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The Georgia Voice - 12/7/12 Vol.3, Issue 20
The Georgia Voice - 12/7/12 Vol.3, Issue 20
NalleyBMW.com 866-416-8811
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12.07.12
NEWS
CDC HIV chief steps down. Page 4 HIV infections increasing among youth. Page 4 Cathy Woolard named interim AID Atlanta executive director. Page 6 UGA may soon offer domestic partner benets. Page 6 Georgia cities fail LGBT equality ratings. Page 6 Emory University student government denounces Chick-l-A. Page 8 Atlanta City Council supports gay marriage. Page 9
EDITORIAL
Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown lbrown@thegavoice.com Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com Web Manager: Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com Art Director: Bo Shell bshell@thegavoice.com Contributors: Melissa Carter, Brent Corcoran, Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, Topher Payne, Matt Schafer, Steve Warren, Ryan Lee
There are some of my family members that are not thrilled that you can see me kissing a man in the shows promos, but its an important part of my life. You can be Persian and gay.
Reza Farahan, star of Shahs of Sunset, which appears on Bravo at 10 p.m. on Sundays (Hufngton Post, Dec. 3)
BUSINESS
Ryan is not gay. Im 100 percent sure. If you spend two minutes in his presence, you would never ask that question.
Reza Farahan, commenting on rumors about Shahs of Sunset executive producer Ryan Seacrest (Hufngton Post, Dec. 3)
A&E
Real Man Adventures explores gender, sexuality. Page 11 Books: Give the gift of words. Page 12 Events: Atlanta Freedom Bands, Hanukkah Festival of Lights. Page 12 Film: Any Day Now explores gay adoption. Page 15
Sales Executive: Marshall Graham mgraham@thegavoice.com National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com
BOARD OF ADVISERS
I hope all LGBTQ youth know that they are as valuable as anyone else, that they are amazing and unique, and make the world a more vibrant place.
Pop singer Katy Perry, accepting the Hero award Dec. 2 from the Trevor Project, which works to prevent suicide among LGBT youth. (AOL Music, Dec. 3).
When I decided to run, I said either you come out and become an activist and have a major role there or I run for Congress. There was no way I could have been out and won.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) on his rst run for Congress in 1980. Frank, who came out in 1987 while serving in Congress, is retiring after 32 years in the U.S. House. (Washington Post, Dec. 3)
Its important to have a parent speak about raising a magnicent, proud, intelligent, funny, lovable, sexy gay son. And there are so many parents who are frightened of that and who dont embrace their children as they struggle. Those children are struggling to embrace who they are, what nature intended them to be.
Sally Field, discussing her gay son Sam, during a Dec. 2 interview with Oprah Winfrey on Oprahs Next Chapter. (Towleroad.com, Dec. 3)
photo
CALENDAR
Pages 26-29
COLUMNISTS
Thats What She Said: Melissa Carters best laid plans dont always work out. Page 30 Domestically Disturbed: Topher Paynes bad, bad neighborhood. Page 31
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News
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Kevin Fenton steps down this month after seven years as the director of the National Center for HIV/ AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention. (Photo courtesy CDC)
home, reuniting with his partner who moved back to England two years ago, and beginning a new chapter in his professional career. Implementing the rst United States domestic national HIV strategy is at the top of Fentons list of proud accomplishments with the CDC. Still, he remains worried about the trend of gay men, especially young gay men and
young black gay men, continuing to be the population with the highest rates of HIV infections each year. Its not only HIV but also increases in STDs such as gonorrhea and syphilis, Fenton said. That really suggests to me that we need to be ensuring that we are both identifying young people who might be at risk before they
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News
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AID Atlanta continues its search for a fulltime director since Tracy Elliott resigned as executive director in June. Dyana Bagby
Kevin Fenton participated in a recent town hall meeting with community HIV/AIDS specialists to discuss specific ways to reduce infection rates among black gay men. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
Atlanta scores 82 for municipal equality; other Ga. cities fail LGBT ratings
Atlanta scored 82 out of 100 on LGBT issues in the new Municipal Equality Index released by the Human Rights Campaign. Three other Georgia municipalities all known for being LGBT-friendly received much lower scores: Decatur received a score of 27, the North Druid Hills area of Dekalb County received 15 and Avondale Estates, home to openly gay State Rep. Karla Drenner, scored 8. The report examines almost 50 LGBTrelated criteria in 137 cities, including the 50 state capitals, 50 cities with the highest populations in the country, and the top 25 large cities, top 25 medium-sized cities, and top 25 small cities with the highest concentrations of same-sex couples identified in the 2010 U.S. Census. Scores are based on policies and procedures and are not a measure of the climate for LGBT people, since some areas can seem friendly and accepting even without actual laws on the books, HRC stressed. Decatur City Manager Peggy Merriss has said she plans to resubmit the citys survey. Laura Douglas Brown
Fenton said that he is proud the CDC is also taking a leading role in understanding that behavior is not the only reason some people, including gay men, take risks with their health and become HIV positive.
