Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Georgia Voice - 5/14/10 Vol. 1, Issue 5
The Georgia Voice - 5/14/10 Vol. 1, Issue 5
The Georgia Voice - 5/14/10 Vol. 1, Issue 5
SUPPORTS GA VOICE.
Editorial: Out of the ballrooms and into see out and proud actors … suc-
the streets. Page 14
ceeding in their work without hav-
Speaking out: Readers react to proposed
LGBT center, Melissa Carter’s path to “You know if I could go back in time, I would ing to keep their sexuality a secret.”
motherhood. Page 15
lez it up 24 hours. Believe me, one thing I — Actress Kristin Chenoweth, denouncing as
“horribly homophobic” an article on Newsweek.
A&E would not miss? Balls. Terrible little things.” com that contended gay actors are not believable
when they play straight. (Comments on News-
Destination Gay: The hottest places to — Betty White in the “Gingey” skit, one of several with gay jokes that were part of her May week.com, May 7)
be this summer. Pages 16-17 8 appearance as host of “Saturday Night Live.” (NBC.com, May 8)
Florida or bust: Memorial Day in Pen- “If an actor of the stature of George
POP QUIZ
Clooney came out of the closet to-
BY THE NUMBERS
sacola and Miami, Gay Days at Disney.
WITH JZ
Page 18 morrow, would we still accept him
as a heterosexual leading man? It’s
500
Gay Vegas: What happens in Vegas, well,
you know. Page 19 hard to say. Or maybe not. Doesn’t
Georgia on our minds: LGBT camping, it mean something that no openly
bed & breakfasts in our home state.
Page 20 Participants in Lithuania’s first gay actor like that exists?”
Gay Pride march, held May 8
600
Theater: The puppets of ‘Avenue Q’ hit — Columnist Ramin Setoodeh, claiming that while
Atlanta. Page 22 straight actors can play gay, it’s rarely believable
in reverse (Newsweek.com, April 26)
Sports: AIDS Vaccine 200 raises funds to
help stem HIV. Page 23
Lithuanian police on hand to control the
COMMUNITY marchers and their opponents
1,000
Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC
STIAN CHURCH
equality rally. Page 27 Lithuanian pride march View the full interv
iew
t h e GAVO IC E .co mat
1,168
CALENDAR
Pages 28-30 “ABC isn’t afraid of gay characters,
so why won’t they let them show
theGAVOICE.com Confirmed guests as of May 10 on the “I’ve known since I was 5 or 6 some love?”
• Breaking news as it happens Facebook page of the 40th annual Atlanta there was something different — Argument of the “Let Cam & Mitchell kiss on Mod-
Pride Festival. Set for Oct. 9-10, the event is
• Calendar and daily event highlights
expected to draw more than 100,000.
about me. I came out really ern Family!” Facebook group, which launched May 8 to
• Photo albums and video galleries
• Share ‘Your News’ and ‘Your Voice’ Sources: Reuters, Facebook
early compared to most folks.” petition the hit show to let its “adorable gay couple”
share a smooch. (New York Magazine, May 9)
4 GA Voice May 14, 2010 News www.theGAVoice.com
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www.theGAVoice.com News May 14, 2010 GA Voice 11
LGBT smoking
The four young men carjacked and kid- names,” said the 20-year-old man who attends the trunk of the car while his other two friends
napped near the Morehouse College campus American InterContinental University in Dun- were ordered to sit in the car with the suspects.
last month are all gay, according to one of the woody. His three friends attend Morehouse The student’s friend in the trunk with him
victims, who alleges the suspects used anti-gay College. The three Morehouse students de- kept his cell phone and attempted to call the
slurs against them in the attack. clined interview requests. Atlanta Police Department several times and The Atlanta Lesbi-
However, there was no mention of anti-gay The four men did hold a press conference at finally called Morehouse police. an Health Initiative has
slurs in the police report for the April 25 inci- Morehouse on April 26, but did not want their “We could hear they wanted to go to an received an $85,000
dent, said Sgt. Curtis Davenport, public affairs faces shown because one of the suspects was ATM. My friend still had his cell phone and one-year grant to
officer for the Atlanta Police Department. still at large. called the police several times. He finally got work with the state
“APD is not aware of any anti-gay slurs used On April 25, the four men were driving from in touch with the Morehouse police. I popped to determine tobacco
in the commission of this crime. There were no church to the Morehouse campus and stopped the safety lock in the trunk to see where we usage and prevention
reports of this made to us,” Davenport said. at a gas station, said the American Interconti- were and could tell we were by the West End,” methods within the
Three suspects have been arrested. Jevontay nental student. he said. LGBT community.
