBT teens and their family and friends. (Hufngton Post, March 10)
2,729,144
Article reads on www.theGAVoice.com Photos posted to www.theGAVoice.com in 342 separate galleries
COMMUNITY
Spring Events: Plenty of LGBT happenings in bloom. Page 28 Spring Sports: Leagues ready to kick off season play. Page 30 Thats What She Said: Chill pill anyone? Page 37 Domestically Disturbed: That thing you do. Page 39
CALENDAR
Pages 32-34
facebook.com/thegavoice twitter.com/thegavoice
Number of YouTube hits from our top 10 videos combined. Weve posted 146 videos in total.
66,603 1,100+
I have an important message, all the bling and Mercedes aside: Im an openly gay Persian man. According to the president of the country I was born in, I dont even exist.
Reza Farahan, a star on Bravos new reality series Shas of Sunset. Farahan says he was inspired to do the show by the It Gets Better Project. (AP, March 10)
Publicity photo
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If you erased all the gay people from the history of the world, the culture would be really lacking, do you know that, Kirk? Its so not pious. Its very un-Christlike Kirk. Really. If you want to follow the Jesus model man, dont go shaming people like that for who they are.
Rosie ODonnell responds to Kirk Camerons stance on gay marriage, which he called unnatural, detrimental and ultimately distractive, in a March 2 interview with CNNs Piers Morgan. (OWN YouTube channel, March 9)
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Brandon White, 20, who was brutally beaten in southwest Atlanta Feb. 4, has started a new anti-violence campaign. His first speaking engagement was to a class of Pre-K children at a Midtown school about the dangers of bullying. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
said she had seen what happened to White on TV and because he has a cousin in the class she thought it would be a good fit to have him speak. She also is getting him involved in a teen program that addresses bullying to be held at Morehouse College in April.
Greg Smith, executive director for the HIV Intervention Project, came up with the idea of the Speak Out with Brandon campaign to help LGBT victims of violence, including intimate partner violence, White explained. We will allow them to have a voice, he said of victims. We want to help them get on their feet, to show there are people who care. Smith said Speak Out with Brandon, still in its infancy, is partnering with the Anti-Violence Project based in New York. Were going to start off small. What we found with Brandons case is there is a lack of resources, Smith said. As we launch the campaign we want to invite the community to become involved and volunteer. We havent started fundraising yet. But its exciting. Were tweaking the Anti-Violence Projects infrastructure for an Atlanta and Southeast model, Smith said.
tivists including many gay leaders, at first supported White in the days following his attack. But after a successful rally in the Pittsburgh community to show solidarity with White, as well as the neighborhood where the crime took place, Change Atlantas leadership went on CBS Atlanta and accused White of lying when he said at a press conference he did not know his attackers. Devin Barrington Ward, 21, one of the accusers, issued a public apology, telling GA Voice that he was a young man still learning how to become a leader. Im working on mending my relationship with the community and most importantly with Brandon, Ward told GA Voice last month. I hope hes able to understand Im only one year older than he is. And Im willing to continue working on relationships, coalition building. Were not always going to get along, but if the community will allow me a seat at the table I would like to be there. White, however, is not accepting what he said is a public apology. Devin didnt apologize to me. Devin apologized to the public. He made his accusations to the public, he apologized to the public. There is no apology for me to accept. He was not talking about me. I have no clue who he was talking about, White said. Another activist, Gary Nichols, also turned to CBS Atlanta to accuse White of taunting his attackers and said White wanted to expose
White and Smith met with U.S. Rep. John Lewis in Atlanta shortly after the attack and White described him as down to earth. Hes so nice. Hes a public figure, but hes very down to earth. It was very comforting talking to him. Hes been through a lot. It was very nice of him to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with us, White said. And Smith said Speak Out with Brandon shared Lewis message that no one should be beaten for who they are. He said when he saw the video it reminded him of when he was beaten during the civil rights movement. No one should be attacked for who they are. Thats the message we are trying to bring to people, Smith said. In addition to picking up speaking engagements, White said he recently started back to work at a home nursing company and expects to enroll back in school at Georgia State University. Im bettering myself. Im actually taking bigger steps than what I was before, he said. But because his face was all over the TV for many weeks, people readily recognize him in Atlanta. People approach him at the grocery store, in restaurants and on the street, he said. Those are still frightening situations. My biggest thing is having people approach me. Im still very sensitive. People walk up to you, and you never know who the person is. Its very scary, he said.
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Members of Soulforce protest a rally held in support of presidential candidate Rick Santorum at the Georgia state capitol building. (by Ryan Watkins)
The group stood in silence for most of the rally, but turned to walk back toward their bus, singing a hymn Mason calls Love, Love. Georgia is one of a handful of states to not have hate crime protections for its LGBT residents. Thanks to a stalled HB 630 (Fair Employment Practices Act), state workers can be fired for their sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation. There is quite a bit of
work left before the Peach State can be called friendly for LGBT folks, but Mason believes the tide is turning. We never see it as an uphill battle. Mason says of Georgias political climate. Its a work in progress. We seek to engage particularly religious schools that have anti-LGBTQ policies. We need to let students know there are people out there that love them and care about them. We do that for a few reasons. We believe these institutions are creating the religious leaders of tomorrow. We believe these same institutions are creating the political climate. We want to get those leaders, too, so that they know they cant question our ability to live, Mason adds. The Equality Riders held several town hall events and potluck dinners with religious organizations in the state, including Muslims for Progressive Values and the Virginia Highland First MCC church. We got to do a lot of singing and praying, Mason says. The Soulforce Equality Riders visited Tennessee after leaving Georgia and will make their way to Chicago. From there, the group will visit Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Dallas, Abilene, Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland and San Francisco.
