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The Georgia Voice - 11/9/12 Vol.3, Issue 18
The Georgia Voice - 11/9/12 Vol.3, Issue 18
11.09.12
NEWS
Inside Georgia and Americas new growing gayby boom. Page 4 AIDS Walk Atlanta still pushing for $1 million goal. Page 7 HIV research agency seeks help after unexpected move. Page 7
EDITORIAL
Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com Contributors: Melissa Carter, Brent Corcoran, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Ryan Lee
The comments that sought to link the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy to our states embrace of marriage equality are as offensive as they are ignorant.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, responding to Rabbi Noson Leiter, who called Hurricane Sandy divine retribution for New York legalizing gay marriage. (New York Daily News, Nov. 5)
ELECTION
What Obamas win means for LGBT issues. Page 10
BUSINESS
Publisher: Christina Cash ccash@thegavoice.com Associate Publisher: Tim Boyd tboyd@thegavoice.com Sales Executive: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com
It was really challenging and as an actress having to nd chemistry with other actresses, it was kind of a new experience for me and kind of confronting of my own real world sexuality.
Michelle Ang on playing Sophia, a character coming out as a lesbian, on the new MTV drama Underemployed. (Celebuzz, Oct. 30)
Photo courtesy MTVPress.com
Huge victories for marriage equality on Election Day. Page 10 First lesbian elected to U.S. Senate. Page 11 Three lesbians return to Ga. General Assembly. Page 13
A&E
Queer BOIS celebrate masculine-identied women. Page 15 Art: Heroes + Villains debuts after community kickstart. Page 17 Food: On pornography, plus the cute new guy. Page 18 Theater: Wolves and Cirque du Soleils Totem. Page 19 TV: Local lesbian chefs get Chopped. Page 20 Photos: Black Party, Jerusalem Houses Ghosts of Hollywood. Page 21
BOARD OF ADVISERS
Youre never going to make it. Youve got that gay red top on.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, in an interview, describing the shirt of The Farming Show presenter Jamie Mackay; Key later said he meant it to mean weird, not to be homophobic. (New Zealand Herald, Nov. 6)
COMMUNITY
Upcoming events honor transgender community. Page 23
Im currently touring [schools], attacking homophobia in the playground and discouraging kids from the careless use of gay which might make their gay friends (and teachers) feel less about themselves. So even as he supports the proposal to introduce same-gender marriages in New Zealand, I do hope John Key listens to his critics and appreciates their concern.
Gay actor Sir Ian McKellen, blogging that the New Zealand prime minister should watch his language. (New Zealand Herald, Nov. 6)
photo
CALENDAR
Pages 24-25
COLUMNISTS
Thats What She Said: Melissa Carter on moving on after the election. Page 26 Domestically Disturbed: Topher Payne is in it to win it. Page 27
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Kristen Skillen (above) says she has not experienced discrimination as a single lesbian mom raising her young son. Ebonee Woodruff-Barnes (below, right with partner Tonie Tobias) raised her two sons in the 1980s, and says she is much more out as a parent now that she is raising her greatniece, Nykisha. (Courtesy photos)
Ebonee Woodruff-Barnes knows first-hand how much has changed for LGBT parents in the last two decades. The biological mother of two sons born in the late 1980s, Woodruff-Barnes is parenting a young one once again, having raised her seven-year-old great-niece since birth.
At the time I was raising the older ones, I was more closeted than I am now, WoodruffBarnes said. It was definitely the era. I pretty much couldnt be who I was when it came to being a parent, I think because I had to be a parent and not be myself. Out in the open, I couldnt be a lesbian mother, she said. Now, I can be who I am, I can classify myself as a lesbian parent and there wont be any repercussions for that. The Feminist Womens Health Center has always tracked the outness of the clients in its donor insemination program, and the openness with which gay parents are living their lives has radically changed, Panacci said. Almost all couples applying to come in now specify that theyve already built their village, Panacci said. I cant even remember the last time I met with a woman or couple who self-identify as LGBT and didnt say that they were out to their families, or even out at work. The outness and how thats shifted in the past decade has been tremendous. Woodruff-Barnes recalls receiving some awkward glances and greetings when her child attended school in more rural Douglas County, but she and her partner were voted Parents of the Year twice since moving to DeKalb County. The school knows that I have a partner and the teachers know and we dont have an issue, she said. The other parents also know that I
have a partner and they treat us very well. Woodruff-Barnes considers herself part of the enduring legacy of black LGBT people stepping in to raise the child of a family member. Its very common, she said. Id say about 75 percent of my friends who do not have their own biological kids are raising one of their family members.
