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08.06.10
NEWS
OUTSPOKENIN THEIR OWN WORDS
Lesbian candidates head to run-off
for Fulton Commission. Page 4
Aug. 10 runoff races to watch. Page 4
Teens arrested in anti-gay
crime charged as adults. Page 6
Atlanta police to select
LGBT advisory board. Page 6
Judge orders trans woman reinstated
to Ga. General Assembly job. Page 8
Ga. student sues university after
asked to change anti-gay views. Page 10
Tenofovir found safe among gay,
bisexual men in new study. Page 12
VOICES
Editorial: NOM’s ‘Summer of Marriage’
Photo via Facebook
tour a bust and a sham. Page 14
Mike Ritter Cartoon: ‘I Want You.’ Page 14
Speaking Out: Reader reaction. Page 15
PETS
The power of unconditional love. Page 17
Profiles: LGBT pet owners share their
BY THE
stories. Pages 17-19
Dining: Pet-friendly restaurants. Page 20
Events: Piedmont Dog Park reopens. Page 23
Products: Everything for your
pampered pet. Page 24
NUMBERS
26
Photos: Our readers’ furry
family members. Page 26
A&E
Film: ‘Patrik, Age 1.5’ explores gay
couple’s unusual adoption. Page 28
53
Theater: ‘Shopping and F***ing’ is
meaty, and decidedly adult. Page 29
COMMUNITY
Marietta Rainbow Fest celebrates Gay
76
Pride. Page 30
Georgia Spotlight: Atlanta Gay & Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce. Page 31
7
Business Spotlight: Brushstrokes. Page 31
CALENDAR
Pages 32-34
facebook.com/thegavoice
twitter.com/thegavoice
Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), reported by The Independent
“If you had a daughter or son who was gay,
would you not want them to be able to work and
support themselves?”
— Memphis, Tenn., City Councilmember Janis Fullilove on why she is sponsoring a
measure to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the non-discrimination policy
for city workers. Fullilove has received death threats over the measure, which will be
discussed by the council on Aug. 10 (Memphis Flyer, July 20; WREG.com, July 28)
Countries — not including
the United States — that
recognize same-sex unions
(through marriage, civil
unions or other status).
Countries — again not includ-
ing the United States — with
anti-discrimination laws that
include sexual orientation
Countries that prosecute
people based on sexual
orientation
Countries where
being gay is
punishable by death
Source: International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Photo via Facebook
“I don’t ever really think of things
as out or in. I just think I am who I
am, and when topics come up that
are appropriate, I’ll talk about them
and share when it seems right.”
— Actress Sara Gilbert, known for her work on
“Roseanne,” discussing how she will be open
about her real-life role as a lesbian mom on her
new CBS chat show, “The Talk.” (Entertainment
Weekly, July 28)
“To boost devel-
opment, a city
needs to be open
Photo via Facebook
to a full range of
people, espe-
cially the innova-
tive ones who break barriers, like
people of the gay community.”
— Houston, Tex., Mayor Annise Parker, the first
openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city, in remarks at
the Shanghai World Expo. Parker led a 60-member
Houston business delegation to the Chinese city.
(Xinhua, Aug. 2)
“Target and Best Buy’s long
history of inclusion and fairness
makes these donations all the
more troubling. These multi-billion
ABC publicity Photo
dollar companies have spent
years treating the LGBT commu-
nity with respect and dignity. Now
“Maybe it would be a destination they have slapped us in the face
wedding. Us going somewhere that for $250,000. We had no choice
gay marriage is legal. But they have but to call them out in Minnesota’s
biggest newspaper.”
to save some of that stuff. We hope
— Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese,
to be on the air for seven years.”
— Actor Eric Stonestreet, commenting that there is “no
on why the national LGBT group purchased ads
denouncing the companies’ donations to a political
doubt” his character, Cameron, will eventually wed his action committee backing Minnesota gubernatorial
partner, Mitchell, on the ABC sitcom “Modern Family.” candidate Tom Emmer, who has praised a Christian
(New York Post, Aug. 1) rock band that supports killing gays.
 4 GA Voice August 6, 2010 News
Lesbian candidates face off in Fulton Commission runoff
Garner, Waites on
Aug. 10 ballot to
represent District 6
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
Keisha Waites and Joan Garner are vying to be
the first openly gay Fulton County Commissioner
as they face each other in a runoff on Aug. 10.
During the July 20 Democratic primary for
the District 6 seat, Waites placed first in a field
of four with 3,576 votes, or 41.46 percent, with
Garner in second with 3,408 votes, or 39.14
percent, according to official Fulton County
Elections results.
Only 168 votes separated Waites and Gar-
ner, who advance to the runoff because neither
received more than 50 percent of the vote. Da-
vid Holder received 837 votes, or 9.7 percent.
Sally Smith finished last with 807 votes, or
9.55 percent.
Waites is now touting Holder’s endorsement
in the runoff. Waites declined to participate in
the Georgia Voice candidate survey before the
primary and declined to be interviewed for this
story after an email request last week.
“Thank you for your email. Unfortunately
due to the short 1-week window remaining in
the campaign we are directing all of our efforts
to field outreach canvassing District-wide.
“Upon completing the election cycle we wel-
come the opportunity to participate in an inter-
view with GA Voice. We recognize GA Voice as
the premier GLBT media outlet in the region and
would appreciate the opportunity to engage your
readers and provide them with our campaign
information below to reach us. Regarding my
platform and civic involvement that information
is located on my website at www.keishawaites.
com,” Waites answered this week.
Garner took time out from calling support-
ers to talk to Georgia Voice about how she is
staying on the course she has followed since
before the primary.
“We’re building on what we did during the
general primary and try to get out voters more
than ever,” Garner said Monday. “We continue
to get our message out there, but even harder.”
“I have 20 years of service to my community
and I know what the issues are,” Garner added.
“I bring experience on working on issues that af-
fect our well-being, delivery of services, public
safety, financial accountability. I am qualified
and spent the time working on the ground — I
am the best person for this position.”
Garner was endorsed by three LGBT groups
— Georgia Equality, the Atlanta Stonewall Dem-
ocrats and the Victory Fund, a national organiza-
tion that supports LGBT candidates — as well
The Fulton County Commission will soon have an openly gay member. The Aug. 10 runoff will determine
whether it will be Joan Garner (left) or Keisha Waites. (Photos courtesy candidates)
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
Joan Garner
www.garnerforcommissioner.com
Keisha Waites
www.keishawaites.com
Visit theGaVoice.com on
Aug. 10 for election results
as the Atlanta Board of Realtors and the Atlanta-
North Georgia Labor Union (AFL-CIO).
Garner, a longtime activist and philanthropy
expert who worked for Mayor Maynard Jack-
son as senior adviser on gay and lesbian issues,
is principal of Garner Results Inc., a nonprofit
and philanthropic consulting firm.
Her previous roles include president and
CEO of the Historic District Development Cor-
poration, a nonprofit that works to preserve the
Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District and
other areas; serving as chair of Neighborhood
Planning Unit-M in 2009; and serving as execu-
tive director of the Southern Partners Fund and
the Fund for Southern Communities, among
others. This is her first bid for public office.
Waites works for the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and in 2005 was invited
by FEMA to serve on the Hurricane Katrina
Long-Term Recovery Team, according to her
website. She previously worked for the Small
Business Association. Her community involve-
ment includes past service on the Fulton Coun-
ty Democratic Party Executive Committee, as
an Atlanta Leadership Institute graduate, and on
the board of the Georgia Stonewall Democrats
www.theGAVoice.com
Other races
to watch
The General Primary Runoff will determine
the winner out of the top two finishers in
contests where no candidate received the ma-
jority of votes in the July 10 primary election.
In addition to the contest between lesbian
candidates Keisha Waites and Joan Garner in
Fulton County, here are two of the top races
of LGBT interest on the primary ballot.
While few candidates for the state’s top
offices have openly campaigned for LGBT
votes, many have long records — some posi-
tive, more negative — on issues that impact
our community.
in 2001, among others.
She has a long record of seeking elected of-
• Governor (Republican):
In one of the most anti-gay campaigns in
fice. In 2001, Waites ran for the at-large Post 1
recent Georgia history, former Secretary of
seat on the Atlanta City Council. In 2002, she
State Karen Handel was attacked by her oppo-
ran for State Senate District 36. In 2004, she
nents for her membership in the pro-gay Log
was one of four candidates who applied to tem-
Cabin Republicans and support for domestic
porarily fill the Atlanta City Council District 12
partner benefits.
seat, but council members did not pick her for
Handel has denied both since seeking state
post. Waites then ran for the Atlanta City Coun-
offices, and in the run-up to the GOP guberna-
cil in 2005 and ran for Fulton County Commis-
torial primary, went so far as to say she “would
sion chair in 2006.
consider” legislation to ban gay adoptions.
She ran for State House District 61 in 2008
The winner of the Republican runoff will face
and received the endorsement of Georgia
former Gov. Roy Barnes, a Democrat, and John H.
Equality in that race, where she reached the
Monds, a Libertarian, on the Nov. 2 ballot.
runoff. Waites again ran for Atlanta City Coun-
cil in 2009.
“I’m proud of every race I’ve been in and I
Nathan Deal
Primary results: 22.9 percent (155,946 votes)
believe it shows I’m committed to the process
Occupation: Former Congressman
and have a strong desire to serve,” Waites told
Residence: Gainesville, GA
the Georgia Voice shortly after qualifying for
Website: www.dealforgovernor.com
this year’s ballot.
In addition to Holder, Waites is endorsed by
• As a member of the U.S. House, con-
Atlanta Progressive News, a website run by ac-
sistently received scores of zero on HRC’s
tivist and writer Matthew Cardinale.
Congressional report card for LGBT issues and
Holder has mixed record on LGBT issues,
has voted for a federal constitutional amend-
according to a candidate survey he filled out for
ment to ban gay marriage.
the Georgia Voice before the primary. When
• In current campaign, has repeatedly
asked his opinion on the 2004 state constitu-
attacked Karen Handel for her past support of
tional amendment to ban same-sex marriage,
gay issues.
Holder answered, “I have no opinion.” Asked
if the amendment should be repealed, he again
answered, “I have no opinion.”
Karen Handel
Primary results: 34.1 percent (231,990 votes)
Georgia law is currently silent on adoptions
Occupation: Former Secretary of State
by gay and lesbian citizens, leaving decisions
Residence: Alpharetta, GA
up to the courts based on the best interest of the
Website: www.karenhandel.com
child. Holder answered that “supports the cur-
rent status.”
• During her campaigns for Fulton County
Waites did not respond to an interview re-
Commission, supported domestic partner
quest about Holder’s positions.
benefits, and was endorsed and a member of
Garner stated she voted against the state
the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay GOP group.
constitutional amendment and she supports leg-
islation clarifying that sexual orientation should Please see RUNOFF on Page 6
not be used as a reason to deny adoption.
Have your beer
and enjoy
it too.
™

