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The Georgia Voice

OUTSPOKEN IN THEIR OWN WORDS

I like Mitt Romney as much as one really good-looking man can like a really good-looking man and not break Texas law.
Publicity photo via texas.gov

03.30.12
NEWS
Eagle celebrates 25th anniversary as lawsuits over illegal police bar raid end. Page 4 Alpharetta student sues school over alleged gay prom ap. Page 6 YouthPride, landlord set date for move; LGBT youth organize new effort. Page 9 CDC leader: Homphobia impacts gay HIV funding. Page 11 AIDS Quilt plans return to Washington, D.C. Page 11

1904 Monroe Dr., Suite 130 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-815-6941 | www.thegavoice.com

EDITORIAL

Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com Contributors: Melissa Carter, Brent Corcoran, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Mike Ritter, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Justin Ziegler
Publicity photo via Facebook

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a former GOP presidential hopeful who touted his opposition to gay issues during his campaign, commenting on fellow presidential contender Mitt Romney at March 24 dinner. (Advocate, March 26)

BUSINESS

Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

Animal husbandry That sounds like what Rick Santorum thinks gay marriage leads to.
Former GOP presidential Rick Perry, referring to his college major while making a gay joke about another Republican rival during the same dinner. (Advocate, March 26)

Atlanta police commander to meet with LGBT residents. Page 12 New HIV adviser for Ga. health department. Page 12

A&E
Photographer Philip Bonneau celebrates Heroes & Villains. Page 15 Film: Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye blurs gender. Page 19 Theater: Farewell to theatre at center of gay rights controversy. Page 21

BOARD OF ADVISERS

I want my voice of love and support to be louder. Theres nothing wrong with being gay.
Publicity photo

Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm, Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen

All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Georgia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. A single copy of the Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the Georgia Voice ofce only. Call for rates. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com Postmaster: Send address changes to the Georgia Voice, 1904 Monroe Drive, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30324. The Georgia Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing ofces. The editorial positions of the Georgia Voice are expressed in editorials and in editors notes. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Georgia Voice and its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verication. Email submissions to editor@thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.

Publicity photo

Actress Tracey Gold (far left in photo), criticizing actor Kirk Camerons (far right) recent comment that being gay is detrimental, and ultimately destructive, during her remarks at the March 24 GLAAD Media Awards. The two played siblings on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains. (On Top Magazine, March 26)

COMMUNITY
Atlanta joins April international LGBT march. Page 23 Event Spotlight: WigOut with MondoHomo. Page 24 Business Spotlight: Irwin Street Market. Page 24 Personality Spotlight: Rev. Bradley Schemling bids goodbye. Page 25

For LGBTQ African Americans, Rustin is the only open gay hero we have, and for many of us, his work and words give us courage to ght homophobia in ourselves and in our communities.
Syndicated columnist Irene Monroe in an essay praising Bayard Rustin, the late activist and adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month. (HufngtonPost.com, March 22)

Photo via Library of Congress

CALENDAR
Pages 26-28

Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz in a video for Americans for Marriage Equality, an HRC campaign to let gay couples marry. (HRC.org, March 21)

Video still via hrc.org

I sing songs about love and just as people have a right to choose to listen to songs about love, I believe people have a right to marry the person that they love.

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GA Voice

March 30, 2012

News

www.theGAVoice.com

Atlanta Eagle
celebrates 25 years
Mayor: Raid settlements bring closure to painful time in citys history
By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com The Atlanta Eagle is ready to party. In April, the gay bar in Midtown celebrates its 25th anniversary with a barbecue, balloon drop and giveaways, as well as the annual Leather Pride event. The entire month of April is also booked with numerous other parties each weekend, including the celebration of Richard Ramey and Robby Kelley owning the bar for 15 years and MondoHomos popular WigOut party and fundraiser. It just goes to show you what a difference a year or almost three can make. On March 19, the Atlanta City Council approved a settlement in the third Eagle lawsuit led by attorney Dan Grossman, with the city paying out $330,000 to 10 plaintiffs who alleged their constitutional rights were violated when the Atlanta Police Department raided the bar on Sept. 10, 2009. The new settlement followed a settlement for $120,000 for eight employees in October 2011 and the original Eagle lawsuit with 26 plaintiffs that settled for more than $1 million in December 2010.
Atlanta Eagle owners Robby Kelley (left) and Richard Ramey are ready to celebrate 25 years of the bar being in business and the end of their legal battle against the city. (Photo by Bo Shell)

and end to long legal battles

Original Eagle signage
The Atlanta Eagle has been located at 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. for 25 years. The bar rst opened with a sign that only had the number 306 and an eagle with an outstretched wing. It was not wise to advertise the name of the bar on the streets due to rampant anti-gay bias. Two of the original Eagle signs are currently located in the bar.
on the dirty oor of the bar. The police said they were there that night the popular Underwear Night to arrest people having illegal sex and also to bust up illegal drug activity. Nobody in the bar that night was arrested on any of those charges. Instead, employees of the bar were arrested for a permit violation. News of the raid angered many in Atlantas LGBT communities. A rally held in the bars parking lot days after the raid attracted hundreds as the story made national headlines. While public support was there in the immediate aftermath, the bar soon saw the darkest days in its history. Business declined because people were afraid the leather and bear bar was a target for the police. Hoping at rst to get a simple apology from Mayor Shirley Franklin who was mayor when the raid occurred and from the APD, the Eagle 8 employees instead were put on trial for misdemeanor permit violations. Seven of the eight were found not guilty or had their charges dismissed. One person, a dancer, did not show up to court. Chris Lopez, a former bartender at the Atlanta Eagle represented by attorney Bill Atkins, currently has a federal lawsuit pending against the city. Ramey and Kelley now praise the efforts of the APD in mending its relationship with the gay community, especially with the bar. They have been very responsive, Ramey said. One talked to me one night Deputy Chief Renee Propes and showed me she was wearing an Atlanta Eagle pin. Things are basically back to normal, Kelley added. Especially with the beat ofcers, we have a good rapport. A few times weve had to call them and theyve come in to help and been very kind to all of us. Still, the raid on the Atlanta Eagle will remain a key event in Atlantas gay history, and perhaps also in national gay history, Ramey added. Without our customers being willing to stand up, we would have never been able to ght against what happened that was so wrong, he said. Yes, we have suffered [as a bar] but we are so proud of what we were able to accomplish with a great legal team. Added Kelley, It kind of does make us proud. Weve got good customers, great employees. And they all stood with us. For any business, surviving for 25 years is reason enough to celebrate. For the Eagle, the fact that the anniversary coincides with the end of the legal battle makes it that much sweeter. I think its great [to celebrate 25 years] considering everything the bar has been through, said bar co-owner Robby Kelley, who also spends a lot of time slinging drinks for customers. Were happy to be celebrating 25 years and plan to be here a lot longer. Ill be here as long as my knees hold up, he said with a laugh. For Richard Ramey, who owns the bar with Kelley, the end of the three lawsuits marks a milestone not only in the bars history or even in the citys LGBT history but also for the citys history. We wanted to go through this to make changes for the city, Ramey said. And it was worth it for the nal outcome. It was Sept. 10, 2009, when Atlanta police raided the Atlanta Eagle, arrested eight employees and forced some 60 patrons to the oor, then conscated their cellphones and IDs as some ofcers hurled anti-gay slurs at them. Numerous patrons said they were roughed up by ofcers who stood on their necks to keep them

Eagle raid part of Atlantas gay history

www.theGAVoice.com

News Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 www.atlantaeagle.com Richard and Robbys 15th anniversary of owning Atlanta Eagle Friday, April 6 Rollback prices and music to 1997 Atlanta Eagle 25th anniversary April 12: Karaoke and giveaways April 13: Meet and greet the judges and contestants for Mr. and Ms. Atlanta Eagle April 14: 1 p.m. Cookout 8 p.m. Mr. and Ms. Atlanta Eagle contest 1 a.m. Balloon drop, contest giveaways

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

Mayor, Eagle attorney do lunch

The lawsuits led by Grossman on behalf of the Eagle patrons sought not only monetary damages, but also for the Atlanta Police Department to make changes to its policies, including making it a reable offense if an ofcer destroys evidence in a civil case and requiring ongoing training on the Fourth Amendment. Grossman said he went after signicant amounts of money on behalf of his clients to hopefully make the city pay attention, as well as instill better practices at the APD. Nothing else was working, he said, noting the original Eagle plaintiffs simply sought an apology. Unfortunately, this is a painful way to get to this, Grossman said. My hope is it will motivate the APD and individual ofcers to follow the law. Grossman said the procedural reforms put in place should also ensure the APD and the city do not have to face signicant settlements in the future which will save the city money in the long run. He also added the Atlanta Citizen Review Board has been asking for police changes for years and many of the ofcers that led to the costly settlements had been investigated in the past. The end results are good for the citizens and for the taxpayers, said Grossman. Throughout the lawsuits, Grossman had a very contentious public relationship with Mayor Kasim Reed, who took ofce a few months after the Eagle raid. At a town hall forum last November, Grossman suggested publicly the two go to lunch. And they actually did, Grossman said. Reed and Grossman met in December and discussed the cases. It was after then, Grossman said, that conversations with the citys Law Department became more fruitful and, eventually, led to a settlement that gave his clients justice. The settlements also mean all his lawsuits against the city are nished. Im glad this is behind me, he said.

a guaranTeed greaT nighT ouT

Bar owners: Highest respect for APD

While Reed took a lot of heat in public from Grossman, Kelley and Ramey said they harbor no ill feelings toward the mayor and Police Chief George Turner. Reed and the citys Law Department fought tooth-and-nail against the settlements. Turner also came under criticism for not ring more ofcers involved in the raid, especially after a damning internal report by Greenberg Traurig proved what the patrons had been saying all along the police violated the constitutional rights of the patrons and treated them roughly while some also showed anti-gay prejudice. The mayor was stuck in a bad situation. I feel kind of bad for him, Kelley acknowledged. This case made him look less tolerant than he really is. And the police department has 100 percent tried to mend its relationship with the bar, Ramey added.