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Court date set for March 20 to settle dispute with Inman Park United Methodist Church
By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com
YouthPride is digging in to fight the lawsuit filed against the LGBT youth group by its landlord Inman Park United Methodist Church, which says the non profit owes more than $40,000 in back rent. A court date is set for March 20 in Fulton Magistrate Court to try to settle the dispute, according to online documents filed with Fulton Magistrate Court. The notice was mailed out to the parties on Tuesday, March 13. Inman Park UMC filed its lawsuit against YouthPride in Fulton Magistrate Court on Feb. 17 including an eviction notice to be served on the organization mandating it leave the premises. An eviction notice was served on YouthPride on March 2 by the Fulton County Sheriffs Office, giving the group a week to respond. McPhaul filed the counterclaim against the church on March 9, online records show. McPhauls allegations in the lawsuit were not known by press time. He did not return repeated calls and emails asking to comment on the lawsuit. Peter Morgan, attorney for Inman Park UMC, also could not be reached for comment by Tuesdays press time. At a March 6 town hall forum to discuss the viability and future of YouthPride hosted by an independent task force concerned about the future of LGBT youth services in Atlanta, McPhaul vowed to sue the church. As it relates to the $40,000 rent, which we have always said was overpriced the bottom line is this: We have legal claims against the church as well, McPhaul told attendees. We had legal claims against the church as well, McPhaul repeated. So there were certain things that we actually missed out on as a result of certain things the church did not comply with so we havent answered the lawsuit yet, but we will, and soon. Morgan, attorney for Inman Park UMC, told GA Voice on March 8 that the church is not aware of any claims YouthPride might have, and McPhaul continues to tell him that the agency plans to pay part of the back rent. YouthPride has certainly not brought any such matters to my attention, and I have had several recent conversations with Terence, Morgan said. In fact, Terence is still telling me that YouthPride very much wants to make the church whole and promising to pay over to the church at least $20,000 which he claims YouthPride is about to receive in support. Morgan accused McPhaul of changing his story. YouthPride seems to present different mes-
YouthPride Executive Director Terence McPhaul addressed a group of young adults and volunteer task members concerned about the LGBT youth agencys future during a March 6 town hall forum. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
sages for different audiences, but we are confident that the court will quickly establish the truth, he said. Rather than working against YouthPride, Morgan said the church has done everything possible to accommodate YP in its financial difficulties. As evidence, he listed that the church allowed YouthPride to go so long without paying rent before taking legal action, and also that Inman Park UMC continues to pay utilities for YouthPride. The utilities are included in the rent that the church says YouthPride has not paid since last summer. Unfortunately, if YouthPride has now suggested that it may have claims against the church that in any way excuse its nonpayment of rent in so large an amount, this would bear out the cynical maxim that no good deed goes unpunished, Morgan said.
Stadtlander said he was disappointed with McPhauls antics. The individual or individuals, the leadership of YouthPride, every step of the way did not cooperate and obstructed [the task forces]. Then the individual came to the meeting to try to seize control and hijack the meeting and turn it into a blame the task force scenario, Stadlander said of McPhaul after the March 6 meeting. McPhauls public comments included denigrating those serving on the task forces, saying, I think some people did this with good intentions but I think some were duped. While we appreciate all the work you [the task force] have done, the fact of the matter is we have worked on maintaining compliance and have maintained compliance with those that really do have the authority to say that we stay open or close, McPhaul said. Just because we have not been compliant does not mean we automatically shut down the agency. So we have to ensure we are compliant with the organizations that require that, McPhaul added. McPhaul said he hired an attorney approximately three weeks ago to help the agency organize a board of directors. The lawyer, Jason McCoy of the Atlantabased Paul Hastings law firm, said in an interview he has been retained on a pro bono basis to help McPhaul create a new board of directors. He wants to transition to a new board of directors. Ive reviewed the bylaws and have had conversations with other board members, McCoy said. McCoy clarified by saying he has spoken to McPhaul and Board President Jordan Myers. Myers has been missing in action since January, ignoring requests for comment from the GA Voice. McCoy added he expected YouthPride to have a new board of directors within 60 days.
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What those guidelines are all about is trying to address people with HIV, or any chronic disease, to link them to care, Dr. Carlos del Rio of Emory explained. (Courtesy Emory)
Winston Johnson and Leon Allen Community Leadership Award: Rev. Phillip Thomason
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State Rep. Keisha Waites failed to get a resolution passed in the GA House honoring UGAs Young Democrats and its gay organization. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
Waites also was able to get passed a resolution honoring lesbian Rev. Mitzi Bickers, a former member of the Atlanta Board of Education. Her sexual orientation was also not mentioned. Last year, Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), the first openly gay legislator elected to the General Assembly, sponsored with Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) a resolution honoring longtime LGBT activist Cathy Woolard, who was the first openly gay person elected to public office in Georgia. Drenner said leaving out the gay in the resolution was part of an acceptance strategy in the conservative legislature.