From 1990 to 2006, the percentage of samesex couples raising children increased by about 50 percent, according to research by Gary Gates, the Williams Distinguished Scholar at the UCLA School of Laws Williams Institute, who studies the demographics of LGBT people in the United States using data from the U.S. Census and other government studies. In 1990, 12 percent of same-sex couples were raising children; in 2006, the percent was up to nearly 19 percent, Gates noted in a report
last year. The figure has since dropped to about 16 percent. This pattern seems to contradict the prevailing view that increasing numbers of lesbians and gay men (and same-sex couples) are raising children, Gates noted. However, a closer look at these data suggests that there may be two different trends occurring with regard to parenting. Rather than a decline in gay couples choosing to parent, Gates attributed the drop from 2006 to the present to an increase in gay couples adopting children that is offset by a decline in LGBT people having children with differentsex partners before coming out. In the 2000 Census, out of same-sex couples raising children, nearly 10 percent had an adopted child. By 2009, 19 percent of same-sex couples with kids had adopted a child a substantial rise in adoptive parenting, Gates noted. At the same time, declines in social stigma toward LGB people mean that more are coming out earlier in life and are becoming less likely to have children with different-sex partners, Gates observed. Kristen Skillin came out to her parents at age 14 in 2005, but briefly experimented with a guy two years later and became pregnant. Since her son was four months old, Skillin has been raising him as a single lesbian mom, and believes her experience has been similar to her heterosexual counterparts. Being a single mom dating is a lot harder because you have to pace it, Skillin said. Is this going to be a serious relationship? Are they going to meet your kid? Should you bring them over? My son is five now, and definitely hes going to remember people, and I cant bring people into his life if Im just dating them, she said. At 21, Skillin embodies the openness that successive generations of LGBT parents can enjoy. It wasnt until a year after Skillin came out as lesbian that her father acknowledged to the family that he was gay. Skillins own son, Wesley, once asked her when she was going to get married, and Skillin told him she has to find the right girl. He said, Arent you supposed to marry a boy? Skillin recalled. I said, Most people, boys and girls marry, but it does happen when boys marry boys and girls marry girls, and that okay. We have very open discussions about that. Ive been very open with him. Skillin remembers a middle-school classmate who used to be teased because she had two mothers, but said, I think weve made great movements toward equality and people becoming more and more accepting. Living in the Bible Belt, you wouldnt expect too many people to be accepting, but Ive been seeing it at my sons daycare, and his friends parents, said Skillin, who lives in Buford. Its been a lot easier than I would have expected it to be.
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Jamie Fergerson (right) and her husband, Max Green, are raising their young son, Rowan, with broad support from friends and family. (Courtesy photo)
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us, so we knew the costs were really expensive, said Jamie Fergerson, who is the parent of a 7-month-old son along with her husband, Max, who is transgender. And so we had been saving money for a couple of years before we started trying to get pregnant, Fergerson said. The cost is certainly prohibitive for some people, and a stretch for a lot of people. William Kinnane and John Petersen, a gay couple in Sandy Springs, spent more than $35,000 over four years trying to adopt a child. They now have a three-year-old daughter, Riley, and are thinking about expanding their family. We might do surrogacy or through foster care, said Kinnane, who added that they are also considering an international adoption. Despite the gayby boom that is seen in public and popular media, the majority of LGBT individuals and couples remain childless, according to Gates research. Petersen and Kinnane were among the LGBT parents attending the 4th annual MEGA Family Conference hosted by the MEGA Family Project Nov. 3, and Kinnane said the organization helps connect them with other families. Ferguson believes parenthood can be particularly isolating for LGBT and queer couples whose peers are childless, and considers her young family fortunate to have a broad support group. Most of our friends dont have kids, but were lucky that weve built a friend community that loves children, and they love our child, Fergerson said. Were also lucky that our families of origin are pretty supportive now. I wouldnt say that its always been that way or that it was easy for them to come to the place where theyre happy and supportive, but everyone loves a grandchild.
Finding support
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NEWS IN BRIEF
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Founded in 1988, the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta is one of Atlantas oldest continuously operating HIV/AIDS service organizations. The agency learned in mid-September it would be forced from its home on Ponce de Leon Avenue after its building was purchased by a real estate developer who planned to build new residential properties. The move to ARCAs new location at 440 Ralph McGill Blvd. has been challenging, Dr. Melanie Thompson, ARCA executive director, told GA Voice. We were given about eight weeks, but it took us a long time to nd a place where we wanted to live, given all the different constraints, Thompson said. We had been in our old place 22 years. You can imagine how much stuff accumulates over 22 years. In addition to the lab and research equip-
ment, ARCA also had to nd a new place to store more than 15 years of records as required by the Food & Drug Administration. A fundraising drive called Operation Move ARCA was set up to help the service organization fund the move to its new home. So far, ARCA has raised about half of its goal of $10,000, Thompson said. The fundraising effort will continue through the next few months to help bridge that gap. ARCA is currently accepting donations through its Facebook page. Thompson said ARCA would be up and running on Monday, Nov. 12. Were going to be really happy here, Thompson said. Well be starting three new studies within the next couple of weeks and that will be exciting. Ryan Watkins
(h u g e! )
Tre e
AIDS Walk Atlanta still hopes to raise $1 million for local organizations
Donations can be made through November
The 2012 AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K run drew thousands to Piedmont Park Oct. 27 in hopes of raising $1 million to fund several HIV/AIDS organizations. As of Nov. 6, the event had raised more than $850,000, but donations will be accepted until the end of November. Last year, AIDS Walk Atlanta raised close to $1 million, surpassing 2010s total by $82,000. The agency still seeks a new executive director after Tracy Elliott resigned from the position in June after serving ve years at the helm. Jon Santos, development director at AID Atlanta, resigned shortly after Elliott to take a position with Jerusalem House. As AID Atlanta continues it search for a new executive director, it is being led by the team of its top management ofcers. AID Atlanta Board Chair Mark Rinder said the AIDS Walk is right on track to reach last years total, but did not respond to questions about the director search by press time. Beneciaries for this years AIDS Walk are AID Atlanta, the Ric Crawford Clinic (former-
People take time to visit the AIDS Memorial Quilt during this years AIDS Walk. The event still hopes to reach its nancial goal. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
ly AID Gwinnett), AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, Aniz Inc., Jerusalem House, Living Room Inc., Positive Impact and Project Open Hand. The team that raised the most money this year was SunTrust. The winner of the 5K run was Genesis Henderson. There were 784 runners in this years 5K. Organizers estimate approximately 10,000 people participated in the AIDS Walk. Dyana Bagby
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President Obama included gay Americans in his acceptance speech, noting that whether youre gay or straight you can make it here in America if youre willing to try. (Publicity photo)
Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT political group, via email. Our community has exed our political muscle with exit polls showing lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans increasing our presence at the polls from 4 percent of the vote in 2008 to 5 percent this year, Grifn continued. And the president gained many more supporters among
lesbian, gay, and bisexual voters jumping seven points to garner 77 percent of our vote. While acknowledging the importance of an Obama win, Grifn highlighted the work LGBT rights advocates have ahead. Too many people are still denied the ability to marry. Too many people go to their jobs without workplace protections. Too many
MAINE
For: 51.9 percent Against: 48.1 percent The Maryland state legislature and governor approved same-sex marriage last spring. Opponents immediately pushed for a referendum to stop it. They lost. On Nov. 6, voters approved the measure that establishes that Marylands civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license.