We have the highest respect for the police department, he said. Chief Turner, in a statement to the GA Voice, said he is glad the legal fallout from the Eagle raid is essentially over. I believe the department is better today as a result of the reforms resulting from this incident. We have made changes to our Standard Operating Procedures that ensure citizens constitutional rights are upheld at all times, weve undergone training from a nationally-recognized expert on search and seizure and weve taken great strides to build a meaningful relationship with the LGBT community, including the hiring of a second departmental liaison and the creation of an advisory board, he said. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the LGBT community becomes true partners in our ght against crime, reecting our mission statement: To reduce crime and promote the quality of life in partnership with our community. We have work to do in this community, as we do with all of our communities. But Im committed to getting us there, Turner added. Reed also said in a statement he hopes the city can move on after the Eagle settlements to close a painful time in our citys history. I hope the settlements reached in the Eagle lawsuits help to bring much needed closure to a painful time in our citys history, Reed said. While we have more work to do, I am proud of the reforms the Atlanta Police Department has implemented and the steps we have taken to heal our community. I believe we are on our way to rebuilding trust. I wasnt mayor when this incident occurred, but that does not diminish my concern, the mayor continued. Atlantas diverse LGBT community is part of what makes our city so special, and I am committed to ensuring that the rights of all of our citizens are always protected.

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6 2

GA Voice

March 30, 2012

News

www.theGAVoice.com

Alpharetta teen makes national news over LGBT prom lawsuit

School district denies charges, prepared to defend itself in court
By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com An Alpharetta High School student alleges in a recently filed lawsuit that he was forcefully removed from his student council position after advocating a change in the schools Prom King and Queen tradition to be more inclusive of LGBT couples. Reuben Lack, 18, says that two Alpharetta High School faculty advisors told him that he was being removed as the schools student body president for pushing personal projects. In the complaint, filed March 20 in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, Lack contends he was removed over his exercise of rights protected by the First Amendment. Fulton County Public Schools, which includes Alpharetta High, disputes the claim, arguing that the gay-inclusive prom policy is not why Lack was removed from office. The bottom line is that this allegation that the student is making is not true. This is not a district that would support any type of prejudice or bias, said Samantha Evans, executive director of communications for the district. Lack, a senior, has attended Alpharetta High School for four years. Hes also been a member of the student council each of those four years. Reuben is not your typical student council president, Nathaniel Lack, Reubens father, said in an interview. Hes not your popular kid. Hes not a football player or a cheerleader. Hes your policy kid. The lawsuit claims Lack, who is straight, introduced an LGBT-friendly prom resolution at a Jan. 12 student council meeting. After debating the resolution, Michelle Werre, one of the student councils faculty advisers, demanded the resolution be dropped and said that it would not be adopted without a vote. Lack reintroduced the resolution at the following student council meeting on Jan. 26, according to the lawsuit. Werre expressed great dissatisfaction and attempted to require a formal vote without any debate, the suit continues. Lack tabled the resolution to prevent a vote rejecting the measure without debate, the lawsuit alleges. On Feb. 8, Werre and Emily Reiser, another faculty adviser to the student council, called Lack into a meeting where they informed him he was no longer the schools student body president. The suit claims that Werre and Reiser told Lack he was being removed for pushing personal projects and for advocating policy changes. around prejudice and biases, Evans said. The other items wouldnt be sufficient. Its significant to mount a lawsuit and get people up and arms and angry about, as they should be, if it were true, Evans continued. Evans said she was unsure if the district will settle the case, but added that Fulton County Public Schools supports the school administrations decision to remove Lack and will be prepared to defend itself in court.

AHS students react to lawsuit

Alpharetta High School student Reuben Lack is suing his school over his removal as student body president. The change came after Lack proposed an LGBT-friendly prom resolution, his lawsuit alleges. (Photo by Ryan Watkins)

Lack and his family met with school officials after his removal, including Principal Shannon Kersey, to discuss reinstatement but were told the school supported the decision made by the faculty advisers. In an interview with GA Voice, Lack said that the school was trying to silence him over the prom resolution. Theyve damaged my reputation in some respects, Lack said. Theyre putting out the position that I was a bad leader, which is hurtful to me because I respect the students, I respect the school. Lack said he filed the lawsuit, with the help of attorney James Radford, for one reason: to get his job back. In the immediacy, we want to get myself reinstated to the student council, Lack said. Theres only two months left. In those two months, I can do a lot of good for my school. Lack said that hes not sure what motivated the student council faculty adviser to force the council to drop the debate on the prom resolution. In the meeting, the teacher adviser was visibly uncomfortable when I brought it up. I can only speculate to what her motivation was. We were coming to a consensus and I think thats why she shot it down. Beyond that, theres a larger issue, Lack continued. If we dont win this, schools have carte blanche to remove students when they have controversial viewpoints, even when that viewpoint is expressed in a meaningful and constructive way. Lacks attorney, Radford, stressed that the facts and the law are on his clients side. Theres a whole line of cases about First

Amendment rights in schools, Radford said. Students retain their First Amendment rights so long as their speech is not substantially disruptive. The school cannot punish speech like that when its protected. Were on the right side of the law and the facts on this case. I think we will prevail, Radford added. I dont know if were going to have to fight them until the bitter end or if theyll be willing to work with us. Im going to do whatever I can to get him reinstated.

School district rejects Lacks claims

Officials with Fulton County Public Schools, however, denied the claim that his removal was about the resolution, instead citing some 16 examples of how Lack failed as the student body president, none of which involved the resolution. In a response included in Lacks lawsuit, the districts legal representative claimed that Lack failed in his role as student body president by canceling and rescheduling student council meetings with little or no notice, acting uncivilly and refusing to comply with direct instructions from the student council faculty advisers. Evans, the executive director of communications for Fulton County Public Schools, also disputed Lacks claims in an interview. Evans said that she personally believed that Lack was using the LGBT-friendly resolution as an excuse to sue to regain his position. After he was relieved from his post, all of a sudden this allegation came up. Thats why the rest of the students are frustrated. They know what he did and didnt do. What a horrible, horrible thing to claim. We have enough issues

Several Alpharetta High School students took to the internet to voice their thoughts on the lawsuit. Comments on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, as well as the website for The GA Voice, from AHS students paint a different picture of the situation. He is lazy but wants desperately to be a part of politics and news and so when he was removed months after bringing up the issue in the article, he used the gay rights issue as a way to bring his lawsuit into the court of public opinion, an AHS student wrote on the popular link sharing website Reddit in response to the story. Right now the student body is infuriated, he is dragging our school through the mud for his own vengeance, the student continued. He knows good and well that the media will fit this into the stereotype of ignorant and backwards southern schools. Some AHS students posted derogatory and anti-gay messages online. A Twitter hashtag, #ihopereubensbackpackgetsaflat, mocked Lack for using a rolling backpack. The online taunts prompted Lacks attorney to release a statement defending his client against allegations that he was lying about the reasons behind his removal. The story may have gotten too big, too fast, and I believe the students, faculty, and administration at Alpharetta High School have found themselves overwhelmed, Radford said. I know Reuben and his family have felt overwhelmed. Radford said he wants the public to know the facts behind the case before jumping to conclusions. After the administration issued an official statement basically accusing Reuben of making this whole thing up a number of people who were initially supportive began to doubt us, Radford continued. Worse yet, a number of students have made statements to the media, and on the web, that drag Reubens name through the mud and accuse him of lying. As of press time, no court dates been scheduled, though Lacks attorney has requested an expedited hearing. Weve asked the court for an immediate hearing. We havent gotten a date for that yet. We hope that it will be soon. Every day that passes is a day that hes deprived of an honor that hes earned, Radford said.

www.theGAVoice.com

News

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

LGBT youth form JustUsATL as option to crumbling YouthPride

March 31 town hall forum to discuss ways to create new safe space
By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com As YouthPride continues to face obstacles including a funding crisis, a group of young people who have used its services before are now breaking off to begin forming their own organization. The group, named JustUsATL, hosts a town hall forum on March 31 at Greater Smith Church at 7 p.m. LGBTQ young people including teens and young adults have come together in a consensus-based process to form a new organization, the group stated in a press release on March 22, the day after a Fulton Magistrate judge ordered YouthPride vacate its premises as part of a settlement agreement with its landlord, Inman Park United Methodist Church. JustUsATL seeks to provide a space that is safe, afrming, educational and supportive by offering discussion forums, after school space, peer education, STI testing, counseling and social activities, the release adds. All who wish to stand in solidarity with Atlantas LGBTQ youth by aiding in efforts to provide the aforementioned services through a central location are invited to learn more about this new organization. JustUsATL spokesperson Chris Kontopidis said that young people between the ages of 15 and 26 have been organizing online since Feb. 10 and had their rst meeting on March 10, days after a disruptive town hall forum in which an independent task force tried to explain YouthPrides nancial troubles, including facing an approximate $80,000 debt according to its review of some of the non-prots nancial records. JustUsATL has also been organizing support group meetings as options to those offered at YouthPride. On Tuesdays JustUsATL offers its Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming/Questioning discussion group that meets from 7-9 p.m. in the lobby of the Georgia State Universitys College of Education building. And on Wednesdays, the new youth group hosts its Teen and Young Adult discussion groups from 7-9 p.m., also in the GSU College of Educations lobby. The group also offers shuttle service with pick ups at 6:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at Edgewood. half of YouthPride charged that the church had not made repairs to the building, which should reduce the rent by $500 per month for 60 months or $30,000. It was dismissed for being without merit. Inman Park UMCs board of trustees issued a statement saying it wanted to give YouthPride and its clients time to relocate. The church is still recovering from the loss of tenant revenue during 2011 and 2012 but wishes for the transition of YP to take place as effectively as possible so clients of that organization are not impacted further by the recent events, said the churchs board of trustees. McPhaul issued a statement about plans to form a new board of directors. YouthPride has been looking for a new home and has shortened its list. A nal decision on the new location has not been made. The nal cost is not known, but it will be in line with our current and future budget constraints, McPhaul said. YouthPride continues to inform and market to current youth, and the countless youth in the Metro Atlanta area who need our vital services. YouthPrides search for board members is moving quickly. We have identied community members who have a strong interest in using their skills and talents in support of LGBTQQ youth. YouthPride continues to offer counseling from a licensed clinician, McPhaul added. McPhaul did not answer when asked to identify the licensed clinician, but he claims publicly to be a mental health expert to celebrities. He is not licensed by the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists.