UGA campus by facilitating and calling for allies to accept, advocate, and act Waites did get a resolution passed for her
Waites, who sought public office eight times before winning this seat in a special election on Feb. 7, has to run again in November. She has previously sought seats in the Georgia House, Georgia Senate, the Fulton County Commission and the Atlanta City Council.
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Pasha Nicole, whose legal name is Christopher Lynch, pled guilty to sexual exploitation of children on March 7. (Photo by Justin Ziegler)
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outing campaign 1 Eddie Long was targetinof2005 (35,158 hits) by black gay activists Cartoon: 2 Mike Ritter Our Students (31,727 hits) Protecting Black 3 Atlantashot toGay Pride organizer found death (28,898 hits) 4 Bernice Kings gay-inclusive speech at MLK rally surprises LGBT participants (21,273 hits)
5 Johnny Weir finds love in Atlanta (20,588 hits) 6 WPATH announces new standards of care for transgender and
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Shorter University employee speaks out on new policy on homosexuality (17,941 hits)
Eddie 8 [Video] Fox 5: Bishopgay sexLong had fifth accuser in scandal (16,561 hits) Conyers mega Church 9 Pastor of comes out in wake of in the Now
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Jack Strouss, a gay World War II veteran, reflects on Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal (17,791 views) Reichen Lehmkuhl talks about being on Logos The A List: New York (12,245 views) Georgia Representative Rashad Taylor comes out (6,420 views) Interview with APD Officer Patricia Powell (5,453 views) Julian Bond on Bishop Eddie Long sex scandal (5,022 views) Tanya Ditty from Concerned Women for America compares gays to pedophiles, necrophiliacs (4,578 views) Lady Gagas Born This Way eerily similar to Madonnas Express Yourself (4,473 views) Morehouse student Daniel Edwards talks about being gay on campus (4,135 views)
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BOARD OF ADVISERS
functioning and prospering. Examples of this can be seen everywhere. Brushstrokes, Mixx and Charis Books & More will carry on Outwrites legacy and bring LGBT authors to town. Faltering organizations like YouthPride will likely be improved or replaced with a new organization thanks to people who care about our young people. It looks like Gilberts might take over the old Outwrite space and, hopefully, 10th & Piedmont will once again be a gathering place. And, who knows, maybe someone is planning a new and improved version of Poster Hut right this minute. What I have found to be true is that adversity always leads to something new, something better than what came before. The process is painful but the result, if I simply survive it, far outweighs the momentary agony. Ultimately, it is the result that I remember. Like childbirth, the pain of a new birth is soon forgotten as you
hold that baby in your arms. At GA Voice, we are in the planning stages of several new births which we will present to you very soon. As we celebrate another year with each other, we salute our community for its resilience and its passion. Lets continue to nd our strength in each other and keep ourselves open to what is new and what is possible. Stay tuned.
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MUSIC
by Juliette Ebner
ATLANTA SHOWS
MARCH
3/16: 3/17: 3/18: 3/27: 3/29: 3/30: 3/31: Mary Gauthier at Eddies Attic Bitch at My Sisters Room Bruce Springsteen at Philips Arena Daughtry at Cobb Energy Centre We Will Always Love You Tribute to Whitney Houston at Apache Cafe The Shondes at the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge Michelle Malone Banned at Eddies Pink Martini at Atlanta Symphony Hall Hunx and his Punx at the Earl Red Hot Chili Peppers at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Magnetic Fields at Variety Playhouse
APRIL
4/1: 4/10: 4/10: Top: Rufus Wainwright, Madonna and Adam Lambert are slated to release highly-anticipated new music this spring. Below: Queer band The Shondes are headed to Atlanta March 30. (Publicity Photos) 4/14:
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teamed up with producer Mark Ronson for his newest album Out of the Game to be released May 1. This is Wainwrights seventh studio album and features musicians such as the DapKings, Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Wainwrights sister, Martha Wainwright. Gay indie singer/songwriter Tom Goss releases Lost Songs and Underdogs on April 3. Goss holed up in a one-room cabin in rural Virginia, turned off his phone and computer, and wrote the project during a time of soul searching. He calls it direct, honest and his most intimate project yet. Its available in a couple editions with various bonus tracks and perks. Go to www.tomgossmusic.net for details. Pop singer Katy Perry is releasing a special edition of her album Teenage Dream on March 27. The new album, entitled Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, will feature the original 12 tracks plus three new ones, a Tommy Sun-
shine megamix of Perrys previous six singles, the Kanye West version of E.T., the Missy Elliot version of Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) and an acoustic version of The One That Got Away. Grammy-winning R&B singer Macy Gray returns with a new album Covered, set to release March 26. The album features 16 covers including Grays take on the Eurythmics Here Comes the Rain Again, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Maps and even Metallicas Nothing Else Matters. Lionel Richie has a new album coming out on March 26, Tuskegee. The album includes 13 tracks, each one featuring a different country act with Richie, such as the Rascal Flatts joining him on Dancing on the Ceiling, Jennifer
Nickelback at Philips Arena Counting Crows at Tabernacle Bonnie Raitt at Cobb Energy Centre Zac Brown Band at Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood 5/13-14: Yanni at Cobb Energy Center 5/16: The Ting Tings at Variety Playhouse 5/18-19: Jason Aldean at Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood 5/19: St. Vincent at Variety Playhouse 5/22: Dave Matthews Band at Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood 5/2: 5/4: 5/9: 5/12: Nettles on Hello and Shania Twain on his classic duet with Diana Ross, Endless Love. Bruce Springsteen is back with Wrecking Ball, his 17th studio album. The album features 11 new recordings including We Take Care of Our Own and two bonus tracks on the special edition. Coming off a touching tribute to Etta James at the Grammys, Bonnie Raitt has a new album, Slipstream slated to drop April 10. This is her first studio album in seven years and will feature renditions of classic songs by artists such as Bob Dylan and more.