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News
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Fliers like this have appeared on the Emory campus denouncing Chick-fil-A, which is included in a campus dining facility. (Photo via the Facebook group Support All Emory Students, Say No to Chick-Fil-A)
of controversy over Chick-fil-A occurred in the same year that Emorys Office of LGBT Life celebratesd its 20th anniversary, alumni backed a $250,000 endowment for the office, and Wagner himself made an It Gets Better video. If we do nothing, we are just as guilty as if we had made contributions to those hate groups directly, concludes the letter, signed by GALA Co-chairs Lilly Correa and Ryan Roche. In a separate letter, GALA also expressed concern that the universitys Goizueta Business School holds a mandatory student retreat at the WinShape Foundation campus in Rome, Ga. WinShape was created by Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy and is the companys main vehicle for philanthropic donations. Emory officials issued an initial response to concerns about Chick-fil-A back in August, stressing the schools commitment to diversity but also declining to sever the relationship with the fast-food chain. Emory University has a long history of creating access, inclusion, and equity for Emorys gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer students, faculty, staff and alumni. Recent public statements by Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, do not reflect Emorys values as an institution, read the statement from Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life Dr. Ajay Nair. Nevertheless, freedom of expression and an open exchange of ideas are also central tenets of the Emory community. Emory therefore respects the right of people to express their disagreement with Mr. Cathy by not patronizing Chick-fil-A, Nair said.
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December 7, 2012
GA Voice
unions and why it was important to make a statement even though the resolution has no legal impact on gay marriage in Georgia. Some didnt understand the concept of marriage equality and civil unions. Some wanted to know why the city should take a position on this when it has no impact, Wan said. I explained to them the symbolic statement it makes and that it was more than just having the rights. Wan was very pleased with the 11-2 vote. The two no votes were from Howard Shook and C.T. Martin. Wan spoke with Reed about his resolution at the beginning of his process to get the councils support of same-sex marriage. We had a good conversation about it. It wasnt about him. This was a position I wanted my City Council to take, Wan said. I respect his process. Sonji Jacobs, spokesperson for Reed, issued a short statement when asked if the mayor had a reaction to the councils vote: Mayor Reed respects the decision of the Atlanta City Council in passing a resolution supporting marriage equality. Reed met with LGBT advocates in June to discuss his stance, but despite the pressure, was still was not willing to change his position even after President Barack Obama came out in support of gay marriage. Reed said earlier this year he was still struggling with the issue of supporting full marriage equality. I respect President Obamas decision to stand in support of marriage equality. I have fought hard for the rights of gays and lesbians my entire political career from protecting adoption rights for gay and lesbian families, to voting against Georgias constitutional ban on same-sex marriage as a state senator, to serving as the state house sponsor for the only hate crimes bill ever passed in the state of Georgia, Reed said in a statement at the time. While I am still wrestling with my own personal beliefs on the issue of marriage, I deeply appreciate the contributions gays and lesbians make to our city every single day and I remain committed to Atlantas vibrant and diverse LGBT community, he said. While the Atlanta City Councils resolution has no legal impact and it remains illegal to get married in Georgia, other councils as well as mayors are stepping up to make symbolic statements of their support for marriage equality. In September, the Austin, Texas, City Council passed a resolution in support of same-sex marriage. Last year in North Carolina, the Durham City Council also passed a resolution in support of gay marriage. The Freedom to Marry organization also began a Mayors for Freedom of Marriage campaign this year. Some 289 mayors from 33 states have signed onto the pledge.
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ARE YOU
MAN ENOUGH?
T Cooper, Amy Ray and Scott Turner Schofield reunite for Charis fundraiser
By Dyana Bagby
11 A&E
Real Man Adventures by T Cooper is not a memoir. Really. Its not a memoir! I swear! Cooper states in an email interview. His book Real Man Adventures (McSweeneys, $23) includes stories about his life, but is so much more. Besides, Cooper stresses, hes only 40 and that hardly qualifies him to write a memoir. Theres a part of the book where I say that the book is a meditation on masculinity with some autobiographical elements and thats completely true. I mean, its a collage: theres a bunch of interviews in there, conversations, straight journalism, artwork, a couple poems, letters and some essays, he says. Cooper, the author of Lipshitz Six, or Two Angry Blondes, The Beaufort Diaries and Some of the Parts, returns to Atlanta for a Dec. 15 event also starring playwright and actor Scott Turner Schofield and hometown favorite singer/songwriter (and one-half of Indigo Girls) Amy Ray. Dubbed Tall Tales and Real Man Adventures, the evening is a fundraiser for Charis Books & More and will include interviews, performance and singing. As a trans man, Cooper is well aware of gender and has been unafraid to broach the topic in fiction. But he said now is the time to delve into it head-on through non-fiction. I think we as a culture are pretty much beyond the tranny-tell-all books where you start at Point A with the unhappy childhood being trapped in the wrong body, on through the torture of high school, and finally end at Point B with explicit description about surgeries, hormones, social transition, etc., Cooper says. I dont think every book about a trans persons life needs to cover that material anymore.