YouthPride Executive Director Terence McPhaul says the nonprot is seeking a new location after learning it must vacate its current site by May 31. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com

JustUsATL Town Hall Forum Saturday, March 31, 7 p.m. Greater Smith Church 183 Mayson Ave. Atlanta, GA 30303 www.facebook.com/JustUsATL by YouthPride Executive Director and CEO Terence McPhaul, board member Jordan Myers and Theresa Willis, who signed as the interim chair of the board of directors. Neither Myers or Willis will respond to requests for comment. Myers identied himself as chair of the board of directors at the start of the nancial crisis. A counterclaim led by McPhaul on be-

On March 21, a Fulton Magistrate judge gave YouthPride until 5 p.m. on May 31 to vacate its location at 1017 Edgewood Ave. after being sued by its landlord, Inman Park United Methodist Church, for not paying rent since June 2011. The court also ordered YouthPride to pay a total $28,000 settlement, nearly half of the more than $56,000 actually owed the church in back rent and penalties. A payment from YouthPride of $18,000 via a cashiers check has already been paid to the church and a $5,000 cashiers check is to be paid on April 1 and another $5,000 on May 1, according to the consent order that was signed

YouthPride ordered to vacate premesis by May 31

Timeline of YouthPrides nancial troubles

2011
Dec. 7 Inman Park United Methodist Church sends a certied letter to YouthPride demanding unpaid rent. YouthPride CEO and Executive Director Terence McPhaul signs that he received the letter. Dec. 8 McPhaul states the non-prot serving metro-Atlanta LGBTQ youth is in a crisis and money has to be raised or we may be forced to close our doors. He says he wishes for $50,000. Dec. 9 YouthPride Board President Jordan Myers posts on Facebook the agency needs to raise $25,000 in one week. Dec. 16 McPhaul claries YouthPride must raise $40,000 by Dec. 31 or be forced to close its doors in 60 days. Jan. 12 McPhaul says YouthPride has raised about $20,000 and extended its deadline for reaching its goal past Dec. 31 to raise the $40,000 needed. Jan. 14 Inman Park UMC sends another certied letter to YouthPride again demanding payment. McPhaul signs for the letter. Jan. 18 Attorney Marlys Bergstrom, listed as a YouthPride board member, tells GA Voice the board of directors has not met in two years and she was not aware of its plea to raise $40,000 or face closure. Jan. 25 Gay teacher Charlie Stadtlander calls together an invitation-only meeting of several LGBT activists and allies to discuss the nancial situation at YouthPride. At this meeting, two task forces are created an internal audit task force to look at the nancial viability of the organization and a programs task force. Feb. 8 Members of the independent task force reviewing the viability of YouthPride meet with McPhaul at a public meeting at CHRIS Kids headquarters. Task force member and CPA Patt Cianciullo estimates YouthPrides debt at nearly $80,000, although McPhaul disputed that amount. Feb. 12 Inman Park UMC sends another certied letter to McPhaul terminating its lease with YouthPride. Feb. 17 Inman Park UMC les suit in Fulton Magistrate Court against YouthPride, demanding more than $40,000 in back rent and fees and asking the Fulton County Marshal to place an eviction notice on the door of the organization. Feb. 20 The independent task forces say they consider YouthPride closed after hearing from YP counselor Tana Hall that Myers ordered YouthPride to be closed Feb. 17. McPhaul insists the agency is open and operating. March 2 An eviction notice is taped to the door of YouthPride as mandated by the Feb. 17 lawsuit led by Inman Park UMC, giving the non-prot one week to respond in court. March 6 A town hall forum hosted by the independent task forces is held at St. Mark United Methodist Church. March 9 McPhaul les a counterclaim to the Inman Park UMC lawsuit. A hearing is set for March 20. March 20 McPhaul and Inman Park UMCs attorney Peter Morgan come to their hearing at Fulton County Magistrate Court with an agreement worked out. March 21 The consent order signed by YouthPride and Inman Park UMC ofcials shows that YouthPride must pay the church $28,000 and move out by 5 p.m. May 31. March 22 LGBTQ youth announce they have formed JustUsATL as an option to YouthPride and will host a town hall forum on March 31.

2012

Jan. 3 Despite the Dec. 31 deadline passing, YouthPride remains open. McPhaul says he is not sure how much of the $40,000 has been raised.

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News

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

11

CDC leader: Homophobia impacts funds for HIV prevention

Agency weighs adding spiritual to definition of sexual health
By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com The latest numbers are staggering: 61 percent of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among gay and bisexual men, although this population accounts for only 2 percent of the countrys population, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Among black gay and bisexual men, the numbers are even more dire, with the CDC reporting a 48 percent increase in new HIV infections ages 13-29 between 2006-2009. But funding for HIV prevention and research for gay and bisexual men is about half what it should be, said Dr. Kevin Fenton, the CDCs director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Fenton spoke at a March 20 community engagement session in Atlanta. Participants included Georgia HIV non-profit organizations such as AID Atlanta and AID Gwinnett, as well as the state Department of Public Health. During the session, Fenton and the CDC focused on black gay and bisexual men because of the significant increases in new HIV infections. But gay men of all races are impacted heavily, CDC officials noted. When we look at how funds are distributed, we underfund MSM by a significant amount, said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDCs HIV/AIDS Prevention Program. Most of the CDCs HIV prevention programs are administered by the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. In 2011, the division awarded funding totaling $621 million with 41 percent going toward men who have sex with men, according to the CDC. More funding is going to research and prevention for gay and bisexual men because the CDC feels a responsibility to match the epidemic. Fenton, who is openly gay, noted that homophobia and stigma likely play a role in the underfunding. Historically what we see across the U.S is its easier ... for states and local jurisdictions sometimes not to put money where the epidemic actually is. In part because data arent there and undercounts gay men, Fenton said. But remember [for] many places across the country, especially in the 80s and 90s, its far easier to do work with women and children, with young people, with high risk heterosexuals, than it is to deal with gay men who having raw sex in bathrooms, he added. Our own stigma, our own homophobia, cascades down in our funding and allocations intentionally or unintentionally resulting in The black church in particular we do not do due diligence with the Bible. We still do the hate messages. You cannot read homosexuality is a sin when you read the Bible. They put it there because of homophobia, Meredith said. Youve got to mess with the faith. It is the pastors who must be approached and not just the parishioners, he added of efforts to combat HIV infection rates. Fenton said adding spiritual is new to the CDC, but something that must be considered and part of the responsibility of recognizing who we are as beings.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt returns to Washington, D.C., this summer the first display of the entire quilt since 1996. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

All must address crisis in our midst

At a March 20 community meeting, the CDCs Dr. Kevin Fenton addressed many issues gay black men face when fighting against HIV. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

underfunding of gay mens work across the country, Fenton said.

Spiritual dimension to sexual health?

The session in Atlanta is one of many slated to take place across the U.S. to try to find ways to deal with the epidemic that continues to hit gay and bisexual men the hardest. As part of the session, Fenton discussed a definition of What is sexual health? that is currently being considered by the CDC and the federal Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The proposed definition is as follows, with changes in bold: Sexual health is a state of wellbeing in relation to sexuality across the lifespan that involves physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual dimensions. Sexual health is an intrinsic element of human health and is based on a positive, equitable, and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships, and reproduction, that is free of coercion, fear, discrimination, stigma, shame, and violence. It includes the ability to understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of sexual behavior; the prevention and care of disease and other adverse outcomes; and the possibility of fulfilling sexual relationships. Sexual health is impacted by socioeconomic and cultural contexts including policies, practices, and services that support healthy outcomes for individuals and their communities. The approximately 50 people at the Atlanta session overwhelmingly approved of adding a spiritual aspect to the definition. Pastor Dennis Meredith of Tabernacle Baptist Church, who identifies as bisexual and is currently in a gay relationship, praised the CDCs inclusion of the spiritual in sexual health, saying that black churches tend to be among the larger purveyors of anti-gay messages.

HIV activist Adolph Arromand brought up the issue of raw sex that gay and bisexual men tell their HIV counselors and testers that they prefer rather than using a condom. At end of day as providers of HIV testing, this is reality we deal with. There is a large number of people who interventions will not work on, Arromand said. While Fenton agreed there is a group of people who prefer raw sex, most men practice safer sex, he said. Most men practice safer sex and practice it consistently. Survey after survey proves this, Fenton said. It is wrong for us to think that is the norm in the community. Ways to engage this segment of the community include possibly creating spaces where it is safe to have raw sex, such as through serosorting, Fenton said. But there must also be continued support of men to have safer sex, he added. Black gay men are not valued in many communities, from the nation in general to the LGBT community itself, said Craig Washington, a longtime Atlanta HIV activist. Sophisticated approaches to ending the epidemic include the development of young black gay leaders, not just within HIV organizations but in research and advocacy, he said, where they can directly impact change. We need to exercise creative approaches, Washington said. Fenton said one of the most important issues he wanted all people and groups to consider is, Who is responsible for ending the epidemic? What can we do to empower and hold each other accountable? We can do what we can from the federal, state and CBO [community based organizations], but I wonder to what extent we need to have a new conversation of us as a community where we say this is enough? Fenton asked. We have a crisis in our midst, he added. What more do we need to do to address the epidemic among gay men? It requires all of us to say this is an injustice and we need to do better. Let us not have the question, What has the CDC done for me lately? We are all in this together, he said. We are going to have to have a new narrative of what we are going to do together.