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MIXX
A PREMIER VIDEO LOUNGE
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Featuring David Reeb, one of the most accomplished pianist in the Atlanta area. David has a repertoire of over 1000 songs and can play your song, in the key you select. Come hear what you have been missing in Atlanta!
Sing along with piano accompanist. Many of your favorite tunes including Broadway hits.
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MARCH
The Motherf***er With the Hat March 15 April 14 at Actors Express 887 W. Marietta St., Atlanta, GA 30318 www.actorsexpress.com Miss Richfield 1981s 2012: Well All Be Dead By Christmas March 30 - 31 at 14th Street Playhouse 173 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.14thstplayhouse.org
APRIL
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County April 4 May 13 at Alliance Theatre 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.alliancetheatre.com Auntie Mame April 13 May 5 at Onstage Atlanta 2597 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 www.onstageatlanta.com Miss Richfield 1981s 2012: Well All Be Dead By Christmas is one of many productions of gay interest playing this spring. (Publicity photo) Seasons band and has a gay character, that of gay record producer Bob Crewe. Also returning is a new version of the iconic The Wizard of Oz, which bows at the 14th Street Playhouse and is being staged by Curtains Up Inc., with a cast of children and teenagers. Openly gay Brian Clowdus, artistic director of Serenbe Playhouse, opens his three-season summer season with Rachel Teagles unorthodox world premiere version of Alice in Wonderland, which he is directing. The season also includes the gay-themed Time Between Us later in July. Finally, the gay-owned Theatre in the Square, assuming it can get out of its financial crunch, will be staging the campy Tuna Does Vegas, directed by gay Ed Howard and created by Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston William, also gay. According to Palmer Wells, artistic director of Theatre in the Square, the company has a March 16 deadline to raise money or it will have to close its doors. Tuna Does Vegas April 25 May 27 at Theatre in the Square 11 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA 30064 www.theatreinthesquare.com
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Well All Be Dead By Christmas. Miss Richfield was previously in town last year around this time and was a popular ticket. Much buzz surrounds The Alliance Theatres Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a world premiere musical featuring a collaboration between two unlikely artists - author Stephen King and musician John Cougar Mellencamp. Called a Southern gothic musical, it takes place in Mississippi, with a 40-year old secret involving the death of two brothers and a girl. Among those in the cast of the world premiere is Justin Guarini of American Idol fame. A smash here two seasons ago, the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys is returning to the ATL. It charts the rise of the Four
Xanadu May 10 June 16 at Actors Express 887 W. Marietta St., Atlanta, GA 30318 www.actorsexpress.com The Wizard of Oz May 16 -20 at 14th Street Playhouse 173 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.14thstplayhouse.org Jersey Boys May 22 June 10 at Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 www.broadwayacrossamerica.com Alice in Wonderland June 1- July 28 at Serenbe Playhouse 9110 Selborne Lane Suite 210, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 www.serenbeplayhouse.com
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CH 15 &16
Adly Guirgis
for 6 toNy awards!
SEASON
3/6/12 4:22 PM
Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.
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BOOKS
by Jim Farmer
MARCH
March 22: Totally Tyler with Your Boyfriend & Other Guys Ive Kissed at Brushstrokes/Mixx Clockwise from top left: Totally Tyler, Kelli Dunham and Diana Cage are all slated to appear at local bookstores this spring. (Publicity photos) March 28: Trystan Cotten with Transgender Migrations at Charis March 30: Megan Volpert with Sonics in Warholia along with Chris Shipman and Vince Cellucci at Bound To Be Read Books
APRIL
April 1: Collin Kelly and David Matthew-Barnes at Bound To Be Read Books April 26: Queer comedian Kelli Dunhams Good Ol Fashioned Queer Comedy Revival Show with Atlanta Pride at Charis Books & More. show collaboration with Charis and Atlanta Pride on April 26. Another upcoming guest is lesbian sex writer and columnist Diana Cage, who edited the landmark lesbian magazine On Our Backs. Her new book is A Womans Guide to Sexual Ecstasy. Cage scheduled for May 11 has long been a Charis favorite, according to Anderson. Several more spring events are being planned and will be available on Chariss website soon, such as a three-part community discussion about Bayard Rustins life and legacy. Two events are slated for East Atlantas Born To Be Read Books. On March 30, the LGBT friendly bookstore is bringing in lesbian poet Megan Volpert, who recently re-located to Atlanta from Chicago with her wife, to read from her fourth poetry book, Sonics in Warholia. On April 1, the bookstore will host a reading from two local LGBT authors, Collin Kelly and David-Matthew Barnes. Kelly will be reading from his second novel Remain in Light a finalist for the 2012 Townsend Prize for Fiction - and Barnes is expected to read from
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May 11: Diana Cage with A Womans Guide to Sexual Ecstasy at Charis. Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324 www.brushstrokesatlanta.com Charis Books & More 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 www.charisbooksandmore.com Bound to be Read Books 481-B Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316 www.boundtobereadbooks.com one of his upcoming books. Kelly welcomes the opportunity to appear with Barnes and feels their styles are similar. Its a great opportunity, he says. I think he and I each have our own fan base and an event like this gives people more bang for the buck.