Fleetwood, 17, and Darius Hill, 19, are charged “We saw these guys walking toward us and The suspects drove to a Wachovia bank The federal mon- Atlanta Lesbian Health
with armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping thought they were just going to walk past us. where the Clark Atlanta and Morehouse police ey is being funneled Initiative Executive
and are being held in the Fulton County Jail Next thing we know we have three guns to our arrived at about the same time. The three sus- through the Georgia Director Linda Ellis
without bond, said Davenport. A juvenile was heads,” he said. The suspects demanded the pects then jumped from the car. Tobacco Use Preven- (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
also arrested. keys to their Buick Lacrosse and demanded Jevontay Fleetwood and the juvenile were tion Program of the
One of the victims, who asked to not be their possessions. apprehended at the scene. Darius Hill, who ran Georgia Department of Community Health, said
identified, said he knew they were not targeted “I was thinking, ‘Come on guys,’” the stu- from the scene, was arrested May 4. The crime ALHI Executive Director Linda Ellis.
because they were gay. But the memory of be- dent said. “But we were all really scared and is not considered a hate crime by police. “It’s my understanding this is the first time the
state has provided funding for LGBT health con-
cerns other than HIV,” Ellis said. “This is significant.
Gay groups laud President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Races to watch
By Lisa Keen ed based on sexual In introducing Kagan to the press confer- CANDIDATES, continued from Page 11
Keen News Service orientation. ence, Obama praised her for having sought
Kagan clerked conservative views to balance liberal views at John Eaves, a Democrat, was endorsed by
Gay legal activists are applauding President for one of the Harvard. During her confirmation process for Georgia Equality in the past. Former Atlan-
Obama’s second nominee to the U.S. Supreme Supreme Court’s Solicitor General last year, the Senate Judiciary ta City Council member Mary Norwood,
Court, Solicitor General Elena Kagan. staunchest liber- Committee received letters in support of Kagan who drew strong support from LGBT vot-
Former Clinton White House aide Richard als, Thurgood from such well-known conservatives as former ers in her bid for mayor last year, is running
Socarides called Kagan a “brilliant, pragmatic Marshall, and Solicitor Generals Charles Fried and Kenneth for the post as an independent. She must
progressive interested in listening to all sides was a research as- Starr, and such well-known liberals as Eleanor qualify by petition and is holding a “Sign
and building coalitions.” sistant for one of D. Acheson. One and Take One” event at 5 p.m. May 19
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund the greatest legal Her confirmation as Solicitor General was at Amsterdam, a gay bar. Republican Steve
Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called Kagan defenders of gay opposed, as expected, by some ultra-conserva- Broadbent is also in the race.
“a strong position” in opposing the military’s ban civil rights, Lau- tive groups, including Concerned Women for • District 6: The race for the District
on gays but noted that Obama administration has rence Tribe. America and Focus on Family. 6 seat on the Fulton County Commission
also “taken legal positions on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Single and Kagan, an attorney, has never served as a includes two out lesbians. Joan Garner, a
Tell’ and the so-called ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ 50, she was also Solicitor General Elena judge. In response to questions from the Judi- longtime social justice and LGBT activist,
with which we strongly disagree.” the subject of a Kagan would be the fourth ciary Committee last year, Kagan said she views is running as a Democrat and has already
Human Rights Campaign President Joe CBS News web- woman to serve on the Su- as “unjust the exclusion of individuals from ba- been endorsed by Georgia Equality. Also
Solmonese applauded her selection as fulfill- site blog report preme Court. sic economic, civic, and political opportunities qualifying for the Fulton District 6 post as a
ing Obama’s promise to promote “diversity” last month which (Courtesy photo) of our society on the basis of race, nationality, Democrat is Keisha Waites, a lesbian who
on the court. claimed that, if sex, religion, and sexual orientation.” works for the Federal Emergency Man-
If confirmed, Kagan would become only the named to the court, Kagan would be the “first But she also said she was “fully convinced” agement Agency and has a long record of
fourth woman ever named to the court — out of openly gay justice.” But Kagan has not publicly she could defend U.S. laws even when they do unsuccessful bids for elected office. Also
104 justices in the history of the court. identified with any sexual orientation, and the not reflect her personal views. qualifying are Democrats Sally A. Smith
Kagan is of particular interest to the LGBT White House moved quickly to say the report The composition of the Supreme Court is in- and David Holder. The four candidates
Americans. While serving as dean of Harvard was “inaccurate.” creasing critical to the LGBT civil rights move- will face off in the July 20 primary.