MARYLAND
Yes: 47.6 percent No: 52.4 percent Minnesota already has a state law banning same-sex marriage. On Nov. 6, voters were asked whether to amend the state constitution to recognize marriage solely between one man and one woman. They refused making Minnesota the rst state ever to defeat an anti-gay marriage amendment.
MINNESOTA
Approve: 51.8 percent Reject: 48.2 percent Washingtons state legislature and governor approved marriage equality last year, but like in Maryland, opponents pushed for a ballot measure to stop it. To uphold same-sex marriage, voters had to vote to approve Referendum 74. Ballots were still being counted at press time, but it appeared to be another victory for marriage equality.
WASHINGTON
Sources: Unofcial state election results, local media. Tallies likely to change slightly as provisional and absentee ballots are counted.
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But Obamas positions on a wide variety of issues, not just those directly impacting LGBT constituents, made him the better choice, Nipper said. Its not just about things we naturally think about being LGBT-specific, its a whole host of things. HIV travel ban, making sure people have access to treatment for HIV and AIDS. Its making sure people have access to affordable healthcare those are LGBT issues. We will be working very hard to make sure those issues are addressed with sound policy that reflects our lives, Nipper said. But not all gay political insiders were happy with Obamas victory. Jimmy LaSalvia, executive director of gay conservative political organization GOProud, supported Romney throughout the general election. He wont have some sort of popular mandate, LaSalvia told GA Voice in a telephone interview this week. Its going to be up to the Republicans in the House to make sure he shows up to work, passes a budget and we start to move on a path to reduce spending and the debt.
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LaSalvia said he believes as the countrys electorate continues to embrace LGBT issues, so will politicians on the right. I know that there are some that are actively thinking about how theyre going to make that statement, LaSalvia said. Most of those people, I dont think have been vocally anti-gay marriage, but more and more folks are realizing its important to speak out. Thats the problem with so many people on the right, they havent cared about the issue or have never said anything. As to what he expects from an Obama presidency, LaSalvia said he hoped Republicans and Democrats would work together to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I think that DOMA is a pressing issue for a lot of gay people. Thats an issue most gay people can agree on. There are issues like that where our political capital and our efforts should be focused. Thats a piece of legislation that actually hurts gay families, he said. Convincing Republican lawmakers, who will retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 113th Congress, to work toward DOMAs repeal is something constituents will need to do, LaSalvia said. Lets just be real about how this issue is treated by politicians. No politicians came to their position before their base constituency. We know that President Obama did not make a public statement in support of same-sex marriage until he felt that the base of the Democratic Party was there on that issue, he said. As for what to expect from the Republican Party in the wake of its defeat, LaSalvia thinks the GOP will need to find a new message to win over a broader base of voters when it comes to social issues. There will be a quite a struggle between some of the social conservatives and the rest of the party, LaSalvia said. They will try to make the case that Mitt Romney wasnt conservative enough. The reality is that he was consistently in the social conservatives camp on abortion and same-sex marriage and other social issues. He took the positions they wanted him to take the entire time.
with Americas Got Talent Finalist David Garibaldi in the VIP Experience and
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It was a great Election Day for LGBT equality across the nation, but in the red state of Georgia there is still much work to be done to move forward. Lesbian candidates ruled the night in Georgia. State Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) easily coasted to victory Nov. 6 by defeating Republican challenger Earl Cooper to retain her District 58 seat. State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and state Rep. Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta), both openly gay, return to the House after having no challengers in the general election. Drenner represents District 85 and will serve her seventh term in the legislature. Waites represents District 60 and will serve her rst full term after winning a special election in February. Gay candidates Tim Riley of Athens and Timothy Swiney of Lawrenceville, both Democrats, were unable to defeat Republican incumbents. Bell, the rst out African-American lesbian in the nation elected to a state legislature, thanked her supporters for entrusting her to another term in ofce. But she also stressed the seriousness of LGBT communities becoming more involved in state politics after Democrats were able to narrowly defeat a GOP constitutional majority in the House and Senate. A constitutional majority, or two-thirds of the members of the House or Senate, is the vote threshold required to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in Georgia. In 2004, it took Democrats crossing party lines to vote with Republicans to put the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on the ballot. If the GOP had won a constitutional majority, similar amendments could be sent to voters without needing any Democratic support. Were going to have to be diligent watching what legislating comes forward, what bills are led, Bell said. We have been talking about strategies, such as about adoption. We need to remain vigilant as a community and continue to show up at the capitol. There has been talk for years about state Republican leaders working to ban adoption by gay couples. There is currently no law on the books in Georgia that addresses the issue. I think specically for LGBT issues, I would really like to see LGBT communities across Georgia really focus on our local politics
Georgias rst openly gay state lawmaker, rst elected in 2000, was unopposed in both the July primary and the November general election.