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MARCH
MondoHomo Spaghetti Dinner, Bingo and Queer storytelling Tuesday, March 20 7-10 p.m. at Sauced Atlanta 753 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 www.mondohomo.com Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus Spring Concert Gleeful Noise: Celebrating Glee Clubs, Then and Now March 30-31 at Cannon Chapel, Emory University 515 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322 www.agmchorus.org
APRIL
Atlanta Eagles 25th anniversary and Leather Pride April 14-15 at the Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308 www.atlantaeagle.com Joining Hearts Change of Seasons Tea Dance April 15, 4-9 p.m. at The Georgian Terrace Hotel 659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 www.joininghearts.org Atlanta Bucks Purple Dress Run Fundraiser for Lost and Found Youth (formerly Saint Lost and Found) April 21, details TBA www.facebook.com/atlantabucks Pride Expo April 21-22 Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart www.theprideexpo.com Party with Impact for Positive Impact April 21, 7 p.m. at The Wimbish House 1150 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 www.positiveimpact-atl.org AGMC presents Encore: A Night of Music April 22, 5:30 p.m. Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center 800 Spring St. NW, Atlanta GA 30308 www.agmchorus.org
Atlanta drag legend Diamond Lil calls bingo numbers with MondoHomo organizer Jesse Morgan at the 2011 spaghetti dinner, bingo and queer storytelling fundraiser. (Photo by Dyana Bagby) which includes the Mr. Atlanta Eagle contest as well as the return of the Ms. Atlanta Eagle contest after an 11-year absence. I think its great [to celebrate 25 years] considering everything the bar has been through, Kelley says. In 2009, the bar was raided by the Atlanta Police Department. A federal court ruled the raid unconstitutional.
Music matters
The concert includes many of the same arrangements from the TV show, including Katy Perrys Teenage Dream as the Warblers performed it. The concert also includes productions of Dont Stop Believin, A House is Not a Home, and the Viva la Diva medley a montage of songs by Madonna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce that the girls sang on the show. And while our Single Ladies may not be as butch as the football teams was in Glee, its still going to be a blast. Were not pulling many punches here, Robison says.
From Queer Beats! LGBT Atlanta can jump to a Gleeful Noise with the Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus Spring Concert, Gleeful Noise: Celebrating Glee Clubs, Then and Now on March 30-31. So many members of the LGBT community are followers of the television series Glee. It exemplifies our experience, especially the experience that many gay men, including myself, had in high school, said long-time AGMC artistic director Kevin Robison.
Its also a year to celebrate the quarter-century mark for gay bar the Atlanta Eagle. The Atlanta Eagle kicks off its celebration with a party on April 6 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the bar being owned by Robby Kelley and Richard Ramey. The bar will be rolling back the prices and the music to 1997 for a memorable event, Kelley says. The 25th anniversary of the bar takes place April 14-15 and coincides with Leather Pride,
Also celebrating 25 years is the Atlanta HRC Gala and Auction, set this year for May 5 at the Hyatt Regency with the theme Be Part of Equality. The keynote speaker is U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), who is making a bid to be the first openly gay senator. Tammy is a dynamic speaker, and is incredibly passionate. She understands the work it takes to go against the grain and break down barriers, says Matthew Garrett, co-chair of the HRC Atlanta Gala and Auction. Details for the dinner are still being hammered out, but the gala expects some 1,000 people to attend, more than 15 corporate sponsors as well as 200+ auction donors. The 25th Anniversary is a huge milestone for Atlanta, Garrett says. The fact that Atlanta has the second oldest HRC event in the country speaks volumes to the leadership, vision, courage, and passion of our friends and colleagues.
MAY
OutlantaCon May 4-6 at Holiday Inn Perimeter 4386 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 www.outlantacon.org 25th Annual HRC Gala and Auction May 5 at the Hyatt Regency 265 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303 www.atlantahrcdinner.org Pet Cotillion for PALS May 6, details TBA, www.palsatlanta.org MondoHomo fest May 24-27, Locations: TBA www.mondohomo.com
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HOTLANTA SOFTBALL
Season begins March 17 Metro Atlanta Softball Complex 7301 Campbellton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30331 www.hotlantasoftball.org Big Peach Softball Tournament May 26-27 at Metro Atlanta Softball Complex
2012 season March 17, culminating with the annual Big Peach Softball Tournament May 26-27. Teams from around the country will descend on Atlanta this Memorial Day weekend to participate in one of the countrys largest annual gay softball tournaments. The National Flag Football League of Atlanta (NFFLA) also kicks off its upcoming season March 17 at Candler Park. The chairman of the NFFLA, Lance Burage, says that this Springs league is the largest the NFFLA has ever fielded. We set a record number of teams, nine, in
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There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.