Per 12 oz., MGD 64 contains 64 cals., 2.4g carbs, < 1g protein, 0.0g fat.
 6 GA Voice August 6, 2010 News
Teens charged in anti-gay bias crime to be tried as adults
Gay victim is torn
about juveniles facing
adult punishment
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
The six male teens charged with felony
armed robbery in the bias crime against a gay
pastor and his friend will be charged as adults
and face a bond hearing Aug. 19.
The teens, ages 13 through 19, have been
indicted for felony armed robbery and were ar-
raigned Aug. 2 in Fulton Superior Court when
the bond hearing was set.
Those charged are Sam Johnson, 17; Benja-
min Johnson, 16; and Daequan Lewis, 15, who
are all listed as living at the same residence in
Stone Mountain. Also charged is Jarvis John-
son, 19, of Parkway Drive in Atlanta. Sam
Johnson was identified by APD as the gunman.
Atlanta Police reports identified Jamal Bryant,
13, and Tyrone Smith, 16, as two other suspects
who are also charged as adults.
Rev. Josh Noblitt of Saint Mark United Meth-
odist Church, one of the victims of the armed
robbery on July 2, attended the court hearing on
Aug. 2 and said Senior Patrol Officer Patricia
Powell, the Atlanta Police Department’s LGBT
liaison, was with him the entire time.
He said that before he and his friend, Trent
Williams, were attacked last month while hav-
ing an evening picnic in Piedmont Park, three
of the suspects walked up to them and asked,
“Are y’all gay? Two men laying on a blanket.
We ought to beat y’all for that.”
The three youths walked off and returned
later with a stick and got into a fight with No-
blitt and his partner. During the fight, Noblitt
called police from his cell phone. At the same
time one of the three youths called for reinforce-
ments, according to Noblitt and APD reports.
Several more teens showed up on the scene
and one pulled a gun on Noblitt, held it to his
head, and demanded their money.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, Noblitt
admits he is torn about some of the teens being
charged as adults. Knowing one of the suspects
is 13 is “heartbreaking,” he has said.
“I honestly don’t know how I feel about
these young people being tried as adults, be-
cause I don’t know a lot about the differences
between the adult system and the juvenile
system, and whether in these type of circum-
stances either one of them offer any meaningful
rehabilitation other than prison time or paying a
fine,” Noblitt said after the Aug. 2 hearing.  bisexual and transgender Atlanta residents.
“I still know nothing about these young
people,” he added. “Why were they in the park
to begin with that night causing trouble? Have
they done this before? What is their home life
Rev. Josh Noblitt (left), a victim of an anti-gay bias crime, says it is ‘heartbreaking’that one of his alleged assailants
is only 13 years old. Atlanta Police Officer Patricia Powell, the LGBT liaison, said that the LGBT advisory board to
the APD will be selected by the department without input from the community. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)
like? Do they have any mental health problems
that have been undiagnosed or untreated?
“Where did they get their anti-gay rhetoric
from and what led them to believe that they were
justified in committing acts of violence on some-
one because they were perceived to be gay?
Noblitt noted that he is “also interested in
examining ways in which we can change the
climate of our culture so that young people do
not end up in these situations.”
“Better yet, I’m interested in changing the
hearts and minds of young people so that they
will embrace diversity and understand sexual
orientation and gender identity to be just an-
other part of who a person is the same way that
things like being left handed, tall, curly haired
or introverted are,” he said.
At a July 22 LGBT town hall forum with
top brass of the APD including Chief George
Turner and Powell, the LGBT liaison, Noblitt
asked what the city was doing to try to curb ju-
venile crime in the city.
Mayor Kasim Reed, who was also at the fo-
rum, explained that his promise to open recre-
ation centers throughout the city to offer young
people a place to go and participate in activities
such as basketball tournaments and other sport-
ing events was one way his administration was
working to address the issue.
Police will pick members
of LGBT advisory board
Also at the July 22 LGBT town hall forum,
longtime activist Lorraine Fontana asked how
the APD would select members for an LGBT
advisory board to the police department and
suggested asking for input from gay, lesbian,
Powell said at the forum she would ask her
superiors about that possibility, but told Georgia
Voice on July 30 it was decided the APD would
make the choice as to who would serve.
“I appreciate the suggestion of having the
community have a hand in picking the GLBT
board. There’s some merit to that idea. However,
in the interest of getting the board up and running
soon, I think it’s best for the Atlanta Police De-
partment to guide this process,” Powell said.
More than 100 people had applied or been
nominated to serve on the nine-member board
that is expected to meet quarterly and could be-
gin meeting as soon as this fall, she said.
“We think it’s important for the department’s
GLBT board to have a good cross-section of in-
dividuals that are representative of the diverse
GLBT community. We have given careful con-
sideration to various sectors we want represented,
and we also hope to include community leaders
who have specific knowledge and expertise they
can bring the APD, and will be able to reach an
audience of their own to help the APD in com-
municating its messages,” Powell added.
“By allowing the community to ‘pick’ the
board, we would have no assurance those goals
would be met. Also — as you well know — the
GLBT community is not monolithic, and get-
ting a committee to agree on who would be best
suited to serve on the board would likely be dif-
ficult and time-consuming. At this time, I think
it’s best that I work closely with Chief Turner’s
office to populate the board — which we hope
will be very soon.”
Powell said she understands many people
may not be happy with this decision, but the de-
partment is embarking on a “good-faith effort”
with the LGBT advisory board.
“Undoubtedly, there will be those who are
unhappy with our board members, no matter
whom we select. It is certainly the community’s
prerogative to disagree. But we have embarked
on a good-faith effort, and hope to name quali-
fied people who will work diligently and consci-
entiously to improve relations between the com-
munity and the police department,” she said.
www.theGAVoice.com
Other races
to watch
RUNOFF, continued from Page 4
Karen Handel (cont.)
• Has flipped from these positions during
her subsequent campaigns for Secretary
of State and now governor, stating that she
never joined Log Cabin and emails supporting
issues like domestic partnerships were writ-
ten by campaign staff without her knowledge.
• Includes video against same-sex mar-
riage on her campaign website.
• “Would consider” banning gay adoptions.
• Secretary of State (Democrat):
Georgia Equality chose to sit out the
race for Secretary of State, while the Atlanta
Stonewall Democrats endorsed Michael Mills,
who did not make the runoff.
The winner of the Democratic runoff will
face Secretary of State Brian Kemp, a Repub-
lican, and Libertarian David Chastain on the
November ballot.
Gail Buckner
Primary results: 35.1 percent (119,956 votes)
Occupation: Communications Marketing
Residence: Jonesboro, GA
Website: www.gailforgeorgia.com
• Applied for but did not receive the
Atlanta Stonewall Democrats endorsement.
• As a member of Georgia House, voted for
the state constitutional amendment banning
gay marriage.
Georganna Sinkfield
Primary results: 22.6 percent (77,423 votes)
Occupation: Real Estate Sales
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Website: www.sinkfield2010.com
• As a member of the Georgia House,
voted against the state constitutional amend-
ment banning gay marriage and against a
bill to prevent cities from requiring private
businesses to offer domestic partner benefits
to be eligible for city contracts.
— Laura Douglas-Brown
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
General Primary Runoff
Tuesday, Aug. 10
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• To find out where you vote:
www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login.aspx
• You do not have to have voted in the primary
to vote in the runoff.
• If you voted in the primary, you must vote in
the same party’s primary runoff.
www.theGAVoice.com August 6, 2010 GA Voice 7
8 GA Voice August 6, 2010
News
Judge orders transgender woman
reinstated to job at Ga. General Assembly
Vandy Beth Glenn
was illegally fired as
legislative editor
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
Vandy Beth Glenn took a step closer to vin-
dication Tuesday when a federal judge ordered
the Georgia General Assembly to reinstate her to
her previous job as a legislative editor. Glenn was
fired in 2007 after disclosing her plan to transition
from male to female.
“I’ve always know we were in the right,” a
tearful Glenn said in an interview in the courtroom
after the hearing. “This is our time. Lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people are no longer dis-
posable. We can’t be thrown out with the trash and
this decision affirms that.”
The Aug. 3 hearing came after the court ruled
July 2 that the Georgia General Assembly ille-
gally discriminated against Glenn when Legisla-
tive Counsel Sewell Brumby fired her for being
transgender.
All along, Glenn has said that her ultimate goal
would be to get her job back. On Aug. 3, Judge
Richard Story granted that request — although
when, or if, it will actually happen remains un-
clear at this time. Glenn will not receive back pay
as part of Story’s ruling.
Brumby attended Tuesday’s remedy hearing,
during which his attorney, Richard Sheinis of At-
lanta, asked for a stay on the reinstatement until
they could appeal the decision. Sheinis, who de-
clined an interview request, noted that they would
be willing to pay Glenn her salary, but not have
her return to work, during the appeal process.
No date was set for Glenn’s reinstatement.
At press time, a hearing was scheduled for
9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, on whether to stay
the reinstatement.
“It’s been a long road,” Glenn said. “But this
isn’t about me, it has never been about me and it’s
not even about LGBT people but about people be-
ing treated with respect. It’s un-American the way
I’ve been treated.”
Glenn was hired as a legislative editor in 2005
when she was living as a male, Glenn Morris. In
2006, she was diagnosed with Gender Identity Dis-
order and informed her supervisor, Beverly Ying,
of her intention to transition to female. Glenn pre-
sented Ying with photographs of her as a woman
and also gave Ying educational materials about an
employee transitioning in the workplace.
Ying saw no problem with this news and gave
the information to Brumby.
But when Glenn came to work dressed as a
woman on Halloween in 2006 — when two other
employees were dressed in costume — Brumby
www.theGAVoice.com
A federal judge ordered Vandy Beth Glenn re-
instated to her job as legislative editor with the
Georgia General Assembly. She was fired in 2007
after informing supervisors of her decision to tran-
sition from male to female. (Photo courtesy HRC)
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
• Visit www.thegavoice.com for coverage of
the Aug. 6 hearing on whether to stay Vandy
Beth Glenn’s reinstatement
ordered her to go home because he said her attire
was not appropriate. He then fired Glenn on Oct.
16, 2007, after learning she planned to transition.
Brumby stated during court depositions that
the thought of someone with male sexual organs
in women’s clothing was “unsettling” to him, was
“something I don’t like to think about,” and was
something he viewed as “unnatural.” Brumby
also freely admitted he thought Georgia legisla-
tors would think Glenn’s presence at the Capitol
would be “immoral.”
He also stated in depositions that keeping
Glenn on the job “was inappropriate, that it would
be disruptive, that some people would view it as a
moral issue, and that it would make Glenn’s co-
workers uncomfortable.”
Lambda Legal attorney Greg Nevins, who
represents Glenn, said he wants Brumby to attend
sensitivity training as part of Glenn’s return to
work. He also commended Glenn for her courage
throughout the legal process.
“She’s a tremendous fighter. I think she’s put
a great face on discrimination for trans folks,” he
said. “This has been very rough and she’s shown
tremendous courage. It will be a great moment
when she goes back to work.”
Nevins noted that Brumby and his legal team
have not given a reason for not wanting Glenn
to return to work; that reason may be part of its
filing for a stay of reinstatement slated to be dis-
cussed Aug. 6.
“A lot of her co-workers are her supporters,”
Nevins said. “He [Brumby] really was the source
of the problem. When he asked around about fir-
ing her, nobody else was biting.”
10 GA Voice August 6, 2010 News
Student sues Ga. university, claims bias
over her belief that being gay is immoral
Keeton says her religious
freedom was violated
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
An Augusta, Ga., graduate student is suing her
university alleging the school violated her consti-
tutional rights by saying she needed to change her
anti-gay views in order to graduate.
The Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian orga-
nization dedicated to defending “traditional family
values,” represents Jennifer Keeton, 24, a counsel-
ing graduate student at Augusta State University.
Keeton claims in her suit, filed July 21, the
school threatened to expel her because of her
Christian belief that being gay or transgender
is immoral and that she needed to go through a
“remediation program” that included diversity
and sensitivity classes about LGBT issues. The
remediation program also included the suggestion
Keeton attend Augusta’s first Gay Pride parade on
June 19 and write about it, the suit claims.
The lawsuit is filed in United States District
Court Southern Division in Augusta.
ADF claims in the suit that Keeton’s First
Amendment rights were violated by the univer-
sity because it stated her biblical opposition to ho-
mosexuality — that she would state in class and
to other students — went against the professional
code for being an ethical counselor.
“Miss Keeton stated to the faculty members
that she believes that she will be able to avoid
imposing her beliefs on a client, while also
maintaining her convictions that certain behav-
iors are improper.
“However, Miss Keeton did state that she
would not in a counseling session agree with the
propriety of homosexual relations, nor affirm the
propriety of a client pursuing a life of, and a self-
definition based on, homosexual relations,” the
suit states.
The judge in the case issued an order July 29
prohibiting attorneys from discussing the case
with the media. However, before that ruling,
ADF attorney David French discussed the case
on numerous socially conservative television
and radio shows.
“A public university student shouldn’t be
threatened with expulsion for being a Christian
and refusing to publicly renounce her faith, but
that’s exactly what’s happening here,” French said
in a statement. “Abandoning one’s own religious
beliefs should not be a precondition at a public
university for obtaining a degree. This type of left-
ist zero-tolerance policy is in place at far too many
universities, and it must stop. Jennifer’s only
‘crime’ was to have the beliefs that she does.”
The university declined to speak publicly
about the pending litigation, but issued a statement
on its Facebook page on July 28.
www.theGAVoice.com
Augusta State University graduate counseling stu-
dent Jennifer Keeton alleges the school violated
her First Amendment rights due to her Christian
belief that being gay or transgender is immoral.
(Photo courtesy Alliance Defense Fund)
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
• Read Jennifer Keeton’s lawsuit
• See Keeton speaking about her lawsuit in a
video released by the Alliance Defense Fund
“There has been much media attention focused
on an allegation of discrimination by a student in
our counseling program. Augusta State Univer-
sity, a unit of the University System of Georgia,
does not discriminate against any individuals on
the basis of their personal, social, political, or re-
ligious beliefs or views. No student is asked to
change their religious beliefs or views in order to
participate in any program,” the statement says.
“The counseling profession requires its practi-
tioners to recognize that people set and adhere to
their own moral compass. The professional coun-
selor’s job is to help clients clarify their current
feelings and behaviors and to help them reach the
goals that they have determined for themselves,
not to dictate what those goals should be, what
morals they should possess, or what values they
should adopt,” ASU further stated.
The ADF represented a student in a similar
federal lawsuit at Eastern Michigan University.
The school expelled graduate student Julea Ward,
also in the counseling program, for her refusal to
counsel people who are gay because she consid-
ered homosexuality a sin according to her Chris-
tian beliefs. The judge ruled against the student
and ADF on July 26. ADF has vowed to appeal
the decision.
The ADF is also currently appealing a March
ruling against a counselor, Marcia Walden, who
declined to counsel a person employed with the
Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Pre-
vention about her same-sex relationship.
Walden referred the client to a colleague be-
cause she said counseling someone who is gay
went against her religious beliefs. Walden was a
counselor with Computer Sciences Corporation.
This suit was filed in U.S. District Court of North-
ern Georgia.
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12 GA Voice August 6, 2010 News www.theGAVoice.com

