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I reasoned, if you say, Yes, I am
a fag, whats the big deal? then
itll deprive the nger-pointers of
their fun.
Gay Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham, writing in his
new memoir, Twists and Turns, about his decision to
come out in high school. The new book also details the
Australian stars struggle the crystal meth addiction.
(Syndney Morning Herald, Nov. 17)
11.23.12
OUTSPOKEN
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
World AIDS Day: How close
is a vaccine? Page 4
By the Numbers: HIV around
the world. Page 4
Georgia events mark
World AIDS Day. Page 8
Viewpoint: Adjusting our
lens on black gay men. Page 10
HRC leader speaks out on
post-election priorities. Page 13
Uganda Kill the Gays bill
draws protests. Page 18
Gay-inclusive band Pentatonix brings a
cappella magic to Atlanta. Page 21
Photos: Ben Cohens StandUp Magazine
launch, Lost-n-Found Youth vigil. Page 22
Food Porn: Chicken dinner date
with the mystery man. Page 24
Our gayest gifts for everyone
on your list. Pages 28-41
Toy Party tops list of LGBT events. Page 43
Santaland Diaries and
more holiday theater. Page 44
LGBT choruses sing for the season. Page 46
Atlantas best winter attractions. Page 48
Pages 50-53
Domestically Disturbed: Topher Payne on
making the best of what youve got. Page 55
NEWS
CALENDAR
A&E
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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address above.
Im well aware Im the rst woman
elected to the Senate from Wiscon-
sin, and Im well aware I will be the
rst openly gay member. I didnt
run to make history. I ran to make a
difference.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), who on Nov. 6
became the rst openly gay candidate elected to the
U.S. House, in a recent interview on her historic victory.
(Green Bay Press-Gazette, Nov. 18)
COLUMNISTS
Political analyst Nate Silver, who is openly gay,
on how his identity helped shape his ability to
view politics through statistics and polling versus
punditry. Silver, who blogs at FiveThirtyEight, has
gained international notoriety after successfully
predicting how all 50 states would go in the presi-
dential election. (The Guardian, Nov. 17)
If you grow up gay, or in a house-
hold thats agnostic, when most
people are religious, then from the
get-go, you are saying that there
are things that the majority of so-
ciety believes that I dont believe.
facebook.com/thegavoice
twitter.com/thegavoice
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He was gay and amboyant very
out-there but thats why I liked him.
When you are an artist, your person-
ality doesnt t the norm.
Salvador Chava Sobrino, Matthew Mitchams
coach, on his initial impression of the diving star.
(Syndney Morning Herald, Nov. 17)
The way I viewed it was to just be
bold. To, against all odds, still try
and see what happens. Ive never
been one to back down when I feel
strongly about something.
Stacie Laughton, a Democrat whose election to the
New Hampshire House of Representatives makes her
the states rst openly transgender lawmaker, on how
her gender identity impacted her bid for ofce. (Huff-
ington Post, Nov. 18)(Syndney Morning Herald, Nov. 17)
By Matt Schafer
World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, features the slo-
gan Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections,
zero discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths
for the years 2011 through 2015.
While it is unlikely the zero goal will be
reached by 2015, three decades of HIV analysis
has sparked a renaissance of medical research
that is leading scientists in new directions in
their search for an effective vaccine.
Dr. Wayne Koff, the chief scientic ofcer
for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative,
started researching HIV shortly after the rst
cases began appearing some 30 years ago.
Weve seen in the last three or four years a
plethora of data that we in the AIDS vaccine de-
velopment eld are calling a renaissance, and as
someone who has been in the eld since the be-
ginning I dont use that term lightly, Koff said.
It took almost 20 years of research to get
AIDSVAX, the rst potential vaccine, into hu-
man testing in 2003. While that vaccine didnt
reduce viral load, Koff said it was important be-
cause it proved that we could safely conduct
an HIV human efcacy trial.
That trial eventually paved the way for the
2009 Merck RV144 trial in Thailand. That
study included more than 16,000 participants
studied over a course of six years.
In a surprise to many of us in the eld, this
showed a modest efcacy of 31 percent when
compared to control group, Koff said. While
that wouldnt result in a workable vaccine be-
cause the efcacy was only 31 percent, it did
show that a vaccine was possible, and there
have been several studies examining why that
vaccine was effective.
According to the International AIDS Vac-
cine Initiative there are at least 37 different vac-
cine trails currently underway across the globe,
each exploring different potential cures, and
each providing key information in the search
for an effective vaccine.
Koff said that in order to make a product that
could be given to the public, a vaccine would
have to be at least 50 percent effective in testing.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention estimates that the yearly u vaccines
have efcacy rates of around 50 to 70 percent.
Different virus in each person
Finding a vaccine for HIV has proven so
difcult in part because of the nature of the vi-
rus. Because of its ability to change, HIV has
required a new approach.
Because this virus mutates so much we
cant just use the old form of using a weakened
form of the virus, Koff said. The measles
vaccine thats licensed is just a weakened form
of measles. The licensed polio vaccine is a
weakened version of polio, but HIV is a crafty
virus and we learned a long time ago that you
cant just take a weakened version of HIV.
Viruses are non-living pieces of proteins
wrapped around either DNA or RNA. Viruses
cannot reproduce on their own, and so they in-
vade cells and take over the cells machinery to
make copies of themselves, which often destroys
the cell in the process. Because HIV is an RNA
virus it has been especially difcult to treat.
It is an RNA virus which is prone to mak-
ing mistakes, unlike DNA. If it makes too
many mistakes then it stops being HIV, but if
it makes a standard amount of mistakes that
RNA replication typically makes, it changes
the amino acids, and makes a different virus,
Koff said. HIV is different across the world,
and the isolates are very different in each in-
dividual. Its essentially a different virus in
each person.
Because of that, researchers have different
ways to stop the virus, and many of the vaccine
candidates target the protein capsule that carries
the DNA. Koff said researchers are nding more
sites on HIV that are unique to that virus and can
be blocked by broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Think of a lock and a key, Koff said. If you
have a molecule of a T-Cell, that part is only
going to go into a receptor on HIV. If researches
can bind that site and keep that virus from in-
fecting the cell, the spread of HIV in the body
can effectively be stopped, Koff explained.
Human trials under way
Another factor that makes the virus more
deadly is that it infects T-Cells, a type of white
blood cell that is a critical link in the bodys im-
mune system. Attacking the T-Cells and using
them as a host helps allow the virus to spread, and
leaves the body open to secondary infections.
A former Emory University researcher, Dr.
Hariett Robinson has been exploring a multi-
stage attack that she thinks could result in a vac-
cine that could not only keep people from be-
ing infected, but reduce the viral load in people
who are already HIV positive.
Robinson has worked on the vaccine for
over a decade and has moved to GeoVax, a pri-
vate company dedicated to making a vaccine,
where she serves as chief scientic ofcer.
Her vaccine consists of DNA modied to
prime an immune response and an inert virus
that could boost an immune response.
World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, features the slogan
Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections, zero
discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths.
Research renaissance
cited, but vaccine still
years away
HIV vaccine studies show promising results
WORLD AIDS DAY
BY THE NUMBERS
HIV AROUND THE WORLD
34.2 MILLION
Estimated people living
with HIV around the world
2.5 MILLION
New infections in 2011
1.7 MILLION
AIDS deaths in 2011
30 MILLION
Cumulative deaths related
to HIV around the world
HIV IN THE USA
1.1 MILLION
Estimated people living with
HIV in the United States
1 IN 5
HIV-positive Americans who
do not know their status
50,000
New HIV infections every year
61
Percent of new infections who are
men who have sex with men
641,976
Cumulative U.S. AIDS deaths
through 2009 (most recent
statistics available)
Sources: CDC, World Health Organization, UN AIDS, amFAR
2 GA Voice November 23, 2012 4 News www.theGAVoice.com
Please see VACCINE on Page 6
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The DNA prime is sort of like pouring wa-
ter down a pump, where you pour a little bit of
the pump down the well to prime it. Its the little
bit that allows your body to recognize the virus
and fght it, Robinson said.
Robinsons vaccine started Phase II human tri-
als in January 2009 and involves 225 participants
at sites in the United States, including Emory Uni-
versitys Hope Clinic, and South America.
The next stage, scheduled to start in 2014
and last three years, would examine high risk
populations, which would include gay men.
Robinsons team is also moving forward
with a separate trial to test if the vaccine can
control the infection in those who have already
been exposed.
For people who are positive already, we
have a therapeutic application that we are work-
ing on, and we have a very small open label
trial going on, Robinson said. In that trial we
have several people who have recently under-
gone seroconversion. They go on drugs within
18 months of their infections, and they have to
have the virus well controlled and then we give
them the vaccine.
Crafty virus still kills millions
HIV research has seen unparalleled expan-
sion in the years since Merck made the results
of the Thailand trial public.
What we expect to see now, between now
and the end of the decade, [is] a series of human
effcacy trials that are building on the [Thai-
land] stories, that are building on the better
vectors that have advanced into clinical trials,
Koff said.
Researchers routinely build on each others
results and failures. Robinsons vaccine is dif-
ferent from other previous vaccines because it
includes a macrophage colony stimulating fac-
tor, which helps activate the immune system.
Theyre the ones that will see the virus-like
particles and take that to the B-Cells and the T-
cells to initiate the immune response, Robin-
son said.
That vaccine uses techniques that have not
been tested before, and more new studies are
published nearly monthly.
In October, the Centre for the AIDS Pro-
gramme of Research in South Africa reported
fnding two new vulnerabilities in the HIV pro-
tein coat. In November a Canadian research
team announced successfully clearing Phase I
human testing with a virus that uses dead HIV
virus.
There have been a series of vectors of vac-
cine candidates, some are weakened forms of
viruses, some of them are different forms of
boosts, some unique collections of antibodies
there are a number of studies that are about to
go into trials that just based upon the results
in the primate studies look to have a better
chance at being more effective then the studies
that have come before them, Koff said.
While there are more studies using newly
discovered techniques in the hopes of fnding
an effective cure, researchers are leery of set-
ting timelines, or making overly optimistic pre-
dictions.
Even if Robinsons vaccine proves to be
highly effective it would be years before it is
available to the public.
For the preventive vaccine? I really think
were going to have it, but I think its going to
take at least fve years, and then its going to
be years before we can a make a product that
we can manufacture that your doctor can give
you, Robinson said.
Koff is often asked if HIV could ever be ful-
ly eradicated like small pox and said he doesnt
know the answer.
I dont know if we know enough to fully
answer that, he said. The reality is that we
need a vaccine frst. We have a lot of other tools
in the tool box about HIV prevention, but with-
out a vaccine its unlikely that were really go-
ing to be able to end the epidemic.