Friday, March 16
The Decatur Womens Sports League kicks off its spring softball season with games on Friday nights through May 25. This season, play moves to Blackburn Park, 3501 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.decaturwomen.com Michael Moores Capitalism: A Love Story screens at the Third Friday Film Series. Suggested donation $1-$10 sliding scale. Films start at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.rstexistentialist.org Julie O and ve of her funniest friends invade My Sisters Room for J.O.E. presents Funny Friday. $10 Cover. Doors at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m. at My Sisters Room. 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta GA 30316. www.mysistersroom.com Lesbian singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier performs with Tania Elizabeth at 8 p.m. at Eddies Attic, 515 N McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com Enjoy Femmistry Fridays with Traxx Girls, 10 p.m. at Encore, 2520 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.traxxgirls.com
Saturday, March 17
DJ Eddie Baez spins at 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
The National Flag Football League hosts a St. Patricks Day all-you-can-drink margarita bust. $15. 5 - 10 p.m. at Zocalo, 187 10th St. Atlanta, GA 30309, www.nfa.com The Heretic celebrates St. Patricks Day with a show by the Armorettes at 8 p.m., then 3-Legged Cowboy country dancing at 10 p.m., and a set by DJ Mike Pope at midnight. No cover all night. 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com See Bitch in concert at 9 p.m. as part of the St. Paddys Day bash at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com Amsterdam Atlanta celebrates St. Patricks Day with green draft beer, green martinis, and, better yet, no cover. 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com
The Health Initiative hosts an LGBT Weight Watchers group every Saturday morning. First weigh-in starts at 8 a.m., with a meeting at 8:30 a.m. Second weigh-in starts at 9:30 a.m., with a meeting at 10 a.m. 1530 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.theheathinitiative.org The Atlanta Institute of Stitches & Crafts hosts Sewing 101, one of many sewing, crafting, and DIY home decorating courses offered at the gay-owned Kai Lin Art Gallery. 3 - 5 p.m., 3069 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com/classes/, full schedule at www.instituteofstitchesandcrafts.com The Atlanta Rollergirls roller derby hosts War Between the Skates, a double header featuring Denim Demons vs. Toxic Shocks and Rumble Bs vs. Gainesville Roller Rebels. 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta GA 30308, www.atlantarollergirls.com DJ Pat Scott helms the turntables for Atlanta Bucks Rugby fundraising night. 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlanteagle.com
Saturday, March 17
Sunday, March 18
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MORE LGBT EVENTS: Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules, sports, worship services and community organization meetings. www.thegavoice.com/calendar
The Hotlanta Softball Leagues Atlanta Titans host the annual Bowling Beer & Boys fundraiser. Free shoe rental, $20 unlimited beer and bowling, $10 to do one or the other. 12 - 4 pm. at Midtown Bowl, 1936 Piedmont Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/AtlantaTitans PFLAG Atlanta hosts their Third Sunday meeting, this week featuring a panel of gay and lesbian couples who are also parents. 2:45 - 5 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329. www.pagatlanta.org The infamous drag queens of the South, the Armorettes take over Burkharts. Be part of the action with their new game Take a Sh@t! Tips are donated to their nonprot fund for various AIDS-related organizations. 8 p.m. at Burkharts, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
Traxx Girls presents Showtime Sundays hosted by Ms. Sophia, 12 a.m. showtime at Scores Sports Bar, 2425 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30035, www.traxxgirls.com
Monday, March 19
Mondays are Happy Bear Cocktail Hour, where patrons can watch RuPauls Drag Race and Absolutely Fabulous with half-price appetizers. 5 - 8 p.m. at the Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com Watch RuPauls Drag Race at 9 p.m. followed by the Manic Monday show at 11 p.m. at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com Niesha Duprees Stars of the Century takes the stage on Mondays at 11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Publiticy photo
The guys at WassupNAtl get the party going with three levels of fun at Trio Fridays. 10 p.m - 4 a.m. at Mengos. 91 Broad Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wassupnatl.com
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Tuesday, March 20
The Atlanta Lesbian & Gay Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Lunch. 11:55 a.m. 1 p.m. at Hudson Grille, Brookhaven Station, 4046 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.atlantagaychamber.org Make your night totally tubular with Dude 80s Night double-sized cocktails, free snacks and half-price appetizers 5 - 8 p.m. at the Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com The MISTER Community Center for gay and bi men hosts a meditation workshop every rst and third Tuesday. 5:45-7 p.m. at Positive Impact, 60 Eleventh Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.positiveimpact-atl.org The Outlaw and Allies Student Organization of the John Marshall Law School hosts Sex Discrimination after Glenn v. Brumby. Attorneys Greg Nevins and Cole Thaler will present practitioner strategies for making their winning argument. AJMLS students free, $60 early registration for attorneys, $65 at the door. Pre-panel networking at 6 p.m., program 7 - 9 p.m. at the Blackburn Conference Center at Atlantas John Marshall Law School, 1405 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/wGceFC Fundraising has begun for the 2012 MondoHomo queer music, art and politics festival held over Memorial Day Weekend. Join the QueerPosse for their annual Spaghetti and Bingo Dinner and QueerStory social event featuring storytelling from queer icons and drag superstar Diamond Lil on the mic. $20, or pay-what-you-can for three-course spaghetti buffet dinner and bingo card. 7 p.m. at Sauced, 753 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.mondohomo.com Sing along as pianist David Reeb tickles the ivories every Tuesday. 8 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com Jerry hosts I Gotta Sing! karaoke. 11 p.m. at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com Angelica D Paige hosts Trivia Tuesday Karaoke at Burkharts, where youll have your turn on the mic and a chance to win free shots by answering trivia questions throughout the night. 11:30 p.m. at Burkharts, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
SPOTLIGHT
Thursday, March 22
Photo via yarasophia.com
Brushstrokes hosts its rst author signing at Mixx, featuring party boy blogger Totally Tyler, author of Your Boyfriend & Other guys Ive Kissed. 7 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com, www.brushstrokesatlanta.com
Friday, March 23
Ru Pauls Drag Race season three alum Yara Soa performs around 10 p.m., at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324.