Building coalitions
X
TIMOTHY SWINEY
(D-Lawrenceville) House District 101 Percent of vote: 43.7
X
BRAD PLOEGER
(Libertarian-Atlanta) Public Service Commission Percent of vote: 4.8
Brad Ploeger lost to GOP incumbent Chuck Eaton, who got 52.1 percent of the vote. Democrat Steve Oppenheimer took 43.1 percent.
X
(D-Rome) Floyd County Commission Post 2 Percent of vote: 34.6
GARY D. HARRELL
Lawrencevilles Timothy Swiney lost his challenge to Republican Rep. Valerie Clark, who received 56.3 percent of the vote.
Gary Harrell fell short in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Garry E. Fricks, who got 65.3 percent of the vote.
Sources: Unofcial results from county election ofces and Georgia Secretary of State.
urbs, Graham said. The hard-fought re-election of state Rep. Pedro Marin, a Democrat in Gwinnett representing District 96 and a strong ally of LGBT equality, points to a hint of the tide turning in Georgia to becoming more progressive, Graham said. We hope this election shows that moderate Republicans can embrace LGBT issues, he said. It is important to work with other com-
munities to nd candidates we can all support and how we begin to change the political landscape in Georgia. Graham was optimistic about President Obamas win and the marriage equality victories and how they will impact state politics. Last night was not a uke. It was really a phenomenal election night and bodes well we will see greater change on our issues in Georgia, he said Wednesday.
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ART
by Laura Douglas-Brown
Cleo Meyer, Agent 1447 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Bus: 404-817-0960 cleo.meyer.mdhi@statefarm.com
My Little Pony and Malecent from Sleeping Beauty are two of the characters portrayed in the third installment of Philip Bonneaus Heroes + Villains series.(Photos by Philip Bonneau)
labor of love, which he describes as including more Disney and pop culture characters than his past exhibits, as well as more models dressed in drag, which he says helps create a complete escape from reality. There is sexuality present, he adds. There are pieces that would be uncomfortable to see, but in the end it is about nding beauty in even the strangest of things. For the rst time you truly get a sense of Heroes + Villains as a thriving world of individuality where the models are truly alive in these images. Heroes + Villains 3 opens Nov. 16 and runs through Dec. 7 at Inherent Design Lab. The opening event is the only way to see this show as the artist intended, Bonneau says. All 50 pieces will hang together that night, with framed wall prints and comic book prints available. Some pieces that really are risque will only be up for that evening and Ive gone as far as even getting some of the models from the images to perform live at the opening in character such as Dylan Micheal as Cruella DeVille and DJ Chris Griswold is spinning music dressed as Ironman from H+V1, Bonneau says. A silent auction of the art will benet AID Atlanta. This show was made possible by the entire community and it was very important for me to give it back to the community, he explains. And as the show reaches the public, Bon-
Condence isnt the only difference in Heroes + Villains 3. For the earlier installments, each photo shoot was created on a shoestring budget. With this new show, I always knew thematically that it was to be the spectacle and shock show that needed to advance from the $10-20 budget I had previously for each shoot, Bonneau says. He spent a month promoting his project on Kickstarter.com, a fundraising website for creative projects, and was amazed by the results. I even went as far as posting a picture of myself naked holding up a sign asking for help when I truly thought the goal was not going to be met, Bonneau recalls. In the end, help is what I got. With over 221 donors, predominantly from Atlanta, but all throughout the world, I raised $15,970. The national attention and support was definitely an overwhelming experience, he says. Five months later, Bonneau presents his
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A&E
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Food Porn is a fictional series by longtime Atlanta food critic Cliff Bostock. Set in real Atlanta restaurants, it chronicles the adventures of Robert, a gay man in search of a husband or at least a good meal. Read the whole series online at www.theGAVoice.com.
Recommended
Eclectic Bistro Bar
1425 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309 404-426-7728, facebook.com/eclecticbistrobar Good choices: a starter of Portuguese clams with chorizo, tomatoes and garlic croutons; Greek moussaka; and Italian veal marsala with Portobello mushrooms, roasted potatoes and sauted spinach Robert said. But porn is also about the natural variation of sexual desire. True story. Yall remember Jerry Falwell, right? He was one of the most mean-spirited, homophobic evangelical leaders ever. His most successful fundraiser one year was sending people who made donations a video made with a hidden camera at the Folsom Street Fair. He said it was to provide evidence of how sick we are. But it was really gay porn for good Christians. They watched it, shocked and praying, while hiding their erections under Bibles. Thats what sexual oppression is all about hiding your own taboo desire. Most at the table laughed. Appetizers were arriving and the conversation turned to chatter. Robert reached for a clam and just as he did so, a man came to the table. Im sorry to be late, he said. Robert looked up and was astonished. If ever an outwardly perfect man had entered his vision, this was him. Im Lee, the stranger said extending his hand.
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A&E
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Cirque du Soleils Totem stars gay gymnast Joe Putagnino as the leading character, Crystal Man. After yearning for the Olympics, Putagnino overcame drug addiction to return to gymnastics on stage. (Photo by OSA Images)
With large, international casts, Cirque Du Soleil productions almost always feature LGBT performers and Totem, now playing in Atlanta, is no exception. Under the Grand Chapiteau at Atlantic Station, Totem stars openly gay Joe Putagnino as the leading character, Crystal Man, who officially brings the show to life decked out in a stretch velvet leotard.
an article about a contortionist. It was a long, difficult process, he says. I had not done a split in 10 years. I was a heroin addict. He decided to get help and was able to resurrect a performing career. He appeared on Broadway in Twyla Tharps The Times They Are A-Changin and was later asked by Robert Lepage, the director of Totem, to come aboard in 2009. The actor was part of the world premiere in Montreal in 2010. In all the cast includes more than 50 musicians and acrobats. A performers sexual orientation is not an issue in Cirque Du Soleil, Putagnino notes. First and foremost, they are all athletes working together to do a job, he says. He has been with the show since its inception and Atlanta is his last city. He is excited to be able to move on to a different project, hoping to do some acting and modeling, but is melancholy about leaving his tight-knit Cirque family behind.