I want to emphasize that, because every
day you hear stories about education, con-
dom use, circumcision, Koff added. But even
with all of those we still have over 7,000 HIV
infections every day, and several million deaths
from AIDS every year. The virus is crafty
enough that it continues to fnd ways above and
beyond our current prevention methods.
Researcher: HIV vaccine needed to end epidemic
VACCINE, continued from Page 4
Alfonso Wenker
Activist Leader
Its not just a conference, its a powerful organizing moment that feeds me and pushes me to build a broad movement for justice.
Build Power Take Action Create Change www.theTaskForce.org
January 2327, 2013 Hilton Atlanta
Register now! www.CreatingChange.org
The largest annual gathering
of activists, organizers and leaders
in the LGBT movement
Jose Antonio Vargas
Journalist and Founder of Defne America
Plenary Panel Moderator
with DREAM Advocates
Saturday, January 26, 1:30 PM
Dr. Harriet Robinson is researching an HIV vaccine
that she hopes could not only keep people from be-
ing infected, but reduce the viral load in people who
are already HIV positive. (Photo courtesy GeoVax)
METRO ATLANTA
Free HIV testing
Nov. 28, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DeKalb Addiction Clinic
455 Winn Way, Decatur, GA 30030
Condom Fashion Show
November 28, 6 p.m.
Morehouse College Sale Hall
830 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30314
Described as A high-energy, one-hour fash-
ion show where designers will compete for
having created the best design/garment out of
non-lubricated, non-packaged, expired con-
doms to promote safe and healthy sexual deci-
sions to reduce the social stigma surrounding
condom usage.
AID Atlanta open house
Nov. 29, 5 p.m. 8 p.m.
1605 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.aidatlanta.org
The public is invited to an open house which
includes tours of the agency, exhibits and re-
freshments. Free HIV testing will also be of-
fered throughout the week and free parking is
available at rear of the building. RSVP to open-
house@aidatlanta.org
Free HIV testing for
Georgia Gwinnett College students
at the Ric Crawford Clinic
(formerly AID Gwinnett)
Nov. 29, 2 p.m. 7 p.m.
Georgia Gwinnett College
1000 University Lane
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Free HIV testing at the
DeKalb Board of Health Vinson Clinic
Nov. 29, 8 a.m. 5 p.m.
440 Winn Way
Decatur, GA 30030
Free HIV testing at the
Aldredge Health Center
Nov. 29, 8 a.m. 4 p.m.
99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
World AIDS Day Memorial Quilt
on the Quad at Emory University
Nov. 30, 3 p.m. 5 p.m.
www.emoryhillel.org/aidsquilt
Presented by Hillel at Emory. Panels and speak-
ers at Winship Ballroom in Dobbs University
Center; shabbat dinner follows at Marcus Hillel
Center. This is the largest collegiate display of the
AIDS Memorial Quilt in the world. This year will
include performances by Emory a capella groups,
speakers in the Emory and Atlanta community
who will discuss AIDS/HIV research efforts, and
stories from survivors and families of those who
have passed away from the disease.
World AIDS Day Town Hall Meeting
Nov. 30, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library
101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303
HIV/AIDS service organizations, healthcare
agencies and community members will gather
to discuss the state of HIV in Atlanta and partic-
ipants will be able to ask panelists how counties
plan to Get to Zero, the theme for this years
World AIDS Day.
Power2Endures The Red Party
Celebrating Lives Focused on a Cure
Nov. 30, 6 p.m. at The New LeBuzz
585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067
www.power2endure.org
HIV testings, counseling, education, entertain-
ment by DJ Birdman and the Divas Cabaret.
Appearances by Atlanta Sister of Perpetual
Indulgence Ursula Polari and Mr. SE Leather
Mark Wingo.
Free HIV testing at Greenbriar Mall
Dec. 1, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
2841 Greenbriar Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30331
Free HIV testing at South DeKalb Mall
Dec. 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034
City of Atlanta World AIDS Day observance
Dec. 1
City Hall will be lighted red as in years past.
The annual program in City Hall will take place
but nal details were not known at press time.
Free HIV testing and counseling
at Positive Impact
Dec. 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
60 Eleventh St., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.positiveimpact-atl.org
Joining Hearts Host Drive at Einsteins
Dec. 1, 2 p.m. 5 p.m.
1077 Juniper Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.joininghearts.org
In support of World AIDS Day, Joining Hearts
invites supporters to to learn more about future
plans. Einsteins will donate 20 percent of bar
sales between 2 p.m. 5 p.m. to Joining Hearts.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
at Smith Park
Dec. 1, 7 p.m. on the corner of
Piedmont and Monroe
http://on.fb.me/SJFaij, www.atlsisters.org
Hosted by Atlanta chapter of Sisters of Perpet-
ual Indulgence. Following the vigil, the Sisters
will conduct a condom ministry in local bars
AUGUSTA
World AIDS Day Opening Ceremony
Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Paine College Chapel
1235 15th St., Augusta, GA 30901
www.paine.edu
HIV/AIDS Walk
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.
Paine College Chapel
Red Ribbon Ball
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
River Room of St. Pauls Church
605 Reynolds St., Augusta, GA 30901
www.saintpauls.org
Tickets $35; Proceeds to benet St. Stephens
Ministry, providing support services to persons
with HIV/AIDS.
Worship Service of Remembrance
Dec. 2, 4 p.m.
MCC of Our Redeemer
557 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. 30901
www.mccoor.com
The service will include music, liturgical dance,
storytelling and opportunities for commitment
and action.
MACON
Free HIV testing
Dec. 1
Central City AIDS Network, Inc.
2020 Ingleside Ave., Macon, GA 31204
www.rainbowcenter.us
SAVANNAH
World AIDS Day vigil
Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Johnson Square
www.savpride.com
www.mybrothazhome.org
Hosted by Savannah Pride and
My Brothaz H.O.M.E.
VALDOSTA
deepsouth documentary screening
Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m.
Valdosta State University Union Theatre
www.deepsouthlm.com
www.valdosta.edu
Sponsored by South Health District and VSU
Health Promotions. Discussion with director
Lisa Biagiotto and reception to follow.
Atlanta, other Ga. cities to honor World AIDS Day
By Dyana Bagby
Georgia events to recognize World AIDS Day,
Dec. 1, include everything from free HIV testing at
malls to a screening of a newly released documen-
tary about HIV in the South to a town hall meeting
to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Many events are scheduled in metro Atlanta,
as well as Augusta, Macon and Valdosta, among
other cities.
In Atlanta, HIV agencies like AID Atlanta, Posi-
tive Impact and the Ric Crawford Clinic (formerly
AID Gwinnett) will offer free HIV testing; Fulton and
DeKalb County health departments are also team-
ing up to provide free HIV testing at places such as
Greenbriar Mall and South DeKalb Mall.
In addition to HIV testing, a townhall meeting
is set for Nov. 30 at Atlantas Auburn Avenue Re-
search Library. Atlanta City Hall will be lit up with
red lights Dec. 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day;
the same day, Atlantas Sisters of Perpetual Indul-
gence will host a vigil at 7 p.m. at Smith Park, lo-
cated at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and
Monroe Drive.
At Morehouse University, a Nov. 28 fashion
show with outts made from condoms will high-
light an evening of working to eliminate the stigma
of HIV/AIDS as well as promoting condoms to prac-
tice safe sex. Emory Universitys Hillel group will
once again sponsor the worlds largest campus
display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, set for Nov. 30.
There are events planned also in Augusta, Sa-
vannah, Macon and Valdosta with Valdosta holding
events over several days, including a screening of
the newly released documentary deepsouth that
explores, among other issues, HIV in the rural South.
Numerous events scheduled around the state
Emory University will have the largest collegiate
display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on Dec. 1 to
honor World AIDS Day. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
Charles Stephens and Kenneth Maurice Pass
Young black gay men,
HIV and the future
Viewpoint by Charles Stephens
and Kenneth Maurice Pass
On Dec. 1, we commemorate World AIDS
Day. Last month, we celebrated the 22nd an-
niversary of AIDS Walk Atlanta, perhaps one
of the most enduring rituals of the local HIV/
AIDS community.
These two milestones are part of a series of
signicant events over the past few months local-
ly and nationally: The United States Conference
on AIDS, also in October; National Gay Mens
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in September; and the
much anticipated International AIDS Conference
held in Washington, DC, back in July.
Throughout these high prole events and
activities, one message remains clear: We are
at a turning point in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Scientic evidence seems to be pointing in
that direction. Recent studies have shown that if
an HIV-positive person is put on treatment, they
are less likely to transmit the virus.
There has also been evidence in recent stud-
ies indicating that the HIV drug Truvada can be
effective at preventing HIV among HIV-nega-
tive people if taken daily and with monitoring
by trained clinical professionals. This suggests
an additional tool in an ever-expanding toolbox
of HIV prevention options.
However, even in the midst of such stunning
success, the impact of HIV among young black
gay men provides a needed and humbling per-
spective on just how far we have left to go. And
thus, even as we witness the breathtaking prog-
ress of science and medicine in the context of
HIV/AIDS, we must also remember that HIV
stigma, homophobia, racism, and other forces
of vulnerability for young black gay men, will
not be treated with a pill.
We have to address the social and political
alongside the clinical. There will be limited
success in the realm of HIV prevention or treat-
ment, unless we address the impact of HIV
among young black gay men.
After all, it is imperative for the success of
any movement, and certainly our collective
progress as a community, to be measured not
only by the continued conditions of the most
privileged but also by the most vulnerable. This
is not merely a matter of political signicance,
but also a matter of moral urgency.
We must rst continue to drive home the
fact that HIV is not merely an issue of behavior,
but also has social and structural implications.
For example, we know that homelessness and
housing instability, along with issues of poverty
and economic distress, are problems that affect
young gay men.
These challenges create conditions that make
them more vulnerable to HIV, and lead to poorer
health outcomes if they are HIV positive. Stigma
too, as it relates to anti-gay stigma, creates condi-
tions that disempower young black gay men from
seeking treatment and prevention resources.
How we address the structural issues facing
young black gay men is intricately tied to our
success in addressing HIV.
Next, we must inspire resilience and con-
dence in young black gay men, while also
inspiring a collective vision of being gay and
black as parts of a whole. This creates a stron-
ger and more afrmed sense of identity, and
this reinforces the political urgency to continue
to ght injustice and inequality.
Though there has been considerable thought
and effort put into understanding the complex-
ity of identity from a cultural perspective, this
has not always made its way into the HIV con-
versation. The relationships between culture,
identity, and the social forces that shape health
outcomes have to be met head on. Cultural af-
rmation is a part of developing and sustaining
individual and collective resilience.
Finally, we should consider not only the pres-
ent, but also the future of the movement. The in-
novations developed today are as effective as the
leaders who are able to usher them in.
Working together, young black gay men and
allies, we will bring an end to the epidemic.