Atlanta gay, bi men join in

promising HIV safety study
Single Tickets ON SALE NOW! Study of effects of
tenofovir shows hope
for HIV prevention
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com

A Phase II study of 400 gay and bisexual

HIV-negative men who took tenofovir daily
through pill form showed no serious safety con-
cerns and could be a resource in the future for the
prevention of the spread of the virus, according
to researchers.
The study, funded by the Centers for Disease
with special guest
Control & Prevention, was presented at the XVIII
International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Aus-
tria, on July 23. The study was conducted by the
AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, the San
alsO DaViD RhODes
Francisco Department of Public Health and Fen-
way Community Health in Boston.
TheB52s.com Blondie.net
Tenofovir is an oral drug, also known by its
TONIGHT! FRIDAY, AUG. 6 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25 brand name Viread. It is used alone or in combina-
tion with other antiviral drugs to treat HIV. Teno-
Fri .38 Special Fri Train fovir is not a cure nor is it known for sure if it will
AUG 13 AUG 27 NEEDTOBREATHE prevent the spread of HIV to other people, accord-
Drivin’ N Cryin’
ing to the National Institutes of Health.
Sonia Leigh
Using antiretroviral drugs, such as tenofo-
Fri The Avett Reserved
seating only. vir, to try to prevent HIV infections is known
Sat Erykah Badu SEPT 10 Brothers No tables,
AUG 14 coolers or as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. There are
Bilal Brandi Carlile carry-ins.
currently numerous studies taking place to deter-
mine if PrEP is effective in stalling the spread of
Wed Heart Sat Charlie Wilson HIV among people at high risk, including gay
AUG 18 SEPT 11
Neko Case Angie Stone and bisexual men.
Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets including Publix Super Markets.
More information and data needs to be gath-
ered from these PrEP studies, but this Phase II
TIckETmASTER.cOm • 1.800.745.3000 safety study “lends additional assurance that the
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have sex with men), should it prove effective,” ac-
DELTAcLASSIccHASTAIN.cOm cording to an ARCA press release.
“This idea is like malaria prevention in that, if
effective, it would keep the virus from establish-
ing an infection,” said Dr. Melanie Thompson,
principal investigator at ARCA and senior author
of the study.
While this safety study does not prove tenofo-
vir is effective in the prevention of HIV, the fact it
is safe among HIV-negative men gives the overall
PrEP studies more hope in finding future ways to
prevent the spread of HIV, Thompson said.
“Previous large tenofovir studies have been
conducted in persons with HIV, so it was impor-
tant to be sure that the drug was safe in uninfected
people,” she said. “For that reason, our study was
much smaller (400 men) and not capable of de-
termining whether the strategy would be effective
for HIV prevention.”
But this study is helpful, she stressed, because
Researchers hope tenofovir, marketed as Viread,
might one day help people from contracting HIV.
(Photo courtesy Gilead)
PrEP is considered one of the most promising new
prevention methods currently being explored. If
effective, PrEP could be used along with condoms
and other risk-reduction methods, to help slow the
HIV epidemic in the U.S. and around the world.
“We are extremely pleased with the outcome
of the study,” Thompson said in a statement. “We
need to explore many different avenues to prevent
HIV infection, an epidemic that disproportionate-
ly affects African Americans and gay and bisexual
men of all races in the United States.
“If other studies show that PrEP is effective,
millions of infections could be prevented glob-
ally,” Thompson said.
The CDC estimates that 56,000 new HIV in-
fections occur in the U.S. every year, and more
than 2.7 million people are infected around the
world on an annual basis.
The study’s main goal was to examine wheth-
er it was safe for the 400 HIV-negative gay and
bisexual men to take daily a 300 milligram tablet
of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
ARCA enrolled 121 patients from Atlanta and
had the most enrollees of color —32 percent were
non-white (27 percent African-American, 1 per-
cent Asian- Pacific Islander, 4 percent other races)
and 12 percent were Hispanic. The tenofovir study
ran from February 2006 to summer 2009.
The median age of participants was 39 and
overall the races were 73 percent white, 15 per-
cent African American, 4 percent Asian Pacific
Islander and 9 percent Hispanic.
Scientists note that one of the greatest risks
of PrEP is those using PrEP might start under-
taking riskier sex behaviors, believing they are
now immune because of a drug. This phenom-
enon is known as “behavioral disinhibition” or
“risk compensation.”
For this study, however, researchers found
no overall increase in unprotected anal sex in
men taking a study pill compared to those not
taking a study pill during the first nine months
of the study.
 h e P a r t y !
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14 GA Voice August 6, 2010 Voices
The Georgia Voice
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Atlanta, GA 30324
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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: Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames,
Shannon Jenkins, Robin Kemp, Ryan Lee, Mike Ritter,
Matt Schafer, Christopher Seely, Steve Warren, Justin Ziegler
BUSINESS
Publisher: Christina Cash
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mgraham@thegavoice.com
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BOARD OF ADVISERS
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
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ers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is
neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pic-
torial 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. Guide-
lines for freelance contributors are available upon request.
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VOICES OPINION & REACTION
‘Summer of Marriage’ tour a bust and a sham
Anti-gay group plays the
victim in public rallies
Editorial by Chris Cash
ccash@thegavoice.com
The National Organization for Marriage
(NOM) bus tour comes to Atlanta on Satur-
day, Aug. 7. Let me fill you in on this media-
hungry anti-gay marriage group.
Its leadership is Catholic but numerous alle-
gations abound that it is an arm of the Church of
Latter Day Saints, which contributed massive
amounts of money to the passage of Proposi-
tion 8 — the ballot measure that amended Cali-
fornia’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Articles in Mother Jones and the Wall Street
Journal, among others, have documented this re-
lationship. Founded in 2007, specifically to put
Prop. 8 on the ballot in California, NOM has since
backed similar measures in Maine, Washington
and Iowa. Now the group has taken its show on
the road with the “Summer for Marriage Tour.”
Whether Catholic or Mormon, NOM sets
lofty funding goals and uses social media to keep
followers informed on almost an hourly basis. As
of this writing, NOM had 9,300 Facebook fans.
But few of those fans are turning out for the
“One Man, One Woman” marriage tour. Pro-gay
marriage protestors have substantially outnum-
bered the NOM crew in most cities. In India-
napolis on July 26, there were approximately 40
NOMers and 200 gay marriage supporters. At-
tendance in other cities has been equally low.
On July 29, after an underwhelming rally
in Madison, Wisconsin, NOM President Mag-
gie Gallagher blogged with the headline “Gay
Marriage Radicals Reach New Low.”
Gallagher tells her minions “they’ve come
to our peaceful marriage rallies in city after city
to harass and intimidate us...”
“We’ve seen protestors draped in the rain-
bow flag storm the stage and scream, red-faced
into the microphone to prevent our speakers
from talking. We’ve seen them bait a five-year-
old child, asking her if she’s being raised by her
mother to be a bigot. We’ve even heard a gay
marriage supporter threaten to kidnap a child in
attendance at a rally.”
Gallagher ended her blog with a desperate
plea for people to attend the rallies and, oh yes,
to send money immediately.
So why are Gallagher and NOM Executive
Director Brian Brown attacking gay “radicals”
and continuing the unsuccessful tour?
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s
largest LGBT political group, issued a press re-
lease July 27 calling the NOM tour a “sham” and
offered an explanation of the real agenda here.
Far from being an attempt to galvanize op-
www.theGAVoice.com
ponents of same-sex marriage, it appears NOM
is using the rallies to claim that they are the in-
nocent victims of harassment from same-sex mar-
riage proponents. Gallagher’s blog on July 29 and
previous blogs on the website (nationformarrigae.
com) certainly bear out that claim by HRC.
“The bus tour is a total sham, plain and sim-
ple,” said Fred Sainz, HRC’s vice president of
communications. “NOM’s highly-touted bus
tour is less about so-called ‘traditional marriage’
and more about creating an elaborate and cynical
stunt. NOM rolled out a summer of nationwide
events in order to draw lawful protesters, all so that
NOM and its allies can pepper ongoing lawsuits
challenging public disclosure laws with made-up
stories of harassment.”
NOM has had a number of legal setbacks re-
cently including an 8-1 decision handed down by
the Supreme Court in June. In Doe v Reed, Protect
Marriage Washington (a NOM affiliate) claimed
that the names of the 130,000 signers of a peti-
tion to place a referendum on the ballot in 2009 to
overturn a Washington State domestic partnership
law are protected by the First Amendment.
But the Supreme Court ruled that petition-sign-
ers don’t have a constitutional right to privacy.
On the same day the Supreme Court ruled
against NOM, the Maine ethics commission dealt
the anti-gay marriage group another blow. It re-
fused to drop an investigation into a complaint
that NOM violated state campaign laws by refus-
ing to disclose its donors. That suit is ongoing.
Hence the victim status that NOM has as-
sumed on their so-called marriage tour. In Madi-
son, Brown went so far as to claim equal status
with the civil rights movement.
“We’ve taken great pains to make clear what
we’re all about. We view ourselves as a new civil
rights movement…. committed to something that
in the 1960s was key: the right to vote,” he told the
very small crowd.
But as HRC concludes: “The bread crumbs
of their deceit are clear. ... NOM and its allies are
making a last-ditch legal stand in Washington and
Maine that they should be specially entitled to
hide their political activities, and they’re saying
that harassment and intimidation should provide
them this cover.
“At the same time, Brian Brown schedules a
series of virtually unattended weekday afternoon
events hoping for counter-protests that they can
then use as evidence of harassment and intimida-
tion. Why else would NOM execute such half-
hearted non-events and then completely subjugate
its so-called ‘pro-marriage’ message in favor of
devoting its energies almost exclusively to con-
demning lawful protesters?”
Why indeed?
www.theGAVoice.com
SPEAKING OUT
Should Mayor Reed apologize
on behalf of the city for the
Eagle raid?
Re: “Mayor Kasim Reed, Atlanta Eagle at-
torney have testy exchange at LGBT town hall
forum” (www.thegavoice.com, July 23)
I have to side with the mayor a bit on this
one... even if the parties to the current suit
were to all agree in writing that they would
drop the suit for an apology, that would not
bind the others from the Eagle raid from suing
and using the mayor’s words of apology to
prove guilt and get a huge legal win against
the city. How responsible is it to the “gayest
city in America” to subject the city to a multi-
million payout to one person in order to save a
few thousand earlier. That would hurt us all as
well. (Not to mention the rates the city pays for
legal insurance could skyrocket based on such
moves being made by the mayor.) Is the good-
will worth the risk? Reed is putting the good of
the city above his chances of re-election.
So where is Shirley Franklin while all this
investigating is going on? Had this not been
a gay bar there would have been a shit storm
of lawsuits and police firings! Why is it gay