AIDS Memorial Quilt plans return to Washington, D.C.

Those working at the Names Project Foundation, home of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, get asked the same question over and over, according to staff member Jim Marks: When is the Quilt going back to Washington, D.C.? A benefit on Saturday, March 31, at Mixx will benefit Quilt in the Capital 2012, also coincides with the Quilts 25th anniversary. The event is hosted by Ms. Patty Cakes and will include an appearance and performance by Bubba D. Licious, Marks alterego. It features a silent auction, personal quilt stories and a display of quilt panels. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was first displayed in Washington, D.C., in 1987, the year it was founded. At the time, it had fewer than 2,000 panels. The last time the Quilt was fully displayed was in 1996 when it had some 45,000 panels and covered the entire Mall in Washington, D.C. Now the Names Foundation Project Foundation is joining efforts with POZ, an online magazine and a leader in providing HIV/AIDS information, to bring the entire Quilt to the capitol from July 21-24, according to a press release from POZ. The Quilt will be on display in its entirety in multiple locations on and around Capitol Hill and throughout metro-D.C. The display coincides with the XIX International AIDS Conference. The quilt now includes more than 91,000 names. Dyana Bagby

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When is the Quilt Going Back to Washington, D.C.? Saturday, March 31 8 p.m. appetizers, 9 p.m. show Mixx Atlanta 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.mixxatlanta.com, www.aidsquilt.org

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est in the country, according to Fitzgerald. Melanie Thompson is joining the Georgia This is the beginning of a renewed comDepartment of Public Health as a special ad- mitment from DPH to address our most vexviser for HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis and tuber- ing infectious disease challenges with a fresh culosis, according to a statement start and new perspectives. released by the departments comGeorgia can, and must, bemissioner, Brenda Fitzgerald. come a national leader in our Thompson is the principal response to HIV, STDs, viral investigator with the AIDS Rehepatitis and TB, Fitzgerald search Consortium of Atlanta concluded. and currently serves on the InThe Georgia Department ternational AIDS Society-USA of Public Health has come Antiretroviral Guidelines Panel under re from HIV activand the International Associaists, who have in the past tion of Physicians in AIDS Care Melanie Thompson has complained about the deGuidelines Panel on Entry Into been named an HIV adpartments internal struggles and Retention in Care and Anti- viser to Ga. Department of as well as not sending out retroviral Adherence. resources and funding in a Health. (Courtesy photo) My feeling is that we can timely manner to help clients. best address the challenges we face with The Department of Public Health is also good external input and an overarching plan responsible for reducing the states AIDS to guide us, Fitzgerald said. Drug Assistance Program wait list, which I have asked Dr. Thompson to convene currently includes more than 1,000 people. an advisory council that will bring together In October, the Department of Public Health individuals from affected communities, received a grant of $3 million to reduce the community-based organizations, academia, list by some 300 people. and other stakeholders to provide DPH with Ryan Watkins

Ga. Department of Health gets new HIV adviser New Atlanta Police Zone 6 commander to meet Renewed commitment to the best possible input to inform our pro- with LGBT residents grams and policies. STD rates in Georgia are among the highaddressing AIDS epidemic

Atlanta Police Major Keith Meadows, recently appointed as the new commander for Zone 6, wants to meet directly with LGBT residents of Zone 6 and listen to their concerns. The informal gathering is set for Saturday, April 7, from 6-7 p.m. at Kirkwood United Church of Christ. The departments mission is to reduce crime and promote the quality of life in partnership with our communities, Meadows said in a press statement. The LGBT community is an important part of Zone 6, and I welcome the opportunity to work together with them to reduce crime. Zone 6 incorporates heavily gay neighborhoods including East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Inman Park, Candler Park, Little Five Points and Virginia-Highland. Meadows joined the APD in 1986 and was commander of the Major Crimes section before taking over as Zone 6 commnander on Feb. 16. The former Zone 6 commander, Major John Dalton, was promoted to deputy chief. While with Major Crimes, Meadows talked to the GA Voice in 2010 about the murders of three men involved with the LGBT community. Durand Robinson of Traxx Atlanta, the gay party promotion business, was gunned down

Atlanta Police Maj. Keith Meadows was promoted last month to commander of Zone 6. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

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Atlanta Police Zone 6 LGBT Meet-and-Greet Saturday, April 7, 6-7 p.m. Kirkwood United Church of Christ 2033 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta, GA 30317 in the middle of Hadlock Street in southwest Atlanta on Aug. 25, 2010, a week before one of the biggest weekends of the year for Traxx Atlantas Black Gay Pride. Eleven days later, on Sept. 5, two men Samuel Blizzard, 21, a Georgia State University student from Spring Cove, Va., and Calvin Streater, 26, of Atlanta were found shot to death in a Richmond Circle apartment in southeast Atlanta after police said they had attended Black Gay Pride events. These crimes remain unsolved. Dyana Bagby

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Arts & Entertainment

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worship
Photographer Philip Bonneau re-imagines comic book superheroes
By Jim Farmer Atlanta artist Philip Bonneau is so addicted to superheroes and villains that he has found a way to incorporate them into his professional life. His new exhibit, Heroes + Villains #2, opens at the MISTER Community Center next week for a month-long run. Art and photography have always been part of Bonneaus life. His mother was an artist and Bonneau, who is gay and has lived in Georgia his whole life, studied at the Savannah College of Art & Design. Ultimately, he got a degree in graphic design, but found that photography isnt something he can or wants to get out of his system. Last May, he did some soul searching and dabbled in photography over the summer. I am a graphic designer by day but I have found time to do photography by night and on the weekends, he says. I am doing stuff I never thought Id have a career in doing. Bonneau has lived in Atlanta for the last six years and got his love for superheroes and villains from his grandfather, who he says is the denition of an adult who never really grew up. He got me addicted at an early age, Bonneau says. His favorite is The Incredible Hulk, he says, because he loves the whole Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde aspect of the particular superhero. To get ready for an upcoming exhibit, he shot Wonder Woman but with a twist its a drag version of the iconic superhero. Not every boy wants to be Batman or Superman; some boys want

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Heroes + Villains #2 Photography by Philip Bonneau Exhibit opens April 7, 6-9 p.m. MISTER Community Center 60 Eleventh St., Atlanta, GA 30309

to be Wonder Woman, he laughs. Bonneaus rst photography exhibition was called Beautiful Layered Lies, shown at Pedini of Atlanta in 2011. It was a narrative show as well as a way to get over a break-up in his life. I was getting rid of things in my life emotionally, he says. It was a cathartic release, turning something negative into a positive, learning that you are never alone. Proceeds from that exhibition went to the Atlanta Cotillion, which raises money for AID Atlanta. I had done graphic work for the Atlanta Cotillion for the last four years, he says. I love being able to do that as an artist. Bonneaus second show was introduced last October at MISTER, the gay mens community center that is part of Positive Impact. While being involved with the Cotillion, he was introduced to Chandler Bearden of MISTER. The name stands for Mens Information Services: Testing Empowerment Resources, and Bonneau says he is thrilled to be able to support that mission. I had been following what was going on in the community and knew about MISTER, he says. They asked me about being the rst artist in their new space. Ive never been able to donate money, but I do like to introduce people to things like MISTER and all they are doing. It was a one month show, com-

plete with 15 pieces. That was his rst Heroes and Villains piece, which he always envisioned as a four part series. Last years segment featured Marvel Comics, and this year it is D.C. characters. On display will be the likes of Superman, Lex Luthor, Batman, Robin, Catwoman, Joker, Captain Marvel, Clayface, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Shadow, Zorro, The Flash, The Sandman, The Blank, Alfred the Butler and more. Prints will be available for purchase at the opening. Drag will be the underlying theme for the third installment, which Bonneau hopes to have at the end of summer. The fourth instalment has no date set, but it will black and white, featuring superheroes 70 years of age and older as a tribute to his grandfather. He feels that being gay has shaped his sensibility as an artist but hardly denes it. I have been called a gay artist, he says. I dont choose gay themes, but I do admit that I like the male form. I like to try and break barriers. I am denitely trying to change the way gay art is viewed and breaking all the stereotypes. Superheroes are extremely popular in the LGBT community, Bonneau says. With comic books and superheroes, they all have secret identities, and there are so many gay connotations, he says. We can all understand trying to t in.

With comic books and superheroes, they all have secret identities, and there are so many gay connotations, says photographer Philip Bonneau (top, inset), whose new exhibit opens April 7. We can all understand trying to t in. (Courtesy photos)

www.egrifta.com

Actual patient living with HIV since 2000

HIV-RELATED EXCESS BELLY FAT.