Kenneth Maurice Pass is a junior at Morehouse
College studying psychology and public health. He is
president of SafeSpace, Morehouse Colleges gay-straight
alliance and student advocacy organization, as well as an
undergraduate research fellow and health policy intern.
Charles Stephens is an Atlanta-based writer. He is
co-editing an anthology called Black Gay Genius and
helped to develop the social marketing campaign From
Where I Stand: www.fromwhereistand.org
Adjusting our lens
By Dyana Bagby
Ugandas Anti-Homosexuality Bill, known
by opponents as the Kill the Gays Bill, was
expected to be voted on this week in the African
countrys Parliament, where leaders said they
want to pass the bill before the Dec. 15 recess
as a Christmas gift to citizens.
At press time on Monday, Nov. 19, Ugan-
dan newspaper The Daily Monitor reported the
bill was likely to be debated Tuesday, Nov. 20.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kad-
aga, wrote in a Nov. 13 letter that there is high
public pressure to pass the bill. She has stated
she wants the bill passed before the end of the
year to give as a Christmas gift to the people
of Uganda.
I write to reiterate my earlier instruction to
your committee to expeditiously handle the re-
view of the report on the bill. As you are aware,
there is high demand by the population to ad-
dress the escalating problem of promoting and
recruiting minors into homosexuality, the let-
ter states in part, according to an article posted
to the Monitors website Nov. 16.
Numerous Western countries have promised
to withhold foreign aid if the bill is passed and
protests have occurred in the U.S., including
one in Atlanta on Nov. 14 at the state capitol.
J.R. Rich, 28, from Midtown, organized
the small Atlanta protest. He held a Shame
on Uganda sign and said he wanted to raise
awareness among lawmakers as well as citizens
of what is taking place in Uganda, located in
East Africa.
We are trying to raise awareness to anyone
we can, especially our Congressmen on the
Hill, he said.
They [in Uganda] are trying to enact leg-
islation, that is going to pass according to their
House Speaker in Uganda, that would a make
their already illegal homosexuality law punish-
able by much tougher standards including the
death penalty, Rich said.
That is wrong. Its genocide for anybody
they kill and its an extreme infraction of
civil rights and human rights. We feel the UN
should be involved and we want Congress and
the president to come out publicly against it,
Rich added.
Uganda may be a world away from the steps
of Georgias Gold Dome, but Rich believes ev-
eryone should be aware and interested in stop-
ping the anti-gay legislation.
Growing up as a Jewish man, as a gay man,
the Holocaust has weighed on me at times. If
someone is not going to speak for them, who
will speak for me if this happens here? he said.
We all need to speak out, we all need to be
involved, we all need to care.
The bill includes two categories: aggra-
vated homosexuality and the offense of ho-
mosexuality.
Aggravated homosexuality is punishable
by death and includes a parent or authority g-
ure who has same-sex relations, someone who
is HIV-positive, or those who commit homo-
sexual acts with minors.
The offense of homosexuality is punish-
able with a life sentence and includes those in
a same-sex marriage and Ugandans who have
same-sex relationships outside Uganda.
Homosexual relationships are currently il-
legal in Uganda and those caught can now be
imprisoned for 14 years.
American Christian
ties to Uganda bill
The bill was originally introduced in 2009
by Parliament member David Bahati and was
resurrected in February. Bahati is a member of
The Fellowship Foundation, better known as
The Family, an international Christian organi-
zation based in the U.S. that organizes the an-
nual National Prayer Breakfast.
In 2010, President Barack Obama and Sec-
retary of State Hillary Clinton spoke out against
the Ugandan bill at the National Prayer Break-
fast.
The objectives of the bill, as stated in the
ofcial document: provide for marriage in
Uganda as that contracted only be between a
man and a woman; prohibit and penalize ho-
mosexual behavior and related practices in
Uganda as they constitute a threat to the tradi-
tional family; prohibit ratication of any inter-
national treaties, conventions, protocols, agree-
ments and the declarations which are contrary
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act;
prohibit the licensing of organizations which
promote homosexuality.
Throughout the bill are references to homo-
sexuality being a threat to traditional families.
Bahati wrote the bill after attending a 2009
conference in Kampala, Uganda, led by anti-
gay activist Scott Lively of Californias Abid-
ing Truth Ministries.
Rachel Maddow, host of The Rachel
Maddow Show on MSNBC, has reported
extensively on the Uganda bill and its ties to
American evangelicals. She has interviewed
investigative reporter Jeff Sharlet several times
about his stories about The Family and its con-
nections to the anti-gay Ugandan bill.
But Rick Warren also has connections to the
bill. Warren is known for being anti-gay and
LGBT people were dismayed when he was in-
vited by President Barack Obama to give the
invocation at his inauguration four years ago.
Warren is also friends with Pastor Martin
Ssempa, an outspoken anti-gay preacher who
is a regular visitor to Warrens One Saddleback
Church in California and a strong supporter of
Ugandas Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
Several Atlanta activists protested Ugandas Kill the
Gays Bill on Nov. 14 at the Georgia State Capitol.
(Photo by Dyana Bagby)
13 November 23, 2012 www.theGAVoice.com GA Voice News
Anti-gay bill would be a Christmas gift, parliament leaders say
Ugandas Kill the Gays Bill expected to pass
MORE INFO
For coverage of the vote on Ugandas
anti-gay bill, visit www.thegavoice.com
www.theGAVoice.com
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GO FOR IT!
By Ryan Watkins
As euphoria from the Nov. 6 general elec-
tion fades, LGBT advocates look forward to
continued progress in Congress and an upcom-
ing Supreme Court decision on whether to hear
several gay marriage cases.
The Nov. 6 vote was, without a doubt, the
gayest election in the history of American poli-
tics. From four state-level gay marriage victories
in Minnesota, Maine, Maryland and Washington
to the election of Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) as
the countrys frst-ever openly gay U.S. senator,
equality advocates had much to celebrate.
But theres plenty of work that remains un-
fnished. An all-inclusive Employment Non-
Discrimination Act, universal marriage rights
for all of the countrys gay and lesbian couples
and working to eradicate bullying of LGBT
youth are some of the items that remain on the
agenda of the Human Rights Campaign, the na-
tions largest LGBT political group.
HRC President Chad Griffn knows full
well the impact of the recent election victories.
It was an incredible sweep across the coun-
try, Griffn told GA Voice in a telephone in-
terview this week. Im so proud of all of the
work the team did. It was the biggest mobili-
zation that HRC has ever engaged in. In those
four marriage states we invested $5.5 million.
Hes also mindful of the work that must
be done.
To have such victories only increases the
pressure, Griffn said. We have to be smart
and strategic moving forward.
Next stop: Supreme Court?
Perhaps the next batch of equality victories
will come courtesy the U.S. Supreme Court.
On Nov. 30, the court will consider whether to
hear arguments on several legal challenges to
the Defense of Marriage Act, a 1996 law that
prevents the federal government from recog-
nizing same-sex unions, as well as Californias
Proposition 8, a state constitutional amendment
that bans gay marriage.
Griffn played a key role in the Prop 8 battle.
As the co-founder of American Federation for
Equal Rights, he was instrumental in the law-
suit that challenged the constitutionality of the
anti-marriage law.
I wont pretend to be able to predict what
these justices will do or what cases they take,
Griffn said. I think its likely that they take
one or more cases before them. If they dont
take Prop 8 then marriage could begin [in Cali-
fornia] within hours or days. Either way, we are
within the window of Prop 8 being erased from
the books and that will be a victory.
HRC does not usually participate in legal
cases, like the DOMA lawsuits or Prop 8s chal-
lenge. Despite his history with AFER, Griffn
said HRC will continue leaving that kind of le-
gal advocacy to other gay rights groups.
We have incredible partner organizations,
Griffn said. We have Lambda Legal, GLAD
[Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders],
AFER and the ACLU [American Civil Liber-
ties Union]. I think the partnerships there are
tremendous. If you look at these cases, they are
well litigated across the board.
What about Georgia?
Georgia is still a decidedly red state and has
a constitutional amendment that bans same-sex
marriage. A poll conducted over the summer by
CNN and ORC International found that while
attitudes on marriage equality are shifting in fa-
vor of gay couples, Southerners continue to lag
well behind the rest of the country.
With a state legislature and governor decid-
edly Republican, any movement toward mar-
riage equality is highly unlikely to originate
under the Gold Dome.
I believe that ultimately this issue will be
decided before the U.S. Supreme Court, Grif-
fn said. These important civil rights issues
have always come about before the court. The
momentum is important. Its quite clear where
the country is headed on these issues.
But Griffn and HRC remain confdent that
progress can be made in places like Georgia.
In states where we wont see marriage
on the ballot, we have to make advancements
there, too, Griffn said. In places where were
unlikely to see ballot measures, that doesnt
mean that we cant continue to advance.
Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffn
said he expects the U.S. Supreme Court to ultimately
decide the issue of same-sex marriage.
(Photo courtesy HRC)
Head of nations largest LGBT
group refects on election,
Supreme Court cases
HRC president: We have to be smart and strategic moving forward
Amazing performances and special grand prize give-away for
with
Americas Got Talent Finalist David Garibaldi in the VIP Experience
and
DJ Vicki Powell
Upgrade to the Ultra Lounge or VIP Experience
21
A&E
itch Grassi is one of two open-
ly gay members of Pentatonix,
the a cappella group that came
to fame by winning the NBC
series The Sing Off and
continues to draw new fans
via YouTube through covers ranging
from Gotye to Gangnam Style.
Lead vocalists Grassi, Scott Hoying
and Kirstie Maldonado performed as a
high school vocal trio in Texas, adding
members Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olu-
sola before competing last year on The
Sing Off.
The diverse group released Volume
1, a six-song EP including their cover
of Gotyes Somebody That I Used To
Know, in June and released PTXmas,
a holiday CD, this month.
We caught up with Grassi, age 20, as
Pentatonix embarked on the multi-city
U.S. tour that brings the group to Atlan-
tas Variety Playhouse on Nov. 29.
How did your musical background
lead you to Pentatonix?
Mitch Grassi: Pentatonix started out
as a trio with Kirstie, Scott and me, be-
cause we had been in choir for most of
our high school careers. I guess that was
a big inuence.
More than that, especially now, cur-
rently with the music we are doing, we all
have different musical inuences. I would
say that mine is a little bit more electronic.
Scotts is a little more R&B. Its kind of a
melting pot of different genres.
A pentatone is dened as a gapped
Volume 1
PUMP UP THE
Pentatonix is made up of (left to right) Kevin Olusola, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstie Maldonado and Avi Kaplan. (Publicity photo via Facebook)
MORE INFO
Pentatonix
Thursday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m.
Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30307
www.ticketmaster.com
www.theGAVoice.com
scale with ve notes; usually the fourth and
seventh notes of the diatonic scale are omit-
ted. Tell us something about the choice of
Pentatonix as the name of the group.