people are always expected to just shut up and
turn the other cheek? Oh, the poor city might
get sued, boohoo. Perhaps if the city wasn’t
not wasting millions on bloated departments
run by incompetent officials it could settle this
and move on without issue.
Before relationships can begin to mend, the
LGBT community needs to see actual proof
that the people responsible for that raid have
suffered substantial punishment for their part
in that violation of citizens rights! That would
be something considerably more than a mean-
ingless “reprimand” in their file. Demotions
and firings are probably appropriate depend-
ing on individual guilt. There also needs to be
some level of conviction that incidents like this
will not happen again.
I thought that was quite straightforward on
the mayor’s part. If indeed an apology from
the current mayor can stop this, then it is in
Grossman’s purview to state that clearly and
mean it. Alas, attorneys seem to have a really
hard time talking in truth — and politicians are
usually right there with them.
Slavery happened centuries ago and presi-
dents from this era have said they were sorry
Voices August 6, 2010 GA Voice 15
Mayor Kasim Reed at the July 22 LGBT town
hall meeting. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
Editor’s note: These comments on Georgia
Voice articles were submitted via our
Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thega-
voice). Want to weigh in? Follow us there or
submit comments on our website.
about that. Why can’t the current mayor say he
is sorry for past mistakes and be done with it?
How much money would that cost the city?
Many to fault for the
ongoing HIV epidemic
Re: “Health blog: The Top 10,” about
Atlanta being ranked 8th in HIV infections
(www.thegavoice.com, July 29)
We all know there are a lot of things — and
people — to fault. Younger guys often think
they are immortal and don’t use even com-
mon sense precautions when doing anything
(probably because their pre-frontal cortex isn’t
fully developed yet); some guys want the atten-
tion that they believe becoming HIV positive
might give them; some guys don’t use safe sex
because homophobia (especially in their own
family) drives them to not care if they get in-
fected and die (suicide by sex, like suicide by
police officer).I think a lot of drug companies
are at fault, too. They posterize and make the
disease sound so manageable (which it is) and
glamorous (which it is not).
Sadly, people haven’t seen anyone struggle
with the disease. The “youngins” think it’s all
one damn big cocktail party. They haven’t seen
the death or known anyone to die from it yet.
They think it’s a pill in the morning, a pill at
lunch and a sensible vodka martini for dinner.
Slap, slap — to them, for thinking that and to
society for allowing them to think that way.
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By Ryan Lee
Sure, many of us giggle at the misspelled
“I can haz cheezburger” adventures of felines
on websites like LOLcats.com, or forward the
viral videos of dogs playing when their parents
aren’t home that seem ubiquitous on Facebook
and YouTube.
But the unconditional love that pets are known
for can be extra meaningful for people who go
through life being judged. Few episodes illustrate
this more clearly than the early days of the AIDS
epidemic when cats, dogs and other pets took the
place of the mothers, brothers and best friends in
the lives of those dying from the disease.
“Back then, if you were diagnosed with HIV
and AIDS, you were pretty much cut off — you
lost your job, you lost your family, you lost all
your friends — because no one really knew how
you could get it,” recalls Kevin Bryant. “So you
lost everyone you had contact with, and most
people only had their pets as their companion.”
More readers’ pet photos on Page 26
Elizabeth
Bianca
The desire to preserve the nurturing bond
between pets and the gay men who lacked the
resources — financial, physical and familial
— to support them inspired two veterinarians to
found Pets Are Loving Support, where Bryant
serves as executive director.
As the nature of the AIDS epidemic dramati-
cally improved, PALS has extended its services
— primarily, providing pet food and assistance
with medical care — to cover individuals with
disabilities, senior citizens and those with chron-
ic illnesses, but Bryant says gay pet owners con-
tinue to make up a majority of PALS clients.
“It’s still a source of companionship, and it’s
nice to have someone to care for,” says Bryant,
who adds that pets were, and continue to be,
a way for gay men and lesbians to create their
own families.
“It’s been very easy for me to relate to, when
a client or a potential client calls and I hear how
frantic they are about what they’re going to do
when some unfortunate incident has happened
to them and they don’t want to get rid of their
pet,” Bryant says. “My own dog, I got him
when he was a few weeks old and now he’s 10
and going through cancer, and honestly, he’s the
most important thing in my life.
“I think about him when I wake up and I
think about him when I go to bed — he’s my
best friend, my companion,” he adds. “He’s got
me through a lot of rough years, and partners
come and go, but your pet is with you for life.”
LGBT people across Atlanta cherish their
bonds with their cats, dogs, birds and other pets
every day, animal souls who are there during life
milestones and help create new ones, who are
quick to lift spirits or offer a shoulder to lean on.
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
Pets Are Loving Support
2115 Liddell Drive NE , Atlanta, GA 30324
404-876-PALS, www.palsatlanta.org
nn
Belle Baker-Bauma
esy photo)
Arthur & Fire (court
THE COMPASSIONATE PARTY ANIMAL
Arthur Graves’ best friend sounds like a
fairly typical gay party boy in Atlanta.
They marched together in last year’s Gay
Pride parade alongside their Southern Bears
brethren, and the best friend spent the day
flashing his incredible blue eyes and broad
smile, luring men close to him so he could
sniff their crotch, then acting stand-offish
when they would start paying more attention
to Graves.
“He managed to last the whole day, and
then he got home and he just pooped out for
like 30 minutes, and then he was ready to go
again,” Graves says of his best friend Fire,
a nine-year-old huskie that Graves adopted
from DeKalb County Animal Control five
years ago.
While he’s generally a high-energy animal
who loves to frolic about the yard — especial-
ly during torrential thunderstorms — Fire also
has a calm and tender side that has earned him
a place in Graves’s heart alongside his child-
hood hero, his dog named BeBe, who helped
police locate Graves’ parent after he had been
hit by a car at age 7.
“Fire’s just an amazing part of my life,”
Graves says. “A couple of years ago I was in
Ru & Frannie
Thatcher
PAGE 17
the hospital for about a week, and my room-
mate said Fire would just lie on my bed with
the saddest look on his face, and he could bare-
ly get him to go out that week, and Fire lives
for going outside. When I finally got home, he
just exploded and started jumping all over me.
It was a really nice welcome home.”
Graves says he owes his relationship with
Fire in large part to Pets Are Loving Support,
also known as PALS, the non-profit organi-
zation that provides pet assistance to people
who are critically ill or disabled. The orga-
nization that started as resource for people
living with HIV/AIDS is most known for
distributing pet food and its monthly bingo
nights hosted by Bubba D. Licious, but
Graves says that PALS helps pay for Fire’s
legally required shots, annual check-ups, flea
and heartworm control, and the cost of im-
planting a medical and identification chip.
“I couldn’t have him without that support,”
Graves says. “Without PALS, I don’t think a
lot of people would have lived as long as they
have, without the support to keep their pets
and probably their best friends.”
Please see PETS, continued on Page 18
Oliver
20
2 GA Voice August 6, 2010 A&E
FIERCE DISHES by ROB ANDREWS
More than just doggy bags
Pet-friendly restaurants
welcome you and your
furry friends
They’re staring at you with those big sad eyes
as if to say, “Please take me with you.” You’re
heading out to dinner and you want to take them,
but where? Luckily, Atlanta is filled with pet-
friendly restaurants — well, mostly I mean dog
friendly, but some cats like to go on trips also. The
other day at Moe’s in Midtown I saw two gay guys
bring their pet Lemur named Moxie – fierce.
One of my favorites is the groovy Universal
Joint in Decatur, which has a great dog-friendly
patio. If you go to their website you’ll even see a
pooch on their patio. Take a stroll around Oakhurst
Park and then head to U Joint for excellent pub
fare. The warm convivial scene is urban which
means no one cares if you’re gay or straight.
I love their take on eggrolls with spicy
chicken and mango chutney, or if you’re feel-
ing bad, get the scratch fries smothered in melt-
ed cheddar, bacon and jalapenos. The joint has
superb specials and burgers, including a black
Celebrate
Friday, August 20
W At l a n ta M i dto w n – 1 8 8 1 4 th S t r e e t
VIP Reception and Silent Auction: 6:00 pm
General Admission: 7:00 pm
Tickets and more information at: www.AtlantaGay Chamber.org
b l a c k t i e
vip reception event
sponsor sponsors
bean version for vegetarians.
Going to the new Piedmont Park dog park?
On the Piedmont side of the park try Willy’s
Mexicana Grill for good, huge $6 burritos, ta-
cos and quesadillas, plus you get free chips and
the salsa bar. On the 10th and Monroe side, for
something less casual you might want to try
Park Tavern, but look out for lots of drunk “het-
ero” frat and sorority kids. Still, when it rains
you can get $1 pints of beers there.
If you want better food take Fido across the
street to the Midtown Promenade shopping
center (where Trader Joe’s is located). There
are lots of patios to tie your pooch to like the
gay friendly Metro Fresh.
Cocktails and wagging tails
For something fun and truly different this
summer try Canine Cocktail Hour at the very
pet-friendly Hotel Indigo in Midtown Atlanta
across from the Fox Theatre. The event includes
complimentary water and treats from 5 p.m. to 8
p.m. every Tuesday. There is also a special K9
menu with steak and chicken, plus donations
will be made from drinks to the Atlanta Humane
Society. They even have a Dog Spa treatment
which would make a good birthday gift.
presenting sponsor
event sponsor
W
AT L A N TA
MIDTOWN
o p t i o n a l
The doggy desserts at Taj Ma-Hound Bakery look so
tempting you may be jealous that they are created es-
pecially for four-legged foodies. (Photo via Facebook)
The Thirsty Dog Tavern in South Buckhead
has a dog-friendly patio with a special hot kibble
menu and “milk bone happy hour.” It’s a mas-
culine guy, upscale pub scene with lots of flat
screen televisions. But listen up, lesbians: Some
of the waitresses dress like Catholic schools girls
if that’s your thing. Best to stick with the pub fare
like big juicy burgers, salads and wraps.
Featured in Southern Living, try Taj Ma-
Hound bakery in Decatur for really cute pet
treats, K9cookies, and GrrrrNola. They will
even make custom cakes on special occasions
www.theGAVoice.com
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
Universal Joint
906 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030
www.ujointbar.com
Willy’s Mexicana Grill
1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.willysmexicanagrill.com
Hotel Indigo Midtown
683 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308
www.hotelindigo.com
Thirsty Dog Tavern
2110 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309
www.thirstydogtavern.com
Taj Ma-Hound Bakery
707 D East Lake Drive , Decatur, GA 30030
www.tajmahound.com
for your pet child. Their products are baked
fresh daily and contain natural ingredients. Taj
Ma-Hound will even host a party for you pooch
and all their friends.
I actually found hundreds of dog-friendly
restaurants in the city and ‘burbs. If the res-
taurant has a patio you can usually bring your
well-behaved pet but call first. Some others in-
clude Park Grounds Coffee on Flat Shoals in
Reynoldstown with its own fenced dog park;
all Chipotle and Moe’s burrito places; the very
gay-friendly Joe’s on Juniper in Midtown; and
Babs on Juniper for breakfast and lunch says
bring your dog.
www.theGAVoice.com August 6, 2010 GA Voice 21
www.theGAVoice.com A&E August 6, 2010 GA Voice 23