Amy Ray, T Cooper and Scott Turner Schofield reunite Dec. 15 for Tall Tales and Real Man Adventures. ( Ray courtesy Daemon Records, Cooper by Ryan Pfluger, Schofield by Abby Gaskins)
dramatic ex-girlfriend. But I truly love Atlanta, Schofield says. His dream job is to be a talk show host who interviews artists of all kinds. The Dec. 15 show will be structured like a talk show with Schofield interviewing Cooper and Ray, with Ray closing out with a musical set. Attendees are invited to submit questions to the Charis Facebook event page (http:// on.fb.me/TG8dEA) for Tall Tales and Real Man Adventures as well, Schofield says.
I am half and half and whatever you call me is fine, she says. I work every day to be comfortable in my body and in rare transcendent moments, I am, but its the job of my lifetime to appreciate my physicality and always project what is inside me so I can celebrate this life Ive been given.
Exploring gender
A common thread
Schofield, an Emory graduate who jumpstarted his career at Charis Books more than a decade ago, is excited to collaborate with Ray and Cooper this performance marks the third time theyve worked
One question for Cooper does he think about gender all the time? The answer is no. Except when he does. I mean, I have the luxury of not having to think about it, he says. And I like it that way. That said, I deal a lot in the book with this exact question that is, the times when I have to think about it, when there are safety issues, medical issues, privacy issues, or the rare times when people are being unknowingly (or more rarely, knowingly) insensitive, etc, just a whole slew of times when I am reminded of things that might be different about my way of going through the world. For Ray, gender is not so easy to define in a binary world.
All three praise Charis and feminist bookstores with Schofield and Ray acknowledging the Atlanta landmarks role in lifting up their careers. Charis and stores like it are a touchstone for me. I try to visit feminist bookstores when I travel because they have such a great community vibe and always point me in the right direction, Ray says. For Schofield, his career literally began at Charis with the performance of Underground Transit at the bookstore more than a decade ago. Charis has literally been there from the beginning for me. And now Outwrite is closed. Were watching these important places close and we dont want to see it happen to Charis, he says. We just have so much respect for Charis. If for nothing else go to this show to support Charis.
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BOOKS
www.theGAVoice.com
words
Support your local, gay-owned booksellers:
Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 www.brushstrokes.us Charis Books and More 1189 Euclid Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 www.charisbooksandmore.com
By David James (Kensington, 2012) Amanda Thorne is a Realtor who can also solve murders and is asked by a client to appear on a reality TV show to help him nd his soul mate. Second in a series.
Judith Watt (Harper Design, 2012) An incredible telling of visionary designer Alexander McQueens personal and professional life, from his modest childhood to top runway shows.
By Alison Bechdel (Harcourt, 2012) Lesbian cartoonist Alison Bechdel explores her complicated relationship with her mother in this intellectual, introspective graphic novel.
By Sandor Ellix Katz (Chelsea Green, 2012) All you ever wanted to know about fermentation with writing basic enough for readers to make everything from their own yogurt to meads, wines and ciders.
By Joan Rivers (Berkley Hardcover, 2012) Joan Rivers pulls no punches in this book packed with punch lines and celebrity gossip and not for the easily offended.
By Paul Vitagliano (Quirk Books, 2012) Promosexual Paul Vitagliano takes his popular blog of the same name and transfers it into book form that includes 100 memories of growing up LGBTQ.
By Adrienne Rich This nal volume by celebrated lesbian poet Adrienne Rich, who died in March 2012, includes 10 powerful new poems as well as previously published pieces.
By Alice Walker (New Press, reprint 2012) This memoir from the acclaimed author of The Color Purple is based on Walkers experience raising chickens, but is really about much more.
Need
For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough
By Todd Gregory (Kensington, 2012) Cord Logan is a vampire stalking the French Quarter who succumbs to his carnal desires as he longs to break a curse that could end all of civilization.
Edited by Keith Boykin (Magnus, 2012) Coming out, coming of age and coming home are the themes of this anthology that includes pieces by G. Winston James, Timm T. West, James Earl Hardy and others.
Edited by Justin Hall (Fantagraphics, 2010) Explore 40 years of queer cartoons that cover complex issues with humor, insight and style, from famous artists to those whose work deserves broader attention.