The pentatonic scale is a scale thats
very popular in R&B, soul and pop music.
We use a lot of it in general and when we
are writing music. Its a ve-note scale and
we have ve members, so we thought it was
pretty appropriate.
Do members of the group have assigned
tasks? For example, are harmony or
rhythm parts assigned to specic people
or are the duties evenly distributed?
Thats an interesting question. I would
say that Kevin and Avi are the rhythm sec-
tion and the rest of us are the vocalists.
Sometimes well switch positions. I actually
really do like doing rhythms, but it rarely
happens because I cant get those low ends
that Avi can usually get.
Four of the six songs on the Volume 1
EP are covers. What is involved in the
groups song selection process?
Well discuss our favorite songs of the time
or songs that we always really wanted to do as
a group. It was a bit difcult at rst, because we
had so many possibilities and options. In the
end, I think we chose the right ones.
It was just a matter of, can we arrange
these songs for the group, will it sound good,
are we going to have a good lead vocalist?
There are a bunch of factors, basically.
What was involved in the songwriting
process of the two originals, Show You
How to Love and The Baddest Girl?
That was quite a process in itself, because
we had never done that before. We knocked
out the covers for the EP rst and then we
were like, now what do we do? (When
it came to writing the songs) I think it was
melody rst. We had a friend named Ben
Bram help us out with the arranging process.
It was difcult. It was trial and error.
Pentatonixs six song EP has the Volume
1 label when can we expect Volume 2?
Were hoping next spring at the latest.
Is that also going to be an EP?
Were still in the deciding process [laughs].
It would make sense if it was a second EP, but I
think were ready to pop out an album.
Pentatonix is embarking on a US tour.
What can people expect from your show?
If theyve seen any of our earlier shows,
they can expect more of a show. Were
putting together some different things, some
treats hidden in there. Were going to change
things up a little bit and make it more inter-
esting. Its going to be a real show.
What are the advantages and disadvan-
tages of being one of two gay members of
Pentatonix?
There are actually more advantages than
disadvantages. I think its a great thing. I
love that our fans are so accepting of it. Its
amazing; it makes me feel so close to them.
Some people might say that beeing
openly gay in the music business might
deter you from having a career, but I dont
think thats true. My career, as a queer per-
son, has been pretty successful. Were still
on our way up, but I think weve been do-
ing an amazing job.
I love the support. Im proud.
M
Mitch Grassi of Pentatonix on being gay in the cool a cappella band
BY GREGG SHAPRIO
LGBT ally Ben Cohen
launches StandUp Magazine
Retired rugby star turned anti-bullying advo-
cate Ben Cohen launched his new StandUp
Magazine and hosted the Compete Sports
Diversity Awards in Atlanta Nov. 14. Cohens
Atlanta-based StandUp Foundation works to
end anti-LGBT bullying and also combats ho-
mophobia in sports. (Photos by Katina Lear)
Lost-N-Found rallies for
homeless LGBT youth
Spending 48 hours living atop a U-Haul
truck was a valuable lesson in humility,
according to Rick Westbrook, executive
director of Lost-n-Found Youth, an Atlanta
nonprot that provides emergency shelter
to homeless LGBT youth. Westbrook lived
atop a truck parked by the gay gift store
Brushstrokes for two days beginning Nov. 6
to raise awareness and collect about $1,200
in cash and gift cards, along with donations
of clothing and non-perishable food. Sup-
porters also gathered Nov. 7 at the truck for
a candlelight vigil. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)
Picture this
2 GA Voice November 23, 2012 22 A&E www.theGAVoice.com
PHOTOS
2 GA Voice November 23, 2012 24 A&E www.theGAVoice.com
Robert had a longtime rule for himself. If
he encountered a man to whom he was over-
whelmingly attracted, he turned his back and
fed as far and as fast as he could.
He learned in the past that such charismatic
men made bad boyfriends, usually requiring
constant attention. They were firtatious with
everyone and made Robert feel like a barely
present shadow.
That situation came up at the last Food
Porn Supper Club meeting. A man named Lee
arrived late and introduced himself to Robert.
He had black hair and blue eyes, and obvi-
ously hit the gym frequently.
Robert felt himself in the kind of awe that
usually cued him to get up and leave. But that
would be extremely unmannerly at a dinner he
was hosting. So he avoided eye contact with Lee.
After dinner, his friend Janet drove him
home. I saw your reaction when Lee ar-
rived, she said.
Please, shut up, Janet, Robert replied. I
dont need to hear it.
Hear what? Janet asked. Im just ob-
serving that, as usual, you turned away from a
man obviously interested in you.
Merry Christmas, Robert said, noting the
Christmas tree lot at Ansley Mall.
A few days later, Robert received an email
from Lee inviting him to dinner. His immediate
response was to delete the mail, but he imag-
ined the scolding he would get from Janet.
So he wrote Lee back that hed like to join
him. Lee responded that he would meet him at
Bantam and Biddy, the new restaurant in Ans-
ley Mall, at 7:30 Saturday night.
When Robert walked through the park-
ing lot toward the new restaurant, he saw Lee
standing near the door. He gulped and had an
immediate impulse to turn around and get in
his car. But he heard Lee shouting his name.
Im over here, Robert!
They shook hands and went inside. They
perused the menu at the front of the restaurant
where diners order. The restaurants name de-
rives from the specialty here: rotisserie chick-
en. Still, there are other dishes on the menu,
like meatloaf, fresh vegetables, a cobb salad,
chicken pot pie, and pork schnitzel.
Have you eaten here before? Robert
asked.
A couple of times, Lee said. I really like it.
It seems kind of expensive to me for
chicken, Robert replied.
Its not Chick-fl-A, Lee responded. Ev-
erything here is local. The chickens lived very
pampered lives before they were executed.
And that makes them expensive.
Robert laughed. Lee, who ordered the meat-
loaf, apparently knew food. Robert ordered a
quarter of the rotisserie chicken. They ordered
a variety of sides like mac and cheese, pickled
beets with goat cheese, and fennel slaw.
So, Robert said as they sat down, thanks
for inviting me to dinner. This was on my list
but I hadnt made it yet. You seem to be a
foodie, right?
I guess so, Lee replied. I grew up with
a mother who dragged me to every restaurant
in New Yorkand Paris, too, for that matter.
Wow, sounds like you had quite a privi-
leged childhood, Robert said. That must
have been great fun.
I was lucky, Lee said. But it wasnt always
fun. I staged quite a few tantrums in restaurants.
What fve-year-old wants to eat snails?
What do you do for a living? Robert asked.
I have to use the restroom, Lee said.
When he came back a few minutes later, he
asked Robert how his Thanksgiving had been and
whether he was looking forward to Christmas.
I went to Savannah for Thanksgiving with
my parents, Robert said. It was the usual two
days of mind-numbing boredom. I dont go home
for Christmas, though. I am cooking dinner for a
group of friends, as always. What about you?
I havent decided, Lee said. I fnd the
holiday tedious. It should only be celebrated
every 10 years or so. But that would ruin the
American economy, literally. Christmas even
drives people to kill themselves in greater-
than-usual numbers.
Honestly, Robert said, I assumed you
loved Christmas. You are very handsome. You
know that. Every gay man in this restaurant
stared at you when we came in. I think anyone
would assume you love going to all the Christ-
mas parties.
Nope, not at all, Lee replied. Im not
anti-Christmas if its toned way down, like the
French do. I dont like the Fourth of July, either.
Religion and nationalism are two of Americas
severest defects. I do like Halloween.
Their entrees arrived and a few minutes of
silence followed as they sampled the food.
Its as good as you promised, Robert
said, but Im still curious. Can you not set
aside the religious meaning of Christmas and
enjoy the food, friends, and family?
Lee shrugged. Sure, I guess. He looked
down at his plate and ate a chunk of meatloaf.
Not long after, they said good-bye. I en-
joyed it, Lee said. Are you open to getting
together again?
Sure, Robert said, somewhat surprised. He
was curious why Lee avoided telling him his oc-
cupation and seemed so generally undisclosing.
But his attraction to Lee was not diminished. He
would get the scoop on him somehow.
Robert weighs whether
to open up to Lee, who
isnt very open himself
Recommended
Bantam & Biddy: This restaurant special-
izes in rotisserie chicken, served on the
bone, in a cobb salad, turned into sausage or
a pot pie. The pork schnitzel and grass-fed
beef meatloaf are also good choices. 1544
Piedmont Rd (Ansley Mall), 404-907-3469,
www.bantamandbiddy.com
#13: Chicken dinner date with the mystery man
Food Porn is a new fctional series by long-
time 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.
For past chapters, visit www.thegavoice.com
25 November 23, 2012 www.theGAVoice.com GA Voice
H I G H HI GH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
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gluten-free options, theres sure to
be something for everyone.
www.southernsweets.com
31 November 23, 2012 www.theGAVoice.com GA Voice Holiday Guide
you!
FOODIE FIGHT
HIGHLAND BAKERY
What fruit are Amish Paste, Aunt Rubys
German Green and Brandywine? What
cutting tool is made of piano wire? If
you and your friends know the answers
to these cuisine questions, have a bite
of Food Fight: A Trivia Game for Serious
Food lovers. $22.95 at Heliotrope.
If Mrs. Claus were an Atlanta Rollergirl,
shed look like this neat cookie from
Highland Bakery. Known for their in-
credibly complex and beautiful cake
designs, pump up your holiday gather-
ing with something dierent and deli-
cious like the Santa below. Also, if you
havent had their cupcakes, you havent
lived. www.highlandbakery.com
SOUTHERN SWEETS
Advertising funded by the
Decatur Craft Beer Festival.
Find out more at VisitDecaturGeorgia.com
Tree
Santa
Get Your Tree Lights On!
November 29
Little Shop of Stories 133 E. Court Square
In Downtown Decatur
Explore
our unique boutiques and destination dining spots
just six miles east of Atlanta. Discover why Decatur is
one of Southern Livings Top Ten Tastiest Towns!
Follow
for holiday happenings and
hoopla all around Decatur
and Oakhurst Village!
decatur-ga-voice-112312.indd 1 11/15/12 7:17 PM
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
home
No place like
(or someone elses decked out in
awesome stu you gave them)
VINTAGE CHIC
HOME DECOR
SCRABBLE ACCESORIES
Take a loved ones home dcor to the
next level with this set of European-
inspired accessories.
Wilco 4x6 wood frame, $33
Wilco Bird easel frame, $26
European soaps, $4.95-$7.25
Aquiesse Candles, $20
Voluspa candles, $19-$25
All from Brushtrokes
Do your games of Words with
Friends turn into Words with
Frenemies? Share your love of
the original crossword game
that would be Scrabble,
for those under 30 whove
never heard with these
smart home accessories. Mugs
$11, Coasters (above) $18 (full set),
Board towel $8.95 at Heliotrope
BOY NEXT DOOR
Midtowns favorite mens clothing store
has its own athletic label now. Whats
sweeter than giving this set of branded
workout gear (or um, lazy day clothes)
to your guy for when he stays over?