EVENTS by Jim Farmer

Piedmont Dog Park returns

Popular pup retreat to reopen in
gay Atlanta’s unofficial backyard
Area pet owners will soon be able to bring
their beloved pooches back to Piedmont Park’s
popular Dog Park. The park re-opens Aug. 12,
complete with a grand opening ceremony.
The former Dog Park opened to the public
back in 2002, but closed when the Piedmont
Park Conservancy decided to upgrade it. Ac-
cording to Yvette Bowden, president and CEO
of the Piedmont Park Conservancy, there has
been much discussion since that time on how The newly renovated Piedmont Park Dog Park
to expand the Dog Park location and make it as reopens with a ceremony on Aug. 12.
enjoyable as possible to everyone. (Photo courtesy Piedmont Park Conservancy)
Bowden acknowledges that the Dog Park
has long been one of the most frequented areas
of Piedmont Park and that she, like many oth-
ers, is looking forward to the opening.
“We are excited, and excited that others are
excited about the opening,” she says.
The new park will have many new features.
Some of the amenities include a dog run —
nearly three acres in space — and separate en- Other pet-friendly
closures for large and small dogs (described as
less than 30 pounds). The small park will be parks and events
four times the size of the previous one. • Piedmont Bark’s “Yappy Hour,” a social hour
The new Dog Park will also have new trails for canines and their owners held throughout the
and landscaping along with seats and restrooms year. www.piedmontbark.com/yappy_hour.htm
for owners, and perks that visitors have enjoyed
• Atlanta Dog Park at Grant Park
before such as water fountains, rocks for climbing Berne Street and Boulevard Atlanta, GA, 30315
purposes, and free dog waste bags for owners.
Guests at the opening ceremony will receive • Waggy World Paw Park at Wills Park
a special doggy bag. Other available goodies 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
(for an increased registration fee) include a • Mason Mill Dog Park
personalized caricature souvenir and a special 1400 McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA, 30033
commemorative dog bone plaque, inscribed • Brook Run Park
with the name of your faithful companion. 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338,
One of the trademarks of the Dog Park has www.dunwoodynorth.org/brookrun/
been its reputation as an off-leash site. A City of • Oakhurst Dog Park
Atlanta ordinance proclaims that all dogs must 450 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA, 30030
be leashed, but the Dog Park is one of the few • Glenlake Dog Park
metro area locations where that rule is relaxed 1121 Church St., Decatur, GA, 30030
and dogs can run free with supervised care.
• Adair Dog Park
The Conservancy estimates 600,000 Dog 716 W. Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030
Park visitors a year, although Bowden feels that
is probably a conservative number. • Red Dog Park
Third and Pool Street, Stone Mountain, GA, 30083
She says that the majority of pets in the park
are – as expected – dogs, although over the years • Burger Dog Park
she has been surprised at what she has seen. 680 Glendale Place, Smyrna, GA 30080
“One guy brings his pig out for a walk,” she • Sweat Mountain Park
laughs. “I’ve also seen cats on a leash.” 4346 Steinhauer Road, Marietta, GA 30066
Some people even borrow other people’s
dogs and bring them to the park.
“It’s a place people truly enjoy,” she says. MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
“So many communities consider it their park.” Piedmont Park Dog Park
But remember, pets are not allowed in Pied- Grand Opening Ceremony
mont Park during major festivals. Although Thursday, Aug. 12, 6 – 8 p.m.
Bowden would love to be able to find a way to Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive NE
work around that, dogs will not be allowed in the Atlanta, GA 30306, 404-875-7275
park for the upcoming Atlanta Pride in October. www.piedmontpark.org/do/dogpark.html
 24 GA Voice August 6, 2010 A&E www.theGAVoice.com

Products that pamper From puppy biker gear to a toy that sings to
your bird, eight great ways to spoil them rotten

Images courtesy retailers

There are infinite ways to spoil your pet. The pet
product industry rakes in about $38 billion of
your dollars every year, and pet companies are
constantly creating new ways to help you do just
that. Here are eight ways to pamper your pets:

Dog Motorcycle Helmet, $49.99-$125

www.rockstar-puppy.com
More from the Rockstar puppy folks who,
we think, have a very strong gay sensibility
… check out the photos on their website. The
company even takes into consideration that
your dog’s ears might stand up and designed
this helmet to prevent “pushing the ears flat to
the head.” Sizes range from extra small to large.
There are a huge range of colors and designs
(you can even customize with name, logo, etc.)
and each helmet is airbrushed free hand.

Pup Ryder Motorcycle

Dog Carrier, $228
www.rockstar-puppy.com
Get your pooch (18 pounds or less) on the
road in this hard shell carrier. It comes with a
windshield, padded backrest and safety strap. Kittywalk Cozy Climber, $161.45
Made to attach to your luggage rack, it comes www.thecatandkittenstore.com
with a mounting kit and is pre-drilled for easy It’s not cheap, but then, neither are those gi-
installation. The black high gloss finish will ant carpet-covered cat climbing toys. At least this
look great on a black bike, or add contrast to climber hangs neatly on the back of a door, and
any color bike...like pink or purple. comes in both green and tan to match your décor.
Fluffy has five levels to climb and play, includ-
ing a fleece-lined “privacy parlor” at the top.

K-9 Float Coat, $50-$70

Condo Canine Tray, $129
www.cosmopolitancanine.com
The Condo Canine Tray solves the problem
of Fido doing his business wherever he pleases.
The 36-inch × 24-inch dimensions give small-
to-medium size dogs plenty of room and the
3-inch height makes it easy for even the small-
est dogs to use. Its polyethylene construction is
slightly elevated at one end to direct all liquids
into a small reservoir. The Condo Canine Tray
can be very handy on road trips and in hotels.
Motel 6, anyone?
Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain, $69.99
www.esmartcat.com
Does your kitty love to drink out of the sink,
or does your dog prefer flowing water? Now
there is a stainless steel pet drinking fountain
with continuously filtered water for your pets
that looks like it belongs in your kitchen. In the
past the only option was a tacky plastic one. The
manufacturers, Pioneer Pet Products, claim the
stainless steel drinking fountain is easy to take
apart and clean, which is a real plus.
www.ruffwear.com
This stylish preserver will help keep your
dog safe on the boat or at the beach (not all dogs
can swim) and the bright reflective trim makes
her easy to spot. The float coat is available in
six sizes.
Sing-Along Jukebox, $10.49 - $12.29
Bubble Buddy Flavored Bubbles for Dogs, www.drsfostersmith.com
$12.95, www.activedogtoys.com No dog? No cat? Entertain your bird with
Can’t afford a motorcycle carrier or even some of your favorite tunes like “Over the
the pup helmet? You can still make Fido happy Rainbow.” Hang the jukebox on the side of
with these flavored bubbles like bacon, peanut your bird’s cage and start the music. Some birds
butter or Bar-B-Q chicken. A perfect way to may even be able to mimic the tracks.
make sure your dog gets enough exercise and
you can just sit and watch! — Chris Cash and Tim Boyd
www.theGAVoice.com August 6, 2010 GA Voice 25

DIRECTORY LISTINGS To advertise, email sales@thegavoice.com

FREE! Instant Access to Atlanta and

the Nation’s Top Gay & Lesbian Realtors.
Choose Your Perfect Agent Online:

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Toll Free:
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26
2 GA Voice August 6, 2010 A&E www.theGAVoice.com

Motley Rocco

Rufus

Moses
PETS WITH GAY PARENTS
Forget what certain politicians might say
about gay parenting. All of these “furkids” have
These lucky pets will enjoy the following
services at Chateau Animalia: Bianca (one
DJ Cornbread Powe
ll

LGBT (or allies) as parents, and they look like
they are doing pretty well to us!
Out of all the pet photos submitted by
Georgia Voice readers, five were drawn at
random as winners of pet prizes generously
donated by our advertisers.
night of luxury boarding), Gracie (one aquatic
treadmill session), and Kindle (free grooming
with Joey).
And these adorable pups will get to play at
Piedmont Bark: Rufus (10 days of doggie day-
care) and Otto (1 day of doggie daycare and spa).