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FILM
by Gregg Shapiro
This year ends on an especially high note for LGBT lm with Any Day Now (Music Box Films), starring out actor Alan Cumming as Rudy, a gay West Hollywood man who must deal with a prejudicial and antiquated court system as he attempts to adopt a boy with Down syndrome in 1979. Cumming gives the performance of his career and even has the opportunity to sing a couple of numbers in the movie. Any Day Now is written and directed by straight lmmaker Travis Fine, an Atlanta native, based on an original screenplay by George Arthur Bloom. There was something that drew me to this notion of this outsider trying to raise this child, trying to save this child the Rudy character and the young boy being outsiders, Fine says, noting that he added the character of Paul, Rudys closeted partner, who was not in the original script.
challenges and hurdles and obstacles. Fine says he was thrilled to have openly gay actor Alan Cuming in the lead role. As a straight lmmaker who had the honor of telling an important, profound and moving story about a chapter in the late 70s of the LGBT movement, it was incredibly important to have Alan take on that role, Fine says. Not only is Alan a sensational actor, an incredible talent and a wonderful human being, but hes an OBE, an Order of the British
Empire, knighted by the Queen for his work on LGBT rights and equality, he says. He is not just giving lip service to equality. He has fought that ght and been a vocal champion and proponent of equality and LGB T rights. Rudy begins carrying for Marco, a teen with Down Syndrome, after he visits a neighboring apartment to complain about noise and nds the young man abandoned by his mother. Isaac Levyas performance as Marco is brilliant, Fine says, noting that he edited the character to t the actor. We put out a nationwide search for the kid, both through traditional agents and managers and casting directors around the country and also through the Down Syndrome Associations all around the country, Fine says. We saw people as young as 12 and 13 and some that were as old as their mid-20s. Isaac, from his very rst reading which I saw on my computer, his rst audition tape, there was something so charming, so sweet and honest about his performance, he says. It didnt feel like acting. Any Day Now has won several awards at lm festivals, has crossover appeal and the potential to be remembered fondly at Oscar time. As the lm heads to wider release this month, I hope the audiences nd it, Fine says. While it can be challenging to sit through at times, and it certainly covers some heavy political and emotional and personal issues, it is ultimately a crowd pleaser.
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EVENTS
by Ryan Watkins
Atlanta Freedom Bands Dec. 15 concert features the debut of new Music Director Kathleen Fallin. (Courtesy photos) We feel very privileged to have her as our conductor and look forward to many great concerts and programs in the coming years, he says. Also on tap in the bands 20th season is the 2013 Lesbian & Gay Band Association conference, which will be held in Atlanta during the 2013 Atlanta Pride festival. Already, musicians from 22 different LGBT bands are registered for the event, Norris says. We expect to welcome over 200 performers for a huge concert event and the largest-ever marching unit in the Atlanta Pride Parade.
The concert will also feature the debut of the groups new music director, Dr. Kathleen Fallin.
EVENTS
by Jim Farmer
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PHOTOS
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FOOD
ISSUE
GA VOICE
5. Dont eyeball.
& DRINK
1. Start small.
No one starts at the top. Walk before you run try a simple roasted chicken before you try to tackle a Turducken.
You watch cooking shows and see Emeril doing it, and Bobby Flay, so, yeah, that looks like a cup of wine! But you arent either of those guys and that was really a cup and a half of wine and now what should have been your sauce is only slightly thicker than water and youre feeling some kind of way about all this cooking nonsense.
Read the recipe from start to finish, ideally before you start cooking. There is no worse feeling than getting halfway through a mouthwatering recipe and realizing youve bitten off more than you can chew.
Dont believe me? Just try to whip up a buttercream with butter straight from the fridge. Oh, and have your safety goggles handy.
Those spoons you stir your coffee and eat your cereal with? Theyre called a teaspoon and a tablespoon, but theyre not scientifically calibrated units of measurement, so buy a set of measuring spoons and ignore all references to a pinch of anything.
That Grilled Flank Steak Salad with Chimichurri sounds amazing. But do you have a grill? A food processor or blender? Making a good chimichurri sucks balls without one!
Do a Google search on the difference between these two leavening agents and vow to never substitute one for the other again.
This is hands down the most common mistake made by the home cook. Even if the recipe youre following (and you are following the recipe, remember) tells you to fry or saut something on high, dont. Opt for somewhere between medium and medium-high and dont walk away. It might take longer, but youll be able to eat it when youre done and you wont have to buy a new saut pan.