Hoodie $59, Ringer T $42, Shorts $35 at
Boy Next Door
head
to toe
(and everything in between)
SOCK IT TO ME
NAUGHTY OR NAUGHTY?
DRESS TO IMPRESS
BORN THIS GAY WRISTBANDS
No need for boring old white
socks anymore. Make a state-
ment with this collection by the
aptly titled brand Sock it to Me.
We recommend wearing them
with pride, but its also fun to
sneak them under a pair of dress
shoes and slacks. Mens crew
$8.95 at Brushstrokes. Mens crew,
womens crew and knee-high $8.95
at Heliotrope
Has Atlantas burger concept craze nally made its way
to the undergear of the citys gay male population? These
Frank Dandy underwear might make your mouth water
either way. Or, opt for the simpler (and maybe sexier)
Rock the World trunks by BONBON. Dandy Frank, $27
at Brushstrokes. BONBON, $32 at Boy Next Door
Mix this Sea Plane long-sleeve party
shirt with these Fresh jeans and ta-
da! Youve got two new pieces for your
man that work together and separate-
ly. Sea Plane shirt $59.99, Fresh Jeans
$79 at Boy Next Door
One size ts all with these Born this Gay
wristbands from the Human Rights Cam-
paign. Get them for your the bestie youre
taking to Lady Gaga in March 2013.
$6, www.hrc.org
BOCCIA TITANIUM
ID WATCH
OLD WORLD LUXURY
FOR HIM OR HER
A LITTLE EARLY FOR THE
MAJOR BLING?
These Boccia Watches are all
solid titanium, not titanium
plated. They come in most of
the colors of the rainbow and
theyre built to last. The strap is
made of rubber, which means
its good to go wherever you do.
$145 at Worthmore Jewelers
If love is timeless, this hand-braid-
ed leather necklace with Tahitian or
freshwater pearl and shipwreck coin is
a close second. The coin is a geniuine 8
reales cob piece of eight, salvaged from
the treasure ship Consolacon that sank
in the year 1681. Fancy! $279 - $1,850
(coins vary) at Worthmore Jewelers
Jewelery is almost always a great gift,
but whos to say youre ready to drop
a Ben Franklin or two on the person
youve just started dating? Check out
the Liberty Beads at Boy Next Door
($55) or this Tram watch by TOKYObay
at Heliotrope ($89).
P
love presents, too!
ets
LEATHER EMBOSSED
CRYSTAL STUDDED COLLAR
MONKEY BUSINESS
DOG WEAR
Your pooch will be the talk of the
dog park with this studded collar. It
comes in a variety of colors and is
sure to bring out the inner queen in
any pup. $30.99-$85.99 at Pet Set
When the weather outside is fright-
ful, these warm pajamas and sweaters
are delightful! In several sizes, $14.95-
$34.99 at Pet Set
HARRY BARKER
DOG ACCESSORIES
STUCK ON YOU
SWEETS & TREATS
Made from bamboo ber and rice
husk, the Harry Barker Bamboo
Dog Bowl is eco-friendly and sturdy
enough for the roughest four legged
friend. The durable, 100 percent sol-
id color hemp bone toys should last
just as long. Something for the softer
side? Tell your pup he or she is num-
ber one with a Harry Barker Collar.
Bowl: $10-$14, Bone: $11, Collar: $16 at
Brushstrokes
Subtly tell someone you love that her
relationship with her cats has gotten
out of control, or choose from tons
of other pet-pride options. Five mag-
nets for $4.99 at Pet Set
Deacturs Taj Ma-Hound oers a variety of
dog treats that look good enough for an own-
er to eat: doughnuts, cookies and even dog-
friendly cakes. Paw cookies $9.95 at Pet Set, or
check our tajmahound.com
Harry Barkers Country Bacon bone-shaped
biscuits are as healthy as they are tasty: no
wheat, corn, soy, salt, sugar or articial a-
vors, colors or preservatives. Sounds deli-
cious... for your puppy. $12 at Brushstrokes.
DECK THE HALLS
Left to right: Reindeer votive by Tag. $6.99. Go vintage-
modern with your holiday cards and dcor. Woodland
animals $16.00 (per box), Deer $12.99 (per box).
Ornaments: $6.99-$12.99 at Heliotrope
Woods
Into the
Holiday decor
Fine jewelry, watches and aRt...
Amsterdam Walk + 500 Amsterdam Ave. + Atlanta + 404/892-8294
Decatur Square + 117 East Court Square + Decatur + 404/370-3979
www.worthmorejewelers.com
UltraSlim titanium, steel
and ceramic watches from Skagen. Men's, $135,
Women's, $130.
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get thinner
for the holidays
1 GA Voice November 23, 2012 40 www.theGAVoice.com
kids
For the
(and their really cool parents)
CHILL, BABY PACIFIER
Keep your kid calm and cool takes on a new
meaning when it comes from the geniuses in
the kids department at Fred. $11.95 at Heliotrope
LIMITED EDITION
MARC JACOBS FOR
HRC T-SHIRTS
MAKEDO
FIND AND MAKE KITS
SHWINGS SHOE WINGS
B
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These organic cotton t-shirts, both
special editions limited to only 200
each, put a subtle gay twist on the
age-old kid tactic of asking rst one
parent, then the other, to get what
they want. Benets HRC. Sizes 6
months 4T, $35, www.hrc.org
These awesome kits bring recycling
to a new level of fun. Kits come with
directions, stickers and cool reusable
fasteners; kids supply recyclables like
empty cereal boxes, cups, etc. Heres
a robot ($10.95), but there are tons of
kits for all sorts of creations: planes,
space pods, owers, playhouses and
more. www. mymakedo.com
Let your favorite kids know you be-
lieve they can y with Shwings,
available in multiple color com-
binations. $13.98,
www.shwingsonline.com
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DIRECTORY LISTINGS
To advertise, email sales@thegavoice.com
By Ryan Lee
Downtown Atlanta will be more bustling
than Santas workshop on Dec. 2, as thousands
of LGBT Atlantans turn out for the 10th annual
Toy Party at AmericasMart #3
For more than a decade, the Toy Party has
allowed LGBT locals and an increasing num-
ber of heterosexuals to play Santas elves by
donating holiday gifts for underprivileged chil-
dren in Atlanta.
Its amazing how every year it gets bigger
and bigger, says Nick Gold, a member of the
advisory board of For The Kid in All of Us, the
volunteer non-proft that organizes Toy Party. Its
amazing to see, and we expect maybe as many as
5,000 people will attend the Toy Party this year.
For the Kid was founded to elevate what had
been a small holiday party hosted by Alex Wan,
who asked guests to bring a gift for charity.
Since then, Wan has been elected to the Atlanta
City Council, more than 35,000 toys have been
collected for local charities and the Toy Party
has become a gem of gay Atlanta.
What began a decade ago as a house party
where everyone brought an unwrapped toy
has grown into one of the must attend events
of the season, says Alison Hall, For the Kid
board president.
The event ensures that underprivileged
kids in our community have a gift on Christmas
morning, Hall says.
The number of agencies that receive gifts
from Toy Party has grown to two dozen in
2012. They range from HIV/AIDS organiza-
tions like Jerusalem House and AID Atlanta, to
elementary schools and churches, to groups that
support homeless youth and those with devel-
opmental disabilities.
Once all of the toys are collected on Dec. 2
from Toy Party, they get re-distributed later in the
month, just in time for Christmas, Gold says.
So the kids that are connected to these charities
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning.
As the Toy Party has grown, so has the cost
of producing such a grand event. This years
party marks the frst time For the Kid will
charge a $5 cover charge in addition to a gift.
Last year, the admission price was an un-
wrapped toy valued at $25 or more, and this year
the gift needs to be $20 or more, and then also a
$5 donation to help defray the costs of the event,
Gold says. It kind of works out about the same.
For the Kid is also introducing tiered options
for attending the Toy Party: the general admis-
sion of a gift and $5, an Ultra Lounge admission
that offers a little piece of the VIP experience
for $50 and an unwrapped toy, and a full-blown
VIP that costs $250 and an unwrapped toy.
The general admission area will include the
beats of DJ Vicki Powell and entertainment
inspired by Cirque du Soleil in honor of the
theme of this years Toy Party, Cirque de Jou-
ets, which is French for toy.
The Ultra Lounge will be situated within the
main ballroom, but will rescue attendees from
the Toy Partys legendary drink lines by offer-
ing private bars and wait staff.
The extra generous elves who opt for the
VIP ticket will have access to an open bar in
a private area, with an exhibition by perfor-
mance painter David Garibaldi. The new-age
artist who creates pop portraits to an accom-
panying song made it to the fnals of the most
recent season of Americas Got Talent, as
he and his entourage, David Garibaldi and his
CMYKs, awed audiences and judges with their
rapid-rhythm paintings of Mick Jagger, Albert
Einstein and the Statue of Liberty.
The suggested price of gifts for admission
to Toy Party has risen over the years, from the
early days of a $10 gift for access to an open
bar, to the $20 gift and tickets from $5 to $250.
But many attendees go much further than
the recommended gift price, buying bicycles,
video game systems and other big-ticket toys.
In addition to the 35,000 toys and gifts cards
donated at Toy Party over the years, For the
Kid has also raised more than $470,000 for lo-
cal charities through Toy Party and its summer
event, Backpack in the Park.
Holiday Guide
Toy Party celebrates 10 years with Cirque de Jouets
Circus of toys
Birds of a Feather
Holiday Dinner Theatre
Nov. 23-24, Dec. 6-8 at Jungle
2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Toy Drive for Jerusalem House
Nov. 23 at Model T
699 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308
www.modeltatlanta.com
Traxx Girls Red & Black Affair Toy Drive
Nov. 24, 10 p.m. 2:45 a.m.