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TV
by Dyana Bagby
PH
Atlanta chef Ria Pell appears on the Food Networks Chopped Nov. 20. (Publicity photo)
Cooking on hyperdrive
While Pell cant comment on what mystery ingredients she was forced to cook, she can say one thing is for sure: the speed and urgency you see on TV is exactly what it is like in the Chopped kitchen. It was fast and furious, Pell says. It was like I was on a spaceship on hyperdrive. I really was like, Oh, my god. Its really as stressful as you see on TV. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Ted Allen was the perfect host, Pell says. Hes so awesome. Hes very handsome and had good shoes. He was a complete professional. He is clever and smart and handsome, Pell coos. Pell says she tried to prepare for the show by watching hours and hours of Chopped to see all the different kinds of ingredients that are thrown at the chefs.
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Picture this
Ghosts of Hollywood was the theme for this years Halloween costume celebration to benet Jerusalem House, which provides homes for people impacted by HIV. The event was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012. (Photos by Brent Corcoran / RNZ Photography)
PHOTOS
om
The 10th annual Black Party was held Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Opera. The event was a benet for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Organized by 5Friends4Life, the event featured the theme Wicked. (Photos by Brent Corcoran / RNZ Photography)
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Community
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Last years Transgender Day of Remembrance, facilitated by Tracee McDaniel (left) and the Juxtaposed Center for Transformation, was held on the steps of the state capitol. This year, TDOR moves indoors to the Phillip Rush Center and includes a health fair before the annual vigil on Nov. 20. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
Tuesday, Nov. 20 Health fair from 1 p.m. 5 p.m. Vigil to begin at 6:30 p.m. Phillip Rush Center 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta GA 30307 The panel discussion on Friday will explore the many difculties facing the transgender community, including legal issues as well as employment and health care. It will also serve as Transgender 101 for those wanting to learn more, Courtney-Evans says. On Nov. 17 also at the Little Five Points Community Center, the Purple Affair will honor and recognize people who are doing important work for the transgender community. This is an awards dinner for those who have played an integral roles in trans activism and community involvement, Courtney-Evans says. While the event is free, we are asking for donations. This is a fundraiser for TILTT as well as the Shepherds Table Church. On Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Shepherds Table Church, the service will be led completely by transgender people. Basically what this does is stretch it out to give it more days of transgender recognition rather than one day where everyone focuses on transgender issues for only a few hours, Courtney-Evans says. I think thats good. If you cant come to TDOR, you can experience a trans event during the course of three other events.
Courtney-Evans also acknowledged that reading the names of the dead each year during the Transgender Day of Remembrance has been somewhat frustrating. Yes, it is important to remember those who have died, but it is also past time to work toward making change for those who are alive, she says. To me, weve had so many losses and we lose so many every year, she says. The list gets longer. I for one could stand less name reading and more ideas of motivating those in attendance to organize a movement to change. Once a year we read names and then were gone and its, Oh, well, as opposed to actually doing some tangible actions to change the status quo. For Courtney-Evans, that includes passage of a state hate crime law, but also addressing risky behaviors some transgender people are forced into because they cant nd a job which can lead to homelessness, HIV, and health disparities. Its the whole domino effect, she says. Until we can nd a way to change that, were going to have names continue to be called. Calling names is a touch but it doesnt solve the problem. I hope I dont sound too callous, but it seems to be an exercise in futility. Its the same
every year. People continue to fall but no one is doing anything to effectively change. Several events specically for the transgender community are also planned the weekend before the Transgender Day of Remembrance. From Nov. 16-18, The Shepherds Table Covenant Church and local transgender groups join together to sponsor Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Celebration Weekend. Shepherds Table Covenant Church, led by Pastor Elliott Sommerville, is a strong supporter of transgender people, says Courtney-Evans. Events include a community discussion panel on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Little Five Points Community Center. The Purple Affair: An Evening of Transgender Recognition, is planned from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the community center; and Transgender Recognition Sunday will be held during the 11:45 a.m. service at the Shepherds Table, featuring guest speaker Elder Rahkel Henry. This year is going to a busy week for transgender events and celebrations, says Courtney-Evans, who is helping organize some of the events of this weekend.
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GA Voice
November 9, 2012
Calendar
www.theGAVoice.com
There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.