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FOOD
ISSUE
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& DRINK
you have to get there early before they run out. Its well worth it. If you have room, nish your meal with the Hot Milk Cake, complete with caramel icing and sea salt. 1820 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.watershedrestaurant.com
Hearty meals that soothe and satisfy: Try the traditional posole soup at Agave, lled with pulled pork and hominy, and dont miss the famous, Wednesdaynight-only fried chicken at Watershed. (Publicity photos via Facebook)
big bowl of kickin chili, made with Angus ground beef and served with cheese and green onions. 1049 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.metrocafes.com/joes-juniper
Lasagna at Campagnolo
Pretty much all pasta qualies as comfort food, and while all of the rustic Italian dishes at lesbian-owned Campagnolo are delicious, you cant beat the free form, made to order lasagna. 980 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309. www.peasantatl.com
We might not recommend it for date night (Beans, beans, the musical fruit), but if youre out with friends, warm up with a
Cleo Meyer, Agent 1447 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Bus: 404-817-0960 cleo.meyer.mdhi@statefarm.com
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FOOD
ISSUE
Seasonal winter beers to try:
GA VOICE
& DRINK
Drink up, big spenders! This Hennessy Richard Cognac goes for almost $3,000 a bottle (Publicity photo) Cold Mountain Winter Ale Highland Brewing Co. White Christmas, Samuel Adams The Boston Beer Company Frosted Frog Christmas Ale (Winter Warmer), Hoppin Frog Brewery
Host/hostess gift:
Champagne / Sparkling wine; Add a bottle of Chambord or St. Germain Elderower liqueur for cocktails!
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Robert remembers a drag legend and sees his magical stalker again
Recommended
Fritti 313 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-6678, www.sottosottorestaurant.com Good choices: Despite the wave of new pizzerias, this remains the best in the city, according to many. Order the shrooms app. Any pizza is a good choice, but the margherita, the test of any good pizzeria, is denitely the citys best. Meat eaters should try the speck with arugula.
FOOD
& DRINK
Food Porn is a ctional series by longtime Atlanta food critic Cliff Bostock. Set in real Atlanta restaurants, it chronicles the adventures of Robert, a gay man in search of a husband or at least a good meal. For past chapters, visit www.thegavoice.com he had dined at Bantam & Biddy the night before. Robert had been smitten by Lee and decided to ignore his usual rule to run the moment he felt powerfully attracted to someone. Of course not, Robert replied, feeling somewhat conicted because of his sadness. Do you mind that Im stalking you? Lee asked. Robert laughed. No, Im attered, he said. Come here often? Nope, never been here. Just decided to check it out, Lee replied. He looked a bit tousled, wearing a baggy red t-shirt with the fading word magical printed on it. Whats good here? Robert told him they needed to share the funghi fritti, fried crimini and portobello mushrooms, whatever else they separately ordered. Lee commented that Robert seemed somewhat uncomfortable. Robert apologized and
told him the story about Lisa King. Im sorry, Lee said. I always avoid reunions. The older I get, the more they become about illness, death, decrepit tricks, and hair loss. You cant be that old, Robert said, smiling. I turn 50 in 18 months, he said. Well youre indeed magical then, because you dont look 40. Im turning the same age in less than a year, Robert replied. Maybe I should stalk you for the secret of eternal youth. Love, Lee replied. Its all about love. And all this time I thought it was about making a facial mask out of my favorite foods, Robert said, digging into the mushrooms that just arrived, smelling faintly of white trufe oil. I will show you the way, Lee replied, licking one of the mushrooms and passing it through the air before he popped it in his mouth. To read about Lisa King: http://mysp.ac/11yd0Of
After securing the location and Falvos participation, Towne reached out to a few other local chefs. We are not trying to get every chef in town we want to build this for years to come, she says. The other chefs involved are Frank Bragg, chef and owner of Radial Caf, Patric Bell of Cruzado and Shean Suter of the Atlanta W Midtowns Spice Market. Bragg and Bell are also gay. Towne says all four chefs will demonstrate cooking at the event and offer bites/samples. What the chefs decide to prepare is still a secret. Towne feels the event should resonate within the community. In a busy season, we feel people should like this, she says. We want to be able to promote members to businesses as well. Tickets are $20 for AGLCC members and $25 for non-members. Jim Farmer
Janine Falvo, executive chef at Briza and a Top Chef contestant, is among the chefs o ering tastings at the Dec. 13 party hosted by Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. (Publicity photo via Briza)
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Calendar
www.theGAVoice.com
There are two ways to add your events to our online and print calendars. Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.