FOR MORE PET PHOTOS FROM GEORGIA VOICE READERS, VISIT

WWW.THEGAVOICE.COM Nicky

Coco

Pepe & Dudley Rocky

Blazer Abby
28
2 GA Voice August 6, 2010 A&E
FILM by Steve Warren
Gustaf Skarsgård, Torkel Petersson and Tom Ljungman star in ‘Patrik, Age 1.5’ (Photo by Tomas Michaelsson)
Another kid is all right — maybe
‘Patrik, Age 1.5’
explores a gay couple’s
unusual adoption
How do you say “Lifetime Television” in
Swedish? The story told in “Patrik, Age 1.5”
(“Patrik 1,5”), which debuted in last year’s Out
on Film, is very familiar, but in most versions
the principal couple is heterosexual. (“Break-
fast with Scot” was a recent exception.)
Göran (Gustaf Skarsgård) and Sven (Torkel
Petersson) are not hetero, and they’ve got the
wedding rings to prove it. Oh, Sven was mar-
ried to a woman once, and she brings their
reluctant 16-year-old daughter around periodi-
cally to remind him.
The men have just moved into a colorful
neighborhood that looks like something out of
a fairy tale directed by Tim Burton. The neigh-
bors are outwardly accepting at first, but soon
their children are yelling taunts at the male
couple and vandalizing their house.
To make their world — or at least Göran’s
— complete, they’ve applied to adopt a baby.
But even though they’ve been approved and
decorated a nursery in anticipation, it seems no
one will let them have a child.
At last they get good news: “Patrik, age 1.5”
is on the way! Then they get bad news. There
was “a small typographical error” in the letter,
and Patrik, age 15, arrives on their doorstep.
Not only is he ten times the age they expected,
but he’s not happy with the situation: “I’m not
living with homos!”
Göran and Sven don’t want a teenager, even a
nice one, but especially not one who tries to call
them pedophiles but can’t pronounce it. Not only
is Patrik homophobic but he has a criminal record:
theft, assault and carrying a concealed weapon.
‘Him or me’
Patrik is played by Thomas Ljungman, who
looks like Macaulay Culkin when he was out-
growing the kid roles. He seems to be quite a
good actor, though he’s more convincing when
www.theGAVoice.com
he warms up than in making us believe the men
should be afraid of him.
You know the rest of the story. Only the
details change, some for better and some for
worse. Patrik arrives on Friday afternoon be-
fore a long weekend so the men are stuck with
him until Tuesday. At first they fear having him
in their house but Göran softens a bit because
Patrik shares his love of gardening.
The strain is enough to crack the marriage
along previously established fault lines. Sven,
less domestic than Göran, goes out and gets
drunk. When they learn on Tuesday that Patrik’s
the only child available to them, it becomes a
“him or me” situation and Sven leaves.
With him out of the picture the bond between
Göran and Patrik strengthens and the boy begins
acting like a typical teenager, only nicer. He hires
out to the neighbors as a gardener and teaches
their kids skateboarding. At last a new home is
found for him and there’s a chance of Göran and
Sven reuniting, but is it still “him or me”?
There’s some really sloppy writing in a
couple of scenes because the formula requires
additional obstacles to be overcome, but the an-
ticipated ending is still a crowd-pleaser.
Ella Lemhagen’s direction occasionally
makes you wonder whether “Patrik, Age 1.5”
is supposed to be a drama or comedy. Drama
is the correct answer but she’s more concerned
with warming our hearts than giving us serious
cause to worry about the outcome.
You might say “Patrik, Age 1.5” is the an-
tithesis of “The Kids Are All Right.” Not only
is the central couple male, but parenthood is
a new challenge for them and their homo-
sexuality is something of an issue. Both films
are worth seeing, but if you can only see one,
“Kids” wins.
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
‘Patrik, Age 1.5’
Opens Aug. 13
Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA 30308
www.landmarktheatres.com
www.theGAVoice.com A&E August 6, 2010 GA Voice 29

THEATER by Jim Farmer

FERST CENTER
Racy for FOR TH E ARTS AT G EORG IA TEC H
2010 -2011 S E A S O N

a reason
‘Shopping and F***ing’
DEbbIE
REyNOlDS
Season Opener!
Saturday, September 11
STEp AFRIkA!
Saturday, January 29
JON FADDIS
JAzz ORCHESTRA
is ‘black and meaty’ — bREAk OF
REAlITy
Saturday, February 12

and decidedly adult SINGlE TICkETS ON

SAlE AuGuST 10!
Friday, September 17 CIRquE
MECHANICS
A play named “Shopping and F***ing” brings
DAvID SANbORN Friday, February 18
with it the potential to be on the bawdy side, and
TRIO FEATuRING
JOEy DEFRANCESCO MARGARET CHO
Process Theatre’s take on the dark comedy – Friday, October 1 Saturday, February 19
opening next week — promises just that.
“Shopping and F***ing,” first produced in ROCkApEllA DOuG vARONE
1996, is gay English playwright Mark Raven- Sunday, October 3 & DANCERS
hill’s first full length play, one that is considered Saturday, March 5
by many to be among the most controversial of DIAvOlO
the ‘90s. It’s set in the underbelly of London Robbie (left, Ian Gaenssly) and Mark (Scotty Friday, October 15 MElINDA
Ganno) are lovers in gay playwright Mark DOOlITTlE
— a world sprinkled with rent boys and drug
lords, shoplifting and desperate attempts to get
Ravenhill’s ‘Shopping and F***ing.’ pAulA Saturday, March 12
(Photo by Dewayne Morgan) pOuNDSTONE
money, as well as lots of the titular f***ing.
The characters are mostly twentysome- Friday, October 22 ERIC
things trying to figure it all out. Mark (Scotty MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com MARIENTHAl
Gannon) is a drug addict living with two other
MICHAEl Friday, March 25
‘Shopping and F***ing’ bOlTON
roommates: Robbie (Ian Gaenssley), who is his Aug. 13 – Sept. 4
Thursday, October 28 NRITyAGRAM
current lover, and Lulu (Jillian Fratkin), who Onstage Atlanta
2597 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 DANCE
once was Robbie’s lover. When Mark decides AN EvENING WITH ENSEMblE
to go to rehab, the others are left on their own, 404-897-1802
www.onstageatlanta.com bRANFORD Sunday, March 27
trying to make ends meet and not doing a good MARSAlIS
job. At one time they try running phone sex Friday, November 5 JONAH bOkAER
lines to get money. One of the attractions for him was the char- Saturday, April 2
According to director DeWayne Morgan, acters, who he feels are especially vivid. lIly CAI
who also serves as the company’s artistic direc- “I love all the characters in this show, and I CHINESE DANCE pEAbO bRySON
tor, the bond is close between the three. Morgan knew it would be fun for the actors to do this,” Friday, November 12 Saturday, April 16
feels that Mark is the caretaker of the group. At he says. “The people in the play do what they
the beginning of the show, Mark tells a story have to do for money.” kATHy MATTEA
about how he “bought” his two roommates Gay actor Scotty Gannon plays Mark, a SONGS AND THE SEASON
from a colleague. Morgan says it’s never quite character who he feels wants to help his friends Sunday, December 5
clear if he is telling the truth or not, but the oth- but isn’t quite able.
ers clearly have a hard time without him. “He is trying to take some of what he has A pETER WHITE
“Shopping and F***ing” was met with de- learned and put it in action,” he says. “He CHRISTMAS
WITH RICk bRAuN
cidedly mixed reviews and some scandal upon comes home and tries to control every situation, AND MINDI AbAIR
its debut. Besides adult themes and sexuality but he hasn’t learned what he needs to know. Friday, December 10
and nudity, there is some violence and one eye- He hasn’t gotten through the basic work.”
opening scene involving a 14-year-old hustler, Mark enters into a sexual relationship with a
Gary (Caleb Lawton), who Mark becomes in- teenage hustler and struggles to keep his emo-
volves with. tions out of the equation.
Morgan calls the play undeniably racy. “He pays for sex with this kid and gets in-
“I’ve know about it for a few years, but I volved but tries to not make it a personal rela-
have never read a play like it,” he says. “There tionship,” he says. Select 6 or more
is a lot of sex and a lot of naughtiness. This is Gannon admits that the show is for adults but performances and
the most risqué of Mark Ravenhill’s work, his that the content is not there just for shock value. SAVE 20% off the
most out-there play.” “The racy parts are done with a purpose,” he single ticket price!
At first Morgan was a little concerned that au- says. “They are tied into the fabric of the story. sponsored by