Law School, she took sides with gays against The president announced his selection at a ment. Three important cases seeking equality
military recruiters because the military would not press conference May 10. Kagan had been a in marriage rights are winding their ways to the Dyana Bagby contributed
abide by the school’s non-discrimination policy. rumored frontrunner since Justice John Paul high court and it seems nearly inevitable that the
That policy prohibited recruiters who discriminat- Stevens announced his retirement in April. high court will choose to weigh in.
EDITORIAL
Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown
lbrown@thegavoice.com ‘Speaking to ourselves’ is both, we should avoid the urge to declare one as
the only “right way” to work for LGBT equality.
Choi was not originally scheduled to speak at
the event, but took the stage after straight come-
Deputy Editor: Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com great if it empowers us to Neither event was without criticism. At the
national level, HRC has drawn fire recently from
dian Kathy Griffin to urge attendees to follow him
in a march to the White House.
Web Manager: Ryan Watkins then tell our stories to others some LGBT activists who say the group is too Griffin and HRC President Joe Solmonese
rwatkins@thegavoice.com tied to the Democratic Party, and has been ineffec- didn’t follow, but many others did, and witnessed
Editorial tive in lobbying for our rights. his dramatic protest against DADT and President
Art Director: Bo Shell
bshell@thegavoice.com By Laura Douglas-Brown At the local level, some lesbians and gay men Obama’s alleged slowness in making good on his
expressed concern about mounting a counter-pro- promise to scrap the policy.
Contributors: Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames, The first week of May proved busy for LGBT test to Westboro, believing it would be better to After Choi’s release from jail, he gave an inter-
Shannon Jenkins, Robin Kemp, Ryan Lee, Mike Ritter, Atlantans, with two major events in six days. ignore the “God Hates Fags” church rather than view to Newsweek in which he criticized both the
Matt Schafer, Christopher Seely, Steve Warren, Justin Ziegler
On May 1, more than 900 people attended the give it the attention that members clearly crave. president and national gay rights leaders.
BUSINESS Human Rights Campaign’s annual Atlanta dinner. Still, our community is better off for having “Within the gay community so many lead-
Publisher: Christina Cash Five days later, hundreds packed the sidewalks both events, and here’s why. ers want acceptance from polite society. I think
ccash@thegavoice.com around Grady High School to join a student-led there’s been a betrayal of what is down inside of
Business Manager: Tim Boyd
protest against an unwelcome picket by the viru- ‘Polite society’ us in order to achieve what looks popular, what
lently anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church. Criticism of HRC has long been muted in At- look enviable,” Choi said.
tboyd@thegavoice.com
In many ways, the two events were a study in lanta, where an active local steering committee Choi went on to criticize HRC, both for its
Sales Executive: Marshall Graham contrasts. One was held in a fancy ballroom; the hosts many events and includes avid volunteers rally with Griffin and more generally for events
mgraham@thegavoice.com other, crowded onto sweltering sidewalks. One who help Georgians feel connected to the group. that are “just trying to speak to themselves.”
National Advertising: involved guests in black-tie finery; the other, stu- Not so on the national level, where scrutiny of
Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 dents in hand-lettered t-shirts. HRC has been building over the last two months. Inside and outside
sales@rivendellmedia.com One featured celebrity speakers; the other, On March 18, Army Lt. Dan Choi hand- Choi’s protest and comments set off debate
homemade signs. And one was organized by the cuffed himself to the fence outside of the White about the benefits of working within the system
BOARD OF ADVISERS nation’s largest gay political group, while the other House, an action he repeated again last month, versus protesting in the streets for LGBT rights.
Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm, was the work of a straight student armed with little this time with more LGBT veterans. But while Choi was dead on in criticizing the Grif-
Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen more than Facebook and chutzpah. Choi’s first protest surprised journalists and fin rally, HRC’s dinners still have merit.
All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal
There was some overlap among attendees, but bystanders alike. It also surprised HRC, which While there are likely some attendees who
copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written not much. Yet while it’s easy to compare the two hosted a rally against the military’s “Don’t Ask, come just for the chance to see and be seen, many
consent of the Georgia Voice. The sexual orientation of adver- events, especially for those of us who attended Don’t Tell” policy that day. more come seeking a night of validation wrapped
tisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published here- up in a pretty package.
in is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names Indeed, it would be hard to attend the recent
or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the
Atlanta Dinner without being moved by HRC
sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not
accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. member Cleo Meyer’s determination to never let
Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Geor- her young son feel that his two moms are ashamed
gia Voice, but we do not take responsibility for its return. of who they are, encouraged by YouthPride leader
The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any Gabriel Haggray’s dedication to helping other
submission. Guidelines for freelance contributors are avail- LGBT young people, touched by transgender ac-
able upon request.