Photo by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography
Get 25-cent Keystone drafts all night at Heretics Dress Code party with DJ Lydia Prim on the turntables. 10 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
Thursday, March 22
Comedians Woody, Emmett, Jaz and headliner Keno take the stage for J.O.E Presents Insane Saturday hosted by Julie O. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com Heretic makes a day of it, with a Shamrock Shindig 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., a country dance lesson. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. with a 3-Legged Cowboy night until midnight, then high energy dance music til close. 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com DJ Igor Magalhaes juggles the beats for the boys on the dance oor at Jungle. 10 p.m., 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Draq queens from around the Southeast are slated to perform as Charlie Brown hosts a benet for the legendary Lily White and her mother, who lost everything in a home re several weeks ago. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, 30324. Join infamous drag personality Ruby Redd for the truly Dirty Boy Bingo. 10 p.m. at the Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 25
Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) will be the guest speaker at Love in Action Sunday at Decatur United Church of Christ at 11 a.m., 109 Hibernia Ave., Decatur GA 30030, www.decaturucc.org
Friday, March 23
Wednesday, March 21
The Kennesaw State Pride Alliance hosts Unleash the Queens and Kings, their fth annual PALS charity fundraiser drag show. 8 - 11 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, http://on.fb.me/wePYZk
Sunday, March 25
Its opening day for the Hotlanta Softball League, and this year the organization says theyve got more teams than ever. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Metro Softball Complex, 7301 Campbellton Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, www.hotlantasoftball.org
Work your noggin with team trivia. 8 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.friendsonponce-atl.com Dragnique, the unique drag contest at Jungle, continues its third season every Wednesday hosted by Phoenix and Bubba D. Show begins at 9:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
International Communities United hosts Bridging the Gap. 6 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com Ladies at Play host Dance 101 with special guest DJ E. Relax with your friends for casual chit-chat in one room, dance to high energy tracks in another. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. at 9 Poplar St NW (Formerly the Mark Ultra Lounge), Atlanta, GA 30303. www.ladiesatplay.com
Every Monday, catch Smash, NBCs new musical drama, at 10 p.m. on the video screens at Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com
Tuesday, March 27
Gay singer-songwriter Eric Himan takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenrood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
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The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Marlows Tavern at the Northlake Doubletree Hotel, 4156 La Vista Road, Atlanta, GA30084, www.atlantagaychamber.org
Saturday, March 24
Hotlanta Softballs Atlanta Talons host their third annual beer bust. Enjoy entertainment by Amanda Topp & Company, DJ Joey S, Jell-O shots and rafe prizes. 2 - 7 p.m. at F.R.O.G.S., 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.theatlantatalons.com
Monday, March 26
Writing with Intent is a facilitated discussion group for authors of ction and creative nonction. 6:308:30 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
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The Fourth Tuesday lesbian social club hosts a special Fourth Tuesday dinner with WNBA promoter Anne Clarke. Meet key Atlanta Dream executives, win a rafe prize and meet one of the teams players. Facebook RSVP requested. 6 - 10 p.m. at the Brewhouse Cafe, 22 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002, http://on.fb.me/xQRI0H The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon at 11:50 a.m. East Point Corner Tavern, 2783 Main St. East Point, GA 30344, www.atlantagaychamber.org Charis Books & More hosts Trystan Cotten as he discusses his new anthology Transgender Migrations about trans-ing experiences, identities, politics and more. This event is co-sponsored by Charis Circles Founding the Future of Feminisms Program, and there is a suggested donation of $5. 7:30 - 9 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com Catch Feathers & Flesh, a burlesque review, at 11 p.m. at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com The Guaranteed cure for the mid-week blues, Burkharts hosts Hump Day Karaoke with Darlene Majewski. 11:30 p.m. at Burkharts, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
P licity Pub
EVENTS
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hoto
Superstar DJ Tony Mo ., turn tables at Jungle. 10:30 p.m nta, Ga. 2115 Faulkner Road, Atla om 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.c
Wednesday, March 28
UPCOMING
Friday, March 30
Kai Lin Arts 21st exhibition, BLOOM, is the annual spring exhibit, this year featuring Wallace Duvall, Nathaniel Galka, Lucha Rodriquez, Marlene Lillian, Jarno Kettunen, Penny Treese, Bethany Collins, Sun Hong and Karen Divine. 7 - 10 p.m. at Kai Lin Art, 3069 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com
Wednesday, April 4
The original every woman Chaka Khan plays the Cobb Energy Performing Art Center, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. www.ticketmaster.com
Thursday, April 5
Chicago-based music and comedy act Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen host a We Get Along CD release party and show. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 7:30 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com
The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence raise funds for the Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption during a night out at Atlantas rst and only gay sports bar. 6 - 9 p.m. at Woofs, 2425 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/zSIwF4
Saturday, April 7
Thursday, March 29
Grab a cocktail with a few manly men at The toolbox. 6 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com Thursday nights, catch the Shawnna Factor with Shawnna Brooks, Nicole Paige Brooks, Lena Lust, Lady Shabazz, Lateasha Shante Shuntel and Regina Ryan. 11 p.m. at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com You never know what to expect with Phoenixs Twisted Thursdays featuring Gia Sunowers, Angelica DPaige, Alissah Brooks and Savannah Leigh. 11:30 pm. at Burkharts, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
Carioca Productions welcomes superstar remixer Danny Verde of Milan, Italy to an Easter weekend throw down. DJ Scorpio immediately follows with a late-night set at XION. $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door, 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.cariocaproductions.com
The Atlanta Eagle celebrates their 25th anniversary and co-produces the third annual Atlanta Leather Pride, which includes a BBQ and beer bust, Mr. & Ms. Atlanta Eagle Contest and Dutch Treat Leather Brunch. All events at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlanteagle.com
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THATS WHAT
Chill pill anyone?