Friday, Nov. 9
Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday hosts its monthly Happy Hour at 6 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com Kai Lin Art presents the opening of Afnity, a six-artist solo exhibit featuring detailed, metaphysical works. Opening party tonight 7-10 p.m.; exhibit continues through Dec. 8 at Kai Lin Art + Shop, 3096 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com Its a coming out party, so wear your best bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, quinceanera, debutante or sweet 16 garb as Ellisorous REX and the Dance Machine present their rst-ever event. Performances at 8, 9:30 and 11 p.m. at Marys, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com DJ Nat spins hard rock for Rock of Ages night at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com
Friday, Nov. 9
The Brushstrokes Miss Originality Pageant features $1,000 for the winner, $500 for rst runner up and $300 for second runner up. Provocative drag star Sharon Needles performs and serves as special guest judge. Proceeds benet PALS and Lost-N-Found Youth. 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.brushstrokes.us/pageant
Saturday, Nov. 10
Saturday, Nov. 17
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The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host Karma Class, a donation-based community yoga class open to teenagers and adults. Proceeds benet HERO for Children, which helps kids impacted by HIV. 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://antoniogarza89.wix. com/karma-class To honor the 100th anniversary of Bayard Rustins birth, the Auburn Avenue Research Library joins with a host of local LGBT and progressive organizations to screen Brother Outsider: the Life of Bayard Rustin, a documentary about the late black gay activist. 1 p.m. at AARL Heritage Education Center Auditorium, 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, http://on.fb.me/SLVnqX The MISTER Center at Positive Impact hosts an art opening for Richard Satchell, whose paintings and photography are inspired by local grafti in Atlanta. 6-9 p.m. at MISTER, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/VNMKJK The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournaments Miss Dixie Pageant gets the glitter going at 6:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www. dixiebowl.org The Southern Bears hold their monthly meeting, then dinner and bar night as DJ Pat Scott spins. 6:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com Atlantas feminist bookstore hosts a discussion on Writing the Tough Stuff with memoirists Deborah Jiang Stein and Jessica Handler. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Monday, Nov. 12
Lesbian rock superstar Melissa Etheridge plays a show at Symphony Hall on her 4th Street Feeling tour. 8 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantasymphony.org
Theres something for everyone at the House Show + House Party benetting Southerners on New Ground, which works on LGBT, feminist, race, class and other progressive issues in our region. Bring family and kids to Part 1, My Gay Banjo Show, with doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8:30 p.m.; Part 2, the Bootylicious Dance Party, is for grown-ups only from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Donation of $5-25 at 657 Woodland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.southernersonnewground.org The Atlanta Opera opens its 2012-2013 seasons with Carmen. Opens tonight at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com Get ready to laugh with the Its That Time of the Month comedy show at 8:30 p.m., followed by the High Heels, Red Bottoms Femme Revue. My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com The Edgewood Electronic Music Festival highlights local artists and DJS at 12 restaurants and other venues along Edgewood Avenue, including LGBT favorites like Church, Sauced, Nonis, the Sound Table and more. http://on.fb.me/QgHRvY
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MORE LGBT EVENTS: Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules, sports, worship services and community organization meetings. www.thegavoice.com/calendar
Hosted by Mariah Balenciaga of Rupauls Drag Race, the Diva! dance party features performances by Michael Robinson, Corian Ellisor and Marcus Allen. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com DJ Eddie Baez spins at 10 p.m. with a Madonna ticket giveaway at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com Dubtribe Soundsystem performs 10 p.m. 5 a.m. at Rush Lounge, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30305, http://irispromotion.eventbrite.com/ The Mr. Hideaway Bear & Cub contest is part of the Southeast Bears & Kubs rst Bear Run, The Great Bear Escape, this weekend at Roys Hideaway, the private gay campground at 268 Catsh Lane, Collins, GA 30421, www.royshideaway.com
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Wednesday, Nov. 14
LGBT ally and rugby star Ben Cohen hosts the launch for his new StandUp Magazine and the Compete Sports Diversity Awards; today is also StandUp Day, when Cohen calls on everyone to stand up against bullying. General admission tickets $125; VIP $250. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Twelve Atlantic Station, 361 17th St., Atlanta, GA 30363, www.standupfoundation.com
Sunday, Nov. 11
Jen Cross hosts a workshop on unveiling your bodys stories through writing. 11 a.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
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Its mother-efng Madonna yall. See the MDNA tour everyones been talking about. 8 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive Atlanta, GA 30303, www.ticketmaster.com
www.theGAVoice.com
Help others with a donation for the Thanksgiving Food Drive for Lift Up Atlanta. 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.liftupatlanta.org DJ Chris Griswold spins on the patio for the Hope Party beer bust to raise additional funds for the recent AIDS Walk Atlanta. 2-6 p.m. at FROGS Cantina, 931 Monroe Drive #A107, Atlanta, GA 30308. DJ Vicki Powell spins for the ofcial Edgewood Electronic Music Festival closing party. 7 pm. midnight at Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30312, www.sisterlouisaschurch.com Blakes on the Park kicks off Madonna Week; check their website, Twitter and Facebook for updates, events and giveaways. www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com Lesbian Jen Foster and Antigone Rising play a show for the Decatur crowd. 7:30 p.m. at Eddies Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com The Third Friday Film Series presents Pariah, about an African-American teen coming out. $1-$10 sliding scale donations. Doors at 7 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
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Calendar
November 9, 2012
GA Voice
25 28
UPCOMING
The Santaland Diaries, an Atlanta theater tradition, brings gay humorist David Sedaris acidly satirical take on working as Macys elf back to the stage. Opens tonight, runs through Dec. 30 at Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.horizontheatre.com The dynamic duo of Amy & Freddy return to Atlanta with a new show to make you laugh and sing along. 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com
Friday, Nov. 23