A single copy of the Georgia Voice is available from au-
tivist Vandy Beth Glenn’s humble acceptance of
thorized distribution points. Multiple copies are available from the Community Service Award, and fired up by
the Georgia Voice office only. Call for rates. If you are unable State Rep. Simone Bell’s rousing call to action as
reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a she accepted the Humanitarian Award.
26-issue mailed subscription for $60 per year. Checks or credit There’s nothing wrong with “speaking to our-
card orders can be sent to Tim Boyd, tboyd@thegavoice.com selves” if the goal is to empower us to then go out
Postmaster: Send address changes to the Georgia Voice,
1904 Monroe Drive, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30324. The Georgia
and speak to others. The important thing to re-
Voice is published every other Friday by The Georgia Voice, member is that events like the HRC Dinner should
LLC. Individual subscriptions are $60 per year for 26 issues. inspire your activism, not be your activism.
Postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. If the HRC Dinner is the pep rally, events
The editorial positions of the Georgia Voice are expressed like the Grady protest are Game Day – the time
in editorials and in editor’s notes. Other opinions are those of
when we take what we learned from coaches and
the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of
the Georgia Voice and its staff.
practice sessions, and work to advance our cause
To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be down the field.
fewer than 400 words and commentary, for web or print, Judging from the diverse crowd that turned
should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited out and the resulting media coverage that reached
for content and length, and must include a name, address and many more, the Grady students did a tremendous
phone number for verification. Email submissions to editor@
job of that last Thursday.
thegavoice.com or mail to the address above.
We’re lucky to have them on our team.
www.theGAVoice.com Voices May 14, 2010 GA Voice 15
SPEAKING OUT
Good luck, Melissa, on
your path to parenting
Re: “Q-100’s Melissa Carter on road to
motherhood” (Print edition and thegavoice.
com, April 30)
Photo by Bo Shell
I listen to her every morning on Q100 and
am so glad you interviewed her. Good Job!
Melissa Carter
Go, Melissa, Go!
Grant fuels debate over Ignore him and his robots. Don’t feed them
anything!
proposed LGBT Center
I agree. The best thing to do with this group
Re: “Atlanta LGBT Center effort gets
of bigots is to ignore them and not give him
$25,000 grant” (thegavoice.com, May 5)
an opportunity to get any press! He wants the
press that you will get him if you show up to
I know the foundation does honorable, criti-
protest his people. Think about it.
cal work and I think most of us like the idea of
a LGBT center, but haven’t some of our local
I have mixed feelings - should we ignore the
LGBT charities been struggling with budgets
KKK or a group of Neo-Nazis? I don’t think
and headcount? Couldn’t that $25,000 have
so. He’s going to get publicity whether he’s
been released to help them out with operating
counter-picketed or not. We should picket him
expenses? … Is investment in a shiny new cen-
with some “GOD HATES PHELPS” or “West-
ter better than “boots on the ground” day-to-day
boro Baptist Church = CHURCH OF SATAN”
operations work?
or similar signs.
A high profile and modern Gay Center
would help increase visibility and generate en- Hate preachers like Phelps egged my pas-
thusiasm for all gay organizations. tor at Pride a couple of years ago. We’ve got to
fight hate with love. Be positive, loving force in
I actually think more local organizations the world, but keep your wits about you.
18
2 GA Voice May 14, 2010 A&E www.theGAVoice.com
Florida or bust
Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola
May 27 – May 31
Sexacola Beach
Details: www.mysistersroom.com
Thursday: ‘Glow’
Friday: Mardi Gras in May
Saturday: Vegas Nights
Popular gay summer events see major changes this year Sunday: The White Party
Johnny Chisholm Presents
For many in Georgia and across the South, don’t know what to expect and it could have Details: www.memorialweekendpensacola.com
Florida is synonymous with summer travel. And a serious impact on Memorial Day,” he said. Thursday: Fore Play with DJ Jay-R
for LGBT Georgians, that frequently means an “White sand with oil on it is certainly not what Friday: Bitch Bingo
Saturday: Sweat with DJ Joe Gauthreaux,
annual trek to several gay traditions that make we would hope for, because this is first and Spellbound 1 with DJ Jay-R
the Sunshine State even hotter. foremost a beach event.” Sunday: Friction with DJ Dewight Barkley,