Friday, Dec. 7
Publicity photo
Friday, Dec. 7
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, www.cobbenergycentre.com
Lesbian-owned feminist bookstore Charis hosts its annual Holiday Open House and sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by a discussion of the rst scholarly book on the work of author Pearl Cleage, who will attend. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com Watch or join in the Atlanta Speedo Run as 300 scantily clad runners take to the streets of Atlanta to try to raise $150,000 for CURE Childhood Cancer. Runners need to raise $250 to participate. Run begins at 2 p.m. and takes a 1.5 mile course on West Peachtree and Peachtree streets. www.atlantaspeedorun.org Lost-n-Found Youth hosts a Volunteer Orientation & Training for those who want to help homeless LGBT young people. Background check required; please bring form and $10 to cover costs to class. 2-6 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.lost-n-found.org All male strip club Swinging Richards presents A Home for the Holidays: A Benet for Lost-n-Found Youth. Accepting donations all night and look for prize giveaways from the club and Boy Next Door Menswear. 6:30 p.m. 3 a.m. at Swinging Richards, 400 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30323, www.swingingrichards.com
Saturday, Dec. 8
DJ Something Else spins for Dance Party at 8 p.m. followed by Mary-oke with host CJ at 11 p.m. at Marys, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
MORE LGBT EVENTS: Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife schedules, sports, worship services and community organization meetings. www.thegavoice.com/calendar
Publicity photo
Expect absurdity as the camp drag Armorettes offer their take on the classic holiday tale A Christmas Story to benet the Health Initiative. 8 p.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin performs at 8 p.m. at Agnes Scott Colleges Presser Hall, 141 East College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddieowenpresents.com Enjoy the Its that Time of the Month comedy show at 8:30 p.m., followed by Unwrapped, the annual Toy Drive party for Toys for Tots, at My Sisters Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
Daring Divas is the 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 Shavonna B. Brooks hosts the Extravaganza show with special guest Alexandria Martin at 11:30 p.m. at Burkharts, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
Saturday, Dec. 8
Gay Christian artists Jason & DeMarco perform as First Metropolitan Community Church hosts its annual Christmas Concert and Silent Auction. 7 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.rstmcc.com
Sunday, Dec. 9
The Atlanta Talons Social Club hosts a Champagne Bust and Holiday Party; bring an appetizer or dessert to share, a toy drive donation, and there is a contest for the person wearing the best tree skirt. 4-6 p.m. at The Hideaway, 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/VinBqe
Publicity photo
The Heretic hosts a weekend of events to celebrate the bars 21st anniversary. DJ Lydia Prim spins Friday at 10 p.m., DJ Mickey Friedman from Berlin 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 before the event. Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
Iconic gay lmmaker John Waters performs his one-man show A John Waters Christmas, poking fun of the holiday cheer putting the X in Xmas.VIP meet-and-greet available. 8 p.m. at the Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://bit.ly/PX74KV
Thursday, Dec. 14
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The Joining Hearts Wish List party gathers gifts to support the families of Jerusalem house and the teen program at AID Atlanta. Bring a gift from the Wish List registry at Target valued at $25 or more, or a gift card or cash donation of that amount. 6-9 p.m. at 3417 W Paces Ferry Court, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.joininghearts.org She Speaks, Inc. presents The Brown Sugar Vibes Diamonds in the Sky Edition featuring UniverSoul Circus comedian Reggie Jackson. 7 p.m. at Kats Cafe, 970 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.lakarafoster.com Join DJ Vicki Powell for the Holiday Mixer edition of her Second Sunday Service. 7-11:30 p.m. at Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, http://on.fb.me/YLoaz9
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December 7, 2012
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Monday, Dec. 10
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 Marys annual holiday ofce party gets underway at 8 p.m. at Marys, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com
Thursday, Dec. 13
Tuesday, Dec. 11
Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturdays, get your country on with 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Join judges Barry Brandon, JL Rodriguez, Michael Robinson and special guest judge Catherine Giel for the live auditions for Sing for Your Life, a new vocal competition that debuts Jan. 10 and continues for 12 weeks. Some 25 singers from video submissions will be narrowed to 12 contestants at the live auditions. 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.singforyourlifeATL.com
Ho Ho Hoedown is the theme for this months PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious, Kimora Layou and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org The Lohan Experience presents How the Lohan Stole Christmas, an ABC (Anything But Clothes) party, so make your ensemble out of holiday materials. Dylan Michaels performs; Celeste Holmes hosts. Party at 9 p.m., show at 11 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/UDXFIZ
Its Silent Night, Deadly Night as Goth Night returns with a special holiday edition. 9 p.m. at Marys, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com Inspired by Beats and Traxx Atlanta present Tribal Thursdays, spinning house music (deep, underground and tribal) starting at 10 p.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.excessultralounge.com
Thursday, Dec. 13
Friday, Dec. 14
Sample bites from LGBT and ally chefs at Out in the Kitchen: An AGLCC Holiday Affair, a new holiday event from the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 6-9 p.m. at Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, 866 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantagaychamber.org The LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party and the Stonewall Democrats gather for a Holiday Party at 6 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/WH7ZNX United4Safety, which works to end LGBT intimate partner violence, hosts a Holiday Cookie Contest. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.united4safety.org The one and many voices of Jimmy James come to Backstage at Mixx Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com