595 North Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318
www.traxxgirls.com
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
Nov. 30, 8 p.m. at Cobb Energy Center
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
www.cobbenergycentre.com
Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus
Holiday Concert Preview
Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m. at Red Clay Theatre
3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096
www.eddieowenpresents.com
Toy Party
Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m. at Americas Mart 3
240 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30303
www.forthekid.org
Toy Party After Party
Dec. 2, 8:30 p.m. at W Atlanta Downtown
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30308
www.chriscolemanenterprises.com
Atlanta Executive Network Holiday Party
Dec. 6, 6:30-9 p.m. at The Fifth Ivory
794 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30308
www.aen.org
Naughty & Nice Holiday Gala
Benefts CHRIS Kids
Dec. 7, 7-10 p.m. at Mint Salon
985 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308
www.chriskids.org
Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus Holiday Concert
Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Dec. 8, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cathedral of St. Philip
2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305
www.agmchorus.org
Atlanta Santa Run
Benefts CURE Childhood Cancer
Dec. 8, 2 p.m. in Midtown Atlanta
www.atlantaspeedorun.org
Christmas Concert & Silent Auction
With Jason & DeMarco
Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
First Metropolitan Community Church
1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
www.frstmcc.com
Ho Ho Hoedown PALS Bingo
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at Jungle
2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
www.palsatlanta.org
United4Safety Holiday Cookie Contest
Dec. 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center
1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
www.united4safety.org
Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of
Commerce Holiday Party
Dec. 13, Details TBA
www.atlantagaychamber.org
Festival of Lights with Congregation Bet Haverim
Dec. 14, 6 p.m. at Central Congregational UCC
2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
www.congregationbethaverim.org
Southern Bears Christmas Party
Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at the Rush Center
1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
www.southernbears.org
OurSong Twisted Holiday Concert
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. at Emory University Canon Chapel
Dec. 15, 8:15 p.m. Clayton States Spivey Hall
www.oursongatlanta.org
Atlanta Freedom Bands
Holiday Fantasy Concert
Dec. 15, 8 p.m.
North Decatur Presbyterian Church
611 Medlock Road
Decatur, GA 30030
www.atlantafreedombands.com
Be sure to pick up our Dec. 7 and Dec. 21
issues for even more holiday events.
LGBT holiday happenings
Toy Party, created by For the Kid in All of Us, has collected more than 35,000 toys over the last decade to
make the holidays happier for under-privileged children. (Photo by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography)
By Jim Farmer
Holiday time at local theaters traditionally
brings familiar offerings as well as some newer
fare, much of it appealing to LGBT patrons.
Of course, The Santaland Diaries will
be back for its 14th outing at Horizon Theatre.
The comedy has proven to be the grandest gay-
themed offering of the entire season. Based on
gay writer David Sedaris own experience, as
told in his Holidays On Ice, it stars Harold M.
Leaver as the snarky title character, forced to
work as a department store elf during the holi-
days one year when money is tight.
Leavers co-stars are Enoch King, now in
his sixth year, and LaLa Cochran. Leaver still
shakes his head at how successful Santaland
has become. What started as a staged reading
now often sells out its entire run.
Last year, Leaver says, was the most suc-
cessful season yet and 2012 will be ripe with
all sorts of pop culture and political references.
Lesbian director Cathe Hall Payne is staging
Nuncrackers the Nunsense Christmas Mu-
sical at Onstage Atlanta. The holiday follow-up
to Nunsense features a cast of nuns trying to
raise money and all original songs, says Payne.
Onstage is also producing Merry Little
Holiday Shorts, a series of eight one-act plays.
Payne is directing one of the shorts, Fruitcake,
as are gay artists Charlie Miller (Very Trudy
Christmas) and Barry West (Introduction and
Colic & Petty Thief: A Christmas Story). These
are the last shows at the current location before the
company moves to a new home in 2013.
Located at the home of the late, great The-
atre in the Square, the new Marietta Theatre
is presenting Tuna Christmas. Its part of
the Tuna trilogy by openly gay Ed Howard,
also the artistic director of the new troupe, and
features two actors William Murphey and
Douglas Berlon playing a plethora of char-
acters, including women.
Gay actors Spencer Stephens and Bryan
Mercer are teaming up again for Synchronic-
itys musical A Year With Frog and Toad.
Although more about friendship than the holi-
days, its proven to be a popular fxture and
is a Suzi Award winner. Elsewhere, out actor
Glenn Rainey appears in Theatrical Outfts
The Gift of the Magi.
Perhaps the most lavish holiday onstage
treat is the Alliance Theatres A Christmas
Carol, again featuring Chris Kayser doing a
turn as Scrooge. The Alliance also has a new of-
fering this year, the musical Holiday With the
Chalks, featuring a country western trio who
are setting up a honky tonk at the Alliances
Hertz Stage.
Libby Whittemore, the popular chanteuse,
brings her inimitable pipes as well as her alter
ego, Connie Sue to Actors Express for Ho,
Ho, Home for the Holidays and a Connie
Sue Day Christmas in December.
Among the new holiday offerings, gay bar
Jungle Atlanta turns into a Parisian nightclub at
least for two upcoming weekends. Birds of a
Feather, a re-imagining of the gay French clas-
sic La Cage Aux Folles, opens there Nov. 23.
Originally a 1973 play about the chaos that
ensues when a young man brings his fances
conservative parents home to meet his bar-
owner father and his fathers gay lover, La
Cage became a 1978 flm, which bore two
sequels. It spawned a 1983 Broadway musical,
penned by Harvey Fierstein, as well as the 1996
flm The Birdcage with Robin Williams and
Nathan Lane.
Director Tony Smithey is taking some liber-
ties with his premise. In his take, which is set in
Atlanta, a young couple has to deal with ones
straight parents and the others gay parents while
on college break during the Christmas season.
We have also added a few characters,
he says.
More holiday fare
Two years ago, a stage version of Ru-
dolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer opened dur-
ing the Christmas season at the Center for Pup-
petry Arts and became a sensation. Its back as
well this year and its tale of an outsider looking
for acceptance is especially relevant and fun.
Other treats include: Little Women at Fa-
brefaction; White Christmas courtesy of At-
lanta Lyric Theatre; the Martin Luther King dra-
ma The Mountaintop via True Colors; Its
A Wonderful Life at Ansley Park Playhouse
and a live radio play version of the same show
at Stage Door Players; West Side Story at the
Cobb Energy Center; Christmas Canteen at
Aurora Theatre; and the irreverent Invasion:
Christmas Carol at Dads Garage.
For the 14th year, Harold Leaver stars in Santa-
land Diaries at Horizon Theatre, the stage adapta-
tion of gay humorist David Sedaris hilarious,
biting account of his days as a department store elf.
(Photo via Facebook)
Local theaters offer diverse
takes on the holidays
Sarcasm, sentimentality and more
MORE INFO
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through January 6 at Center for Puppetry Arts
www.puppet.org

The Santaland Diaries
Nov. 23 Dec. 30 at Horizon Theatre
www.horizontheatre.com

Nuncrackers The Nunsense
Christmas Musical
Nov. 23 Dec. 22 at Onstage Atlanta
www.onstageatlanta.com

Birds of a Feather
Nov. 23 Dec. 8 at Jungle Atlanta

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 25 Dec. 24 at Alliance Theatre
www.alliancetheatre.org

The Gift of the Magi
Nov. 29 Dec. 23 at The Balzer Theatre
www.theatricaloutft.org

Holiday With the Chalks
Nov. 30 - Dec 25 at Alliance Theatre
www.alliancetheatre.org

Merry Little Holiday Shorts
Dec. 6 16 at Onstage Atlanta
www.onstageatlanta.com

Tuna Christmas
Dec. 7 - 23 at Marietta Theatre
www.mariettatheatre.org

A Year With Frog and Toad
Dec. 7 -30 at 14th Street Playhouse
www.synchrotheatre.com

Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays and
a Connie Sue Day Christmas
Dec. 15 23 at Actors Express
www.actorsexpress.com
www.theGAVoice.com
Holiday Guide
AT L A N T A G AY M E N S C H O R U S
And on Earth,
Peace
THE 32ND ANNUAL
HOLIDAY CONCERT
With Special Guest Megan Mashburn, Soprano
December 7, 8 PM
December 8, 2 PM & 8 PM
The Cathedral of St. Philip
2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta
Tickets: $30 & up
agmchorus.org
Sponsored by:

404-894-9600 www.ferstcenter.org
Nnenna Freelon
Sponsored by
EmpirE Brass
THE sOUND OF CHrisTmas
featuring ElisaBETH vON Trapp
Sunday, December 2
spyrO Gyra
a NiGHT BEFOrE CHrisTmas
Saturday, December 8
JUaN siDDi FlamENCO
THEaTrE COmpaNy
Sunday, January 13
CHiCk COrEa
& Gary BUrTON
with HarlEm sTriNG QUarTET
Saturday, January 26
mOmix: BOTaNiCa
Saturday, February 2
JEssE COOk
NNENNa FrEElON
JakE sHimaBUkUrO
Saturday, March 2
Ny GilBErT & sUllivaN playErs
THE mikaDO
Sunday, March 10
aCOUsTiC alCHEmy
Saturday, March 16

sEN CUrraN
COmpaNy
Saturday, March 23
aN EvENiNG WiTH
ira Glass
Saturday, April 6
ETHEl
Saturday, April 20
sElECT 5
Or mOrE pErFOrmaNCEs
savE 15%
OFF THE siNGlE TiCkET priCE! s
a
v
E

N
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With shows for everyone on your list, the Ferst Center
has Atlantas best variety of live entertainment!
G
iv
E TH
E G
iFT
O
F G
rEaT EN
TErTaiN
m
EN
T
By Ryan Watkins
Its just not the holidays without music to
put you in the festive spirit. Atlantas gay and
lesbian choruses are poised to host their annual
holiday concerts with inclusive messages of
peace and hope.
The Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus returns to the
Cathedral of Saint Philip for its annual holiday
concert, this year called And on Earth, Peace.
The concerts are set for Dec. 7-8, including the
traditional ice cream social after the 2 p.m. show
on Dec. 8. The chorus also offers a preview show
Dec. 1 at Red Clay Theatre in Duluth.
Kevin Robinson, artistic director for
AGMC, said this years theme of peace goes
hand-in-hand with the season.
It is always an appropriate time to sing
about and celebrate the promise of joy to the
world and goodwill to all persons, Robison
says. But perhaps its especially important to
sing these universal messages of hope during
an election year, where the volume of the rhet-
oric can get in the way of reminding us all of
what we most desire peace.
The concert is slated to include such holiday
classics as Deck the Halls, O Holy Night
and a remake of the famous Little Drummer
Boy/Peace on Earth duet between Bing Cros-
by and David Bowie. It will also feature special
guest Megan Mashburn.
Robinson praises the Cathedral of Saint Philip,
calling the venue a guest star of the annual show.
The Cathedral itself must be considered
one of the recurring guest stars of our De-
cember holiday concert, he says. Its reverent
beauty and ringing acoustics greatly add to the
experience for both our audiences and the cho-
rus itself. We feel extremely privileged to be
invited back year after year.
The AGMC, now in its 32nd season, also
has a new holiday CD that will be available at
the concerts. It can also be downloaded from
iTunes and the chorus website.
OurSong gets Twisted
OurSong, Atlantas mixed gay and lesbian
chorus, will host its holiday concert, Twisted
Holiday, on Dec. 14 at Cannon Chapel at Em-
ory University and Dec. 15 at Spivey Hall at
Clayton State University.