Thousands of LGBT sun worshippers head This year’s gay Memorial Day weekend was Spellbound 2
Monday: Sweat with DJ Dewight Barkley
to Pensacola for Memorial Day, while black and already shaping up to be different for Emerald
Latino gay men and lesbians flock to Miami for City even before the oil spill. The bar is helmed Monster Beach
Details: Pensacolamemorialday.com
Sizzle and SizzleHer events the same weekend. by Johnny Chisholm, an event promoter who Friday & Saturday: Events at Hemingway’s
Just a few days later, Gay Days at Disney packs for years produced a major schedule of gay and private beach house
theme parks and nightlife venues in Orlando. events for both Pensacola over Memorial Day Unleashed
Thanks to the oil spill in the Gulf and a finan- and Gay Days in Orlando just a few days later. Details: www.pensacolaunleashed.com
cial crisis for one party promoter, events in Pen- The closeness of the two events on the cal- Thursday: Derrick Barry, DJs Beverly Skillz
and Tony Skracthere
sacola and Orlando may look a bit different this endar ended up hurting the Pensacola parties. Friday: Lisa Mills, Michelle Malone,
year. But organizers encourage travelers to still “With the popularity of Orlando, we shot Kirsty Lee, Spikey and more
turn out in droves — not only to party, but also to ourselves in the foot,” McCrary said. Saturday: Hussy Hicks, Bitch, God-des & She
give an economic boost to a state potentially fac- Instead of huge circuit parties at the Pensa- Sunday: Gregg Fells, Sonia Leigh,
Kristy Lee, Spikey, DJ Beverly Skills
ing both environmental and economic disaster. cola Civic Center or on the beach, as in some
Sizzle & Sizzle Her in Miami
Pensacola’s beaches have been a highly pop- previous years, this year Chisholm is sticking May 27 – June 1
ular Memorial Day Weekend destination for gay to events in smaller venues. Details: Sizzlemiami.com, Sizzleher.com
and lesbian travelers for decades. This year, My “This year we decided we needed to pull Sizzle events include:
Sister’s Room, a lesbian bar in Atlanta, hosts a back and let the attendance catch back up with Yacht Party Cruise, Comedy Xplosion, Babylon
Gay men and lesbians pack the beaches of Pensa-
series of girl-oriented events dubbed “Sexacola” the schedule of events,” McCrary says. IIV dance, One Mighty Luau, Jubilee, Haulover
cola for Memorial Day Weekend.
Beach Patrol, All-White Affair R&B /Jazz Din-
in Pensacola over Memorial Day Weekend. (Photos by Lynn McStatts/ Personal Paparazzi ATL) ner Concert, Hedonism finale party
Patryce Yeiser, co-owner of My Sisters’ Room New events for Gay Days SizzleHer events include:
with Susan Musselwhite, says events will contin- Gay Days, set for June 3-7 in Orlando, start- Poets Corner, Mix Her reception, Krave party,
ue regardless of what happens with the oil spill. ed with a few people wearing red shirts for an dios, with DJ Tony Moran and rides open. Yacht Cruise, ‘Lovers & Friends Show’ movie
“People have already made reservations, afternoon at Walt Disney World and blossomed The annual visit to Walt Disney World also premiere, Breeze party, Soak Her pool party,
and we will all still go and the parties will still into an international gay event. It too will see continues, although the event has never been Spades tournament, South Beach takeover
go on,” she says. “It may just be that some of changes this year. officially sponsored by Disney, and there are Gay Days in Orlando
the daytime beach activities all just go to the Johnny Chisholm is also the reason for many many other events for LGBT visitors. June 3-7
sound side instead of the beach side.” of these. He bought the “One Mighty Weekend” More than 135,000 visitors will pack Or- Thursday: Gay Day at Animal Kingdom
Sexacola events include “Glow,” a party series of events from Mark Baker, but his com- lando for more than 40 citywide events, ac- Friday: Gay Day at Disney Hollywood Studios,
Tidal Wave at Wet ‘N Wild, Joan Rivers at Hard
with light sticks to show who is single and who pany struggled financially. Last year, the party cording to GayDays.com. Rock Café, Debbie Gibson at Parliament House
isn’t; “Mardi Gras in May,” “Vegas Nights,”and schedule was in disarray after several Chisholm There are days to attend several major theme Saturday: Gay Day at Magic Kingdom, Alec
“The White Party with a Latin Flair.” events had last-minute venue changes. parks, as well as almost unending nightlife options. Mapa comedy night, Taylor Dayne at Parlia-
Yeiser encourages lesbian and gay travelers This week, McCrary blamed Disney for the ment House, Black Pride parties
Sunday: Gay Day at Epcot, Miss Gay Days 2010,
to visit Pensacola over Memorial Day Weekend events having to move from Disney properties, Miami set to ‘Sizzle’ Blake Lewis/Frenchie Davis at Parliament House