Meak Productions hosts an upscale LGBT Business Network Social and birthday celebration for founder Miko Evans. 7:30 p.m. at the Drafting Table, 349 Decatur St., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.meakproductions.com
Monday, Nov. 12
Friday, Nov. 16
Every Monday night, enjoy Stars of the Century at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
DJ greats Chus + Ceballos spin for Icon at 9 p.m. 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com W After Work hosts round two of their friendly fundraising competition, with Dragony Salon and Paragon Salon competing to see who can raise the most tips for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. 7-9 p.m. at Spice Market at the W Midtown, 188 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30361. PFLAG Peachtree City hosts a support meeting for parents, friends and families of LGBT people at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews in the Pines Episcopal Church 316 N. Peachtree Parkway Peachtree City, GA 30269. For information on meetings throughout the state, visit www.pagatl.org Poet Robin G. White is the featured guest at this months Cliterati Open No Mic. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com Thursdays at 9 p.m. get your Glee on the television screens at Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com Thursdays are 18-and-up College Night at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
Friday nights are for the grown and sexy with DJ Smash starting at 10 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com It will technically be Saturday morning when DJ Martin Fry spins at Xion following Chus+Ceballos at Jungle. 3-7 a.m. at Xion, 2241 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.cariocaproductions.com
Friday, Nov. 30
Tuesday, Nov. 13
The Atlanta Lesbian & Gay Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Lunch. 11:50 a.m. at Brio Tuscan Grille. 2964 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantagaychamber.org
Its the last ManShaft party of the year: the Levi-Leather edition. 10 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/cockpit.atlanta Gay saxophonist Dave Koz brings his Christmas show back to Georgia. 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Center at Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com
Mixx hosts The Big Chill, a three-day open house event to highlight changes at the nightclub. 5-9 p.m. at 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Black and White Ball is the theme for this months PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org SkateBoyz ATL presents its LGBT media appreciation night, including a birthday celebration for Miko Evans of Meak Productions. 8 p.m. 1 a.m. at Metro Skates, 1959 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30315, www.facebook.com/skateboyzatl Remembering Old Hollywood is the theme for the Miss LeBuzz Pageant, hosted by Destiny Brooks. 9 p.m. 3 a.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com
The Shepherds Table Covenant Church and local transgender groups join together to sponsor Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Celebration Weekend. Events include a community discussion panel on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Little Five Points Community Center: The Purple Affair: An Evening of Transgender Recognition, from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the community center; and Transgender Recognition Sunday during the 11:45 a.m. service at the Shepherds Table, featuring guest speaker Elder Rahkel Henry. 404-573-6311.
Sunday, Dec. 2
Saturday, Nov. 17
A coming out support group for LGBT adults meets on Saturdays through today; 4 p.m. at First MCC Community Center, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. www.rstmcc.com Kings, queens and femmes compete every other Saturday for Drag Race Season III at 9 p.m. at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com Go Man 2 Man every Saturday night at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com DJ Trouble and MC Wild Thing head up Wassup N Atls Score Saturdays at Scoreboards, 1371 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, www.wassupnatl.com
Toy Party, the biggest holiday part of the year, features DJ Vicki Powell, cocktails, food and more to collect a mountain of toys for underprivileged kids. Admission is $5 plus a new, unwrapped toy worth $20; VIP admission levels also offered. 5-9 p.m. at Americas Mart 3, 240 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.forthekid.org
Tuesday, Nov. 20
Mark the national Transgender Day of Remembrance with a free health care and vigil. Health vigil 1-5 p.m., vigil reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307. Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturday, get your country on with 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com Get ready to gobble at Turkey Bowl, promising three games of crazy fun plus at Turkey Toss. Hosted by Dixie Invitational Bowling at 7 p.m. at Midtown Bowl, 1936 Piedmont Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.dixiebowl.org Electronic music lovers of all stripes will turn out for Blackout X: College Night Edition, with DJ Eu, DJ Esko and more. 9 p.m. 3 a.m. at Opera Nightclub, 1150 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309.
Friday, Nov. 16
Thursday, Nov. 15
SAGE Atlanta, for LGBT elders, hosts chair yoga every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org The Southern Bears, a group for hirsute gay men and their admirers, host a Thanksgiving Pot Luck. 6 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.southernbears.org Photographer Philip Bonneau presents the opening of Heroes + Villains 3, his photographic series that re-imagines characters from comic books, Disney and pop culture. Includes cocktails, live performances from models from the series, and a silent auction of the entire series to benet AID Atlanta. Opening event from 7-11 p.m., show continues through Dec. 7 at i.d. Lab, 996 Huff Road NW, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318, http://on.fb.me/RJ0kwt
SAGE Atlanta, a support and social group for LGBT elders, meets starting at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org The gay Atlanta Executive Network hosts an evening of networking featuring speaker David Haynes of the Atlanta Regional Commission. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hudson Grille, 942 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aen.org Project Q hosts the Bestest of the Best of Gay Atlanta, a party to celebrate the winners of their online voting, which pits winners of GA Voice, David and Fenuxe best of Atlanta awards. 7-9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.projectqatlanta.com
Wednesday, Nov. 21
Sunday, Nov. 18
The Armorettes, Atlantas legendary fundraising drag troupe, takes over at 8 p.m. at at Burkharts, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com Burkharts Pub, www.burkharts.com
Monday, Nov. 19
Catch Monday Night Football with games starting at 8:30 p.m. at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
Thursday, Nov. 22
The Model T hosts a Thanksgiving Potluck at 3 p.m. at 699 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.modeltatlanta.com
26
GA Voice
November 9, 2012
Columnists
www.theGAVoice.com
THATS WHAT
SHE SAID
Now what do we do?