diences might not be ready for the content, but he
now feels they are, saying it is dark but funny.
“I like it because it is black and meaty, but it
does have comedy,” he says. “It can gross you
out but make you laugh.”
It means something. It’s not gratuitous.”
“Shopping and F***ing” is the first show
of the new 2010-2011 season for Process
Theatre. Morgan will announce the rest of Call today for tickets!
his season soon. 404-894-9600 www.ferstcenter.org
30 GA Voice August 6, 2010 Community
COMMUNITY LOCAL LIFE
Safety in numbers
Tight security as
hundreds turn out for
first Marietta Pride
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
Some 17 years after Cobb County made in-
ternational headlines for a resolution condemn-
ing the “lifestyle advocated by the gay com-
munity” as incompatible with its standards, the
county seat of Marietta held its first Gay Pride.
Security was tight for the Marietta Rain-
bow Festival on July 24, just as it was for the
dozens of protests that followed the resolution
almost two decades ago. But instead of out-
rage, the day-long event was a celebration of
progress and strength in numbers.
“We’re having a really good time. We’re
really pleased with support from the gay com-
munity and the straight community,” said
Johnathon Murphy, who heads up the North
Georgia Rainbow Coalition, which organized
the festival.
“There were no major issues. The only thing
we can hope for is a bigger one next year,” said
Murphy, also president and managing partner
of LeBuzz, Marietta’s gay bar. “We hope this
festival wipes away that stigma of Marietta be-
ing the most anti-gay city in America and just
become Marietta. This is about taking a step
forward. That’s all we’re trying to do.”
Hundreds of people packed into the plaza
where the new LeBuzz is located for the fes-
tival; Murphy said more than 1,000 people
throughout the day.
“The event far exceeded our expectations,”
he said.
The theme for the event was “Our Decla-
ration of Independence.” Nicole Paige Brooks,
who is from Marietta and was a contestant on
last season’s “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” was the
mistress of ceremonies at her hometown’s first
Pride. More than 60 performers plus several
DJs also donated their time for the first fest.
There was some concern, however, that anti-
gay protesters may show up to the event. There
were numerous security guards on hand and
Murphy wore a bulletproof vest under his shirt
all day after being advised to do so by the event’s
security team. Murphy also had a personal secu-
rity team with him at all times, he said.
www.theGAVoice.com
Celebrating a MILESTONE? Share your engage-
ments, weddings, births, adoptions, anniversaries,
birthdays and other events! Announcements can be up
to 200 words and can include a photo. E-mail editor@
thegavoice.com with your milestone and contact info
to see your name in print!
“We didn’t know what to expect,” Murphy
said. “There was an article in the paper and
some of the reactions to that were negative. We
were expecting protesters, but not one single
one showed up. We just didn’t want to have
something happen and not have a contingency
plan in place.”
‘A complete success’
Some anti-gay groups also apparently called
the city of Marietta and Marietta officials let Festival organizer Johnathon Murphy (right) with performer Brent Star.
Murphy know about some of the threats. There
were numerous police officers working the
event and everyone had their bags checked as
they entered the plaza.
But there were no negative or threatening
incidents that took place, Murphy said, and he’s
already set to plan next year’s fest to be held
in June.
“It was incredible,” he said. “It was a com-
plete success. Everything went extremely well
— I think it was awesome.”
Jeanie Ward, 58, of Marietta, was shocked
when she heard Marietta was holding a Gay
Pride event.
“I saw this on Facebook and I have to tell
you I almost passed out. I was just stunned,”
she said at the fest.
Ward has lived in and out of Georgia over
the course of many years and worked for the
Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative at one time.
Times have changed since the Cobb County Photos by
Commission in 1993 passed a resolution stat- Dyana Bagby
ing the “life style advocated by the gay com-
munity” was “incompatible with the standards
to which this community subscribes.” This res- MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
olution then led to the formation of Olympics MORE INFO
Out of Cobb, a group of LGBT activists that • Photo gallery from Marietta Pride
successfully campaigned to keep the Olympics
North Georgia Rainbow Coalition
from holding volleyball competitions in Cobb www.rainbowgeorgia.com
County in 1996.
“I’m just delighted to see this happening in
Marietta. I truly had to pinch myself,” Ward “I think it’s great. I usually go to the one
said. “This is truly a wonderful thing.” in Atlanta, but it’s great to just drive down the
Andrew Keller, 25, is the DJ for the band La street,” she said.
Chansons that played at the fest. Keller, who is Timothy Harper, 41, of Marietta and a bar-
gay, is in the band with his older brother, Greg, tender at LeBuzz, is a classically trained singer
and his brother’s wife. His parents, Lynn and with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in opera.
Gary Keller, were on hand to watch the group He has sung with the Atlanta Opera and with
play at the first Marietta Pride. other orchestras. He wowed the crowd at the
“It’s very exciting. I grew up in Marietta, so Marietta Rainbow Fest.
it’s really awesome they even have a festival “Because I believe with all societies and all
now,” Andrew Keller said. people, there should be diversity and everybody
Jessica Rutledge, 19, of Marietta, was also should have the same rights as everyone else —
thrilled about having Pride in her hometown. that’s why I’m here to support this,” he said.
www.theGAVoice.com
GEORGIA SPOTLIGHT
Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
The motto of the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce is simple but powerful:
“advocacy through economics.” On Aug. 20, the
organization hosts its 12th annual Community
Awards Dinner, which honors leaders, compa-
nies and organizations that bridge the two.
“We’re trying to build the gay dollar and
build businesses working together and support-
ing each other, and the dinner definitely raises
that awareness and shows the importance of
looking out for each other, making sure our
voices are heard, and making sure we are put-
ting money back into our community,” says Ted
Bruner, AGLCC president.
AGLCC solicits nominees from its mem-
bers and others in the community in the catego-
ries of Business Woman of the Year, Business
Man of the Year, Member of the Year, Corpo-
rate Ally and Guardian Angel (which goes to a
nonprofit).
The AGLCC narrows the submissions down
to five nominees in each category. Winners are
then selected by an eight-member committee
made up of board members and other commu-
BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT
Brushstrokes
This year marks a milestone for Brush-
strokes, the Atlanta gay variety store that
has become the city’s go-to source for Pride
items, gifts and many other products.
“Mark Jackson opened the first Atlanta lo-
cation on Dec. 1, 1989. So this year will be our
21st anniversary,” says Tom Schloeder, who
met Jackson in 1992 and has been running
the business with him ever since. “Twenty-
one years is a monumental occasion for most
people and we’re really excited about achiev-
ing this milestone.”
Brushstrokes’ first store was only 400 square
feet, located on North Highland. Its current lo-
cation in Ansley Square totals 4,200 square feet.
But then, as now, Brushstrokes was dedicated
to supporting the LGBT community.
“All of our suppliers had to prove that
they supported gay causes, hired openly gay
employees, and believe in fairness and equal-
ity for all,” Schloeder says.
Brushstrokes is actually now divided into
two stores. Brushstrokes/Sensory Overload
is a variety store that includes gifts, greeting
cards, DVDs, CDs, books, magazines, mag-
nity leaders. The winners will be announced at
the Aug. 20 gala dinner, which will be held at
the W Midtown Hotel. An after-party follows at
the Artmore Hotel.
Over the last decade, the dinner has grown
in respect and influence, Bruner says, particu-
larly for large companies that want to be known
as supportive of LGBT employees.
“I do think that the larger corporations are
definitely looking at this as a much stronger
event, and are taking it much more seriously,”
says Bruner, who notes that he first joined the
AGLCC in part because his employer, Cox En-
terprises, backed the chamber.
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s
largest LGBT group, compiles an annual Cor-
porate Equality Index that rates companies on
LGBT issues.
The AGLCC was founded in 1994 as the
Greater Atlanta Business Coalition. In 1997, it
became the first recognized LGBT chamber of
commerce in the U.S.
The organization held its first community
awards dinner in 1998, and changed its name to
nets, collectables, and much more. Capulets/
Brushstrokes Pleasures stocks items like adult
toys and novelties, condoms and erotica.
Through the years, Jackson and Schloeder
have seen trends and products change, like the
transition from VHS to DVD and now Blu
Ray. But according to Schloeder, the most no-
table has been “the need for Pride items.”
“Early on, it was very political. It took a
lot of courage for someone to put a rainbow
bumper sticker on their car for fear that they
might be harassed or fired from their job,” he
says, noting that “as public opinion as turned
in our favor there has been a lesser demand for
these items.”
But that is changing again. “Recent politi-
cal campaigns have put gay issues back in the
spotlight and I think the GLBT community
feels newly empowered,” he says. “We think
Pride is making a comeback.”  www.atlantagaychamber.org
— Laura Douglas-Brown
MORE INFO
Brushstrokes
1510 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
404-876-6567, www.brushstrokesatlanta.com
Community August 6, 2010 GA Voice 31
Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
in 2003. Its current activities include frequent
Business Builder luncheons, Wow Wednesday
celebrations and Fourth Friday networking (al-
though there is no Fourth Friday networking in
August due to the dinner).
The chamber now cites 420 members and
includes as many as 3,000 employees, Bruner
says. Members range from large corporations to
small companies and individuals.
“I tell people that whatever you need during
your day, we have a member who can help with
that,” he says.
Community Awards Nominees
Business Woman of the Year
• Simone Bell, Ga. State Representative (D-58)
• Laura Douglas-Brown, GA Voice
• Cindy Gardner, Life Touch Coaching
• Renee Weese, Minerva Planning Group
• Kelly Spurgeon & Pam Ridgway,
Advantage Graphics
Business Man of the Year
• Matt Hennie, Project Q Atlanta
• David Hober, Hober Realty
• Rick Kern, MixIt Marketing
• Gary Raches, Midtown IT
• Thomas Ryan, Carma Productions
Member of the Year
• The Artmore Hotel
• John Benthal, The Mission Motif
• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
• Perry Phillips, PerriSparkle Cleaning Services
• Pam Schloemer, Schloemer Bookkeeping
Corporate Ally
• Carma Productions
• The Coca Cola Company
• Cooper Atlanta Transportation
• SunTrust
• Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Guardian Angel
• For the Kid In All of Us
• Gay Fathers of Atlanta
• Out on Film
• Positive Impact
• Stonewall Bar Association
MORE INFO
Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Community Awards Dinner
Friday, Aug. 20
VIP reception & silent auction: 6 p.m.
General admission: 7 p.m., Dinner & program: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $130 VIP; $99 general admission
(Tickets can be purchased at the door)
The W Midtown
188 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30361
32 GA Voice August 6, 2010 Calendar www.theGAVoice.com

BEST BETS 08.06 - 08.20 Friday, Aug. 6

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.

SPOTLIGHT Cyndi Lauper joins forces with Sharon Jones & the
Dap Kings and David Rhodes. Doors open at 7 p.m.,
show starts at 8 p.m. Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive,
Atlanta, GA 30327, www.classicchastain.com. After
the concert, join Chris Coleman Enterprises for an
after party at Compound. No cover with wristband
from concert. A portion of each ticket sold will go to
Pets Are Loving Support. DJs Sean Mac and Mike
Pope spin. 1008 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318,
www.compoundatl.com, chriscolemanenterprises.com
Photo via Myspace

Singer-songwriter Nathan Beaver plays two shows

at Eddie’s Attic to celebrate the release of his new
CD “Universal You.” 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Eddie’s
Attic, 515 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030.
Wednesday, Aug. 11 www.eddiesattic.com Saturday, Aug. 14

Photo via mansionelan.com

Whoa, Nellie! Actress and activist Alison
Arngrim reads from her memoir “Confes-
sions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived
Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being
Hated,” about her experience playing
the iconic brat on the “Little House on the
Prairie” television series. 7:30-9 p.m. at
Outwrite, 991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA
30309. www.outwritebooks.com
Photo via Myspace
Friday, Aug. 6 –
Sunday, Aug. 8
Enjoy Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week through
Aug. 8, where you can enjoy three-course meals for
$25 or $35. Visit www.atlantadowntown.com for a list
of participating restaurants.
“Cats,” including gay actor John Jacob Lee as
Skimbleshanks, plays at the Fox Theatre through Aug.
8. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.ticketmaster.com
Saturday, Aug. 7
The National Organization for Marriage — you
know, the group that said a “gathering storm” was
Perpetually on the D-List but tops on the gay-list,
comedian Kathy Griffin brings her live show to the
Fox Theatre. Shows at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Fox, 660
Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308. www.ticketmaster.com
MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS www.theGAVoice.com
www.theGAVoice
Looking for more events? Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife
schedules and community organization meetings, provided by our friends at ProjectQAtlanta.com.
Join all of Atlanta’s International Gay Bowling Grant Harris signs “Under the Red Velvet Cover,”
Organization teams for a no-tap and fall bowling his memoir about childhood sexual abuse. 7:30 p.m.
league sign-ups. 1-4 p.m. at Midtown Bowl, 1936 at Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 991 Piedmont
Piedmont Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. http://www. Ave., Atlanta GA 30309, www.outwritebooks.com
facebook.com/event.php?eid=133121246725243

Saturday, Aug. 14
DJ Tony Moran spins at Jungle, 2115
Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324,
www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Photo via Myspace
brewing because gay people who love each other
want marriage rights— is coming to Atlanta to protest
gay marriage. A counter protest is planned. The
“Love + Commitment = Marriage” rally by Queer
Justice League of Atlanta is set for 12:30 to 2 p.m. at
Woodruff Park, followed by a “counter witness” and
protest from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the front side of the
state capitol. www.facebook.com/QJL.Atlanta
The gay Atlanta Bucks hosts a Rugby 101 Mini-
Camp to recruit for the fall season. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at
the Charles Allen entrance of Piedmont Park.
www.atlantabucksrugby.org
Sunday, Aug. 8
The Atlanta Freedom Bands and Color Guard
start their “Step off to Pride,” preparing for the
marching season leading up to the October festival.
Rehearsal from 6-8 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist
Church, 501 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
www.atlantafreedombands.com
Enjoy same-sex couples dance lessons with Toni
Ralston, followed by a dance party with DJ. 6-8:45 p.m.
at Mei Zhong Taiji Studio, 533-D West Howard St., Suite
D, Decatur, GA 30030. meetup.com/lgbtfriends-174/
Monday, Aug. 9
Tuesday, Aug. 10
Atlanta Women’s All About Business Networking
meets the second Tuesday of each month. Tonight’s
meeting is hosted by Marshall Graham, sales execu-
tive for the Georgia Voice. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Agave,
242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
hosts one of its series of Business Builder lunches.
11:55 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Kirkwood Public House, 1963
Hosea Williams, Atlanta, GA 30317. Also check their
website for upcoming lunches at SOHO in Vinings
(Aug. 11), Cowtippers (Aug. 17) and Marlow’s in North-
lake (Aug. 18). www.atlantagaychamber.org