as a way to help local businesses, which could claiming the company “turned their back on Hot parties and hot guys and girls are also More events: www.gaydays.com
be hard hit from both the oil spill and the poten- us.” A spokesperson for Walt Disney World did on the agenda for Sizzle and SizzleHer, com- Wonderland
tial loss of a huge tourist weekend. not respond to an interview request. panion events that draw black and Latino gay Details: markbakerevents.com
“We’re hoping to give the economy a boost Chisholm’s company went bankrupt, so men and lesbians to Miami for Memorial Day Thursday: Chus & Ceballos at
Disney House of Blues
down there,” she said. “They’re going to need it.” now “One Mighty Weekend” is no more. In Weekend, May 27 to June 1. Friday: Welcome to Wonderland party
Pensacola-based event organizers are also its place is a new series of events from Baker Events range from a model search and Saturday: Paradiso Pool Party with
wary of the spill, but determined that the party dubbed “Wonderland.” booze cruise to pool parties and the All White Roland Belmares, Stratosphere
will continue regardless. “I did my first event in 1999 and sold it all Affair.Sizzle organizers did not respond to an with DJ Tony Moran at Universal Studios, Mind
Control at Arabian Nights with DJs Alyson
Emerald City, a gay bar in Pensacola, hosts to Johnny Chisholm in 2005,” Baker says. “I interview request. Calagna & Paulo
a full slate of events throughout Memorial Day got it all back this year.” “Sizzle Miami, conceived almost nine years Sunday: Spunk-y Pool Party with DJ David
Weekend. General Manager Ted McCrary said Wonderland features a full schedule of ago, has grown to become America’s most cel- Knapp, Fasscination Hard Rock Live with DJ
Abel, Black Out at Arabian Nights with DJs
planning continues. events Thursday through Sunday, including a ebrated and anticipated urban gay event,” orga-
Hector Fonseca & Theresa
“We’ve got our fingers crossed, but we signature Saturday night party at Universal Stu- nizers say on Sizzle’s Facebook page.
www.theGAVoice.com A&E May 14, 2010 GA Voice 19
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fla-keys.com/gaykeywest ~ 1-888-524-4915
20
2 GA Voice May 14, 2010 A&E www.theGAVoice.com
Courtesy photo
Gay-owned bed and breakfasts are even
more prevalent throughout Georgia. Two good
Planning a vacation or even a “staycation” options for “staycations” in Atlanta are Stone- River’s Edge
in Georgia can save hundreds on airfare or other hurst Place and The Gaslight Inn. Owned by
travel costs. Across the state, LGBT-owned camp- lesbian Barb Shadomy since 2008, Stonehurst
grounds and bed and breakfasts are plentiful. is known for being green – using purification,
They can be great choices for weekend getaways, recycling and solar energy. Says spokeswom-
or provide a welcome respite if you are visiting an Lori Woroschuk, “Stonehurst is also small
family or traveling for work within the state. enough that we can cater to individual needs.”
Some are high end and others are rustic; some The Gaslight Inn in Virginia Highlands is
are exclusively for LGBT travelers, while oth- also a busy location. It’s owned by gay couple
ers are gay-owned but open to everyone. And Mark Hall and Emory Boone. Near many be-
while some are located in gay havens, others loved Atlanta landmarks, the inn is known for
are pockets of acceptance in more conservative its beautiful décor and hospitality.
Courtesy photo
parts of the state, leading some owners to ask to “Our motto is arrive as a guest and leave
be identified only by first names in this article. part of the family,” says Hall.
One of the most prominent gay camp- Dennis Hoover and his partner, David Stonehurst Place
grounds in the state is River’s Edge. Its clien- Mulcahy, own Mountain Laurel Creek Inn,
tele is mostly men, with some women sprinkled which, like Swiftwaters, is in Dahlonega.
in. Located in Dewey Rose near Athens, it’s on “We are a romantic getaway, with quiet am- Bainbridge is the home of the Commodore
63 areas and is clothing optional. bience,” Hoover says, adding that the wineries Bed & Breakfast, owned by gay couple Quin-
According to River’s Edge’s Preston and scenery are added attractions. ton and Phil. “It’s the only five-star luxury inn
Rudeseal, the members-only club “is what you The B&B is open to everyone, and Hoover within a 100 miles,” says Quinton.
make of it,” meaning it’s ideal for a festive and Mulcahy don’t hide their relationship. “We In Savannah, Keith Galloway and his part-
camping weekend or simple R and R. are open about who we are; we celebrate diver- ner, Jim Klotz, operate the Galloway House, a
Swiftwaters, near Dahlonega’s Blue Ridge sity here,” Hoover says. plantation house built in 1895.