Moving on after Election Day
The election is nally behind us, and many are left with empty chunks of time. Those hours that had been dedicated to checking polls, watching speeches and arguing with your friends and family about who had the best debate performance have come to a merciful end. We have all woken up with a serious political hangover and now we need to nd our keys and start driving home to the real world. I recently watched an interview with David McCullough, the author of Pulitzer-winning books on American political gures like John Adams and Harry Truman. He pointed out that despite the record amount of money spent on this election, there was really nothing of substance presented that would stand the test of time. What qualies as substance? According to McCullough it comes down to authenticity. A political candidate that says what he or she feels, without worrying about being popular, is a person who gets books written about them generations later. Its sad to watch us all get so worked up into an emotional fervor during an election, only to be unable to recall who the losing candidate was eight years from now. Dont believe me? Try it. Here is the test: Give yourself 30 seconds to remember the Republican Candidate Bill Clinton beat to gain a second term in ofce. Now see how long it takes you to name Al Gores running mate in 2000. The anger and partisan in those elections were the same as today. But how quickly we forget. Moving forward, lets start using Facebook to bring people together. This election, the true battleground was on our social network pages where family members de-friended each other in droves as Election Day got closer. In the past, political arguments ended once the family dinner was over and someone left early. These days, the battles raged for hours as we bantered online back and forth about the decit, the auto industry, Libya, binders full of women and Clint Eastwood and his chair.
Melissa Carter is also a writer for Hufngton Post. She broke ground as the rst out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter
The goal now has to be to remember that before you were arguing politics with someone, you bonded with them in some way. Find that bond again. Use social media to make your friends and family laugh for a change. Both Democrats and Republicans have senses of humor. Share funny photos and family recipes for a month or so. My personal tool of choice is cat videos. It is a fact that cat videos transcend race, politics, gender and sexual orientation. Go outside and do something that does not involve guarding your yard sign. I am guilty of keeping mental notes of which neighbor supports which candidate. I have placed my own sign in the yard in elections past, just to have that sign stolen, leading to furious daydreams of rigging cameras to catch the culprit in action. But this year, I backed off that emotional ledge. I focused on a new garden during the summer and eagerly put up my Halloween decorations as the weather chilled. I made a point to wave at my neighbors no matter what sign was in their yard. Go back to freely wearing red and blue without worrying about the message you are sending. At some point in our political history, the color red was assigned the task of representing Republicans and the color blue got the job of promoting Democrats. But we have to remind ourselves that the colors of our country are red, white, and blue. We all have diverse opinions and by letting ourselves be placed on one of two teams, we become mischaracterized and simplied. Forgive. Today is a new day in the history of America and it is time to walk away from the rhetoric and get busy creating a stronger country. So no matter whether your candidate won or lost, leave your anger behind and move on. In January, we will inaugurate our president and in two and a half years or so, we get to do this all over again. Enjoy the time off.
www.theGAVoice.com
Columnists
November 9, 2012
GA Voice
27
DOMESTICALLY
In it to win it
Hate the game, not the player
It all started with SongPop. My husband, Preppy, found this iPhone app thats sort of like what would happen if Name That Tune had a baby with a satellite radio his areas of specialization were 80s Pop and One Hit Wonders. Id hear ve notes of I Wanna Dance with Somebody, followed by a little victory chime, followed by a squeal of delight. When he played the game on the couch, Id shout out possibilities without seeing the multiple choice answers. Nine times out of ten, my guess was Heart. Fun fact: 90 percent of all 80s Pop and One Hit Wonders sound like Ann and Nancy Wilson. Anyhoo, eventually I signed myself up for SongPop, and my sister Shannon quickly followed suit. Thats when things turned ugly. My sisters children are both in school now, which left her plenty of time to kick ass in fringe categories like Horror Movie Themes. She destroyed Preppys and my high scores within two days. This roused the competitor in me. Emerging as the SongPop champion became an obsession. Not coincidentally, around this time my husband lost all interest in the game. Apparently my sister and I had raised the stakes beyond his ability to enjoy it. We have a tendency to do this in my family. My mothers mother, Memama, would play remarkably contentious Scrabble games with my Uncle Paul. The games would last entire afternoons, and none of us would be allowed in the room while the death match was being held. So wed sit by the door and listen, since the language was much more colorful than anything on TV. GodDammit, Shirley! That is NOT a goddamn word. Go ahead and look it up, Paul, if youre willing to risk the points. You were wrong about striven, but maybe youll be right about this one. GodDAMMIT, Shirley! Then wed hear her musical little chuckle. Alright, so thats a triple-word score Memama was a teensy slip of a woman from Arkansas without much education, up against the 300-pound Shell Oil executive whod married her daughter. In any other scenario imagin-
DISTURBED
Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life. Find out more at topherpayne.com
able, hed have the obvious upper hand. But Memama had one hell of a vocabulary, and on the battleeld of Scrabble, she was a formidable opponent who would knock your highfalutin ass down a few pegs, til she could look you in the eye. She taught her grandkids that simply by sharpening a few well-chosen skills, you could take down any opponent. The trick was always making sure you were playing your game, not theirs. Leaving my sister and I to battle it out over SongPop, Preppy moved on to a Facebook game called Pet Society. Its a benign little enterprise where you create a cartoon animal which you can play Frisbee with and dress in little outts. You can also earn coins to purchase home furnishings for your pet by visiting strangers and washing or feeding their animals. Once Shannon and I discovered this, the game was once again on. Ive neglected my own children all morning while I sat online bathing strangers and feeding them pineapples, says Shannon on the phone. But I got four hundred coins and bought a chandelier! Preppy says were ruining another game, I say, brushing a random rabbit and stocking up on coins. Hes just saying that because were winning. If youre that worried, buy him a present. I send my pet over to his pets house. Preppy was a few beers in when he created his animal and accidentally misspelled its name, which apparently one cannot change, so hes stuck with a cat named Butterscotche. I spend the coins I was saving for a new sofa and buy a bunch of presents for Butterscotche. This may all sound insane to the uninitiated, but its a signicant choice in Pet Society: Im not winning anymore. But the next time he opens the game, instead of seeing how high Ive managed to push my score, hell nd a room full of gift boxes. Even if the gifts arent real, the intent behind them is. Sometimes, when you lose, you win.