While many of the songs OurSong will per-
form during the show are recognizable, Robert
Glor, artistic director, says that the chorus want-
ed a new take on memorable classics.
It was born from trying to fnd different ar-
rangements of traditional things, Glor says. Its
a fresh new look to the music. We realized these
were twisted from what they originally were.
That inspiration led to the concerts theme.
Glor notes he and his associate artistic director,
Ellen Chase, spent many hours during the sum-
mer looking for new arrangements.
I spent a lot of time in the summer, listening
to music, Glor says. Id go to YouTube and Id
go to the music vendors websites. We look ev-
erywhere we can to fnd different arrangements.
While the chorus promises new takes on
classics, there will be some modern music in-
cluded, as well, Glor says. Works from con-
temporary composers Kevin Memley and Bob
Chilcott will also be featured.
Its really great, beautiful music, Glor said.
OurSong, now in its 11th year, will perform
in two different venues: one intown at Emory
University and the other outside of the city at
Clayton State University.
The Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus offers December
concerts featuring both traditional and contem-
porary holiday tunes. (Photo by Brent Corcoran/
RNZ Photography)
Atlanta Gay Mens
Chorus and OurSong
sing for the season
Ho, Ho, Ho-liday concerts
MORE INFO
Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus
And on Earth, Peace
Preview on Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m.
Red Clay Theatre, Duluth
Concert on Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Dec. 8, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cathedral of St. Philip
www.agmchorus.org
OurSong Twisted Holiday
Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
Cannon Chapel at Emory University
Dec. 15, 8:14 p.m.
Spivey Hall at Clayton State University
www.oursongatlanta.org
www.theGAVoice.com
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 404-873-5400 MIDTOWN ATLANTA, AMSTERDAM WALK, 501 AMSTERDAM AVE, ATLANTA, GA 30306
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Holiday Guide
By Laura Douglas-Brown
ldbrown@thegavoice.com
Atlanta may not be a typical winter won-
derland, but the season is still flled with events
and attractions to get you in the holiday spirit.
While not as LGBT-specifc as Toy Party or gay
chorus concerts, youll also fnd plenty of fam-
ily at these beloved traditions.
GARDEN LIGHTS, HOLIDAY NIGHTS
Nov. 17-Jan. 5 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the
Atlanta Botanical Garden is among the new-
est traditions on our list, debuting last year. By
turns whimsical and ethereal, this lovely light-
ed walk through the 30-acre garden uses more
than 1.5 million low-energy lights to create a vi-
sion that is nothing short of delightful. Among
the new features this year are the Vincent Van
Gogh-inspired Starry Night Walk and Liquid
Lights, a lighted fountain display in the Cas-
cades Garden described as an icy cool vibe.
Favorites from last year also return, including
the Orchestral Orbs display set to holiday
music on the Great Lawn.
SEASON OF MAGIC AT PIEDMONT PARK
Nov. 22-Jan. 1 in Piedmont Park
www.piedmontpark.org
LGBT Atlantas unoffcial backyard gets into
the spirit with the second-annual Season of Mag-
ic. Enjoy holiday lights throughout the park, along
with a carousel and horse-drawn carriage rides.
While youre there, dont miss the ice-skating rink
now in its third year at Park Tavern. Opening Nov.
23, the rink is in a heated tent complete with music
and rink-side dining. Enjoy dinner from Metro-
Fresh and cocktails in the Glow Bar.
ICE SKATING AT CENTENNIAL PARK
Nov. 21-Jan. 27 in Centennial Park
www.centennialpark.com
Billed as the only outdoor skating rink in At-
lanta, Centennial Parks rink has been a favorite
for more than a decade. As you skate, and after,
enjoy the Holiday in Lights display, with 20 miles
of lights and a nearly 60-foot Christmas tree.
DECATUR BONFIRE
Dec. 13, 7-8 p.m. in Decatur Square
www.decaturdba.com
A favorite with families, including many
with two moms or two dads, the Decatur Bon-
fre warms you up with marshmallow roasting
around a huge bonfre and visits with Santa in
the community bandstand.
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR
Nov. 30, 8 p.m.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz,
who just happens to be gay, brings his Christ-
mas Tour to the Atlanta area for the 15th year.
Friends joining Koz this year to offer fresh
takes on holiday favorites include percussionist
and singer Sheila E., known for her work with
Prince and Cyndi Lauper, among others; The
Voice winner Javier Colon; pianist David Ben-
oit and singer/songwriter Margo Rey.
ATLANTA SYMPHONY HOLIDAY SHOWS
Christmas with the ASO: Dec. 6-8
ASO Kids Christmas: Dec. 9 & 16
Handels Messiah: Dec. 13 & 15
ASO Gospel Christmas: Dec. 14-15
A Very Merry Holiday Pops: Dec. 19, 21-22
www.atlantasymphony.org
The always-lovely Atlanta Symphony Or-
chestra offers holiday concerts in multiple mu-
sical styles. Christmas with the ASO features
400 singers and musicians, including the sym-
phony, the Morehouse College Glee Club, and
more. Handels Messiah is a traditional spiri-
tual favorite, while the Gospel Christmas offers
both modern and traditional pieces. The annual
Holiday Pops concert promises a variety show
with everything from the seasons merriest
songs to Santa dancing the jitterbug.
SNOW MOUNTAIN
Nov. 22-Feb. 18
Stone Mountain
www.stonemountainpark.com
Its the least-gay tradition on the list, and its
packed with families and kids virtually non-
stop. But cmon, its snow, in Atlanta! Bring
your kids, your nieces and nephews, or heck,
just round up a group of friends for a day of
tubing, roasting marshmallows and more. Look
up at the Confederate carving on the mountain,
then look around at the diverse crowd around
you, and see how far the South has come.
Thats something to be happy about, at the holi-
days and year round.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nightsdebuted in 2011 at
the Atlanta Botanical Garden and quickly earned
its spot among the citys most beautiful and beloved
holiday traditions. (Photos by Joey Ivansco)
Dont miss these favorite
ATL holiday traditions
Winter wonderlands
Holiday Guide
50 GA Voice November 23, 2012 Calendar www.theGAVoice.com
Friday, Nov. 23
The Santaland Diaries, an Atlanta theater tradition,
brings gay humorist David Sedaris satire about working
as a Macys elf back to the stage. Opens tonight, runs
through Dec. 30 at Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave.,
Atlanta, GA 30307, www.horizontheatre.com For more
holiday theater offerings, see story on Page 44.
Edie Cheezburger presents The Other Show, fea-
turing Jasmine Antoinette, Justice Tyana Taylor,
Miami Royale, Violet Chachki and special guest
Arrianna Paris. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at
9:30 p.m., DJ Thomas Byrd spins pop and top 40 after.
Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324,
City of the South Theatre Company presents
Birds of a Feather, aka The Birdcage,
complete with a three-course meal for the Holiday
Dinner Theatre at Jungle. Opens tonight with
shows Nov. 24, Dec. 6-8 at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road,
Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
The Model T hosts a Toy Drive for Jerusalem
House, which helps those living with HIV. Model T,
699 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.modeltatlanta.com
Traxx Girls presents the Friday night Banjee Girls
hip-hop party from 9 p.m. 4 a.m. at My Sisters
Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316,
www.mysistersroom.com
DJ Brett Long spins for Mr. and Miss Atlanta Eagle
bar night, Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave.,
Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com
Saturday, Nov. 24
Atlantas Every Womyn presents an LGBT Old
School Game Night, with games like Monopoly,
Scrabble, Twister, Musical Chairs and much more to
benet Lift Up Atlanta. $7. 7 - 10 p.m. at the Phillip
Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
Take a break from leftovers with the Turkey Relief
Dance Party featuring DJ Rapko from Q100 at My
Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316,
Mon Cherie presents The Chamber Reunion II,
harkening back to the glory days of Atlantas former
fetish bar with aerial artists, fetish and burlesque
performers, DJs Jennocide and Alabaster, host
Devin Liquor and much more. 9 p.m. 2 a.m. at The
Masquerade, 695 North Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.moncheriepresents.com
Traxx Clubs presents a Thanksgiving Extravaganza
with Kenya Moore of Real Housewives, who also ap-
pears at the Traxx Girls party. DJ Eclipse and DJ Angel
X spin house and hip hop. XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring
Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com
Daring Divas is the new Saturday night show at Blakes
feauring Charlie Brown, Shawnna Brooks, Angelica
DPaige, Savannah Leigh, Michelle Paris and The
Lady Shabazz. Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta,
GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Sunday, Nov. 25
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
Monday, Nov. 26
New restaurant Bantam + Biddy donates 10 percent
of todays proceeds after 5 p.m. to Pets Are Loving
Support, which helps people with HIV and other health
issues keep their pets. Located at Ansley Mall, 1544
Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org
Writing With Intent is open to writers of ction
and creative non-ction; group offers motivational
exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep
you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More,
1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307,
www.charisbooksandmore.com
Catch the $3,000 grand nale of Absolut Talent
karaoke. 11:30 p.m. at Burkharts, 1492 Piedmont Ave.,
Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
Tuesday, Nov. 27
Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday hosts its
monthly dinner. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
at Pappasitos Cantina, 2788 Windy Hill Road, Marietta,
GA 30067, www.thehealthinitiative.org
BEST BETS11.23 - 12.06
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.
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SPOTLIGHT
Traxx Girls presents the annual Red &
Black Affair: Toy Drive 2012, hosted
by Kenya Moore of Real Housewives of
Atlanta. 10 p.m. 2:45 a.m. at 595, 595
North Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318,
www.traxxgirls.com
Comedian Eddie Sarfaty, who has
appeared on The Today Show, Logos
Wisecrack and in the documentary
Laughing Matters, performs to benet
adoption services at CHRIS Kids. 8 p.m. at
Dads Garage, 280 Elizabeth St., Atlanta, GA
30307, www.chriskids.org
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
Saturday, Nov. 24
Tuesday, Nov. 27
Wednesday, Nov. 28
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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
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www.thegavoice.com/calendar
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Saturday, Dec. 1
As performance art troupe gloATL prepares
for their debut at Aqua Art in Miami,
Atlantans are invited for the local dress
rehearsal here. 8-10 p.m. at Goodson Yard
at the Goat Farm, 1200 Foster St., Atlanta, GA
30318, www.gloATL.org
28 51 Calendar November 23, 2012 www.theGAVoice.com GA Voice
Every fourth Tuesday, try your luck at Speed Dating
from 8-10 p.m. at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St.,
Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Laugh Your Balls Off at Cockpits queer comedy
night, held the last Tuesday of the month. 8:30 p.m.
at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Wednesday, Nov. 28
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
hosts a Business Builder Luncheon at 11:50 a.m.