In two separate clinical trials of HIV-infected people with lipodystrophy, each lasting 6 months, EGRIFTA (tesamorelin for injection) reduced HIV-related excess belly fat by an average of 18% in the first trial, and 14% in the second trial. This reduction in excess belly fat resulted in an approximate 1-inch reduction in waist size. Individual results may vary. On average, patients on EGRIFTA did not lose weight. Like HIV, HIV-related excess belly fat is a chronic condition. In clinical studies: People who used EGRIFTA continuously for 1 year maintained their results over this time period People who stopped taking EGRIFTA after 6 months had their HIV-related excess belly fat come back EGRIFTA is believed to work with your own body to produce natural growth hormone to reduce your excess belly fat. Indication: EGRIFTA is a daily injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Limitations of use: The impact and safety of EGRIFTA on cardiovascular health has not been studied EGRIFTA is not indicated for weight-loss management Its not known whether taking EGRIFTA helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications EGRIFTA is not recommended to be used in children Important Risk Information Do not use EGRIFTA if you: Have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your pituitary gland Have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment for cancer Are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA including mannitol or , sterile water Are pregnant or become pregnant
Before using EGRIFTA, tell your healthcare provider if you: Have or have had cancer Have diabetes Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed Have kidney or liver problems Have any other medical condition Take prescription or nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements

YouVE woRkED To ConTRoL YouR HIV. now, TImE To woRk on YouR

swelling. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site reactions The most common side effects of EGRIFTA include: joint pain numbness and pricking pain in legs and arms nausea swelling in your legs vomiting muscle soreness rash tingling itching EGRIFTA will NOT cure HIV or lower your chance of passing HIV to others. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Consumer Brief Summary of EGRIFTA on following page.

EGRIFTA may cause serious side effects, including: Serious allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: rash over your body, hives, swelling of your face or throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling of faintness or fainting Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes Injection-site reactions, such as redness, itching, pain, irritation, bleeding, rash, and

Ask your healthcare provider if EGRIFTA the first and only , FDA-approved medicine for HIV-related excess belly fat, may be right for you. For more information, visit www.egrifta.com or call the AXIS Center at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947).

120127-102148 2/12

Consumer Brief Summary for EGRIFTA (tesamorelin for injection)

EGRIFTA (eh-GRIF-tuh) (tesamorelin for injection) for subcutaneous use Read the Patient Information that comes with EGRIFTA before you start to take it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare

provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes. Your healthcare provider will measure your

blood sugar periodically

Injection-site reactions. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site reactions.

What is EGRIFTA ?

EGRIFTA is an injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess in abdominal fat in HIV-infected

patients with lipodystrophy. EGRIFTA contains a growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) The impact and safety of EGRIFTA on cardiovascular health has not been studied EGRIFTA is not indicated for weight-loss management It is not known whether taking EGRIFTA helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications It is not known if EGRIFTA is safe and effective in children. EGRIFTA is not recommended to be used in children Who should not use EGRIFTA? Do not use EGRIFTA if you: have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your pituitary gland have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment for cancer are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA See the end of this leaflet for a complete . list of ingredients in EGRIFTA are pregnant or become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using EGRIFTA and talk with your healthcare provider. See What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA? What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA? Before using EGRIFTA tell your healthcare provider if you: , have or have had cancer have diabetes are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EGRIFTA passes into your breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed to avoid the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking EGRIFTA have kidney or liver problems have any other medical condition Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. EGRIFTA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how EGRIFTA works. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I use EGRIFTA?
Read the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with EGRIFTA before you start using EGRIFTA .

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have the following symptoms around the area of the injection site: bleeding redness rash itching swelling pain irritation The most common side effects of EGRIFTA include: joint pain nausea pain in legs and arms vomiting rash swelling in your legs itching muscle soreness tingling, numbness, and pricking Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of EGRIFTA For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. . Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects, contact EMD Serono toll-free at 1-800-283-8088, ext. 5563. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Keep EGRIFTA and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of EGRIFTA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use EGRIFTA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EGRIFTA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Do not share your EGRIFTA syringe with another person, even if the needle is changed. Do not share your EGRIFTA needles with another person. . This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about EGRIFTA If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about EGRIFTA that is written for healthcare professionals. , For more information about EGRIFTA go to www.EGRIFTA.com or contact the AXIS Center toll-free at 1-877-714-2947. What are the ingredients in EGRIFTA? Active ingredient: tesamorelin Inactive ingredients: mannitol and Sterile Water for Injection

Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject EGRIFTA Use EGRIFTA exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider Inject EGRIFTA under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area (abdomen) Change (rotate) the injection site on your stomach area (abdomen) with each dose. Do not inject EGRIFTA into scar tissue, bruises, or your navel Do not share needles or syringes with other people. Sharing of needles can result in the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV What are the possible side effects of EGRIFTA? EGRIFTA may cause serious side effects including: Serious allergic reaction. Some people taking EGRIFTA may have an allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: a rash over your body hives swelling of your face or throat shortness of breath or trouble breathing fast heartbeat feeling of faintness or fainting

2012 EMD Serono, Inc. 120120-161843 2/12 All rights reserved. EGRIFTA is a registered trademark of Theratechnologies Inc. Distributed by EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370

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March 30, 2012

GA Voice

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What they did for love

Documentary follows pandrogyny artists seeking to merge identities
When Jesus said, Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend, cosmetic surgery was not an option. Genesis P-Orridge (of the industrial bands Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV) and Lady Jaye Breyer had the nip/tuck option and took it. Rather than having children together they decided to create a new person by having themselves surgically altered to look like each other. It should be noted that these are not the sort of people most of us are likely to run into every day, even at Little Five Points. Theyre avantgarde artists who sought to create the ultimate in performance art with their bodies as the medium. The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye is not your run of the mill love story, but a documentary about two people who coined the term pandrogyny and set out to define it. They married on Friday the 13th in 1995 and celebrated Valentines Day 2003 by getting breast implants together.

FILM

by Steve Warren

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The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye Opens April 6 at UA Tara Cinemas 4 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 The British P-Orridge, born Neil Andrew Megson, met Jacqueline Mary Breyer in her native New York when he was sleeping off a wild night of clubbing in the dungeon of a dominatrix. It was love at first sight. That same day, sensing hed be receptive, she dressed him in a green velvet jumpsuit and leather miniskirt and they went out on the town. Marie Losiers film has a style to match its subjects crude and home video-ish, going into great detail about some things while skipping over such key points as the transition from Throbbing Gristle to Psychic TV, and pausing at times for lengthy concert footage. Losiers restless camera prowls whatever space its in. Two things remain consistent: music, mostly by Psychic TV, on the soundtrack; and the love of Genesis for his late wife. She died in 2007,

Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (center) and Lady Jaye P-Orridge (left and right) seek surgery to look more like each other in the documentary film, The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye. (Photo courtesy Adopt Films)

providing something of a downer ending, despite a show must go on epilogue. With some Ls and Gs still having trouble accepting Bs and Ts, pandrogyny is going to test the limits of a lot of peoples tolerance. Though not presented in exploitative fashion, the film is

likely to be seen as a freak show by the majority of viewers. The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye is obviously aimed at a niche audience, and those curious or cool enough to want to see it are likely to be satisfied.

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March 30, 2012

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Farewell to an iconic theater

Mariettas Theatre on the Square was ground zero for anti-gay resolution
Theatre in the Square, the highly regarded Marietta playhouse founded by Palmer Wells and his late life partner, Michael Horne, closed its doors last week. The theater known for often staging gaythemed productions had gone public last year when it found itself in a nancial decit. Despite raising money since that announcement, the board of directors released a statement March 19 that the theater is closing. After three days of board deliberations and nancial analysis, we have decided that it is not feasible for us to nish our current season or launch a 31st season. We simply do not have the money, Board Chair Mike Russell stated. The board turned down an offer from the Marietta City Council for a contribution of $30,000, believing the nancial gap was ultimately too large. Wells and Horne founded Theatre in the Square 30 years ago and the company was critically and commercially successful. Wells, now 75, had contemplated retirement not long ago but stayed aboard to help try and keep the theater going. When it came time to decide whether to close, Wells had only his one vote among the board of directors. Against my objections, they were all united in favor of (closing), he says. He feels several opportunities for funding were possibilities and there was a chance they could get more funding if they had announced their 31st season. The closing leaves him disappointed and frustrated. He still hopes for something of a miracle, that someone can step in and save the theater, although he is not sure if the board would invite him back. He admits there hasnt been much communication between him and the board. Theatre in the Square made international headlines when a Cobb County resident complained about their version of Terrence McNallys Lips Together, Teeth Apart, which, ironically, had no gay content onstage. It led to the infamous 1993 Cobb County Commission condemning the gay lifestyle, which prompted protests that eventually kept Cobb from hosting events for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Horne passed away shortly after in 1996 and Wells has always said he felt the stress of the situation contributed. Since the resolution, the company produced several gay-themed dramas, including Tru, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and The Little Dog Laughed. One of the biggest shows staged by Theatre in the Square was the Tony-winning Take Me Out, Richard Greenbergs drama about a baseball player who has just come out of the closet. The show had ample frontal male nudity but didnt cause a ripple, says Wells. The company also produced lots of world premieres during its time. Their nal show was Pearl Cleages Flyin West. Wells says he is not sure what he will do next but that he enjoyed every moment of his time at

THEATER by Jim Farmer

Palmer Wells founded Mariettas Theatre in the Square with his late partner, Michael Horne. The theater closed this month after three decades that included being at the center of Cobb Countys 1993 anti-gay resolution. (Photo via Facebook)

Theatre in the Square, save for the stress of the politics and nancial situation. This weekend, the infamous Miss Richeld 1981 comes to town for a two-day gig at the 14th Street Playhouse. Last seen in the ATL a year ago, Miss Richeld is returning to kick off her new show 2012: Well All Be Dead By Christmas! I simply adore that Southern pace, says Miss Richeld. Nothing makes me happier than repeating my material two or three times until everybody catches up! Not to mention how nice it is to be performing in a state best known for a fruit! According to the performer, the new show is about the impending apocalypse. I dont know if youve heard, but the world is ending this year. So I fashioned a multi-media extravaganza complete with upbeat music, infor-

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Miss Richeld 1981: 2012: Well All Be Dead By Christmas! March 30-31 at 14th Street Playhouse 173 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.14thstplayhouse.org mative videos and opportunities for the audience to get involved in the show, she says. And you know thats where learning really starts. The current tour is taking her across the country and the world. Where am I NOT going would be an easier question. Its been so busy! she says. In fact, I just returned Sunday from the Third World, where I performed for my Mexican friends in Puerto Rico.