Drug reduces racism along with blood pressure
Does your family accept your sexuality? Do your friends and co-workers? If the answer is no, and there was a pill that would cure them of that prejudice, would you give it to them? Im sure most would say yes and the possibility of such a pill is not science ction. British researchers have been studying the issue of racism and found that a common heart disease drug seems to lower racist attitudes as well as blood pressure. The study was conducted at Oxford University where volunteers were divided into two groups. One was given the drug Propranolol while the other took a placebo. Propranolol is a beta blocker used to treat blood pressure, but can also be used in managing panic and anxiety disorders. In one test, the groups were asked to sort pictures of black and white faces into categories along with positive and negative words. In another, they were asked to report how warm they felt towards certain groups, including blacks and Muslims. The results showed those that took Propranolol appeared less racist on a subconscious level. Scientists told Londons The Telegraph they believe the drug lowered feelings of bias, because it works on parts of the brain and nervous system that regulate fear and emotional responses. Im not sure what these scientists assume well do with this new information. Everyone take a pill to get along better? Im sure the makers of Propranolol would be extremely happy with that nancial scenario. How would this translate into curing sexuality bias? Would gay Johnny, whose family is constantly informing him of his path to hell, slip Mom and Dad the pill in their food? Lesbian Nancy, whose ofce life is a constant battle of jabs and negative comments, might be able to dump the medication into the break room coffee maker. However, I dont think suppressing part of someones brain to get them more comfortable around me is the answer. In an age of quick xes, I am not surprised
SHE SAID
Melissa Carter is also a writer for Hufngton Post. She broke ground as the rst out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter
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someone came up with this. We take a pill for the smallest of discomforts, to lose weight, or to focus our mind. So why not develop a pill so people will like us more? I think the solution is the same now as it has been throughout history: knowledge. Fear and anxiety are fed by the unknown, but being wellinformed on any issue brings condence. A pill is not going to x the inability to accept differences in our society, but knowledge can. Many straight people say they didnt like gay people until they got to know someone who is gay. We are all responsible to make sure that other people are more knowledgeable about whom we are and that we are more knowledgeable as well. One example of how knowledge can change lives for the better comes out of Boston, where a local PR rm is attempting to help businesses motivate their female employees by teaching them about their foremothers. The agency, History Smiths, says the more women nd out about their successful foremothers, the more they are motivated to go further in their personal and professional lives. They say as far as businesses go, incorporating womens history into their own promotions will attract more customers, male and female. There needs to be more messages about the positive contributions of gays and lesbians in our culture, or even just the sense of happiness in the gay community. I sent a message on Twitter the other week that simply said how happy I was to be a lesbian and that I wouldnt change anything in my life. The biggest response was from straight people letting me know how that comment was a breath of fresh air for them. What knowledge are we teaching those whose support we strive for? That being gay means having power and success, or that we are constantly struggling and unhappy? Yes, a pill might be a quick x for some, but for me taking the time to educate my world on who I am will result in far bigger benets.
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Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life. Find out more at topherpayne.com
air, lost in a reverie. I was trained to dance at gay bars, where the entire point is as much physical contact as possible. People have, without even trying, accidentally had sex while dancing at gay bars. So for ve years, Ive just let the concerts be his thing. On the ip side, Preppy had never attended a professional theatre performance before he started dating an actor/playwright. Now, he sees at least eight shows a year. All totaled, hes seen me play Julia Sugarbaker for more hours than he ever saw Dixie Carter in the role. These are not experiences he would likely have sought out independently of my inuence, and he hasnt enjoyed every show. But he gave it a shot, because its important to me, and sometimes hes genuinely enriched by taking that leap. I know the comparison is not exactly equivalent- hes supporting my work, and I support his. Even as I write this, Im wearing rose-colored khakis from the Gap Spring line, and I assure you that is not a look I would have chosen if left to my own devices. Its not like Im married to Trey Anastasio and refusing to attend Phish shows. Im just letting my husband have outside interests, like how I watch zombie movies, funny animals on YouTube, or porn without him. But in my rare moments of actual honesty, Im forced to admit that the likely reason those Phish shows (or their jam band brethren) hold no appeal for me is the same reason I wouldnt go to China: Because I dont understand the culture. I dont speak the language. My instinct when I feel I dont belong somewhere is to leave, which is good because it got me out of Mississippi, as well as several unhealthy relationships in years hence. You live your life according to your own interests and pursuits, but theres always that nagging question in the back of your mind, the fear that youre missing out on something potentially transformative. I realize thats a lot of pressure to place on The String Cheese Incident, but its at least worthy of consideration.