East Point Corner Tavern, 2783 Main St. East Point, GA
30344, www.atlantagaychamber.org
Poetry Atlanta and the Georgia Center for the
Book host the last Poetry Atlanta Presents
event of the year, featuring Eve Hoffman, Travis Den-
ton and Robert Wood. 7:15 p.m. at Decatur Library, 215
Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030.
http://poetryatlanta.blogspot.com
Thursday, Nov. 29
Camille Paglia social critic, best-selling author
of Sexual Personae, and also a lesbian presents
her latest foray into the world of Western art with
Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art from
Egypt to Star Wars. 6:30-8 p.m. at SCAD Atlanta,
1600 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.acappellabooks.com/upcoming-events
Cherie Priest reads from The Inexplicables. 7:
30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Lesbian blues rocker Michelle Malone performs
with Levi Lowrey and Gareth Asher. 8 p.m. at Eddie
Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St.,
Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com
On Thursdays, check out Danceoor Divas with
Phoenix of RuPauls Drag Race. 11:30 p.m. at
Burkharts, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.burkharts.com
Friday, Nov. 30
On the eve of World AIDS Day, the Red Party
celebrates Lives Focused on Cure with HIV testing
from 6-10 p.m. and show at 10 p.m. with DJ Birdman
and the Divas Cabaret. Benets Powertoendure.
org at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367,
www.thenewlebuzz.com
Directed by openly gay Brian Clowdus, A Divas
Christmas delivers an eclectic mix of Christmas
standards and contemporary favorites belted out
by Alison Brannon Wilhoit, Kylie Brown and Dasie
Thames. The touring show kicks off in Dahlonega
tonight and runs through Dec. 21; Atlanta-area dates
include The Hill at Serenbe (Dec. 1), West & Mill in West
Midtown, (Dec. 2), Spice Market at W Midtown (Dec. 8),
Caf Circa in downtown Atlanta (Dec. 9 and Dec. 16)
and Haven in Brookhaven (Dec. 10).
www.serenbeplayhouse.com
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
Saturday, Dec. 1
Today is World AIDS Day. For a
full schedule of events, please
see page 8.
Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus offers a preview of their
annual Holiday Concert. 1:30 p.m. at the Red Clay
Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096,
The gay Dixie Bowling Invitational hosts a beer
bust to watch the SEC Championship game and raise
funds for Lost-N-Found Youth and ACS. 3-6 p.m. at
Burkharts, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.dixiebowl.org
This years theme is The Hunger Games as
LeBuzz hosts the preliminary competition for
Mister Georgia USofA Male Illusionist & Classic,
an ofcial precursor to the national contest. 8-11 p.m.
at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367,
www.thenewlebuzz.com
Sunday, Dec. 2
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
The Toy Party After Party keeps the holiday spirit
going. 8:30 p.m. at the W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan
Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.chriscolemanenterprises.com
Barry Brandons Bedlam parties present The
Masquerade, a birthday celebration for Eber Teles de
Oliveira. This one is billed as a private event, so you
must RSVP to attend. 10 p.m. 3 a.m. at iLoungeatl,
1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316,
http://on.fb.me/UKsTdR
Monday, Dec. 3
The Atlanta chapter of PFLAG hosts its First
Monday Support Meeting where attendees are
divided into small groups led by a trained facilitator.
7:30 - 9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation,
1605 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329,
www.pagatl.org
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Every Tuesday, sing out at Mary-oke starting at 9
p.m. at Marys, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316,
www.marysatlanta.com
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
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Every Wednesday, watch The X Factor at 8 p.m.
on the big screens at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A
Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306,
www.amsterdamatlanta.com
Charlie Brown hosts Drag Idol 5 every Wednes-
day at 10 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta,
GA 30367, http://on.fb.me/MYbqiy
Friday, Nov. 30
Gay saxophonist Dave Koz brings his
Christmas show back to Georgia. 8 p.m. at
the Cobb Energy Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria
Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339,
SPOTLIGHT
Hannah Thomas and Emily Kate Boyd
perform their rock/country tunes. 9:30
p.m. at Eddies Attic, 515-B McDonough
Road, Decatur, GA 30030,
www.eddiesattic.com
On Mondays, play Family Feud at 11:30 p.m.
with host Wild Cherry Sucret. Blakes on
the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Tuesdays, unwind with a sing-along with
pianist David Reeb at 8 p.m. at Mixx,
1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.mixxatlanta.com
Saturday, Dec. 1
Monday, Dec. 3
Tuesday, Dec. 4
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53 Calendar November 23, 2012 www.theGAVoice.com GA Voice
On Wednesdays, catch the Lust & Bust Show with
host Lena Lust and featuring Shawnna Brooks. 11
p.m. at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA
30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Thursday, Dec. 6
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 its an-
nual holiday party. Half-off your rst cocktail with
a donated toy or gift card. 6:30-9 p.m. at The Fifth
Ivory, 794 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.aen.org
Pulitzer-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson discuss-
es her book The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic
Story of Americas Great Migration. 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 televi-
sion 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,
EVENTS
Friday, Dec. 7
Join Mint Salon for the Naughty and Nice Holi-
day Gala, a night of fashion, food and beverages
complete with silent auction, DJ and door prizes.
A portion of proceeds benets CHRIS Kids. 7-10
p.m. at Mint Salon, 985 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA
30308, www.chriskids.org
Hometown duo Indigo Girls perform with the
Georgia Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. at Cobb
Energy Center at Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb
Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339,
Friday, Dec. 7
Saturday, Dec. 8
The Atlanta Gay Mens Chorus performs its 32nd
annual holiday concert, And on Earth, Peace,
with soprano Megan Mashburn. 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
(followed by free ice cream social) and 8 p.m. Dec. 8
at The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road,
Atlanta, GA 30305, www.agmchorus.org
Friday, Dec. 7-Monday, Dec. 10
The Heretic hosts a weekend of events to cel-
ebrate the bars 21st anniversary. DJ Lydia Prim
spins Friday at 10 p.m., DJ Mickey Friedman spins
10 p.m. on Saturday. Monday is the invite-only
Customer Appreciation Party from 8-10 p.m., so
ask a staff member for an invitation. Heretic, 2069
Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324,
www.hereticatlanta.com
Saturday, Dec. 8
Watch or join in as 300 scantily clad runners take
to the streets for the Atlanta Speedo Run to try
to raise $150,000 for CURE Childhood Cancer. Run-
ners need to raise $250 to participate. Run begins
at 2 p.m. and takes a 1.5 mile course on West
Peachtree and Peactree streets, through the heart
of Midtown. www.atlantaspeedorun.org
Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin performs at
8 p.m. at Agnes Scott Colleges Presser Hall, 141
East College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030,
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Ho Ho Hoedown is the theme for this months
PALS Bingo. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30
p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA
30324, www.palsatlanta.org
UPCOMING
The seventh annual Art Vision raises funds for
Positive Impact, which provides mental health
and other services for those affected by HIV. This
years theme is Uncharted: Travel to En-
chanted Lands. 7-10 p.m. at Stone Four Studios
at Studio Plex, 659 Auburn Ave. NE #131, Atlanta,
GA 30312, www.artvisionatl.org
Gay Christian artists Jason & DeMarco perform
as First Metropolitan Community Church hosts
its annual Christmas Concert and Silent Auc-
tion. 7 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta,
GA 30329, www.rstmcc.com
Friday, Dec. 7
Saturday, Dec. 8
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55 Columnists November 23, 2012 www.theGAVoice.com GA Voice
DOMESTICALLY
DISTURBED
My grandmother on my mothers side, the
widowed commander of a brood of six children,
was presented with the daily task of staying
aoat on a very limited budget.
She rose to the challenge, stretching every
morsel of food and inch of fabric to cover the
demands of her family. Her resourcefulness truly
shined every December, when she created low-
cost alternatives to the usual holiday fare.
As a tribute to my late grandmother, my
Mama still prepares her unbaked fruit cake, a
sticky-sweet mishmash of condensed milk, vanil-
la wafers, and candied fruit, formed into a loaf and
left to harden on the counter for several weeks.
It barely qualies as food. The polite but un-
fortunate relations who have attempted ingesting
this concoction have either lost teeth or experi-
enced instantaneous insulin shock.
My sister Shannon and I have spent years
reminding Mama that the only reason our grand-
mother prepared this monstrosity is because she
was poor. Had the option of preparing actual
fruitcake been nancially viable, she would have
gleefully done so. Perhaps a more tting tribute
to our grandmother would be baking the fancy
fruitcake that eluded her all those years.
Mama remains unmoved by our entreaties,
declaring unbaked fruitcake a sacred family tra-
dition, whether any of us like it or not.
My birthdays next week its my Jesus
year. Ill be 33, which is as far as Jesus got if you
dont count the Resurrection. According to some
interpretations of the Mayan calendar, its as far
as Ill be getting as well.
Considering Im currently living in a world
where theyre taking away Twinkies and I cant
have Chick-l-a for ethical reasons, Ive made
my peace with the possibility of things wrapping
up in the next month or so.
But then there are others who say that the
2012 End of Days prophesies refer to a new
age of enlightenment a radical shift in human
interaction. Theres evidence to support that.
My marriage license recently picked up ser-
vice in a few new states. The next time I go to
Colorado, I can apparently get totally baked with-
out fear of retribution. Its all terribly exciting, al-
though Im sure there are people who would take
these as signs that the world is ending.
I make little notes every birthday of things Id
like to achieve in the coming year. I am notorious
for my overplanning. Get in shape is always
on there. So is painting the house, and getting
this damn tattoo of a typewriter Ive wanted for
about seven years.
One year I actually put Stop overplanning
on the list. I dont know why I do it to myself. I
suppose its tradition.
Perhaps Mama and I would be well-advised
to consider what tradition really is. Its intended
to be an activity you actually enjoy repeating, like
watching Revenge with my husband, or drink-
ing a whole pot of coffee on Sunday mornings.
Annually preparing a brick of cookie crumbs
and neon green cherries, or making a list of
things you never actually do, is not tradition. Its
just making the same mistake over and over and
not learning anything.
Ive had the same conversation about the type-
writer tattoo with my husband Preppy for years. I
talk about wanting it, then talk myself out of it be-
cause I might have to cover it if I get an acting gig.
This year, Preppy tried a different tactic when
I brought it up. He pointed out that I spend a lot
more time as myself than I do as someone else,
so shouldnt I do what would make me happy?
Im gonna hold out hope on the notion of this
new age of enlightenment, even in a world with-
out Twinkies. For good or bad, my Jesus year
will be what it will be.
Sometimes the results will be fantastic, and
sometimes itll be an unbaked fruitcake: The
best mix of what I have to work with at the mo-
ment, with the hope of something better later.
No lists this time. Lets just see what lies
ahead.
Ushering in a new
age of enlightenment
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
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Whether you want to provide for your loved ones, support the
organizations that are important to you, or plan for your own
comfortable retirement, I can help you plan for your goals. Ill look
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