Miss Richeld returns

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Community

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

23

COMMUNITY LOCAL LIFE

Organizer hopes for participation from 40 international cities
By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Atlanta is one of more than three dozen participating in a global march for LGBT equality on Saturday, April 21. Organizers hope the event, billed as the 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March, will draw thousands of LGBT people and their allies to the streets to demand full equality and to raise awareness of ongoing LGBT issues. The marches are the brainchild of Joe Knudson, an author based in Oklahoma Cit. Knudson said in a phone interview that the idea for a worldwide event came to him about a year ago when he created a Facebook campaign to draw attention to the struggle for LGBT equality. Through that group we started a committee and looked at what we could do for a mass movement, Knudson said. We commissioned an outside rm that does litigation work on civil rights issues. They decided this year would be a great year to do something worldwide, especially since the UN [United Nations] spoke out for gay rights last year. Were just gonna do it, just get this thing going, especially since its an election year in America, Knudson continued. The objective of the marches, Knudson said, is simply to raise awareness for issues that affect the LGBT community. Our biggest goal is to make the governments around the world, and all of society, aware of our struggle, aware of the lack of rights for our community. Theres not a whole lot that government or society can do if theyre ignorant of whats going on, Knudson said. Organizing some 40 marches around the globe is no easy task, but Knudson said that Atlantas march, led by local activist Dusty Wenk, is in good hands. An overall planning committee of six volunteers, overseen by Knudson, and dozens of local activists working on the ground in each city have made the events possible, Knudson said. Atlanta, I dont have to worry about very much, Knudson said. It gives me time to get the other locations up and going.

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Atlanta prepares for 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March

MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
Pre-Party and Sign Making Event April 20, 2 p.m. Phillip Rush Center 1530 DeKalb Avenue, Suite A Atlanta, GA 30307 Atlanta: 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March April 21, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Woodruff Park to Ga. State Capitol www.letsreachonemillionpeople.com Post-March Barbeque April 21 Immediately following march and rally Piedmont Park Knudson said that national gay rights groups have offered little, if any, support. One thing about this movement is that its strictly grassroots. Were not getting a lot of support from the larger organizations like the HRC or the ACLU. Theyre satised with the progress that they make on a yearly basis. They need our equality strung out so they can have a reason to exist. They have a way and a method of getting what is enough equality to satisfy us. Were not going to settle for anything, Knudson said. Other cities listed as participating in the march include Chicago, New York, Oklahoma City, Portland, Washington, D.C., Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Abuja (Nigeria) and London. In total, some 30 cities across the globe have signed on to take part. Knudson hopes to reach a total of 40 as several other cities will host other events that day, while others may join in the days leading up to the march. A voter registration initiative at each location is a pivotal aspect of the movement, Knudson said. Each location will have printed materials on candidates running for ofce locally and nationally. Were no different than anyone else, we just dont have the same rights as everyone else, Knudson said. Society is pretty understanding once they have the complete set of facts. This movement will raise awareness, I think voters will get out there in this pivotal in this election year. LGBT parades, marches and rallies are still taboo (and illegal) in many parts of the world. Some cities, like an as-of-yet undisclosed location in Pakistan, wont announce participation until right before the march kicks off, Knudson said.

Left: We are one community, we have to stand up as one community, says Dusty Wenk, organizer of Atlantas local events for the 2012 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March. (Courtesy photo) Right: Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham (top) and State Rep. Simone Bell are slated to speak April 21 at the Georgia march. (File photos)

Some of those locations arent being advertised too heavily because some locations could be shut down and people could be arrested. We do have a lot of foreign participants. The talk is that something big is going to happen around the world in April, Knudson said. Sexual orientation, gender identity needs to be a part of basic human rights. Until it is, were not going to have full equality. The Atlanta march kicks off at noon and will take participants from Woodruff Park to Georgias Capitol building, local organizer Dusty Wenk said. Wenk, a German national, has lived in Atlanta for four years. Living in the states has been an eye-opening experience on how Americans treat the LGBT community, Wenk said. Im German, and my girlfriend is American and in the military. We went through housing together with Dont Ask, Dont Tell. When I came to the states, I felt discriminated against, she said. I was an activist from the

March to Georgia State Capitol

rst minute I came here. Wenk added that six speakers will be tapped for a post-march rally at the Capitol. As of press time, Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham and Ga. State Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) were conrmed. Bell is one of four openly gay members of the Georgia General Assembly and was the rst African American lesbian elected to serve in a U.S. state legislature. After the speeches, were going to go to Piedmont Park to hang out, just for a little barbeque or whatever. Were going to have a closing event at Island Breeze in East Atlanta. A few different LGBT entertainers will help us close it out, Wenk said. Wenk said she hopes the local LGBT community will support and participate in the march. The womens movement, the civil rights movement, they all stood up for themselves, she said. Everybody complains, but nobody stands up for themselves. Theres nothing to be ashamed or to be quiet about. We are one community, we have to stand up as one community.

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GA Voice

March 30, 2012

Community

www.theGAVoice.com

Wig Out with MondoHomo

Alterna-queer fest sets the mood for Spring
MondoHomo, the queer alterna-fest, returns to Atlanta this Memorial Day Weekend, but pre-festival events are already underway. The third annual Wig Out event will be held at the Atlanta Eagle on Saturday, April 7, from 2 8 p.m. This years theme, Queer Justice, Queer Beats! will be a celebration of wigs, dancing and drag, according to event organizers. Its a play on no justice, no peace, the classic protest cry, said MondoHomo cofounder Kiki Carr. MondoHomo is all about art and fun and politics. It sort of pulls that all together very well, Carr continued. Hosted by Atlantas Koochie-Koochie Ku, Wig Out will feature beats by DJ Vicki Powell, a dunk tank, beer pong and grilled hotdogs and hamburgers (with vegan options, of course!). Also on the schedule is an Easter egg hunt. We were trying to go with something new and different, Carr said on the selection of Koochie-Koochie Ku as the events emcee. Musical, drag and burlesque performers will take the stage inside the Eagle throughout the day. Some 23 performers have been booked as of press time, including GA Voices 2011 Best Drag King Devin Liquor, Fonda Lingue, Brent Star, DAX! and Boydonna. Tickets for the event are $15 at the door. They

EVENT SPOTLIGHT
MORE INFO
MondoHomo Wig Out April 7, 2-8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308 www.mondohomo.com

Last years Wig Out, held at Friends on Ponce, may pale in comparison to this years, with 23 performers ready for the stage at the Atlanta Eagle. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

can also be purchased in advance from The Eagle, Charis Books & More, Marys and through members of the Radical Faeries for $10, but all MondoHomo events are pay what you can. Carr added that ticket sales go to support the festival and the artists who attend.

That goes to produce the festival, from space rental to promotions, she said. We give stipends and travel funds. One of the points is to be supportive of queer performers. Were trying to make sure they get support, as well. Thats the primary expense. MondoHomo, founded in 2007, will be held May 26-29 at various locations in East Atlanta. Ryan Watkins

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Irwin Street Market used to be home to an old air conditioning and repair facility, but in 2006 Jake Rothschild had the idea of turning the space into an incubator for local food vendors as he was expanding his business, Jakes Ice Cream. Rothschild, who is gay, said his initial idea was to offer a space for local food vendors to showcase their wares. Six years later, some 14 food merchants call Irwin Street Market home including a coffeehouse, a bakery, several restaurants and a cooking school, which was voted one of the top three cooking schools in Atlanta in a recent Yelp survey. Rothschild said many of the employees who work in the Irwin Street Market, located in the heart of Atlantas revitalized Old Fourth

Irwin Street Market showcases local food vendors

MORE INFO
Irwin Street Market 660 Irwin Street NE, Atlanta GA 30312 www.irwinstreetmarket.com Irwin Street Market offers culinary classes on topics ranging from sharpening your knife skills to how to properly cook fish. (Photo via irwinstreetmaret.com)

Ward, are gay and lesbian. Were an important part of the community, Rothschild said. Were very diverse. Were not political, but were warm and welcoming and supportive of gay causes. There are plenty of gay people working there, Rothschild added. The cooking school, Irwin Street Community Kitchen, offers regular classes on everything from sharpening your knife skills to cooking with fish. There are even singles nights and classes geared toward children.

The school offers some 25 classes each month hosted by six Atlanta chefs. Rothschild hosts regular classes on making ice cream. Rothschild, 49, sold his stake in the Irwin Street Market in late 2011 but has stayed on as a creative consultant, he said. Despite a down economy, Jakes Ice Cream and Irwin Street Market continue to do well, he said. It really hasnt been a negative, Rothschild said. People will always treat themselves to ice cream. Ryan Watkins

www.theGAVoice.com

Community

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

25

PERSONALITY SPOTLIGHT
By Laura Douglas-Brown Pastor Bradley Schmeling of Atlantas St. Johns Lutheran Church made international headlines when he faced a church trial for violating the denominations policy banning LGBT people in relationships from ordained ministry. The church knew Schmeling was gay when he became pastor in 2000, and embraced his relationship with Rev. Darin Easler. The congregation stood by Schmeling and Easler through a journey that began with formal charges filed in 2006, and continued through 2009, when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to allow clergy in committed, monogamous same-sex relationships. Easler and Schmeling, who had remained at the helm of St. Johns throughout the struggle, were officially restored to the ELCA clergy roster in 2010. On March 24, Schmeling announced he is leaving St. Johns to become senior pastor of the 2,300-member Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. He will preach his last sermon at St. Johns on Sunday, May 6. Schmeling talked with GA Voice about his past, his future and the journey to LGBT equality in the church. How long have you lived in Atlanta, and what made you decide to move to the city? I moved here to do doctoral work in theology at Emory University. I never imagined that I would live here for 17 years, longer than Ive lived anywhere in my life. Other gay pastors have chosen to keep their relationships secret. What made you decide to be open with your congregation, and then with Lutheran church leadership? I was single when I came to St. Johns, but I promised the bishop that if I ever entered a relationship I would tell him. I kept that promise. When Darin and I became partners, I was eager to tell everyone about our relationship. I never wanted to hide it. I wanted to celebrate it, and I wanted the church to join in our celebration. St. Johns threw a party for us as soon as they heard the news. I had no idea how powerful and life-changing the journey would be for me and for the church. Your battle helped ELCA change its rules for gay clergy. At the time that the fight started, did you think it would be won? Do you have any regrets from this period?