Thursday, Aug. 19
Cliterati’s open no-mic is hosted by
the spoken word team of Karen G and
Theresa Davis; this month’s featured guest
is prize-winning poet Lacey Roop. 7:30-9
p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave.,
Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org
Looking for LGBT-inclusive worship services? Visit
www.thegavoice.com and click “Community,” then
“Organizations,” then search our list of Religious
Organizations for the right faith community for you.
The Hotlanta River Expo was one of the world’s first
gay circuit parties. Remember the glory days with
Atlanta River Raft Race: Reunited, a benefit for At-
lanta Cotillion, which raises funds for AID Atlanta. 10
a.m. at Powers Island in the Chattahoochee National
Park. $60 reservation includes raft and safety gear;
prizes for group with most creative raft.
www.atlantacotillion.com/riverraft
YouthPride, Atlanta’s center for LGBT young people,
hosts free HIV testing, the Empowered Forum, and
Trans & Friends discussion group tonight. All meet
at the YouthPride center, 1017 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta,
GA 30307. For times and the full weekly schedule of
discussion groups, drop-in hours and other events,
visit www.youthpride.org
It’s sushi with a side of sass every Monday as Nicki-
emoto’s hosts the family-friendly Dragamaki show
with Bubba D. Licious, Alexandria Martin and
Diamond Monroe. 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Nickiemoto’s,
990 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
The Atlanta Dream takes on the Seattle Storm.
7 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA
30303, www.ticketmaster.com
Wednesday, Aug. 11
The theme for this month’s PALS Bingo is “Red
Hat Society,” so don yours and head out to Jungle
for the popular monthly fundraiser for Pets Are
Loving Support, which helps people with HIV and
other serious health conditions care for their pets.
6:30-11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta,
GA 30324. www.palsatlanta.org
www.theGAVoice.com Calendar August 6, 2010 GA Voice 33

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Crosby, Stills,

Photo via Myspace

Nash & Young play Philips Arena. 7:30 p.m. at 1 Philips
Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.ticketmaster.com

Thursday, Aug. 12
Catch up with Carrie and the girls as “Sex & The
City 2,” featuring out actress Cynthia Nixon as
Miranda, shows on the big screen at the Fox Theatre.
Film at 7:30 p.m., party before at 5:30 p.m. $30 party
ticket includes film and a martini; $8 ticket for movie
only. 60 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
www.ticketmaster.com

It’s the grand opening of Piedmont Park’s new dog

park. Opening party is $5 per dog, with special pack-
ages for $10 and $50. Party is from 6-8 p.m. Online
registration at www.piedmontpark.org

Charis Circle presents author and professional

organizer Judith Kolberg with tips on how to make
your life less-cluttered and more organized. 7:30-9
p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta,
GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org
Friday, Aug. 13
Fourth Tuesday, a networking and supportive social
group for lesbian and bi women, hosts its monthly
happy hour. 6-8 p.m. at Bellissima, 560 B Amsterdam
Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306. www.fourthtuesday.org
The Atlanta Dream takes on the New York Liberty.
7 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA
30303, www.ticketmaster.com
My Sisters’ Room hosts the Friday Night Beat Down,
a competition between top female DJs. Tonight:
DJ Annalyze vs. Beverly Skillz. Doors open at
10 p.m. 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316,
www.mysistersroom.com
Process Theatre presents “Shopping and F**king”
by Mark Ravenhill, which opens today and runs
through Sept. 4 at OnStage Atlanta, 2597 N. Decatur
Rd. Atlanta, GA 30033, www.onstageatlanta.tix.com
“Patrik Age 1.5,” about two gay men who adopt
a child who doesn’t turn out to be quite what they
expected, opens today at Landmark Midtown Art
Cinema, 931 Monroe Dr., Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.landmarktheatres.com
Saturday, Aug. 14
Singer-songwriter Roseanne Cash, daughter of
Johnny Cash, reads and signs her memoir “Com-
posed,” and will also perform a few songs on a
custom Martin D-41 guitar that will be auctioned at
the event to benefit the Decatur Book Festival. 7-9
p.m. at Presser Hall at Agnes Scott College, 141 E Col-
lege Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.
Experience the “alterna-grass” music of the five-
person Roxie Watson band, which includes Beth
Wheeler, Lenny Lasater, Linda Bolley, Sonia
Tetlow and Becky Shaw – all veterans of Atlanta’s
queer-inclusive acoustic music scene. 9:30 p.m. at
Eddie’s Attic, 515 N McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030.
www.eddiesattic.com
THURSDAY, AUG. 12
Atlanta Queer Literary Festival Fundraiser
is part music, part comedy and all very queer.
Lineup includes KenJ, Lucas Mire, Bucky
Motter, Andy Ditzler, Guyton Maurice, and the
debut of Julia Carroll and Amy Lashley’s band,
Without a Net. Comedians include Alyssa
Barnett-Schott, Mindy Dawn Friedman, Sand-
ers Hulsey and Vivian Alford. Tickets are $12 in
advance, $15 at door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.,
show starts at 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515 B North
McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030,
eddiesattic.com, atlqueerlitfest.blogspot.com
Erykah Badu performs at Chastain Park Amphithe-
atre. 8 p.m. at 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327,
www.ticketmaster.com
Remember the Chamber? Mon Cherie’s Club Fetish
has a second annual reunion with live fetish perfor-
mances and DJ 313 at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge
Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
“He/She & Me: A Love Story,” about a woman
whose husband decides to transition to female, plays
through Aug. 15 at the Academy Theatre, 119 Center
St., Avondale Estates, GA 30002,
www.brownpapertickets.com
Sunday, Aug. 15
Sunday means Papi’s Brunch at Las Maragaritas
with DJ Karlitos. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Las Margaritas,
1842 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324.
www.lasmargaritasmidtown.com
The gay National Flag Football League of Atlanta
holds a beer bust to raise money for teams travel-
ing to Arizona for the gay Super Bowl. 2-9 p.m. at
FROGS Cantina, 31 Monroe Drive #A107, Atlanta, GA
30308, www.nffla.com
CONTINUED
ON PAGE 34
34 GA Voice August 6, 2010 Calendar www.theGAVoice.com

“Sunrise was
our first and
very best
choice”
EVENTS
Monday, Aug. 16
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

- Cathy Luce, Magical The “Superfraiche” pop concert series comes to

Meals Personal Chef Service Atlanta, with Dragonette, Shy Child and Barry
www.mychefsite.com/magicalmeals Brandon performing at the Drunken Unicorn at MJQ
Concourse. 9 p.m to 11:30 p.m. at 736 Ponce de Leon
FRIDAY, AUG. 20
Families trust Sunrise as their Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306. www.arjanwrites.com
DJ Vicki Powell spins at My Sister’s
Tuesday, Aug. 17 Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA
choice for Senior Living. Tuesday night is Gay Film Festival at the Heretic;
call 404-325-3061 for tonight’s feature. 9:30 p.m. at
30316. www.mysistersroom.com

2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324,

My mother has been lovingly cared for at Sunrise of Decatur
for ten years now. There is an inexpressible comfort to
know she is happy, peaceful, content and lovingly cared for
in the safety of Sunrise of Decatur. It has been such a bless-
ing to my partner and me to see my mother’s contentment
and happiness. It allows us to sleep well at night knowing
she is “at home” and that my partner, our son and I are
always welcomed and communicated with as a family.
-Cathy Luce, Magical Meals Personal Chef Service, www.mychefsite.com/magicalmeals
Call 404-377-6111 to schedule
a personal tour today!
Sunrise of Decatur 404-377-6111
Assisted Living • Memory Care
For more information and a FREE online newsletter, visit www.sunriseseniorliving.com
Color
40436
Sunrise Senior Living
Community: Decatur
PUB: GA Voice
Title: Ellis Testimonial
Size: 4.917”X 7.583”
Insertion: 6/11, 7/9, 8/6
Material: 6/4
UPCOMING
www.hereticatlanta.com
Wednesday, Aug. 18
The Atlanta Police Foundation holds Dine Out for a
Safer Atlanta to benefit the reward fund for Crime
Stoppers Atlanta. 5 p.m. to midnight at restaurants
across the city, which will donate 10 percent of sales
to CSA. For participating restaurants, visit
www.atlantapolicefoundation.org
Butch? Femme? What makes a man? The Gay Men’s
Outreach Program at AID Atlanta holds a discus-
sion of “The Butch Factor: Defining the Modern
Gay Man.” 7 p.m. at AID Atlanta, 1605 Peachtree St.,
Atlanta, GA 30309. www.aidatlanta.org
Heart performs with Neko Case at 8 p.m. at Chastain
Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327,
www.ticketmaster.com
SATURDAY, AUG. 21
Queer rockers Scissor Sisters plays
Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Buckhead Theatre,
Barry Brandon presents live music with Kyle Kirk- 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305
land and Tim Essary. 7:30 p.m. at Outwrite Bookstore www.ticketmaster.com
& Coffeehouse, 991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta GA 30309,
www.outwritebooks.com
920 Clairemont Avenue SUNDAY, AUG. 22
Dr. Mary Anne Bellinger, education coordinator for Donna Summer plays at 8 p.m. at Chastain Park
First Afrikan Church’s HIV/AIDS Initiative, discusses Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327,
“Sex & Spirituality in the Christian Church” as www.ticketmaster.com
part of the monthly Faiths & Feminisms discussion
group. 7:30-9 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25
Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org The B-52s and Blondie rock Chastain Park Am-
phitheatre, 7:30 p.m. at 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta,
Thursday, Aug. 19 GA 30327, www.ticketmaster.com
MEGA Family Project holds “Coming Home,” its free
monthly coming out support group for ages 18 and WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 –
older. 7-8:30 p.m. at Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb MONDAY, SEPT. 6
Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307. www.megafamilyproject.org Labor Day Weekend brings the world’s largest
Black Gay Pride celebration to Atlanta. Events
Friday, Aug. 20 kick off Wednesday with a candle light vigil and run
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce through Monday with film screenings, literature
hosts its annual gala Community Awards Dinner. readings, a health expo, community luncheon,
Black-tie optional; tickets $99 or $130 for VIP. 6-9:30 jazz brunch, fashion show, and packed schedule
p.m. at the W Midtown, 188 14th St., Atlanta, Georgia of nightlife offerings. www.inthelifeatl.com
30361. www.atlantagaychamber.org
www.theGAVoice.com August 6, 2010 GA Voice 35