Mountains, is another noted Georgia campground, Augusta’s Parliament House bills itself “There’s nothing like this in Savannah. So
on 22 acres of riverfront property. According to as the world’s largest all-male resort. A gay- many people say to us that it’s more relaxing
lesbian owner Pat, little has changed since Swift- owned, members only club, Parliament House than being at home,” says Galloway.
waters opened 31 years ago. She says the makeup has 70 rooms and a “cruisy” atmosphere. Finally, Savannah is also home to Park
is mostly lesbian, although straight women visit. Only miles from Athens is Watkinsville’s Avenue Manor, owned by Glenn Gaylord and
According to Pat, it’s a perfect place to un- five-acre Ashford Manor. It is owned by Mau- Maurice Norman. The building, near the heart
wind. Before gays and lesbian were accepted, rio Castro and his partner, Dave Shearon, who of Savannah’s historic district, has been stand-
“we used to be a refuge for women,” she says. are not from the South but fell for the area after ing since 1889. Gaylord says the antiques, af-
Now that times have changed, Swiftwa- deciding to open a B&B. Ashford Place is an fordable rates and Savannah nightlife make it a
ters still attracts visitors. There’s also a Bed & 1893 Victoria Manor house with five rooms great place to visit.
Breakfast room and two cabins. No men are al- and a penthouse suite. A pool, spa service, and “Something is always going on here,” he
lowed, although children are. onsite entertainment distinguish this B&B. says.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds Swiftwaters Womanspace The Gaslight Inn
830 Swiftwaters Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533 1001 Saint Charles Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Bobcat Resort 706-864-3229, www.swiftwaters.com 404-875-1001, www.gaslightinn.com
1877 Hickory Head Road, Quitman, GA 31643 Mountain Laurel Creek Inn and Spa
229-263-4300, www.bobcatresort.com Bed and
and Breakfasts
Breakfasts 202 Talmer Grizzle Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-8134, www.mountainlaurelcreek.com
In the Woods Ashford Manor
142 Casey Court, Canon, GA 30520 Park Avenue Manor
#5 Harden Hill Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677 107-109 West Park Ave., Savannah, GA 31401
706-246-0152, www.inthewoodscamp.com 706-769-2633, www.ambedandbreakfast.com 912-233-0352, www.parkavenuemanor.com
Lumberjacks Camping Resort Commodore Bed and Breakfast Parliament Resort
50 Highway 230, Unadilla, GA 31091 320 South Washington St., Bainbridge, GA 39819 1250 Gordon Hwy., Augusta, GA 30901
877-888-1688, www.lumberjackscampground.com 229-248-0081, commodorebedandbreakfast.com 706- 722-1155, www.p-house.com
River’s Edge Campground The Galloway House Stonehurst Place
2311 Pulliam Mill Road, Dewey Rose, GA 30634 107 East 35th St., Savannah, GA 31401 923 Piedmont Avenue N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309
706-213-8081, www.camptheriversedge.com 912-658-4419, www.theGallowayHouse.com 404- 881-0722, www.StonehurstPlace.com
www.theGAVoice.com May 14, 2010 GA Voice 21
22 GA Voice May 14, 2010 A&E www.theGAVoice.com
Pre-planning helps us
make better choices.
Planning for your pet
is no different.
THE
SHUGART
FAMILY
EST 1972
770-457-7659
www.deceasedpetcare.com
Pedal power
AIDS Vaccine 200 raises
funds to help stem HIV
For Debra Snell, riding in the AIDS Vac-
cine 200 isn’t just a fundraiser for a good
cause, but a way to reclaim a level of freedom
and mobility she almost lost.
The AV 200 is the largest single source
of unrestricted funds for the Emory Vaccine
Center, bringing in close to $600,000 in eight Debra Snell will join the AIDS Vaccine 200 this year
years. Bike riders pedal themselves 200 miles after being hit by a car while training for the 2008
over the course of a weekend to raise money race. (Photo courtesy Snell)
that funds research and prevention efforts.
This year’s ride is set for May 22-23. MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
While training for AV 200 two years ago,
AIDS Vaccine 200
Snell was nearly run over by a driver who May 22-23
wasn’t paying attention to the road. Emory School of Medicine
“I was training to ride in 2008 and I was hit 1648 Pierce Drive
by a car, and so I had a broken leg when it came Atlanta, GA 30322
time for the ride,” she says. “I was riding my www.actioncycling.org
bicycle on the Stone Mountain bike path and a Emory Hope Clinic
car turned into me... I was very lucky.” medicine.emory.edu/id/hopeclinic/index.htm
It took two years for the 56-year-old Can-
dler Park resident to be in a place to ride. In Emory Vaccine Center
the month since she declared her intentions to www.vaccines.emory.edu
finish the ride she would have started in 2008,
she has raised over $2,000 trials and several education and prevention
“I think all my friends and family are so programs. Two of the trails are Phase II hu-
happy to have me back riding again they just man trails of different vaccines, one of which
want to support me,” Snell says. is currently looking for men who have sex
This year will be the largest ride in the with men between the ages of 18 and 45, and
event’s history with 130 riders making the another which benefited from AV 200 funds
trip from the campus of Emory University to while it was in the development stages.