Pastor Bradley Schmeling on faith, love and leaving Atlanta

Rev. Bradley Schmeling (right) with his life partner, Rev. Darin Easler. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

MORE INFO
St. Johns Lutheran Church 1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30307 www.stjohnsatlanta.org

Many strong leaders helped to shape the direction of the ELCA. I felt privileged to have played a part in moving the church to welcome everyone into leadership. For me, it was never about winning or losing, but about being faithful to the good news that God loves everyone. What has inspired you most about the congregation at St. John? The members of St. Johns are some of the most creative, generous, faithful and courageous people Ive ever met. Its been an honor to serve with them in ministry. What motivates you to move on now? Gloria Dei is an amazing congregation with a rich tradition, a warm and generous heart, and a love for social justice. Its the largest Lutheran church in the city of St. Paul, and it offers wonderful opportunities for service and growth for me. What are you most looking forward to in your new job and new city? Im looking forward to meeting new people and helping to shape a wonderful ministry. Im also looking forward to life in the Twin Cities. Despite the reports about winter, it seems like a great city in which to make a home. What will you miss most about Atlanta? Mostly, Ill miss my friends, many of whom Ive know for 17 years. Ill also miss azaleas, dogwoods and walks in Piedmont Park. Ive even learned to love grits if they have enough cheese in them.

BEST BETS 03.30 - 04.12

SPOTLIGHT
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GA Voice

March 30, 2012

Calendar

www.theGAVoice.com

ADD YOUR EVENT

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 30

Gay Outreach at AID Atlanta hosts a happy hour social event. First-time participants receive a drink on the house. 5 - 7 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/GERqKn 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 The Southern Bears host an informal coffee and dinner for members and those whod like to know more about the fundraising and social group. 7 p.m. at Caribou Coffee, 3487 Northside Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30327, then dinner at 8 p.m. at OK Cafe, 1284 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30327, http://on.fb.me/GICQE2, www.southernbears.org Lesbian poet Megan A. Volpert brings Sonics in Warholia for an appearance with fellow writers Chris Chipman and Vince Cellucci. 7 p.m. at Bound to be Read Books, 481-B Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.boundtobereadbooks.com Superpill, the Sonia Tetlow Band and Flat Cat open for the super-duper queer-inclusive band The Shondes. 8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. at the HIgland Inn Ballroom Lounge, 644 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/GQTmS2 Savannah Pride hosts the second annual Fools Party to raise funds for the annual festival. Includes amateur drag contest with 50/50 rafe and drink specials from 9 - 10 p.m. $5, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. at Chucks Bar, 301 River St., Savannah, GA 31401, www.savpride.com Marys in East Atlanta celebrates the release of Madonnas MDNA album with CD and promotional swag giveaways. VJ Headmaster Ritual will spin a full night of girl pop dance music. 9 p.m. at Marys, 1287 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Friday, March 30Saturday, March 31

The Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus performs Gleeful Noise: Celebrating Glee Clubs, Then & Now, featuring arrangements from Glee, including Dont Stop Believin, and Teenage Dream. $25, 8 p.m. at Cannon Chapel at Emory University, 515 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, www.agmchorus.org/SpringConcert2012.html

Sunday, April 1

Award-winning trans performance artist Scott Turner Schoeld performs Words Cant Describe to raise money for his surgery fund. Silent auction at intermission. 3 p.m. at 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/GHDO0C, www.undergroundtransit.com

Publicity photo

Saturday, March 31
The lesbian-led Michelle Malone Banned performs two shows at Eddies Attic. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Eddies Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Publicity photo

Friday, March 30 Saturday, March 31

Strong Ladies and Men, or SLAM, hosts a Kick Butt & Chew Bubble Gum self-defense seminar in light of recent homophobic assaults. Free, $5-$10 suggested donation. 12 - 3 p.m. at the Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center, 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/GEgO7k, www.strongladiesandmen.com

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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 Atlanta Freedom Bands perform March Madness and April Fools: a concert of humor, whimsy and fantasy with trans performance artist Scott Turner Schoeld. 8 p.m. at Druid hills United Methodist Church, 1200 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantafreedombands.com Fenuxe Magazine presents their 2012 Best Bachelor Auction to benet AID Atlanta. Ten local gay bachelors will be auctioned off for dinner/spa/theater dates to benet Atlantas largest HIV/AIDS service organization. Tickest $20-$150. 8 - 11 p.m. at Raw Space Gallery, 431 Fair St., Atlanta, GA 30313, http://2012bachelorauction.eventbrite.com

Saturday, March 31
Superstar DJ Tony Moran hits the turn tables at Jungle. 10:30 p.m., 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

The ever-zany Miss Richeld 1981 brings 2012: Well All be Dead by Christmas to Midtown. 8 p.m. at the 14th St. Playhouse, 173 14th St., Atlanta GA 30309, www. missricheld.com, www.14thstplayhouse.org

The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament hosts a nal cookout before its big gay bowling tournament. $10 covers all you can eat burgers, hot dogs and beer. Look out for the drunken gummy bears! 5 - 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/GGzobQ The Woofs Wackers softball team hosts their annual Final Four Beer Bust with a 50/50 rafe, Jell-o, shots and drunken gummies. 5 - 8 p.m. at Woofs, 2425 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/GLfDjC

Saturday, March 31

The Atlanta Harlequins, the citys womens rugby football club, takes on the Raleigh Venom. 12 - 2 p.m. at Central Park, Upper Field, 355 Pine St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/ySUJIM

Sunday, April 1

Meet, greet and read with local gay authors Collin Kelley and David-Matthew Barnes. 3 - 6 p.m. at Bound to Be Read Books, 481-B Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, www.boundtobereadbooks.com

Publiticy photo

www.theGAVoice.com
Pink Martini takes listeners back to the golden era of Hollywood musicals with a genre-blending performance. 7 p.m. at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantasymphony.org

Calendar

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

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SPOTLIGHT
Publicityphoto

Monday, April 2

PFLAG Atlanta hosts the First Monday Support Group with a trained facilitator leading a group of LGBTQ friends and family. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1587 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pagatl.org

Tuesday, April 3

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
Photo by Dyana Bagby

Sunday, April 8

Saturday, April 7
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
Publicity photo

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. 11:30 p.m. at Burkharts, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

The annual Armorettes Easter Drag Races means an afternoon of fun games. The bar opens at 2 p.m. with the races beginning at 4 p.m. Burkharts, 1492 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Wednesday, April 4

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a prix xe Business Builder Luncheon. $20, cash only, RSVP to laura@truevoices.com 11:55 a.m. at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantagaychamber.org Dine out at La Tavola to support of the AIDS Vaccine 200 fundraising ride for the Emory Vaccine Center. Twenty percent of food sales will be donated to the HIV research organization. 5:30 - 10 p.m. at La Tavola, 992 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306. Make you reservations at www.latavolatrattoria.com 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

Friday, April 6

The Atlanta Bucks gay rugby club host a night of hot wings and beer at the Heretic. $10, 8 - 11 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

hosts an informal meet and greet. 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 2033 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta, GA 30317 The Armorettes and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence judge MISTERs Easter Bonnet Runway Competition where the best bonnet takes home an adult easter basket. Grab a free HIV test while youre at it, stick around for Philip Bonneaus art show. 5 - 6 p.m. at MISTER, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.positiveimpact-atl.org Heroes + Villains Issue #2 is a gallery showing by photographer Philip Bonneau featuring a world of comic characters as played by the gay artist and several local gay models. 6 - 9 p.m. at MISTER, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/Philip Bonneau Campagnolo, a new Midtown restaurant near 10th and Piedmont, celebrates its grand opening sneak peek with a fundraiser for ARCA, an HIV/ AIDS research non-prot. Suggested donation of $10 includes hors doeuvres by executive chef Daniel Chance. Cash bar and donation proceeds go to ARCA. 6 - 10 p.m. and at Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar, 980 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309 Will Pollock and Wifedust present Story & Song with Matthew Kahler, a gallery and music experience. Gallery browsing beings at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. at Stone Four Studios at Studioplex Atlanta, 659 Auburn Ave. #131, www.matthewkahler.net Second Sunday Service dance party with DJ Vicki Powell returns to the Old Fourth Ward. 7 p.m. at Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, http://on.fb.me/GSf5da

Saturday, April 7

The Atlanta Rainbow Trout swim club hosts the 2012 Spring Splash swim meet and post-meet social. Competition is open to all swimmers over 18 and up. Warm up at 10 a.m., meet starts at 11 a.m. at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. 266 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, http://on.fb.me/xMfUbd The Atlanta Queer Literary Festival in conjuction with Charis Books and More, the Ponce De Leon Branch of the Fulton/Atlanta Public Library and Atlanta Pride host a poetry workshop during National Poetry Month with Don Perryman and Dustin Brookshire that focuses on generative exercises for new poems. Free, pre-register with dustinvbrookshire@ gmail.com. 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Ponce De Leon Branch Library, 980 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta GA 30306, 404-885-7820, www.charisbooksandmore.com Join the Prime Timers of Atlanta, a social organization of older gay/bisexual men, as they host their monthly meeting. 3 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1539 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.atlantaprimetimers.com Mondohomo hosts its 3rd annual Wig Out, a day-long party to raise funds for the the groups yearly alternative queer arts and music festival. $10 tickets available at the Eagle, Charis Books, Marys and Atlanta Radical Faeries. $15 at the door. 2 - 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/GJZKvs Maj. Keith Meadows, the Atlanta Polices new Zone 6 commander, which covers East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Candler Park, Little Five Points and Virginia-Highland,