Congregation Bet Haverim, Atlantas LGBT-founded Reconstructionist synagogue, hosts Festival of Lights, including a latke dinner, community menorah lighting, Shabbat service, Hanukkah songs, Texas Hold Em Dreidel and more. 6 p.m. at Central Congregational UCC, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.congregationbethaverim.org Lesbian social network Fourth Tuesday hosts a December Happy Hour at 6 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/ FourthTuesdayAtlanta Southern Bears, for hirsute gay men and their admirers, host a potluck Christmas Party. 7 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.southernbears.org
CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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EVENTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 Tonight is the Winter Prom party at OTP gay bar LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com
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OurSong, Atlantas lesbian and gay chorus, performs Twisted Holiday. 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Emory Universitys Canon Chapel; 8:15 p.m. at Clayton State Universitys Spivey Hall. www.oursongatlanta.org
Saturday, Dec. 15
Friday, Dec. 21
Billed as Atlantas premier fetish shopping event, Twisted Toyland also donates prots to Lost-nFound Youth and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Noon-6 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com Ladies at Play presents a Day Play Party with DJ E from 6-10 p.m. at Aurum, 915 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.ladiesatplay.com The Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club hosts the annual Miss Ruck-N-Maul pageant, a benet for the club and LostN-Found Youth. 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com Tall Tales and Real Man Adventures reunites Indigo Girl and solo musician Amy Ray, author T Cooper and performance artist Scott Turner Schoeld for an evening of discussions and music about gender, sexuality and more. Benets Charis Circle. Doors open 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. at Star Community Bar, 437 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com Atlanta Freedom Bands perform the Holiday Fantasy concert at 8 p.m. at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantafreedombands.com Women of Rock features Marshall Chapman, Caroline Aiken, Donna Hopkins and Diane Durrett. 8 p.m. at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com DJ Sean Mac spins an opening set for DJ Shane Stiel at Bear Invasion, 9 p.m. 3 a.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com Party at the Holiday Soiree at the L Lounge by lesbian party promoter and organizer Anna Ragghianti from 10 p.m. 2 a.m. The W Hotel-Midtown, 188 14th St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30361. http://on.fb.me/SJQdtA The relaunch party for GIRL (Gay Internet Radio Live) features DJ Corey David and a special performance by Phoenix. 10 p.m. At Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Jennifer Knapp, who made headlines when she came out in the world of Christian music, and Margaret Becker bring their Hymns of Christmas to Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com
It will technically be Sunday morning as Abel spins from 3-7 a.m. at private club Xion, 2241 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.cariocaproductions.com PFLAG Atlanta hosts its Third Sunday meeting, this month featuring a panel discussion with parents of LGBT people. 2:45 p.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.pagatl.org
Sunday, Dec. 16
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Monday, Dec. 17
Wear your fugly nest for the inaugural Ugly Sweater Party at Blakes on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Tuesday, Dec. 18
Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday gathers for dinner at 6 p.m. at Nakato, 1776 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Lost-n-Found Youth hosts a very special Holiday Big Gay Game Show, a fundraiser for their mission to help Atlantas LGBT homeless youth. Games include Family Feud, the Newlywed Game, Match Game and more. 7:30 - 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.lost-n-found.org
Thursday, Dec. 20
MEGA Family Project hosts its monthly Waiting for the Stork discussion group for dues-paying members. 7-8:30 p.m. at Coldwell Banker Intown, 1390 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.megafamilyproject.org Enjoy an open no mic night as Cliterati wows you with spoken word poets, this month featuring Red Summer. 7:30 - 9 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
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GA Voice
December 7, 2012
Columnists
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THATS WHAT
SHE SAID
our unique shops and destination dining spots just six miles east of Atlanta.
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for holiday happenings and hoopla all around Decatur and Oakhurst Village!
Melissa Carter is also a writer for Hufngton Post. She broke ground as the rst out lesbian radio personality on a major station in Atlanta and was one of the few out morning show personalities in the country. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCarter
W Y ou- K n owe-trenhdos
While running errands the other day, I saw two cars just involved in a fender bender parked on the side of the road. The offender was out of her car approaching the guy she just hit, ashing a irty smile as I drove by. Even though her charm may have been a tactic to manipulate him from calling the police, it made me wonder about the odd circumstances where couples meet, so I posed that question on Facebook. Among the venues of church or, oddly enough, family reunions, there were some pretty unique answers: My friends wife had a baby and gave me a list of about 40-50 numbers to text a picture of the baby to. One of the girls that responded caught my eye. An old friend of mine wanted to hook me up with her ex boyfriend, but what she neglected to tell me was that she was just using me to try and get back together with him. We are still together. I was a teacher and my husband was a single dad and our schools PTA president. I was wing man for my best friend when she was going to meet someone for the rst time at Piedmont Park. Low and behold, the person she was meeting had the same idea and brought back up as well. When we met, I saw her wing man and fell head over heals. They didnt work out but weve been together for almost three years now. I lost a bet and had to pay by going on Match.com for their free week trial and go out with those who contacted me that week. My car broke down on the road and he stopped to help me, xed my car, then asked me on a date. We lived down the street from one another for seven years and I was friends with his older brother. He was my server.