Camp Rock Eagle in Eatonton and back. Rid- A portion of the funds the riders raise is
ers can make the entire 200-mile trip, ride 160 used to support new research before it can
miles, or ride as part of a relay team. attract federal and private grants. One of the
“We are the largest source of unrestricted programs that received help from the AV 200
funds for the Emory Vaccine Center, and what is Dr. Harriet Robinson’s vaccine, one of the
that means is they can use our money for more Phase II clinical trials ongoing at the Hope
novel research that won’t qualify for a federal Clinic. It is one of the few AIDS vaccines to
grant or a [Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation] reach this stage of testing, and Robinson is
grant,” organizer Brett Busch says. “There are hopeful that her vaccine will not only stop the
some pretty stringent guidelines on how federal spread of HIV, but have a therapeutic value
research dollars are spent, and it has to spent on for those who are already HIV-positive.
research that already shows a promise.” “The ride particularly helped the therapeu-
tic program off the ground,” Robinson says.
Riding for research Last year’s ride raised $175,000, and while
Emory divides the money between re- Busch didn’t want to discuss a goal for this
search efforts and the Hope Clinic, which year, he hopes to write a large check
performs clinical trials for vaccines and helps “I think we’re still going to make it but it’s a
develop prevention and education efforts. tough year… I think it’s the second year in a weak
“It’s a tremendous resource and advan- economy, and right when we started our fundrais-
tage to benefit from the AIDS Vaccine 200. ing up the earthquake hit Haiti,” he says.
We have federal grants to pay for much of our Individual riders are still accepting donations,
work, but we have needs that aren’t covered and Busch says volunteers would be welcome to
by federal dollars,” Dr. Mark Mulligan, Hope help with pit stops and other support functions.
Clinic executive director, says. “The bike rid- He also encouraged anyone interested in sup-
ers have been a pivotal in helping us because porting the ride to come welcome them back by
they allow us to do more. joining the riders for a BBQ at 5 p.m. on May 23
Hope is currently conducting four clinical at the Emory School of Medicine.
24 GA Voice May 14, 2010 www.theGAVoice.com
www.OffhandPhotography.com
404.312.5392
www.theGAVoice.com Community May 14, 2010 GA Voice 25
Queers
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
MondoHomo
May 27-May 31
take over
Eyedrum Gallery
290 Martin Luther King Junior Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
www.mondohomo.com
All events at Eyedrum unless otherwise noted
Festival pass $25
Tuesday, May 18
The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office will host a
conference to educate law enforcement about
the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate
Crimes Prevention Act. The meeting will take
place in the student center auditorium at Georgia
State University. Community organizations are
asked to attend from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., while
law enforcement personnel are scheduled from 9
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 360 Student Center, 44 Courtland
St., Atlanta, GA 30303-3973
Publicity photo
Award-winning author K.M. Soehnlein reads and
signs his new book, “Robin and Ruby,” featuring
a gay teen protagonist and his sister maneuver-
ing through a turbulent summer weekend in the
1980s. 7:30 p.m., Outwrite Bookstore & Coffee-
Thursday, May 20
Pearl Cleage reads from and signs her new
house, 991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, book, “Till You Hear From Me.” 7:30 p.m.,
www.outwritebooks.com Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse,
991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309,
Tuesday, May 18- www.outwritebooks.com
Sunday, May 23
Like Sesame Street for grownups, the hilarious but de-
cidedly adult “Avenue Q” comes to Atlanta beginning
Friday, May 21
Since the fourth Friday of the month falls during
today and continuing through May 23. Help benefit
Memorial Day weekend, the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian
Positive Impact and save $5 on your tickets by pur-
Chamber of Commerce bumps up its monthly
chasing tickets online. 8 p.m., Cobb Energy Performing
Fourth Friday networking event to today. Cover is
Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA
$10 for members and $15 for non-members. 5:30 p.m.-
30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com,
7:30 p.m., The Mission Motif, 1963 Hosea K, /Williams
www.positiveimpact-atl.org
Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30317. atlantagaychamber.org
UPCOMING
Camp Rock Eagle in Eatonton, then returns to Emory
on Sunday. Help welcome the riders back from their
200-mile journey with a BBQ celebration at 5 p.m.
on Sunday at Emory School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce
Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, www.actioncycling.org
www.spacemaxstorage.com