Tuesday, April 10
Hunx and his Punks return to Atlanta for another raucous show. 830 p.m. at The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.badearl.com
Photo via Facebook

Thursday, April 5

Dr. Susan Perz presents Conceiving a Peaceful World: Womens BodyWisdom, Leadership and Peacemaking, a discussion on how women have shaped social movements and created social change. 7:30 - 9 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.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

Wednesday, April 11
Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star host a Masquerade PALS Bingo, where a prize will be awarded for best mask. The monthly themed game raises money for Pets Are Loving Support, a non-prot to help HIV/AIDS-affected pet owners with their furry friends. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program at 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

Thursday, April 5 Sunday, April 8

The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament celebrates its 30th anniversary over Easter weekend. The gay bowling event typically hosts 300 southeastern bowlers and this years Family Reunion theme promises new activities and surprises. Events through out the weekend at Brunswick Zone, 6345 Spalding Drive, Norcross, GA 30092, www.dixiebowl.org

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GA Voice

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Calendar

Sunday, April 8

Blakes on the Park parties all day, starting at 2 p.m. with Texas Holdem upstairs. DJ Bill Berdeaux spins Old School Sundays starting at 3 p.m. and DJ Darryl Cox spins Sunday Funday at 7 p.m. 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.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

D to by Pho

EVENTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

www.theGAVoice.com

yana Bagby

ril 18 Wednsday, Aptes the

Doria Roberts celebra at release of Blackeyed Susan 10 p.m. at Eddies Attic. 8 p.m. and ugh Eddies Attic, 515-B N. McDono r, GA 30030, St., Decatu www.eddiesattic.com

Monday, April 9

Writing with Intent is a facilitated discussion group for authors of ction and creative nonction. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com 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 Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.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 Every Monday, Catch the Martini Girls Cabaret featuring hostesses Jealouse and Charlie Brown with Elea Atlanta and Ru Pauls Drag Race alum Mariah Balenciaga. $5 martinis all night. 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. at Beluga Martini Bar. 3115 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.belugamartinibar.com

UPCOMING
Friday, April 13 Sunday, April 15
The Atlanta Eagle celebrates their 25th anniversary and co-produces the third annual 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

Saturday, April 14

Tuesday, April 10

The Magnetic Fields, led by gay musician Stephin Merritt, brings the Tour at the Bottom of the Sea to Atlanta. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. at the Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.variety-playhouse.com Sister Funk, a ve-girl punk band featured on L-Word, rocks My Sisters Room. DJ Liz Owen spins after. $10, 9 p.m. at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Gay Chicago poet Gregg Shapiro reads from his new book Gregg Shapiro 77. Local gay poet Dustin Brookshire joins. 7:30 p.m. at Bound to Be Read, 481B Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.boundtobereadbooks.com

Wednesday, April 11

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

Sunday, April 15

Thursday, April 12

Join infamous drag personality Ruby Redd for the truly Dirty Boy Bingo. 10 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.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

Celebrate Joining Hearts 25 years of fundraising with a Change of Seasons tea dance with dueling DJs Mike Pope and Vicki Powell. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 4 - 9 p.m. at The Georgian Terrace Hotel, 659 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.joininghearts.org

Saturday, April 21

The Atlanta Bucks host their annual Purple Dress Run fundraiser, where the beefy boys of the citys gay rugby team invite runners to don purple dresses for a run/bar crawl through Midtown. 1 - 5 p.m. Start details TBA. http://purpledressrun2012.eventbrite.com

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GA Voice

March 30, 2012

A&E

www.theGAVoice.com

THATS WHAT
The art of life
My mother is going blind, but her artistic vision remains
Millie Pete is going blind. My 82-year-old mother was diagnosed with macular degeneration two months ago, and the condition is quickly taking away her vision because of damage to her retina. As an artist, this has posed a serious challenge to her lifestyle, since the result of the condition is the inability to see detail or recognize faces. As the daughter of this artist, I have come to realize these past few weeks that is was through her art that I learned my most important life lessons: Shadows. My mother taught me never to use black when shading paintings. Instead you use complimentary colors to show depth to an object. As a child I saw shadows as dark places to avoid, but Millie Pete allowed me to see they are never as black as they seem, and that shadows actually help enhance the world around you. Begin small. When starting any drawing, you begin with small strokes that, over time, will make a bigger picture. In life we tend to look toward people with established relationships or careers as role models, yet we forget how long it took them to reach that point in their life. Knowing the small steps we take are not wasted and contribute to our larger success can allow us to relax enough to enjoy each of those moments. Work with oils. My mothers favorite medium was oil paint. Since oil paints take weeks and sometimes months to dry, Millie Pete was able to change elements within the painting over the course of many days before it was complete. This allowed her the opportunity to put her brush down and walk away for a time in order to get a fresh perspective upon her return to the canvas. For me I know that you never attempt to do anything perfect the rst time, and a fresh eye always makes a situation better. When nished with one project, begin another. My mothers home, as well as my own, is lled with paintings Millie Pete created. Her life was not dedicated to just one piece. In-

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

stead she always wanted to try new scenes, new mediums, or new canvas sizes. This taught me that life is not one journey, but many. The only constant in life is you, and you should always be ready to complete one experience and set off to own another. Your work is more valuable when youre gone. As an art teacher, my mother taught me not only art technique but also art history. She would often laugh at the fact famous artists were more valuable dead than alive, since these same masters struggled with poverty while creating their best work. What I took away from those stories is the idea that passion is always better than prot, and your lifes work should be about what you leave behind for others. Keep going. Perhaps the biggest life lesson I have learned through my mothers art is the fact it doesnt stop, despite the fact she has now lost her vision. In a corner of my mothers home stands a brand new painting of a mans silhouette. She explained to me it was the image she now sees when looking at my brother. My mothers determination to continue to live life, and express it in art, shows that no matter what obstacle you have to endure, you simply keep moving forward. No one wants to see their parents grow old. Its as if their grey, wrinkles, and slow pace are constant reminders that the safety of our childhood is really over. I know my mother is afraid of her weakening body, but she still has something familiar to lean on, art. Art has been her best friend and closest condant throughout her life. In its ear is where she whispers her deepest fears and darkest thoughts and in return, it has taught her about lifes never-ending beauty. And by being the daughter of this beautiful artist, I can make sure these lessons Ive learned from her live on as long as her art.

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A&E

March 30, 2012

GA Voice

31

DOMESTICALLY
In bloom
Peace and perspective, courtesy of a little ower power
It was a week ago, and I was at the Home Depot garden center, attempting to navigate the aisles pushing one of those atbed carts while balancing the phone under my ear. Id called Mama to ask for her advice about my ower beds. Not to diminish anything Ive accomplished up to this point, but she made it pretty plain that this was the proudest moment of her life. Oh, Barbara, Mama cried out to her sister. Tophers buying plants! Aunt Barbara let out a little whoop of approval and instantly suggested azaleas. Calm down. Im just doing a little bed by the front door Climbing jasmine! yelled my mother. Theyd developed landscaping Tourettes. The yard had been on my to-do list since late 2007, but it was that thing that always fell to the bottom of the priority list. I really did want to get around to it, but was inevitably the easiest thing to drop. It was the real-life equivalent of recording Rosie ODonnells talk show on my DVR. I had every good intention of watching, but if I needed to make room in the queue for an episode of Untucked, ODonnell got cut. Which is why I now feel personally responsible for her cancellation. Ro, I am so sorry. Anyhoo, my husband and I recently had a very serious conversation about the general state of our home, namely how he works very hard to maintain it, and I work equally hard to destroy it, and I seem to be winning the battle despite his best efforts. Confession: I am a very messy person. I tend to be a big idea kinda guy, but then I am easily distracted mid-project. So I leave everything out in case I want to return at some point. I swear to God, right now there is a hot glue gun on my desk that has been sitting there for almost a year. I could put it away. But then I might need it. If I were still single, Id be on Hoarders by now, watching the Got Junk team extract a

DISTURBED

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

skeleton from under a pile of American Theatre magazines and trying to remember when the hell I owned a cat. There are many things Preppy has brought to my life, but preventing me from that fate is among the most commendable. Weve had the conversation about my habits for about ve years. But the recent serious conversation was more in the vein of Jesus God, I love you but I am absolutely not going to live in your tornado of shit a moment longer and I will burn this house down myself with you in it before it gets this bad again, so Ive been addressing it a little more aggressively. Ive been adopting all these novel concepts: The dining room table is not where we put our underpants when we strip after work. Dishes, once used, must be cleaned in some fashion. If we vacuum more than once a month, it will eliminate the dog hair tumbleweeds rolling through the kitchen. Beyond the general housekeeping, I wanted to take on a small, manageable project as evidence of my love and respect for the house, and by extension, my husband. And thats how I ended up in the garden center, with a cartful of manure and questions for Mama about the difference between annuals and perennials. Youll love it, son, said Mama. Once you start, youll just fall in love and want to do the whole yard. That is precisely what were avoiding, I told her. The whole point of this is to see the project to completion. This turns out to be only partially true, as nurturing a living thing isnt really a one-time exercise. Drive by on any given afternoon, and youll see me out front with my watering can, caring for my little bed of marigolds and snapdragons. Ive become quite invested in their well-being. Recovery programs usually suggest you learn to care for a plant, then an animal, then a person. Like so much else in my life, Im doing it backwards, but Im beginning to comprehend the philosophy: With a little daily maintenance, life has the potential to be quite beautiful.