Coach and assistant coach at a high school. At his wedding. Jury duty...and she was the prosecutor. This is true in my own life also. Katie and I met for ve minutes at a radio station party. Two years later we randomly ran into each other again when I was least expecting her. But situations like this dont have to apply to romance. Life-altering circumstances can come while trying to nd a job, even for the famous. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis got the lead roles in Thelma and Louise because Melanie Grifth, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster turned the roles down. J.K. Rowling got red from her job as a secretary in Amnesty International, giving her time to write Harry Potter. Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was 65-years-old and got a Social Security check for only $105. Angry over the low amount, he drove around the country to sell his chicken recipe to restaurants. We spend our rst two decades in the structure of school, so its natural we would take an expectation of how things should work into the rest of our lives. For instance, we must get the perfect job that will lead to the next perfect job. We must get married by a certain age, so that we can have our 2.5 kids at the correct time. The greatest disappointments come when something does not live up to our expectation. But we forget stories that inspire us the most are the ones about life not following a perfect plan. I am a planner to a fault, but life has taught me that the moments you arent expecting are the ones that form the biggest chapters of your life. No matter the issue, life seems to be constantly trying to teach me the same lesson: Some things are just meant to be. Like a fender bender.
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December 7, 2012
GA Voice
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DOMESTICALLY
Bad neighborhood
When good enough isnt good enough
We live in a part of town that people tend to pass through on their way to somewhere more desirable the remnants of a once-picturesque 1950s suburb built around Avondale Mall. That mall is now a Wal-Mart that managed to grow so sketchy in its brief existence that the Wal-Mart people decided to build another one less than ve minutes away. This is a model established to great success by other businesses in our area: Bad Wal-Mart is within spitting distance of Scary Wells Fargo, Dont Go To That Kroger, and The Pizza Hut Where You Might Die. These businesses exist purely as bait, drawing in the riffraff so they wont venture over to the location a couple miles away. The bait locations are the secret shame of these companies. They all smell like a freezer that needs a new box of baking soda, and the employees approach their duties with a grim detachment otherwise seen only in maximum security prisons and table reads of Nicolas Cage movies. This is not the scenario wed hoped for when we bought the place ve years ago. In our minds, we were the arrival of the mythic gays. We signaled a bright future of gentrication and block parties. We were so cocky in those heady days, certain our tribe would follow. Theyd make it happen through the same hive mind that tells us which female pop star to propel to iconic status, or that were all going to wear bow ties this year. Hey boys, the Hive Mind would tell our tribe. The hot new burb is on the bad side of Memorial Drive. Our tribe did not follow. Thus far, the closest my neighborhood has come to a block party was when all the news vans showed up because of that negligent homicide at the 24-hour daycare. We all got to be on TV! There will be no selling this place. We live between a paranoid schizophrenic and a man who raises pit bulls. Our house, valued in the six gures when we purchased it, is now worth around $35. When a prostitute began operating out of the foreclosed property three doors down, I was re-
DISTURBED
Topher Payne is an Atlanta-based playwright, and the author of the book Necessary Luxuries: Notes on a Semi-Fabulous Life. Find out more at topherpayne.com
lieved someone was keeping an eye on the place. We dont hate the house itself, so much as the situation surrounding it. Home ownership turned out to be comparable to marrying Dean Cain in a Lifetime movie. It looks everything you ever dreamed until you make that commitment, and then he just starts beating the shit out of you. We have a long list of things wed love to do to the place. I have 3D animations of our painted house, with a patio and landscaped yard the landscaping equivalent of slash ction. But its hard to maintain enthusiasm for a longterm project when your gladiola plantings are interrupted by a car backring. Not gunshots. Its always a car backring, and I will entertain no arguments to the contrary. Even if sometimes its a car backring several times, followed by screaming, followed by sirens. Thats just a car backring, which startled a nice old lady so badly she screamed and fainted, propelling her overly cautious personal assistant to call an ambulance. Manufacturing explanations such as these ll a good bit of my downtime, leaving little opportunity for landscaping. We keep the place clean. Our yard is tidy. But in all other respects, our attitudes have begun to mirror the employees of Bad Wal-Mart. But theres still a small part of me that holds out hope for our Lifetime movie marriage. Our happy ending wont be a great escape, dashing away in the middle of the night in a bad wig and a pair of sunglasses. Ours would be one of those quieter resolutions, where the monster is subdued and gets some real good therapy. Deciding to push beyond what is expected requires a leap of faith. While Im not foolish enough to make resolutions for the coming year, I feel safe declaring an intention: This is the year we recommit to making home what we always wanted it to be. Maybe itll send a message in our neglected neighborhood that good enough isnt good enough. Maybe this will change things. Maybe this is how we represent our tribe.
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